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Essay On Birmingham Economic Inequality

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Economic inequality in the state of Alabama, not just Birmingham, was quite prevalent in 2005, and is still very prevalent today. According to Weinberg in an article published by the United States Census, Alabama was one of seven states that ranked highest in economic inequality. Birmingham, was also one of the highest ranked cities for economic inequality in metropolitan areas of over one million in the United States. On the Gini index scale, which ranks a score of 0 as perfect equality and 1 as inequality, in 2005, Alabama recorded a score of 0.471, while Birmingham ranked slightly higher at a rank of 0.472 (Weinberg). This shows within the median income in Alabama, which in 2005 was $44,759, while the median income of the United States was $56,122, a 20% difference. While comparing the white verse African American populations in Birmingham in regards to economic inequality, income disparities become even more apparent. Economic inequality is a form of whitewashed …show more content…

The 45th Alabaman Governor, George Wallace, declared in January of 1963, “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever (Dean).” In the 2000’s most people thought racial division and relations were behind them, but not in Birmingham. Segregation is still prevalent throughout Birmingham; whether it be segregation in school districts, healthcare, etc. In 2004, Alabama voters rejected an amendment to remove the segregated schools provision from the Alabama constitution. According to RacialinJustice.org, they state, “The amendment would have removed a provision from Article XIV, Section 256, of the Alabama Constitution of 1901, which reads: “Separate schools shall be provided for white and colored children, and no child of either race shall be permitted to attend a school of the other race” (Equal Justice Initiative). This just shows that Governor George Wallace’s words were wistfully true, in 2005 and

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In his article George Wallace Campbell mentions small details about Governor Wallace early life; origin, education, and political status. He also describes Governor Wallace actions of attacking civil rights activists and federal efforts due to his opposition to integration. In the early 1960s Campbell states the reputation Governor Wallace gained, as well as his refusal to support black enrollment in public schools. Campbell describes the impact Governor Wallace had on the white community and his support of an anti-African America stance. Campbell article is a helpful source because it helps me understand the motives behind Governor Wallace to oppose integration and understand Governor Wallace as a whole to an extent.

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This was in 1958, and he imputed his loss in the election to being “outniggered by John Patterson” (American Experience). In the next election, he won in a landslide because of his newfound, provincial southern approach. In his most famous speech, Wallace said “Let us rise to the call for freedom-loving blood that is in us and send our answer to the tyranny that clanks its chains upon the South. In the name of the greatest people that have ever trod this earth, I draw the line in the dust and toss the gauntlet before the feet of tyranny, and I say segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever" (1963 Inaugural Address). These words went down in history because they are so racist, ironically invoking the “chains” that shackle white southerners, but this spoke to the white voters of Alabama, symbolizing

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