Ch. 21: The Civil Rights Ch. 21: The Civil Rights MovementMovement(1950-1968)(1950-1968)

Section 1: Demands for Civil RightsSection 1: Demands for Civil Rights

Centuries of oppression and discrimination came to a head Centuries of oppression and discrimination came to a head during the 1950s, with a historic and successful push for during the 1950s, with a historic and successful push for African American equal rights. African American equal rights.

Rise of African American InfluenceRise of African American Influence

MigrationMigration Since the end of the Civil War, African Americans had increasingly migrating to large Since the end of the Civil War, African Americans had increasingly migrating to large

northern cities.northern cities.

The New DealThe New Deal Under FDR the number of African Americans working for the government increased.Under FDR the number of African Americans working for the government increased.

Rise of African American InfluenceRise of African American Influence

WWIIWWII Increased demands led to a Increased demands led to a

dependency on African dependency on African American labor and service in American labor and service in military.military.

The Holocaust opened many The Holocaust opened many American’s eyes to American’s eyes to discrimination within the U.S.discrimination within the U.S.

Rise of NAACPRise of NAACP Grew in size and strength. Grew in size and strength.

Strong legal team led by Strong legal team led by Thurgood Marshall. Thurgood Marshall.

Brown v. Board of EducationBrown v. Board of Education

In 1951, Oliver Brown sued the Topeka, Kansas Board of Education to In 1951, Oliver Brown sued the Topeka, Kansas Board of Education to allow his daughter to attend a school for whites only.allow his daughter to attend a school for whites only.

Fought by Thurgood Marshall, the case eventually reached the Fought by Thurgood Marshall, the case eventually reached the Supreme Court.Supreme Court.

In 1954, in a unanimous decision, the Court ruled that “separate but In 1954, in a unanimous decision, the Court ruled that “separate but equal” was unconstitutional and that schools should desegregate. equal” was unconstitutional and that schools should desegregate.

Reaction to Reaction to Brown v. Board of Ed.Brown v. Board of Ed.

Reactions were mixedReactions were mixed African Americans rejoiced, as did many white advocates of African Americans rejoiced, as did many white advocates of

integration.integration. Many whites, even if they didn’t agree, accepted the decision.Many whites, even if they didn’t agree, accepted the decision. Others, particularly whites in the Deep South reacted with Others, particularly whites in the Deep South reacted with

fear and anger.fear and anger.

Deep South/OppositionDeep South/Opposition

Georgia Governor, Herman Talmadge said he would “not Georgia Governor, Herman Talmadge said he would “not tolerate the mixing of races in public schools”tolerate the mixing of races in public schools”

The Ku Klux Klan became more active.The Ku Klux Klan became more active. 90 members of Congress expressed opposition in what 90 members of Congress expressed opposition in what

became known as the “Southern Manifesto.”became known as the “Southern Manifesto.” Argued that the Supreme Court had overstepped its bounds and Argued that the Supreme Court had overstepped its bounds and

violated their rights.violated their rights.

Montgomery Bus BoycottMontgomery Bus Boycott In 1955, Rosa Parks took In 1955, Rosa Parks took

a seat at the front of the a seat at the front of the “colored” section of the “colored” section of the bus.bus.

When the “whites only” When the “whites only” section filled up, she section filled up, she refused to give up her refused to give up her seat to the new white seat to the new white riders.riders.

She was arrested and She was arrested and stood trial for violating stood trial for violating segregation laws. segregation laws.

Montgomery Bus BoycottMontgomery Bus Boycott

After Rosa Parks’ arrest, civil rights leaders quickly decided to boycott the After Rosa Parks’ arrest, civil rights leaders quickly decided to boycott the bus system of Montgomery. bus system of Montgomery.

Planned to boycott the buses until they changed the segregation policy.Planned to boycott the buses until they changed the segregation policy. Martin Luther King, Jr., was the 26-year-old minister of the Baptist church Martin Luther King, Jr., was the 26-year-old minister of the Baptist church

where the first boycott meeting took place.where the first boycott meeting took place.

Montgomery Bus BoycottMontgomery Bus Boycott

Over the next year, 50,000 African Americans in Montgomery walked, rode bikes, or Over the next year, 50,000 African Americans in Montgomery walked, rode bikes, or joined carpools to boycott the buses. joined carpools to boycott the buses.

Although the bus company refused to change its policy, in 1956 the Supreme Court Although the bus company refused to change its policy, in 1956 the Supreme Court ruled bus segregation unconstitutional. ruled bus segregation unconstitutional.

Movement encouraged new leaders like MLK and the effectiveness of peaceful Movement encouraged new leaders like MLK and the effectiveness of peaceful protests/boycotts.protests/boycotts.

Little Rock IntegrationLittle Rock Integration

In 1957, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus defied the Supreme In 1957, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus defied the Supreme Court’s ruling of integration.Court’s ruling of integration.

Posted Arkansas National Guard troops at Central High School in Posted Arkansas National Guard troops at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas to turn away the nine African American Little Rock, Arkansas to turn away the nine African American students who were supposed to attend that year. students who were supposed to attend that year.

Angry mobs formed outside the school in protest of the integration.Angry mobs formed outside the school in protest of the integration.

Little Rock IntegrationLittle Rock Integration

President Eisenhower, President Eisenhower, although privately although privately opposed to integration, opposed to integration, was forced to act against was forced to act against a disobedient Arkansas a disobedient Arkansas government.government.

Placed the Arkansas Placed the Arkansas National Guard under National Guard under federal command.federal command.

Sent U.S. soldiers to Sent U.S. soldiers to Arkansas to protect the Arkansas to protect the nine students.nine students.

League of United Latin American League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United The League of United Latin American Citizens Latin American Citizens also worked to achieve also worked to achieve equal rights for Hispanics. equal rights for Hispanics.

Mexican Americans often Mexican Americans often attended segregated attended segregated schools. schools.

In 1947, it was ruled that In 1947, it was ruled that segregating Mexican segregating Mexican American students was American students was unconstitutional. unconstitutional.

Native AmericansNative Americans

Most Native Americans lived in terrible poverty on reservations.Most Native Americans lived in terrible poverty on reservations. In 1953, the government adopted an approach known as In 1953, the government adopted an approach known as

“termination”, the elimination of reservations with a goal of assimilating “termination”, the elimination of reservations with a goal of assimilating Native Americans into mainstream society.Native Americans into mainstream society.

Met with strong resistance and eventually abandoned. Met with strong resistance and eventually abandoned. Poverty and lack of political representation continue today.Poverty and lack of political representation continue today.

Section 2: Leaders and StrategiesSection 2: Leaders and Strategies

The Civil Rights Movement was a grassroots movement, The Civil Rights Movement was a grassroots movement, started and driven by ordinary community members. They started and driven by ordinary community members. They acted through a number of different organizations. acted through a number of different organizations.

NAACPNAACP Interracial organization Interracial organization

founded by W.E.B. Du Bois founded by W.E.B. Du Bois (1909)(1909)

Du Bois stated, Du Bois stated, ““the main object of this the main object of this

association is to secure for association is to secure for colored people… free and colored people… free and equal participation in the equal participation in the democracy of modern culture.”democracy of modern culture.”

NAACP helped win NAACP helped win Brown v. Brown v. Board Board case.case.

National Urban LeagueNational Urban League Founded in 1911, sought to assist African Americans Founded in 1911, sought to assist African Americans

moving out of the South to find homes and jobs in cities.moving out of the South to find homes and jobs in cities. Insisted that factory owners and leaders allow African Insisted that factory owners and leaders allow African

American workers the opportunity to learn skills that American workers the opportunity to learn skills that would lead to higher employment. would lead to higher employment.

Congress of Racial Equality Congress of Racial Equality (CORE)(CORE)

CORE was founded in CORE was founded in 1942 by pacifists.1942 by pacifists.

Dedicated to bringing Dedicated to bringing about change through about change through peaceful confrontation.peaceful confrontation.

Organized Organized demonstrations against demonstrations against segregation during WWII, segregation during WWII, after the war it grew into a after the war it grew into a national organization. national organization.

Philosophy of NonviolencePhilosophy of Nonviolence

Rising civil rights leaders, such as MLK, preached nonviolence, Rising civil rights leaders, such as MLK, preached nonviolence, despite violence and hostility towards African Americans.despite violence and hostility towards African Americans.

Believed that love and nonviolence was more powerful than Believed that love and nonviolence was more powerful than violent uprising. violent uprising.

Southern Christian Leadership Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)Conference (SCLC)

In 1957, MLK helped form the SCLC, which advocated In 1957, MLK helped form the SCLC, which advocated nonviolent protest.nonviolent protest.

““To understand that nonviolence is not a symbol of weakness or cowardice, To understand that nonviolence is not a symbol of weakness or cowardice, but as Jesus demonstrated, nonviolent resistance transforms weakness into but as Jesus demonstrated, nonviolent resistance transforms weakness into strength and breeds courage in the face of danger.” –SCLC statementstrength and breeds courage in the face of danger.” –SCLC statement

Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK)Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK)

Grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, father and grandfather were both Baptist Grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, father and grandfather were both Baptist preachers.preachers.

Eloquent speaker in his youth, graduated early from high school.Eloquent speaker in his youth, graduated early from high school. Attended Attended

Morehouse College in AtlantaMorehouse College in Atlanta Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania Boston University for his doctorate. (at 26)Boston University for his doctorate. (at 26)

King’s InfluencesKing’s Influences King was greatly influenced by King was greatly influenced by

Mahatma Gandhi.Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi led India in a nonviolent Gandhi led India in a nonviolent

revolution to gain their revolution to gain their independence from Great independence from Great Britain. Britain.

Gandhi believed in protest and Gandhi believed in protest and disobedience, but that despite disobedience, but that despite violence, one must not be violence, one must not be provoked to retaliation. provoked to retaliation.

This won Gandhi and India This won Gandhi and India widespread international widespread international sympathy. sympathy.

Gandhi AppliedGandhi Applied King began training King began training

volunteers to Gandhi’s volunteers to Gandhi’s methods.methods.

He showed films, songs, He showed films, songs, and skits demonstrating and skits demonstrating the success of passive the success of passive resistance in India.resistance in India.

King understood that King understood that violent retaliation would violent retaliation would only justify discrimination only justify discrimination and racism. and racism.

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)Committee (SNCC)

The SNCC helped young people join the activism.The SNCC helped young people join the activism. More aggressive in their demands, sought immediate change.More aggressive in their demands, sought immediate change. King praised the organization, calling them “a revolt against the King praised the organization, calling them “a revolt against the

apathy and complacency of adults in the Negro community.” apathy and complacency of adults in the Negro community.”

Robert MosesRobert Moses Bob Moses was a Harvard Bob Moses was a Harvard

graduate student and math graduate student and math teacher in Harlem.teacher in Harlem.

Moved to Atlanta to join the Moved to Atlanta to join the SNCC.SNCC.

Recruited volunteers to Recruited volunteers to help rural blacks register to help rural blacks register to vote.vote.

Helped the SNCC grow to Helped the SNCC grow to become a powerful force. become a powerful force.

Section 3: The Struggle IntensifiesSection 3: The Struggle Intensifies

Sit-insSit-ins

Sit-ins became popular.Sit-ins became popular. Protesters sat down in the white section of segregated restaurants Protesters sat down in the white section of segregated restaurants

and refused to move until served.and refused to move until served. Opponents often persecuted the sitters.Opponents often persecuted the sitters. By 1960, 70,000 African American youth had been arrested. By 1960, 70,000 African American youth had been arrested.

Freedom RidesFreedom Rides In 1960, the Supreme In 1960, the Supreme

Court banned segregation Court banned segregation on interstate buses. on interstate buses.

To see if the South would To see if the South would obey, CORE and SNCC obey, CORE and SNCC organized the Freedom organized the Freedom Rides in 1961, where Rides in 1961, where African Americans rode African Americans rode the newly integrated the newly integrated buses. buses.

Violence on the Freedom RideViolence on the Freedom Ride Leaving from Washington, D.C., the thirteen freedom Leaving from Washington, D.C., the thirteen freedom

riders experienced only minor conflicts at first.riders experienced only minor conflicts at first. In Anniston, Alabama, a mob slashed tires of the bus In Anniston, Alabama, a mob slashed tires of the bus

and when the bus broke down outside town, they broke and when the bus broke down outside town, they broke a window and threw in a firebomb.a window and threw in a firebomb.

Riders escaped to the beatings of the mob.Riders escaped to the beatings of the mob.

ReactionsReactions

The nation was horrified to see pictures of the burning bus.The nation was horrified to see pictures of the burning bus. Violence continued as new riders replaced old ones.Violence continued as new riders replaced old ones. In Jackson, Mississippi, riders were arrested immediately and the In Jackson, Mississippi, riders were arrested immediately and the

first ride died out.first ride died out. 300 more Freedom Riders, however, continued riding throughout 300 more Freedom Riders, however, continued riding throughout

the rest of that summer.the rest of that summer.

Integration at “Ole Miss”Integration at “Ole Miss”

In 1961, James Meredith In 1961, James Meredith attempted tried to transfer to attempted tried to transfer to the all-white University of the all-white University of Mississippi, “Ole Miss”.Mississippi, “Ole Miss”.

He was rejected before the He was rejected before the Supreme Court ruled him Supreme Court ruled him eligible.eligible.

In defiance, Mississippi’s In defiance, Mississippi’s Governor blocked Meredith’s Governor blocked Meredith’s way into the admissions way into the admissions office.office.

Integration at “Ole Miss”Integration at “Ole Miss”

President Kennedy was forced to uphold the Supreme Court’s decision President Kennedy was forced to uphold the Supreme Court’s decision and sent in federal marshals. and sent in federal marshals.

Violence erupted, tear gas used.Violence erupted, tear gas used. 2 people were killed and hundreds hurt.2 people were killed and hundreds hurt. Kennedy sent army troops to restore order and ensure Meredith’s safe Kennedy sent army troops to restore order and ensure Meredith’s safe

admission. admission.

Clash in BirminghamClash in Birmingham MLK when to Birmingham, MLK when to Birmingham,

Alabama in 1963 to organize Alabama in 1963 to organize protests and boycotts in what he protests and boycotts in what he called “the most segregated city in called “the most segregated city in America.” America.”

Almost immediately, he was Almost immediately, he was arrested and placed in jail for arrested and placed in jail for trying to organize a march without trying to organize a march without a permit. a permit.

Clash in BirminghamClash in Birmingham

MLK was released on bail and reorganized the march, MLK was released on bail and reorganized the march, this time allowing young people to join.this time allowing young people to join.

During the march, Birmingham’s police arrested 900 During the march, Birmingham’s police arrested 900 young people, used fire hoses and violent dogs on the young people, used fire hoses and violent dogs on the marchers. marchers.

Policemen clubbed and jailed the protesters. Policemen clubbed and jailed the protesters.

National AttentionNational Attention

The one-sided violence of the Birmingham police sparked national The one-sided violence of the Birmingham police sparked national outrage.outrage.

Television cameras and pictures brought the images to the entire Television cameras and pictures brought the images to the entire nation and ultimately led to desegregation in Birmingham. nation and ultimately led to desegregation in Birmingham.

Section 4: The Political ResponseSection 4: The Political Response

Kennedy on Civil RightsKennedy on Civil Rights John F. Kennedy became John F. Kennedy became

President in 1961.President in 1961. Campaigned heavily for the Campaigned heavily for the

black vote with bold black vote with bold rhetoric.rhetoric.

““If the President does not If the President does not himself wage the himself wage the struggle… the battle will be struggle… the battle will be lost.” –JFKlost.” –JFK

Once in office, Kennedy Once in office, Kennedy proved more moderate, proved more moderate, afraid to anger southern afraid to anger southern senators.senators.

Medgar EversMedgar Evers

With escalating Southern violence, JFK With escalating Southern violence, JFK spoke up on television…spoke up on television…

““We preach freedom around the world… but are we We preach freedom around the world… but are we to say to the world… that this is the land of the free to say to the world… that this is the land of the free except for the Negroes?... The time has come for this except for the Negroes?... The time has come for this nation to fulfill its promise.” –JFKnation to fulfill its promise.” –JFK

Hours after the speech, NAACP leader Hours after the speech, NAACP leader Medgar Evers was gunned down and Medgar Evers was gunned down and murdered outside his home.murdered outside his home.

White supremacist Byron de la Beckwith White supremacist Byron de la Beckwith was charged with murder.was charged with murder.

After 2 hung juries, he was convicted After 2 hung juries, he was convicted in a reopened case in 1994 (30 years in a reopened case in 1994 (30 years later). later).

March on WashingtonMarch on Washington

Leaders in the movement organized a massive March on Washington in Leaders in the movement organized a massive March on Washington in August 1963.August 1963.

Over 200,000 people.Over 200,000 people. Many celebrities participated including Jackie Robinson, Bob Dylan, and Many celebrities participated including Jackie Robinson, Bob Dylan, and

Peter, Paul, and Mary.Peter, Paul, and Mary. MLK gave the keynote speech… “I have a dream”MLK gave the keynote speech… “I have a dream”

““I Have a Dream” -MLKI Have a Dream” -MLK ““I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and

live out the true meaning of its creed, ‘We hold these live out the true meaning of its creed, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’ I truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’ I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood… I have a dream that my four children will brotherhood… I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their the color of their skin, but by the content of their character… All of God’s children, black men and white character… All of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: ‘Free at last. Free at last. Thank God Negro spiritual: ‘Free at last. Free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.’”Almighty, we are free at last.’”

Civil Rights Act of 1964Civil Rights Act of 1964 Under Lyndon B. Johnson (after Under Lyndon B. Johnson (after

JFK assassination) government JFK assassination) government passed its most far reaching passed its most far reaching civil rights act.civil rights act.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964…The Civil Rights Act of 1964… Banned use of different voter Banned use of different voter

registration standards for blacks and registration standards for blacks and whiteswhites

Prohibited all discrimination in public Prohibited all discrimination in public accommodations accommodations

Allowed withholding of federal funds Allowed withholding of federal funds from institutions which practice from institutions which practice discriminationdiscrimination

Banned discrimination by employers Banned discrimination by employers and unionsand unions

Section 5: The Movement Takes a Section 5: The Movement Takes a New TurnNew Turn

The slow pace of progress frustrated many African The slow pace of progress frustrated many African Americans who turned away from MLK’s message of love, Americans who turned away from MLK’s message of love, integration, and nonviolence for more radical, militant black integration, and nonviolence for more radical, militant black power movements.power movements.

Malcolm XMalcolm X

Born Malcolm Little in Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska.Omaha, Nebraska.

Father spread the “back-to-Father spread the “back-to-Africa” message of Marcus Africa” message of Marcus Garvey.Garvey.

Grew up in ghettos in Grew up in ghettos in Detroit, Boston, and NYC; Detroit, Boston, and NYC; turned to crime.turned to crime.

At 20, he went to jail for At 20, he went to jail for seven years for burglary.seven years for burglary.

Nation of Islam (Black Muslims)Nation of Islam (Black Muslims)

In Jail, Malcolm joined the Nation of Islam, often called the Black Muslims.In Jail, Malcolm joined the Nation of Islam, often called the Black Muslims. They viewed white society as oppressive and preached black separation. They viewed white society as oppressive and preached black separation. Their leader, Elijah Muhammad, taught that Allah (God) would bring about a Their leader, Elijah Muhammad, taught that Allah (God) would bring about a

“Black Nation”“Black Nation”

Black NationalismBlack Nationalism Malcolm changed his name to Malcolm changed his name to

Malcolm X, “Little” he said Malcolm X, “Little” he said had come from slave-owners.had come from slave-owners.

Exiting prison in 1952, he Exiting prison in 1952, he began preaching as a minister began preaching as a minister for the Nation of Islam.for the Nation of Islam.

Preached black nationalism, Preached black nationalism, that African Americans must that African Americans must be a strong, unified, and be a strong, unified, and separate community.separate community.

White society was perceived White society was perceived as the enemy.as the enemy.

Opposed to IntegrationOpposed to Integration

Malcolm X disagreed with Malcolm X disagreed with the goals and strategies of the goals and strategies of the early civil rights the early civil rights movement.movement.

““all of this non-violent, all of this non-violent, begging-the-white-man kind begging-the-white-man kind of dying” of dying”

Believed blacks shouldn’t Believed blacks shouldn’t integrate but form a integrate but form a separate, self-reliant society separate, self-reliant society and economy.and economy.

Malcolm X: MeccaMalcolm X: Mecca

As an Islamic pilgrimage, Malcolm X traveled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia in As an Islamic pilgrimage, Malcolm X traveled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 1964.1964.

Seeing millions of interracial Muslims worshiping peacefully together Seeing millions of interracial Muslims worshiping peacefully together completely transformed him.completely transformed him.

Changed his hatred toward whites and separatist views. Changed his hatred toward whites and separatist views.

Malcolm X AssassinatedMalcolm X Assassinated When he returned, he When he returned, he

appeared ready to work appeared ready to work with other civil rights with other civil rights leaders and white leaders and white Americans.Americans.

His radical transformation His radical transformation created enemies with his created enemies with his former friends.former friends.

In 1965, just nine months In 1965, just nine months after returning, he was shot after returning, he was shot to death in NY by members to death in NY by members of the Nation of Islam.of the Nation of Islam.

The Black Power MovementThe Black Power Movement

Figures such as Malcolm X, despite his change of heart, Figures such as Malcolm X, despite his change of heart, gave way to a new, more aggressive and militant gave way to a new, more aggressive and militant movement, the Black Power Movement. movement, the Black Power Movement.

SNCC Shifts GearsSNCC Shifts Gears Stokely Carmichael, born in Stokely Carmichael, born in

Trinidad, came to the U.S. and Trinidad, came to the U.S. and became involved in the SNCC.became involved in the SNCC.

Grew tired of nonviolence and Grew tired of nonviolence and arrests, called SNCC members arrests, called SNCC members to begin carrying guns and to begin carrying guns and wanted the group to be wanted the group to be exclusively black.exclusively black.

At one of King’s rallies, he took At one of King’s rallies, he took the microphone and challenged the microphone and challenged leaders… leaders…

““The only way we gonna stop them white men from The only way we gonna stop them white men from whippin’ us is to take over. We been saying whippin’ us is to take over. We been saying freedom for six years- and we ain’t got nothin’. freedom for six years- and we ain’t got nothin’. What we gonna start saying now is ‘black power!’” What we gonna start saying now is ‘black power!’” –Carmichael –Carmichael

Black PanthersBlack Panthers

In 1966, a new militant political party, the Black Panthers, were formed.In 1966, a new militant political party, the Black Panthers, were formed. Panthers wanted African Americans to take charge in their communities.Panthers wanted African Americans to take charge in their communities. Wanted government to rebuild the ghettos and often were involved in Wanted government to rebuild the ghettos and often were involved in

violent confrontation with police.violent confrontation with police. ““Power flows from the barrel of a gun”Power flows from the barrel of a gun” ““Black is beautiful” Black is beautiful”

Law v. RealityLaw v. Reality

The early civil rights movement focused on The early civil rights movement focused on fighting legal discrimination.fighting legal discrimination.

Fighting Fighting de factode facto segregation and African segregation and African American poverty, however, was much American poverty, however, was much more difficult. more difficult.

Poverty, poor living conditions, lack of Poverty, poor living conditions, lack of education, and general discrimination education, and general discrimination continued to plague blacks despite continued to plague blacks despite changing legislation.changing legislation.

Riots in the StreetsRiots in the Streets

Residents in ghettos Residents in ghettos often viewed police as often viewed police as dangerous oppressors.dangerous oppressors.

In the mid 1960s, major In the mid 1960s, major riots broke out throughout riots broke out throughout the country.the country.

In 1965, the Los Angeles In 1965, the Los Angeles riots were most famous.riots were most famous.

A normal arrest turned A normal arrest turned violent and resulted in six violent and resulted in six days of rioting.days of rioting.

MLK AssassinatedMLK Assassinated

In 1968, King was campaigning for his movement to help In 1968, King was campaigning for his movement to help reduce poverty in Memphis, Tennessee. reduce poverty in Memphis, Tennessee.

Gave “mountain top” speechGave “mountain top” speech Next day, shot while standing on hotel balcony.Next day, shot while standing on hotel balcony.

ResponseResponse

The nations was devastated by King’s The nations was devastated by King’s assassination.assassination.

President Johnson order flags to half President Johnson order flags to half mast.mast.

Frustrated, many African Americans Frustrated, many African Americans believed King’s death meant the death to believed King’s death meant the death to nonviolent change.nonviolent change.

Riots broke out throughout the country.Riots broke out throughout the country.

Robert F. Kennedy AssassinatedRobert F. Kennedy Assassinated

Robert F. Kennedy was a major civil rights supporter.Robert F. Kennedy was a major civil rights supporter. Served as Attorney General for brother, JFK.Served as Attorney General for brother, JFK. Robert was running for the Democratic presidential nomination Robert was running for the Democratic presidential nomination

in 1968, and winning, when assassinated. in 1968, and winning, when assassinated.

Legacy of the MovementLegacy of the Movement

The death of MLK and Bobby Kennedy caused many to question if true The death of MLK and Bobby Kennedy caused many to question if true progress was made during the movement.progress was made during the movement.

Even today, racial, economic, and social divisions remain both nationally and Even today, racial, economic, and social divisions remain both nationally and globally.globally.

However, the civil rights movement succeeded in ending the legal However, the civil rights movement succeeded in ending the legal discrimination of African Americans in the U.S., and in raising awareness of discrimination of African Americans in the U.S., and in raising awareness of race issues in our world. race issues in our world.