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The Montgomery Bus Boycott
The Montgomery Bus Boycott protested segregation on public transportation in Montgomery, Alabama. The boycott began just a few days after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to move her seat on a segregated bus. The boycott was in full swing by the time Parks' court hearing came around. This boycott was very significant because the black men and women fighting for equal rights did not care about this inconvenience, as long as they were granted equality. Fun Fact: The boycott lasted about a year -
Little Rock 9
In early September 1957, nine black students were about to begin what they thought was their first day at the formerly all white, Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. The governor of Arkansas quickly shut it down, and the nine students were forbidden entry. Later in the same month, President Eisenhower sent federal troops to escort the nine students into school. This was the beginning of desegregating schools in the U.S. Fun Fact: Eisenhower sent nearly 1,000 troops to escort the kids. -
Civil Rights Act of 1957
On September 9, 1957, President Eisenhower signed this bill to ensure the right to vote to all African Americans. Eisenhower did not often show his support towards the Civil Rights Movement, but he did during the signing of this bill and a few other instances. Fun Fact: This act did not create more rights for African Americans, but increased the protection for their existing rights.
I used http://www.history.com/ for all of my events. -
Sit-in Movement
The Sit-in Movement began when four black students went to a local store and sat at the whites only lunch counter. When they asked for coffee and were denied service, they sat and waited patiently. Despite the harsh remarks and sometimes physical threats, the students would simply take the beating, because if they retaliated, it would destroy the reputation of the peaceful sit-in. Fun Fact: Some of these protestors were arrested for trespassing, disorderly conduct, and even disturbing the peace. -
The Freedom Riders
Civil Rights activists boarded buses and headed to the southern United States to spread a message. These activists were only trying to help stop what the Supreme Court already deemed unconstitutional. A few years before the freedom riders took off on their journey south, the Supreme Court determined that bus segregation was unconstitutional. However, no one followed this law. That is why the freedom riders spread their message through the south. Fun Fact: Some buses were even set on fire. -
James Meredith - Intergration of Ole Miss
After a long grueling, legal battle, James Meredith got the approval to apply to Ole Miss after convincing the Supreme Court that the University was discriminating against African Americans. After getting no where, Meredith acquired the help of the NAACP and filed a lawsuit against the university and ultimately took a big step for the Civil Rights Movement. Fun Fact: Many people were wounded in these riots that took place, but two people were actually killed. -
Protests in Birmingham
Peaceful protests erupted all over Birmingham, Alabama and people such as police officers and firefighters retaliated. African Americans took to the streets of Birmingham trying to spread awareness of the discrimination against blacks. The non-protestors gathered together and did things such as spraying the protestors with fire hoses or beating them quite badly. However, these protestors remained calm and did not fight back. Fun Fact: A church bombing in Birmingham killed four school girls. -
The March on Washington
On August 28, 1963, about 250,000 activists gathered in the nation's capital to protest for equal rights among African Americans. This was the largest gathering of protestors in American history. Celebrities and speakers showed up to show their support. The activists also marched a mile, along the National Mall, leading up to the Lincoln and Washington memorials. This event showed the will and strength of those supporting the Civil Rights Movement. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
This act was perhaps one of the most important events during the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation in public locations, and also ended discrimination against race, religion, and sex in the workplace. Not only did this act grant equality to African Americans, but also helped women and other minorities. -
The Selma March
It all started in the capital of Alabama, the city of Montgomery. Protesters continued to demand equal voting rights. Then along came Martin Luther King Jr. who led a 54 mile march. It took 5 days to complete and it stretched from Montgomery to Selma, Alabama. This march showed the dedication of those wanting equality among all U.S. citizens. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
This was one of the most significant legal actions of the Civil Rights Movement. Although African Americans technically had the right to vote as long as they were a U.S. citizen, they were being denied that right. This act was signed to overcome the legal barriers that stood in the way of African Americans attempting to vote. This was yet another big step toward equality. -
The Assassination of MLK
On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee in the Lorraine Motel. The nation mourned fthe death of the non-violent activist. He died young at the age of 39. The man responsible for this crime was James Earl Ray. He was known to be racist and he sure didn't have a clean record. He plotted the assassination in early 1968. He confessed to the crime in March of 1969.
