In 1865 the 13th Amendment was passed by Congress; almost one hundred years later in 1964 so too was the Civil Rights Act, the years between these dates saw the genesis of a movement and the emergence of some of the most notable Civil Rights leaders in history. This has sparked debate; on one side historians such as John Dittmer place the movement itself at the centre of the struggle, he claims that the movement was, "essential... to achieve (social equality.)"1 Conversely, some historians, such as Charles Payne and Harvard Sitkoff, believe leadership, especially that of Martin Luther King, was the most important factor in the success of the Civil Rights Movement. While one does appreciate the efforts of the communities in rallying together
