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Brown vs. BoE
The supreme court case that would declare segregation in schools unconstitutional. Major retaliation from southern states followed. It was seen as one of the first big wins for the civil rights movement. It would pave the way for the desegregation of the many other public places. This was considered neither an act of civil disobedience nor self defense due to the process being non-violent. -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
A boycott of the Montgomery, Alabama bus system by African Americans to protest the segregation of the bus systems. It managed to draw in national attention and demonstrated the power of nonviolent protests. It was successful due to the majority of passengers that used the busses had been African Americans. Whites at the time considered it an act of civil disobedience. -
Little Rock 9
African Americans attend Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas. It was followed by lots of backlash from white students and protesters. As far as they saw it was considered civil unrest. The nine would inspire many others to take a stand against discrimination. -
Greensboro Sit-ins
Black college students stage a sit-in at Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. They did so to protest the segregation of public establishments. It sparked a wave of sit-in's across the south and helped desegregate lunch counters and other public places. White people saw this as a form of civil disobedience, as many black protesters claimed any of their violent actions were purely in self defense. -
Freedom Rides
Groups of African Americans rode busses through interstate terminals challenging segregation in different southern states. Caused lots of protesting from white rioters and many blacks were beaten. Drew national attention and inspired others to take a stand against the violence. Any violence from black demonstrators was seen publicly as self defense. -
March on Washington
A huge demonstration held by African Americans on the nations capitol highlighted by Martin Luther King Jr's "I have a dream speech". This is seen as the largest event in the civil rights movement and is still celebrated today. The speech inspired millions to change their ways of thinking and empowered the young. -
Civil Rights Act
A huge win for black Americans. This act would amend the constitution and prohibit all forms of discrimination on race, sex, religion, or national origin. It was a landmark piece of civil rights legislation that helped to end segregation and discrimination in many areas of American life. -
<- 1965 ->
1965 is considered a huge turning point in civil rights due to the signing of the voting rights act. It prohibits racial discrimination in voting, and instilled a plan to test citizens on their intelligence before they could vote. This year was the first year that african americans constitutionally had the same rights as white americans. -
Affirmative action Laws
Affirmative Action policies were slowly implemented in the 1970s to increase opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly people of color and women, in employment and education, helping address the legacy of discrimination and inequality. It was a progressive step forward accepting diversity. -
The Black Panther Party is Founded
The Black Panther Party was founded as a political organization that advocated for black self-defense, community control, and social justice. The party would create breakfast clubs and seek to help many black Americans in their community. Despite the non-violent ideologies of MLK, the party believed in fighting back and that some things had to be taken using violence as long as they believed it was for the greater good. The party's ideologies still influence many activists today. -
Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. was a tragic event that shocked the nation and led to a wave of riots and protests across the country. This event highlighted the ongoing issues and battles between racial discrimination and injustice of African Americans. It made it aware to civil rights activists that their work was not done and inspired them to take more action. -
The Civil Rights Act of 1968
This act would amend the 1964 civil rights act and would prohibit racial discrimination in housing specifically focused on urban areas and housing for African Americans address issues of segregation and inequality. This act helped pave the way for greater progress in civil equality and social justice. -
The Fair Housing Act
This was the sister act signed alongside the civil rights act of 1968. It would extend onto the act by including fair and equal housing for Americans of all gender, race, religion, and national origin. This would work alongside the act of 1968 to promote greater equality and access to housing among all Americans. -
The Chicano Movement of the 1970s
Although most civil rights movements revolved around black americans, this specific movement fought equality among Latino Americans, specifically Mexican Americans being the most populous in the U.S. It advocated for more representation, cultural pride, social justice, and raising awareness towards the struggles of these groups. Modern political representatives such as Rafael Edward Cruz (Ted Cruz) or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) are direct benefits of this movement. -
The Women's Rights Movement of the 1970s
The movement started to fight for gender equality and to end discrimination. Social change began to follow as women were more often single and free to make their own decisions. Women were given more opportunities especially in politics and the work force. Modern day job equality is due mainly to this specific part of the feminist movement. -
Busing for Schools are Desegregated
Busing programs are implemented in the 1970s to increase help desegregate schools and promote integration. This would cause multiple legal challenges and protests but also help break down barriers and promote diversity.