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Dred Scott Vs. Sanford
In 1857, a very harsh decision had been made that stated, whether you were a slave, or free, you could not be an American Citizen.
Dred Scott, now in a free state, attempted to sue for his personal freedom, but was ultimately denied. I feel as if this is important because it seems as if it is the start of a long lasting battle for equal rights. -
Lincoln approved "Emancipation Proclamation"
Abraham Lincoln had issued an executive order to declare freedom for all African-American slaves. This event is especially important because this marked a step closer to long deserved basic rights. -
Long awaited abolition of Slavery.
Otherwise known as the 13th amendment, Congress had finally passed the issue on January 31st, 1865. But it wasn't until December 6th of the same year, that slavery was now in progress of being abolished. This event is obviously very important, because similar in explanation to the previous event, they were now a step closer to basic human rights. -
Due process and equal protection.
Otherwise known as the 14th amendment is finally passed which promises all citizens equal protection. Once again, a similar explanation is to be mentioned, that they were another step closer. -
Executive Order 9981
By wiping out segregation in the armed forces, people of color were able to fight equally for their country, which is important in the sense it would help them "prove" themselves to people that they deserve to be treated as fairly as white people were. -
Emmet Till
When 14 year-old Emmet Till was brutally murdered (for allegedly whistling at a white woman), his body was discovered 3 days later in the river.
When the two white men that had murdered him were arrested, they were let go by an all-white jury. The case of Emmet Till was used to show just how brutal racism was/is. This was important because it would motivate more people to join the fight against racism as well. (Couldn't/wouldn't show picture of body, because that is just so awful...) -
The legacy that is Rosa Parks
When Rosa Parks had repeatedly refused to give up her seat and move to the back (the then colored section), she was arrested...however, this sparked a bus boycott lasting over a year, until buses were no longer segregated. This inspired people to resist the oppression against them, and to stand up for what they believe is right. -
"I have a dream,"
The famous speech performed by none other than a wise man, Martin Luther King Jr., was listened to by thousands of protesters at the Lincoln Memorial on the "March of Washington." This was significant because this speech surely inspired many others to change their perception on those who are different from White people. -
Poll tax = Gone
The 24th amendment banishes the Poll Tax, it's intended purpose to make it difficult for people of color to vote. This is very important because it gave them the opportunity to vote for someone that would promise to help them and provide them with civil rights. -
Ferguson (2015)
The murder of Michael Brown, in Ferguson, MI, the year 2015, was significant in the way it reminded the nation that racism is still very much alive, and that no matter how much the news reports die down, the fight is still there, and is not over yet. Just like Emmet Till, the murderer has not yet been charged with the error of his crime.
