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Brown v. Board of Education
What happened: The Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. Why it matters: It ended “separate but equal” and gave huge momentum to the Civil Rights Movement. -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
What happened: After Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat, African Americans boycotted buses for over a year. Why it matters: It showed the power of peaceful protest and launched Martin Luther King Jr. into national leadership. -
March on Washington
What happened: Over 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., for civil rights and economic equality. MLK gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. Why it matters: It pressured Congress to pass strong civil rights laws. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
What happened: This law banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Why it matters: It legally ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
What happened: This law banned literacy tests and other tactics used to prevent Black Americans from voting. Why it matters: It made voting rights enforceable nationwide, especially in the South.