'We just want equal treatment.' 2020 protests mimic Civil Rights protests of 1960's
The protests surrounding the death of George Floyd this year mimic the Civil Rights marches in the 1960's. Black people have seen huge gains in education, political and media representation as well as a reduction in infant mortality rates since 1968, but the wealth gap between White and Black Americans has grown. (Image: Dr. Lopez Matthews)
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — The saying goes: those who don’t learn history are doomed to repeat it. Or history repeats itself choose a variation.
And now, it certainly feels like “here we are again, people have the same grievances, and demanding change.” Just look at D.C. in 1968.
But 52 years later, is the cycle breaking?
ABC7’s Adrianna Hopkins discussed the similarities between now and then and the progress made with Historian and Digital Library Specialist with Moorlan Spinghorn, Dr. Lopez Matthews.
“It seems like we never learn from history,” said Dr. Matthews. “Poverty, racism, frustration, anger, police brutality. It’s like an invisible gas filling a room and all it needs is a spark to set it off. And King’s assassination was the spark that set it off. George Floyd’s murder was the spark that set it off everyone’s anger and frustration that we feel today.”
A broad term for that “invisible gas” would be: inequality. According to a report from the Opportunity and Inclusive Growth Institute, an even larger gap in wealth between Black people and White people exists now than in 1968.
In Minneapolis, where former officer Derik Chauvin faces a murder charge for the death of George Floyd, a report from the NY Times shows police use force against Black people seven times more often than white people.
Since the Kerner Commission’s 1968 report, Black people have seen huge gains in education, political and media representation as well as a reduction in infant mortality rates.
But overall, the footing isn’t equal.
“African Americans have always said and the message has always been consistent the past 400 years, we don’t want special treatment, we just want equal treatment,” he said. “These outbursts and these protests force our leaders to actually respond to us and so that’s why they continue to happen.”
In the weeks after George Floyd’s death and nationwide protests, cities, counties, and states are taking a hard look at police reforms and how to budget their money to support communities. Democrats and Republican lawmakers have introduced police reform legislation.
“During the civil rights movements, there were five different areas that African-Americans attacked racism. Courts, direct action, boycotts, a matter of ways. If you want to ask for change. Hold these people accountable and that is with your vote,” said Dr. Matthews.
Adrianna asked, “would the protesters in 68 be disappointed at where we are now or proud of protesters out there making the same demands, angry at the same issues?”
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“I think they would be proud of where we are now and the protesters. Because we have made progress since 1968. We have a long way to go. And there are still people willing to put themselves on the line to fight for what’s right.”
One other note from Dr. Matthews – the demographics of the protests have changed. In the 60s there were far more black people protesting. Now, a greater mix of people are involved. He says it shows there are more people understanding what’s happening and willing to stand with black people and fight for change.
