Diversity, we define this term today as one of the most dynamic characteristics of our nation in American history. The United States thrives on diversity. However, diversity has not always been a positive thing in America; in fact, it took many years for our nation to become accustomed to this great diversity of cultures and mixed social groups. One of the main groups most affected by this situation was African American citizens, who were victimized because of their color and race. It wasn't easy being African American, back then they had to fight to get where they are today, from slavery and discrimination, there was very little hope of freedom or even citizenship. This desire for hope began to change in the 1950s, with the civil rights movement, where discrimination was still present, but this was the time when African Americans began to stand up for their rights and honor for become free men like all other citizens of the United States. African Americans began to be recognized after the ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868, which declared all natural-born people in the United States and included slaves previously declared free. However, this did not stop people from challenging the constitutional law, particularly Southerners who continued to retaliate against African Americans and the idea of ​​integration in white schools. Integration into white schools played a major role in the battle for civil rights in the South, when all African Americans gained independence in the United States after a series of tribulations and loss of hope. During this period, the idea of ​​segregation It was a very controversial subject among paper circles that they continued to fight. As more and more African American students were admitted to white Southern schools, segregationists continued to fight back and defend their schools against them. Although the situation proved difficult for some of them, and with little help from the government, African Americans did everything they could to protect their educational rights for the sake of their future. and their success, and in the hope of promoting equality for all. all African Americans in the United States. These students became the symbol of freedom and opened a window of opportunity for all black people, for their ancestors and for future generations. Works Cited “Eyes on the Prize - 02 - Fighting Back, 1957-1962”. YouTube. YouTube and Web. May 16, 2014. “Fighting Back (1957-1962). » American experience. PBS and Web. May 16 2014.