The 1960s, A Decade That Changed A Nation

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The 1960s of America was a period of reform and revolution. The idealism of youth would be set precedent and become catalyst to how the decade unfolds; signifying a extraneous change in political culture, civil order, and the general direction of the nation. The 1960s began with the election of John Fitzgerald Kennedy—a symbol of hope and spirit in the nation. Unfortunately, with his assassination in 1963, it also symbolized the death of hope in some of Americans—minority groups especially. (American History: The 1960s, a Decade That Changed a Nation). That being, it left vice president Lyndon Johnson to take on the reins as president and direct the nation—during which was undergoing its own revolutionary metamorphosis instigated by the built …show more content…

Although Hayakawa would virtually enforce a more strict and authorial rule, it did not budge in the protest; if anything, it made them more unified and stronger. According to Orrick’s and Whitson’s article, in the need to preserve order, “Police would be brought onto the campus if necessary to deal with disorder”, it signifying a lockdown on security, but regardless, “The members of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) local especially felt that the students had taken risks and made stands for what they believed, and that they, the teachers, also had to take action… members set up an informational picket line around campus… On January, 1969, they began their official strike”, The protest would display solidarity amongst student and staff, and even prove to be powerful enough to receive attention from the federal government. This became the first ever student led strike to ever impose on American history; over the course of the next few months, protest would affect school’s student and facility attendance. Fortunately, after weeks of protesting, the AFT would receive restitution to their demands as well, eventually leading to the school board to acknowledge the demands of the students as a means of compromise, “… On March 20, 1969, a joint agreement was signed between ‘representatives of the Third World Liberation Front, the Black Students Union… …show more content…

A resolution of TWLF’s and BSU demands would be met and through it all, would usher in a new generation of bright thinkers, an increase of colored faculty, and allow students of color to have an opportunity to learn about their roots and heritage as well. In this same effort, it brought about advocating for stronger community relationships and unity amongst people of color, “The post-TWLF era witnessed large numbers of students becoming involved in community-based organizing efforts. Student support for the International Hotel anti-eviction movement, the Alcatraz Occupation by Native Indians, Black Panther Party defense activities, and the United Farmworkers strike were all outgrowths of this legacy” (Third World Student Strikes). The fight for ethnic studies would display the power of unity and adhere to the on-going struggles of other groups, allowing those to show solidarity through their support. The lessons and values taught through the struggles of obtaining the ethnic studies curriculum gave those an experience of how to difficult it is to fight for what is right; a feeling of accomplishment and an experience

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