MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT
(late 1955 - early 1956)
In December of 1955, a woman named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man, even though by law all colored people were supposed to yield their seats to the non-colored people in Montgomery, Alabama. She was arrested for her actions and thus, began the boycotting of the Montgomery bus system.The boycott proved to be successful after the U.S Supreme Court ordered the Montgomery buses to integrate, meaning segregation on buses was no longer allowed. During this controversy, a young pastor and leader of the bus boycotts by the name of Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a promising civil rights activist.
BLOODY SUNDAY
(March 7, 1965)
This event took place during the Selma-to-Montgomery march for voting rights (in Alabama). Approximately 600 civil rights marchers headed out of Selma to begin their protest for civil rights. They didn't get very far; local lawmen attacked the protesters with clubs and tear gas until they drove them back. Several people were critically injured.
MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR JOBS AND FREEDOM
(August 28, 1963)
The March on Washington was a peaceful protest, yet it attracted more than 200,000 people. The main purpose, as the name suggests, focused on the obtainment of jobs and freedom. In a bigger picture, it promoted civil rights and equality of African Americans. Furthermore, this march highlights one of the most important moments in history; Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech.
GREENSBORO SIT-INS
(1960)
The Greensboro sit-in can easily be classified as one of the most interesting forms of protest ever! It occurred when 4 African-American students were denied service at Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. Being told this, the students refused to get up, thus launching the beginning of what is to be known as "the Sit-In movement." Their courage inspired many people across the country, and therefore, several sit-in incidents occurred elsewhere throughout the U.S.