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Plessy Vs Ferguson Influence On Civil Rights

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Plessy Vs Ferguson Influence On Civil Rights
"I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character," stated the American hero, Martin Luther King Jr. (“Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotes at BrainyQuote.com”). The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made racial segregation illegal in the United States. Therefore, this act prevents public discrimination and provides equal rights for everyone. The U.S. Supreme Court has immensely influenced the civil rights of America: Dred Scott vs. Sanford, Plessy vs. Ferguson, and Brown vs. Board of Education.

In the hope that he would find freedom, Dred Scott argued that since he lived in a free state for four years, that he was legally free because he and his family lived where slavery was banned. The
…show more content…
Ferguson change the lives of slaves forever, it also impacted the United States of America forever. In this case, the court decided and guaranteed that all races would receive equal yet separate accommodations at public places. These public places include hotels, restaurants and much more. This case changed the way of life for everyone in the United States. No matter the color or the gender of someone, they would start to receive immediate equality. This made it a crime to deny these equal but separate opportunities. Although the white people and black people were still being separated, they were both receiving the same treatment. The case Plessy vs. Ferguson changed racial discrimination forever. Justice Henry Brown of Michigan stated that, "...If the civil and political rights of both races be equal, one cannot be inferior to the other civilly or politically..." (Plessy vs. …show more content…
Board of Education arose. The Supreme Court decided that separate public schools for white and black people was unconstitutional. Specifically, children were not being given equal rights in school, so there was racial segregation and discrimination in the schools. Before this decision was made, the children were harassed because of their race. Citizens would use people’s ignorance, racism, and self-interest to spread racial divisions because they didn't want equality. The Supreme Court's decision changed the country's history. The Supreme Court made the statement, "We conclude that, in the field of public education, the doctrine of 'separate but equal' has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." Now that this case overturned Plessy vs. Ferguson, Brown vs. Board of Education is known to be a "major victory" of the Civil Rights Movement (Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka). Overall, The United States Supreme Court has impacted the civil rights of America in many incredible ways: Dred Scott vs. Sanford, Plessy vs. Ferguson, and Brown vs. Board of Education. Every civil rights case has had an impact on the U.S. These cases and people have one thing in common; they all contributed to the freedom and equality of America forever. "You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it's right," stated Rosa

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