How Have African-Americans Worked to End Segregation, Discrimination to Attain Civil Rights - Essay Example

With some clever and much-needed moves, they have come out of the stigma that gauged people based on their skin color. This is no more a scenario in the US. These people have broken the hard chains and have come out of discrimination, segregation and isolation. Not only have they come out of the problems surrounding them but have also attained equality in all terms as well as civil rights (Turner-Sadler, 2009, p. 4-11).

One of the most important things that played a major role in the fight against discrimination is the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This particular act served as a saving grace for the people as it prevented discrimination on grounds of race, color, national origin or religion among the people. This stand was practiced in both normal activities in the country as well as for employment purposes. Afro-Americans successfully found their way to the top in all spheres of life, be it politically, socially as well as economically. After the Second World War, the African-Americans moved to some of the commercial cities in the northern and western parts. Usually, the black population is found to be more in the Southern regions. In course of time, the people started moving to other areas where opportunities are more and where a good platform for education was found. This segregation happened in a smooth manner and was made possible by the Civil Rights Act (Wynn, 2010, 30-55).


There are lots of aspects that led to the upbringing of the Afro-Americans and one of the most important of all is their political influence. They came to know the importance of attaining political status and worked towards it. In a few years, there were lots of African-American leaders in the US. The intensity of support is more now and the US now boasts of an African-American President at its realm. The first step towards the infusion of African-Americans into the political scenario took place in a slow yet steady manner that paved the way for greater stability. Colburn and Adler (2001, pp. 45-75) point out that the political influence that the African-American population gained paved the way for development. Richard Hatcher, an African American became the mayor in 1967 which was the beginning of the better phase for the group. With this move, came about a sea of positive changes in the US. Thus through strong political footage, the African-Americans gained civil rights. Followed by political affluence came the social status and other perks associated with it.

Earlier, discrimination was found in all spheres of life right from jobs, positions and education as well. One of the most dreaded forms of discrimination that is found even now in some parts of the US is that of employment discrimination. Some sort of discrimination will lead to a lot of adverse situations in the country. If there is no proper employment opportunity for the group then there will not be any sort of developments that may keep that particular society in darkness. In due course of time, this may even affect the country at large. There seems to be a significant development in terms of economy as well among the black population.

The African-Americans have come to realize the importance of education, political and social status. Conrad (2005, p. 341) rightly points out that there has been a great development in the economical aspect with relation to the African population in America. One of the most important aspects that led to their development is globalization. In this world of economic development and globalization, more opportunities are created and there seems to be a play down in the discrimination aspect. People just want their work to be done effectively and they no more care about color or creed.

Conclusion

Thus, we can conclude that African Americans have won over discrimination, isolation and segregation. According to Durr and Hill (2006, p. 216), blacks have become one of the essential parts of the US economy. They are of the view that the African-Americans have developed their skill sets to a greater level which has proved to be one of the winning points for them. Blacks have come to realize the importance of innovativeness and training. Many governmental programs provide adequate training to African Americans in order to develop and enhance their skill sets to a greater level. This unique group has a penchant for unity and has fought through all their adversities in a united manner.