The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement and Its Effect on Student Protests of the Cold War

While there were big figures throughout the civil rights movement such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X, it cannot be forgotten the amazing strength that individual people had during this time. The every-day people that sacrificed their jobs, families, friends and even their lives for the civil rights cause are one of, if not the most, important players. However, many could not afford to lose their jobs and, although they supported the cause, the fight for civil rights was left to the younger generation, including young adults and students.

These young adults helped to lead fellow students, both African American and white, into the streets for protest. With helpful words from Martin Luther King Jr. about peaceful protesting, these activists came together in what became known as freedom marches. These marches took place around the nation and it was a strategy that the movement used to calmly gain the view and attention from the rest of the country. The people involved would march for hours on end, holding up painted signs and singing songs. Martin Luther King Jr. said during the Albany Movement that "The freedom songs are playing a strong and vital role in our struggle. They give the people new courage and a sense of unity." Through these demonstrations and singing these songs, people felt connected in a way that they had never experienced before. These songs and marching together brought them power and strength to march with pride for their cause. 

Not only in marching, but students also became involved. During this time, most areas were segregated by “and “colored people” signs. One place for this was at lunch counters in restaurants. These counters were often reserved for “whites only” and African Americans were forced to eat in another part of the restaurant. However, students (usually all black) began to stage sit-ins. During a sit-in, students sit at the counters for hours on end. They are usually not waited on by the employees and, often, large groups of white people would come to harass the students. While it was a very humiliating thing to take part in, it did see progress. However, similar to the white people that would harass the students, others were also not kind.

Marching and even silent protest, like sit-ins, was a way in which the activists within the civil rights movement could get their point across, without disturbing others and going against the law. These people used their freedom of speech and the right to assemble in a time of need, especially when they felt their government going against them. The young adults involved in the civil rights movement have a strength that others could not imagine. Those involved in the sit-ins and marches faced brutality and harassment from outsiders that are shocking, but they did it all for their belief and rights.