civil rights in the 1960's
African Americans have been struggling for equality for many decades. It only seems that during the 1960's is when there were actual significant advances made. This was about the same time that civil rights came into the political scene. Throughout the South, Blacks were still in the majority, but had no political power what so ever. The Civil Rights Movement gave African Americans a voice and a chance to make a difference. The 1960's helped open up hope and expectations for Black Americans. One of the most prominent men of his time, Martin Luther King Jr. was known as "A national hero and a civil rights figure of growing importance" (Discovering 1). "Martin Luther King Jr. aroused whites and blacks to protest racial discrimination, poverty and war" (Compton's 244). On August 28, 1963 King made one of his most influential speeches ever at the March on Washington. His "I have a dream" speech had a major impact on all of America. His speech urged people to be judged by their character and not by the color of their skin (Civil Rights 148). King was a man who didn't believe in violence. The way he got his point across was not through violence, but through peaceful protest just as Gandhi had done. Martin Luther organized s
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Many organizations helped to throughout the Civil Rights Movement. Many of these organizations were lead by black activist seeking reform. One of the most successful organizations is the NAACP. This stands for the National Association of Colored Advancement. Roy Wilkins was the head of the NAACP during this time (Civil 909). The NAACP purpose was to eliminate racial prejudice by removing racial discrimination in housing, employment, voting, schools, the courts and business enterprises (Civil 983). During the 1960's the NAACP worked to mobilize the black community and get the United States government to take federal action (Discovering). Another important organization is the SCLC, Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Martin Luther King Jr. was the president of the organization. This organization took direct action against segregation at the voting booths and schools (Discovering 1). They also stood behind many of the other organizations fighting for the same caus! lity and to the dedication of its supporters" (Civil 252). They could offer instruction and guidance to the new black activists that were interested in the Civil Rights Movement (Civil 253). "The extraordinary commitment and courage of the CORE workers in the face of violence garnered a favorable response fir the group's protests from the American public" (Discovering 2). c confrontations of the Civil Rights Movement" (Discovering 3). This event helped achieve King's goal in breaking up segregation in the South. ders went into the Deep South to test transportation discrimination (Civil 833). Bus loads of people went across country to try to end the segregation of bus terminals ("Rights Internet") "The freedom rides also promoted community awareness about the political, and social plight of black Americans in general" (Compton's 134). Since many of these buses were attacked while going cross-country b
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Approximate Word count = 1330
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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