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Brown v. Board of Education
The Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional, ending the "separate but equal" doctrine. This decision inspired activists by showing legal victories were possible, pushing for broader desegregation efforts. -
Montgomery Bus Boycott
African Americans boycotted buses in Montgomery after Rosa Parks' arrest, lasting over a year until segregation on buses ended. This nonviolent protest gained national attention, encouraging more organized resistance against discrimination. -
March on Washington
Over 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. This massive demonstration pressured Congress to pass civil rights legislation, highlighting the movement’s strength. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
This law banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, marking a major legislative victory. It was a direct result of years of protests, showing how the movement’s momentum led to enforceable change. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
This act prohibited racial discrimination in voting, following events like the Selma to Montgomery marches. It solidified the movement’s success by ensuring African Americans could fully participate in democracy, capping years of advocacy.