-
Brown v. Board of Education
In the Brown v. Board of Education case, the Supreme Court ruled segregation in schools was unconstitutional. This ruling paved the way for desegregation and convinced many African Americans it was the time to challenge segregation. It also showed segregation could be challenged through federal courts. -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
The Montgomery Bus Boycott began after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus. The boycott lasted for over a year and was led by Martin Luther King Jr. The event showed the power of nonviolent resistance and encouraged the belief that nonviolent resistance was the best way to end segregation. Additionally, the event showcased Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership, which played a key part in the Civil Rights Movement. -
March on Washington
The March on Washington was a huge event where civil rights activists advocated for equal rights and economic opportunities for African Americans. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream Speech" and the dignity of the March on Washington built momentum for the civil rights bill that was already being debated in Congress. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a major legislative victory for the Civil Rights Movement, providing legal protections against discrimination. The act made segregation illegal in most places and banned racial discrimination in places that served the general public. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to overcome legal barriers that prevented African Americans from voting. It authorized federal oversight of voter registration and suspended discriminatory devices in counties where less than half of all adults were registered to vote. The act significantly increased African American voter registration and participation, allowing communities to elect representatives who would serve their needs. This marked an important step toward political equality.