AP USH CH28: CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

Emmett Till

A 14-year-old African American boy who was brutally murdered in 1955 in Mississippi for allegedly offending a white woman. His death became a catalyst for the civil rights movement, highlighting racial violence in America.

Thurgood Marshall

The first African American Supreme Court Justice, who played a key role in the civil rights movement, notably arguing the Brown v. Board of Education case against school segregation. He was a significant leader in the NAACP and fought for social justice and equality throughout his career. He was also the architect of the legal strategy that dismantled Jim Crow laws.

Southern Manifesto

A document written in 1956 by Southern congressional leaders that opposed the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education and promoted resistance to school desegregation.

Greensboro Sit Ins

Nonviolent protests by black students in 1960 at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, seeking to challenge racial segregation and promote civil rights.

Ella Baker

A civil rights activist and leader who played a vital role in organizing grassroots movements, including the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). She emphasized the importance of community organizing and collective leadership in the fight for civil rights.

Freedom Rides

A series of bus trips taken by civil rights activists in 1961 to challenge segregated bus terminals in the South. These rides aimed to test the enforcement of federal laws against segregation in public transportation. The Freedom Rides were significant as they faced violent opposition and brought national attention to the civil rights movement, highlighting the ongoing struggles for racial equality.

Albany Movement

A civil rights campaign launched in Albany, Georgia, in 1961 aimed at desegregating public facilities and increasing voter registration. The movement involved various local organizations and sought to challenge systemic racism through nonviolent protest. It became one of the first efforts to implement the strategies of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and highlighted the challenges of coordinating civil rights efforts.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It aimed to end segregation in public places and employment, providing a legal framework for civil rights advancements. Passed after the March on Washington.

March on Washington

A large political rally held in Washington, D.C., on August 28, 1963, where thousands gathered to demand civil and economic rights for African Americans. This historic event is best known for Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, which became a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.

Nation of Islam

A religious and political organization founded in the early 20th century that advocates for the upliftment of African Americans and promotes self-reliance, with a particular focus on Islamic beliefs. The Nation of Islam combines elements of traditional Islam with Black nationalism, emphasizing economic independence and social justice for African Americans.

Bloody Sunday

A day of violent clashes between civil rights marchers and law enforcement on March 7, 1965, in Selma, Alabama, aimed at securing voting rights for African Americans. It significantly raised awareness and support for the civil rights movement.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation that prohibited racial discrimination in voting, ensuring that all Americans had the right to vote. It aimed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments, particularly for African Americans. Passed due to the protests in Selma.

Selma

A city in Alabama that became a focal point for the civil rights movement, particularly noted for the Selma to Montgomery marches advocating for voting rights.

Operation Wetback

A 1954 immigration initiative aimed at reducing illegal immigration by deporting Mexican nationals who were in the United States without authorization. It highlighted the struggle between labor demands and immigration policy during the mid-20th century.

Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965

Legislation that abolished the national origins quota system, allowing for increased immigration from non-European countries and leading to a more diverse population in the United States. The Act also prioritized family reunification and skilled immigrants, marking a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy.

Congress of Racial Equality

A civil rights organization founded in 1942 that played a pivotal role in the movement by promoting nonviolent protest and advocating for racial equality through direct action and grassroots organizing. Led by Bayard Rustin.

Southern Christian Leadership Conference

An organization founded in 1957 that emphasizes nonviolent activism in the struggle for civil rights in America, led by MLK.

Student Non Violent Coordinating Committee

Malcom X

MLK