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Jackie Robinson Integrates the MLB
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball. The Dodgers pledged to end segregation when they signed him on to their team. Robinson's nonviolence and perseverance challenged traditional segregation and inspired countless activists after him. -
Sweatt vs. Painter Supreme Court Case
Herman Marion Sweatt, a black man, was refused admission into the School of Law of the University of Texas. The Texas State Constitution prohibited integrated education. It was eventually decided that it was required that Sweatt be admitted into the school. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
Much like the Sweatt vs. Painter trial, this trial was about integrating segregated education. It was argued that segregation of black children in public schools was unconstitutional because it violated the 14th amendment which guaranteed "equal protection of the laws". -
Mapp vs. Ohio
This trial ruled that illegally seized evidence cannot be used in court against the accused. -
Gideon vs. Wainwright
This trial required that state courts provide services of an attorney for poor defendents. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
This act was passed by a majority of Democrats and some Republicans in Congress during Johnson's presidency. This made segregation illegal in all public facilities including hotels and restaurants. It also gave the Federal Government additional powers to enforce school desegregation. -
Escobedo vs. Illinois
This trial required the police to inform an arrested person of his or her right to remain silent. -
Civil Rights Act of 1965
This act was passed by congress under Johnson's presidency. It ended literacy tests and provided federal registrars in areas where blacks were kept from voting. -
Civil Rights Act of 1968
This trial provided equal housing opportunities regardless of race, religion, or national origin. It also made it a federal crime to "by force or by threat of force, injure, intimidate, or interfere with anyone … by reason of their race, color, religion, or national origin, handicap or familial status."
