civil rights act Malcolm x part

James Earl Ray

The man who assassinated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, which intensified racial tensions across the U.S.

National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders

Also called the Kerner Commission; created to investigate causes of urban riots in the 1960s.

Wallace D. Fard Muhammad

Founder of the Nation of Islam, which promoted Black empowerment and separation.

Malcolm X

A major Black nationalist leader who advocated for Black pride, self-defense, and separation before later moderating his views.

Sirhan Sirhan

Assassin of Robert F. Kennedy, a supporter of civil rights.

Eugene McCarthy

Anti–Vietnam War candidate in 1968 who attracted many young voters.

Elijah Muhammad

Leader of the Nation of Islam after Fard Muhammad; mentor to Malcolm X.

Stokely Carmichael

Promoted “Black Power,” emphasizing racial pride and political strength.

Huey P. Newton

Co-founded the Black Panther Party, advocating self-defense and community programs.

James Baldwin

Influential writer who explored race, identity, and injustice in America.

Marquette Frye

His arrest sparked the Watts Riot in Los Angeles.

Otto Kerner

Led the Kerner Commission that studied causes of riots.

Lyndon B. Johnson

Signed the Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965).

Barbara Jordan

First Black woman elected to Congress from the South; powerful advocate for equality.

Shirley Chisholm

First Black woman elected to Congress and first to run for president from a major party.

Black Panther Party

Focused on self-defense, community programs, and fighting police brutality.

Nation of Islam

Promoted Black self-reliance and separation from white society.

Muslim Mosque, Inc.

Religious organization Malcolm X founded after leaving the Nation of Islam.

Poor People’s Campaign

Organized by Martin Luther King Jr. to fight economic inequality.

De jure segregation

Segregation enforced by laws (for example, Jim Crow laws).

De facto segregation

Segregation that exists in practice due to social and economic conditions, not laws.

Black Nationalism

Belief in Black self-determination, pride, and often separation from white society.

Yakub

A figure in Nation of Islam teachings, described as the creator of the white race (a controversial religious belief).

Watts Riot

Major uprising in Los Angeles caused by racial tensions and police brutality.