VOA标准英语2014--Civil Rights Pioneers Remember Struggle for Equal Rights

 

Civil Rights Pioneers Remember Struggle for Equal Rights

WASHINGTON —

On July 2, many people across the United States are marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act into law. 

It's a sweeping¹ piece of legislation that outlawed² discrimination based on race and ended racial segregation³ in schools, the workplace and in public accommodations. The law won final passage after years of civil rights protests in which people lost their lives.

Millions marched around the country for equal rights -- led by Martin Luther King -- during the 1960's. It was a cause that brought Dorie Ladner and Joan Mulholland together more than 50 years ago. They met in racially-segregated Mississippi.

It was Dorie's first experience working with a white woman in the civil rights movement.

"She was also interested in not only the plight⁴ of my people, but her people as well. We were trying to erase⁵ this evil segregation that was bothering all of us. I found it phenomenal and embraced her," Ladner said.

Forming a bond

The two women stayed in the same dormitory at Tugaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, and participated in civil rights demonstrations⁶ there. Mulholland was arrested twice for her actions, but that didn't stop her.

"I learned in church about 'do onto others as you would have them do onto you' and in high school we had to memorize the Declaration of Independence," Mulholland said. "'We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.' Practice what we preach and that's what propelled me into it."

The two took part in the 1963 March on Washington. Less than a month later, four black girls were killed in a racially-motivated church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. Both women attended the funerals.

"It had a profound impact on me and made me more determined⁷ to try and eradicate⁸ this evil that was permeating⁹ through our society," said Ladner.

United effort

More than five decades later, the women are sharing their experiences with younger generations across the country. They tell them that one of their proudest moments came when President Lyndon Johnson signed the 1964 Civil Rights Act which outlawed discrimination and ended racial segregation.  

"The students took it to the streets and the lawyers took it to the courts. And the press took it to the world. And not anybody did it by themselves," said Mulholland.

"The passing of the civil rights bill was something, one of the things we fought for and has brought about a new day, what we would call 'social change' to a large extent. Change in the laws of the country, change in attitudes of people," said Ladner.

Dorie and Joan said despite coming from different backgrounds they will always share a special bond -- one that's endured through the struggles and victories of the civil rights movement.

1 sweeping   

adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的

参考例句：

• The citizens voted for sweeping reforms.公民投票支持全面的改革。
• Can you hear the wind sweeping through the branches?你能听到风掠过树枝的声音吗？

2 outlawed   

宣布…为不合法（outlaw的过去式与过去分词形式）

参考例句：

• Most states have outlawed the use of marijuana. 大多数州都宣布使用大麻为非法行为。
• I hope the sale of tobacco will be outlawed someday. 我希望有朝一日烟草制品会禁止销售。

3 segregation   

n.隔离，种族隔离

参考例句：

• Many school boards found segregation a hot potato in the early 1960s.在60年代初，许多学校部门都觉得按水平分班是一个棘手的问题。
• They were tired to death of segregation and of being kicked around.他们十分厌恶种族隔离和总是被人踢来踢去。

4 plight   

n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定

参考例句：

• The leader was much concerned over the plight of the refugees.那位领袖对难民的困境很担忧。
• She was in a most helpless plight.她真不知如何是好。

5 erase   

v.擦掉；消除某事物的痕迹

参考例句：

• He tried to erase the idea from his mind.他试图从头脑中抹掉这个想法。
• Please erase my name from the list.请把我的名字从名单上擦去。

6 demonstrations   

证明( demonstration的名词复数 )； 表明； 表达； 游行示威

参考例句：

• Lectures will be interspersed with practical demonstrations. 讲课中将不时插入实际示范。
• The new military government has banned strikes and demonstrations. 新的军人政府禁止罢工和示威活动。

7 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。

8 eradicate   

v.根除，消灭，杜绝

参考例句：

• These insects are very difficult to eradicate.这些昆虫很难根除。
• They are already battling to eradicate illnesses such as malaria and tetanus.他们已经在努力消灭疟疾、破伤风等疾病。

9 permeating   

弥漫( permeate的现在分词 )； 遍布； 渗入； 渗透

参考例句：

• His grace was more permeating because it found a readier medium. 他的风度因为有人赏识显得更加迷人。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
• Thoughts are a strangely permeating factor. 思想真是一种会蔓延的奇怪东西。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹