Societal Change Motivated by the Brown vs. Board of Education Ruling essays

Societal Change Motivated by the Brown vs. Board of Education Ruling essays The Brown vs. Board of Education sparked change across the United States in many ways. While the ruling was specifically intended to end segregation, it was also responsible for inspiring African Americans to fight for the freedom they deserved. The ruling was the beginning of a new society that could finally be recognized. While fighting for freedom and equal treatment proved to be a painful and difficult process, no one would When the decision was handed down, schools in 21 states were still segregated. The court ruling forced them to decide how they would adhere to a new system. While they were allowed a certain amount of time to comply, they were also told by the court to act with "deliberate speed" (Davidson 1144). The area that experienced the most difficulty with desegregation was the Deep South. In fact, in 1956, just one year after Brown vs. Board of Education, a "Southern Manifesto" (1144) emerged, declaring to use "all lawful means" (1144) to restore segregation. While Brown v Board of Education changed the law, it was apparent that it would take more than law to change the behavior of a society. While it would prove to be a challenging task, the African American community was poised for change. In Alabama, Rosa Parks was one of the first individuals to act on the new ruling. Her refusal to give up her seat on a public bus and subsequent fine stirred what many tense emotions about segregation. Many African Americans participated in a boycott of Montgomery buses, which was significant because African Americans constituted most of Montgomery bus customer base. The white community responded to this challenge with "legal and physical intimidation" (1145). For instance, Martin Luther King's home was bombed because he was leading the boycott. In addition, more than 80 African American leader were arrested for organizing a boycott that was deemed illegal. ...