What Fred Shuttlesworth's Legacy Means for the Next Generation of Leaders

In life, there are some people that simply speak of progress, and then there are the select few that not only practice what they preach, but truly sacrifice personal gain and dedicate their entire being to the cause of justice. The late Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth was one of those rare remarkable beings who not only suffered physical and emotional attacks by those who stood opposed to equality, but he was a man who greatly inspired an entire movement for change. And now, the next generation of thinkers, activists, artists, attorneys, educators, advocates and all those pushing for advancement can once again look to the life of Rev. Shuttlesworth as they continue the good fight.

This week, members of Congress took the floor and delivered speeches upon speeches as they commemorated the life and legacy of Rev. Shuttlesworth. Upon news of his passing, President Obama stated in part: "He (Shuttlesworth) was a testament to the strength of the human spirit. And today we stand on his shoulders, and the shoulders of all those who marched and sat and lifted their voices to help perfect our union... America owes Rev. Shuttlesworth a debt of gratitude."

It was during the 1950s in segregated Alabama that Rev. Shuttlesworth began his push for integration on all levels of society. Performing acts of civil disobedience wherever necessary -- like purposefully sitting in all-white sections of parks, train stations and more -- he faced every form of police intimidation, arrests, beatings and death threats. His home and church were bombed, he was struck with brass knuckles and he routinely faced Klansmen ready to silence him. Rev. Shuttlesworth formed the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights and also established the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

It was Rev. Shuttlesworth who took his battle for equality to the highest levels by seeking federal protection for freedom riders and urged Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to bring the civil rights movement to Birmingham. Several years later, Rev. Shuttlesworth took his fight to Cincinnati as well. His selfless life proved that a single person could in fact help spark a national movement that would galvanize our greatest leaders and our greatest advancement for social change.

As the Black community and other historically disenfranchised groups continue to benefit from the sacrifice and actions of Rev. Shuttlesworth, we understand that much work remains. As the next generation picks up the mantel to highlight today's inequities and injustices, and peacefully advocates for fair housing, employment, education and more, let us look to the will and dedication of Rev. Shuttlesworth. He inspired many decades ago; let his life's work continue to motivate us to the next level.

 

Follow Rev. Al Sharpton on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheRevAl

Comments

[zachviking]

11:57 PM on 10/10/2011

Shuttleswo­rth legacy is tainted. While he may have been at one time on the forefront of bringing justice and equality to those who did not have it, he now should be remembered for trying to maintain "today's inequities and injustices­" with his homophobia and promotion of policies that prevent gays/ lesbians from having equal status in society. In 2004, he appeared in commercial­s in Cincinnati opposed to a referendum to that would help gays/ lesbians achieve a greater level of equality. He used his reputation as a civil rights era leader to say he knows what civil/ equal rights are and that this measure would grant "special rights" to a community.

[blade1]

07:32 AM on 10/10/2011

This brother was a true Warrior! In every sense of the word. Soldiers took orders he was a self contained threat to the enemy on every level. A combination of intellect, strength, courage and love for his community with unyielding selfless commitment! Something sadly scarce in our community! He is a dying breed of "African American Man".

The state of black America is dismal! As American culture only serves to disenfranchise, denigrate and destroy blackness. Blackness - Self awareness! As observed only those who choose to forget and remain oblivious to the damage done through slavery, Jim Crow and a racist culture succeed et al Herman Cain, Clarence Thomas, Allen Keys and the likes. The sentries that control and protect "American" Culture do so through education, the media and religion!

As the fathers of the civil rights error dwindle so too does the hopes, opportunities and progress of the black community! As a disenfranchised community with a variety of efforts to address our dilemma each effort remain in peril without the strength and support of the whole!. Until we as a community can speak with "ONE" voice our scattered cries will go unheard and unheeded...

[rickmt57]

10:38 AM on 10/15/2011

Get out of the 60's!

[blade1]

02:23 PM on 10/15/2011

Trying to! but the RepubliCON's agenda want's to turn the clock back!

[Mark S Allen]

12:36 AM on 10/10/2011

The next generation of leaders are not being prepared in an organized manner with a common purpose. Unfortunately there is whole new generation coming up who have never heard of Rev. Shuttlesworth and so many other key organizers that led our movement.

[grape of wrath]

10:55 AM on 10/10/2011

hate and jealousy has destroyed your culture.

[sheerplat]

01:25 PM on 10/10/2011

"Your culture?" Are you a foreigner? Hate and jealousy has destroyed and continues to destroy AMERICAN culture. It's not a race specific condition. Look around. Those problems are everywhere.

[broui]

09:56 AM on 10/09/2011

A little over a year ago I read Congressman John Lewis's book, "Walking with the Wind". It chrinicled the Civil Rights Movement in a way I had never known.

Reverand Shuttlesworth emerged as one of the unsung heroes from that era. We owe his legacy a great deal.