Civil Rights Movement

Jackie Robinson joins Brooklyn Dodgers

Mar 16, 1947

Pasadena resident and UCLA alum Robinson breaks the color barrier by being the first black to play major league baseball in modern times

The Day Rosa Parks didnt give up her seat

Dec 1, 1955

In Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat for a white man

Montgomery Bus Boycott

Dec 21, 1956

Where sll the blacks didnt ride the bus to prove a point that if they couldnt sit where they wantted to they weren't going to ride the bus.

Little Rock Central High School desegregated

Sep 18, 1957

After Little Rock school board votes to integrate schools, National Guard troops prevent black children from attending school. 1000 federal paratroopers are needed to escort black students and preserve peace.

Freedom riders oppose segragation

Dec 17, 1961

Blacks and whites take buses to the South to protest bus station segregation. Many are greeted with riots and beatings

James Meredith enrolls at the University of Mississippi

Aug 17, 1962

5000 federal troops are sent by Pres. Kennedy to allow Meredith register for classes. Riots result in 2 deaths and hundreds of injuries

Martin Luther rights his letter from jail

Apr 16, 1963

Martin Luther rights a letter from his jail cell from toilet paper and newspaper and he uses a pen that was smuggled in for him to use.

Martin LUther Kins assassination

Apr 4, 1968

King is shot by James Earl Ray in Memphis, TN. After the assassination there was riots in over 125cities across the contry.