Black History Month Unit

Emmett Till

Emmett Till was a 14-year-old African American boy who was brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955, a pivotal event that galvanized the civil rights movement.

His death highlighted the extreme racial violence in the South and the injustices faced by African Americans.

The open-casket funeral held by his mother, Mamie Till, exposed the brutality of racism to the nation and the world, leading to widespread outrage.

The trial of his murderers, who were acquitted, underscored the failures of the justice system in protecting African Americans.

Till's story remains a symbol of the fight against racial injustice and is commemorated annually.

Medgar Evers

Medgar Evers served as the field secretary for the NAACP in Mississippi, advocating for civil rights and voter registration.

He was instrumental in organizing protests and campaigns against segregation and discrimination in the South.

Evers was assassinated in 1963, which further fueled the civil rights movement and drew national attention to the struggle for equality.

His death prompted significant public outcry and led to increased federal involvement in civil rights issues.

Evers' legacy continues to inspire activists today, and he is remembered as a martyr for the cause.

John Lewis

John Lewis was a prominent member of the SNCC and a key figure in the civil rights movement.

He delivered a powerful speech at the March on Washington in 1963, criticizing the Kennedy administration for its slow progress on civil rights.

Lewis was known for his commitment to nonviolent protest and was a leader in the Selma to Montgomery marches.

He later served as a U.S. Congressman, continuing to advocate for civil rights and social justice.

His life and work have been celebrated in various forms of media, including graphic novels and documentaries.

Fannie Lou Hamer

Fannie Lou Hamer was a civil rights activist and leader of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP).

She played a crucial role in organizing voter registration drives and advocating for African American representation at the Democratic National Convention in 1964.

Hamer's powerful testimony about her experiences with racism and voter suppression gained national attention.

She famously stated, 'I am sick and tired of being sick and tired,' encapsulating the frustrations of many African Americans.

Hamer's legacy is honored for her courage and dedication to the fight for equality.

Organizations in the Civil Rights Movement

Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)

The SCLC was founded in 1957 and led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on nonviolent protest to combat racial segregation.

The organization played a significant role in the civil rights movement, organizing events such as the Birmingham Campaign and the Selma marches.

SCLC emphasized the importance of faith and moral leadership in the struggle for civil rights.

The group worked closely with other civil rights organizations, including SNCC and CORE, to coordinate efforts.

SCLC's strategies and campaigns were instrumental in achieving landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

SNCC was established in 1960 by young activists committed to nonviolent protest and civil disobedience.

The organization played a key role in voter registration drives, particularly during the Freedom Summer of 1964.

SNCC was known for its grassroots organizing and empowering local communities to take action against segregation.

Members, including John Lewis and Diane Nash, were pivotal in organizing sit-ins and protests across the South.

Over time, SNCC's approach evolved, leading to more radical strategies and a focus on Black Power.

Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)

CORE was founded in 1942 and was one of the leading civil rights organizations advocating for nonviolent direct action.

The organization was instrumental in organizing the Freedom Rides in 1961, challenging segregation in interstate travel.

CORE's efforts contributed to the desegregation of public facilities and increased awareness of civil rights issues.

The group worked alongside other organizations, including SCLC and SNCC, to coordinate protests and campaigns.

CORE's legacy includes its role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Key Events and Context

Freedom Summer

Freedom Summer was a 1964 campaign aimed at increasing voter registration among African Americans in Mississippi.

The initiative involved hundreds of volunteers, primarily college students, who faced significant risks and violence.

The campaign highlighted the systemic barriers to voting and the need for federal intervention.

The murders of civil rights workers James Cheney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner during this period drew national attention.

Freedom Summer was a turning point that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The Selma to Montgomery Marches

The Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 were organized to protest voting rights discrimination in Alabama.

The marches were met with violent resistance from law enforcement, particularly under the leadership of Jim Clark, the chief of police.

The brutality faced by marchers on 'Bloody Sunday' prompted national outrage and media coverage.

The marches ultimately led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans.