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The African Institute Opens
The African institute, now called Cheney University, opened up in Cheyney, Pennsylvania. It was the first institution for higher learning for African Americans. Founded by Richard Humphrey's the main focus of this school was to provide training in trades and agriculture. To this day, it is one of the oldest standing institutions for African Americans. (University, 2020) -
Booker T. Washington becomes the principal of the newly opened Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Booker T. Washington was known as one of the top leading African American intellectuals of the 19th century. By him not only opening the institution, but also being the principal, he became one of the first African Americans in a higher role. Putting him in the eye of the public and providing him with the standing and political power to advocate for African American education. (History.com Editors, 2009) -
The Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro girls opened.
With only $1.50, Mary McLeod Bethune, opened the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training school for Negro girls in Daytona Beach, Florida. Through Education, Bethune wanted to produce a new generation of young black women. The school's main purpose was to provide girls with domestic science courses along with liberal arts courses. The school later merged with Cookman Institute to form what is now Bethune-Cookman University. (The education of young black girls 2013) -
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
On May 17, the United States Supreme Court announced its decision in the case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. The outcome stated that separate facilities for education were no longer allowed, overruling the earlier verdict in Plessy v. Ferguson. Marking the beginning of the long journey towards the integration of the United States education system. -
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
Signed by Lyndon B. Johnson, this act abolished the right to segregate any public facility based on race, religion, or national origin. It "is considered one of the crowning legislative achievements of the civil rights movement" (History.com Editors, 2010). This marked a key event because up until now schools in certain areas still opposed the integration of the education system, but after this act, equality was demanded not only in schools but also in society.