-
In 1619 the first documented Africans arrived in Virginia forcibly. This incident is significant culturally as it is one of the first exposures to slavery in the states. As we progress in the timeline, we will see a repeated presence of segregation and discrimination. -
On July 2nd, 1777, Vermont became the first colony to abolish slavery. While it is argued that the abolishment to slavery was a process spanning over decades, it was a significant step towards equality that we strive for in our current society. -
Known as the Trail of Tears, this event signifies the forced removal of many Native American nations. An attempted genocide of the people, this event is significant today as there are many protests currently regarding professional sport teams using names that many deem as insensitive to the Native Americans, such as the BlackHawks, and former teams such as the Indians and the Washington Redskins.
The photo attached shows a Cherokee woman who walked the Trail of Tears. -
On this date, African Americans across the United States both free and enslaved held watch meetings for the abolishment of slavery in Confederate States known as the Emancipation Proclamation. As an impactful historical event, it marked the beginning of perceived equality, while much work is left to be done. -
After the Civil War thousands of formerly enslaved individuals deposited their money into Freedman's Bank. Unfortunately, 9 years after the bank opened it collapsed, setting back all of the individuals who had money deposited. The impact is ever lasting, as we hear about financial inequality among races, as well as primarily poor school districts and towns being of predominately minority enrollment. -
In 1884 Belva Lockwood became the first women to run for U.S. President. This event is culturally significant for many reasons. Primarily this occurred before women even had the right to vote, while also preceding many events where women's rights were fought for. As a nation we have not yet had a female president, which has sparked a lot of debate around election time. -
Taking place in Springfield Illinois, The Springfield Massacre took place when a mob of about 5,000 white people killed many African Americans and burnt down their homes and businesses. Although slavery had been abolished there is still a factor of superiority to drive those people out of the town. In today's society minority races still feel excluded. -
After 1882 many Japanese immigrants came to California. As they became accustomed over time, many saved enough money to purchase land and housing. Seen as a threat by white politicians, California enacted the Alien Land Law, which barred Asian immigrants and their children from owning or leasing land. Just as African Americans have and continue to face social injustice the Asian Americans have faced some injustice of their own. -
Noted as the Red Summer of 1919, this event took place at the end of World War 1. As many black Americans returned home from war, they had hoped for a newfound peace amongst the nation. Instead, over multiple months there was an influx of Anti-Black rallies and lynchings. Continuing to add to the injustice to African Americans and the sense of social inequality felt today. -
After the ruling on Brown Vs. Board of Education ending segregation in public schools, a group of white individuals from Mississippi formed a council heavily resisting the racial integration. This historical event leads to African Americans not only having financial inequality, but highlights the education inequality as well. -
As NYC was facing major segregation at the time, where almost 3 million people of color where refused rent by most landlords, a boycott was held by civil right activists keeping nearly 50% of students home from school. This event highlights an often-missed fact of history; most of the racial inequality and mistreatment is blamed on the south, even though it was present in the North as well. -
In honor of a transgender women who was murdered a year prior, Gwendolyn Ann Smith held a vigil in her honor, known as the first Transgender Day of Remembrance. As a society in 2025, the push for equality for the LGBTQ community is still ongoing, and while there has been progress made from the event in 1999, there is still a way to go for full societal acceptance. -
In March of 2020 the nation was struck by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Impacting millions of Americans and their health, it also impacted the growth and learning of our youth. For over a year students were forced to homebound learning, with the use of virtual classrooms and interactions. Not only did this delay their social development, students of color in low-income districts had less access to resources and devices, which means they missed out on crucial developmental years keeping them behind.