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Executive Order 9981
President Truman signs Executive Order 9981 which states that every person in the armed forces should be treated equally and given the same opportunities. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
The Supreme Court rules that segregation in public schools is unconstitutional. -
Rosa Parks
In Montgomery,Al, Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat to a white passenger and is arrested. This event started a year long bus boycott by the black community. -
"Little Rock Nine"
Nine students become the first black students to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. -
Martin Luther King Arrested
In Birmingham,Al, Martin Luther King is arrested and put in jail during an anti-segregation protest. -
March on Washington
In Washington,DC, about 200,000 people gather at the Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King delivers his famous speech, I Have a Dream -
24th Amendment
The 24th Amendment abolishes the poll tax which made it difficult for poor blacks to vote. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits all forms of discrimination. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Congress passes the Voting Rights Act which made it easier for Southern blacks to vote. -
Executive Order 11246
President Johnson issues Executive Order 11246 which enforces Affirmative Action. -
Assassination of MLK
In Memphis,TN, Martin Luther King is shot while standing on his hotel room balcony. James Earl Ray is convicted of his murder.
