THE LONG ROAD TO RACIAL EQUALITY

Professor Adriane Lentz-Smith examines the deep-rooted history of segregation and discrimination that fuelled the creation of the American Civil Rights Movement

- Adriane Lentz-Smith

Q: How would you define the Civil Rights Movement?

A: The Civil Rights Movement can be defined as a pivotal moment within the broader black freedom struggle, driven by a mass of Americans, particularly black Americans, who had been persistently fighting for equality across generations. The pressure exerted through this movement saw significant changes in both laws and societal perspectives in regards to the inclusive nature of democracy.

When I reflect upon the Civil Rights Movement, I think of it as a sequel to the Reconstruction Era [the period that followed the end of the American Civil War in 1865 that saw efforts to rebuild the nation and address racial inequality through political, social, and economic reforms]. Just like any sequel, though, there remains space in the narrative for further development, and there are still unresolved aspects.

Q: Do you consider the Reconstruction Era to be an unfinished revolution?

A: When we talk about revolutions, it's important to understand that they rarely have clear-cut endings. Instead, they tend to be ongoing processes with advances and setbacks along the way. Reconstruction was no exception.

In the wake of the Civil War, the United States was just beginning to explore the possibilities of black citizenship and the transformative impact it could have on the nation as a whole. It's important to note, though, that even when laws are passed or amendments ratified, their implementation and acceptance takes time, and in this case the forces of reaction - those who resisted change ultimately gained the upper hand.

Throughout the Reconstruction years, black people were actively striving to claim and exercise their freedom, infusing it with meaning and purpose.