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Period: to
Civil Right Movement
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African American Soldiers
Thousands of African American soldiers returned to the home front in 1945, after bravely fighting for world freedom from tyranny. Back in the United States, however, Africa Americans still faced discrimination and prejudice left over from days of slavery. -
President Truman signs the Equality Act
President Truman was upset by reports that African American servicemen were being mistreated in the United States. On July 26, 1948, President Truman signed an order that called for equality of treatment and opportunity for all Americans in the armed forces. This order started the process of ending segregation and discrimination in the military. -
Amherst meeting called
On December 9, 1948, a meeting was called at the Jones Library in Amherst to discuss problems of discrimination in our society. -
Charles Drew receives the Spingarn Medal
Dr. Charles R. Drew, a graduate of Amherst College, became an expert in the science of preserving blood supplies. At the time of his death he was chief surgeon and chief of staff at Freeman’s Hospital in Washington, D.C.Charles Drew Amherst College -
African American Rights
During the 1950's, many Americans reealized that African Americans were often prevented, illegally, from exercising thier rights as U.S Citizens. Many African Americans were prevented from voting, and students, like the ones pictured here from Smith College, protested this unfair situation. -
Marches and Rallies
Marches and rallies calling for equal rights and opportunities continue around the country in the 1960’s. -
MLK Jr. guest preacher at Smith College
In April of 1961, Smith College students invited the Reverend Mrtin Luther King, Jr. to be the guest preacher at the College Chapel. He spoke aginst dicrimination at the First Congregational Church in Amherst. -
MLK assassinated
Civil Rights protestors continued to rally for equal opportunities in America. Violence against protestors continued, and on April 4, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. On April 9, President Lyndin Johnson declared a day on national mourning. It was the most honorable farewell ever given to an American civilian. -
Local people join Freedom Riders
Smith Cllege professor Paul Lauter, Smith student Mary Judith Coburn, Amherst college student Marshall Bloom, and others, joined the protestors in Selma, Alabama. They were arrested and jailed for refusing to leave. Bail money for the students was collected from concerned Amherst and Northhampton residents. -
Concerned citzens think together
A Sympathy March and a Rally of Support for the civil rights protestors in Alabama are held at Wright Hall, Smith College, and on Main Street in Northampton in March, 1965. -
MLK Jr. Protest
On March 25, 1965, as many as 50,000 people gathered in front of the capitol building to hear Martin Luther King, Jr., and others protest voting rights, discrimination, and demand an end to violence against civil rights supporters. -
UMASS creates new studies program
In 1969, the University of Massachusetts created the first Afro-American studies program. Today, the W. E. B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American studies is one of the largest such departments in the country, offering an undergraduate major for all students who wish in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of black people and the New World.
