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Civil Rights Movement Essay Examples

Civil Rights Movement - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

The civil rights movement was a social and political movement in the United States during the mid-1950s to the late 1960s. It aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans and promote the equal rights and opportunities for all citizens regardless of their race, gender, religion or ethnicity. This movement was characterized by non-violent protests, demonstrations, and civil disobedience to challenge discriminatory laws and practices. The movement achieved many successes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which significantly improved the civil liberties of African Americans and other marginalized groups.

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  1. 1
    March Book One and March Book Two: An Analysis of the Struggles of Congressman John Lewis
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    The recent history of my country, as depicted in the memoirs March Book One and March Book Two, is both fascinating and humbling. Seeing the struggles of Congressman John Lewis through the Civil Rights Movement has made him a new hero of mine. It only aches me that even with access to his story and the principles he sets forth on non-violent protests, many people in the modern generation do not always take these to heart and therefore hurt their…
    Civil RightsCivil Rights MovementSuccess
  2. 2
    The Struggles Faced by Mexican Americans as the Catalyst for Chicano Movement
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    By the year 1970, the Chicano movement was heavily dominated by young students in high schools and colleges. González explains how they focused on problems that they experienced at their educational institutions, and how they were committed to the concept of cultural regeneration. By definition, it is the glorification of a homeland. They wanted to renew or transform their community in a way that demonstrates how proud they are to be Chicanos and foster the beliefs and traditions of their…
    Civil Rights Movement
  3. 3
    Literary Elements Used in I Have a Dream Speech
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    Rhetorical Devices Used in I Have a Dream Martin Luther King Jr., an icon in the American road to equality, delivered his I Have a Dream speech in Washington D.C., in front of 250,000 people. As an African American In the 1960’s, King was automatically a target for discrimination. Many people did not want to listen to him. They did not want to hear what he had to say, because of his origins; yet, his skin color did not affect…
    I Have a Dream
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  4. 4
    Causes and Effects Of The Civil Rights Movement
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    In this paper, I set out to understand, in general, the relationship between Christianity and the civil rights movement in the United States, specifically on the side of the struggle. I intend to do that by, firstly, briefly tracing back to the origins of Catholicism and Protestantism in the U.S, to understand the different paths that the churches have taken in this period. Secondly, analyze a bit of the history causes and effects of the civil rights movement in parallel…
    Civil RightsCivil Rights Movement
  5. 5
    Emmett Till’s Murder: an Eye-Opening Event
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    Section A: Plan of Investigation The murder of Emmett Till has been discussed for 6 decades and has consistently been noted as the spark of the Civil Rights Movement. When Emmett Till was murdered and African-Americans from all across the country examined Till’s body after the incident and witnessing his murderers be acquitted, they became outraged and cohesively decided that this was the last straw and it was time for change. In order to guide my investigation toward focusing on…
    Civil Rights Movement
  6. 6
    The Chicano of Aztlan: Chicano Movement as a Turning Point
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    Imagine living in a town where you have/had been living for a long time and suddenly, someone comes to your town and tells the world that the land has been left uninhabited. Your colonizers tell you to leave your homes and claim it to be their land. It seems to be a little unrealistic, right? Unfortunately, this is a sad reality of the Chicana/o/x people, and it happened right here on this land that some of us seem to call…
    Civil Rights Movement
  7. 7
    The Montgomery Bus Boycott In America
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    Unbeknown to many, due to the lack of research surrounding the topic of British race relations, “coloured people in Britain is labour were under a number of peculiar handicaps which vary in intensity according to circumstances and the radical characteristics of the individual involved.”The Bristol Bus Boycott of 1963 is a fitting example of this and, the transnational links between Black freedom struggles in the US and UK. It addresses the institutional racism prevalent in society at the time and…
    Civil RightsCivil Rights MovementMontgomery Bus Boycott
  8. 8
    Dr. Martin Luther King “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”
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    Dr. Martin Luther King, a prominent leader in the Civil Rights movement, dedicated his efforts to reshaping the social fabric of the United States and addressing economic inequalities. In his powerful speech, "I’ve Been to the Mountaintop," delivered in 1968 in Memphis during the Washington Poor People March, King eloquently expressed his vision for the future of civil rights struggles while supporting the cause of garbage workers on strike. This address is hailed as one of King's most inspiring speeches,…
    Civil Rights MovementRhetoric
  9. 9
    I Have a Dream: Persuasive And Powerful Speech
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    Martin Luther King Jr. Speech The “I Have a Dream” speech is one of the most famous speeches ever given in the history of nation. As quoted by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself, also one of the “greatest demonstrations of freedom in the history of our nation.” It changed the world and impacted it in ways that forever shaped America. His strong speaking skills, and the way he conveyed his message impacted the heart of all Americans. Dr. Martin…
    I Have a Dream
  10. 10
    Minority Rights Campaigners and the Black American Civil Rights Movement: A Tactical Review
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    How far do you agree that minority rights campaigners just copied the tactics of the black American civil rights movement, they did nothing unique? There were three main minority rights groups fighting for equality in America in the 20th century; Native Americans, Hispanics and Homosexuals. It wasn’t always on the ground of race, it was about unity and changing mindsets to not judge or discriminate people based on race, sexuality, religion etc. The civil rights movement used peaceful protests, boycotts,…
    Civil Rights Movement
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  11. 11
    A Summary of I Have a Dream Speech and Literary Devices Used
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    One of the most well known referenced and studied speeches in American history is that of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream”. The speech was delivered on August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in front of thousands of people, both black and white, all with a common goal of striving for equality in America. The underlying purpose of King’s speech is two-fold in that it aims to encourage those who share King’s views to remain hopeful and to…
    I Have a DreamMartin Luther King I Have a Dream
  12. 12
    The Rhetorical Devices Used in The Ballot or The Bullet Speech
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    As an introduction, I would like to define the meaning of rhetoric, it is “the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the exploitation of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.” In other words, rhetoric is a technique of using language effectively and persuasively in spoken or written form. For example, the public speech of Martin Luther King, (I have a dream) the effect and power of it still exist; though it was given on 1963 still…
    Civil Rights MovementMalcolm X
  13. 13
    Learning To Read And The Danger Of A Single Story By Malcolm X And Adichie
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    Malcolm X’s passage, “Learning to Read” and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s speech, “The Danger of a Single Story” are attempts to explain how incomplete information can affect the portrayal of a specific group of people. Both authors seek to help their audience find the truth behind veiled stories using a specific tone. However, in order to do this effectively, Malcolm X chose to use facts and the harsh history of blacks to express the importance of knowledge, while Chimamanda uses a…
    Civil Rights MovementMalcolm X
  14. 14
    Rhetorical Analysis of Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream Speech
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    Introduction I have a dream…these are words we have all heard at one time or another. Words spoken by a revolutionary at one of the most revolutionary moments in American history. However, why is it that Martin Luther King Jr made such an impact on People? There were plenty of other talented and revolutionary writers and speakers at the time, so why is it that he made such an impact? There is no way to really say as there are…
    I Have a DreamMartin Luther King I Have a Dream
  15. 15
    The History and Rise of the Chicano Movements
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    The Chicano Movement of the mid-twentieth century marked an era of revolution, resistance, and re-organization as there was a far-reaching cry for equality by Chicanx individuals. People from different generations, genders, and sexualities in the Chicanx communities joined in the movement, however, their contributions have yet to be recognized. Dione Espinoza, María Eugenia Cotera, and Maylei Blackwell’s anthology, Chicana Movidas: New Narratives of Activism and Feminism in the Movement Era, provides a space for individuals to voice their experiences, engagement,…
    Civil Rights Movement
  16. 16
    Echoes of Justice: Dr. King’s Mountaintop Discourse and the Timeless Call for Equality
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    In the symphony of civil rights discourse, "I've Been to the Mountaintop" emerges as a resonant masterpiece, a testament to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s unparalleled oratory prowess. Delivered on the eve of his tragic demise, this speech at the Mason Temple in Memphis on April 3, 1968, transcends the confines of a historical moment, echoing as a timeless call for justice and equality. Dr. King opens his address by immersing the audience in the turbulent waves of the Civil…
    Civil Rights MovementI Have a Dream
  17. 17
    Basketball’s Impact on Civil Rights: A Game-Changer
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    When it comes to sports that have left an indelible mark on the world, basketball stands out as a prime example. This essay delves into the history of basketball, tracing its humble beginnings with Dr. James Naismith in 1891, its rapid rise in popularity across the United States, and its evolution into a global sensation that transcends borders and cultures. The Birth of Basketball Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor, was faced with a dilemma. How could he…
    BasketballCivil Rights Movement
  18. 18
    Analyzing Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech: Themes, Rhetorical Devices, and Impact
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    Paper Type:Analysis essay
    The "I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King Jr. stands as one of the most iconic and influential speeches in American history. Delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, this speech encapsulated the aspirations and hopes of the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King's words continue to resonate today as a symbol of the struggle for racial equality and justice. In this essay, we will delve into a comprehensive analysis of this…
    I Have a Dream
  19. 19
    Analyzing Malcolm X’s Transformation: The Impact of Learning to Read
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    Paper Type:Analysis essay
    Analyzing Malcolm X's Journey: Learning to Read and Its Impact on His Life Malcolm X, a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement, is known for his powerful advocacy for racial equality and social justice. His journey of learning to read while in prison played a pivotal role in shaping his beliefs and activism. In this essay, we will delve into the remarkable transformation brought about by Malcolm X's determination to educate himself, exploring his path to learning to…
    Civil Rights Movement
  20. 20
    Contrasts and Convergences: Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.
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    When discussing the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, two figures tower above the rest: Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Their voices echoed the aspirations of millions, yet their methods and philosophies seemed, on the surface, to be worlds apart. Delving into their lives and beliefs offers an intricate dance of contrasts and convergences that shaped a crucial era in American history. Born in the heartland of America, Martin Luther King Jr.'s journey began as a Southern Baptist…
    Civil Rights Movement
  21. 21
    The Rippling Impact of Martin Luther King Jr.: More Than a Dreamer
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    You've probably heard the famous "I Have a Dream" speech at least a dozen times, maybe in school or in a movie. A charismatic speaker stands in front of the Lincoln Memorial and addresses hundreds of thousands, sending chills down your spine even though you're only listening to a recording. That's Martin Luther King Jr. for you—a name synonymous with the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. But King's accomplishments go beyond a handful of memorable speeches or mass…
    Civil Rights Movement
  22. 22
    Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King: Contrasting Approaches to Civil Rights
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    The civil rights movement of the 20th century witnessed the leadership of two iconic figures: Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. While both fought tirelessly for racial equality and justice, their approaches and philosophies differed significantly. This essay delves into the distinct ideologies and strategies of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting the impact of their leadership on the movement for civil rights. Martin Luther King Jr.: Nonviolent Resistance and Integration Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist…
    Civil Rights Movement
  23. 23
    Muhammad Ali: A Symbol of Sports, Activism, and Civil Rights
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    In the annals of history, there are moments that encapsulate the essence of struggle and the power of individual agency to transform societies. One such individual who epitomized this phenomenon was Muhammad Ali. His journey through the tumultuous landscape of the civil rights movement is a testament to the interplay of sports, activism, and social change. Muhammad Ali, a larger-than-life figure in the realm of boxing, became a symbol that transcended the boundaries of the sports arena. His persona exuded…
    Civil Rights Movement
  24. 24
    Timeless Echoes: The Enduring Impact of Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech
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    Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech is often hailed as one of the most iconic speeches in American history. Delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, King's impassioned oration became a beacon of the American civil rights movement. Yet, many often wonder about the length of the speech – a detail that belies the profound and lasting impact it continues to have on the world. Clocking in at approximately…
    I Have a Dream
  25. 25
    Frederick Douglass: A Legacy of Freedom and Progress
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    When we think of American heroes who've shaped our country's narrative and values, Frederick Douglass's name often comes to mind. Born into the harsh world of slavery, Douglass's journey from a slave to one of the most respected orators, writers, and abolitionists of his time is nothing short of incredible. His accomplishments are vast and influential, and they still resonate in the hallways of history. Frederick Douglass was born enslaved in 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland. He endured the physical…
    Civil Rights Movement
  26. 26
    Martin Luther King Jr.: The Unwavering Visionary of Justice and Equality
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    Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an iconic figure in the American civil rights movement, was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. His birth marked the beginning of a life dedicated to defending equality, social justice, and nonviolent resistance in the face of adversity. As a Baptist minister and civil rights leader, Dr. King played a central role in challenging the entrenched racial segregation and discrimination prevailing in the United States during the mid-20th century. This essay explores the…
    Civil Rights Movement
  27. 27
    Color and Courage: The Legacy of Jackie Robinson
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    Jackie Robinson, a baseball pioneer, and civil rights activist, left an indelible mark on American history through his courage, talent, and unwavering commitment to breaking racial barriers. As the first African-American player to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1947, Robinson not only transformed the sport but also became a symbol of hope and progress in the ongoing struggle for racial equality. His journey to greatness was fraught with challenges, but his resilience and dignity paved…
    Civil Rights Movement
  28. 28
    Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X: A Journey Towards Equality
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    In the history of civil rights activism in the United States, two iconic figures stand out: Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Their approaches and ideologies differed significantly, yet both were driven by a common desire to achieve equality for African Americans. While King advocated for nonviolent resistance and integration, Malcolm X preached self-defense and separatism. Despite their differences, both men played pivotal roles in shaping the civil rights movement and challenging the deeply ingrained racial injustices of their…
    Civil Rights Movement
  29. 29
    Selma Movie Review
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    Selma, the 2014 film, encapsulates the heroic leadership of Martin Luther King Jr though the Civil Rights Movement. He gathers civil right activists from all over the globe to come to Selma, and march to Alabama in peaceful protests in a fight to give African Americans the right to vote. The movie pieces together the life of Martin Luther King, providing an insightful and factual outlook into his journey and setbacks towards bringing an end to segregation. Selma incorporates several…
    Civil Rights MovementSocial Movements
  30. 30
    What Is So Unique About the Contemporary Period?
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      The Contemporary period is the literature period between 1945 and present day. Not only was this a time period but many writers were known to use a contemporary style of writing. Their writing came in response to events that occurred after the end of World War 2 like the civil rights movement, the 9/11 attack, immigration issues, or any other event or topic in a given subject that is relevant to the present day otherwise known as a contemporary…
    Civil Rights MovementSocial Movements
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  31. 31
    Support For The Civil Rights Movement
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    The emergence of rock ‘n’ roll as a new musical genre was witnessed in the 1950s United States (Shi and Tindall 1051). The recordings of rhythm and blues, named rock ‘n’ roll, were made popular by Alan Freed (Altschuler 1051) with the inclusion of the non-white Americans as its pivotal part. It reached further heights with the participation of Elvis Presley and marked the deviation from the race-related conformity (Altschuler 1052). Along with its nation-wide acceptance that went beyond ethnicity…
    Civil Rights MovementSocial Movements
  32. 32
    The Civil Rights Movement: What Good Was It?
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    Segregation was a difficult experience for African Americans in the 1960’s. Throughout the book March, written by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell; they discuss the hardships John Lewis faces growing up, and the actions he took to change society. As the book progresses, it goes into detail of Lewis’ religion and leadership throughout the South. Lewis overcomes reality as a child first by preaching to chickens, which later helped him build up enough courage to join the Civil…
    Civil Rights MovementSocial Movements
  33. 33
    The Civil Rights Movement Sparked Change
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    Throughout American history, various movements attracted many supporters around various reforms that have been expanded and enriched drastically. Reform has been part of American DNA since 1877 and evolving until the twenty first century. Reformers sought to better politics, black Americans continued their endless fight for civil rights, and women demanded the right to vote while also pressing a more equal role in society. Workers fought for higher wages, safer workplaces, and the union recognition that would guarantee rights. Reform…
    Civil Rights MovementSocial Reformers
  34. 34
    Sharing Your Experience of Sexual Assault
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    In 2018 a docuseries aired on Lifetime titled Surviving R. Kelly. In this series, several African American women who were teenagers at the time, spoke on their experience allegedly being sexually abused by singer R. Kelly. In 2002, R. Kelly was indicted on child pornography charges, several of these women testified against him but by the end of the trial in 2008, R. Kelly was found not guilty. The sentiment that people didn’t take their accusations seriously because they were…
    ExperienceMontgomery Bus BoycottSexuality
  35. 35
    Everyone has the right to human rights
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    When first approaching this question, it is important to understand what a human right is. Defined by Google, it is “a right which is believed to belong to every person” and when by Amnesty International they are “the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every single one of us”. At first glance, one would not be wrong in assuming that the answer to this question is that they are, of course, universal by definition. However, this essay will address…
    Civil Rights MovementRights Of Citizens
  36. 36
    Martin Luther King’s Rhetorical Strategies in I Have a Dream
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    One of history’s most critically acclaimed speeches, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed thousands of people with his “I Have a Dream” speech which had been given during the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. By giving this speech King hoped to end racial injustice in the U.S., and hoped unify the country by creating equal rights for everyone. King’s goal was to persuade those who were against equal rights to understand what is it like to live without…
    Civil Rights MovementI Have a Dream
  37. 37
    Rhetorical Analysis on the “I Have A Dream” Speech
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    In the past sixty years, few events have been more inspiring than Martin Luther King, Jr.'s address before the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where he presented his historic “I Have A Dream” speech. Mr. King was quite despondent of where America was headed to at that time because of the violent attacks that had transpired against the civil rights protesters before then (History.com). Which is the reason this speech left such an impact; it exhibited the great…
    I Have a Dream
  38. 38
    Civil Rights: The End of Social Inequality
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    President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, first proposed by John F. Kennedy, into law on July 2, 1964. The Act was the most important piece of legislation in the fight for the progression of civil rights. Citing the Commerce Clause, The Act contained eleven “titles” that made illegal the discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in education, public facilities, jobs, and housing (Civil). The act also “authorized the Attorney…
    Civil RightsCivil Rights MovementSocial Movements
  39. 39
    History of Civil Rights Movement
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    One historical event I wish I could have been a part of would the civil rights movement. The civil rights movement was a time period of change in the United States. This movement went on from the 1950s-1960s. It was time period for change and equality for African Americans. African Americans have always been treated poorly and the civil rights movement was a way to eliminate the poor treatment. Although the Civil War abolished slavery, African Americans were still being…
    Civil RightsCivil Rights Movement
  40. 40
    The Life and Achievements of Martin Luther King Jr
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    His nonviolent approach to protesting, his large crowd of followers, and his true belief in the ability of mankind to live in peace went a long way toward the advancement of civil rights. Martin Luther King did lots of things for African Americans like providing leadership in the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955, delivering his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech in 1963, being an advocate for nonviolent protest in the Memphis Sanitation Worker Strike in 1968, and being instrumental…
    Civil Rights MovementI Have a DreamInfluential Person
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