Module 10: Black Freedom Movement

It is impossible to struggle for civil rights, equal rights for blacks, without including whites. Because equal rights, fair play, justice, are all like the air: we all have it, or none of us has it. That is the truth of it.” – Maya Angelou

The American dream strongly emphasizes the need to believe that anyone, no matter their class, race, or background story, can achieve their prosperity in a society geared to providing aid for upward mobility. In addition, it is meant for anyone who wishes to establish their foothold in the ever-changing world. Nevertheless, with the dream set out to be the pillar of encouraging Americans, the statement seems rather vague and unreal to the minority of people of color. Instead, their principles and rights are tossed and ignored at the expense of the white supremacist. According to Carmichael and Hamilton, the advocates of the Black Power movement sought to liberate the black community by forcing the federal government to enact the Civil Rights bill, allowing the Blacks to be able to vote and participate in the other governmental proceedings (Carmichael and Charles). Leaders like Martin Luther King stressed that even though the black community was being oppressed and discriminated against, they should be patient and believe in the progress of the course. Thus they should remain non-violent and hope for a better system.

In 1964, President Kennedy and President Lyndon came to bear fruit, and the Civil Rights Bill was passed into law (Civil Rights Act). The act prohibited discrimination in employment, voting, and public facilities and established Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, preventing further discrimination based on race, religion, or color. More aptly, since the African were denied participating in voting due to state law., Martin Luther King commissioned a march of the black community to voting registrations poles. Nevertheless, a black man was murdered, sparking outrage in the black community. King responded by orchestrating a march from Selma to the state capital to protest the gruesome act (Civil Rights Movement).

The struggle for African American civil rights is defined as a struggle to fight to diminish or end discriminating against the Black community to promote equal and fair rights. Even after countless efforts geared towards enforcing these rise, it is still eminent that African American's rights are still being violated, as evidenced by police brutality and violence against the latter. A case in points to the murder of Floyd, though police brutality.