African American Segregation - Intro
The government played a huge role in racial equality during the 1906's. Segregation between whites and blacks was still an ongoing problem many Americans experienced even though slavery was abolished in 1865. Racial barriers were not coming down due to the stubborn attitudes of many white men. Racial equality became hard to control due to the many immigrants and many ethnicities that were being introduced to America. Racial equality was a struggle in many different areas in America. There were even segregation in sports, schools, bathrooms, public transportation, and etc. Although America was struggling with racial equality no one can completely blame the government because racial equality starts with the people.
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Breaking The Racial Barrier - Sports |
A racial barrier between whites and black were even up in national events such as sports. Baseball, a sport that has been played by Americans since the 1860’s and have segregated African Americans from baseball for nearly 90 years! Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in the major leagues and because of his courage it began to bring down the barrier which stood between whites and blacks. The Jim Crow policies in baseball was changed forever when Branch Rickey the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers agreed to a contract which would allow Jackie Robinson to play in the major leagues in 1947. This was a great achievement for African Americans and Americans who wanted racial equality. Jackie Robinson had all along been an equal rights activist even before he entered the major leagues. Jackie Robinson was drafted to the army and had a minor discrepancy when he refused to sit in the back of the bus just as Rosa Parks had done on a public bus. Due to the violation of army regulations Jackie Robinson was exonerated. Jackie Robinson took a lot of harassment from fans and the opposing teams was worth it because one man open the eyes of many to see that race is but a color.
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Segregation in Education? - Brown V. Board
Segregation in public schools was unlawful due to the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. During 1954 many public schools in American were racially segregated mostly between whites and blacks. Oliver Brown a man who demanded the same education for his children had done one of the first real efforts to integrate schools. After the federal court dismissed Browns claim of the Equal Protection Clause so he appealed to the Supreme Court. Something as valuable as education should not have any restrictions because education is essential to what kind of person one becomes. Integration of public schools prepared students of the real world because America has become an extremely diverse country. Socialization in public schools paved the way for society to accept the diverse culture America has to offer. Oliver Brown, an individual fought for racial equality not for himself but for his children. Ultimately it led to integration of all public schools in America.
Equal Rights for Blacks and Whites - MLK
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
This famous quote by Martin Luther King Jr. was said at the Lincoln Memorial in his “I Have a Dream” speech. Martin Luther King Jr. was an extreme activist for equality for all not just African Americans. Martin Luther King Jr. was also known as a pastor who advocated nonviolent protests. As a result of his nonviolent protest Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested and put in the Birmingham jail. Even though he was suppressed by the government Martin Luther King Jr. wrote letters to the people to continue the non-violent protests and to not give in to segregation. On April 4th Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by Loyd Jowers. It is amazing to see how Martin Luther King Jr. had so much influence to a society of people. Martin Luther King Jr.’s and his fellow activists hard work finally paid off and segregation in most parts of America was no more. Power to change government actions is in the hands of the people when determination and hard work is combined. |
America - Home Of The Free
People have had the most impact upon racial equality, even more than the government. However, the people could have not made a change if it weren’t for the government’s assistance. Racial equality was achieved because both groups made an effort to change how society use to be. Jackie Robinson the first African American major league baseball player broke down the racial barriers in sports. Oliver Brown a concerned African American parent was the reason for integration in all public schools in America. Martin Luther King Jr. the most famous African American equal rights activists was known as the man who led America to become the land of the free for all.