The Crusade for Equal Rights in the United States Essay -- American Hi

The struggle for equal rights has been an ongoing issue in the United States. For most of the twentieth century Americans worked toward equality. Through demonstrations, protests, riots, and parades citizens have made demands and voiced their concerns for equal rights. For the first time minority groups were banding together to achieve the American dream of liberty and justice for all. Whether it was equality for women, politics, minorities, or the economy the battle was usually well worth the outcome. I have chosen articles that discuss some of the struggles, voyages, and triumphs that have occurred. The people discussed in the following articles represent only a portion of those who suffered. The first speech that I chose was written by Martin Luther King Jr. in December 1955. The speech was given in Montgomery, Alabama and spoke to African-Americans who gathered in protest after the arrest of Rosa Parks. She refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a city bus and was subsequently arrested. The African-American community decided to protest the decision and a mass rally ensued. According to Foner, â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr. invoked Christian and American ideals of justice and democracy in his speeches.† (901) King used these themes to address the protestors and spoke of Rosa Parks’ character, morals, and integrity. Martin Luther King Jr. was a national symbol of the civil rights struggle and advocated for the African-American community by protesting in a non-violent manner. The demonstrations and protests that were led by King evoked the lack of freedom, justice, and equality that African-Americans endured. Even with all of the injustices that occurred, African-Americans were proud to be American and use... ...rations. Segregation, which was once considered the norm, is now a thing of the past because of such demonstrations. Women were considered inferior to men and were forced to stay at home in the traditional role of housewife until the 1960s. The fact that women united together for equality allowed them to become active in politics, professional roles, and have control over their own bodies. Protestors in the 90s brought attention to inequality on a different level. The environment and economic inequality were now pressing issues. Demonstrations brought public attention to environmental, global, and economic issues. Without unity from these groups the United States would be a completely different country. It is with great admiration that I discuss the events and struggles that these people endured, for I don’t know if I would have the courage to do the same.