The Civil Rights Movement Essay -- Black struggle for civil rights in A

This paper will discuss the Black struggle for civil rights in America by examining the civil rights movement's history and reflecting on Blacks' status in contemporary society, will draw upon various related sources to substantiate its argument. The history of Black social change following the Emancipation Proclamation will be provided to show the evolution of the civil rights struggle. Obstacles that impede the movement's chance of success, such as ignorance in both Whites and Blacks, and covert governmental racism will be discussed. The effectiveness of several elements that compose the movement will reveal their progress, and how this has aided the movement as a whole. The paper will conclude that the struggle for equality has produced significant results, but has not achieved its ultimate goal, which is equality between race. This is so because the contemporary White power structure maintains control of society in ways that are less apparent than they were thirty years ago, but retain a similarly powerful grip. To combat racism today, the struggle for civil rights must explore new methods that illuminate racial discrimination and distinction more clearly. Continuing to fight for social justice is the only way equality can one-day become a reality. Historically, Black groups and leaders have advocated many philosophies that hope to achieve equality. This was the case during two very important times in history, Reconstruction and the 1960s. The first articulated philosophies as means to achieve equality; the second implemented these ideas with great success. Immediately following the Civil War, during Reconstruction, much of the White power structure was overtly racist and angry. Booker T. Washington enco... ...d today. Nonviolence is used as a form of patient protest such as boycotting a business that discriminates. Black power is used to create programs that improve the every day situation of Blacks. Both philosophies make the black situation in America better, by continuing the tradition of protest. Indeed, "the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line" (Greenberg, syllabus). Blacks should study the event in history to understand how Blacks have fought against the White dominant power structure. This is the best way to continue the struggle for equality. Abbreviated Bibliography . Barnard, ed. (Virginia Durr), Outside the Magic Circle . Elaine Brown, A Taste of Power . William Chafe, Civilities and Civil Rights . Kenneth O?Reilly, Racial Matters . Ida B. Wells, Crusade for Justice . Robert Williams, Negroes with Guns