HIS 405 Week 7 Case Study- Civil Rights

HIS 405 Week 7 Case Study- Civil Rights

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Chamberlain University

HIS-405 US History

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Date

Introduction

The initial milestone toward change for the African American community began with the ratification of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to African Americans and formerly enslaved individuals (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2009). During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, visionaries such as A. Philip Randolph, Roy Wilkins, and Martin Luther King Jr. championed the ideal of unity and equality. Despite their efforts, African Americans still grapple with the struggle for civil rights and equal opportunities across social, economic, and legal domains over six decades later. Notable leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. passionately addressed these challenges, most memorably through his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, where he envisioned a future free of segregation and prejudice (King, 1963).

Effective Change Caused by the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s

The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s led to significant national transformation. President Lyndon B. Johnson played a pivotal role, with Congress passing the Civil Rights Act in 1964 to combat discrimination. This Act fostered unity, especially in the southern states, reducing instances of racial bias and inequality. It also granted African Americans fundamental rights, such as voting and access to public facilities. These achievements were further strengthened by subsequent legislation, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, ensuring broader protections and opportunities for minorities, women, and low-income families (US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives, n.d.).

Effect of the Civil Rights Movement on Minority Groups

The Civil Rights Act had a profound impact on minority communities, addressing segregation and promoting inclusivity. It ensured employment opportunities irrespective of race, gender, disability, or nationality, empowering minorities to participate in public life without fear. Landmark cases such as Shelley v. Kraemer further highlighted systemic discrimination and upheld minority rights under the 14th Amendment. By overcoming restrictive covenants and other forms of racial injustice, the Act laid the groundwork for dignity and equality across diverse communities.

Key Insights from the Civil Rights Movement: Table Format

Relevance of Civil Rights Ideas Today

Despite legislative progress, discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation persists. Dr. King’s vision, as articulated in his “I Have a Dream” speech, resonates today, especially when addressing police brutality and systemic racism. High-profile incidents, such as Michael Brown’s death in 2014, spotlight the disproportionate targeting of African Americans and Hispanics by law enforcement (W.P. Staff, 2022). The protests and movements arising from these incidents mirror the activism of the 1960s, emphasizing the ongoing need for justice and equality.

Impact of the Civil Rights Movement on Diversity Today

The Civil Rights Movement significantly shaped modern diversity by challenging segregation and advocating equality across all demographics. Iconic moments, such as Rosa Parks’ refusal to surrender her bus seat, symbolize resistance against injustice (Cortez, 2021). While laws now mandate equality, societal attitudes still lag, necessitating continued efforts to uphold diversity and inclusion in every aspect of life.

Conclusion

The Civil Rights Movement laid the foundation for racial and social equality, achieving landmark victories like the Voting Rights Act, Fair Housing Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act. However, the struggle for racial justice continues, as seen in movements like Black Lives Matter. By revisiting Dr. King’s vision and addressing systemic inequalities, society can aspire to realize a world that values character over color.

References

Cortez, M. (2021). Impact of the Civil Rights Movement on American Society. Branded Voices. https://nativenewsonline.net/advertise/branded-voices/impact-of-the-civilrights-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. (2019). U.S. History. Retrieved from http://cnx.org/contents/a7ba2fb8-8925-4987-b182-5f4429d48daa@9.1

HIS 405 Week 7 Case Study- Civil Rights

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/

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2009, April 14). Fourteenth Amendment. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fourteenth-Amendment

The Civil Rights Movement and the Second Reconstruction, 1945–1968. US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives. https://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/BAIC/Historical-Essays/Keeping-the-Faith/Civil-Rights-Movement/