University of California v. Bakke

The case of University of California v. Bakke was a Supreme Court case over the dispute of Allan Bakke believing that he was denied admission to the University of California due to the color of his skin. Bakke was a white man and had better testing scores and grades than some of the African American students that were admitted.

The first argument that came up in the case was the issue of Bakke's age. Bakke was 35 years old when he applied to the university. The side of the university argued that if there was any discrimination that took place in the administration process, then it would've been one based on age. The side of Bakke would argue that age shouldn't be considered because he was only older than the other applicants because he served in the military before hand.

One of the other arguments that the University brought up was the fact that this wasn't a case exclusive to the University of California. Multiple other schools had also denied Allan Bakke of admission. This showed that it most likely was not a result of race that Bakke wasn't getting admitted to theses universities.

Lastly, The University argued that it was due to the other applicants being more well rounded and that although Bakke may have had higher test scores, the other applicants had better applications because they volunteered, played sports, participated in extra curricular activities, etc. This meant that Bakke wasn't denied because of his skin color, he was denied because he was too much of a one dimensional student. 

The decision made by the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional for a University to have racial quotas for admission to their school. However, a school using affirmative action to accept minorities was constitutional.

Bloody Sunday

 On the morning of March 7th, 1965, The marches from Selma to Montgomery Alabama. This was a peaceful protest to attempt to gain attention for voter rights for African Americans. However, on the day of March 7th when the marchers crossed the county line they were met with an onslaught of officers and state troopers. These members of law enforcement attacked the marchers with clubs, tear gas and even unleashed dogs on the unarmed protesters.

The unarmed marchers never fought back. Many were beaten within inches of their lives and they never fought back. They eventually just turned around and walked back to Selma. The protesters had shown who they were and the state troopers had shown who they truly were. 

Luckily, for the marchers, the entire assault was captured on video. Within days, the footage was given to news stations and broadcasted for the entire country to see. American citizens were appalled at what they were seeing and felt sympathy for the unarmed protesters. The marchers had gained the support of the country and would see the benefits of that soon.

The uproar of support for the marchers from people around the entire country lit a fire under the Alabama government and U.S congress. Not long after, on August 6th, 1965, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act. This act prohibited racial discrimination in voting. The marchers had won in the end.

https://snccdigital.org/events/bloody-sunday/ 

https://www.history.com/news/selma-bloody-sunday-attack-civil-rights-movement 

Influential Events in African American History

 There have been many important moments throughout the mid 1900s that influenced African American culture and have become a key part of American history.

First, The Congress of Racial Equality. This was founded in 1942, this group aimed at desegregating public schools. Their goal would eventually be completed as a result of Brown v. The Board of Education. A group similar to this one came about in the NAACP. The NAACP was the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Their goal was to eliminate race based discrimination. For the most part their goal was completed. 

The Jazz age was also very influential in the shaping of a culture for black people. Jazz music originated in African American communities in New Orleans, Louisiana. This became a staple of the 1920s and brought blacks and whites together. Notable early black celebrities arose during this time in Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Lastly, The Harlem Renaissance was arguably the most influential movement for African American culture. The Harlem Renaissance began with the great migration which was the movement of black people in America from southern rural areas to northern urban areas. This led to a large population of blacks in cities and allowed them to form their own small communities. Within these communities, specifically in New York, there was an uproar of new literature and music styles made by African Americans. This was where many people site as the origin of African American culture.

Law Behind Brown V. Board

 Brown vs the Board of Education was a major Supreme Court case that took place in 1954. The Brown family was arguing for the desegregation of schools because it implied that blacks were inherently inferior to whites. The Board of Education was arguing on the basis of separate but equal. 

There is no good reason for children to be separated strictly because of the color of their skin in our country today. It should not acceptable for the idea that there is an “inferior” or “superior” race, to be a common thought in United States’ citizens' minds. 

In the case of Plessy V. Ferguson in 1896, There was a monumental decision made that resulted in the segregation of public facilities and a doctrine known as “Separate but Equal”. With that doctrine being said. Can two separate facilities really be equal? And why do they have to be kept separate? How could the relationship between blacks and whites ever improve unless we are forced to interact and get to know each other? As we've seen the rift between blacks and whites has shrunk dramatically since 1954.

The other problem that arose with the decision of Plessy V. Ferguson, is that if the races are to be separated, then there is always going to be a race that is treated as the inferior. Sadly in this case the African American race has been treated as the inferior race for over a century. This can only be stopped with the integration of the two races and blur the lines so that instead of being seen as black or white, they are seen as Americans. 

The decision of this case destroyed the idea of separate but equal and resulted in the desegregation of public schools in the United States. This was a major event in the civil rights movement and pushed our country closer towards the one we know today.

https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/brown-v-board-of-education-of-topeka 

https://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/history-brown-v-board-education-re-enactment