A Young People's History of the United States

Here, Zinn discusses the period commonly known as the Civil Rights Era, although Black Americans pursued civil rights long before and long after this period of heightened visibility and social influence in American history. Zinn examines various examples of Black activism and the US government’s lackluster response to demands for racial equality.

Throughout the chapter is a theme of steady Black resistance and white fear of Black uprising. This pattern hearkens back to earlier eras in which white people feared the possibility of organization and armed revolt. This trend reveals something important: The Establishment is fully aware that it oppresses Black people and other marginalized demographics.

Black people and their allies fought for equality through many avenues during the Civil Rights Era. Political channels required voting registration and protection. These initiatives were carried out by groups such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and forced into law by Black delegates. (The Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed discriminatory election practices, was the most meaningful civil rights law won through activism.) Earlier in the century, some Black people supported the Communist Party, which organized to promote equality. However, politics were not enough.

Black activists and their allies carried out protests and demonstrations—and formed organizations to coordinate these activities.