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The decision of the Supreme Court for this case against the constitutionality of segregation paved the road for its abolishment. Becoming what would be known as "Jim Crow" laws, the various policies which instated "separate but equal" treatment remains a dark spot in American History. https://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/history-brown-v-board-education-re-enactment -
After what would be remembered as the spark of the larger Civil Rights Movements, Rosa Park's refusal to sit in the back row of the public transit bus caused a massive boycott which lasted between December 5, 1955 and December 20, 1956. This saw a new figure become nationally recognized as the leader of The Montgomery Improvement Association, Martin Luther King Jr. coordinating the boycott. https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/montgomery-bus-boycott -
During September of 1957, nine courageous black teens came to Central Rock Highschool (a white only school with over 2,000 students) amidst an angry mob of segregationists and unsympathetic Nation Guards. After they were removed and the children were given proper protection, the Little Rock Nine became a symbol for the resistance against Jim Crow laws. https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/little-rock-nine -
During February 1960, four students, Joseph McNeil, Ezell Blair, Franklin McCain, and David Richmond refused to leave an area reserved for white diners only. This inspired other African American students to do the same, and the following day they attracted noticeable media attention, and with the creation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), protests began to pick up steam. https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/sit-ins -
From May 4th, 1961 to the 16th of December, student activists from the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), began a series of peaceful protests against segregation in the public transport system in what would be known as the "Freedom Rides." They were often met with violent opposition, especially in the deep South, and president John F Kennedy was eventually forced to intervene. https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/freedom-rides -
James Meredith, an African American student was allowed to attend the University of Mississippi by court order. He was met with a mob of over 2,000 people, the protest resulted in the deaths of two people. https://50years.olemiss.edu/#:~:text=In%201962%2C%20a%20federal%20appeals,rioted%3B%20two%20people%20were%20killed.&text=University%20of%20Alabama%20became%20the%20last%20Southern%20state%20university%20to%20desegregate. -
On the 28th of August, 1963, a crowd of over 250,000 people marched on Washington in solidarity of the Civil Rights Movement. The march historically became known for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a Dream" speech. The speech was televised across the country and is remember as one of the greatest speeches in American History. https://www.naacp.org/marchonwashington/ -
Malcom X, originally Malcom Little, is one of the most polarizing and influential figures in African American history. He was a member of the Nation of Islam and preached for the equality of all people. However, he called for more drastic actions than Martin Luther King Jr. He called for separation rather than integration and wished for African Americans to be self sufficient. His work would lead to his assassination in February of 1965. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Malcolm-X -
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 saw a landmark achievement in the history of Civil Rights. During the period, voting for minority groups had been extremely difficult both due to legal barriers and the fear of retribution from White Supremacists. The passing of these laws helped pave a better opportunity for African Americans to actively participate in the political system. https://www.justice.gov/crt/history-federal-voting-rights-laws -
Founded in 1966, the Black Panthers were a controversial group. Originally known as the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, African American revolutionary party, their primary purpose at the time of founding was to patrol African American neighborhoods and protect residents from police brutality. Their influence grew, and as new chapters were added, the group became synonymous with the self-defense of African Americans. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Panther-Party
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