Civil Rights Movement
Coverage of Civil Rights Movement in the Nexus archive.
- The Horrifying Lessons of 250 Years of American History
The article critiques President Trump's Fourth of July rally and his portrayal of American history, contrasting it with a critical examination of the nation's legacy of settler colonialism and chattel slavery. It highlights the ongoing struggles of ordinary Americans to achieve liberties and equality while confronting systemic oppression.
- Black educators fighting for equal pay in1930s New Orleans spark birth of influential teachers’ union
Black educators in 1930s New Orleans organized for equal pay after salaries were restored only for white teachers during the Great Depression. Their efforts led to the creation of AFT Local 527, which achieved salary equalization in 1943 and aligned with the Civil Rights Movement. Later, the United Teachers of New Orleans union formed in 1972, but union protections declined after Hurricane Katrina.
- Long before the civil rights era, a WWII soldier was killed in Alexandria over a bus seat
In 1944, Army Pvt. Edward Green was shot and killed by bus driver Odell Lachney in Alexandria after sitting in the whites-only section of a bus. Lachney faced no charges, and the case, part of a broader pattern of violence against Black WWII servicemen, is now under renewed federal review.
- Read Barack Obama's speech at the Obama Presidential Center
Barack Obama delivered a speech at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, thanking individuals and groups for their support, reflecting on his arrival in Chicago in 1985, and discussing his experiences organizing communities on the South Side. He emphasized themes of unity, leadership, and giving people a voice to build a fairer America.
- DC voters face a new political era without Eleanor Holmes Norton, after her 18 terms in Congress
Washington, D.C. voters face a political transition as Eleanor Holmes Norton, who served 18 terms as the city's nonvoting representative, does not seek reelection. Robert White Jr. won the Democratic primary to replace Norton and is expected to win the general election against Republican Denise Rosado. Norton's departure follows concerns about her ability to advocate for D.C. amid Republican-led governance and a shift toward generational change in politics.
- DC voters face a new political era without Eleanor Holmes Norton, after her 18 terms in Congress
Washington, D.C. voters are entering a new political era without Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, who served 18 terms as the District's nonvoting representative. Council member Robert White Jr. won the Democratic primary to replace Norton and is expected to face Republican Denise Rosado in the general election. Norton, known for advocating education and financial stability in D.C., stepped down amid concerns about her age and effectiveness against a Republican-led Congress.
- Batya Ungar-Sargon explains why so many American Jews became Dems — and why some now feel politically homeless
Batya Ungar-Sargon discusses in her book 'The Jews and the Left' how American Jews historically aligned with the Democratic Party due to labor rights advocacy and civil rights movements, but some now question the party's current stance on issues like antisemitism. She highlights the role of Jewish immigrants in the garment industry and their transition from workers to employers, shaping political allegiances over time.
- Clarence B Jones, who helped MLK write ‘I have a dream’ speech, dies at 95
Clarence B. Jones, a former attorney and speechwriter for Martin Luther King Jr. who co-authored the iconic 'I have a dream' speech, has died at 95 in Cupertino, California. He was a key figure in the U.S. civil rights movement and a close confidante of King.
- Clarence B. Jones, Who Helped Shape ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech, Dies at 95
Clarence B. Jones, who played a key role in shaping Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech and was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, has died at 95. He was known for organizing protests, fundraising, and coordinating legal strategies during the 1960s.
- Brown v. Board at 72: Will America move forward or backward?
The article marks the 72nd anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education and emphasizes that the fight for equal justice continues as historical civil rights gains face renewed threats. It calls for organizing, mobilization, and voting to protect the legacy of civil rights activists and preserve voting rights.
- Bob Woodson taught me America’s wounds heal only through truth and courage
An obituary and tribute to Bob Woodson, a civil rights activist and founder of the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise (later renamed the Woodson Center), who died at age 89. The article examines his journey from poverty in Philadelphia through the civil rights movement and his later work combating what he viewed as harmful dependency-creating welfare policies.
- The civil-rights activists planned to change the world, not just the country
Civil rights activists, including Martin Luther King and grassroots organisers, aimed to bring about global change through their struggle. They framed their movement in global terms, seeking to impact the world beyond their country. This approach reflected their broad vision for equality and justice.
- Supreme Court strips Voting Rights Act in Louisiana gerrymandering ruling
The Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act in a Louisiana gerrymandering case, raising concerns about whether race-neutral policies could lead to unequal voting outcomes. The VRA, established during the Civil Rights Movement, aimed to protect Black Americans' voting access.
- Supreme Court calls Louisiana's House map an 'unconstitutional racial gerrymander'
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Louisiana's congressional map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, weakening the Voting Rights Act's ability to protect minority voting power during redistricting. The decision preserves Section 2 of the law but undermines its effectiveness in preventing discriminatory map-drawing.
- The Civil Rights Movement showed us what unchecked surveillance looks like
The article highlights the historical government surveillance of the Civil Rights Movement and emphasizes its ongoing relevance in modern discussions about privacy and civil liberties.
- Southern Poverty Law Center says it faces a Justice Department criminal probe over paid informants
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) confirms it is under a criminal investigation by the Justice Department over its past use of paid informants to monitor extremist groups. The organization claims its actions were necessary to prevent violence and save lives, while critics argue it has unfairly labeled right-wing groups as extremists.
- Nancy Sinatra slams Trump's use of father's song 'My Way' as 'sacrilege'
Nancy Sinatra criticized President Donald Trump for using her father Frank Sinatra's song 'My Way' in a video threatening Iran, calling it 'sacrilege.' Trump previously used the song during his 2017 inauguration, prompting mixed reactions from Sinatra, who later denied being upset and called it a 'harmless joke.'