Backed up or dampened by violent protests? I think the violent protests of the '60s were a deterrent to change and progress, not a facilitator. It was the persistence of the peaceful demonstrations, not only for civil rights but also the anti-Vietnam War protests and rallies that were instrumental for real change. And I was there at the time.
Your sarcastic comparison to a volcano erupting, not mine. The violent behavior, for the most part however, was not the result of those protestors who were repulsed by the heinous crime of murder committed by the police officer and his accomplices. Most of them were vocally protesting and carrying signs but according to the rule of law. The torching of businesses and the police station, on the other hand, was mainly not the work of those protesters enraged by the inequities of Black people in a racist society, and neither was the behavior of those who were stealing items from the “Stop and Shop” store in Minneapolis. That kind of criminal behavior was calculated, and it had nothing to do with the outrage of the legitimate protestors, but, as we know, anyone can get emotionally caught up by the mindset of mob behavior.