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Rosa Parks becomes secretary of the Montgomery chapter of the NAACP, working on cases of racial violence and inequality.
The NAACP builds its reputation as a local grassroots organization focused on combating racial injustices in Montgomery. -
The WPC, led by Jo Ann Robinson, begins advocating against segregation on city buses.
Members regularly document complaints and push for better treatment of African American passengers. -
This landmark Supreme Court ruling inspires grassroots movements nationwide, including Montgomery, to challenge segregation laws.
Local activists see this as an opportunity to press for broader desegregation. -
A 15-year-old African American girl refuses to give up her bus seat to a white passenger.
Although her case is not pursued, it galvanizes the local NAACP and WPC to strategize. -
Parks, a well-known local activist, refuses to give up her bus seat, sparking immediate outrage and calls for action. -
In response to Parks' arrest, local leaders form the MIA to coordinate the boycott.
A young Martin Luther King Jr. is chosen as the organization's leader, connecting local efforts to national audiences. -
Local African American residents boycott the city's buses for over a year.
Grassroots coordination includes carpools, church-based meetings, and fundraising, showcasing the power of community organizing. -
The Supreme Court rules that segregation on public buses is unconstitutional.
Grassroots persistence leads to this national victory, underscoring the importance of local activism. -
The boycott officially ends after the Supreme Court ruling is implemented.
This victory marks a critical moment in the broader Civil Rights Movement.