it began in the 1950s and the 60s By sharkman Period: May 5, 1900 to May 3, 1970 time span May 3, 1920 the social movement began in the 20th century May 3, 1921 it was mostly in the south May 3, 1954 1954 the supreme court May 3, 1955 1955 organized a boycott May 3, 1957 1957 nine black students attended a white school May 3, 1957 1957 the southern leadership May 3, 1960 1960 lead another leadership May 3, 1960 1960 supreme court decision boynotton May 3, 1962 1962 martin luther king