Conditions That Sparked the Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement arose due to racial discrimination and segregation of African Americans in the United States. In the 1960s, Black individuals were perceived poorly in society as they encountered racism, disenfranchisement, and unequal treatment in all aspects of life (Dierenfield, 2021). This included education, employment, housing, and voting rights issues. Jim Crow laws forced racial segregation and created an even more significant inequality gap by limiting African Americans’ opportunities for development. These conditions led to a movement and fight for civil rights and equality.
Key Milestones of Progress
The Civil Rights Movement had several accomplishments that impacted the whole American system. One of the key milestones was the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin (Dierenfield, 2021). Another important example is the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which protected African-American votes and prohibited discriminatory practices. The movement overall raised awareness of racial inequality in the US and abroad, as it also boosted the discourse of initiatives on changes in social attitudes toward social rights and justice.
The Government’s Role and Response to Civil Rights Demands
The US government did not have a one-faceted response to the Civil Rights Movement. Some political leaders and lawmakers were active in supporting civil rights legislation and worked to provide the basis for fighting systematic racism. The federal government, under pressure from the movement, also passed crucial civil rights laws named above. At the same time, lobby groups were opposing these laws at a state and local level, leading to struggles in enforcement and compliance (Dierenfield, 2021). Eventually, all states passed basic civil rights laws to fight racism and segregation.
The Ongoing Struggle: Civil Rights Issues That Persist Today
Despite the presence of the Civil Rights Movement and numerous laws that protect minorities, racism is still evidently prevalent in the US. Issues like police brutality against Black communities, disparities in education and employment, and suppression of voters are still present in modern society (Dierenfield, 2021). Racial justice is an ongoing discourse on a global scale, and it started to be more intense with the past pandemic situation. There is a specific need for institutionalized changes in political support and representativeness for minorities.
Reference
Dierenfield, B.J. (2021). The Civil Rights movements: The black freedom struggle in America. Taylor & Francis.