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Brown Vs. board of education
The Supreme Court came to a decision that separating children in public schools on the basis of race was unconstitutional. The case was lead by Chief Justice Earl Warren. Ultimatley the court overruled the "seperate but equal clause. The court case inspired the beginings of African Americas fighting against segregation. -
Montgomery bus boycott
In December 1955, Rosa parks was arrested and fined for refusing to give up her seat for a white man. Martin Luther King Jr. preached to the crowd at a church in Montgomery, Alabama after hearing of her arrest. Shortly after a nationwide movement in which people began boycotting busses. The Montgomery Bus Boycott resulted in the Supreme Court ruling segregation on public buses unconstitutional. The boycott showed the people that nonviolent protests could be the key for equal rights. -
Little Rock 9 and the Desegregation of Schools
The U.S Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools were illegal. Nine African American students enrolled at Central High School, an all white school. The students were resisted by Orval Faubus, the Governor of Arkansas. Faubus ordered the national guard to block the African American students from entering. Eisenhower sends federal troups to protect the students in response. President Eisenhowers involvement led to an uprising to defend civil rights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym8rdtq-KBE -
The Sit-In Movement
A protest used to oppose segregation in school cafeterias. After a while a crowd of African Americans took a seat and refused to move. Brought political change for civil rights using mass nonviolent direct action. Became a new civil rights tactic. -
Freedom Riders
In 1961, all bus travel segregation was not outlawed throughout the south. White and African American civil rights activists participated in Freedom Rides to protest against segregation of public transportation. They planned to travel into the South to draw attention. When the busses arrived at brimmingham and Montgomery, an angry mob attacked the activists along with the busses. -
James Meredith and the Desegregation of Southern Universities
in 1962, African American air force veteran James Meredith tried to attend the University of Missisippi. When he arrived at the school the governor of Missisippi blocked his path. Kennedy sent 500 military troops to escort him. He continued to attend the college under the protection of the federal guard and graduated in August. -
The March on Washington
A major Civil rights march that took place 1963. On this day activists peachfully marched in support of equal rights and jobs. Along with the famous march to the Capitol, this event is most known for Martin Luther King's famous "I have a Dream" speech. As a result, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed -
The life and death of Malcolm X
Malcom X advocated for black power. He faced obstacles such as descrimination and a life of crime. He played a major part in prison debate society. Malcolm X’s criticisms of white society and the mainstream civil rights movement gained national attention for the Nation of Islam. Malcolm X eventually split with the Nation of Islam, he continued to criticize the organization. This angered members who later shot and killed him february 1965 https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/malcolm-x -
Voter Registration Among Minorities
The Civil rights of 1964 had little to do with securing voting rights of African Americans. Often times they were threatened, beaten or were thrown out. On January 1965, Dr. King led a march in Selma Alabama in support of the voting rights act of 1965. After President Jhonson witnessed the protestors beaten by law enforcement officers, he approached the legislature to propose0 new voting rights law. -
Urban Problems and the Black Panthers
African Americans struggled to make a living from unequal oppertunity for high paying jobs. In 1966 in Oakland California, Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, and Eldridge Cleaver were the original members who founded the Black Panthers. They belived that a revolution was necessary in the United States. The Black Panthers convinced other African Americans to take up arms. They focused on equal rights of major institutions such as schools, law enforcement,housing, and hospitals.