55 Years after the Civil Rights Act, have we made progress?

By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor

We have elected our first Black president in U.S. history, we have bought homes after getting better jobs. Our children are no longer limited to “separate but equal” schools. We have gained the right to sit at any lunch counter we want, spend our money, all too often in stores owned by everyone but us.

“55 years ago, our nation took an enormous step forward on the path to true equality with the signing of the Civil Rights Act. The law expanded voting rights protections and access to public facilities, and it outlawed segregation in public places and banned racial discrimination by employers. It was a hard-won victory for generations of justice warriors, activists, and civil rights organizers who believed in the promise enshrined in our Constitution that we are all created equal. We are forever indebted to all those who persevered through unthinkable violence and endured unspeakable cruelty to forge a brighter future for all,” DNC Chair Tom Perez said.

But 55 years after the signing of the Civil Rights Act by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964, can we truly say we have made progress?

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., smiled as he looked on what was undoubtedly a momentous occasion in American history on the eve of the country’s birthday. However, would Dr. King point to the progress we have made in more than half of a century, or would his heartbreak at squandered opportunities?

What would Dr. King think of Dallas?

When he looks at Dallas, which was not always hospitable to Dr. King personally, and sees a city with 41 murders in May. Several of the victims, and reportedly some of the shooters, being black. When a working woman, who liked many women who walked to work in Alabama instead of riding a bus, was shot while working at her long-time job at a local car wash. Even this weekend, two black teenage boys were killed, reportedly at the hand of another black male teen. This on the heels of a DeSoto teen shot days after graduation while sitting in a car in Downtown Dallas.

Would he cite religious reasons as an excuse to be dismissive of some of the victims simply because of their alternative lifestyles? Or would Dr. King see a child of God when seeing the brutality Muhlaysia Booker suffered and lead the call for justice?

The Civil Rights Act paved a path for homeownership, yet in Dallas, it is becoming increasingly difficult to rent an apartment. The rising rentals, the stagnant wages are leading to a sharp rise in homelessness even among working families.

Many turn away with annoyance at those gathered on street corners, meanwhile, institutions throughout Dallas are struggling to deal with the fallout. Teachers, nonprofits and others, for example, scramble to help children who should up at Dallas ISD schools from shelters or insecure home environments.

Unfortunately, like other school districts in North Texas, Dallas ISD now offers free breakfast and lunch to the children. This is an effort just to ensure our youngest residents have decent meals five days a week. Nonprofits scramble to provide at least snacks and nonperishable to help them survive the weekend, and programs are put in place to feed them throughout the summer.

Yet we live in the wealthiest first-world country.

Is Dallas truly moving forward?

A man who led a movement such as he did with faith, certainly was one who had hope in the center of his heart. Therefore, I am sure as Dr. King looked at Dallas today, he would feel hopeful about our future. To witness the second black man elected as mayor, joined on the city council by three other black men and women and for the first time in the city’s history, five Hispanic members.

To see daily operations of the ninth largest city in America managed by a black man. To see a police force and sheriff’s department run by two black women and the list goes on.

NDG’s Senior Columnist Ed Gray offered a warning last month in his look at The New Face of Dallas.

“In 2019, African-Americans in Dallas cannot blame anyone from lack of access to power. With this access to power, what will the result be? Black Dallas residents should take advantage of this moment, because it may not ever happen again.”

Where do we go from here?

“Democrats understand that civil rights continues to be the great unfinished business of America. In too many states, conservative lawmakers still work to erect barriers to the ballot, especially in communities of color. And for too many families, structural racism has kept the vaults of opportunity sealed. But as long as the struggle for economic and racial justice continues, we will never stop fighting to expand opportunity for all, regardless of race, class, or creed,” Perez said.

As we celebrate this hallmark achievement for civil rights, we are sitting in a country where the federal government has caged children in reportedly unsanitary and unsafe conditions. America, have we made progress?

Last week, the Supreme Court, ruled in favor of partisan gerrymandering, and make no mistake, both parties have guilty hands in creating favorable districts. Is this real justice at the ballot box?

Next year Americans will have an opportunity to replace the current White House occupant. Throughout two nights, voters listened to 20 job applicants. Apparently, they are quite interested in hearing what these candidates are offering as a vision for the future. Ratings were through the roof reportedly.

We can feel hopeful when we look at a roster which included several black candidates and influential female voices, and an openly gay man.

Texan Julián Castro was practically an afterthought, but he now joins Senator Kamala Harris and Senator Elizabeth Warren as emerging leaders following the two nights of debates. Almost two months ago, Castro struggled to get even a small crowd to show up in Dallas for an appearance. Last night in Fort Worth, a more impressive crowd gathered.

Recent reports show nationally, most Americans would face a financial crisis if faced with an unexpected bill of just $400. The struggle is indeed real. Meanwhile, often a GOP controlled state and federal government, allows predators such as payday loans to rob desperate people blind.

We celebrate the progress made as a result of the bill signed by LBJ 55 years ago today, but America cannot consider the victory won once and for all. The fight goes on.