Civil Rights Timeline

1. Pick what you believe are the 10 most important events of the Civil Rights movement of the
1950’s and 1960’s.
2. Put the events in chronological order.
3. For each event
a. Name of the event
b. Give the date(s) of the event
c. Description of the Event
d. A picture for each event
4. Now list the events in order of importance (in your opinion)
a. Justify the place you put each event
b. There should be a justification for each event, not 1 justification explaining the entire
timeline.

1. Brown v. Board of Education

 Date: May 17, 1954

 Justification: This pivotal Supreme Court ruling overturned segregation in public schools,
fundamentally challenging racial inequality and setting a precedent for civil rights victories.

2. Civil Rights Act of 1964

 Date: July 2, 1964

 Justification: The passage of this landmark legislation outlawed discrimination and segregation
in public spaces, marking a significant step forward in the fight for racial equality.
3. Montgomery Bus Boycott

 Date: December 1, 1955 - December 20, 1956

 Justification: The boycott, sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat, spotlighted the
injustice of segregated public transportation and ignited a mass movement against racial
discrimination.

4. Voting Rights Act of 1965

 Date: August 6, 1965

 Justification: This act addressed systemic barriers to voting for African Americans, empowering
marginalized communities, and bolstering their political participation.
5. March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

 Date: August 28, 1963

 Justification: With Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, this historic
march mobilized hundreds of thousands, galvanizing public support and influencing legislative
change.

6. Little Rock Nine

 Date: September 4, 1957

 Justification: The integration of Little Rock Central High School, enforced by federal troops,
showcased the federal government's commitment to upholding civil rights and combating
segregation.
7. Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

 Date: April 4, 1968

 Justification: Dr. King's tragic assassination shook the nation and underscored the ongoing
struggle for racial justice, serving as a catalyst for renewed activism and reflection.

8. Sit-In Movement

 Date: February 1, 1960 - Ongoing

 Justification: Initiated by college students, sit-ins challenged segregation in public spaces,

sparking a wave of protests and contributing to the dismantling of discriminatory practices.
9. Freedom Rides

 Date: May 4, 1961 - Ongoing

 Justification: These daring bus rides into the South exposed the brutality of segregation and
prompted federal intervention, highlighting the urgency of civil rights reform.

10. Selma to Montgomery Marches

 Date: March 7, 1965 - March 25, 1965

 Justification: The marches, marred by violence on "Bloody Sunday," spotlighted the fight for
voting rights and ultimately led to the passage of critical legislation protecting African American
suffrage.