Has the social justice movement become a thing of the past, or has civil rights activism moved in new directions?

A lot of folks point to the Civil Rights Movement as a turning point in the history of the United States. Why? Because people of all backgrounds organized, rallied, and spoke out on issues of equity and social justice. Many people were arrested, victimized, ostracized, jailed, and even killed and martyred for their efforts. As a result, laws were re-written and social constructs altered.

But what now? A museum in San Francisco is hosting a retrospective of the Black Panther Party this month. Has the social justice movement become a thing of the past, or has civil rights activism moved in new directions? How has the Internet changed activism in 2006? Is there a universal call for progressive change in the U.S.?

We’re discussing Activism. What was activism as practiced by groups like the Black Panther Party in the 60s and 70s? What is activism today?

by Gary Moskowitz, Jessica Jones, Brad Wagner