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I Have a Dream Speech
On August 28th Martin Luther King Jr. marched on Washington D.C. with thousands of African Americans in an effort to bring their struggles and goals to the attention of millions. It is on this day that he delivered his powerful and influential "I Have a Dream" speech where he talks of a future without racism and oppression. This moment is important because it became the catalyst of the equal rights movement and started a wildfire of support that lead to great strides in African american rights. -
Kennedy Assasination
In Dallas, TX president John F. Kennedy was shot and killed, this is marked as the only time in modern history that a president was killed. This is an important event because Kennedy was leading a charge in congress for the Civil Rights movement and was working towards equal rights for African Americans. His death scared many because it was thought that the civil rights movement might have died with him and lost its momentum. -
Alcatraz Occupation
In November of 1969 the "Indians of All Tribes" alliance occupied Alcatraz island for 18 months to bring awareness and to fight for restitution and self-determination. The event got world wide attention and brought the conversation to the main stage and helped bring the Native Americans plight into the light -
Affirmative Action
In October of 1071 the supreme court passed the Affirmative Action law unchallenged. This law was a turning point in america because it made it illegal for employers to not hire someone based on their race and allowed people of any race to have an equal chance at jobs. -
The Berlin Wall Comes Down
On 11/11/89 the Berlin Wall signifying the cold war and Russias "Iron Curtain" was brought down ending the subjugation on many Berlin citizens and stopped a conflict that almost escalated into nuclear war. This was important because of its effect on US citizens and the world with its continuous escalation and near destruction of both countries. -
Americans With Disabilities Act
In 1990 Americans with disabilities could be denied employment based on their disabilities and were not able to enter some buildings. However after this act was passed it allowed those with disabilities to be treated with respect and force businesses and cities to augment their buildings so that everyone can have access and receive a new take on life. -
9/11
On 9/11/01 terrorists from the "al-qaeda" terror group hijacked 3 planes and crashed 2 planes into the twins towers causing them to collapse and crashing one into the pentagon. This was a pivotal moment in american history because it is this event that started the war on terror and caused countless deaths and anti-muslim views to come to light. -
Obama Becomes president
Obama being elected president was a defining moment in american history because he became the first African american president of the USA. This became a pivotal moment for many African americans because they saw a turning point for the oppression and racism that they have faced for decades. -
Gay Marriage Legalized
After decades of fighting for equal rights and for equal representation within the law and the nation the LGBT community was overjoyed to have the supreme court legalize gay marriage nationwide. This was a tremendous moment because it gave the LGBT community the equal marriage rights that they had been striving for and began the mainstream movement to find equality for all. -
Orlando Nightclub Shooting
On 6/12/16 a 29 year old man shot and killed 49 people in a hate fueled attack which primarily targeted Homosexuals and Latinos. This event is important because it brought the topics of gun control and hate crimes against homosexuals and Latinos to mainstream media and started the conversations again.
