The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950's and 1960's came about out of the need and desire for equality and freedom for African Americans who faced discrimination and segregation in almost every aspect of their lives. Led by prominent figures such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Rosa Parks, and Civil rights leader Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., the movement sought to end racial discrimination and secure equal rights for all citizens.
Since the abolishment of slavery, the U.S. government has passed several laws to address discrimination and racism against African Americans. However, systemic racism persisted, leading to the need for a more organized and widespread movement to combat racial inequality. The Civil Rights Movement aimed to dismantle the oppressive systems that perpetuated discrimination and segregation.
Civil rights heroes like W.E.B. Du Bois, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. offer valuable lessons and insights as we continue their important work in the ongoing fight for racial equality. Their bravery and dedication to the cause paved the way for progress and inspired future generations to keep pushing for change.
In 1965, the international community adopted a convention by which they committed to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. The Convention is now a crucial document that guides countries in their efforts to combat racism and promote equality on a global scale. This international agreement underscores the universal importance of addressing racial discrimination.
While the nation has undoubtedly made progress in terms of racial equality, entrenched structural racism continues to corrupt American democracy and preserve racial disparities. The fight against racism is ongoing and requires a collective effort to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality and discrimination.
“It is therefore the policy of my Administration that the Federal Government should pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all," stated a government official. It's not enough to simply remove racist policies; systemic equality must be actively pursued to ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities and rights.
“One hundred years of delay have passed since President Lincoln freed the slaves, yet their heirs, their grandsons, are not fully free," highlighted the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the need to continue the work of civil rights leaders in dismantling systemic racism in society.
