Kerner Commission Report Notes

The Kerner Commission Report Fifty Years Later: Revisiting the American Dream

Overview of the Kerner Commission Report

  • The Kerner Commission Report was an examination of the 1967 race riots in the United States, initiated by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
  • Released on February 29, 1968, the report challenged the foundations of the American Dream and identified white racism as a primary cause of civil disorder.
  • It advocated for federal investment to assist African American communities, suggesting a plan towards a unified society.

Fundamental Premises of the American Dream

  • The American Dream is based on three tenets:
    • Equal opportunity for participation.
    • Reasonable expectation of success.
    • The belief that success is within one’s control.
  • The Kerner Report contested the reality of these premises as they apply to African Americans, showing disparities in opportunity and outcomes.

Historical Context of the Kerner Commission

  • Political Environment: Formed during a tumultuous time in American history, with historic civil rights movements happening simultaneously.
  • Urban Unrest: Triggered by ongoing violence and civil rights protests, notably the riots in cities like Newark and Detroit in the summer of 1967.

Findings of the Kerner Report

  • Two Societies: The report concluded that the U.S. was moving towards two separate societies – one black, one white – that were fundamentally unequal.
  • White Racism: It stated, "What white Americans have never fully understood—but what the Negro can never forget—is that white society is deeply implicated in the ghetto."
  • The report documented 164 civil disturbances in 128 cities in 1967, resulting in deaths and injuries, with lasting implications for urban communities.

Recommendations for National Action

  • Core Recommendations:
    • Remove barriers to jobs, education, and housing for minorities.
    • Restore power levels among disadvantaged citizens.
    • Enhance communication across racial lines.
  • Utilization of Funding: Suggested significant federal funding dedicated to anti-poverty measures and improvements in education, employment, housing, and welfare.

Lack of Implementation and Reactions

  • Johnson’s Response: President Johnson did not endorse the report nor implement its recommendations, fearing backlash from white segments of the electorate.
  • Criticism from Various Quarters: Both the left and right expressed concerns about its identification of white racism as a central issue.

Ongoing Relevance of the Kerner Report

  • After fifty years, many issues outlined in the Kerner Report remain prevalent:
    • Educational disparities continue, with minorities often stuck in underfunded schools.
    • Housing segregation and limited economic opportunities are still significant barriers.
  • Contemporary incidents, like racial violence and protests, echo the calls of the Kerner Report for social justice and equality.

Critiques of the Kerner Report

  • Underemphasis on Institutional Racism: Critics argue the report focused too heavily on individual attitudes rather than systemic issues perpetuating inequality.
  • Framing of Black Nationalism: The report’s brief treatment of black nationalism and self-help organizations missed their potential contributions to the struggle for racial equality.
  • Change of Focus: Some critics assert that it lacked a deeper inquiry into economic structures supporting racial inequality.