Black Liberation Theology is an offshoot of Christian theology that looks at scripture and gospel as an affirmation of the plight of oppressed people (in this case African Americans). As a form of Liberation Theology, Black Liberation Theology focuses on the parallels between the persecution of Jesus Christ and early Christians and the modern day oppression and racism that is felt by the black community. Although the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950's and 60's helped to highlight some of the central concepts of Black Liberation Theology, it wasn't until the 1970's that the theology of black liberation became a prominent force in the African American community.