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Brown vs. Board
Brown vs. Board declared that "separate but equal" was actually unconstitutional. It was the start of integrating public schools and allowing African-American students into previously all-white institutions. This was considered a major win for the black community -
Emmett Till's Funeral
Emmett Till was a young black teen who went to Mississippi and was brutally murdered by white men. His death took over the news and many people were angered by it. His mother held an open-casket funeral so the world could see what happened to her little boy. This was a heartbreaking event in America's history -
Montgomery Bus Boycotts
The boycotts were only supposed to last a day but ended up going for years. It started to prompt the government to desegregate buses and public transportation. Many people participated in these boycotts and walked or biked. -
Little Rock 9
The Little Rock 9 were the first black students to attend Central High School in Little Rock Arkansas. They were met with backlash from parents, students, and adults from other states. This was also when the President sent in help to escort these students to ensure their safety, -
Greensboro Sit-In
Greensboro Sit-in's started in Greensboro, NC. African-Americans would sit at the counter and wait to be served food or sodas by the white workers. Many refused to get up if service was denied. It was met with hostility form other white people but did continue and expand to other locations. -
Freedom Bus Rides
The Freedom Bus rides started in May of 1961. They were meant to desegregate bus stops in the South. People would ride the buses to challenge the segregating practices and racial problems in the American South. Protesters were often met with violence when getting on and getting off of the bus. -
Birmingham Protests
The Birmingham Protests were meant to raise awareness about the efforts for integration. It was spearheaded by SCLC to rally the people of Birmingham to end the oppressive legislation against African-Americans. -
March on Washington
The March on Washington included over a quarter million people rallying in DC. The people were demanding to end segregation, install long-overdue civil protections, and receive fair wages. -
Freedom Summer
Freedom Summer was full of meetings, protests, and a collective rise in awareness to raise the voting population. It was meant to increase African-American voters in Mississippi. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act prohibited discrimination in public areas. The act forbade any discrimination based on race, sex, or religion in all areas including the workplace. This was a big legislation to be passed and was a step towards true equality. -
Selma Marches
The Selma Marches were a series of marches through Alabama. These marches were protesting the right of black people to vote and end the Jim Crow laws which were incredibly oppressive. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
The Voting Rights Act was a huge accomplishment for black Americans. It was federal legislation that prohibited literacy tests and racial discrimination in the polling booths. It also allowed federal officials to oversee polls if unlawful and unjust treatment of African Americans was present.