Establishment of the Committee on Civil Rights (1946)

Name: Establishment of the Committee on Civil Rights (1946)
Start: 1884-12-05
Location: Unspecified

Introduction to the Committee on Civil Rights

Harry Truman and the Birth of the Committee

In 1946, President Harry Truman took a decisive step in American history by establishing the Committee on Civil Rights through Executive Order #9808. This committee aimed to address pressing issues of racial discrimination and was formed in a post-World War II America where civil rights became a focal point for social justice movements.

The Purpose of the Committee

The primary goal of the Committee on Civil Rights was to investigate and propose solutions to civil rights violations occurring across the United States. The establishment of this committee marked a significant shift, as it highlighted the federal government's commitment to addressing systemic racism and ensuring equal rights for all citizens, particularly African Americans.

Impact of the Committee on Civil Rights

Policy Recommendations

One of the committee's notable contributions was its report titled "To Secure These Rights," which called for various reforms including anti-lynching laws, desegregation of the military, and greater protections for voting rights. These recommendations laid the groundwork for future civil rights legislation in the 1960s.

Legacy of the Committee

The Committee on Civil Rights functions as a cornerstone in the fight for equality in America. Its formation signified a federal acknowledgment of the civil rights struggle, paving the way for landmark legislation that would follow in the subsequent decades, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Fun Fact

Truman's Lasting Influence

President Truman's commitment to civil rights did not stop with the committee; he was also the first president to address the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in person, highlighting his support for racial equality.