African American Civil Rights Movement

Brown v. Board of Education

May 17, 1954

The Supreme Court ruled that segregation was unconstitutional in schools nationwide, thereby overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.

Southern Christian Leadership Conference Established

Feb 14, 1957

SCLC is formed with Dr. Martin Luther King Junior appointed as the chairman of the organization.

Civil Rights Act of 1957 Passed

Sep 27, 1957

While a severely limited bill, it served as proof of the Federal Government's commitment to Brown v. Board, and was the first Civil Rights legislation passed for African Americans since the 1860's.

Civil Rights Act of 1960

May 6, 1960

Passed by President Eisenhower, the bill was intended to close certain loopholes left by the Voting Rights Act of 1957, and extend the life of the Civl Rights Commission.

Boynton v. Virginia

Dec 5, 1960

The US Supreme Court ruled that bus terminal segregation was unconstitutional due to its violation of the Interstate Commerce Act.

"I Have a Dream Speech"

Aug 28, 1963

Martin Luther King Junior delivered his "I Have a Dream Speech" at the Lincoln Memorial during his march on Washington. This is seen as the defining moment of the African American Civil Rights Movement.

LBJ Becomes President

Nov 22, 1963

Following John F. Kennedy's assassination, Lyndon Baines Johnson becomes the 36th president of the United States. A southern democrat in favor of African American Civil Rights in the White House posed a major threat to segregationists throughout the south.

24th Amendment Passed

Jan 23, 1964

Congress passes the 24th Amendment abolishing poll taxes in federal elections.

Civil Rights Act of 1964 Passed

Jul 2, 1964

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on "race, color, religion, sex or national origin" in employment practices and public accommodations.

Martin Luther King Jr. Assassinated

Apr 4, 1968

In Memphis Tennessee, Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Junior was shot dead by James Earl Raye