Running head: A Social Look at the Civil Rights Movement
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A Social Look at the Civil Rights Movement
Justin Mears
Wilmington University
December 10, 2017
A Social Look at the Civil Rights Movement
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Abstract
This paper explores a brief explanation of the civil rights movement itself and who and
what went into the making of the movement happening. The focus of this paper is how the civil
rights movement was an engine of social change and why this radical movement on the social
movement spectrum was started. Five published articles are used for research of the movement
and the social perspective the authors provided. Carl Bankston is used in the introduction as a
guide to the social change that occurred during the civil rights movement. Thomas Jackson
provided information about the history of the Martin Luther King Jr. period and what struggles
were faced at this time in history. The Racial Equity Resource Guide gave insight on
organizations that have been made after the movement. Lastly, through Doug McAdams research
he presents the practices and impacts on America today since the civil rights movement
happened. Included in the paper is the four stages the civil rights movement went through and
the history behind it. The conclusion of the paper goes into detail about more impacts and
practices that adapted from this event in history on a social level.
A Social Look at the Civil Rights Movement
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Civil rights have impacted society immensely overtime, and just recently more than ever
with current issues in the United States relating to the movement of “black lives matter.” In
today’s present society, the term “civil rights” portrays the growth of equality for all people
despite their race, gender, ethnicities, etc. Dating back since the 1600s, this movement focuses
on African American people and former slaves who were denied equal rights until the Civil
Rights Act was passed. According to Bankston, “this social movement transformed how
Americans understood relations among people” (Bankston 5). This “social” change happened
due to leaders protesting and advocating for their rights. African American people wanted a
change for themselves to develop that level of respect in society. For instance, Martin Luther
King lead a boycott with many other activists, and eventually the King gave a memorable speech
