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Creation of the NAACP
The NAACP was founded in 1909 to fight for racial equality. It helped win many important cases, like Brown vs. Board of Education. This group has been fighting for justice for over 100 years. -
Scottsboro Boys
Nine Black teens were wrongly accused of raping two white women in 1931 Alabama. Even though there was no proof, they were sent to jail. This case showed the world how messed up the justice system was when it came to race. -
Jackie Robinson Breaks the Color Barrier
In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first Black player in Major League Baseball. His success helped break down racial barriers in sports. His story is bigger than baseball, it changed how people saw race in America. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
In 1954, the Supreme Court said that segregation schools was unconstitutional. This decision was a big deal because it started the process of ending segregation in schools. It was a major step in the fight for civil rights. -
The Murder of Emmitt Till
In 1955, a 14-year-old named Emmitt Till was killed in Mississippi for allegedly flirting with a white woman. His mom had an open-casket funeral so the world could see what they did to him. His death became a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus, and it sparked a year long boycott. It led to buses being desegregated. This was a big moment in the fight for civil rights. -
The Little Rock 9
In 1957, nine Black students walked into an all white high school in Arkansas. They faced hate and violence, but they didn’t back down. They were a huge step forward in desegregating schools. -
Ruby Bridges desegregates elementary school in New Orleans
In 1960, Ruby Bridges was the first Black girl to go to an all white elementary school. She had to face angry crowds, but she pushed through. Her bravery changed the way schools were run forever. -
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
In 1963, Dr. King wrote a letter from jail explaining why Black people couldn’t wait any longer for change. It became one of the most important texts in the Civil Rights Movement. His words still push us to fight for justice today. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
This law made it illegal to segregate public places and banned discrimination at work based on race, color, religion, sex, or where you’re from. It was a huge win for the Civil Rights Movement. It made America a little bit more equal. -
Assassination of Malcolm X
In 1965, Malcolm X was shot and killed while giving a speech. His death hurt the movement, but his ideas about empowerment still inspire today. His words still matter in the fight for equality. -
Creation of the Black Panthers
In 1966, the Black Panther Party was started to fight against police brutality and racism. They wanted Black people to protect themselves and be treated fairly. They were both loved and feared for their bold actions. -
Thurgood Marshall Named Supreme Court Justice
In 1967, Thurgood Marshall became the first Black Supreme Court Justice. Before that, he fought for civil rights as a lawyer. As a judge, he continued to fight for justice for all people. -
Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.
In 1968, Dr. King was killed in Memphis, Tennessee. His death hit hard, but his dream of a better world kept going. His work for peace and justice still makes a difference everything we do today. -
Election of Barack Obama
In 2008, Barack Obama became the first Black president of the U.S. His election showed how far America had come in terms of race. It gave hope that change was possible, no matter where you come from.