Running head: CIVIL RIGHTS: MORE THAN JUST FREEDOM 1

Civil Rights: More Than Just Freedom

Sebastian Cortina

e Civic High
CIVIL RIGHTS: MORE THAN JUST FREEDOM 2

Abstract

The Civil Rights Movement of ongoing history that has affected society in a more reflective

manner of change. The movement had caused economical, social, and political change towards

society and globally. It is greatly written to help understand the differences between issues and

problems solved throughout a progressive nation that is still understanding the mistakes and

corresponding in a correct manner to fix. The influential activist and supporters who have fought

for equality and freedom for all people. Including the same opportunity and fairness for all

beings to thrive in the United States. An historical event explaining overcoming issues covered

through the oppression of black people. In a time and area for only a selective group that can

only achieve, soon comes a change that will accept the success of everyone.

Keywords: equality, opportunity, economic, social, political

CIVIL RIGHTS: MORE THAN JUST FREEDOM 3

Civil Rights: More Than Just Freedom

A movement of equality and peace, traveled upon distances in the United States (U.S.)

and across the world. An uplifting moment for equality and freedom towards people of color.

The movement was initially spiked due to the war against the Union (North) and Confederates

(South) known as the Civil War (1861-1865). The South dependending on the Civil War to form

their own country and protect their order of slavery. The North was able to defeat the South and

adjust changes to pursue their reality of life. Including the freedom of slaves that had crossed

North after the war. Slaves still in the South were to remain slaves until further change. Slaves in

the North were granted their freedom and a moderate extent of rights. Moving forward to the

1950s and 1960s the Civil Rights Movement took play. This had inspired a nation to

understand the inequalities and injustice given towards others and fight for the equality of all

people. This movement had created a huge impact towards history and continues to do so today.

Although some believe the civil rights movement was an issue of an overwhelming potential of

power, it has proven to impact an economical, social, and political stance throughout society.

To begin, the Civil Rights Movement was an historical event, that had changed beliefs

throughout time ensuring freedom and equality. Introducing an economical effect after the

movement, yet, there was still a lack of rights including segregation long before the movement as

well after. Segregation was difficult for people of color to move higher in job dependence. Each

moment was a stepping stone to achieve higher for both groups, an understanding of inequalities

and governmental justice given to people. In 1961 there was less than five percent of black

people working in the textile company of South Carolina. Moving forward in 1970, it had risen

to twenty percent and a decade later it had moved up a third of that (Wright, 2013). In this case,
CIVIL RIGHTS: MORE THAN JUST FREEDOM 4

it provides an increase in dependable jobs and intake of minorities (mainly African-American)

who are given the job provided. This demographics of minorities fluctuated and took greater

change within the South. They had created huge advances but the deed hadnt been done, there

were many issues informing transportation, education, and other concerns. The population of

diversity in the workforce had increased but issues of segregation that contributed a role towards

the economy. Concerns of transportation, including busses and trains were targeted to be shared

equally and integrated for transport. Stated by Capek (2013), After rounds of appeals, in

November 1956, the Supreme Court ruled in Browder v Gayle segregated seating on Alabama

city buses and trains was indeed illegal. It was ordered that all buses and trains in the state of

Alabama be integrated immediately (p. 13). Doing so, people were able to use transportation

methods without being segregated and equally shared. This came to the opportunity of

enlightenment, for change throughout culture and an onward step towards an economic upbring.

Furthermore, this had also included the education standpoint in which people decided to rally

and move towards a more equal approach in education and learning for children. Segregation had

bestowed a huge setback towards many communities in the U.S. making it difficult for children

to attend and achieve an education. School were segregated making it resistant for children and

young adults to further achieve success. Throughout the book, Civil Rights Movement, by M.

Capek (2013) states, Instead, they proposed a plan to convert the public school system into a

segregated private system funded by local taxes. NAACP lawyers filed litigation challenging the

plan. One year later, the Supreme Court decided in the NAACPs favor by ordering that the

schools reopen on an integrated basis (p. 39). Enclosing, disagreement within state of legislature

due to the unfair treatment and lack of support for other communities who want the same
CIVIL RIGHTS: MORE THAN JUST FREEDOM 5

opportunity. This was put to an end and had established an uplifting movement to allow kids go

to school in an integrated order. This included having the same opportunity and guidance from a

different perspective of learning. The impact had traveled greatly across the U.S. showing the

economic effect that had changed shape of the nation. Introducing social injustice and

inequalities towards blacks that lived in the U.S. during the Civil Rights Movement.

Next, An utmost differences between both races had changed after the historical event.

Slowly, but surely from familiar differences it had shown historical events and lifestyle of

African-American culture. From the beginning of time, forced to new land and to the existence

and time of where they are now. An indefinite change of impact towards the U.S. and society

today. The movement had primarily associated with social influence and the assurance of

equality and freedom. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) was a civil rights activist who believed in

the rights and freedom of all people. He fought for the same opportunity of equality and justice

for all beings in the United States. An activist he was, brought to Birmingham Jail, held for

eleven days. In between he wrote a letter encasing the unjust sequences of non-violent racial

crimes. He had stated, Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and

states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of

mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all

indirectly (1963, para. 4). Providing detail upon the issues of racial attacks towards

communities of black race. Furthermore, had been found that police attack and racially profile

minorities (mainly black) for small or non-violent crimes. MLK Jr. also provides specific point

concluding oppression in his famous speech I Have a Dream, he states, Now is the time to rise
CIVIL RIGHTS: MORE THAN JUST FREEDOM 6

from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the

time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.

Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children (1963, para. 6). A speech

presented to many, only enforcing impactful words to attain the audience in hope and

empowerment. Furthermore stating the inequalities and sufferings of all African-Americans. In

desire of an end to racism and given their civil rights. Following piece, that exemplifies social

injustice included the mistreatment towards black people. From the workforce, schooling, and

position of power, the type of treatment was tense and changed overtime throughout society. In

the novel Kindred, by Butler (1979) states, Margaret Weylin complained because she couldnt

find anything to complain about. That, she made painfully clear to me the day she threw scalding

hot coffee at me, screaming that I had brought it to her cold (p. 81). Throughout the book, there

had been many events that had shown discrimination towards people of color and the unfair

treatment of power. The position between characters within the book used the position of power

to increase their credibility and authority throughout the book. In some cases, it is also shown

throughout the movement of officials who feel they have authority and capability to use against a

particular group. Introducing, the controversy between political groups of essential rights given

towards African-Americans, abolishing slavery and attending their rights.

Moreover, the political stance between the civil rights movement was very ubstruck. The

time it had taken to grab the attention of officials and authority took time. The amount of people

who gathered and participated to help others in act for civil rights had helped achieve those

goals. There had been an increased amount of listeners who believed change is bound and should

be achieved. President Truman was a member of a civil rights committee that took place in in
CIVIL RIGHTS: MORE THAN JUST FREEDOM 7

1948. A published newspaper, named The Commonweal who spoke strongly about President

Trumans decision upon the civil rights committee. He had spoken of subjects between congress,

asking for its affirmative action within the civil rights order and to be given rights to those who

dont, intended African-American. According to Commonweal (1948), Mr. Truman did, on

February 2, brave the wrath of a number of his southern political supporters by asking Congress

to enact a ten-point civil rights program based on the recommendations of his committee So

specific a presidential recommendation to the Congress will constitute a milestone in the

direction of establishing basic rights to gainful employment and equality before the law to men

of every race throughout the United states only if there is unrelenting public pressure to bring the

legislation, and these equalities of opportunity to pass (para. 1). Establishing a system and

understanding of the justice and opportunity. Government officials knew about the situation,

including disagreeing with Trumans position, he had still demanded an order to all cherish

opportunity and civil rights. In addition, the South was considered the most controversial areas in

America, unveiling political and social differences throughout the century. A movement that

empowered continuous effort to change the quality of living. The adjustments of black lives

would gain political power and economic advancements. Including political equality following

the fairness of opportunity with the agreement of position and order (Frye, 1990). This had

shown the empowerment throughout the movement and increase allegiance with others to fully

share the same opportunity and rights of others. Furthermore, the participation between political

parties was very shallow early on, creating a huge impact in later dates. Parties (democratic)

became more integrated and diverse, changing through different perspectives and people. After

the Civil War, there was an increase of minorities running for governmental positions and
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created a large scale of benefits overtime. According to Kirk (2017), In 1944, the Texas case of

Smith v. Allwright ruled an end to the all-white Democratic Party primaries. The Little Rock

NAACP branch successfully sued for the rights of African Americans to stand as Democratic

Party candidates in 1950. That year, the Democratic Party dropped all barriers to black

membership and participation (para. 24). Showing the support and benefit from the Civil War

that had helped follow the outcome of minority candidates achieving government position.

Creating an impact on society today, ensuring the same opportunity and fairness given for all

people entering the workforce.

Counter Argument

Disagreements whether the Civil Rights Movement was an effective choice to present

change in power. It had given awareness and an understanding acknowledging the humanization

given towards equals who were taken their rights. Expanding economic, social and political

viewpoints. Naysayers state jobs were taken after the Civil War and continue to do so after the

Civil Rights Movement. African-Americans werent given the same opportunity towards their

work, uplifting the economy and are giving the ability to do so now. Access to an education,

transportation, and power is given to include the same fairness as others who also want to

succeed in the United States. Naysayer states during the Civil Rights Movement there had been

an account of crime towards the black community and continues to increase. Authority and

officials had created social profiling to act in any suspicion of violent crime. A community was

targeted and were sent to prison for small or non-violent crimes, including the unfair trials and

punishment given towards the offender. Naysayers also believe a political stance was for the

attention of vengeance and rebellion towards other communities. Political power was given to
CIVIL RIGHTS: MORE THAN JUST FREEDOM 9

minorities (mainly African-American) to keep the peace and equal opportunity for others. To

achieve the same goals as others and flourish in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement

had changed the life of many, including new life for all. The attention and awareness spreading

across the nations, known around the world. Had made an impact to society that changed history

for the better and developement of the United States.

Conclusion

To complete, the Civil Rights movement has shown the impact of economic, social, and

political change, although naysayers believe it is an issue inducing position of power. It has

proven to shape society today and leave an historical footprint in U.S. history. The Civil Rights

Movement was proven to impact the nation use of education, transport, and workforce,

economically. Furthermore, the powerful influences that had impacted socially and political

power given through opportunity and equality for all. Negative actions may only be prevent

throughout the future, in doing so, a system that is equally fair nationally and globally.
CIVIL RIGHTS: MORE THAN JUST FREEDOM 10

References

Butler, O. E. (2003). Kindred. Boston: Beacon Press.

In the book Kindred by Octavia Butler, who had played the character as Dana, with the

ability to teleport into the past, meeting with her ancestors long before. Dana was sent to

the past realizing her position was to save her ancestor, Rufus Weylin. Rufus was a white

male who lived in the time where slavery and segregation was still common. Dana was in

the situation of saving Rufus plenty of times. Towards the end, Dana kills Rufus to save

herself and keep everything as planned. This is a science-fictional novel written in a 1979

indicating past history and the situations that occurred during this time. Including a

slave-narrative that is widely spread concluding informative detail within those times.

Kindred illustrates experiences within the legacy and roots of the United States. The

novel Kindred was used to showcase the differences of society throughout

nineteen-hundreds and how it contribute to the prehistory of the Civil War and the impact

of civil rights. Furthermore, to compare and contrast the differences it implemented

towards society, whether it was political, economical or social.

Capek, M. (2014). Civil Rights Movement (Essential Library of Social Change). Minneapolis:

ABDO Publishing Group.

This book showcases the important subjects of the Civil Rights Movement. In complete

detail helps illustrate the upcoming and impact the movement and benefits toward society

for the upliftment of the nation. The book presents the injustice and unity brought to

bring change for all people. Including influential people, capturing moments, and

political battles causing actions of change. Spreading informative, impactful pieces of

CIVIL RIGHTS: MORE THAN JUST FREEDOM 11

knowledge that help enforce the subjects given. The book, helps conclude research and

understanding of difficult changes within society and time. It concludes the different

statements of change that help contrast ideas, showcasing ideas and information of social

change and political impact. The purpose of this piece is to showcase the political actions

taken to pursue the equality and unity of a nation and fight for equality throughout the

movement. It also includes the unity from the movement to press the movement of

equality for all people. Comparing differences of social impact within this time and now.

Commonweal, T. (Ed.). (1948, February 28). President Truman's Civil Rights Committee.

Retrieved February 09, 2017.

A newspaper article published in 1948 displaying words from President Truman towards

Congress asking for the help and understanding of the Civil Rights Committee and their

fight for unity and equality. Truman had spoken to Congress in agreement for a solution

that each and everyone would be given the right to equality and fair opportunity. The

Committee and Truman had both agreed to proceed with those terms. This piece of work

is from a newspaper from President Truman, a credible source that displays his opinion

upon the topic. Exhibiting his beliefs throughout conversation with congress. Also,

interacting with the Civil Rights Committee to show its helpfulness and benefit towards

equality. This is a political piece that will help achieve a reasoning between the political

difference of impact within society. Representing the change throughout government

officials and modification of their ruling and transitioning. Furthermore, a helpful tool to

display the different view of Congress and Truman had towards the nation.

Frye, H. (1990). American Journal of Sociology, 96(1), 216-217.

CIVIL RIGHTS: MORE THAN JUST FREEDOM 12

This journal is an analysis towards the civil rights movement, displaying it impact

towards situations and experiences within the South. Between the 1950s to the

mid-1980s, it also includes black political influence within the six city in Florida. The

South was considered the most important area in America, revealing political and social

differences within the century. A movement that displayed an effort change of equality.

Within this adjustment the lives of blacks would gain political power and economic

advancement. Following a goal of political equality including social and economical

change. This is an academic journal that has been reviewed many times, proving

academical research and subject knowledge towards the topic. It has the credibility and

authorization from others within the field. Academic journal can help introduce

economical and political issues in the south and displaying their differences from the

north. The journal also indicates social change and impact towards communities and

people in society.

King, M. L. (1963, April 16). Letter From Birmingham City Jail. Retrieved February 09, 2017.

Letter from Birmingham Jail was a letter written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who

was sent to jail in Birmingham, Alabama. His letter was smuggled into piece to Kings

lawyers on scraps of paper. The letter include, reports of the jailhouse and violent racist

terror attacks against African Americans. Dr. King had been arrested for participating in a

peaceful equality march. Informing the issue of laws and policies throughout systems of

education, restaurants, bathrooms, etc. He responds of all these issues throughout his

letter and entitled for A Call for Unity, which gathered Dr. King supporters and

identifies each of the nine specific criticisms written within the letter. King is an
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influential person in society that has impacted this country heavily within his credibility

to speak upon his ability to speak further upon issues that were against colored people.

His piece, would showcase the work of society and treatment towards people of color.

Mainly focusing on their effect socially.

King, M. L., Jr. (1963, August 28). I Have A Dream. Speech presented in Lincoln Memorial,

Washington D.C.

Kirk, J. A. (2017, January 25). Civil Rights and Social Change - Encyclopedia of Arkansas.

Retrieved February 09, 2017.

The encyclopedia displays the main reasons of social change with the civil rights era.

Displays informative reasoning and awareness within the subject, causing a change in

American history to better ensure the equality and freedom for all. Also dwells upon the

differences of the south and north showing a different view between both areas. There

had been a huge impact socially from both sides of people. Firm believer of their choice

and decisions they make to hope better their future and success. Includes small bits of

political influence and economic advancements towards the south. This encyclopedia has

the credibility to be shown and ran by many different people from Arkansas and updated

constantly to make sure the information is correct and accurate. Recent check-ups are

added to this particular encyclopedia to attend full accuracy and understanding across the

topic. Uses include, counter-argument of social change and displaying similarities and

differences in between both areas of the country. Including the ability to compare recent

society and older.

Wright, G. (2013, February 13). The Stunning Economic Impact of the Civil Rights Movement.
CIVIL RIGHTS: MORE THAN JUST FREEDOM 14

Retrieved February 24, 2017.