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Can Brown's anniversary reawaken the spirit of common cause that fueled the Civil Rights Movement?
On May 17, 1954, the world changed. The unanimous declaration by the U.S. Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education that "separate" is "inherently unequal" became the legal cornerstone of efforts to dismantle racial segregation, not only in public schools, but in public accommodations, the workplace, housing and the voting booth.
Brown's reverberations were not limited to the law. The decision empowered those who had been second-class citizens and set the stage for an unparalleled decade of sweeping social, political and economic change.
From 1954 to 1964 the journey toward racial justice was relentless. Each year of that decade produced milestone events in the journey.
This "Milestone Decade," culminating with the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, was fueled by a spirit of common cause and common sacrifice among diverse groups and individuals in communities across the country.
Blacks and Whites, especially young people, marched together — and died together — for the cause of justice. Their sacrifices inspired others — groups like the farm workers led by Cesar Chavez — to launch additional quests for freedom.
Unfortunately, the journey toward justice has not reached its ultimate destination.
Today, we confront persistent racial and ethnic disparities in education and economic opportunity as well as deep racial and ethnic divisions. In too many places, our schools are still largely separate and unequal.
The 50th anniversary of Brown presents a unique opportunity to launch "A New Milestone Decade," reawakening the spirit of common cause and common sacrifice.
Imagine the public attention we could spark if we took advantage of the many 50th anniversary milestones that will occur from 2004 to 2014 to re-energize the journey toward justice for all.
Imagine the new allies we could enlist in a determined effort to create a society of truly equal opportunity in an era of changing demographics, technological revolution and globalization.
Imagine the power we could generate if we put aside turf wars and political partisanship and invited all fair-minded Americans to join a journey toward justice during "A New Milestone Decade."
In communities across the country, dedicated organizations and individuals, often in isolation, work to build a more inclusive and just society.
Creating "A New Milestone Decade" can unite us all in common cause, widening our circle of allies and building relentless momentum for completing the journey begun a half century ago.
