Lycée Sainte Marie de Cocody
THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Participants
Aho Logbochi Teacher
Ambehm Reine Mr. Opperi
Pokou Marie-Grâce
Senin Katana
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
I. WHAT IS THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT ?
II. WHAT WERE THE CAUSES AND THE
CONSEQUENCES OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS
MOVEMENT ?
III. WHO WERE THE ACTORS IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS
MOVEMENT ?
CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
The Civil Rights Movement in the United States was a social, political,
and cultural movement that aimed to end racial segregation and
discrimination against African Americans, as well as to achieve equality
and justice and secure legal recognition and protection of the citizenship
rights. It primarily took place in the 1950s and 1960s, though its roots go
back much earlier. This movement was nonviolent and primarily focused
on dismantling disenfranchisement and discrimination in areas such as
voting, education and employment. Indeed, the activists adopted
principles of nonviolent resistance, drawing on the teachings of Mahatma
Gandhi. While the movement itself was nonviolent, it faced violent
repression from authorities and white supremacists. Its leaders often
stressed peaceful protests, legal action, and moral persuasion to bring
about social change. However, there were some incidents of violence,
particularly in response to police brutality or resistance from
segregationists.
I. WHAT IS THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT ?
The Civil Rights Movement emerged in a context of generalized racial
segregation and discrimination in the United States, especially in the
Southern states. After the Civil War, the 13th, 14th, and 15th
Amendments were passed to end slavery, grant citizenship to African
Americans, and protect voting rights, but these rights were often denied in
practice through Jim Crow laws. These laws, which were enacted in the
late 19th century, enforced racial segregation in public spaces.
In the post-World War II era, however, there was increasing desire for
social change, driven by factors such as :
• The contradictions between American democratic ideals and racial
injustice.
• The impact of the Second World War, where African American
soldiers fought for democracy abroad but returned to face
discrimination at home.
• The African independence movement and global decolonization
inspired by a push for racial equality.
II. WHAT WERE THE CAUSES AND THE CONSEQUENCES
OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT ?
The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal struggle for social justice and
equality for African Americans.
To begin with, one of the major causes was racial segregation, as
enforced discriminatory practices that marginalized African Americans in
various aspects of life, such as education, employment, and public
facilities. Furthermore, widespread discrimination in housing,
employment, and voting rights created a pressing need for African
Americans to advocate for their civil rights. This situation was
compounded by the historical context of slavery and the Jim Crow
laws, which perpetuated systemic racism and disenfranchisement,
leading to a growing demand for justice and equality. Additionally,
influential leaders and organizations played a significant role in mobilizing
communities and raising awareness about civil rights issues. Figures like
Martin Luther King Jr. And Malcolm X, along with organizations such as the
NAACP and SCLC, took action. Moreover, the increased media coverage of
civil rights protests and the violence faced by activists brought national
attention to the movement, helping to garner support from broader
segments of society.
As for the consequences of the movement, it led to significant
legislative changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which
prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national
origin. In addition, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to eliminate
barriers to voting for African Americans. Beyond legislation, the movement
caused greater awareness and dialogue about racial issues in the U.S.,
resulting in shifts in public attitudes and increased activism for social
justice.
Moreover, the strategies and successes of the Civil Rights Movement
inspired other social justice movements, including those advocating for
women’s rights and immigrant rights. However, it is important to note that
while significant progress was made, the movement also highlighted
ongoing issues of racial inequality and injustice, prompting continued
activism and advocacy for civil rights.
In summary, the Civil Rights Movement was a crucial chapter in
American history that shaped the nation’s approach to justice and equality.
III. WHO WERE THE ACTORS IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS
MOVEMENT ?
The Civil Rights Movement was led by a combination of clergy, activists,
intellectuals, and grassroots organizers. Some of the most prominent
leaders included :
Martin Luther King Jr. who was a Baptist minister who became the
most well-known face of the movement, advocating for nonviolent
protest.
Rosa Parks whose refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus
in Montgomery, Alabama, helped ignite the Montgomery Bus
Boycott.
Malcolm X who was a vocal leader who initially advocated for Black
nationalism and self-defense, offering a more militant contrast to
King’s nonviolent approach.
Ella Baker who was a key behind-the-scenes organizer who helped
shape the leadership of groups like the Student Nonviolent
Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
John Lewis who was a young leader and later U.S. Congressman
who played a significant role in organizing marches, including the
1965 Selma to Montgomery March.
The strategy of the Civil Rights Movement involved a range of
nonviolent direct actions, legal challenges, and civil disobedience :
Sit-ins : Nonviolent protests where African Americans would sit at
segregated lunch counters, demanding service.
Boycotts : Most famously the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-
1956), which lasted for over a year after Rosa Parks’ arrest,
effectively ending bus segregation in the city.
Marches : Iconic marches such as the 1963 March on Washington
for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King delivered his famous
« I Have a Dream » speech, and the Selma to Montgomery March in
1965, which was pivotal in securing voting rights legislation.
Legal challenges : Through organizations like the NAACP (National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People), civil rights
lawyers like Thurgood Marshall fought in court to challenge
segregation and discriminatory laws.
The Civil Rights Movement was not founded by any single individual but
rather developed over time through the collective efforts of multiple
organizations and grassroots activists. Some key founding organizations
include :
NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People), founded in 1909, which played a major role in legal battles
and lobbying for civil rights legislation.
Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), founded in 1957
by Martin Luther King Jr. And other Southern ministers.
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), founded in
1960 by student activists.
Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), founded in 1942, which
organized nonviolent direct action campaigns, such as the Freedom
Rides.
The Civil Rights Movement was inspired by a range of domestic and
international figures and ideas :
Mahatma Gandhi whose philosophy of nonviolent resistance
deeply influenced leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.
A. Philip Randolph, a labor leader who organized the first large
civil rights demonstration, the March on Washington Movement in
1941.
W.E.B. Du Bois who was a scholar and co-founder of the NAACP
who advocated for full political and social equality.
FDR’s New Deal policies which, although limited in scope, New
Deal reforms gave African Americans a platform for organizing,
especially in labor movements.
Global decolonization movements because the struggle for
independence in Africa and Asia served as a source of inspiration for
African Americans demanding racial equality at home.
The movement was also shaped by the experiences of African Americans
in the U.S. and their struggles to overcome centuries of slavery,
segregation, and disenfranchisement.
CONCLUSION
In summary, the Civil Rights Movement was a broad, multi-faceted effort
to challenge institutionalized racism and achieve equal rights for African
Americans. Its nonviolent strategy, strong leadership, and historical
context of racial oppression played a key role in shaping modern American
society.
