The Civil Rights Movement

Chapter 24

separate-but-equal

refers to the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Plessy v. Ferguson that allowed the use of segregation laws by states and local

de facto segregation

segregation by custom and tradition 

NAACP

an American civil rights organization formed in 1909 as an interracial endeavor to advance justice for African Americans 

sit-in

a form of protest involved in occupying seats/sitting down on the floor of an establishment

Thurgood Marshall

NAACP's chief counsel and director of legal defense and education fund; African American attorney 

Linda Brown

American campaigner for equality in education 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Baptist minister and social rights activist in the United States in the 1950s and ‘60s 

Southern Christian Leadership Conference

civil rights organization founded to coordinate civil rights efforts across the South 

How had the ruling in Plessy vs. Ferguson contributed to segregation? 

The ruling in Plessy vs. Ferguson contributed to segregation by providing legal justification for state-imposed racial segregation in public facilities. 

What was the ruling in Brown v. Board of Education? 

The ruling in Brown v. Board of Education was that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional. 

What role did African American churches play in the civil rights movement? 

African American churches served as hubs for organization, education, and spiritual support during the civil rights movement. 

Why did President Eisenhower intervene in the civil rights controversy? 

President Eisenhower intervened in the civil rights controversy because he wanted to ensure the safety of the “Little Rock Nine” and that the rulings of the Supreme Court were upheld. 

Jesse Jackson

American civil rights activist, politician, and ordained Baptist minister

Ella Baker

known for organizing and focusing on empowering Black communities 

Freedom Riders

group of civil rights activists who participated in Freedom Rides, bus trips through the South to protest segregated bus terminals 

Filibuster

parliamentary procedure in the United States Senate used to delay or block a vote on a bill or other measure 

Cloture

allows a supermajority to end debate and bring a matter to a vote 

Civil Rights Act of 1964

prohibited discrimination in public places, provided for the integration of schools and other public facilities, and made employment discrimination illegal 

poll tax

a fee required to be paid by a voter before being allowed to vote 

What were the effects of the sit-in movement? 

The effects of the sit-in movement were bringing a large number of idealistic and energized college students into the civil rights struggle and sit-ins offered students a way to take matters into their own hands. 

What role did Ella Baker play in forming the SNCC? 

Ella Baker organized a meeting at Shaw University for the student leaders of the sit-ins. 

What was the goal of the Freedom riders? 

The goal of the Freedom Riders was to challenge and end racial segregation in interstate transport in the South. 

How did President Kennedy help the civil rights movement? 

President Kennedy helped the civil rights movement by recognizing it as a moral issue and introducing a comprehensive civil rights bill to address voting rights, public accommodations, and school desegregation. 

How did Dr. King lobby Congress to expand the right to participate in the democratic process? 

Dr. King lobbied Congress to expand the right to participate in the democratic process by marching on Washington and delivering a powerful speech outlining his dream of freedom and equality for all Americans. 

How did the Twenty-fourth Amendment affect African American voting rights? 

The Twenty-fourth Amendment affected African American voting rights by eliminating poll taxes in federal elections. 

Racism

prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism by an individual, community, or institution against a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group; typically one that is a minority 

Chicago Movement

a civil rights campaign to address systemic racial discrimination primarily focusing on housing, education, and employment 

Richard Daley

American politician who served as the mayor of Chicago and chairman of the Crook County Democratic Party until his death 

Black Power

significant political and social movement in the US that emphasized racial pride, self-determination, and the empowerment of African Americans 

Stokely Carmichael

West-Indian-born civil rights activist, leader of Black nationalism in the United States and originator of the rallying slogan “Black Power” 

Malcolm X

African American leader and prominent figure in the Nation of Islam who articulated concepts of race pride and Black nationalism 

Black Panthers

revolutionary organization that aimed to challenge police brutality against African Americans and promote social change; advocated for self-defense, empowerment, and the rights of African Americans 

What was the federal government’s response to the race riots in Los Angeles and Detroit? 

The federal government responded to the race riots in Los Angeles and Detroit by sending the national guard. 

How did Dr. King and SCLC leaders hope to address economic concerns? 

Dr. King and SCLC leaders hoped to address economic concerns through nonviolent direct action. 

What caused a division between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Black Power movement? 

The division between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And the black power movement stemmed from their differing approaches to achieving racial equality. Dr. King advocated for nonviolent civil disobedience and the Black Power movement embraced black separatism, self-determination, and sometimes violence. 

What were the goals of the Poor People’s Campaign? 

The goals of the Poor People’s Campaign were to secure economic justice for poor people, demand a $30 billion anti-poverty package, guaranteed annual income, and increased low-income housing.