The Blog

Imagine a world where justice is not just a lofty ideal but a tangible reality that shapes our everyday lives. A place where people inherently know the right thing to do and act accordingly. It sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, that’s not the world we live in. The truth is, humanity is flawed. People often stray from ethical paths, sometimes willfully ignoring the truth or their moral responsibilities. This observation strikes at the heart of frustration many feel in the face of systemic injustices. You’d think that with enough arguments, reasonable discussions, or established procedures, individuals and institutions would come to reason. Yet, the world often resembles a stubborn child refusing to be convinced.

Take a look around today; conflicts still simmer, and inequality persists. But perhaps nowhere is this struggle against human shortsightedness more evident than in America’s relentless fight against segregation, a fight that was anything but simple. It was a complex battle of wills, marked not only by historic marches and protests but also by years of legal wrangling, courtroom drama, and the unwavering efforts of individuals committed to justice.

One key figure in this struggle was John Doar, a civil rights lawyer who served as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the 1960s. His philosophy summed up in the phrase, “You’ve just got to keep going back” serves as a rallying cry for anyone who dares to challenge injustice. The Southern strategy at the time was not about outright confrontation. Instead, it involved a diffuse, strategic resistance designed to wear people down. Holding out, hoping that eventually, the North would lose interest, much like they had after the Reconstruction era. The story of James Meredith, who faced unimaginable hostility as the first Black student to enroll at the University of Mississippi, encapsulates this battle. Doar’s persistence in filing countless motions, attending numerous hearings, and never saying die reflects the kind of relentless spirit that can bring about change, even in the face of violence, as Meredith himself experienced when he was shot.

Doar’s determination mirrors a broader philosophical ideal rooted in stoicism, the idea that justice is not merely an outcome but a virtue to be actively fought for. It’s about more than just claiming the moral high ground. True justice demands action. The playwright Cato understood this too; he was tenacious in his pursuit to maintain the Roman Republic in the face of corruption and tyranny. He fought tirelessly against numerous challenges posed by figures like Caesar, even if it eventually led to his own downfall. However, his legacy mustered inspiration for generations down the line, impacting the mindset of the Founding Fathers of America, who would echo this resolute spirit in their pursuit of liberty and justice.

While the battles for civil rights faced severe opposition and were fraught with setbacks, history has shown us that relentless perseverance can yield results. And though change may feel sluggish, or even impossible at times, the efforts of individuals to “keep going back” have catalysed some of the most significant changes in societal values and law.

So, what does all this mean for us today? The past is not merely a series of events to be learned from; it serves as a powerful reminder that the struggle for justice is ongoing. Each one of us carries the responsibility to stand up against wrongdoing, to speak out against injustice, and yes, to keep going back, even when exhaustion sets in.

Consider how the civil rights movement of the 1960s was not an isolated chapter of American history but instead the continuation of a long tradition of resistance against oppression. It’s a fabric woven from countless threads of human experience, resilience, and an unwavering demand for justice. It started with protests but blossomed into a far reaching battle waged in courtrooms and communities across the nation. From the case of Brown v. Board of Education, which effectively dismantled the ‘separate but equal’ doctrine, to Doar’s strategic attempts at integration, these legal battles defined a crucial era of American history.

Every case brought forth was a reminder that legal systems alone can’t guarantee justice. The very fabric of society demanded active engagement, and those seeking change often faced harassment and violence. Just think about what activists like Diane Nash had to go through. Nash was a vital figure in the Freedom Rides, a movement that confronted not only segregation in transportation, but the very mindset of a nation. Did she waver in the face of adversity? Absolutely not. The courage of individuals like Nash, Doar, and countless others needs to be acknowledged, not to romanticise their struggles but to show that courage in the face of systemic wrongs can inspire real change.

Of course, things weren’t perfect, and some strides felt painfully slow. Justice delayed can often feel like justice denied. The pain and frustration of seeing laws implemented only to be disregarded by those in power can be maddening. Sometimes it might have seemed like the Southern politicians were playing a cruel game of cat and mouse, knowing exactly how to delay justice long enough that people would begin to lose hope. Yet, the reason these causes ultimately prevailed was precisely because individuals like Doar refused to accept defeat.

The echoes of those struggles still resonate today, as conversations about social justice continue to fill our current discourse. The lessons learned from the past illuminate the complexities still present in our society. The fight for equality isn’t over; it continues to evolve. Names like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have ignited movements that remind us that just because laws have changed doesn’t mean hearts have followed suit. The discussions around equity, reparations, and restitution are rapidly gaining momentum as society seeks to confront historical injustices and forge a new path.

Looking back at the Civil Rights Movement, we realise that the seeds of justice must be continuously sown, nurtured, and sometimes forcefully pushed into the ground for them to grow. All of this takes effort, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to engage.

Emulating the spirit of figures like John Doar, we need to embody the message that justice must be actively pursued. We must stand by our convictions and confront the evils we see, even when faced with immense obstacles. The ultimate message remains clear: maintaining an unwavering belief in justice translates into action. It’s about returning to the struggle persistently, a commitment to push through, challenge injustice and hold the powerful accountable.

In today’s world, we are all witnesses, and often, participants in this ongoing fight. While it may feel like the challenges are insurmountable, it’s essential to recognise that every effort counts. Whether participating in local initiatives, educating ourselves and others, advocating for policy changes, or simply standing in solidarity with those on the frontlines, we can all play a role.

Let us remember the sacrifices of those who came before us, those who stood firm in their beliefs and dedicated their lives to the pursuit of justice. They have paved the way for us, and now it is our turn to keep going back, to not relent in our efforts, and to pave the way for a just and equitable future.

The beauty of the human experience lies in its potential for change. It’s a series of interwoven narratives, burdensome yet beautiful, challenging yet rewarding. Just as those brave souls in the past learned, our ability to make a lasting impact on the world hinges on our willingness to confront and challenge injustice every single day.

So let’s embrace the challenge. Let’s embody the spirit of “keeping going back,” knowing that every small act can contribute toward a more just world. Whether subtle or grandiose, our actions can help ignite the change we so wish to see. After all, building a more just society isn’t just about shouting for equality; it’s about rolling up our sleeves and getting involved in the messiness of social change.

In closing, let’s honour the legacy of those who fought the good fight by adding our voices to the chorus calling for justice. Let’s be the ones who refuse to let the struggles of the past fade into mere history. Instead, let’s continue to carry the torch of those who inspired us, ensuring their dreams of a just society become our reality. Together, we can create not just a hopeful narrative but a better world, a world where justice and equality are not ideals but lived truths.

Go back, keep going back, and make a difference.