Integration and Segregation

Blacks were freed from slavery a century before the Civil Rights Movement, and had theoretically been granted equal rights in all aspects of life for many years - but the theoretical aspect and the real-world aspect were vastly different. By the time John Lewis becomes active in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, many black people are tired of living in fear and are ready to fight for the real-world application of equal rights. One of the main aspects of equality is based on the idea of segregation and integration.

Lewis is thrilled when he learns that the Supreme Court has thrown out the accepted practice of “separate but equal.” Until then, school districts and businesses could provide a separate facility for blacks. School districts are the most common place this is seen during this time. The district effectively segregates the black students...