African American civil rights struggles

Definition

The African American civil rights struggles refer to the collective efforts by African Americans to secure equal rights and end racial discrimination, particularly during the mid-20th century. These struggles encompassed various protests, legal battles, and social movements aimed at achieving equality for African Americans.

Related terms

Civil Rights Act of 1964: This act was a landmark piece of legislation that prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It played a significant role in dismantling Jim Crow laws and advancing civil rights for all citizens.

Brown v. Board of Education: This Supreme Court case in 1954 declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This decision marked a major turning point in the fight against racial segregation and set the stage for further advancements in civil rights.

Montgomery Bus Boycott: A pivotal event during the civil rights movement where African Americans boycotted segregated buses in Montgomery, Alabama after Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. The boycott lasted over a year and led to desegregation of public transportation.