Civil Rights Movement: A Thing of the Past?

 It doesn't surprise me that the Civil Rights Movement is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Key figures and events, like Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King,The Montgomery Bus Boycott, or Little Rock Nine are being forgotten and leaving students ignorant to American history. This period enabled African-Americans to truly have a voice and impact, in a society that promoted prejudice and inequality. In the New York Times article "Students' Knowledge of Civil Rights History Has Deteriorated, Study Finds" explains how and why the educational systems are failing when it comes to this historic and monumental movement.In the recent report put out by the Southern Poverty Law Center,the educational systems practically ignore the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
 In my years in public education, the lessons of Civil Rights history have been brief, simplistic and truthfully--unacceptable.    One would think growing up in a diverse town, there would be more attention but sadly this wasn't the case. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks seemed to be the only figures and the events were very watered down. I just don't get it.  If it wasn't for my mother being an educator and product of the 50's, I would be borderline ignorant to my own history. Where, I think parents are key figures in the education their child receives, its necessary for students to learn from great teachers. In my opinion, no matter the racial make-up of a school district, civil rights history  needs to be taught in its entirety. This will create a less ignorant generation.
 I don't think it's necessary to be constantly reminded of the horrible treatment of African-Americans, but I do believe the Civil Rights Movement is the most relevant period in African-American History. If it wasn't for this period, African-Americans wouldnt be as socially liberated as they are today. I will close out hoping that the Civil Rights Movement and history is paid closer attention too. The link to the article is below.
  Students Knowledge of Civil Rights Movement