The Impact of the Civil Rights Act: A Reflection on Community and Accountability Part Two

This is part ten of our ongoing series "That Was A Long Time Ago'. We are examining the impact of the legal system has shaped the present

In the previous we began to look at the loss of Community as a direct result of the passing of the CRA in 1964.

The Role of Community Standards

Community standards are more than just guidelines; they are the backbone of any society seeking to preserve its culture across generations. Here’s why they matter:

1. Promoting Consistency: Community standards create a consistent set of norms and expectations, allowing for a stable environment. This consistency transforms a group of individuals into a culture, perpetuating shared values and behaviors from one generation to the next.

2. Facilitating Communication: By defining clear standards, communities facilitate effective communication regarding values, boundaries, and rules. Such clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and conflicts, promoting a culture of honor—a trait that seems increasingly scarce in modern society.

3. Fostering Trust and Respect: Clearly articulated community standards foster trust among members, knowing that each will adhere to shared guidelines. This trust cultivates respect and cooperation, essential ingredients for any thriving community.

4. Ensuring Safety and Well-being: Community guidelines often include rules aimed at safeguarding members’ well-being. By establishing conduct expectations, communities enhance security and create a safe environment for everyone.

5. Maintaining Order: Shared standards help maintain discipline within the community, providing a framework for resolving conflicts and enforcing consequences when necessary.

6. Encouraging Accountability: Perhaps the most important function of community standards is accountability. They hold individuals responsible for their actions, a cornerstone in building not just communities, but resilient cultures.

Accountability: The Bedrock of Community and Culture

Accountability is indispensable for relationships, communities, and culture-building. It is a principle that prioritizes accountability starting with God, followed by oneself, family, and then the community—in that hierarchy. This layered accountability is foundational for personal and collective growth, ensuring each generation builds upon the last. Embedded within this concept is a call for personal responsibility and communal obligation, which together create an unyielding foundation that can withstand the test of time and contribute to generational progress.

Reclaiming Community through Accountability

In the absence of a traditional community, how can we reclaim our sense of belonging and purpose? The journey begins with rekindling accountability within ourselves and in our interactions with others. This revival can breathe life back into institutions such as churches and barbershops, allowing them to reclaim their roles as central pillars of the community. Moreover, by redefining and adhering to traditional community standards, there is potential to foster a resilient culture that embraces modern challenges while honoring historical legacies. Encouraging dialogue around these standards can bridge gaps, mend divisions, and strengthen the cultural fabric of Black America.

In conclusion, the Civil Rights Act, while some may laud it as a monumental legislative achievement, it had complex and negative repercussions on Black communities. We lost more than we gained It was not an equitable exchange. Understanding that the road to empowerment involves more than inclusion in a reengineered society—it requires the intentional cultivation of community through shared standards and relentless accountability. It's a path that leads not only to freedom and equality but also to a renewed sense of identity and purpose, one generation at a time.