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Brown vs.Board of Euducation
Black students were denied to certain public schools based on laws allowing public education to be segregated by race. They argued that such segregation violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The deferents were denied relief in the lower courts based on Plessy v. Ferguson, which held that racially segregated public facilities were legal so long as the facilities for blacks and whites were equal. -
Emmett Till
Emmett, who was only 14 years old, was brutally murdered in Mississippi for allegedly whistling at a white woman. His death became an eye opener of a lot of people in the United States during the time. The trial of his killers, who were acquitted by an all-white jury, further highlighted the systemic racism that needed to be addressed. Emmett Till's story serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice. -
Rosa Parks / Bus boycott
In 1955, she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking a wave of protests and boycotts. Parks' bravery and determination inspired countless others to stand up for their rights. Heractions led to the Montgomery BusBoycott, a significant event that eventually led to the desegregation of public transportation. -
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
It was founded in 1957 by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and other leaders. The SCLC aimed to combat racial segregation and discrimination through nonviolent protests. They organized marches, boycotts, and other peaceful actions to bring attention to the injustices faced by African Americans.Their work caused changes to get segregation. -
Little Rock 9
A group of African American students who faced great adversity and discrimination when they enrolled in Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Despite the Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education that declared segregation in schools unconstitutional, they were met with hostility and violence from white segregationists.Their bravery paved the way for the desegregation of schools across the country. -
Greensboro Sit ins
In 1960, four African American college students from North Carolina A&T State University sat at a whites-only lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. They peacefully demanded service, despite facing hostility and refusal. Their brave action sparked a wave of sit-ins throughout the country. The sit-ins brought attention to the injustice of segregation and played a significant role in the eventual desegregation of public facilities. -
Freedom Riders
They rode buses through the South to challenge the unjust laws that enforced racial segregation. These courageous individuals faced violence, arrests, and other forms of intimidation, but they remained committed to their cause. Their actions brought national attention to the issue of segregation and helped pave the way for the desegregation of public transportation. -
March on Washington
Over 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., to advocate for equal rights and an end to racial discrimination. The highlight of the march was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic “I Have a Dream" speech, in which he called for racial harmony and equality. The march was a peaceful demonstration that showed the unity and determination of the civil rights activists. It played a significant role in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed segregation and discrimination. -
Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. It was signed into law on July 2, 1964, by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The act prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public places, schools, and employment. It was a significant step forward in the fight for equality and justice. -
Assassination of Malcom X
Malcolm X, a civil rights activist, was shot and killed while giving a speech in New York City. His assassination sent shockwaves through the civil rights movement and left a void in the fight for racial equality. Malcolm X's powerful speeches and teachings continue to inspire people around the world. His legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the importance of fighting against discrimination and oppression. -
Selma to Montgomery Marches
Led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders, the marches aimed to draw attention to the obstacles faced by black voters in the South. The first attempt, known as "Bloody Sunday," was met with violent resistance from state troopers, but subsequent marches gained national attention and support. These marches ultimately led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which protected the voting rights of African Americans. -
Assassination of MLK
Malcolm X, a prominent civil rights activist and advocate for black empowerment, was shot and killed while giving a speech in New York City. His assassination sent shockwaves through the civil rights movement and left a void in the fight for racial equality. Malcolm X's powerful speeches and teachings continue to inspire people around the world.