The United States Commission on Civil Rights and the Continuing Struggle for Freedom in America
February 1, 2009
Starting with its formation in 1957 by President Eisenhower, Berry (Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought, Univ. of Pennsylvania), brilliantly scans the U. S. Commission on Civil Rights' origins, challenges, and accomplishments, particularly during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement. The Commission's public hearings, reports, and extended jurisdiction were instrumental in the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Age Discrimination Act of 1978, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Berry, who chaired the Commission for 11 years, includes some very disturbing and heart-rending testimonies from government witnesses and local people amid attacks from Southern segregationists, death threats, and fear of reprisal. She also covers her ideological differences with Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush; she resigned from the Commission in 2004. She raises provocative questions regarding the relationship between the Commission and Congress, shrewdly arguing for the Commission's enduring significance, and recommending that it be reorganized, independent, and with a mandate that will include all aspects of human rights and promotion of "liberty and justice for all." This incisive and comprehensive analysis of the Commission supplements other major works on the Civil Rights Movement. With excellent source notes, it is highly recommended for academic and public libraries.Edward G. McCormack, Univ. of Southern Mississippi Lib., Long Beach
Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
February 15, 2009
Berry, former chair and longest-serving member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, examines the struggle of this body to maintain its independence in monitoring the U.S. government and encouraging the nation to remain true to its ideals of equality. Started in 1957, the commission became the nations conscience during the civil rights struggles of the 1960s. Although Democratic presidents, including Carter and Clinton, have had their difficulties with the commission, it was Reagan and both presidents Bush who sought to undercut the commissions independent fact-finding and reporting functions in favor of complete support for their administrations policies. Although race, particularly discrimination against blacks, was the initial focus, over time attention shifted to other minorities, as well as women, gays, and the disabled. However, in later years, Berry notes a more politically partisan slant to the commission. She recommends that the commission both refocus on its original commitment and expand its scope to both civil and human rights so that Americas compliance can be placed in the context of international human rights standards to provide some much-needed self-criticism.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)