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Plessy v. Ferguson
Herman Plessy argued that his right to "equal protection of the laws" was violated when a Lousiana law required segregated seating on public railroads. The court said that segregation was permitted if the facilities were equal, and said the Louisiana law was reasonable. This was overturned in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. -
Thurgood Marshall
He was an American jurist. He was also the first African American to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Best remembered for his victory in Brown v. Board of Education, he later became a judge. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This was a court case about school segregation and the violation of the 14th Amendment. An eight year old girl was not allowed to attend a school near her home because of segregation. The court found the school in violation of the Equal Protection Clause. Brown won. -
Earl Warren
He was an influential Chief Justice. He lead the court the the unanimous decision that outlawed school segregation in Brown v. Board of Education. -
Black Power
'Black power' is a political slogan used first in the book Black Power by Richard Wright in 1954. The phrase was used to show racial pride and to promote black achievement. -
Rosa Parks
On this date, Rosa refused to give her seat up for a white man. This event started the civil rights movement. -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
Because of this boycott, all African-American decided not to ride public buses. This boycott lead to the Supreme Court to decide that segregated seating on buses was unconstitutional. -
Civil Rights Act of 1957
This was a law that established a federal Civil Rights Commision. -
SNCC
A group of Black students from North Caolina University refused to leave a Wool worth's lunch counter because they were denied service. This group founded the SNCC to coordinate these sit-ins, support their leaders, and publicize activities to promote civil rights. -
Woolworth Sit-In, Jackson, Mississippi
This event occured between a White Mob and police forces. The mob beat and abused many citizens. -
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mr. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. He was assassinated for his advancements in civil rights.