US Civil Rights Laws directly result from the Civil Rights movement, which took place between the late 1950s to early ’60s. This law single-handedly solved the problem of racial discrimination dominant in society at that time. Through years of struggle and oppression, the minorities, especially the African American community, learned to protect their rights as US citizens. As a result, the Americans have emerged as a progressive nation on earth after fighting years of racial disharmony.
If you are facing harassment or workplace discrimination due to your color or religion, then Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys are here to fight for you. If you wonder what US Civil Rights Law is all about, then the following information is for you.
History:
The main focus of the Civil Rights Movement was to free the black community of America from the discrimination they faced on a daily basis. For hundreds of years, America was notorious for its slave trading, especially the Africans. This is the sole reason why North and South America engaged in a civil war during 1861-1865. The northern states, due to industrialization, wanted to abolish the slave trade, whereas the southern state, which largely depended on agriculture, opposed it. The slaves worked on the farmlands in the south brought in from Africa; abolishing slavery meant a loss for their farms. After all the violence and opposition, then-President Abraham Lincoln managed to pass a bill in congress effectively ending slavery in America. On paper, America had abolished slavery, but any practice weaved in the fabric of the society takes time to come to an end.
A Country Divided:
After the abolishing of slavery, many states in America, especially the southern ones, encouraged segregation. Segregation along the lines of color divided the country into Blacks and Whites. African Americans were denied entry into local shops, restaurants, and offices. Separate seating for the colored was introduced on buses, cinemas, and other public arenas; economic depravity and a general hatred were considered normal. To make matters even worse, vigilante groups like the infamous KKK (Ku Klax Klan) regularly tortured and killed people of color. Colored Americans were considered an inferior race and were treated differently. African Americans were not also allowed education, making matters even worse since they were unable to understand or fight for their rights. If education is denied to a racial group, you are taking away from the coming generations, which is a new way of imposing slavery.
Civil Rights Movement:
After spending years bearing racial inequality and injustice, the boiling point came with the boycott of the Montgomery bus service. Rosa Park African woman refused to give her seat to a white man, to which she was fined and arrested. Inspired, a young Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King organized a boycott which is famously known as Montgomery Bus Boycott. This lasted for a year, during which Rosa Parks was also fired from her job. The boycott ended after the US Supreme court considered segregation on public transport unlawful and unconstitutional. This was the first victory claimed by the Civil Rights Movement and it only gained more steam after that.
Civil Rights Act:
US Right Laws consist of four civil acts that US presidents approved at different points in history. All these acts combine to make the Civil Rights Law which can be contested by any US citizen irrespective of their color, religion, or heritage. Dwight Eisenhower approved the first Civil Right act in 1957. The law helped protect the rights of voters without any racial discrimination. Next, Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was an upgrade to the previous one. This act allowed people of all races to have equal opportunities at the workplace. He also signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which discouraged the use of literacy tests to cast a vote. The final Civil Rights Act was signed in 1968, which is also called the Fair Housing Act. As the name suggests, the act allows equal and fair opportunities to people of color looking to buy a house.
US Civil Rights Laws:
Civil Rights Laws govern modern America; this is what makes it a dream place for a lot of immigrants to try their luck. Despite recent tensions between the communities, the law still protects its citizens, especially the ones of a different race. Since its inception in the 1960s, this law has made America the most racially and culturally diverse country in the world. It has also helped it grow economically as the racial tensions were eased after the passing of the act. As a result, a lot of people of color since then have been some of the most influential figures in American History.
Improving Lifestyle:
Civil Rights Laws have allowed people of all races to economically develop in America. Before the ’60s, a normal person of color would only dream of having a respectable job and property to his name. Since then, people of color have been integrated into all parts of society. They can now hold some of the most highly paid jobs and buy houses and properties in affluent neighborhoods. One can only imagine the state of America if such a progressive law wasn’t passed.
Best Protection:
America has always been considered a champion of civil rights and it protects its citizen to the maximum. There are not many countries that offer protection to their citizens like the US. Racial crime does happen from time to time but the punishment and the uproar that comes with it is evidence that no one is allowed to exploit the civil liberties of its citizens. A person of color feels more secure walking on the streets than he did before the passing of the Civil Rights Act.
Civil Rights Laws protect all citizens of the US, no matter if you are white or colored. However, the law can be made better and stronger; there are still some loopholes that can be exploited. Even then, the law is pretty comprehensive and helps people who suffer indiscrimination due to their race, color, or religion. America is a land of opportunities and these laws make sure that more people can come to fulfill their dreams.
