Herb Block applauds the growing activism of the Civil Rights Movement in this cartoon. He shows an African American practically pushed into the street by a white man, while signs on all the buildings that line the street speak of restrictions on blacks. Block's cartoon reflects events of its time. In efforts to compel school districts to end de facto [in practice, rather than by law] segregation in the North and to reduce school overcrowding, African American parents in Chicago, New York, New Jersey, and other areas publically demonstrated. President Kennedy, in a speech given on August 28, 1963, urged Americans to "accelerate our effort to achieve equal rights for all our citizens."
Herb Block (1909-2001).
"And remember, nothing can be accomplished by taking to the streets,"
September 6, 1963.
Ink, graphite, and opaque white over
graphite underdrawing on layered paper.
Published in the Washington Post, September 6, 1963.
Prints and Photographs Division (170)© 1