During the 1900s many ethnic and minority groups, including African Americans, Mexican Americans, and women, wanted to demonstrate that they deserved equal rights, freedom of speech, the right to sexual preference, and equal treatment for women . They formed several organizations under great leaders during these civil rights and equality movements. Together with great leaders, powerful organizations, and dedicated supporters, African Americans, Mexican Americans, and women were able to successfully gain many rights despite constant opposition. [This seems like a strong argument, but I'm a bit perplexed as to how great leaders, powerful organizations, and dedicated supporters have also gained rights. The phrase is rather confusing as it stands now. You may want to review to indicate that these were instrumental in helping the cause. So if you are going to talk about it, that topic should be first in your discussion.] African Americans were in a constant search for equality through the civil rights movement that began in the 1940s (Roark 843). They fought against racial discrimination, segregation laws and for the right to vote without prejudice. Discrimination led to exclusion from membership in professional sports teams (Roark 843). During the post-war era in 1947, a man named Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play major league baseball as part of an integrated team called the Brooklyn Dodgers (Roark 843). Known as a sports pioneer of the civil rights movement, he led the Dodgers to six national titles and a remarkable World Series despite constant harassment from white players and fans (Roark 843). Several civil rights leaders emerged during this movement (Roark 680). . Dr. Ralph David...... middle of paper ...... is president?] If you sincerely desire to advance the interests of all people, why do you oppose the national emancipation of women (Scott 24)? The president could not respond. The president made a pro-suffrage speech for the protesting women and the following year Congress passed the Nineteenth Amendment giving women the right to vote in the year 1918 (Scott 24). All three minority groups used activities such as demonstrations to express their opinions and positions to achieve equal rights in America. Along with African Americans, Mexican Americans/Chicanos continued to be represented among the poor and gradually gained more political office, effective enforcement of anti-discrimination legislation, and greater respect for their culture (Roark 915). Mexican Americans, like African Americans, rejected traditional politics in favor of direct action (Roark 914).