Civil Rights Timeline

  • Brown V. Board of Education

    Brown V. Board of Education
    In Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court said that it was wrong to have separate schools for black and white students. They decided that this kind of segregation was against the law. It was an important step in the fight for equal rights in education.
  • Murder of Emmet Till

    Murder of Emmet Till
    Till, a 14-year old African boy, was brutally beaten and killed in Mississippi after being accused of whistling at a white women. His tragic death gained National attention and became a catalyst for civil rights struggle. It highlighted the deep seated racism and injustice in America during that time.
  • Rosa Parks & The Boycott

    Rosa Parks & The Boycott
    The Rosa Parks boycott was a major turning point in the fight for civil rights. It was a protest against racial segregation on public buses in Montgomery, Alabama. The boycott lasted for 381 days and ultimately led to the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional.
  • Southern Christian Leadership Confrence

    Southern Christian Leadership Confrence
    The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was a group of people who worked together to fight for equal rights for African Americans. They believed in nonviolent protests and used peaceful methods to bring about change. The SCLC was founded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders, and they played a big role in the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Little Rock 9

    Little Rock 9
    The Little Rock Nine were a group of African American students who faced significant challenges when they tried to enroll in an all-white high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. Their efforts to integrate the school were met with resistance and hostility from some members of the community. Despite the obstacles they faced, the Little Rock Nine played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement and paved the way for desegregation in schools.
  • Greensboro Sit ins

    Greensboro Sit ins
    The Greensboro sit-ins were a series of protests in 1960 where African American students sat at segregated lunch counters in Greensboro, North Carolina. They were a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and helped to desegregate public facilities. The sit-ins inspired similar protests across the country and brought national attention to the fight for racial equality.
  • Freedom Riders

    Freedom Riders
    The Freedom Riders were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses to challenge segregation in the United States in the 1960s. They faced violence and arrests as they traveled through the South, demanding an end to segregated bus terminals. Their bravery and determination brought national attention to the issue and contributed to the eventual desegregation of interstate transportation.
  • March on Washington

    March on Washington
    The March on Washington was a historic event that took place on August 28, 1963. It was a peaceful protest for civil rights and equality, led by Martin Luther King Jr. The march was attended by approximately 250,000 people and is most famous for King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.
  • Civil Rights Act of 1964

    Civil Rights Act of 1964
    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a crucial step in ensuring equal rights and protections for all Americans. The act also paved the way for desegregation and the enforcement of voting rights.
  • Malcom X

    Malcom X
    Malcolm X was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. He advocated for black empowerment, self-defense, and racial equality. His speeches and writings continue to inspire and challenge conversations about race and social justice.
  • Selma

    Selma
    In Selma, Alabama, during the Civil Rights Movement, there were historic protests and marches for equal voting rights. Led by Martin Luther King Jr., these events brought attention to racial discrimination and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Selma became a symbol of the fight for civil rights in America.
  • Voting Rights Act of 1965

    Voting Rights Act of 1965
    The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark civil rights legislation in the United States. It aimed to combat racial discrimination in voting by eliminating barriers that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote. The act has been instrumental in protecting voting rights and ensuring equal access to the ballot for all citizens.
  • Assassination of a Martin Luther King

    Assassination of a Martin Luther King
    Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was shot at the Lorraine Motel, and his tragic death had a significant impact on the Civil Rights Movement. It was a heartbreaking loss for the fight for racial equality in the United States.