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What lessons can we learn from the American Civil Rights Movement, and how can we apply them today?

Kylee Slessor

The American Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal moment in our history that taught us some of the most valuable lessons that can still be applied today. It was a period marked by the fearless struggle of people fighting for their rights, for justice, and equality. It showed us that every individual, despite their race, religion, or origin, deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and fairness.

The first lesson that we can learn from this movement is that injustice and discrimination exist, and it is everyone’s duty to speak up against it. We should not be silent when we see any form of oppression or racism occurring around us. In today’s world, we still see such instances of injustice that are being protested against. Visions of today's resilient black activists and their conflicting agendas on a more broad spectrum inspire us to become more actively involved in shaping tomorrow's society.

The second lesson from the American Civil Rights Movement is the importance of unity. During the movement, people from all races and backgrounds came together to fight for a cause. They realized that the only way to achieve their goals was by working together. Today, social media platforms play a key role in bringing people together unitedly, to address issues plaguing our world.

The third lesson that is particularly important is the power of non-violent protest. Martin Luther King Jr., an icon of the movement, espoused the definitive power of nonviolence to evoke change. This message is applicable as ever today. Countless voices have relied on online petitions, boycotts and other peaceful means of protest for social reform today. Non-violent action is more than a method of protest - it's a steadfast commitment to creating social change that will seek to expose the institutional discriminatory practices.

The fourth and most important lesson is perseverance. During the Civil Rights Movement, people faced an endless amount of obstacles and setbacks, but they never gave up. They persevered and continued to fight for their rights until they achieved them. This kind of persistence is something that we need to exhibit as well. When we see something that's wrong, we need to keep fighting for change until we achieve our goals.

In conclusion, the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement go beyond simply understanding the history of oppressed Americans – they serve as an important reminder of the past's incredibly turbulent time and remain relevant today. Understanding the struggles, courage, and resilience of those who came before us, we realize the importance of our actions in shaping the society we'd like our children to have. Learning and applying such lessons can make us more vigilant, aware, attentive and active in shaping our world for a better, harmonious tomorrow.