Civil Movement

Overview

In 18th and 19th century, violation of civil rights against African-Americans was evident in southern states in the United States. In these states, Blacks were subjected to inequalities that were characterized by segregation, disenfranchisement, and slavery that were characterized by racial violence. Jim Crow has assented to laws that barred individuals of African origin from accessing education, other public amenities such as theatre and means of transport and the judicial system were biased against them. Besides the above prejudice, Africans were not supposed to own property. In 1954, the Supreme Court approved a doctrine that advocated for separate but equal rights in administration of justice (Dierenfield, p.73).

Following this approval, U.S came under the spotlight from international communities regarding the plight of African Americans. Following the pressure, African Americans had the chance to rise and fight for the respect of their dignity and representation in key institutions. Turbulent broke the following year and were led by Rosa Parks, Andrew Goodman, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X among others. African Americans staged a Civil Rights Movement against the above mentioned issues. More so, the movement sought for voting rights and electing their leaders. The movement was characterized by campaigns that aimed to improve on the social situation of Blacks between 1955 and 1968. Activist engaged in civil disobedience and non-violent protest that resulted to crisis between government official and activists (Adamson, p.95).

Success of the movement

The non-violent movement had positive outcomes to the lives of African-Americans. It brought to end former discrimination and racial prejudice directed towards them. Following deleterious impacts, the State, local and federal governments were forced to respond to the call of this group. Besides the government actions, business, institutions and community at large were forced to give a positive call to the movement. More opportunities in the job sector were reserved form minorities (History.com Staff).

The immediate impacts were post-Civil war constitutional changes that established citizenship of African-Americans and abolished slavery. Other changes were seen in the judicial system that went an overhaul to accommodate African-Americans. In later years of the moment, two key enactments were made; the Voting Rights Act that was enacted in 1965 and civil Rights Act of 1964. The voting right act allowed Americans of African origin to participate in elections and vote their leaders as legislators (Karson, p.56).

Apart from constitutional changes, employers started creating more opportunities for Africa Americans. The government-supported segregation and racial discrimination in public facilities came into an end. Africans started attending theatres and using modes of transport that