From Civil Rights to Black Lives Matter: How Student Activism Influenced Civil Rights Movements

Civil Rights Movement has always been a subject which every generation, every age group has shown interest in. It was in the early 1960s when the Civil Rights Movement was at its peak. One could actually witness civil rights student protests in full swing to seek justice. Since then, the world has seen various youth-oriented protests as well as approaches to bring about a change in the society or culture of a place.

The subject has always attracted students’ attention

Young civil rights activists can be found in every country. There are learners deeply involved in researching on this subject, doing an analysis of various examples of different movements that have made an impact and much more! Those of you interested in it can check out a few examples of civil rights movements essays to get a better idea. There is not even one civil rights movement research paper or essay available to read online or in a library. Plenty of free examples, as well as samples of these essays, help individuals in gaining a better perspective as well as use civil rights movement essay for help in school as well as college assignments. One can find a number of topics related to the issue with different approaches along with views on them.

Examples showing students’ major role in the civil rights movements

Youth in the civil rights movements have always been quite active. Given below are a few instances, which show their contribution in bringing about a change:

  • It was in February 1960, when the movement for black civil rights was started by four black scholars of North Carolina. They decided to go and sit at the lunch counter meant for whites-only in protest. So, the numbers elevated from four to hundreds and thousands! Thus, marking the beginning of major activism that was approaching. Students were then seen leading many marches, non-violent protests as well as spreading the word about their injustice.
  • Another similar event was witnessed in Chicago, shortly after, in October 1963. About 250,000 students became a part of the one-day boycott there. That is, more than 50 percent of the pupil population of Chicago was a part of this historical event. Around 20,000 students marched towards the Chicago Board of Education to gain equal rights and demand equitable resources for everyone without any discrimination against the blacks. This march was just the start. After it, several civil rights student protests happened in the region.

What do these movements exactly signify?

These movements, along with the initiatives of the students of high schools as well as colleges, have shown immense youth activism. Students in the civil rights movement have acted as role models for many today. The youth these days would not rest and accept the injustice being done to them.

In fact, all these movements and incidents where youth have raised their voices to seek justice are proof that the students have never been afraid of critics. They are prepared to deal with the consequences that these movements have to bring about. And, they certainly do not wish to be curbed and denied in any of their civil rights.

What encourages students to show activism in these movements?

When the students were asked about it, they shared different answers to this question. There were those who were totally in favor of equal rights and couldn’t stand the injustice being done to them. And, powerful words of their role models had struck them so hard that they wished to do their bit with complete determination.

While there were few, who were inspired to take part in these initiatives because of the involvement of a few elders of their families into these issues, thus, since the beginning itself, they learned to act accordingly.

And, lastly, there were those who got motivated by looking at other youth leaders of their age as well as their contributions to seek justice.

How are educational institutions helping students voice their opinions?

The motto of educational institutions and systems has always been to prepare the students for tomorrow. Their goal is to give them the right education and teach them the intricacies of technological as well as social life.

  •       They support education systems involving civil and ethics as a part of the curriculum

Thus, the institutions around the world have supported and followed the idea of keeping course work that involves topics related to civil rights as well as civil disobedience as parts of the curriculum.

  •       In-depth understanding is essential

Therefore, students are asked to prepare a civil rights movement essay, talk about the role of youth in the civil rights movement and gain an in-depth understanding of the subject. Teachers believe it is essential to teach children to express their views, opinions openly and raise a voice if their privileges are being violated in some manner.

  •       Students are right to take action against injustice

They believe that one can’t just witness the involvement of students in the civil rights movements on a large scale. As one has rightly said, nothing comes easy. Thus, it is alright for the youth to do their bit and bear the consequences associated with it if they really wish to see some change for the good.

Students have truly played a crucial and active part in social and political movements. And, with their efforts, significant changes in society happened. If not completely by themselves, they have definitely been an essential part of the majority of different protests for justice and have given their best to bring equality in society.