Racism and it's Evolution...Keep Fighting!

The United States is known as the land of the free, but for centuries, the freedom of black Americans was restricted due to racism and segregation. The Civil Rights Movement was a fight against this injustice that lasted from the 1950s to the 1970s. Unfortunately, during this time, the government and many citizens participated in corruption to maintain the status quo of white superiority, leading to tragic consequences for those who stood up against racism.

 

The Civil Rights Movement first gained momentum with the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. This decision ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, but its implementation was slow. Many Southern states resisted change, leading to violent protests and deadly confrontations with white supremacists.

 

One of the most infamous acts of corruption during this time was the murder of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old black boy from Chicago who was lynched in Mississippi in 1955. His murder was a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement and horrified Americans across the nation when images of his mutilated body were published in newspapers.

 

The Montgomery Bus Boycott was another event that highlighted the corruption of the government and white citizens. The boycott was sparked by the arrest of Rosa Parks, a black woman who refused to give up her seat to a white male passenger on a bus. The boycott lasted a year, and the Supreme Court eventually ruled that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional. However, the boycott was met with violence and intimidation from white supremacists, such as the bombing of Martin Luther King Jr.'s home.

Real Quick, Martin Luther King Jr

Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most recognized leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, renowned for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and his ability to inspire people to work for social change. King's purpose was to achieve racial equality for African Americans and secure their civil rights through peaceful methods. He believed in demanding justice while remaining nonviolent and had a strong commitment to social justice and nonviolence as a way to achieve change.

 

Real Quick: King's famous speeches, such as the "I Have a Dream" speech, articulated the hopes and dreams of millions of Americans who sought an end to racial inequality and segregation. He was a driving force in several key moments of the movement, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington. King was also instrumental in the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Today, King is remembered for his impeachable leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and for his unwavering dedication to the fight for justice and equality for all people, regardless of their race.

 

King himself was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement and stood up against racism with nonviolent protests. He delivered countless speeches and organized marches to demand equal rights for black Americans. Unfortunately, his activism made him a target, and he was assassinated in 1968.

 

Other activists were also targets of violence and intimidation. Medgar Evers, a civil rights activist and NAACP leader, was assassinated in 1963. Three activists—James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner—were murdered during a voter registration drive in Mississippi in 1964.

 

Along with MLK, there was Malcolm X.

Malcolm X was a towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement, famous for his powerful speeches, advocacy for black self-determination, and uncompromising approach to fighting racism. He rejected the non-violent approach of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., instead advocating for self-defense and even armed resistance against oppressive forces. Malcolm X also called out the systemic racism and corruption in American society, including the complicity of government institutions and surveillance in suppressing movements for black liberation.

 

Malcolm X's movement, the Nation of Islam (NOI), combined religious and political elements with an emphasis on black nationalism and self-reliance. Under his leadership, the NOI gained a significant following and became a major force in the struggle for black liberation. In the later years of his life, Malcolm X began to move away from the more extremist elements of the NOI and called for greater unity and collaboration among black activists and the broader progressive movement. Despite his untimely death, Malcolm X's legacy endures as an example of courage, clarity, and uncompromising principles in the fight for justice and equality.

And let's not forget the lovely Rosa Parks.

 

Rosa Parks was a civil rights icon who played a crucial role in the fight for racial justice during the Civil Rights Movement. On December 1, 1955, Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted for over a year. Her act of defiance against the discriminatory practices of the time was a catalyst for King's Montgomery Improvement Association and propelled her to prominence in the Civil Rights Movement.

 

Parks' bravery and strength in the face of violence and oppression inspired many others to join the movement, and she continued to fight for civil rights throughout her life, advocating for racial and gender equality. Parks' courageous actions and steadfast commitment to justice and equality have inspired generations of activists, and her legacy remains a powerful symbol of resistance to injustice.

 

Statistics show the devastating impact of racism during this time. From 1882 to 1968, approximately 4,743 lynchings occurred in the United States, with black Americans accounting for 72.7% of the victims. In 1956, the year after Brown v. Board of Education, there were 82 racially motivated bombings reported across the country. In 1964, the year the Civil Rights Act was passed, there were 600 documented violent incidents against black Americans.

 

While the Civil Rights Movement achieved significant progress, racism still exists in American society today. The fight against racism is ongoing, and there are several ways people can still make a difference.

 

One way is to educate oneself on the history of racism and its effects on marginalized communities. Understanding the experiences of others is crucial to creating empathy and taking action towards positive change.

 

Protesting and advocacy are also important ways to fight racism. Protests can bring attention to issues and put pressure on those in power to create change. Advocacy can involve organizing and mobilizing communities to push for policy changes at the local and national levels.

 

It is also crucial to support businesses and organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusivity. This includes supporting businesses owned by people of color and organizations that fight for racial justice.

 

Finally, it is important to confront racism in our personal lives.

This can involve calling out inappropriate behavior, educating friends and family, and creating safe spaces for people to share their experiences.

 

The Civil Rights Movement was a difficult time in American history, but it was also a time of remarkable progress. The bravery of those who stood up against racism is an inspiration to continue the fight for equality today. Together, we can create a more just and equitable future for all.