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Period: to
1940-1960 African American History Timeline
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Richard Wright authors Native Son
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. -
Detroit Race Riots
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. -
President Truman issues executive order outlawing segregation in the military
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. -
Leadership council on Civil Rights is created in Washington DC
The Leadership Council was founded in 1950 by three leaders in the American civil rights movement: -
The brutal homicide of Emmet Till
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. -
A Raisin in the Sun (Lorraine Hansberry) debuts on Broadway
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.
