Written by:
Gabrielle Turner
In 1873 a political movement emerged in Louisiana. Co-founded by Aristide Mary, the Unification Movement was a call to action for racial equality and unity in Louisiana. This movement took place during the time when black male citizens had already gained full legal access to the political process.
The 100-member organization consisted of a variety of people: blacks and whites, Jews and Gentiles. They gathered together to put an end to discrimination because of skin color. They believed skin color should have not been a barrier to eat, sit, and live among others.
The Unification Movement disappeared upon the end of Reconstruction, but its legacy lived on in other committees that organized in the post-Reconstruction era. These organizations include the American Citizen's Equal Rights (ACERA) and, in New Orleans, the Citizens’ Committee, which Aristide Mary also co-founded. With the same goals in mind these committees worked and suffered for civil rights. Even though, the Unification Movement did not last long, it made an important dent in history. The members were eager, determined, and persistent. These qualities were more significant than the movement’s longevity.