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The US Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, therefore ending decades of segregated education and challenging the "separate but equal" doctrine. The significance of this event lies in its challenge to systemic racism, the denial of equal educational opportunities to minority students, and the deepening of societal divisions based on race. This case also paved the way for desegregation in other areas of society. -
Rosa Parks, an African American, defied segregation, sparking a 13-month boycott where African Americans united, refusing buses until desegregation demands were met. Browder v. Gayle (June 5, 1956) ruled bus segregation unconstitutional, putting an end to racial segregation on public buses. Martin Luther King Jr.'s role in the boycott led to him becoming a renowned civil rights leader, advocating for non-violent activism. The event inspired further civil rights efforts. (Stanford Univ., 2019) -
The Freedom Rides were bus rides taken by civil rights activists to challenge segregation in interstate bus terminals. An interracial bus ride across state lines was arranged to test a Supreme Court decision that declared segregation on interstate buses unconstitutional. These actions drew attention to the continued racial segregation and violence in the South and prompted federal intervention from the Interstate Commerce Commission which enforced desegregation that same year. -
The March on Washington, with over 200,000 participants, aimed to secure civil rights, including voting and legislation, for African Americans. It gained support for change and influenced President Kennedy's initiatives. Martin Luther King's speech became a potent civil rights symbol (Stanford Univ., 2020). In the wider civil rights context, the march underscored nonviolent protest's power for change. It contributed to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (NARA, 2022). -
On June 11, 1963, President Kennedy unveiled plans for a civil rights bill. After opposition, the bill passed, and on July 2, 1964, President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law. It aimed to end racial discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all Americans. It established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and prohibited racial discrimination in public facilities and voting, significantly contributing to the civil rights movement. -
The Selma to Montgomery Marches involved hundreds marching from Selma to Alabama's capital of Montgomery, advocating for African American voting rights. The first attempt on March 7, 1965, resulted in police violence towards the marchers, sparking outrage and increasing federal involvement. These events led to the Voting Rights Act and simultaneously highlighted nonviolent protest's effective role in the fight for civil rights in America. -
The 1965 Voting Rights Act, signed by President Johnson aimed to end discriminatory practices suppressing African American votes. It boosted Black voter registration, empowerment, and civil rights awareness. Despite progress, a 2013 Supreme Court ruling impacted enforcement. Yet, the Act remains pivotal, inspiring ongoing efforts for equal voting rights and representation. -
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 aimed to address housing discrimination and segregation. It followed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and passed in the days after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The act sought to eliminate racial discrimination in housing. It specifically prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, handicap and family status. -
Martin Luther King Jr. was pivotal in the civil rights movement, advocating nonviolent resistance against US segregation. His "I Have a Dream" speech at the 1963 March on Washington is iconic. Assassinated on April 4, 1968, his death shocked the nation, sparking racial violence in 100+ cities. King's legacy inspired the movement, renewing equal rights efforts and battling discrimination. His nonviolent message and dream for a just society fuel the ongoing civil rights struggle. -
Four policeman, three of them white, were aquitted after the beating of Rodney King, an African-American man. This led to widespread riots in Los Angeles. These events highlighted issues of police brutality and racial tensions and made evident that there was still a lot of progressive to be made in achieving justice for all. This prompted discussions, policy changes, and legal actions. -
The election of Barack Obama as president of America symbolised a monumental stride toward racial equality in America. His presidency demonstrated the culmination of decades of activism and progress. However, it also unveiled the complexities of systemic racism that persisted despite the milestones. While Obama's election represented the highest level of achievement in the civil rights movement up to that point, it also underscored the work still to be done in achieving full societal equity. -
Trayvon Martin was a 17-year-old Black boy who was shot by a white male on neighborhood watch. The movement emerged in response to the acquittal of the shooter. It highlighted ongoing issues of racial profiling, police brutality, and systemic racism. Black Lives Matter normalised documenting racial injustice, reshaped public views, led to policing reforms, triggered federal oversight, altered data collection, inspired leaders, and is symbolized by its message outside the White House. -
George Floyd was an African American man, killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis. The tragedy sparked widespread protests against police brutality and systemic racism. The movement emphasised the need for police reform and racial justice and resulted in widespread changes, including removal of controversial symbols, name changes, police reforms, alteration of sports team mascots, and shifts in the entertainment industry to address racial injustice and promote equality.