Civil Rights

One hundred years after the Civil War, African-Americans were still being treated unfairly. In many areas of the nation, but especially in the South, African-Americans continued to be treated as inferior. Everything from water fountains to schools continued to be segregated. This segregation continued to fuel people’s prejudices and discrimination towards an entire group of people. Change was needed in the 1960s, and change would require both patience and determination by many different citizens.

One person who stands out as brave enough to fight for civil rights was Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks was an African-American woman living in Montgomery, Alabama. As a passenger on a city bus, Parks refused to give up her seat to a white person. Parks was removed from the bus and arrested for her behavior. An organized protest led to a boycott of the bus system. The Supreme Court eventually ruled that the segregated bus system was, in fact, unconstitutional.

Another famous activist for civil rights was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King believed in peaceful demonstrations and boycotts to help convince people to change their attitudes and prejudices. His work led to great changes in how African-Americans were treated in America. Sadly, his work eventually led to his death. Dr. King was assassinated in 1968. His name lives on as the country celebrates his birthday each January.