-
Plessy v. Ferguson
A Supreme Court case where they upheld segregation on institutions such as schools, transportation, private business, and public works as constitutional. This case arose when a white man, Homer Plessy, refused to sit in a Jim Crow seat with African Americans. This is an set example of one of many obstacles black Americans had to endure before the Civil Rights Act (1964) outlawed public and private segregation. -
Brown v. Board of Education
A landmark civil rights case where they found state-sanctioned segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This case overturned the "separate but equal" direction Plessy v. Ferguson had moved federal law to. This case will be considered a turning point for racial relations in America. -
Murder of Emmet Till
Allegedly flirting with a woman, 14-year-old Emmet was violently murder in his way to visit his family in Mississippi. His body found beat nearly to death, gouged out eyes, and in a river, his mother decided to have an open-casket funeral. This will be a symbol of the brutal treatment towards black Americans. -
Rose Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Rosa Parks, an African-American woman, was arrested for refusing to cede her bus seat to a white man. In response, a 13-month mass protest began until the Supreme Court ruled segregation in public transportation as unconstitutional. Not only essential due to the court ruling, but a young pastor, a leader of the boycott, was Martin Luther King- the face of the Civil Rights movement. -
Founding of Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) & Martin Luther King
Right after the Montgomery Bus boycott had ended, the (SCLC) had formed with the goal to bring Civil Rights in a non-violent manner. With a noticeable leaders such as Martin Luther King, who's articulate speeches influence millions of Americans to support equal rights inspired by pacifism. This group would eventually lead the fight against discrimination and their iconic leader, MLK, would create change. -
Little Rock Nine & Central High School
Though many attempts to keep black students out of prominent white schools have succeed, some have failed. As a test of a Supreme Court case ruling, Brown v. Board of Education, nine black students were enrolled at an all-white high school. Known as Little Rock Nine, it began the slow progression of desegregation in schools. -
Greensboro Sit-In
Where a policy that allowed diners to refuse service to anyone but whites exist, protests arose. A series of nonviolent protests performed by black students, they stubbornly sat on lunch counters until they were properly served. Eventually, they were successful in putting the message for Civil Rights. -
Freedom Riders
Groups of both white and African American Civil Rights activists who traveled around to protest segregated bus terminal. Moving around the country, they spread the message to many states. This will be key to the movement due to eventually succeeding in Boynton v. Virginia. -
March on Washington
Involving 250,000 people, a protest march occurred in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The event getting the attention of many people especially politicians and challenged the inequalities faced by black Americans. This march would be remembered dearly due to Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech being so moving for thousands of Americans. -
Civil Rights Act
Being the biggest win for Civil Rights, it would officially outlaw discrimination against race, nationality, sex, and religion. This would desegregate all public and private institutions. This would appease the racial tensions occurring before. -
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) & Freedom Summer
Sponsored by Civil Rights organizations, it was aimed to increase black voter registration. Due to the past having many discriminatory ways to decrease black voters, they are driven to move forward. This will give a lasting effect in bringing black voters into a effect during elections. -
Assassination of Malcolm X
Malcolm X was shot by a rival black Muslim on his way to discuss about his new black nationalist organization- Afro American Unity. His assassin and him were archenemies within the same organization in the Nation of Islam. His lasting impact shows in the expressive and pride African Americans show on their natural features. -
Voting Rights Act
Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, their approach was to give proper ways for African Americans to vote. Because their were many ways black Americans could be discouraged from voting, this would avoid any complications. This would help many of Americans to express their voice in politics as guaranteed under the 15th Amendment. -
Assassination of MLK
Being the face of the Civil Rights movement, Martin Luther King's life was at a close after James Earl Ray shoots him in Lorraine Motel. After passing away, his legacy lives stronger through his nonviolent tactics setting the tone for the movement. In the end, his legacy lives strong through the activists who attempt to be his successor.
