African American Philosophy

Plessy v. Ferguson

May 18, 1896

When the Supreme Court declared that segregation was constitutional and coined the term "sparate but equal". Caused controversy and led to protesting in the following decades due to the racist nature of the ruling.

Brown v. Board of Education

May 17, 1954

Supreme court ruling that overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and deemed seperate education facilities unconstitutional and unfair. It paved way for further integration and was a huge success in the civil rights movement.

Rosa Parks Arrested

Dec 1, 1955

Rosa Parks is arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a Montegomery bus. Resulted in numerous civil rights movements and the Montegomery Bus Boycott. Left a long lasting significicance and became an icon of a successful non-violent approach to civil rights.

Montgomery Bus Boycott Ends

Dec 20, 1956

An example of one of the first successful protests for Civil Rights. Ended with the Supreme Court declaring the segregation of buses as unconstitutional.

Desegregating Little Rock Central High School

Dec 5, 1957

Occurred when nine African-American students sued for the right to attend a segregated high school in Arkansas. They faced harrasment and verbal abuse for being the first ever African-Americans to attend the school. This even marked a transition to more integrated schools.

Greensboro Sit-ins

Jan 1, 1960

Successful nonviolent protests that led to numerous stores to integrate. Took place in North Carolina during a crucial period for the civil rights movement.

Freedom Rides

Jan 1, 1961

Journeys by Civil Rights activists to the segregated south after the Supreme Court ruled segregation as unconstitutional. These peaceful freedom rides were responded to with violence. It was an example of a peaceful demonstration met with violence.

University of Mississippi Allows First African-American Student

Jan 1, 1962

James Meredith was the first African-American student to attend the University of Mississippi under the protection of the US Army during the Kennedy presidency. He faced harassment and his admission led to on campus rioting resulting in the death and injury of some.

I Have A Dream Speech MLK

Aug 28, 1963

Speech by Martin Luther King Jr. which called for an end to racism. The speech left a legacy and a long lasting impact due to its significant role in fighting against racism.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Jul 2, 1964

Outlawed discrimination agaisnst racial, ethinic and religous minorities. Was a turning point in society which helped acknowledge and prevent racism.

Martin Luther King Jr. Nobel Peace Prize

Oct 14, 1964

MLK is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent approach to end racism. His approach was successful in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1965 and he served as a figure for the Civil Rights Movement.

Malcom X Assassinated

Feb 21, 1965

Malcom X is shot when addressing the Organization of Afro-American Unity in Manhattan.

Bloody Sunday

Mar 7, 1965

Peaceful march that turned violent and left a long lasting impact. Resulted in the direct confrontation of Alabama governor by then president Lyndon B. Johnson in an attempt to fight police brutality against peaceful marchers.

Black Panther Party Founded

Oct 5, 1966

Took a more violent and revoluitionary approach to ending discrimination against African Americans. The groups political goals were ultimately overshadowed by its members violent and radical actions. Left a significant impact and is viewed as part of counterculture.

Martin Luther King Assassinated

Apr 4, 1968

Martin Luther King is killed at a Motel at Memphis where he was planning on leading a peaceful march.