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1954 Brown v. Board of Education
May 17, 1954 U.S. Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren ruled that state-sanctioned segregation in public schools went against the 14th amendment and so, was unconctitutnal. -
1955 Montgomery bus boycott
African Americans refused to ride city buses in Mongomery Alabama to protest segregated busing. Lasted from December 5, 1955 to December 20, 1956. -
1957 desegregation at Little Rock
9 African American students attempted to integrate central high school in Little Rock, Arkansas. On September 4, 1957 a white mob gathered in front of the school, Govenor Orval Faubus distributed Arkansas National Guard to prevent the black students from entering. -
1960 sit in campaign
February 1, 1960 four African Americans went to a whites only lunch counter at a local store in Greensboro. Their service was denied and the students sat patiently. -
1961 freedom rides
May 4, 1961 thirteen Americans left Washington D.C. on two public buses heading south. Protested segregation in bus terminals. -
1962 Missippi riots
In Oxford, Mississippi James H. Meredith an African American was escorted into the university of Mississippi by U.S. Marshals, setting off a massive riot. Two men were killed by over 3,000 soldiers. -
1963 Birmingham march on Washington
August 28, 1963 more than 200,000 Americans marched in Washington D.C. for jobs and freedom. -
1964 signing of the Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act signed by Lyndon B. Johnson, ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. -
1965 Selma
Early 1965 the SCIL (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) created by Matin Luther King Jr. made Selma, Alabama its main focus to urge African Americans to register to vote. -
1966 black power
June 5, 1966 James Meredith was shot while attempting to complete a peaceful march from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson Mississippi. Already had made headlines when he became the first African American to enroll at the University of Mississippi. -
1967 Detroit riot
July 22 was one of the most violent urban revolts in the 20th century. After police raided a black bar in the poorest neighborhood and arrested all 82 patrons. A crowd of 200 gathered outside and said the police used unnecessary force, and the riot began.
