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African American Social Customs Essay

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Social customs have played a significant role in shaping the experiences of African Americans throughout history. From the customs of slavery to the customs of segregation and discrimination, African Americans have faced numerous challenges in their quest for equality. Fannie Lou Hamer's testimony before the Democratic National Convention's Credentials Committee in 1964 sheds light on some of these challenges, particularly those related to social customs.

Hamer's testimony focused on the struggle of African Americans in Mississippi to exercise their right to vote. She described how African Americans were routinely denied the right to vote through a variety of customs and practices, including literacy tests, poll taxes, and intimidation. Hamer …show more content…

They organized protests, sit-ins, and voter registration drives, and they used the media to bring attention to their cause. They also challenged the social customs of the Democratic Party, which claimed to support civil rights but was willing to ignore the voices of African American voters in Mississippi.

Over time, these efforts began to bear fruit. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped to dismantle many of the social customs that had been used to deny African Americans their rights. African Americans gained the right to vote and began to play a more active role in shaping the political landscape of the United States.

In conclusion, social customs have played a significant role in shaping the experiences of African Americans throughout history. Fannie Lou Hamer's testimony before the Democratic National Convention's Credentials Committee in 1964 sheds light on some of the challenges faced by African Americans in Mississippi, particularly those related to voting rights and social customs. Hamer's testimony also highlights the importance of challenging these customs and standing up for what is right, even in the face of violence and intimidation. Ultimately, the efforts of Hamer and other civil rights activists helped to dismantle many of the social customs of segregation and discrimination, paving the way for greater equality and justice in the United

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