A Trip Down Memory Lane | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Traveling into the Future while Staying in the Present

226
A Trip Down Memory Lane
CIVIL RIGHTS

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights; a life changing experience that acts as a home to empower the visitors by giving them the opportunity to learn about the protection of every human’s rights. This is done through sharing the stories, events, and exploring the lives of those who have had an experience with civil rights. To start the location is based in Atlanta, mainly for the city has played a unique role in the American Civil Rights Movement. There are many perspectives, and concrete events that are shown in the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

When thinking of the civil rights movement many think about the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Although his service is greatly appreciated, that is not the only focal point in Civil Rights history. To begin, let’s dive into the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The result of the Montgomery bus boycott, roughly sixty black ministers held an organizational meeting for what would become the SCLC at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia regulated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and helped to organize protests events across the South and became a prominent voice against the corrupt work of segregation and discrimination. A helpful worker Ella Baker, served as the executive director during the earlier years of the organization. Creating tactics to increase participation in large scale events, political advertisement, ad helped to sustain voter registration events. The SCLC became well known for their strong group of leaders, and the activities it helped to come alive.

There were many tragedy’s that occur during the time of the Civil Rights Movement. Those in which including killings, and violent crime. For example, The Four Little Girls bombing; occurring as an act of white supremacist terrorism. This event occurred on a Sunday at the African-American 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Four members of the Ku Klux Klan planted at least 15 sticks of dynamite beneath the steps near the east side of the church. This event happened only eighteen days after the inspiring March on Washington.

Throughout many Civil Rights events there was a heavy influence of nonviolent protesting. It was not easy, students would often have to practice being nonviolent, where they would sit for 20 minutes while someone they knew would torture them. This was called non-violent training. The trainings would often start by explaining the reasoning and history behind non-violent acts. The bases behind the nonviolent practices were from the historical figure Mohandas Gandhi. Known as the Mahatama or “The Great Soul”. He left his mark through leading his natives to independence from the British rule in the 1940s, using love to be his greatest weapon. Many of Gandhi’s followers were harassed during this time relating to the African Americans during their protesting experiences. Gandhi was assassinated in 1948, however his practices of nonviolence remained a symbol for the human rights and freedom throughout the world to come.

Another significant leader is Nelson Mandela, known for his works in South Africa. Nelson Mandela helped to assemble millions to end the apartheid; South Africa’s racial segregation that worked to repress the country’s black population. During his act of heroism, he was often threatened and arrested, and eventually sentenced to life in prison. During his 27 years in jail he became a symbol for the apartheid in a fearless way. He was then freed, and later elected the first black president of South Africa. Under his leadership, he focused on peacefully disassembling the legacy of white-minority dominating. To do so he started by stopping poverty and inequality and promoting racial reconciliation. Later he won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

The times were changing and throughout the millennial years focused on LGBT rights and disability rights under the civil rights for humans. There were many indifferences towards the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgenders people residing in the United States. There were many testimonies of older LGBT Americans who could recall a time not very long ago, where they would have to hide their identity. They were faced with many obstacles; judgment, isolation, disgust, hate crimes, violence, with very little protection. Following the year 2014, the LGBT community could live comfortably, marry, and form families in some states. The hate crimes have not yet disappeared, while there are laws that have been created to give punishments towards hate crimes because of being prejudice. However, there are no federal laws protecting these citizens from discernment. Although, the supreme court has granted LGBT marriages to receive benefits like sick leave and social security.

Throughout history there are many acts of human rights. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights shed light on various perspectives and problems. Ranging from racial segregation relevance, gay rights, equality in general, among other important factors in the human rights history timeline. Throughout history people brave individuals with visions have pledged their lives to fighting and reaching equality, respect, and freedom. With this came responsibility and gave these leaders a stepping stone in the world. Through their journeys they had to act accordingly, because of being public figures. This included acts of nonviolence, and the way they retaliated to situations out of their control. Most of these leaders that are known in our history, used their power to broadcast protests, and organize events where others could participate on larger scales. While the individuals were noticed, many were alone. They often used the tactic of working in a cohort to make progress.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

194842
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

17637
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459970
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27821
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments