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Debating the Civil Rights Movement, 1945-1968 (Debating Twentieth-Century America)

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Debating the Civil Right Movement 1968

Throughout the second civil rights movement, many historians' views varied when it came to the role of national and local governments, and its counterparts (local citizens and special interest groups) participation in national equality. In the book Debating the Civil Right Movement 1968 the authors Steven F. Lawson and Charles Payne debate the issue of the civil rights movement. Steven F. Lawson believed that the national government involvement brought equality during this era; Charles Payne believed that the local trenches pressured the national government into becoming active in this movement.

The NAACP was the first to strike the goliath known as the American Educational inequity issue, with court cases such as Sweatt v. Painter and McLaurin v. Board of Regents. Representing the NAACP as Chief Counsel in these matters, Thurgood Marshall argued on their behalf, that even with an increase in financial aid that black schools and institutions still left a mark of inferiority on the black educational system. But the blow that made the greatest impact was in 1959.

Chief Justice Earl Warren argued indirectly against white supremacy. His direct national argument was that under the current system "separate but equal" the educational system was inherently unequal because "it was impossible for blacks to obtain the full benefits of an education under the current system of segregation (Lawson pg 11). This interpretation by a representative of the national government indirectly showed the national governments stance on educational segregation.

Across our nation students black and white came together to fight the inequalities that our nation were facing. February 1, 1961, the Student Non Violent Coordinating Committee was organized for American Civil Rights Movement. SNCC organized coordinated a sit-in where they invited Martin Luther King Jr. They thought if King was arrested it would create a national uproar. Their plan worked in some respects. Presidential candidate democrat John F. Kennedy used this to his benefit for the 1960 presidential election. He spoke out on behalf of king and other civil rights leaders by taking a stand. It helped him garner votes of many Blacks in our nation. With the president and National government pushing for their equality it helped Blacks more than any protest or rally they had.

On June 11, 1963, a televised speech by President Kennedy, gave support to the Civil Rights Movement national government. The author's perspective was that this was the first time the national government shook the inequities of the Civil Rights to the core. The report aimed its cross hairs at the issue using the president's TV and radio announcements and not through the orthodox way of law making and policy. John F. Kennedy's report painted a picture of civil rights struggle as a nation to fight for equality, while fighting for others hypocritical, because we are struggling in our own country to look at blacks as equal. That report in the authors mind was stronger and more effective than any sit-in or protest.

The view from the local trenches depicted was more personable than the role of our national government, but just as important, Men, like Vernon Dahmer, who owned local stores and businesses were the trailblazers for the fight for justice. He encouraged teenagers in the community to become involved in the movement. Many of the youth that he mentored went on to become important within the SNCC and the Congress of Racial Equality or CORE. Dahmer also pushed voter registration after the Voting Rights Act. As a direct movement result Dahmer's businesses and houses were fire bombed and he died for the cause. His lasts words were, "People who don't vote are deadbeats on the state" (Payne Pg 120). This is an example of who Charles Payne believed local and other counterparts played a role in the success of the movement.

In many instances, the national government failed to protect its Black citizens. Many Blacks were denied their right to vote and freedom of speech. People like Bob Moses were brought in to repressed areas like the Mississippi Delta to strengthen the number of civil rights activists in the area. He was extremely successful in doing so. Blacks started to become more involved in politics and started to vote more in the local government. Many Whites fought back by beating and killing activist. The lesson stated in the book on (Payne pg 122) states "The Justice Department cannot be counted on, and the broader society shows little interest. How do you appeal to the conscience of a nation that is ignoring you?"

In Debating the Civil Rights Movement 1945-1968 the authors argues about the key components and events in the second civil rights movement. Harry Truman, Ella Baker, John F. Kennedy, The NAACP, and other policies and laws were keys to the success of the movement. The one thing that the two authors agreed on was that both national and local governments needed each other to make the era a success.