African American Civil Rights

Jim Crow Laws

State and local laws in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and suppressed Black political and economic rights.

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

Landmark US Supreme Court decision that ruled racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)

Civil rights organization established in 1909 that targeted racial discrimination through legal challenges in federal courts.

CORE (Congress of Racial Equality)

Civil rights organization formed in 1942 that pioneered non-violent direct action, including sit-ins and Freedom Rides.

Role of Black Churches in the Civil Rights Movement

Served as local community hubs that provided leadership, organization, financial support, and moral inspiration for non-violent protests.

States' Rights vs. Federal Authority

The constitutional conflict between Southern states attempting to preserve segregation laws and the US federal government stepping in to enforce civil rights.

Civil Rights

The legal, social, and political rights guaranteed to all citizens, including equal treatment under the law and freedom from discrimination.

Racial Segregation

The enforced physical and social separation of people into different public facilities, schools, and living areas based on their race.

Racial Discrimination

The unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on their race or ethnicity.

Federal Government

The national government of the United States, based in Washington, D.C., which holds authority over all states according to the US Constitution.

US Constitution

The supreme law of the United States that defines the structure and powers of government and guarantees fundamental rights to citizens.

State Government

The governing authority of an individual US state, responsible for creating local laws and policies provided they do not conflict with federal law.