Top 10 events of the Civil Rights Era (1950's-1960's)

Brown v. Topeka Board of Education

May 17, 1954

This event was important during the Civil Rights Era because the Supreme Court had ruled that this particular white kid school was following the 14th amendment, but it really wasn't when it came to black kids enrolling. The 14th amendment established "seperate but equal", but in reality there was still racial segregation going on.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

Dec 5, 1955

This event was important during the Civil Rights Era because it was approximately going on for two years. The bus boycott was about a lady, Rosa Parks who refused to sit back on a public bus when a white lady told her to move. She was arrested for not giving up her seat, and Martin Luther King helped her by leading groups to protest. Later on, the Supreme Court ruled that segregation of public transportation was illegal.

Southern Manifesto

Mar 12, 1956

This event was important during the CIvil RIghts Era, because this was a document in opposition to racial segregation. The Southern Manifesto was a direct response to the Brown V. Board of Education. The outcome of this was to help blacks get their rights not violated in any way shape or form.

Little Rock Crisis

Sep 23, 1957

This event was important during the Civil Rights Era because armed forces came blocking the entracne in Central High School at Little Rock. No blacks were allowed to go to this school, because Central High was an all white school only. President Eisenhower was upset and quickly wanted to restore and ensure that any orders from the court were followed.

Freedom Riders

May 4, 1961

This was important to the Civil Rights Era because they were able to inspire many to take action for their civil rights. Freedom Riders rode on buses from state to state in the South. These group of people pushed the federal government to do something about their rights.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

Apr 16, 1963

This event was important during the Civil Rights Era because this was a document written by Martin Luther King. King wrote this to express his way of how he felt about the society in his generation. Many things were unfair, and unjust such us not having votings right, racial segregation was still happening. Many whites were afraid that blacks would change their life in the South.

Medger Evans murdered

Jun 4, 1963

This event was important during the Civil Rights Era because Medger Evans opposed racial equality. He was shot in the back near his home. Evans had increased support for Legislation that would soon be the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

March on Washington

Aug 28, 1963

This event was important during the Civil Rights Era because thousands of people walked from the Lincoln Memorial to some people on the Washington mall. In addition to Martin Luther King's speech, "I have a dream", these people marched for the rights of their freedom and have opportunities in jobs.

Selma March

Mar 7, 1965

This event was important during the Civil Rights Era because many people wanted equal oppurtunities and their right to vote. Martin Luther King led this march to the bridge, he and a group of thousands walked 12 miles a day. Eventually after months passed by, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

MLK Assassinated

Apr 4, 1968

This event was important during the Civil Rights Era because Martin Luther King had led many Civil Rights Activists to go out and do what they believe is right and fair. When he was assassinated, this outraged many African- Americans to keep on pushing for what King had pushed them to do. Many got their rights and their freedom as time passed on.