The important social movement that emerged in the 1980s advocating for racial equality was the African American Civil Rights Movement, which had continued its evolution after the 1960s. Many activists sought to address issues such as systemic racism, police brutality, and economic injustice. Organizations like the NAACP and new groups such as Operation PUSH, led by figures like Jesse Jackson, played vital roles in mobilizing support for racial equity and social justice. The movement's intensified focus on economic disparities, affirmative action, and advocacy for legislation added momentum, culminating in significant events such as the 1986 Martin Luther King Jr. holiday campaign. This era laid groundwork for future advocacy.