Civil Rights Movement

The 1946 Governor's Race

Nov 1, 1946

Eugene Talmadge was elected governor in November, 1946, but died the next month. This meant that they had to find a new governor and this resulted in a legal "mess." Three men claimed that they were governor. African Amerians could also vote in this election which was the end of white primary.

Brown v. Board of Education

May 17, 1954

The Brown v. Board of Education case overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson decision and sparked the American Civil Rights Movement.

1956 Flag

Feb 13, 1956

At the 1956 session of the General Assembly, state senators
Jefferson Lee Davis and Willis Harden introduced Senate Bill 98 to change the state flag. It was seen as a racist symbol to many blacks.

SNCC

Apr 1, 1960

A sudent led organizaion that focused on anti-racism. They organized many nonviolent protests like freedom rides and sit-ins.

Hamilton Holmes & Charlayne Hunter

Jan 14, 1961

First students accepted to The University of Georgia

Sibley Commission

Jan 31, 1961

The General Assembley officially decided to desegregate the Atlanta public school system. The collected data that 60% of people would rather close schools than integrate but they integrated anyway

Albany Movement

Nov 17, 1961

Desegregation Coalition formed in Albany, GA. It was led by William G. Anderson and included many members from the SNCC and the NAACP.

March on Washington

Aug 28, 1963

200,00 people gathered in washington, DC led by Martin Luther King Jr. He gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. Benjamin Mays was very inflential in MLK's life and he mentored him about nonviolent protests.

Civil Rights Act

Jan 1, 1964

Ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Lester Maddox

Jul 3, 1964

Maddox was against the Civil Rights Act and said he would rather close his restaurant than desegregate. He was elected bas Governor in 1968 and appointed more black people to government positions than anyone had in the past.

Maynard Jackson as Mayor of Atlanta

Jan 1, 1973

Maynard Jackson was the first African American to serve as mayor of a major southern city. Jackson served eight years and then returned for a third term Elected mayor of Atlanta in 1973, Maynard Jackson was the first African American to serve as mayor of a major southern city. Jackson served eight years and then returned for a third term in 1990. He worked with Andrew Young and helped to organize the 1996 olympics in Atlanta.