Montgomery Bus Boycott by Frances Hubbard
Every scene and every story in the movie Eyes on the Prize was interesting, touching, and moving. As I watched the movie, I found that the section that focused on the Montgomery Bus Boycott moved me the most. The boycott lasted from December of 1955 to December of 1956. The African American citizens of Montgomery, Alabama banded together and refused to ride the public buses until seating was integrated. The boycott was effective -- the segregation of public buses was ruled unconstitutional in the 1956 Supreme Court case Browder v. Gayle - and it showed the power of the black community when they banded together. This boycott was thoroughly explained and shown in Eyes on the Prize. The movie used interviews, video from the time, and personal stories to illustrate the situation in a poignant way. I saw the immense importance of the boycott and how it was instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement.
The boycott itself was very important because it showed how when the African American community bonded together, they had power, a strong voice, and national attention towards racial inequality. Many people around the United States took note of the boycott and injustice, and many African Americans began to take action against segregation. The way the movie showed the bus boycott was also important because it showed different sides of the boycott and gave a wealth of information. Video clips from supporters of segregation were used, as were those of white people who condemned segregation. Videos of the Klu Klux Klan were followed by stories of resilience and bravery from black people in Montgomery. Additionally, the use of news video of Montgomery during the boycott gave the segment gravity and gave viewers a view of what those who participated went through.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott was incredibly important to the Civil Rights Movement, and it continues to be an important part of American history today. The movie Eyes on the Prize gives a moving overview of the boycott that shows not only its importance, but the bravery of those who took a stand against a unjust and unequal rule. The legacy of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the following Civil Rights Movement must not be forgotten, especially under the new Presidential administration. The brave citizens of Montgomery, Alabama who chose to walk every day for a whole year instead of subjecting to racist laws paved the way for new movements for social justice, and those new movements must take action to protect the rights of every American, even when the President-elect has been openly racist and xenophobic. 
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