Civil Rights Reflection

Over the course of this semester I have learned about many important events in American History. Eyes on the Prize, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Voting Rights Act are the three key topics that have allowed me to derive a lesson that will guide me as a citizen in our democratic society. I developed an appreciation for all of the opportunities I have as a result of determined people standing up for what they believe in and I will always stand up for what I believe in, even in challenging times.
In the film Eyes on the Prize, I gained insight into the daily struggles African-Americans in the South faced as a result of inequality. The way in which Emmett Till’s mother reacted to her fourteen year old son’s brutal death in 1955 was admirable. I think it was very courageous of her to have an open casket funeral, so that people would stop trying to avoid the ugly truth of racism, and try to confront it. His death shed light on how bad segregation and racism was in the South. By allowing her son’s mutilated body to be displayed demonstrated how Emmett Till’s mother was standing up to racism. Even though the fight against racism continues on today, I think the decision Emmett Till’s mother made has resulted in progress being made in equality for all.
During the Civil

If it were not for people such as Emmett Till’s mother, Rosa Parks, or those who walked across the Elmus Pettus Bridge, inequality would be even more prevalent in the United States. I have learned from their actions to stand up for what is just, even if it means putting myself in challenging circumstances. As I become more involved in our democratic society I will always remember to stand up for what is right in order to make the United States a more tolerant, fair, and equal