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Desegregate: meaning, definitions and examples

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desegregate

 

[ˌdiːˈsɛɡrəˌɡeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

social context

To desegregate means to eliminate the practice of segregation, particularly racial segregation, which involves separating individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race or ethnicity. This term is often associated with the civil rights movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Desegregation aimed to create equal opportunities and promote inclusivity in schools, public facilities, and other areas where segregation was prevalent. The process of desegregation often involved legal actions, protests, and reforms to ensure that all individuals have access to the same rights and privileges regardless of their background.

Synonyms

amalgamate, combine, integrate, unify.

Examples of usage

  • The school district worked hard to desegregate its facilities.
  • Legal measures were implemented to desegregate public transportation.
  • The community came together to support efforts to desegregate housing.
  • Activists fought for years to desegregate public schools.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term originated in the early 20th century, particularly becoming prominent during the American Civil Rights Movement.
  • The idea gained traction after the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
  • Desegregation efforts led to significant political and social changes, influencing laws and attitudes towards equality in many countries.

Civil Rights Movement

  • Key figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, played vital roles in advocating for desegregation in the 1950s and 1960s.
  • The phrase 'We Shall Overcome' became a powerful anthem that symbolized the struggle against segregation and the fight for civil rights.
  • Desegregation was often met with resistance, resulting in protests, acts of violence, and federal intervention in some cases.

Education

  • Desegregation in schools aimed to provide equal educational opportunities to students regardless of their race.
  • Many desegregated schools faced challenges like funding disparities and ongoing prejudice even after policies changed.
  • Some areas saw the creation of magnet schools as a way to promote diversity and interest-based education post-desegregation.

Legal Impacts

  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a major legislative achievement that aimed to eliminate discrimination, including in public facilities and schools.
  • Desegregation lawsuits still influence legal discussions about race relations and equality in education today.
  • Court rulings on desegregation have helped shape discussions about affirmative action and social policies in various contexts.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Selma' and 'The Help' depict pivotal moments in the struggle for desegregation and civil rights in America.
  • Literature, such as 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' addresses themes of racism and segregation, sparking discussions about the need for desegregation.
  • Songs from the Civil Rights Era, like 'A Change is Gonna Come' by Sam Cooke, captured the spirit and urgency of the desegregation movement.

Translations

Translations of the word "desegregate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desagregar

🇮🇳 विभाजन समाप्त करना

🇩🇪 desegregieren

🇮🇩 menghapus segregasi

🇺🇦 десегрегація

🇵🇱 desegregować

🇯🇵 人種隔離を撤廃する

🇫🇷 déségréguer

🇪🇸 desagregar

🇹🇷 ayrımcılığı sona erdirmek

🇰🇷 분리 해제하다

🇸🇦 إلغاء الفصل العنصري

🇨🇿 desegregovat

🇸🇰 desegregovať

🇨🇳 去隔离

🇸🇮 desegregirati

🇮🇸 afskilja

🇰🇿 ажыратуды жою

🇬🇪 დასკვნა

🇦🇿 segregasiyanı ləğv etmək

🇲🇽 desagregar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,698 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.