BraveSpeaking: Civil Rights

Noun highest or greatest point of something

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was the apex of the American Civil Rights movement with 200,000 to 500,000 people gathered from all over the country on August 28, 1963.

civil rights

Noun the claim that every person should have regardless of his or her sex, race, or religion

civil rights
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was the apex of the American Civil Rights movement with 200,000 to 500,000 people gathered from all over the country on August 28, 1963.

controversy

Noun dispute, especially a public one, between sides holding opposing views

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

elevated

Adjective of a high intellectual or moral standard or level

elevated
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was filled with speeches and song focusing on racial equality, including Martin Luther King's elevated "I Have A Dream" speech.

equality

Noun quality or state of having the same rights, social status, etc.

equality
Nelson Mandela is being remembered across the globe following his death at age 95. He became an icon for racial equality during a decades-long struggle against South Africa's apartheid system.

human rights

Noun basic entitlements and freedoms that many believe all people should have

The jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo has been awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize. The committee praised Mr Liu for his long and non-violent struggle for human rights in China.

integrate

Verb give equal opportunity and consideration to a group

The Beatles took a stand for civil rights when they refused to perform at a segregated concert in Jacksonville, Florida. Officials relented and allowed the venue to be integrated.

narrow-minded

Adjective not willing to accept opinions or behaviors that are unusual or different from your own

Vina, founder of Gaga’s Twitter for Indonesia, said fans were not bothered with Islam Defenders Front (FPI) threats because they knew Lady Gaga would never cancel her show due to threats “from seriously narrow-minded people".

prejudice

Noun unfair judgment or opinion

It's pretty simple to get out of jury duty. If you say you're biased, whether you really have a strong prejudice or are just trying to escape your civic duty, the attorneys won't want you on the case.

segregation

Noun social system that provides separate facilities for minority groups

Martin Luther King's summer spent working on a tobacco farm in Connecticut helped influence him to become a minister and to heighten his resentment of segregation.