The Consequences of the Civil Rights Movement (1968-1990)

The Consequences of the Civil Rights Movement (1968-1990)

The Civil Rights Act of 1968

  • Also known as the Fair Housing Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1968 prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, or sex.
  • The act was an important milestone in the battle against discriminatory practices, accomplishing one of the major goals of the Civil Rights Movement.

The Establishment of ‘Black Power’

  • This ideology promoted a sense of black pride and self-esteem, deserting the integrationist approach of previous movement leaders.
  • This term was popularised by Stokely Carmichael, leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, further highlighting the shifting focus of the movement.

The Formation of the Black Panthers

  • Officially the Black Panther Party, this group was formed by Bobby Seale and Huey Newton in 1966.
  • The Black Panthers practiced militant self-defence of minority communities against the US government, gaining a widespread following.
  • They instituted numerous community social programs to alleviate poverty and improve health among inner city black communities.

The Post-Movement Era (1970s – 1990s)

  • The legal achievements of the Civil Rights Movements gradually gave way to de facto segregation, where segregation was not legally sanctioned but was socially practised.
  • Numerous affirmative action programs were established, aimed at improving opportunities for African Americans in both employment and education.
  • The legacy of the Civil Rights Movement remains far-reaching, prompting further movements for LGBT rights, women’s rights and disability rights.

The Role of the Supreme Court

  • Appointments to the Supreme Court played a significant role in the shape of the Civil Rights Movement and its aftermath.
  • Under conservative Chief Justice Warren Burger (1969–1986), the Supreme Court upheld many affirmative action programs but also restricted school desegregation plans.

Impact on the African American Community

  • The Civil Rights Movements led to marked improvements in the socioeconomic status of African Americans, in areas such as education and employment opportunities.
  • However, issues such as economic inequality and racial discrimination persist within American society. Therefore, the struggle for civil rights remains an ongoing journey.