Context of Racism in America
Racism has been a pervasive issue in the United States since the country’s inception, and it continues to be a problem today. The history of racism in America is long and complex, with roots that date back to the country’s colonial period. Understanding this history is crucial to dismantling racism in our society and creating a more just and equitable future.
The first Africans were brought to North America as slaves in 1619. For the next two centuries, slavery was a central part of the US economy, with millions of Africans forcibly brought to the country to work on plantations and in other industries. Slavery was officially abolished with the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865, but the legacy of slavery continued to shape American society in profound ways.
After the Civil War, a period known as Reconstruction began, during which the federal government attempted to rebuild the South and ensure civil rights for African Americans. However, Reconstruction was cut short by the Compromise of 1877, which saw federal troops withdrawn from the South and the abandonment of efforts to ensure equal rights for African Americans. This led to the rise of the Jim Crow era, in which segregation and discrimination against African Americans were institutionalized in many parts of the country.
THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s brought about significant progress in the fight against racism. The movement was characterized by nonviolent protests, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., that aimed to challenge discriminatory laws and practices. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were major legislative victories for the movement, but racism continued to persist in many forms.
Today, racism remains a pervasive issue in American society. While progress has been made in some areas, such as the election of the first African American president in 2008, there are still many challenges to be addressed. The Black Lives Matter movement, which emerged in response to police brutality against African Americans, has brought renewed attention to the issue of racism in America and the need for systemic change.
Breaking the chains of racism requires a deep understanding of its historical context and the ways in which it has shaped American society. As members of local churches, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves and take action to address racism in our communities and beyond. Only by working together can we create a society that is truly just and equitable for all.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Breaking the chains of racism requires us to understand the ways in which racism manifests in our lives, our communities, and our institutions. It requires us to challenge our own biases and beliefs and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all. As members of the local church, we have a responsibility to be leaders in this work and to work towards creating a community that is free from the chains of racism.
