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Montgomery Bus Boycott
The Montgomery Bus Boycott lasted just about a year, protesting segregation on public transportation in Montgomery, Alabama. The boycott began just a few days after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to move her seat on a segregated bus. The boycott was in full swing by the time Parks' court hearing came around. This boycott was very significant because the black men and women fighting for equal rights in Alabama, did not care about this inconvenience, as long as they were granted equality. -
The Little Rock 9
In early September 1957, nine black students were about to begin what they thought was their first day at the formerly all white, Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. The governor of Arkansas quickly shut it down, and the nine students were forbidden entry. Later in the same month, President Eisenhower sent federal troops to escort the nine students into school. This was the beginning of desegregating schools in the U.S. -
Civil Rights Act of 1957
On September 9, 1957, President Eisenhower signed this bill to ensure the right to vote to all African Americans. Eisenhower did not often show his support towards the Civil Rights Movement, but he did during the signing of this bill and a few other instances. -
The Sit in Movement
The Sit-in Movement was a different way to peacefully protest against the discrimination towards African Americans. The Sit-in Movement began when four black students went to a local store and sat at the whites only lunch counter. They asked for anything and were denied service, waiting patiently. Despite the harsh remarks and sometimes physical threats, the students would simply take the beating, because if they retaliated, it would destroy the reputation of the peaceful sit-in. -
Freedom Riders
Civil Rights activists boarded buses and headed to the southern United States to spread a message. They wanted to end segregation on buses. These activists were only trying to help stop what the Supreme Court already deemed unconstitutional. A few years before the freedom riders took off on their journey south, the Supreme Court determined that bus segregation was unconstitutional. However, no one followed this law. That is why the freedom riders spread their message through the south. -
James Meredith and the Desegregation of the University of Mississippi
After a long grueling battle, James Meredith got the approval to apply to Ole Miss after convincing the Supreme Court that the University was discriminating against African Americans. Prior to the Supreme Court's decision, James applied countless times but never gained progress. After getting no where, Meredith acquired the help of the NAACP and filed a lawsuit against the university, helping the Civil Rights Movement. -
Protests in Berginham
Peaceful protests erupted all over Birmingham, Alabama and people such as police officers and firefighters retaliated. To gain progress towards equality, African Americans took to the streets of Birmingham trying to spread awareness of the discrimination against blacks. The non-protestors gathered together and did things such as spraying the protestors with fire hoses or beating them quite badly. However, these protestors remained calm and did not fight back, which would only hurt their cause. -
The March on Washington
On August 28, 1963, about 250,000 activists gathered in the nation's capital to protest for equal rights among African Americans. This was the largest gathering of protestors in American history. Celebrities and speakers showed up to show their support. The activists also marched a mile, along the National Mall, leading up to the Lincoln and Washington memorial. This event showed the will and strength of those supporting the Civil Rights Movement. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
This act was perhaps one of the most important events during the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation in public locations, and also ended discrimination against race, religion, and sex in the workplace. Not only did this act grant equality to African Americans, but also helped women and other minorities. -
The Selma March
The capital of Alabama, the city of Montgomery. Protesters continued to demand equal voting rights. Then along came Martin Luther King Jr. who led a 54 mile march. It took 5 days to complete and it stretched from Montgomery to Selma, Alabama. This march showed the dedication of those wanting equality among all U.S. citizens. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
This was one of the most significant legal actions of the Civil Rights Movement. Although African Americans technically had the right to vote as long as they were a U.S. citizen, they were being denied that right. This act was signed to overcome the legal barriers that stood in the way of African Americans attempting to vote. This was yet another big step toward equality. -
Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee in the Lorraine Motel at the age of 39. The murderer was James Earl Ray, a known racists with a criminal record. Ray confessed to the crime in March of 1969. The nation mourned the death of the Martin Luther King Jr. but all his work made the civil rights movement successful.
