The civil rights movement was important because it was a major struggle for African Americans to gain equal rights and opportunities that were denied to them for centuries. The movement challenged the legalized segregation, discrimination and racism that was pervasive in American society, and it resulted in the passing of important civil rights laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These laws ensured that all people, regardless of race or color, were granted equal rights to education, employment, housing, and voting. The civil rights movement also raised awareness about the effects of racism and discrimination not only for African Americans but for other minorities and marginalized groups as well. Through speeches, marches, and boycotts, it brought about a greater understanding and empathy for those who had been oppressed for so long. The movement was a significant moment in American history that paved the way for greater equality and social justice.
