Plessy vs Ferguson (1896):

In 1896, the Supreme Court's ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson entrenched segregation with its
"separate but equal" doctrine, endorsing racial discrimination and perpetuating inequality for
decades to come.

Jackie Robinson joins the MLB (1947 - 04):

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson's historic debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers shattered racial
barriers in Major League Baseball, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights and
inspiring generations to challenge prejudice and discrimination.

Brown v Board of Education of Topeka (1954 - 05):

The Supreme Court's landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka in May 1954
declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the odious "separate
but equal" doctrine and heralding a new era of educational equality and integration.

Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955 - 12):

Initiated in December 1955 by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat, the Montgomery Bus
Boycott lasted over a year, showcasing the power of nonviolent protest and community solidarity
in challenging racial segregation on public transportation and laying the groundwork for further
civil rights activism.

Little Rock Nine/Crisis (1957 - 09):

In September 1957, the Little Rock Nine's courageous attempt to integrate Little Rock Central
High School faced violent opposition, yet their perseverance, supported by federal intervention,
challenged segregation and underscored the ongoing struggle for equal rights in education.

Greensboro Sit Ins (1960 - 02):

The February 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, led by four African American college students, ignited a
wave of protests across the South, catalyzing the desegregation of lunch counters and inspiring
a new generation of activists to confront racial injustice through nonviolent direct action.

SNCC organized (1960 - 04):

Founded in April 1960, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) mobilized
young activists in grassroots campaigns for racial justice, playing a pivotal role in organizing
sit-ins, freedom rides, and voter registration efforts that galvanized the civil rights movement.

Freedom Rides (1961 - 05):

Beginning in May 1961, the Freedom Rides challenged segregation on interstate buses, despite
facing violent resistance in the South, drawing national attention to the injustices of segregation
and highlighting the urgent need for federal intervention to protect civil rights.

Congress on Racial Equality founded (1962 - 03):

Established in March 1962, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) spearheaded nonviolent
direct action campaigns, including sit-ins and freedom rides, to combat segregation and
promote civil rights reforms, mobilizing activists across racial lines in the struggle for equality.

Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963 - 04):

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail," penned in April 1963, eloquently
defended the principles of nonviolent resistance and moral justice, becoming a cornerstone of
the civil rights movement and inspiring renewed commitment to the struggle for equality and
freedom.

George Wallace Stand in the Schoolhouse Door Speech (1963 - 06):

Governor George Wallace's defiant "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" speech in June 1963
symbolized Southern resistance to desegregation efforts, underscoring the entrenched
opposition to racial equality in some parts of the United States.

March on Washington (1963 - 08):

The August 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, culminating in Martin Luther
King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, united hundreds of thousands in a call for racial and
economic justice, leaving an indelible mark on the civil rights movement and American history.

"I Have a Dream" Speech (1963 - 08):

Delivered on August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech articulated a
vision of racial harmony and equality, galvanizing support for the civil rights movement and
inspiring generations to continue the fight for justice and freedom.

Bombing of Birmingham Church (1963 - 09):

The racially motivated bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in September 1963, which
claimed the lives of four young girls, shocked the nation and underscored the brutality and
urgency of the struggle for civil rights in America.

24th Amendment (1964 - 01):

Ratified in January 1964, the 24th Amendment abolished poll taxes in federal elections,
removing a discriminatory barrier to voting and advancing the cause of political equality for
African Americans and other marginalized communities.

Freedom Summer (1964 - 06):

Launched in June 1964, Freedom Summer aimed to register African American voters and
challenge segregation in Mississippi, despite facing violence and intimidation, laying the
groundwork for expanded civil rights protections.

Civil Rights Act of 1964 (1964 - 07):

Signed into law in July 1964, the Civil Rights Act prohibited discrimination based on race, color,
religion, sex, or national origin, marking a monumental victory for the civil rights movement and
paving the way for greater equality and justice in American society.
Malcolm X Assassinated (1965 - 02):
The assassination of civil rights leader Malcolm X in February 1965 was a tragic loss for the
movement, highlighting the tensions and complexities within the struggle for racial equality and
underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by African Americans in their quest for freedom and
empowerment.

Voting Rights Act of 1965 (1965 - 08):

Signed into law in August 1965, the Voting Rights Act aimed to combat racial discrimination in
voting practices, empowering African Americans and other marginalized communities to
exercise their right to vote and participate fully in the democratic process.

Black Panther Movement formed (1966 - 10):

Founded in October 1966, the Black Panther Party advocated for black self-defense, community
empowerment, and revolutionary change, challenging systemic racism and inspiring both
admiration and controversy within the civil rights movement.