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Dred Scott v. Sandford
In the court case of Dred Scott v. Sandford, the Supreme Court upheld the theory that African Americans were not entitled to citizenship to the United States. The Supreme Court additionally continued to view descendants of slaves as inferior beings. Not only did this case intensify slavery divisions throughout the nation, but it also led to the ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868. -
14th Amendment
Ratification of the 14th Amendment granted "equal protection under the law", and it granted citizenship to African Americans. It was a landmark ruling in American history, as it was one of the first significant steps toward desegregation and equal rights for all. -
Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act granted African Americans equal treatment in various public settings. However, it was later declared unconstitutional in 1883 and unauthorized by the 13th and 14th Amendments. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
This landmark case established the ruling "separate but equal," and it upheld segregation in public facilities (ex. bathrooms, restaurants, busses, etc.). However, 58 years later, this court decision was repealed by the Brown v. Board of Education ruling. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The final ruling of Brown v. Board of Education deemed the Plessy v. Ferguson "separate but equal" doctrine to be unconstitutional. The case was especially significant toward Ruby Bridges's childhood and education, as it declared laws establishing separate schools for black and white children unconstitutional. -
Little Rock Nine
A group of nine African American students integrated into Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. This was the first successful attempt at the desegregation of a public school even though it required the use of the National Guard. The group of students, deemed the "Little Rock Nine", became an iconic symbol for the desegregation era. -
Peaceful Protesting in Washington
In 1959, over 20,000 people came together to march in Washington, D.C. to advocate for integration. Named the Youth March for Integrated Schools, this protest was a part of one of the many movements in support of integration of American public schools. -
Ruby Bridges Desegregates an All-White Public School
Ruby Bridges singlehandedly desegregates the William Frantz Elementary School and becomes the first African-American child to attend an all white elementary school. Although not often talked about in school curriculums, Ruby Bridges is an extremely important figure in school desegregation. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 declared discrimination based on race, color, religion, or sex unconstitutional. Title IV of the act also specifically prohibited discrimination in various programs and activities.
