CIVIL RIGHTS FROM JIM CROW TO THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT

CONTEXT

In the aftermath of the Civil War, southern states undertook a series of measures to ensure continued white domination of politics and society.

Jim Crow Laws enacted and enforced racial segregation beginning in 1890 with a “separate but equal” status for African Americans.

Jim Crow will remain in place (at least officially) from 1890 until 1964-65 with the passage of the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act – and even then, it’s not over.

DISENFRANCHISEMENT IN THE SOUTH

In the aftermath of the Civil War, numerous obstacles are introduced to prevent black voting:Grandfather Clause states that one cannot vote unless their grandfather had voted; can be bypassed by the literacy test.

Literacy tests were largely subjective tests given out to potential black voters. Almost impossible to pass and administered by white registrars.

DISENFRANCHISEMENT (CONT.)

Property requirements stipulated that in order to vote, one must own a certain amount of property.

Poll Taxes were used as well to disenfranchise black voters, many of whom were too poor to pay for voting.

Every measure taken meant, in some way or another, to prevent influence of minorities on state and local government.

THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

Between 1954 and 1968, the Civil Rights Movement gathers traction in order to end racial segregation and discrimination.

Largely a peaceful, nonviolent protest movement meant to bring awareness to the public about inequality in Southern states.

Martin Luther King Jr. acts as figurehead for a large, diverse movement.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 bans discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin in employment practices and public accommodations. Signed in to law by Lyndon B. Johnson in July, 1964.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits racial discrimination in voting practices by enforcing the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution.

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 provides equal opportunities for housing regardless of race, creed, or national origin.

SELMA

Selma largely tells the story of the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

VRA considered the most important piece of Civil Rights legislation by the Department of Justice.

Registration of black voters after passage jumps from 1/3 in 1965 to ½ in 1967.

SIXTIES’ MUSIC ACTIVITY

In front you, you have a protest song from the sixties. On your own, analyze the song by answering the following questions: What is the subject of the song? To what (or whom) is the artist responding?

What is the tone of the song? (As in, what emotions does the song convey)

What sort of language does the song employ? What is the effect of such language?

What references do you understand in the song? What references do you not understand? Note and list all of the cultural references.

What does the song tell you about the civil rights movement?

I will be playing the songs as you work. Be sure to listen for your song, stop writing, and enjoy the music!