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Native Son by Ruchard Wright was an immediate best-seller; selling 250,000 copies within three weeks of its publication. The book's success made Richard Wright the wealthiest African-American writer of his time, established him "The Father of African-American Literature" and made him the official spokesperson for African-American issues.
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The Detroit Race Riot broke out on June 20, 1943, and lasted for three days. The rioting between blacks and whites resulted in 34, deaths, 433 wounded, and an estimated $2 million dollars in property damages.
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Harry Truman was the first president to issue an executive order to enforce a civil rights issue; Although an executive order had been issued, the process of desegregating the military happened slowly.
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The Leadership Council was founded in 1950 by three leaders in the American civil rights movement:
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Emmett Till,a young african-american boy was brutally murdered for whistling at a white woman. Two white men charged with the crime were acquitted by an all-white jury. They later boasted about committing the murder.
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The play written by Lorraine Hansberry was first debuted on Broadway in 1959 and was then also turned into a movie two years later. The success of this production helped to make more job opportunities for African Americans in theater.
