HIS 405 Week 7 Case Study- Civil Rights

Name

Chamberlain University

HIS-405 US History

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction

The journey toward change for the African American community began with the ratification of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to emancipated individuals (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2009). Civil rights leaders of the 1960s, including A. Phillip Randolph, Roy Wilkins, and Martin Luther King Jr., envisioned a society where unity prevailed. However, over sixty years later, many African Americans still strive for civil rights to ensure equality and opportunities irrespective of race, religion, or socioeconomic status. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., known for his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, articulated the pain and struggles faced by Black individuals, hoping that future generations would not endure the same hardships (King, 1963).

Effective Change from the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s significantly transformed the nation. President Lyndon B. Johnson emerged as a pivotal figure during this era, particularly after Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, aimed at curbing state-sanctioned discrimination. This legislation united many individuals across the Southern states, where signs of increased equality began to surface, and discrimination seemed to diminish. The Civil Rights Act ensured fundamental rights for all citizens, enabling African Americans to vote without hindrance and access essential public spaces. After achieving these milestones, the movement shifted focus to the North and West, where racial discrimination and injustices persisted (The Civil Rights Movement and the Second Reconstruction, 1945—1968 | U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives, n.d.).

The most notable success of the Civil Rights Movement was the dismantling of systemic injustice and racial discrimination nationwide. The Civil Rights Act empowered African Americans with the same freedoms and rights enjoyed by other citizens, as well as provided resources for minorities, low-income families, and women. This laid the groundwork for subsequent legislation, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 (The Civil Rights Movement and the Second Reconstruction, 1945—1968 | U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives, n.d.).

Impact of the Civil Rights Movement on Minority Groups

The Civil Rights Act had a profoundly positive effect on minority groups, raising awareness and addressing segregation openly. It prohibited employment discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, color, or nationality. Additionally, it empowered minorities to make choices without fear for their safety and to be recognized in their communities with dignity and respect. Ultimately, the civil rights movements and legislation represented countless individuals from minority groups who had long been overlooked. For instance, in the case of Shelley v. Kraemer, the Missouri Supreme Court’s ruling against the Shelley family, which was based on racially restrictive covenants, was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, affirming their rights under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Application of Civil Rights Strategies Then and Now

Over the years, various strategies such as sit-ins, boycotts, marches, and petitions have been employed. As Dr. King emphasized in his famous speech, he dreamt of a future where his children would be judged by their character rather than their skin color (King, 1963). Yet, many individuals still face judgment based on race and more. As of 2022, it’s clear that the tactics used in the 1960s remain vital for enacting change, though issues of racial equality have grown increasingly complex, necessitating new methods for effective advocacy.

Relevance of Civil Rights Ideas Today

More than sixty years later, the issues of segregation and discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation remain relevant. In his “I Have a Dream” speech, King stated that one could never be satisfied as long as African Americans endured the horrors of police brutality (King, 1963). Tragically, police in the United States kill approximately 1,000 individuals each year, with a disproportionate number being African Americans and Hispanics (W.P. Staff, 2022). The killing of unarmed Michael Brown in 2014 sparked protests and highlighted significant gaps in the documentation of police shootings, demonstrating ongoing racial disparities (W.P. Staff, 2022). The methods of marching and protesting from the 1960s continue to be relevant today as communities seek to address issues of equality and police violence.

Impact of the Civil Rights Movement on Diversity Today

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s fundamentally shaped diversity in contemporary America. Events leading up to the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott, such as Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat, were pivotal moments in the fight against segregation (Cortez, 2021). Without these events, societal divisions may have persisted. The Civil Rights Movement legally established equality for all, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, although full adherence to these principles remains a challenge.

Conclusion

Ending racial oppression and ensuring equal rights for Black and brown communities is essential for true freedom. The core objectives of the Civil Rights Act continue to inform national discourse. Landmark legislation like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Fair Housing Act of 1968, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 remain crucial in today’s society (OpenStax, 2019). The Black Lives Matter movement can be seen as a continuation of the civil rights struggle, both movements advocating for social change and racial equality through nonviolent protest. While Dr. King’s legacy endures, the fight for justice now involves a broader coalition dedicated to combating racial inequities, six decades after his iconic speech.

References

Cortez, M. (2021). Impact of the Civil Rights Movement on American Society. Branded Voices | Advertise. https://nativenewsonline.net/advertise/branded-voices/impact-of-the-civil-rights-movement-on-american-society

Gallagher, M. (2021). Black Lives Matter: The 21st Century Civil Rights Movement? O’Neill. https://oneill.law.georgetown.edu/black-lives-matter-the-21st-century-civil-rights-movement/

King, M., Jr. (1963). I have a Dream. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2010/01/18/122701268/i-have-a-dream-speech-in-its-entirety

OpenStax, U.S. History. OpenStax CNX. (2019). Retrieved from http://cnx.org/contents/a7ba2fb8-8925-4987-b182-5f4429d48daa@9.1.

Suhr, J. S. A. J. (2015). March, silence and violence mark death of Michael Brown. Durango Herald. https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/march-silence-and-violence-mark-death-of-michael-brown/

HIS 405 Week 7 Case Study- Civil Rights

The Civil Rights Movement And The Second Reconstruction, 1945—1968 | U.S. House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives. (n.d.). https://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/BAIC/Historical-Essays/Keeping-the-Faith/Civil-Rights-Movement/

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2009, April 14). Fourteenth Amendment | Definition, Summary, Rights, Significance, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fourteenth-Amendment