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Jackie Robinson MLB Barrier Broken
On this day in history, Jackie Robinson appeared in Major League Baseball as the first black player. Breaking the color barrier in the MLB, starting the integration of black players into MLB and other sports as well. Showing that in terms of the Civil Rights, that great strides can be taken place. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
In 1954 the supreme court had made the final decision of Brown vs. Board of Education. Declaring that the segregation of schools was unconstitutional. Being a monumental advancement for the Civil Rights movement, as it stated in writing that this was a violation of the 14th amendment. -
Montgomery Bus Boycotts
The Montgomery Bus Boycotts began on the 5th of December, 1955, as Rosa Parks refused to change seats on a bus to make space for a white male. The bus boycotts had started after this event, embarking on the yearlong protest of African-Americans no longer taking the bus. Causing the bus companies to lose money and being the first large scale protest against segregation in the U.S.. -
Greensboro Sit-Ins
The Greensboro sit-ins started in February of 1960 and ended in July of the same year. A group of college students sat in the Woolworth store after being denied service. This form of protest sparked movements all across the South, especially in college campuses in which there was major segregation. While most of the sit-ins occurred in the Woolworth store, it had also taken place in other segregated establishments, adding to the Civil Rights movement as a whole. -
Freedom Rides
Starting in May of 1961 to December of the same year, whites and blacks got on buses together and started riding all over the South to promote the enforcement of the Supreme Courts ruling of segregated buses being unconstitutional. The Freedom Rides showed the South that there should not be any segregation on buses or other places, as whites and blacks can get along. The Freedom Rides had accomplished their goal as well, with Robert F. Kennedy petitioning that the ruling be enforced. -
March on Washington
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was a political demonstration held by the civil rights leaders of the time. Depicting the vast amount of demand for civil rights for African-Americans. Wth 200,000 people in attendance, and Martin Luther King Jr. giving his famous "I have a Dream" speech. The pressure of the demonstration persuaded John F. Kennedy to initiate a strong federal civil rights bill, advocating for African-American civil and economical rights. -
Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark for the Civil Rights movement, as it had prohibited the discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Being a hallmark for the movement, it is often regarded as one of the most important acts passed by congress. Aiming to end discrimination and any unlawful biasing towards African-Americans. -
Malcolm X's Assassination
Malcolm X was a leading voice in the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. Promoting Black Power within the process of working towards desegregating the country. He was assassinated in the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan where he was about to give a speech, when 3 men ran up on stage shooting him 15 times. Malcolm X's reputation stayed within the country and the Civil Rights movement, promoting self-defense and race pride. -
Selma March
The Selma to Montgomery march took place over 4 days, from Selma, AL to the states capital. Led by Martin Luther King Jr., the point of the march was to demonstrate their constitutional right to vote. Bringing in people from the North and South, both white and black, the march from Selma to Montgomery was a pivotal turning point in the Civil Rights movement. While the march was once stopped through the use of police brutality, the goal was reached with the Voting Acts Right act being passed. -
Voting Rights Act
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law by Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson, which aimed to overcome state and local barriers that were put in place to stop African-Americans from voting. The act was heavily supported after the passing of the Civil Rights Act from the year prior. Displaying that there is a possibility of having laws signed to support desegregation and anti-discrimination. With the act expanding the 14th and 15th amendments as it banned racial discrimination in voting practices. -
Black Panther Party
The Black Panther Party was founded in Oakland, California, by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. With the original purpose of the party being to protect black citizens from violence and brutality. The party was revolutionary in its aspirations of Black Nationalism, socialism, and armed self-defense against police brutality. With the foundation of the party being formed under a Marxist-Leninist influence. -
Bloody Sunday
The march to Selma had begun early in the month of March, but on March 7th, 1967, marchers had been violently attacked while trying to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The event was widely reported by the media, showing the country the police brutality African-Americans experienced. Sparking outrage, many people came to march alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis. Gaining momentum in advocating for voting rights. -
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death
Martin Luther King Jr. was fatally shot at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4th, 1968. News of King's assassination spread across the nation causing major outbreaks of racial violence. Many riots had taken place in major cities, with a little over 40 deaths nationwide. King's death was one of the most tumultuous days in American history, leading to a little backtracking in the non-violent protests that had been King's main push in the civil rights movement. -
Fair Housing Act
The fair housing act was a title from the Civil Rights Act. This prohibited the discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, and family status. The act had brought some protection towards African-Americans when looking to buy and/or rent houses. Advocating for more equal and fair rights for African-Americans, expanding on previous acts and preventing unfair discrimination. -
Black College Initiative
Signed by President Jimmy Carter, the Black College Initiative started recognizing historic black universities. Providing recognition and more funding from the federal government, to improve opportunities in the black education. Aiming to advance educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunities through HBCUs. Also offering cross-university networking opportunities, giving the chance to work on specific issues in the Civil Rights Movement.