Equality for Everyone
During the 1960's the Civil Rights Movement was happening. African-Americans fought for civil rights through protests and boycotts. They fought for their rights to be able to sit where they want, be able to do laundry anywhere, be able to use the restrooms, be able go to the movie theaters, and so much more. Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, bright inspiring leaders came to be some of the most influential social activists.
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Martin Luther King Jr.Martin Luther King Jr. was a social activist and a Baptist minister. He led the Civil Rights Act Movement in the U.S. He sought out equality for African-Americans through peaceful protests. King had an important role in ending the segregation of African-American citizens in the South and in other areas. King was a huge part in the creation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King did a lot of speeches during the time of the protests. His most famous speech was the "I Have a Dream" speech. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in April 1968. King continues to be one of the most influential civil-rights activists.
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Bus BoycottsIn Montgomery African-Americans were to sit in the back half of the buses and had to give up their seats to a white person. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a protest against segregated transportation seating. It started on December 5, 1955 and went on until December 20, 1956. During this time no African-American citizen used the transportation. It all started with an African-American woman named Rosa Parks who, four days before the bus boycotts, refused to give up her seat to a white man. Rosa Parks was arrested and fined for her actions. She was fined $10 dollars plus $4 in court fees. After her court hearing is when the bus boycotts started. Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered to have the bus system integrated.
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Malcom XMalcom X was an African-American leader and prominent figure in the Nation of Islam (NOI). He made concepts of race pride and black nationalism. Malcom X was very intrigued with Elijah Muhammad and studied his teachings. Malcom was then appointed as a minister and national spokesman for the NOI (which Muhammad was the leader of). He worked with Muhammad to expand African-American movements across the nation. Malcom X's resolution to cast off racism was to do it by any means necessary, which included violence. Malcom X was assassinated in February 1965 at the Audubon Ballroom, where he was preparing for a speech.
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