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Introduction
The Civil Rights Movement was organized by African Americans and consisted of peaceful protests, riots, and sit-ins for the equality of black Americans. Though, at times the members of this movement did undergo violence, arrests, and murder; they did not give up. Overtime, laws were put in place by various government officials to make America a more integrated and united country. I chose this topic because I believe the Civil Rights Movement was the most important time in our nation's history. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled racial segregation unconstitutional within schools and allowed schools to become integrated. This was the first step of moving away from "separate but equal" facilities for whites and blacks. The Court's ruling was an eye opener for the society sparked a chain of events which fought against the "separate but equal" culture. Picture URL: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/eisenhower-brownvboard/ -
Murder of Emmett Till
Emmett Till was a 14 year old boy who was brutally beaten and murdered for allegedly "flirting" with a white woman working at a convenient store. His murders received what appears to be nothing more than a slap on the wrist. This event sparked international news with the Civil Rights Movement when Emmett Till's photo from his open casket funeral was published in the newspaper. Picture URL: https://www.facingsouth.org/2016/08/living-legacy-emmett-tills-casket -
Rosa Parks Bus Boycott
Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama and was arrested. Her arrest caused outrage within the black community and the Montgomery Bus Boycott began. The protest lasted a full year before the Supreme Court ruled segregation on busses to be unconstitutional. Photo URL: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosa-Parks -
The Little Rock Nine
Nine black students were blocked from integrating Little Rock Central High by a mob of students and Arkansas soldiers. The mob was enforced by the Arkansas governor which was countered by the President who sent national troops which escorted the students everyday. Throughout their high school experience they continued to be harassed by students and teachers. This event also exposed the struggle between state and national government.
Picture URL: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Little-Rock-Nine -
The Freedom Riders
A small group of black and white activists set out on a long rode of various bus trip into America's South. The group did this in order to protest the segregation within bus terminals. As police caught on to the group they endured arrests and were beaten. Yet, the group only continued to grow and expand. Change finally occurred at the end of May, when Robert F. Kennedy enforced the Interstate Commerce Commission. Photo URL: https://www.britannica.com/event/Freedom-Rides -
March on Washington
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was a peaceful gathering of approximately 250,000 citizens at the National Mall in Washington D.C. They gathered in order to protest civil rights abuses and discrimination within jobs. Many came to hear Martin Luther King Jr. speak and on this day he addressed his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Picture URL: https://www.npr.org/2010/01/18/122701268/i-have-a-dream-speech-in-its-entirety -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
President Lyndon B. Johnson proposed and signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act helped put an end to discrimination in employment, bathrooms, and voting. At the time, the passing of this act was controversial, especially since parts of the country were still heavily against intergration. Yet, it was a huge win for the Civil Rights Movement and gave hope that change was soon to come. Picture URL: https://www.britannica.com/event/Civil-Rights-Act-United-States-1964 -
Selma-Montgomery March
Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march to occur from Selma, Alabama to the state's capital, Montgomery. They were marching in protest of black voter suppression. Police attacked, beat, and tear gassed marchers. Yet, after going to court and winning the right to march, King led more marches and was able to reach Montgomery on March 25, 1965. Picture URL: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/selma-montgomery-march -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Following the Selma-Montgomery March, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed The Voting Rights Act of 1965. This act prohibited the use of literacy tests as a vote requirement. The act was viewed as a win for the Civil Rights Movement because it prevented black voter suppression to occur. Picture URL: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/voting-rights-act -
Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by a sniper while on the balcony of his hotel room in Memphis, Tennessee. His tragic death set off rampage in the followers of the Civil Rights Movement. In many cities across the country riots were occurring due to his passing. This pushed Congress to passed the Fair Housing Act in his honor just one week after his death. Picture URL: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/martin-luther-king-jr-assassination -
Civil Rights Act of 1968
Following Dr. King's death, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act. This act provided equal housing for citizens no matter their race, religion, or national origin. Picture URL: https://rockfordha.org/2017/02/17/black-history-month-fair-housing-act-1968/
