Civil Rights & Equality
how has the civil rights movement made America more equal?
America, the land of the free?
Since 1954, people have stood up for the right for integration, into bringing people together. The Civil Rights movement was a huge change for how people were allowed to act, it brought about the changes for anti-discrimination acts in the workplace, which we still add additions to currently. It became a huge deal, thousands and millions of people held boycotts, marches, speeches to exclaim to the world that they would be heard. The people knew their rights, and knew that the color of your skin, a simple, unchangeable biological effect, meant nothing but a descriptive word. The facts were out and finally heard, Segregation was a determent to America, it made arrests soar, police violence spike and racism lead.
Tactics and Strategies
The civil rights movement was inspired by many things, general equality, the welfare of the people of united states and from another successful protest and effective movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi's tactics were a outline and goal for most civil right activists, his tactics included peaceful protests and civil disobedience. There were many more strategies in the fight for equality, including, but not limited to, boycotts, marches, and speeches. These tactics, though criticized and sometimes ignored were powerful. One famous speech came from one of these protests and became national news, the people would not be ignored for they had a dream of equality and love.
Gandhi, Martin Luther King and peace.
Since he was young Martin Luther King had dreamed of becoming a preacher, he had always wanted to teach people what he believed was right, he believed in equality, peace and love. Later, he was inspired by a man's actions in India who had used nonviolence and civil disobedience. He began to teach these as he led people into the fight for equality. King led many people in marches and peaceful protests, they would sit somewhere, stand or even hold signs pleading people to listen and realize how wrong segregation was. Most of these protests ended in the exact opposite as it had started, in violence. The police were not fond of the protests or any move for racial equality, most had racist ideals and believed it was their authority to remove the protested however they seemed fit.
Non-violence and Boycotts
Many things were changing, and many people began to get involved in, or against the movement. Protests began to become more frequent, and the movement was becoming national news, many people were either strongly with, or strongly against the civil rights movement. With the rising popular opinions, things began to get more intense and serious for people fighting for their rights. Many peaceful, non-violent protests were ended harshly by the police with their attack dogs, power hoses and batons. Though protests weren't the only tactic, many people began to Boycott businesses and public transport for their segregated rules. Among these protesters and boy-cotters ,there is a name that has become famous for her refusal to move from her spot on the bus, Rosa Parks. This strengthened the bus boycott which ended up integrating due to lack of business.
Martyrs and Marches
Along with the violence caused by the police, many who strongly opposed the movement also turned to violence. People threw rocks, beat up, and killed civil rights activists. These names became martyrs and inspired many to take a stand and show the wrong that had been done by the people who opposed their cause. Many of these martyrs are what pushed the movement to national news, showing the atrocities that had become of these people just because they believed in something. Some of these martyrs, even started their own protests, such as William Moore who was a white man who was marching all the way from Tennessee to Mississippi to deliver a letter to the governor of Mississippi. He was murdered before he could finish his delivery and once his death became national news, many others took up his goal as a tribute.
Summing Up
The Civil Rights movement was one of the most important events in the history of the United States. The movement made progress in ways people had never thought to protest. The movement showed the effect of police brutality and violent actions and show so many, why racism and a feeling of racial superiority had plagued the U.S. Martin Luther King and millions of other darker skinned people made their voices clear people such as Rosa Parks inspired dozens, and dozens became hundreds, and hundreds, millions until nearly(or more) of the population was raising the voice and then freedom rang, it rang clear as a bell throughout our nation, equality was finally won.
Selma March
An array of people march for civil rights in Selma.
Police Brutality
Police brutality, with hoses being used on innocent African American civil rights activists.
Civil Disobedience
A young African American girl practices civil disobedience, to show that white and colored people are equal.
Event Information
Plessy v Ferguson
This was a huge ruling, it was the first step for civil rights. The ruling used here gave a dangerous precedent until much, much later. ****
When?
Monday, May 18, 1896, 11:30 AM
Where?
Washington, DC, United States
Event Information
Project C
This was a very important march because it showed the effect of police brutality. It outlined the need for protection and an end, and the fact that the police did not have the authority to handle it like they did. ***
When?
Friday, May 3, 1963, 12:30 PM
Where?
Albany, GA, United States
Event Information
Montgomery bus boycott
This was important to the movement because it started the nonviolent protest. It was also very influential in showing skeptics that nonviolent protests worked. **
When?
Monday, Dec 5, 1955, 06:30 AM
Where?
Montgomery, AL, United States
Event Information
Brown v Board of Education
This was a huge win for the civil rights movement, showing that segregation was unconstitutional. This was the ruling that finally changed the precedent of Plessy v Ferguson. *****
When?
Monday, May 17, 1954, 08:00 AM
Where?
Washington, D.C., DC, United States
Event Information
March on Washington
This was the largest human rights marches ever done. This showed the president and people of the U.S that the African Americans were very serious about their rights. It was also one reason the ruling for civil rights was won, along with the unforgettable speech by MLK "I have a dream''. ****
When?
Tuesday, Aug 27, 1963, 08:00 AM
Where?
Washington, DC, United States
http://www.music-lyrics-gospel.com/gospel_music_lyrics/like_a_tree_5804.asp
Like a tree is a very powerful song relating to the civil rights movement not only for its use of symbolism for civil disobedience, but for the style that is used in the song. The style reflects back to the origin of the man who helped jump-start the movement. The symbolism not only has the imagery trouble that worked into the movement but also the determination of the people.
The song uses lyrics that directly relate to the movement. 'I shall not be moved ' is a reference to the peaceful protests and civil disobedience. 'this trial is just a test' Is a reference to MLK's religious belief and how there are 'trials' in which people are tested with. 'billows and storm clouds continue to roll' This is a reference to the media and all of the people against the movement who are causing trouble. The storm is an analogy in of itself the storm is symbolic for the hatred and troubles they will go through to reach their freedom. Like a tree symbolizes the very essence of the strong determination of the civil rights unit.
The song uses lyrics that directly relate to the movement. 'I shall not be moved ' is a reference to the peaceful protests and civil disobedience. 'this trial is just a test' Is a reference to MLK's religious belief and how there are 'trials' in which people are tested with. 'billows and storm clouds continue to roll' This is a reference to the media and all of the people against the movement who are causing trouble. The storm is an analogy in of itself the storm is symbolic for the hatred and troubles they will go through to reach their freedom. Like a tree symbolizes the very essence of the strong determination of the civil rights unit.