To commemorate Black History Month, CAIR-Ohio is celebrating the rich legacy and contributions of Black Americans, with a particular focus on highlighting Black Muslim excellence and their mark on our nation. We wanted to highlight the achievements, successes, and inspiring stories of our community members.
Muslim-Americans are the most diverse faith group in the nation, and Black Muslims make up the largest share with a deep and rich history. We spent this February illustrating people across many different fields, and varying walks of life. While Black History Month comes to a close, the significance and spirit of the occasion continues. For our last highlight this month, we will be focusing on the Civil Rights Movement and the impact it has made in paving the way for other groups to advocate for their rights.
What is the Civil Rights Movement?
The Civil Rights Movement was a massive, social and political grassroots campaign in the mid-20th century with the primary goal of protesting to abolish legalized racial discrimination and disenfranchisement.
The movement was characterized by mass protests, civil disobedience, boycotts, and political organizing.
The strength and vitality of the movement pushed landmark judicial decisions and legislative progress in tandem with shifts in popular attitudes to enfranchise Black Americans, other racial minorities, women, and immigrants.
Significant Milestones During the Civil Rights Era
- May 1954, Brown v. Board of Education: the landmark Supreme Court decision effectively ending de jure racial segregation in public schools.
- December 1955, Montgomery Bus Boycott: Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat, which prompted a year-long bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama.
- 1961, Freedom Rides: Freedom Riders became an activist campaign in the American South to protest segregated bus transportation, and “whites only” accommodations. This protest and the violent reaction to it drew in mass scale international attention.
- August 1963, March on Washington: A mass protest of 250,000 people that culminated in Martin Luther King Jr’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
- July 1964, Civil Rights Act: The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law prohibiting employment discrimination due to race, color, sex, religion or national origin.
- March 1965, Bloody Sunday: 600 civil rights marchers walk from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama protesting local Black voter suppression.
- August 1965, Voting Rights Act: The passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law prohibiting restrictive voting requirements and allowed federal observers to monitor polling places.
- December 1965, Immigration and Nationality Act: The passage of the law was signed into law banning the use of the National Origins Formula, and removing barriers to entry from Asian, African and other non-Western European groups.
- April 1968, Fair Housing Act: The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 was signed into law providing equal housing opportunities regardless of race, religion or national origin.
The Civil Rights Movement was a powerful force that brought about significant changes to society. The movement paved the way for marginalized and oppressed communities, breaking down legal and societal barriers and promoting equality for all. With notable milestones, the Civil Rights Movement challenged systemic discrimination and brought about transformative legislative progress.
However, the work of the Civil Rights Movement is not over. The struggle for equality and justice continues, as the Black community still faces discrimination and inequality in many areas of society. We must honor the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement by continuing the fight for civil rights and striving towards a society where everyone can thrive without fear of discrimination or injustice.
