Successes:
1. Voting Rights Act of 1965: The passage of the Voting Rights Act was a major victory for the civil rights movement, as it outlawed discriminatory practices that had prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote. The act significantly increased voter turnout among African Americans and gave them a greater voice in the political process.
2. Civil Rights Act of 1964: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was another landmark legislation that outlawed segregation and discrimination in public places and employment. It prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and led to the integration of public facilities, schools, and workplaces.
3. Black Panther Party: The Black Panther Party, formed in 1966, was a significant organization that advocated for the self-defense of African Americans and challenged police brutality. The party also implemented community programs, such as free breakfast for children and healthcare clinics, to uplift and support marginalized communities.
Failures:
1. Fair Housing Act of 1968: Despite the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibited discrimination in housing, segregation and discrimination in housing continued to persist in many areas. Residential segregation remained a significant challenge, limiting opportunities for African Americans and perpetuating racial inequality.
2. Kerner Commission and Urban Unrest: The Kerner Commission, established after the civil unrest and riots that occurred in many American cities in the late 1960s, concluded that racism was a primary factor in the unrest and made several recommendations to address racial inequality. However, many of the commission's recommendations went unimplemented, and the deep-rooted problems of poverty, unemployment, and social injustice continued to affect African American communities.
3. Decline in Activism: As the civil rights movement matured and some initial successes were achieved, the level of activism and mass mobilization declined in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This, combined with the assassination of several prominent leaders, led to a period of reassessment and realignment within the movement.
In summary, the late 1960s and 1970s saw important achievements in terms of civil rights legislation and some progress in addressing discrimination. However, failures in certain areas, such as housing segregation and urban poverty, highlighted the ongoing challenges and complexities of racial inequality in American society.