A Brief History
On June 11, 1963, George Wallace, the governor of Alabama stood in the doorway to the University of Alabama in a vain attempt to block four newly admitted African-American students from entering the school. Wallace had ascended to the governorship on promises of fighting Civil Rights for African-Americans, most especially against Federal efforts to end racial segregation.
Digging Deeper
Today, with throngs of Alabama football fans heartily cheering Black athletes and with a mixed race man in the White House, it is hard to remember such a day when a state governor could physically try to block African-Americans from going to a state run college. If you were not alive then, you must understand things were quite different from today!
Wallace was sworn in as governor of Alabama on the exact spot that Jefferson Davis had been sworn in as President of the Confederate States of America. In Wallace’s inaugural speech he promised, “Segregation today, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever!” After 4 years in office fighting fiercely against Civil Rights for African-Americans, Wallace’s wife succeeded him as governor! And then Wallace became governor again in 1971 (for 8 more years) and was again elected to the governorship in 1983. It seems being a blatant racist was no reason to disqualify him from being governor in the 1960’s through the 1980’s. If you are too young to remember this, just think about it!
Wallace had hardened his racial/political views when he lost the 1958 primary for governor to a man that spouted a harder racial policy than Wallace. Wallace explained that he had been “outniggered” by his opponent and vowed “I will never be outniggered again!”
Since Wallace died in 1998 we have seen a dramatic increase in African-American participation in American politics, business, and sports management. It is reasonable to assume George Wallace would be shocked to find Barrack Obama was elected as the nation’s President twice. High cabinet officials (such as Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Surgeon General) have been held by African-Americans, our military has had Black leaders, and starting in the 1990’s we have had the first Black governors since Reconstruction.
These changes started before Wallace died, but have certainly come a long way since. Major cities routinely elect African-American mayors and many have African-American police chiefs. Still, today we are experiencing a return to the days where attempts are being made to disenfranchise African-American voters by various schemes meant to reduce Black voter turnout. These are not insignificant efforts, as falsely turning away Black voters in Florida may have cost Al Gore the 2000 Presidential election.
The United States is becoming brown, with the percentage of non-white or non-Caucasian residents rising rapidly. The Brookings Institute and others estimate the US will become a “majority minority” country in less than 30 years, with Caucasians no longer holding the majority. It Is only a matter of time for Alabama to elect their first African-American governor, as the words “Segregation forever” ring hollow.
Question for students (and subscribers): Is segregation ever justifiable? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Carter, Dan T. From George Wallace to Newt Gingrich: Race in the Conservative Counterrevolution, 1963–1994 (Walter Lynwood Fleming Lectures in Southern History). LSU Press, 1999.
Colby, Tanner. Some of My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange Story of Integration in America. Penguin Books, 2013.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="11046 https://www.historyandheadlines.com/?p=11046">69 Comments
I never knew that Wallace’s wife succeeded him and that he later returned to the governorship as late as the 1980s! One would think that with the Civil Rights Act passing in the 1970s, that he would be banned from running again.
I can’t believe he was so supportive of segregation.
The fact that this happened not so long ago is kinda sickening. Not to mention, that he also got re-elected from saying ‘segregation should be permanent ‘. That’s terrible.
The fact that he was trying to deny the 4 African Americans the right to coming into the University and denying their education is so sad to me.
I am appalled by Wallace’s statement after loosing the 1958 primary for governor. It was not that long of go that these acts were occurring.
Governor Wallace was a racist, but what about the people Alabama that voted him into office. They are just as racist.
Wallace knew those 4 students were going to be admitted. Him standing there was meant to be symbolic. The pictures of Wallace standing at the doorway feels like it had to have been over 100 years ago for how appalling his behavior was.
Wallace’s behavior may have been acceptable during the time, but would not be tolerated today. It is hard for me to believe that someone who used such an ugly word could still be re elected into office. I am proud of how far we have come in terms of racial equality.
It is crazy to me that this was not too long ago.
Once again what a wonderful scene in Forest Gump. This is a key turning point in society.
It is hard to believe that something like this took place not so long ago.
America is a free country and the word free needs to be capitalized. I was at an MLK event at AU and one of the speaker’s main points was “If you call yourselves Christians, how could you do that to African Americans?”
Wallace was such a hateful man! It seems that the South held onto this type of mentality much longer than any other part of the Country.
So sad to see that this occurred. How terrible of a person Wallace was.
I did not know about this happening at the University of Alabama. Our country has come a long way and I can see why it’s projected that the U.S. will be “majority minority” in 30 years.
I hate seeing things like this. I do not understand how people are not all seen the same. Although our skin may not all be the same color, we were all created equal and all have the same anatomy. The color of our hair or skin should not matter or make a difference.
I did know about a lot of the hardships that occurred in Alabama, but it is hard to comprehend why things were this way. I understand at the time people did not view African Americans as equals. I do not agree with this type of thinking and that all people should be viewed and seen as equals. I agree that we have come a long way, but I do not agree that we are where we should be because even today people fight due to race issues. I don’t understand why people still fight over something that we, I thought, overcome long ago with the Civil War and no longer being segregated.
Race discrimination is still a serious problem in the world. Black Students Blocked by Governor from University of Alabama. It was a shameful history. The United States is the greatest country in the world because people who live in this country are equal. People should always remember it and stand against discrimination.
I hate hearing about stories of segregation. To imagine treating a person like this just because of their sick color makes me sick to my stomach.
It’s always hard to learn about discrimination and how it’s still a problem today.
It’s hard to learn about how truly awful segregation and discrimination was, and how it is becoming a bigger issue in today’s society
I still do not understand why people were okay with segregation. Skin color does not say anything about a person.
what a terrible man, how could someone be so ignorant, i am glad that this is not a factor in today’s world.
It is a terrible thing what people had to deal with back then.
I don’t know how anyone could be so ignorant.
I hate seeing how poorly people act toward one another for practically no real reason.
It makes so upsetting reading about something like this. I know this is just an example of one time, but I do not want to hear any of the other terrible stories.
It is amazing how far we have come in the rights of people but we still do not respect them individually.
this is sad
Very saddening to read about how poorly people were treated and the lack of respect that people can have for other human lives.
This is truly upsetting.
It is sad to hear about George Wallace and how he didn’t have respect for African Americans, and about the people that have to deal with the disrespect.
It is sad that George Wallace tried to prevent integration.
Its crazy people actually did this. I would never even try to do anything like that.
It disgust me that people, especially educated people in power, could ever be so hateful and ignorant about another group of people.
This was an interesting article until I got to the ridiculous part “Still, today we are experiencing a return to the days where attempts are being made to disenfranchise African-American voters by various schemes meant to reduce Black voter turnout.”….. Really? Thought this was a history site?
What specifically do you have a problem with? Do you object to the mentioning of something currently happening or do you believe that voter suppression is not taking place? If it is the second, then please give us your thoughts on this subject. We certainly appreciate input and are not above reevaluating out ideas. It is difficult to talk about past racial discrimination without reference to where we are today. https://newsone.com/3060956/new-report-proves-voter-id-laws-reduce-black-voter-turnout-video/
If it is Voter ID laws that you were making your case on, then I would say that there is not a single shred of evidence that conclusively makes that case. There is an argument between liberal and conservative groups as to whether voter ID laws have any effect at all on minority voter turnout. With that, the argument against voter ID laws are not all about “race”, a 90 year old white man would probably be affected more, if at all, by these laws than any minority. The issue I have is that in your article, you make a blanket statement of your opinion and present it as a fact. If we’re talking about opinions, mine is that the idea that just because someone is black means that they somehow can not obtain and maintain a photo identification is just ridiculous. We are one of the few countries that does not require a person to positively identify themselves to vote. From a common sense standpoint, ID’s are required for almost everything from driving a car to buying alcohol or cigarettes. Not to mention getting a bank account, applying for food stamps & welfare, Medicaid / Social Security, unemployment benefits, rent or buy a place to live, get married, buy a gun, adopt a dog, get a hotel room, hunt or fish, needed for prescriptions, rent a car, or get a library card. Does requiring an ID suppress minorities from doing any of those things? Is it institutional racism meant to prevent minorities from adopting a dog? Probably not.
I would agree that to see where we were, we need to look at where we are. For me, the voter suppression and ID laws simply missed the mark. I just think there are far better examples of actual discrimination.
http://www.politifact.com/punditfact/statements/2014/jul/17/jason-riley/black-voter-turnout-exceed-white-voter-turnout-eve/
Closing polling places in heavily democratic (ie, Black) areas, falsely telling people (ie, Black people) they are prohibited from voting, gerrymandering, laws prohibiting convicted felons from voting (although this grossly disproportionately affects Blacks, I cannot say I disagree with such laws), hours long lines to vote only in heavily democratic areas, and yes, ID laws affect Blacks at a much higher rate than Whites, although the elderly are also affected, but they vote for stuff like Social Security and Medicare… This being said, I personally do not object to voter ID laws, but in all honesty they exist specifically to mess with Blacks, as voter ID has never been shown to be a problem in the US. I agree it is easy enough to get the ID and it is eminently useful to have it. Black activists claim, with some merit, that many African-Americans do not seek a government issued ID because they have a warrant out for their arrest, or fear they might. Obviously, these issues as with all issues have many facets and we appreciate your input. Thank you for responding and for your information and viewpoint.
So, is have armed members of the Black Panther Party stationed at polling places not an attempt at voter suppression? Do the Democrats not engage in gerrymandering as well? (see link for actual impact of gerrymandering, from the NYtimes, of all places) – You say you do not disagree that felons should not be allowed to vote, but also state that “many African-Americans do not seek a government issued ID because they have a warrant out for their arrest, or fear they might.”… Aren’t you using the same argument for both sides of the debate? I for one, stood in line for almost two hours to vote in the last election – In a predominately white neighborhood. At the end of the day racism exists in the United States, I do not think anyone could argue that. There may be some attempts at voter suppression, but there simply isn’t hard evidence to support that even if there are attempts, that those attempts have any real impact. To just say that “…they exist specifically to mess with Blacks” does not make it factual. As I provided in my last response they black vote was enormous in the 2012 election, so, why was it lower in 2016? Voter suppression? I would say the more likely cause is that there wasn’t a candidate that inspired many blacks to vote. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond.
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/26/opinion/sunday/its-the-geography-stupid.html?_r=0
We are not trying to make both arguments, but instead trying to present both sides of the issue. Your contribution helps present both sides.
George Wallace was an enormous racist of epic proportions and I am being kind when I say this. Our country has an ugly history with our treatment of African-Americans. I hope to see more change in this area in my lifetime. Some have done much to repair the racial divide, but I fear we will never come close to healing the damage.
George Wallace won 5 states in 1968 (presidential election)! Many believe he is the reason Nixon won.
I feel that racism is being overly used as an excuse in our society today. Race is always the scapegoat when people do not want to take responsibility for their own actions and behaviors.
I can’t believe this man who was representing the government was allowed to do this at a state run school! People are ignorant and if they act this way then they need the help in themselves.
There is an awful lot about the plight of African-Americans that people today born after these dark days do not know. Doing a little research and reading on the subject of the Civil Rights movement is a humbling experience.
All people should have the right to a good education. Many influential people were black. Just like whites we need these people to do things like send chimps into space.
If Hollywood movies are to be believed, someday chimps will send people into space!
If Hollywood movies are to be believed, someday chimps will send people into space!
This is terrible. How close minded can a person be to not allow students the right to education.
I believe everyone should have the same rights to education no matter what race you are.
Racism is alive and well. People just aren’t as open about it like they used to be. Its sad because as a country we have come a long way but still have a long way to go.
I believe everyone deserve equal rights to do what ever they desire to be. Racism is always going to be around, but we can stop it by just treating everyone with respect and learning about each others cultures. We are all same (human).
Was not aware of the history of Wallace. Rather surprising that he was elected as late as 1983 with such views. Racism is only alive and well because it used by the media and politicalists as a catalyst to further their agendas. Instead of saying its a race issue, how about addressing the real reasons.
This was a completely different time in history. I am glad that we do not have such racism in this say in age. All Men and Women are created equal and therfore should be treated equal.
I am so confused as to why people were able to put up with such racism from world leaders. I believe that our country is still struggling with this problem today.
I had heard of Governor Wallace but not of his actions against African Americans. He should of been happy they wanted to go to school.
I am glad that they started mixing them and making us as one. we need to do that now an show we all are one no matter what the race.
This is a part of history that is impossible to forget about, and for good reason. It was so significant that it is still even referenced on television today. In fact it was just referenced on an episode of one of ABC studios newer shows “Designated Survivor”. What amazes me is how he was elected twice even though he had such hate for other human beings.
With each generation, the U.S. becomes less racist. Although I do not agree with former President Obama’s views, it is nice to see a racial barrier to be broke.
Wallace seemed like a total tool! My question is how did they prevent all the black people from voting at that time in Alabama, because I know no black people would have wanted his sorry excuse for a politician in office!
Over the years there were things such as poll taxes, where you had to pay a fee to vote, and most blacks could not afford it. There were also literacy tests, where a voter was asked to read a passage and then to explain what it meant, and of course, no matter what a black person said it was the “wrong” interpretation. Poll taxes were outlawed in 1966, while literacy tests lasted until 1970. Other voter suppression tricks included requiring voters to own property, requiring forms of documentation blacks were unlikely to have (birth certificate, tax papers, etc). Today these efforts are alleged to continue. See attached links. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voter_suppression_in_the_United_States http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0LEVr8f.7JYCuMAtBwPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTBybGY3bmpvBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMyBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg–/RV=2/RE=1488153504/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.citylab.com%2fpolitics%2f2013%2f06%2f12-very-real-voter-suppression-tactics-experts-now-worry-will-come-back%2f6057%2f/RK=0/RS=3nR7Z9i0fLQ6G3tXj7qNkalkQOg- http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0LEVr8f.7JYCuMAuxwPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTBydDI5cXVuBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwM2BHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg–/RV=2/RE=1488153504/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.essence.com%2fnews%2fpolitics%2felection-day-voter-suppression-tactics/RK=0/RS=8ReAiflSAP99X49y6ciVTNfMR1k-
Through all of the things I have read of segregation and racism through history I still cant wrap my mind around it. I just do not understand why people felt the need to segregate. I am glad that segregation was ended and racism has become less prominent, but sadly I do not think racism will ever be completely abolished.
I can’t believe someone was elected governor on the idea that he would fight against civil rights for black American’s.
Believe it because that’s how things were back then, and that’s not so long ago!
Sorry o say but racism didn’t stop with Governor Wallace it still alive and well today. Its sad hat people can’t just be accepted for them and not the color of their skin. I wonder how Governor Wallace stop the African American from voting?
Being that I am African American it really hurts when you read that someone can be so mean because the color of my skin. Sad to say that some of these things that happened then are resurfacing now.
Being one of the African American is still American citizens, people should be treating at the same level standard.
I believe everyone deserve equal rights to do what ever they desire to be. However, Racism is always going to be around.