-
KEY
🏆: Achievement
✊: Protest
🧾: Legislation/Supreme Court Case
🔪: Violence by Protesters
🙅: Violence by Opposition
🚫: No Violence -
Emmett Till's Murder (🙅)
Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American boy, was brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955 after allegedly whistling at a white woman. His death became a catalyst for the civil rights movement, as the widespread coverage and graphic images of his mutilated body shocked the nation and galvanized support for racial justice. -
Montgomery Bus Boycott (✊)
The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a pivotal civil rights protest in 1955-1956 where African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama, refused to ride segregated buses, sparking a year-long mass protest against racial segregation in public transportation. Led by figures like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., it ultimately led to a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional. -
Keys v. Carolina Coach (🧾)
Keys v. Carolina Coach Company was a pivotal Supreme Court case that challenged racial segregation on buses. The ruling declared segregation on intrastate buses unconstitutional, marking a significant victory in the fight against segregation in public transportation. -
Little Rock Nine Crisis (🙅)
The Little Rock Nine Crisis occurred in 1957 when nine African American students were prevented from attending Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas due to racial segregation policies. Despite facing intense opposition and violence, they persisted with the support of federal troops, marking a significant moment in the struggle for desegregation in American education. -
Civil Rights Act of 1957 (🏆)
The Civil Rights Act of 1957 was the first federal civil rights legislation passed since Reconstruction, aimed at protecting voting rights for African Americans.Though relatively limited in scope, it laid the groundwork for subsequent civil rights legislation, setting the stage for more comprehensive laws in the years to come. -
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (✊)
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place in 1963, drawing over 250,000 demonstrators to the nation's capital to demand civil and economic rights for African Americans. It culminated in Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, which remains one of the most memorable moments in American civil rights history. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964 (🏆)
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It had a profound impact on American society, marking a significant step forward in the struggle for civil rights and equality. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965 (🏆)
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of federal legislation aimed at combating racial discrimination in voting. It prohibited racial discrimination in voting, effectively removing barriers that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote, and it played a crucial role in advancing civil rights in the United States. -
Assassination of Malcolm X (🔪)
Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965, during a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. His death was a significant loss for the civil rights movement, leaving a legacy of activism and empowerment for African Americans. -
Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (🔪)
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, by James Earl Ray.His death shook the nation and marked a tragic loss for the civil rights movement, but his legacy continues to inspire generations in the ongoing fight for equality and justice. -
Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (🧾)
Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education was a significant Supreme Court case in 1971 that upheld the use of busing to achieve racial desegregation in public schools. The ruling affirmed the government's role in actively promoting desegregation efforts, setting an important precedent for combating segregation in education nationwide. -
Shirley Chisholm's Presidential Campaign (🚫)
Shirley Chisholm made history in 1972 as the first African American woman to seek the nomination for President of the United States from a major political party, running as a Democrat. Her campaign focused on issues of racial and gender equality, paving the way for future generations of women and minorities in politics. -
Hank Aaron's Home Run Record (🏆)
Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's home run record on April 8, 1974, hitting his 715th career home run. His achievement marked a milestone in baseball history and a triumph against racial prejudice, as Aaron faced significant backlash and threats while pursuing the record as an African American athlete. -
Barbara Jordan's Address at the Democratic National Convention (🚫)
Barbara Jordan delivered a powerful keynote address at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, captivating the nation with her eloquence and charisma. Her speech emphasized the values of unity, justice, and democracy, solidifying her reputation as a prominent voice for civil rights and equality. -
University of California Regents v. Bakke (🧾)
In University of California Regents v. Bakke, the Supreme Court ruled that the use of racial quotas in college admissions was unconstitutional but affirmed the constitutionality of affirmative action programs that consider race as one factor among many. The decision marked a complex compromise, shaping affirmative action policies in higher education and influencing debates on diversity and equal opportunity.