Anti-Racism Movement in the United States
Even after being freed from the chains of slavery, African Americans were denied equal
educational opportunities, political rights, cultural rights, and all forms of civil rights. They were
barred from sitting alongside white people, eating at the same table, or sharing public spaces
such as buses and trains. Interracial marriage was forbidden, and even consensual sexual
relationships between black and white people were prohibited. Socially, African Americans were
considered inferior and were primarily employed in menial labor positions, confining them to an
economically disadvantaged status.
Although African Americans were given access to education, significant disparities persisted.
Black children could not study in the same schools as white children. Their schools were
underfunded and lacked resources compared to white institutions.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. His father and
grandfather were both pastors. His grandfather established the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to fight for African American rights. At just six years
old, King experienced discrimination when he was barred from playing with white children or
entering public entertainment spaces reserved for whites.
King graduated from college and earned a PhD in theology. From 1954 to 1959, he worked as a
pastor and was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's ideology of non-violence.
Civil Rights Movement In December 1955, Rosa Parks, an African American woman, was
arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man. King organized a boycott of the bus
service in protest, which lasted for a year. This led to the Alabama government granting African
Americans equal rights on public buses.
King's advocacy for a discrimination-free society inspired African Americans across the country.
Over time, he became an unparalleled leader in the Civil Rights Movement. In Atlanta, he faced
further challenges, including being denied entry to a whites-only cafeteria and imprisonment for
civil disobedience. His determination led to the "Freedom March" towards Washington, drawing
massive participation.
Washington Rally
On August 28, 1963, a massive rally took place at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, where he said:
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed:
'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'”
This speech inspired the entire nation and made King a global figure. That year, he was named
"Man of the Year" by Time magazine and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He donated
the prize money to further the cause of African American rights.
Legacy and Impact King's efforts compelled the U.S. government to recognize African
American rights. In 1965, African Americans were granted voting rights. However, his life was
tragically cut short when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Despite his death, the Civil
Rights Movement did not end, and his work paved the way for the legal recognition of African
American rights.
