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Brown v. Board of Education
On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court made a landmark decision in the case of Brown v. Board of Education. It involved Linda Brown, a young African American girl, and the Board of Education in Topeka, Kansas. The court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This decision helped end the separate but equal doctrine and paved the way for the Civil Rights Movement, promoting equality in education across the country. -
Murder of Emmett Till
In August 1955 Emmett Till a 14 year old African American boy, was murdered in Money, Mississippi. He was accused of flirting with a white woman, Carolyn Bryant. Her husband, Roy Bryant, and his half brother, J.W. Milam, kidnapped and brutally beat Emmett before killing him. His body was found in the Tallahatchie River. The trial sparked outrage when the men were acquitted, but the case helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement and brought attention to racial injustice. -
Rosa Parks and the Bus Boycott
On December 1, 1955 Rosa Parks an African American woman, was arrested in Montgomery Alabama, for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a bus. This act of defiance led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, organized by African Americans, including Martin Luther King Jr. The boycott lasted over a year, and eventually, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was unconstitutional helping to inspire the Civil Rights Movement. -
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference SCLC was founded on January 10 1957 by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other African American leaders. It was formed in Atlanta Georgia to fight for civil rights using nonviolent methods. The SCLC worked to end segregation, discrimination, and promote voting rights for African Americans. Through peaceful protests marches and speeches the group played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement, leading to important changes in American society. -
Little Rock 9
On September 4, 1957, nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, tried to attend Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. They faced violent opposition from white students and angry crowds. The students were escorted by federal troops, sent by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, to protect them. The event was important because it showed the challenges of desegregation and helped push forward the Civil Rights Movement, promoting equal education for all. -
Greensboro Sit ins
On February 1 1960 four African American students from North Carolina AT University sat at a whites only lunch counter at Woolworth’s in Greensboro North Carolina. This peaceful protest known as the Greensboro Sit In challenged segregation. The students known as the Greensboro Four were refused service but returned the next day with more students. Their actions inspired similar sit ins across the country helping to push for the desegregation of public places and advancing the Civil Rights act. -
Ruby Bridges
On November 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges, a six year old African American girl, became the first to attend an all white public school in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was escorted by federal marshals to ensure her safety, as many people opposed school desegregation. Ruby faced angry protests but showed great courage. Her bravery helped bring attention to the Civil Rights Movement and was a major step toward ending racial segregation in schools across the United States. -
Freedom Riders
In 1961, a group of African American and white civil rights activists, known as the Freedom Riders, traveled on buses through the South to challenge segregation. They were testing the Supreme Court's ruling that segregation in public transportation was illegal. The riders faced violent attacks from white mobs and were arrested in some cities. Despite the dangers, the Freedom Riders’ actions helped lead to the desegregation of interstate buses and brought attention to racial injustice. -
March on Washington
On August 28, 1963, over 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was led by civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and A. Philip Randolph. The march was organized to demand racial equality, fair jobs, and better economic opportunities. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, calling for an end to racism and a more equal and just America. -
Civil Right Act 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law on July 2, 1964, by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement, with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and many activists pushing for change. The law banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, or national origin in public places, schools, and employment. This was an important step towards equality and ended legal segregation in the United States. -
Assassination of Malcom X
On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X, a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, was assassinated in New York City. He was giving a speech at the Audubon Ballroom when he was shot by three men. Malcolm X had been a strong voice for African American rights and was known for his speeches about self-defense and black pride. His death shocked the nation and highlighted the struggles for racial equality during the Civil Rights Movement. -
Selma to Montgomery Marches
The Selma to Montgomery Marches took place in 1965 in Alabama. Activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and many others led the marches to demand voting rights for African Americans. On March 7, police attacked peaceful marchers on "Bloody Sunday," but the protests continued. On March 21, after support grew, the marchers successfully reached Montgomery. These marches helped lead to the passing of the Voting Rights Act, giving African Americans greater access to voting. -
Voting Rights Act
The Voting Rights Act was signed into law on August 6, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was created to protect the voting rights of African Americans, especially in the South. Many civil rights leaders, like Martin Luther King Jr., had fought for this law after seeing how difficult it was for African Americans to vote due to things like literacy tests and poll taxes. The law helped ensure equal voting rights for all Americans. -
Assassination of M.L.K
On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, known for his peaceful protests against racism and segregation. King was shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. His death shocked the world and led to protests and mourning across the country. Despite his death, his legacy of fighting for equality and justice continues to inspire people today.