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Plessy v Ferguson
Plessy v. Ferguson was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1896 that upheld racial segregation laws in the United States. The case involved Homer Plessy, an African American man who was arrested for sitting in a “whites-only” railroad car in Louisiana. The Court ruled that “separate but equal” facilities for Black and white people were constitutional, allowing segregation to continue for many years. This decision legitimized racial segregation and discrimination, particularly in the South. -
The Green Book
The Green Book, officially titled The Negro Motorist Green Book, was a travel guide published annually from 1936 to 1966. Created by Victor Hugo Green, an African American postal worker, it provided a list of safe places—such as hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses—that would serve Black travelers during a time when racial segregation and discrimination were widespread in the United States. The book helped African Americans avoid places where they might be denied service. -
Ida B Wells
Ida B. Wells was an African American journalist, educator, and early civil rights leader. She is best known for her courageous anti-lynching campaign, where she used her writing to expose the brutality and injustice of lynching in the United States. Wells’ investigative journalism led to widespread public awareness and pushed for anti-lynching laws. In addition to her work on racial equality, she was a co-founder of the NAACP and advocated for women’s rights, including suffrage. -
Executive order of 9981
Executive Order 9981, issued by President Harry S. Truman on July 26, 1948, desegregated the U.S. military. It mandated that all branches of the military provide equal treatment and opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. This order helped to end racial segregation in the armed forces, paving the way for greater racial integration and equality within the military during and after the Korean War. -
Montgomery bus boycott
The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a civil rights protest in Montgomery, Alabama, that began in December 1955 after Rosa Parks, A black woman, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus. African Americans in the city organized a boycott of the bus system, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. The boycott lasted over a year, severely impacting the bus company. It ended in December 1956 when the Supreme Court ruled that segregation was unnecessary on busses. -
Little Rock 9
The Little Rock Nine were 9 black students who went to high school in Little Rock Arkansas in 1957. White segregationists, including the governor, fiercely resisted, but federal troops ensured their entry. Many white people reacted with violence and hostility. -
I have a dream Speech
The “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, called for an end to racism and inequality in America. In his speech, King envisioned a future where all people, regardless of race, would be judged by their character, not the color of their skin. He highlighted the need for racial justice, equal rights, and economic opportunities for African Americans. His words inspired millions of people -
March on Selma
The Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 were protests for African American voting rights. In Selma, Alabama, Black residents faced obstacles like literacy tests and poll taxes that prevented them from voting. On March 7, 1965, a group of peaceful protesters tried to march from Selma to Montgomery but were attacked by state troopers and local police in an event known as “Bloody Sunday.” The violent response was broadcast on TV, shocking the nation and bringing attention to racial injustice. -
Voting rights act
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, particularly in the South. It banned practices like literacy tests and poll taxes that prevented African Americans from voting. The law also required federal approval for changes to voting laws in areas with a history of discrimination. The Act significantly increased African American voter registration and participation, playing a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement. -
Miscegenation laws
Miscegenation laws were state laws in the United States that prohibited interracial marriage and interracial sexual relations, primarily targeting marriages between Black and white people. These laws were enacted in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in Southern states, to maintain racial segregation and uphold white supremacy. They were based on the belief that racial mixing would undermine social order. The laws began to be challenged in the mid-20th century.