The Civil Rights Movement - Understanding Change in America

The Civil Rights Movement was a very important time in U.S. history. It lasted many years, especially during the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, Black Americans and their friends worked hard to fight against racism, segregation, and unfair treatment. Their goal was big but simple: to make sure everyone in America is treated equally, no matter their skin color.

Even after slavery was ended, Black Americans still faced a lot of unfair treatment. For almost one hundred years, many laws kept Black and white people apart in schools, buses, restaurants, and other public places. These unfair laws were called “Jim Crow” laws. Black Americans were also often stopped from voting by unfair tests, extra fees called poll taxes, and threats of violence.

Many brave leaders helped during the Civil Rights Movement, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. They led peaceful protests, marches, and boycotts to ask for changes. For example, in 1955, Rosa Parks made a brave choice not to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This act of bravery led to a bus boycott in the city that lasted over a year. In 1963, Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington, asking everyone to stop racism.