Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King: A Successful Movement For Civil Rights

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“A Successful Movement for Civil Rights” Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr, and Malcom X are names that will forever be remembered in the study of American History. For many years, African Americans faced horrific treatment, racial discrimination and segregation. The beginning of the end of this treatment would come in 1955 with the start of one the most influential movements in American history; The African-American Civil Rights Movement. This movement brought forth changes that, at that time, were unimaginable to many but very much needed. Brown vs. Board of Education, Selma to Montgomery March and the passage of new legislation (among many other historical events) would play huge roles in the success of this movement for African Americans …show more content…

It also took place in restaurants, hotels and many other social establishments. John F. Kennedy among many others disapproved of such and pleaded for the charge. In a speech delivered by J.F.K. he stated, “I am, therefore, asking the Congress to enact legislation giving all Americans the right to be served in facilities which are open to the public--hotels, restaurants, theaters, retail stores, and similar establishments.” JFK asked for the support of all Americans to end desegregation. Changing the law would prove easier than changing the mind of many. Although JFK would be assassinated before its passing, The Civil Rights Act of 1964 would be created shortly after and aid in the success of the movement. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 would guarantee the rights of African Americans to be free from segregation. Although it wouldn’t be immediately accepted by many, and would face massive resistance, (along with many things during the Civil Rights Movement) this was a momentous step in the right direction to end racial discrimination and …show more content…

Prior to the 1900’s African-Americans had little to no rights and weren’t even treated as a whole human being in the eyes of the government. By 1980, African Americans were no longer subject to segregation, guaranteed equal opportunities and had the right to vote. While all of this was guaranteed by legislation such as The Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Brown V. Board of Education, it couldn’t change the mind of many Americans. The success of the Civil Rights Movement comes lies in the passage of many new laws that supports African Americans being free and able citizens. Although it would take many years for this to be the accepted cultural norm by some, by 1980 African Americans now had the support of the government they so desperately

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