Major Events That Helped and Hurt Race Relations

In yesterday's class, we had an "each one teach one" about the major events that helped and hurt race relations in America. What I found most interesting was the back and forth legislative battle that took place. It seemed as if every advancement for black rights was struck down by someone– whether it be the Supreme Court or state and local governments. Although it took nearly one-hundred years since the first Civil Rights Act to end segregation, the process is something quite fascinating.

The first example of this occurred in 1870 with the 15th Amendment, granting blacks the right to vote. But state and local governments used poll taxes, literacy tests, and gerrymandering to assure that fewer blacks could vote and fewer would be elected into positions of government. The second example is also considered one of the defining moments of the Reconstruction Era– the Civil Rights Act of 1875, giving all citizens equal access to public accommodations. However, the Supreme Court declared the act unconstitutional in 1883.

In the end, the true Americans prevailed, defeating one of humanity's greatest evils and making America a freer place and a world leader in civil rights.