Where Do We Go From Here

After the passing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, the civil rights movement still faced challenges. King notes that extremist groups attacked civil rights activists, several Black leaders were removed from office in their organizations, and the “white backlash” was rising, particularly among white politicians. Violence continued with the murders of Black and white civil rights workers and the “irrational burst of rage” (2) in Watts. King questions the assertions of the time that the movement was in crisis. He explains that by 1965, the movement entered a new, complicated phase. For a decade, Black people struggled to be treated with decency and survive against brutality. However, America was never committed to full equality for African Americans. King stresses that “the absence of brutality and unregenerate evil is not the presence of justice” (4). Continued racism generated resentment among Black people who felt deceived.

King emphasizes that white Americans’ belief in their honest commitment to racial justice is an illusion. While they speak of their desire for change, they are unwilling to dismantle a status quo that benefits them. As true equality is costly, King stresses that new challenges lie in the future. He indicates the necessity for quality education, proper housing, and more jobs—issues more complex than desegregation.