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Sit in movement
The sit-in movement was a form of nonviolent protest during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. African Americans would sit at segregated lunch counters or public places that refused to serve them. By remaining seated, they demanded desegregation and equal treatment. This action helped raise awareness and led to changes in segregation laws. -
Freedom riders
The Freedom Riders were a group of civil rights activists who rode interstate buses in the 1960s to challenge segregation in the South. They aimed to test and enforce the Supreme Court's ruling that segregated bus facilities were unconstitutional. Facing violent resistance, their efforts drew national attention to the fight against racial discrimination. The movement helped push for stronger civil rights legislation. -
March on Washington for jobs and freedom
The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place on August 28, 1963, in Washington, D.C., and was a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. It brought together over 250,000 people to demand racial equality, economic justice, and better job opportunities. The march is most famous for Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, where he called for an end to racism and injustice. It helped raise awareness and put pressure on the U.S. government to pass civil rights legislation. -
Civil rights act
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark law that ended segregation and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It prohibited discrimination in public places, schools, and workplaces, and also gave the federal government the power to enforce these protections. The law was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement and helped pave the way for further reforms in the fight for equality. -
Chicano, Native American civil rights movement
The Chicano movement, led by figures like Cesar Chavez, focused on labor rights, education, and cultural pride. The Native American movement aimed to protect treaty rights, sovereignty, and address injustices. Both sought to end discrimination and expand civil rights for their communities in the 1960s and 1970s. -
Malcom X assassination
Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965, while speaking in New York City. A leader in the Civil Rights Movement, he advocated for black empowerment and later promoted racial unity. His assassination was carried out by former members of the Nation of Islam, a group he had split from. His death was a significant moment in the fight for civil rights. -
Selma to Montgomery march
The Selma to Montgomery march in 1965 was a pivotal protest for voting rights, led by Martin Luther King Jr. It highlighted racial discrimination in voting, especially in Alabama, and drew national attention. The march helped push for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans. -
Black panther party
The Black Panther Party was founded in 1966 by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale to address police brutality and racial injustice. They advocated for self-defense, armed resistance, and community programs like free breakfast for children and medical clinics. The party became a symbol of black empowerment but faced government surveillance and repression. Despite its decline in the 1970s, the Black Panther Party left a lasting impact on the fight for racial equality. -
Voting rights act
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a key piece of legislation aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in voting, particularly in the Southern United States. It banned practices like literacy tests and poll taxes that were used to prevent African Americans from voting. The law also gave the federal government the power to oversee elections in areas with a history of discrimination. It significantly increased voter registration and participation among African Americans. -
Watts riot
The Watts Riots occurred in August 1965 in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, following the arrest of an African American man, which led to tensions over police brutality, racial inequality, and poverty. The six-day unrest resulted in 34 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and widespread property damage. The riots highlighted deep racial divisions and sparked national discussions on civil rights and economic justice. -
Mlk assassination
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. He was a leader of the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for nonviolent protest and racial equality. His death sparked nationwide mourning and riots but also solidified his legacy as a champion of justice and peace. James Earl Ray was convicted of the assassination, though some still question the circumstances surrounding his death. -
Fair housing act
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 aimed to eliminate discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was passed in response to racial segregation and violence, particularly after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The law prohibited housing discrimination in both renting and selling homes and established the right for individuals to challenge discrimination in court. It was a key victory in the Civil Rights Movement. -
Poor people camping
The Poor People's Campaign was launched in 1968 by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to address economic inequality and poverty in the U.S. The campaign aimed to unite people from all races and backgrounds to demand better jobs, housing, education, and healthcare. King’s assassination disrupted the movement, but it later inspired ongoing efforts for economic justice. The campaign highlighted the need for systemic change in addressing poverty. -
Busing for school desegregation
Busing for school desegregation was a policy implemented in the 1970s to integrate public schools by transporting students to different districts. This aimed to address the "separate but equal" doctrine that had resulted in racially segregated schools, despite the Brown v. Board of Education ruling. While busing helped increase integration, it also faced significant opposition and protests from some communities, highlighting the ongoing struggles for racial equality in education.