User:Sdwelbornz/Post–civil rights era in African-American history

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In African-American history, the post–civil rights era is defined as the time period in the United States since Congressional passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, major federal legislation that ended legal segregation, gained federal oversight and enforcement of voter registration and electoral practices in states or areas with a history of discriminatory practices, and ended discrimination in the renting and buying of housing.

Politically, African Americans have made substantial strides in the post–civil rights era. Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson ran for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, attracting more African Americans into politics and unprecedented support and leverage for people of colour in politics. In 2008, Barack Obama was elected as the first President of the United States of African descent.

In the same period, African Americans have suffered disproportionate unemployment rates following industrial and corporate restructuring, with a rate of poverty in the 21st century that is equal to that in the 1960s. African Americans have the highest rates of incarceration of any minority group, especially in the southern states of the former Confederacy.

This historical overview delves into the social, political, and economic transformations experienced by African Americans during this pivotal time. The article highlights the persistent struggle for racial equality and justice, examining key events, influential figures, and significant movements that shaped the era. Through comprehensive coverage, readers gain insight into the complexities of this period and its enduring impact on African-American communities.

1965–1970
African-American writers have long utilized literature as a means of protest and expression, challenging dominant narratives and advocating for social change. Works such as "The Postwar African American Novel: Protest and Discontent, 1945-1950" by John D. McCarthy demonstrate how literature served as a powerful vehicle for articulating the struggles and aspirations of African Americans in the postwar era.

Throughout history, African-American activism has been characterized by a diversity of approaches and ideologies. The 1960s witnessed debates between the Black Power movement and Integrationism, reflecting differing perspectives on the strategies and goals of the civil rights struggle.

On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X, an African-American rights activist with national and international prominence, was shot and killed in New York City.

The criminal justice system has emerged as a focal point in discussions of racial inequality, with scholars and activists highlighting systemic racism and the disproportionate impact of mass incarceration on African-American communities. Greg Tate's "Flyboy in Buttermilk: Essays on Contemporary America" offers a critical examination of this issue, arguing that mass incarceration has become a new form of racial control.