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May 17, 1954 U.S. Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren ruled that state-sanctioned segregation in public schools went against the 14th amendment and so, was unconctitutnal.
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African Americans refused to ride city buses in Mongomery Alabama to protest segregated busing. Lasted from December 5, 1955 to December 20, 1956.
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9 African American students attempted to integrate central high school in Little Rock, Arkansas. On September 4, 1957 a white mob gathered in front of the school, Govenor Orval Faubus distributed Arkansas National Guard to prevent the black students from entering.
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February 1, 1960 four African Americans went to a whites only lunch counter at a local store in Greensboro. Their service was denied and the students sat patiently.
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May 4, 1961 thirteen Americans left Washington D.C. on two public buses heading south. Protested segregation in bus terminals.
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In Oxford, Mississippi James H. Meredith an African American was escorted into the university of Mississippi by U.S. Marshals, setting off a massive riot. Two men were killed by over 3,000 soldiers.
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August 28, 1963 more than 200,000 Americans marched in Washington D.C. for jobs and freedom.
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The Civil Rights Act signed by Lyndon B. Johnson, ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
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Early 1965 the SCIL (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) created by Matin Luther King Jr. made Selma, Alabama its main focus to urge African Americans to register to vote.
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June 5, 1966 James Meredith was shot while attempting to complete a peaceful march from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson Mississippi. Already had made headlines when he became the first African American to enroll at the University of Mississippi.
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July 22 was one of the most violent urban revolts in the 20th century. After police raided a black bar in the poorest neighborhood and arrested all 82 patrons. A crowd of 200 gathered outside and said the police used unnecessary force, and the riot began.
