sample essays on civil rights movement

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Essays on Civil Rights Movement

Hook examples for civil rights movement essays, anecdotal hook.

Imagine standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, listening to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. This moment in history epitomized the Civil Rights Movement's power and importance.

Question Hook

What does it mean to fight for civil rights? Explore the complex history, key figures, and lasting impact of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

Quotation Hook

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. How did civil rights activists like King refuse to stay silent and ignite change?

Statistical or Factual Hook

Did you know that in 1964, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin? Dive into the facts and milestones of the Civil Rights Movement.

Definition Hook

What defines a civil rights movement? Explore the principles, goals, and strategies that distinguish civil rights movements from other social justice movements.

Rhetorical Question Hook

Was the Civil Rights Movement solely about racial equality, or did it pave the way for broader social change and justice? Examine the movement's multifaceted impact.

Historical Hook

Travel back in time to the mid-20th century and uncover the roots of the Civil Rights Movement, from the Jim Crow era to the landmark Supreme Court decisions.

Contrast Hook

Contrast the injustices and systemic racism faced by African Americans prior to the Civil Rights Movement with the progress made through protests, legislation, and activism.

Narrative Hook

Meet Rosa Parks, a seamstress who refused to give up her bus seat, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Follow her courageous journey and the ripple effect it had on the Civil Rights Movement.

Controversial Statement Hook

Prepare to explore the controversies within the Civil Rights Movement, such as differing strategies among activists and debates over nonviolence versus militancy.

Ruby Bridges: a Trailblazing Figure in Civil Rights History

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Essay on Black History Month

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Civil Rights Movement and The Struggles of African Americans During Those Times

The impact of martin luther king on civil rights movements, the contradicting outcome of the civil rights movement in america, the role of martin luther king jr. and malcolm x in civil rights movement, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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How The Civil Rights Movement Helped African Americans Achieve Their Rights

Martin luther king jr: influential figure in the civil rights movement, how martin luther king jr, rosa parks and malcolm x organized the civil rights movement, the role of the media in ushering the civil rights movement, development of racial tendencies in the united states, the civil rights movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s, a deeper look at the civil rights movement in america, generation of the civil rights movement, black lives matter in the civil rights movement, the civil rights movement about african american people, the civil rights movement and african american discriminations, a report on the events that helped martin luther king jr.'s prominence in america to push the civil rights movement, the civil rights movement about national indentify, the influence of jazz musicians on the civil rights movement, rosa parks and the civil rights movement, the contribution of local grass-roots activists to the civil rights movement, rosa parks: the lady of the civil rights, brown vs board of education, the way rosa parks leadership style changed the history, rosa parks: how one bold decision made a world leader.

United States

Racism, segregation, disenfranchisement, Jim Crow laws, socioeconomic inequality

W.E.B. Du Bois, Jesse Jackson, Martin Luther King, Jr., Henry MacNeal Turner, John Oliver Killens

Civil rights movement was a struggle of African Americans and their like-minded allies for social justice in United States that came to national prominence during the mid-1950s. The purpose was to end legalized racial discrimination, disenfranchisement and racial segregation in the United States.

“Jim Crow” laws were established in the South beginning in the late 19th century with a purpose to separate Black people from white people. Black people couldn’t use the same public facilities as white people or go to the same schools. Although, Jim Crow laws weren’t adopted in northern states, Black people still experienced discrimination.

Forms of protest and civil disobedience included boycotts, such as the most successful Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956) that lasted for 381 days in Alabama; mass marches, such as the Children's Crusade in Birmingham in 1963 and Selma to Montgomery marches (1965) in Alabama; "sit-ins" such as the Greensboro sit-ins (1960) in North Carolina and Nashville sit-ins (1960) in Tennessee.

The Great March on Washington was held in Washington, D.C., on August 28, 1963. The purpose was to advocate for the civil and economic rights of African Americans. It was organized and attended by civil rights leaders such as A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin and Martin Luther King, Jr., who delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech.

On July 2, 1964, President Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and later sexual orientation and gender identity. The act "remains one of the most significant legislative achievements in American history".

The civil rights movement had tragic consequences for two of its leaders. On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated at a rally and Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on his hotel room’s balcony on April 4, 1968.

The Civil Rights Act of 1968 was signed into law by United States President Lyndon B. Johnson during the King assassination riots. It prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, and national origin.

The 20th-century civil rights movement produced an enduring transformation of the legal status of African Americans and other victims of discrimination.

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122 Civil Rights Movement Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

The Civil Rights Movement is a pivotal period in American history that brought about significant social and political changes. It is a topic that has captivated scholars, researchers, and students alike, as its impact on society continues to reverberate today. If you are tasked with writing an essay on the Civil Rights Movement and are struggling to find the perfect topic, look no further. In this article, we have compiled 122 essay topic ideas and examples that will help you explore different aspects of this influential movement.

The role of grassroots organizations in the Civil Rights Movement.
Examining the impact of Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on the bus.
The significance of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in the Civil Rights Movement.
Analyzing the leadership styles of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
The nonviolent philosophy of the Civil Rights Movement and its effectiveness.
The influence of the Harlem Renaissance on the Civil Rights Movement.
Investigating the role of women in the Civil Rights Movement.
The impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on American society.
The role of media coverage in shaping public opinion during the Civil Rights Movement.
The impact of the Brown v. Board of Education decision on school desegregation.
The Freedom Rides and their contribution to the Civil Rights Movement.
Comparing and contrasting the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement.
The role of music in inspiring and mobilizing the Civil Rights Movement.
The influence of the Black Panther Party on the Civil Rights Movement.
The Civil Rights Movement's impact on other social justice movements.
The experiences of African American soldiers in World War II and their influence on the Civil Rights Movement.
Examining the role of white allies in the Civil Rights Movement.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the feminist movement.
The role of the Supreme Court in advancing civil rights.
The Civil Rights Movement's impact on voting rights and political participation.
The role of churches and religious leaders in the Civil Rights Movement.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Investigating the role of non-African American activists in the Civil Rights Movement.
The role of education in promoting civil rights and equality.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the criminal justice system.
The Civil Rights Movement's influence on the disability rights movement.
The role of student activists in the Civil Rights Movement.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on immigration policies.
The role of grassroots journalism in documenting the Civil Rights Movement.
The influence of international events on the Civil Rights Movement.
The Civil Rights Movement's impact on affirmative action policies.
Examining the role of the National Urban League in the Civil Rights Movement.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on housing segregation.
The role of boycotts in the Civil Rights Movement.
The Civil Rights Movement's influence on the labor movement.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on Native American rights.
The role of local activists in the Civil Rights Movement.
The influence of the Civil Rights Movement on the fight against poverty.
Examining the role of children and youth in the Civil Rights Movement.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on public transportation policies.
The role of the Black Church in the Civil Rights Movement.
The influence of international figures, such as Nelson Mandela, on the Civil Rights Movement.
Examining the role of African American athletes in the Civil Rights Movement.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the representation of African Americans in the media.
The role of the Civil Rights Movement in challenging stereotypes and promoting cultural pride.
The influence of the Civil Rights Movement on the decolonization movement in Africa.
Examining the role of the Civil Rights Movement in the fight against apartheid in South Africa.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the desegregation of public spaces.
The role of the Civil Rights Movement in challenging discriminatory employment practices.
The influence of the Civil Rights Movement on the development of Black Studies programs in universities.
Examining the role of the Civil Rights Movement in promoting multiculturalism and diversity.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the representation of African American history in textbooks.
The role of community organizing in the success of the Civil Rights Movement.
The influence of the Civil Rights Movement on the development of ethnic studies programs.
Examining the role of women in the leadership of the Civil Rights Movement.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the fight against police brutality.
The role of literature and poetry in capturing the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement.
The influence of the Civil Rights Movement on the development of Black-owned businesses.
Examining the role of the Civil Rights Movement in the fight against environmental racism.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the representation of African Americans in politics.
The role of the Civil Rights Movement in challenging discriminatory housing practices.
The influence of the Civil Rights Movement on the development of multicultural education.
Examining the role of the Civil Rights Movement in promoting interracial relationships.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the development of African American arts and culture.
The role of the Civil Rights Movement in challenging discriminatory healthcare practices.
The influence of the Civil Rights Movement on the development of African American studies programs.
Examining the role of the Civil Rights Movement in promoting restorative justice practices.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the representation of African Americans in the military.
The role of the Civil Rights Movement in challenging discriminatory lending practices.
The influence of the Civil Rights Movement on the development of Black feminist theory.
Examining the role of the Civil Rights Movement in promoting inclusive immigration policies.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the representation of African Americans in Hollywood.
The role of the Civil Rights Movement in challenging discriminatory healthcare access.
The influence of the Civil Rights Movement on the development of African American museums and cultural institutions.
Examining the role of the Civil Rights Movement in promoting LGBTQ+ rights.
The impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the representation of African Americans in sports.

These essay topic ideas provide a wide range of avenues for exploration within the Civil Rights Movement. Whether you are interested in the experiences of specific individuals, the impact on various social issues, or the movement's influence on other movements, you are sure to find a topic that suits your interests. Remember to conduct thorough research, cite reliable sources, and present a well-structured argument in your essay to effectively delve into the complexities of the Civil Rights Movement.

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Home / Essay Samples / History / History of The United States / Civil Rights Movement

Civil Rights Movement Essay Examples

Emmett till: the murder that changed america.

For every citizen to have the same importance, privileges and prospects would mean to have equality. The lack thereof became the determination to obtain for black woman and men in the US, on a platform known as the Civil Rights Movement. Contrary to popular belief...

Martin Luther King Jr.: a Legacy of Civil Rights and Social Justice

Martin Luther King Jr. is an iconic figure in American history, celebrated for his tireless efforts in advancing civil rights and social justice. His life and work continue to inspire and resonate with people around the world. This essay delves into the remarkable journey of...

Civil Rights Movement and Civil Rights Act of 1964

Considering the topic 'Civil Rights Movement and Civil Rights Act of 1964 Essay' we can say that the main aims of the Civil Rights movement in the classic ‘Montgomery to Memphis’ period of 1955-1968 were to establish laws and public institutions in an attempt to...

Causes and Effects of the Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement was a period committed to activism for equal rights and treatment of African-Americans in the United States. During this period, many people revitalized for social, lawful and political changes to deny separation and end isolation. Numerous significant occasions including victimization African-Americans...

Discussion About Was the Civil Rights Movement Successful

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress”. The civil rights movement had many successes along with some failures as well. Successes included ending segregation and the important advance in equal rights legislation. Failures of the movement included a continued deep-rooted racism towards African...

The Success of the Civil Rights Movement: a Struggle for Equality

The Civil Rights Movement in the United States was a watershed moment in history, seeking to dismantle racial segregation, discrimination, and ensure equal rights for all citizens. This essay explores the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement, examining its impact on legal reforms, social attitudes,...

Civil Unjust in United States in 1968

Martin Luther King Jr. quotes, “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.” This generation had civil unjust, no trust in the...

Civil Right Acts after Civil War

In my essay, I will be writing about racism in the united states between the blacks and the white and how the blacks are treated unfairly compared to the whites. So, what exactly is racism about? In layman terms racism is the belief of one...

Gender Ineguality in the America

This assignment will compare the sociological perspectives between functionalism and feminism and contrast them. It shall be analysing their views on families. Although feminism began in 1792, when Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) wrote a book ‘a vindication of the rights of women’ stating that women were...

The African Americans in Custer Died for Your Sins

In Chapter 8 of Custer Died For Your Sins, Deloria sets the foundation of how African Americans and Natives were treated by the white man and effectively highlights the differences between both minority groups. The Civil Rights movement was a “huge” accomplishment for African Americans...

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