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Declaration of independence
Thomas Jefferson -
To what is a slave on the fourth of july
Fredrick douglass -
fredrick douglass
Frederick Douglass was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, although his impact predates the modern movement by several decades. Born into slavery, he escaped to freedom and became an influential abolitionist, orator, and writer in the 19th century. His powerful speeches and writings, such as his autobiography "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass," highlighted the brutal realities of slavery and championed the cause of emancipation and equality -
Abraham lincoln
Abraham Lincoln's influence on the civil rights movement primarily stems from his leadership during the American Civil War and his commitment to ending slavery. As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared the freedom of enslaved people in Confederate territory, a significant step toward the abolition of slavery. -
Second inaugural address
Abraham Lincoln -
Ida B. Wells
Ida B. Wells made a big impact on the civil rights movement. She was a journalist who exposed the ugly truth about lynching in the U.S. through her writing. Her work wasn't just about telling stories, as it ignited change. Wells pushed for anti-lynching laws and civil rights, setting the stage for later civil rights leaders and groups like the NAACP. She was a trailblazer in the fight for racial equality. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, had a monumental impact on the civil rights movement. It declared state laws mandating racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, effectively overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson. This decision provided a legal foundation for stopping segregation in American life, starting the civil rights movement and paving the way for future advancements in the struggle for racial equality. -
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks had a huge impact on the civil rights movement. When she refused to give up her bus seat to a white person in Montgomery, Alabama, it triggered the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This year-long protest led to the desegregation of buses in Montgomery. Her brave stand inspired others and became a powerful symbol of the civil rights movement, showing that everyday people could make a big difference in the fight for racial equality. -
Greensboro sit-ins
The Greensboro sit-ins of 1960 were a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. When four African American students staged a peaceful protest by sitting at a segregated lunch counter in a Woolworth's store, it sparked a wave of similar demonstrations across the South. The sit-ins demonstrated the power of nonviolent direct action and led to desegregation in many public establishments, contributing significantly to the momentum of the civil rights movement in the pursuit of equal rights. -
A Letter to My Nephew
James Baldwin -
Martin Luther King
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, renowned for his tireless advocacy of nonviolent protest and social change. His inspirational speeches, most notably the "I Have a Dream" speech, galvanized millions and helped mobilize a diverse coalition of activists. King's leadership and dedication played a pivotal role in pushing for landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. -
The march on Washington
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech at its center, was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. It united a diverse crowd of over 200,000 people in advocating for racial equality and civil rights. This historic event significantly bolstered public support for key civil rights legislation and demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolent protest. -
Selma to Montgomery marches
The Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 were a watershed moment in the civil rights movement. These protests, led by leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., aimed to secure voting rights for African Americans in the South. The Selma to Montgomery marches played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights by ensuring greater political participation and representation for African Americans. -
Watts riots
The Watts riots of 1965 were a significant event in the civil rights movement. Erupting in a predominantly African American neighborhood in Los Angeles, the riots were a response to longstanding racial tensions and economic disparities. While they did not directly advance the civil rights agenda, the Watts riots underscored the urgent need for addressing systemic racism and inequality, prompting a greater focus on economic and social justice within the broader civil rights movement. -
Between the World and Me
Ta-Nehisi Coates