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Montgomery Bus boycotts
After the arrest of Rosa parks many people organized a year long boycott of city buses. This action led to the desegregation of buses and brought hope that even bigger changes could be made -
The murder of Emmett Till
The murder of Emmett Till and his body being shown in an open casket during his funeral shocked the nation, causing many to join the civil rights movement and making others fearful after what happened to him -
Little Rock Nine
The Little Rock Nine’s struggle was a major step forward in the fight for school integration, inspiring more direct action and legal victories in the Civil Rights Movement. However, it also highlighted the deep resistance to racial equality, which continued long after their courageous stand. -
Civil rights Act of 1957
For African Americans, the law was symbolic, showing the federal government was beginning to care about civil rights, but it didn’t significantly improve voting access at the time. Still, it helped pave the way for stronger civil rights laws in the 1960s. -
Birmingham campaign
People that protested in Birmingam were subjected to lots of relentless violence from the police. People who saw this were shocked and the president was pressured more and more to do something about this. -
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy spread fear that the civil rights movement would slow as he was beginning to take a stronger stance on segregation. This did not happen, though, and segregation of public places was made illegal. -
Malcolm X is assassinated
Malcolm X was a strong voice for Black empowerment, self-defense, and independence. His death left a major void in the fight for racial justice, especially for those who resonated with his more militant approach compared to the nonviolent methods of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. -
March on Selma
The Selma marches transformed American democracy, ensuring that Black Americans could exercise their right to vote. However, the fight for voting rights and racial equality continues today, as new laws and policies threaten to undo the progress made -
Huey Newton allegedly killed officer John Frey
The incident highlighted ongoing police violence against Black people, reinforcing the Black Panthers’ message about self-defense and the need for community protection. -
The assassination of Martin Luther King. Jr
King’s assassination marked the end of an era in the civil rights movement, shifting it toward economic justice and Black self-determination. While legal segregation had ended, his death highlighted the ongoing struggles for racial and economic equality, many of which continue today