The Civil Rights Movement: A Perspective from

an African American Activist

Malcolm Johnson
April 18, 2023

1 Introduction
The Civil Rights Movement was a crucial moment in American history that
transformed the country and helped to pave the way for greater equality and
justice. As an African American activist who participated in the movement, I
witnessed firsthand the courage and determination of those who fought for civil
rights. In this paper, I will explore the history and impact of the Civil Rights
Movement and offer my reflections on its significance.

2 The Roots of the Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement had its roots in the long history of racial injustice
in the United States. African Americans had been subject to discrimination,
segregation, and violence for centuries, and many had grown tired of the lack
of progress towards equality. The movement was fueled by a desire for change
and a commitment to nonviolent resistance.
One of the key moments that helped to spark the Civil Rights Movement
was the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955, when African Americans refused to
ride the buses in protest of segregation. This boycott, which lasted for over
a year, was a powerful demonstration of the determination and resolve of the
Civil Rights Movement.

3 Key Figures in the Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement was led by many key figures who inspired and mo-
tivated others to fight for change. One of the most prominent of these figures
was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for nonviolent resistance and
inspired millions with his message of hope and justice. Other key figures in the
movement included Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat on a Mont-
gomery bus, and Malcolm X, who advocated for black self-determination and
empowerment.

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4 The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement had a profound impact on American society, helping
to pave the way for greater equality and justice. The movement led to the
passage of important legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the
Voting Rights Act of 1965, which helped to dismantle institutionalized racism.
Additionally, the Civil Rights Movement inspired many other movements
for social justice, including the women’s rights movement, the LGBT rights
movement, and the disability rights movement. The legacy of the Civil Rights
Movement can be seen in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the
United States and around the world.

5 Reflections on the Civil Rights Movement

As an African American activist who participated in the Civil Rights Movement,
I am deeply grateful for the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before me.
The movement was a powerful demonstration of the courage and determination
of those who fought for civil rights, and it helped to pave the way for greater
equality and justice.
However, I also recognize that there is still much work to be done. Racism
and discrimination still exist in many forms, and it is important that we continue
to fight for justice and equality for all people. The legacy of the Civil Rights
Movement is a call to action for all of us to work towards a better future.

6 Conclusion
The Civil Rights Movement was a crucial moment in American history that
transformed the country and helped to pave the way for greater equality and
justice. As an African American activist who participated in the movement, I
witnessed firsthand the courage and determination of those who fought for civil
rights. While there is still much work to be done, the legacy of the Civil Rights
Movement serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for justice
and equality for all people.

7 References
Branch, T. (1988). Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-63.
Simon Schuster.
Carson, C., Garrow, D., Gill, G., Harding, V., Hine, D. (1991). The Eyes on
the Prize Civil Rights Reader: Documents, Speeches, and Firsthand Accounts
from the Black Freedom Struggle. Penguin Books.
King, M. L. (1963). Letter from Birmingham Jail. Retrieved from https://www.africa.upenn.edu/Article

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 National Museum of African American History and Culture. (n.d.). Civil
Rights Movement. Retrieved from https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/collection/civil-
rights-movement
PBS. (2006). Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Movement. Re-
trieved from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/eyesontheprize/nddocument
rights.tex