By Savio Nguyen, Nick Andrade

CIVIL RIGHTS 1960’S

KENNEDY AND CIVIL RIGHTS

Kennedy advanced the cause of civil rights by doing many things.

He decided to act after June 11, 1963, after Alabama governor George Wallace barred two black students from the state University.

Kennedy also denounced racism on national television.

Kennedy was also in the process of getting a civil rights bill passed through Congress.

Kennedy received massive support for this bill from civil rights activists one of the most prominent being Martin Luther King who brought 250,000 people marching together in Washington.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI

The University of Mississippi or “Ole Miss” was an all white school, and in the fall of 1962 an African American named James Meredith attempted to register.

Mississippi had refused to honor the rights of all its citizens regardless of race.

This refusal sparked violence between state and federal authorities and a segregationist mob.

This showdown left two dead and dozens injured.

(Picture of James Meredith)

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

On May 16th, 1963, a federal court in Alabama ordered the University of Alabama to let African American students, Vivien Malone and James Hood, into the school.

This decision put federal authorities and Alabama George Wallace at odds.

George Wallace promised in his campaign that he would prevent the school’s integration even if it required that he stand in the schoolhouse door.

He kept this promise until President Kennedy, who was outraged at this incident, federalized Alabama’s National Guard.

MARCH ON WASHINGTON

Civil rights leaders had wanted to help advance Kennedy’s bill.

One of these leaders was Martin Luther King who spearheaded the March on Washington.

This is where Martin Luther King gave his famous “I have a Dream speech”.

During this march 250,000 people showed up to show their support for Kennedy and his bill.

SELMA In March of 1965, James Bevel of the SCLC (Southern Christian

Leadership Conference) called for a march from Selma, Alabama to the Capital, to protest against the murder of a civil rights activist.

They were met with violence from state troops who were armed with tear gas and clubs.

Later, President Johnson would sign the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed literacy tests and other devices preventing African Americans from registering to vote.

This helped cause a greater percentage of black voters registering in the 1960’s and 1970’s

Christianity was forced on African Americans during the slave experience and Islam was closer to African roots and identity. Mixed with the religious portions of Islam were Black Pride and Black Nationalism.

African Americans who followed Islam were known as Black Muslims and they were lead under Wallace Fard. When Fard mysteriously disappeared Elijah Muhammad became the leader of the movement.

The Nation of Islam attracted many followers, especially in prisons, where lost African Americans most looked for guidance. They preached adherence to a strict moral code and reliance on other African Americans.

It was in a prison where a man named Malcolm X converted to the Nation of Islam and because Elijah Muhammad recognized Malcolm’s talents for oratory, Malcolm was made the leading spokesperson for the Black Muslims.

NATION OF ISLAM

Malcolm X was an African American leader and prominent figure in the Nation of Islam, he articulated concepts of race pride and black nationalism in the 1950’s and 60’s.

He was a spokesman for the Nation of Islam and helped grow its membership from 400 members to 40,000 members.

Unlike Martin Luther King, Malcolm X advocated for violence when necessary to cast off the shackles of racism.

Malcolm was assassinated on February 21, 1965 at Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan.

MALCOLM X

Dr. Martin Luther KingC/O Southern Christian Leadership Conference334 Auburn AvenueAtlanta J, Georgia

Dear Sir:

The present racial crisis in this country carries within it powerful destructive ingredients that may soon erupt into an uncontrollable explosion. The seriousness of this situation demands that immediate steps must be taken to solve this crucial problem, by those who have genuine concern before the racial powder keg explodes.

A United Front involving all Negro factions, elements and their leaders is absolutely necessary.A racial explosion is more destructive than a nuclear explosion.

If capitalistic Kennedy and communistic Khrushschev can find something in common on which to form a United Front despite their tremendous ideological differences, it is a disgrace for Negro leaders not to be able to submerge our "minor" differences in order to seek a common solution to a common problem posed by a Common Enemy.

On Saturday, August 10th, from 1 - 7 p.m., the Muslims are sponsoring another giant outdoor rally at 116th Street and Lenox Avenue. Two previous rallies this summer at the same location, attracted 5000 to 7000 Harlemites respectively. We expect our largest crowd this time, rain or shine.

We are inviting several Negro leaders to give their analysis of the present race problem and also their solution. We will also explain Mr. Muhammad's solution.

There will be no debating, arguing, criticizing, or condemning. I will moderate the meeting and guarantee order and courtesy for all speakers. This rally is designed not only to reflect the spirit of unity, but it will give you a chance to present your views to the largest and most explosive elements in Metropolitan New York.

If you cannot come, please send your representative. Invitations to participate have been sent to: Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, Dr. Adam C. Powell, James Farmer, Whitney Young, A. Phillip Randolph, Dr. Ralph Bunche, Dr. Joseph H. Jackson and James Forman.

An immediate reply would be appreciated.

Your Brother,Malcolm X

MALCOLM X DOCUMNET

Throughout the 1960’s more than 900,000 Hispanics were facing discrimination.

Many Latin Americans fled from Cuba and Castro’s regime in the 1960’s and they struggled for equality as well.

Schools were particularly challenging for Latino students because teachers didn’t speak Spanish and because of this, many students dropped out of school.

One of the most prominent figures for the Hispanics was Cesar Chavez. In order to protest for better working conditions for Hispanics, he called for a national boycott of California table grape growers.

His battle with the grape growers earned Hispanics improved labor conditions and compensation.

HISPANICS

One of the most significant events that contributed to the women’s rights of the 1960’s was equal pay for equal work.

John F. Kennedy responded to this movement by ordering federal agencies to hire for career positions “solely on the basis of ability to meet the requirements of the position, and without regard to sex.” The Equal Pay Act would be passed soon after.

In order to increase awareness for women’s rights, The Feminine Mystique was published by Betty Friedan in order to argue that women would regain a sense of self-worth, individuality, and individual accomplishment once they would work in professions and receive a higher level of education.

Betty Friedan also joined other women’s rights activists to form the National Organization for Women. The goal of NOW was to overturn the sexist attitudes in American society in ways like suing businesses for discrimination and educating men and women about the need for women’s equality.

WOMEN’S RIGHTS

In the 1960’s women rights organizations made the Equal Rights Amendment the key goal. The amendment stated: “Men and women shall have equal rights throughout the United States and every place subject to its jurisdiction.” This amendment was not ratified however, as only 35 of the required 38 states agreed to ratify it.

Some women saw Roe vs. Wade as a victory in the women’s rights movement as the Supreme Court struck down federal and state laws banning abortion.

CONTINUED

"Selma to Montgomery March." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

"Welcome to Malcolm-x.org." Welcome to Malcolm-x.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

"UFW: The Official Web Page of the United Farm Workers of America." UFW: The Official Web Page of the United Farm Workers of America. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

"The Women's Liberation Movement of the 1960s." The Women's Liberation Movement of the 1960s. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

"Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

"John Kennedy and Civil Rights." John Kennedy and Civil Rights. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

WORKS CITED