8 Important Events
13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments
Often called the Civil War Amendments, these amendments were the African Americans very first steps to gaining freedom. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery. Then, the Fourteenth states that no one can be deprived of life, liberty, or property without "due process" of the law and provides all citizens with equal protection of the laws. The right to vote could not be denied based on race after the Fifteenth Amendment was passed. These Amendments to the Constitution were passed in 1864, 1868, and 1870. While they were a huge step for African Americans, their full freedom would not be reached for about another century. However, they never would have had the chance o fight for freedom if these amendments were not passed. The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments were the base for the Civil Rights Movement that would take place one hundred years later.
Plessy v. Ferguson
In 1892, Homer Plessy, an African American, was arrested for riding in the "whites only" rail road car. He challenged the Louisiana Law that forced the segregation of rail road cars before a criminal court judge, John H. Ferguson. Plessy's argument that the law was unconstitutional was rejected and he then brought it to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court upheld the law and crated a new legal doctrine of "separate but equal." Facilitates could now legally be segregated as long as they were "equal." However, the facilities for African Americans were usually not equal and were extremely inferior. For the next 50 years, the African Americans would fight to change this ruling and have complete equality.
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
The Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court case occurred in 1954. This cased dealt with African America students being denied he right to access and all-white school. This was a turning point in the civil rights movement because it overruled the separate but equal idea some Americans had. This was significant because it gave all Americans the right to be equal to one another under law enforcement.
Civil Rights Act of 1957
The civil rights act of 1957 was one of many civil rights acts. In the 1957 civil rights act stated that everyone was guaranteed the right to vote. The most important part of the civil rights act of 1957 was that no one was allowed to interfere with their rights. It also stated that there was no racial discrimination to public schools. The famous case Brown vs Board of education brought a lot of attention to this issue and showed people why
they should let African Americans go to school with white people. This act was so important because it showed “symbolism”, this act was the first one of 87 years that addressed civil rights.
they should let African Americans go to school with white people. This act was so important because it showed “symbolism”, this act was the first one of 87 years that addressed civil rights.
CORE and the Greensboro Sit-Ins
CORE stands for Congress of Racial Equality. CORE was started by James Farmer and George Houser. Many of the members of this group were students. They also were known for “Greensborough Sit-ins.” Greensborough Sit-ins were a non-violent way of protesting for racial segregation. They were both so important to civil rights because at the time a lot of violent riots have been taking place and CORE wanted to try a nonviolent way of protesting and it worked.
March on Washington D.C.
August 28, 1963 the march on Washington DC took place for the civil rights movement. This was a turning point in American history. The march was demanding jobs and freedom for African Americans. This march made such an impact on Americans; it was the first organized protest to be televised. This is where Martin Luther King Jr. made his famous “I Have A Dream” speech. What is significant about this march is that you could finally see whites and blacks had come together when 50,000 whites participated. It gave hope to those who strived for equality.
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 truly changed history. This acted was passed by president John F Kennedy. He urged the nation to use equal treatment I public places. The act actually prohibited discrimination in public places. It also made employment discrimination illegal. In 1964 school and other public areas were officially integrated.
Watts Riots
The Watts Riots began on August 11, 1965. Watts Riots took place in a section of deeply poverish town called Watts in South Central, Los Angles. Also many people that lived in this town were young (African Americans).This incident started after Lee W. Minikus was arrested for being possible
“intoxicated at the wheel. When this happened, many spectators were watching and began to form an angry mob/rage and people burned automobiles, looted pawn shops, and stole from drug/liquor/department stores. This was so important because it was the place that 34 lives were taken and cost $200 million dollars in damage.
“intoxicated at the wheel. When this happened, many spectators were watching and began to form an angry mob/rage and people burned automobiles, looted pawn shops, and stole from drug/liquor/department stores. This was so important because it was the place that 34 lives were taken and cost $200 million dollars in damage.