Civil Rights Movement Notes

The civil rights movement responded to long-standing injustices and segregation in America.
Key figures include:
- Martin Luther King Jr. - Advocated nonviolence.
- Malcolm X - Promoted a different philosophy, but views converged later.

Segregation: Institutionalized racism existed prior to the 20th century, notably supported by the Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), which established the doctrine of "separate but equal".
Post-World War I: African American veterans faced increased racial violence upon their return.
Post-World War II: Veterans hoped for equality, but faced systemic issues, including discrimination in housing and education.

Designed to support veterans in education and housing.
Benefited many veterans, but African Americans faced disparities in access due to redlining - a form of real estate segregation where banks and real estate agents restricted access to certain neighborhoods based on race.
Generational wealth: Homeownership was a critical factor in wealth accumulation but was often denied to African Americans due to systemic barriers.

Redlining: Legalized segregation that prevented African Americans from buying homes in certain areas, reinforcing neighborhood segregation.
This segregation was reinforced by laws (de jure segregation) rather than voluntary (de facto segregation).
The history of redlined areas has modern implications on wealth and racial disparities in housing.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Landmark Supreme Court case that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.
- Utilized psychological studies, like the Doll Test, to illustrate the negative impact of segregation on children.
Mendez v. Westminster (1947): Earlier California case that highlighted similar issues of segregation based on race, leading to desegregation in California schools before Brown v. Board.

Legalized discrimination in public facilities, schools, and other areas of life post-Plessy v. Ferguson.
Examples of discriminatory practices:
- Segregated drinking fountains, bathrooms, and public transportation.
- Laws preventing social interactions between races, such as playing games together.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy was rooted in nonviolence as a means to enact change and push for civil rights.
King's activism influenced the broader civil rights movement, laying foundations for subsequent movements, including women's rights, LGBTQ rights, and others influenced by civil rights activism.

The civil rights movement established precedents for future social justice movements.
Issues of systemic racism continue to affect society today, reflected in ongoing struggles for equality and civil rights.
Understanding historical context can inform contemporary discussions on race relations and legal reform.