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Even toward the end the first decade of the 21st century, race still seems to be a critical issue in the society of the United States of America. In 1964 with the signing of the Civil Rights Act by President Lyndon B. Johnson, African-Americans assumed this would mark the end of inequalities from which they and their ancestors have suffered for a long time. Finally, the U.S. had formerly recognized African-Americans as equal citizens having the right to pursue the American Dream. However, the 1960s did not fulfill the promise of economic, social, and political equality. African-Americans continued to fight for acceptance, equal rights and their chance to pursue economic stability. Poverty, economic segregation and racism were hindrances that ruled over their lives. Thirty years later, during the 1990s, which were considered glorious years in America, many witnessed the increase of crime, violence and drug abuse mainly involving African-Americans. This work will focus on the promises made to the African American people during the Sixties and whether they were fulfilled in the Nineties, and why race seems to remain a controversial issue in America´s society today.

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Donna Generao, M.A (Magistra Artium): Field of studies the Humanities in American Studies, New English Literature and Culture,and Pedagogy at the Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe University in Frankfurt am/Main Germany.

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