Civil Rights Movement Timeline - Estrella Lemus by Estrella Lemus Lemus

Seneca Falls Convention (1848)

215278 — 2025-05-17 23:01:36 UTC

On July 19, 1848, the first women's rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York. The main organizer was Elizabeth Cady Stanton, along with her husband, Henry B. Stanton. This convention attracted about 300 people, most of them being local abolitionists. Participants of the anti-slavery movement eventually joined as well. Because of this convention, the Declaration of Sentiments was written. Elizabeth listed 18 grievances against men and brought to light the idea to give women the right to vote. The Seneca Falls Convention built the foundation that would soon get us the 19th Amendment.

19th Amendment (1920)

215278 — 2025-05-17 23:09:35 UTC

The 19th Amendment was passed by Congress on June 4, 1919, and ratified by the states on August 18, 1920. This Amendment was to guarantee everyone that no person would be denied the right to vote based on sex. In other words, it granted women the right to vote. Even though they were now allowed to vote, most African American women still faced difficulties like discrimination, poll taxes, literacy tests, etc.

End to Segregated Military (1948)

215278 — 2025-05-17 23:18:32 UTC

Before, African American soldiers had to serve in separate units with terrible living conditions and lower wages. To end racial segregation in the military, Executive Order 9981 had to be signed, which President Harry S. Truman did. Afterwards, men and women were able to fight in the same units regardless of the color of their skin. Marking the end of 170 years of military segregation. It influenced other parts of American society to desegregate as well.

Brown V. Board of Education (1954)

215278 — 2025-05-17 23:26:03 UTC

It all began when an African American girl, Linda Brown, tried to enroll in an all white elementary school. Unfortunately, she was denied because of her race. Linda and other parents took this case to court, trying to challenge school segregation. The Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools were unequal. The Brown V. Board of Education put an end to segregated schools. Children of both races were able to attend school together, but still, there were a few schools that continued to segregate black children.

Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955)

215278 — 2025-05-17 23:31:53 UTC

It was December 1, 1955, when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat for a white male after a long day at work. She got arrested and sent to jail. Her arrest caused a wave of rage and led to a year-long boycott. Martin Luther King, the leader of the boycott, and other black people refused to use the bus system. They turned to carpooling, walking, or black-owned taxis. The bus system was losing a lot of money, so the Supreme Court desegregated buses, allowing African Americans to sit where they wanted.

Civil Rights Act (1957)

215278 — 2025-05-17 23:48:16 UTC

On September 9, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act into law. Its purpose was to protect African Americans' voting rights and prevent voting interference like poll taxes and literacy tests. It also empowered the Justice Department to address racial discrimination when it came to voting. Attorneys could file lawsuits on behalf of African Americans who were facing discrimination in the voting process. Overall, it helped increase the percentage/ amount of Black voters in the South.

Sit-in Movement (1960)

215278 — 2025-05-17 23:55:02 UTC

For the sit-in movement, four African American college students, Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain, and Joseph McNeil, sat at a white only lunch counter. They were never served food, but they still remained seated.. They stayed there until closing and showed up with 20 other people the next day. These sit-ins became popular throughout all of Greensboro. Students from other schools would sit in segregated spaces like bus stations, libraries, restaurants, etc. Protesters faced extreme harassment and assault, some even got arrested. But eventually, some restaurants were desegregated. Making the protests successful.

March on Washington (1963)

215278 — 2025-05-18 00:03:09 UTC

The March on Washington was a peaceful protest where 250,000 people attended. Martin Luther King wanted change. With his “I Have a Dream” speech, he called for an end to racial segregation, voting rights, higher minimum wages, and fair employment practices. His speech inspired tons of people to join the Civil Rights movement. This massive protest proved that peaceful protests were more effective without violence. It also helped lead to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Civil Rights Act (1964)

215278 — 2025-05-18 00:09:11 UTC

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. Additionally, it got rid of segregation and unequal treatment in employment, education, and public accommodations. Martin Luther King's marches led to the signing of the Voting Rights Act. In some cases, they were facing police violence and even getting arrested. These marches drew attention to the realities of segregation in the South. Without his leadership, Congress would have acted much slower on this issue.

Voting Rights Act (1965)

215278 — 2025-05-18 00:15:14 UTC

The Voting Rights Act, signed on August 6, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson, ended racial discrimination in voting, including the requirement of tests to vote. It also reinforced the 15th Amendment that had been long ignored. Now, states that had a history of voter suppression had to be federally overseen. Black voter rates increased from 6% to 60%. The Voting Rights Act destroyed the barrier that was once built to stop African Americans from voting.

Stonewall Riots (1969)

215278 — 2025-05-18 00:23:44 UTC

In Greenwich Village, New York City, the NYC police raided a gay club called the Stonewall Inn. They were arresting employees and customers. Instead of following through with orders, people fought back anyway they could. Creating riots in which neighboring people participated. At this point, being gay was illegal. If your boss found out, they were allowed to fire you. The U.S. was against homosexuality. This event sparked the beginning of the gay rights movement that would spread everywhere.

Equal Rights Amendment/Movement (1972-2025)

215278 — 2025-05-18 00:31:17 UTC

The Equal Rights movement stood for the equality of men and women. It guaranteed both genders equal rights. The main issue was that women weren’t able to vote; they were facing discrimination in employment, property, etc. In 1977, 35 out of 38 states ratified the movement, there was a deadline set for the rest to change their mind. Unfortunately, they didn't. Even though it was never officially made a law, the movement raised awareness and mobilized generations of activists.

Freedom Riders (1961)

215278 — 2025-05-18 00:37:47 UTC

Activists of all races boarded buses that would take them through South America. Their purpose was to protest against segregated bus terminals. They would attempt to use “white only” restrooms and restaurants. On May 15, in South Carolina, when a bus tire was being changed, they were firebombed and beaten. When a group of freedom riders would die, a new set would be sent. Their determination and actions pressured the federal government to enforce desegregation laws. This led to the desegregation of buses.

Civil Rights Act (1991)

215278 — 2025-05-18 00:43:20 UTC

On November 21, 1991, President George H. W. Bush signed the Civil Rights Act. This law strengthened protections against discrimination in workplaces. It extended the Civil Rights Act of 1964, allowing women and men to sue for discrimination, harassment, etc. They were now guaranteed the right to a jury trial and could earn compensation.

BLM Movement (2012)

215278 — 2025-05-18 00:50:27 UTC

Black Lives Matter began when unarmed Black individuals were being killed by law enforcement. In July 2013, Trayvon Martin, a black teenage boy, was shot in Florida. Activists and community organizers came together and started protests. Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and other contributors created the hashtag # BlackLivesMatter to spread awareness. But in 2020, it grew worse. A popular name most people know, George Floyd, was killed when a police officer knelt on his neck for over 9 minutes, not letting him breathe. Mass protests were organized, pushing for racial justice.