The Civil Rights Movement holds a significant place in history, reshaping the US in profound ways. However, over time, misconceptions about it have emerged. These myths don’t just obscure history but also affect our present fight against racial injustice.
In this exploration, we address five common myths about the Civil Rights Movement. By untangling fact from fiction, we not only clarify history but also equip ourselves to better combat ongoing inequalities.
Not All Freedom Riders Were Black
The Freedom Riders encompassed both Black and White individuals. It’s important to understand that both racial groups contributed to the campaign for equality and civil rights.
Sometimes, the portrayal of the civil rights movement concentrates primarily on the experiences of Black people.
The Freedom Riders, a collective of activists, exemplify this collaboration. In 1961, they embarked on a joint journey through the Southern region to engage in nonviolent protests.
This group initially consisted of 13 participants: seven were Black, including the late Georgia congressman John Lewis, and six were White.
Despite aiming for non-violence during their sit-ins at transportation facilities, lunch counters, and segregated bathrooms, the Freedom Riders encountered violent opposition.
The clashes often turned brutal, although it’s crucial to note that the Freedom Riders themselves did not incite these violent incidents.
Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. were enemies
Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X are frequently discussed as contrasting figures. King has become linked with a nonviolent approach, while Malcolm X is often portrayed as advocating for violence.
Despite differences in their methods, they shared significant similarities. Both had fathers who were ministers, both were viewed as radical in their own manners, and both met tragic ends due to their capacity to rally people.
However, King’s image has been somewhat sanitized for political reasons, as noted by Jeanne Theoharis, a professor of political science and the author of “A More Beautiful and Terrible History: The Uses and Misuses of Civil Rights History.”
In an interview with The Intercept, Theoharis explains, “The portrayal of the civil rights movement often presents these exceptional individuals who illuminated the way — and the problem was solved. This can make contemporary efforts seem less justifiable or effective, as the current issues in the spotlight remain unresolved.
Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks are household names, but our understanding of them significantly diverges from their true selves and actions.”
Cooper shares a similar perspective. “A prevalent misconception is that Malcolm X was the more radical of the two and Martin Luther King was the pacifist.
This is a distorted and artificial depiction,” he informs Reader’s Digest. “It’s another instance of your oppressors shaping your history.
Neither of them truly advocated violence, and they were not adversaries; records indicate that they actually had only a brief encounter.”
Segregation Was In The North Too
Although the Brown V. Board of Education ruling outlawed the segregation of public facilities, the South openly opposed this decision.
While it seemed like the North and major economic centers across the nation endorsed integration, the truth is that the North employed a more sophisticated approach to concealing oppressive practices against Black Americans.
In urban areas such as New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco, there was a prevalent practice of housing segregation.
During the 1960s, redlining and blockbusting were effectively utilized to hinder Black individuals from purchasing property.
A recent film titled “The Banker,” based on a true story, provides an intricate portrayal of this situation.
It follows the story of two affluent Black entrepreneurs, Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris, who leveraged their wealth and influence during the 1950s to counteract the impacts of redlining and blockbusting for Black individuals aiming to buy property in predominantly White neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, even in today’s America, housing segregation persists, which subsequently influences school zoning.
Martin Luther King Jr. Was Not Loved Always
Martin Luther King Jr. is often spoken of today with reverence and deference, but historical realities show that his popularity during his lifetime was far from unanimous.
While he championed the cause of equality, he faced fervent opposition from certain segments of society who vehemently disagreed with his perspectives.
Paradoxically, even some of his supporters occasionally criticized him for challenging prevailing norms.
For instance, his public stance against the Vietnam War drew considerable attention. In his address titled “Beyond Vietnam,” he openly voiced his dissent, stating,
“A nation that consistently allocates more funds to military defense than to programs aimed at societal improvement is on the brink of moral decay.”
During this period, numerous individuals who had previously endorsed King, regardless of their racial background, distanced themselves from him.
Notably, President Lyndon B. Johnson ceased his interactions with King. Allegedly, President Johnson expressed frustration, reportedly exclaiming, “What is that preacher of color doing to me? We granted him the Civil Rights Act of 1964, we granted him the Voting Rights Act of 1965, we initiated the War on Poverty. What more does he seek?”
Indeed, a documentary produced by PBS host Tavis Smiley revealed that following King’s stance on Vietnam, 168 publications denounced him.
While many portray King as the savior of the civil rights movement, it is crucial to recognize that his journey was fraught with considerable rejection and anguish.
