The 1950's was a influential decade for the Civil Rights Movement!

Background

Because large sections of the population–particularly African-Americans, women, and men without property–have not always been accorded full citizenship rights in the American Republic, civil rights movements, have been a frequent issue of the nation’s history. In particular, movements to obtain civil rights for black Americans have had special historical significance. Such movements have not only secured citizenship rights for blacks but have also redefined prevailing conceptions of the nature of civil rights and the role of government in protecting these rights. The most important achievements of African-American civil rights movements have been the post-Civil War constitutional amendments that abolished slavery and established the citizenship status of blacks.

Did You Know?

The 1955-56 Montgomery Bus Boycott, a protest against segregated public facilities in Alabama, was led by Martin Luther King Jr. and lasted for 381 days.

When the boycott started, community leaders arranged for 18 black taxis in the city to carry passengers for the same 10 cent fare as a bus. When the city passed an ordinance requiring a minimum 45 cent fare, 150 people volunteered their cars.

Montgomery Bus Boycott

Rosa Parks of Montgomery, Alabama, refused to give up her seat to a white bus rider, thereby disobeying a southern custom that required blacks to give seats toward the front of buses to whites. When she was jailed, a black community boycott of the city’s buses began. The boycott lasted more than a year, demonstrating the unity and determination of black residents and inspiring blacks elsewhere.

Martin Luther King, Jr., who emerged as the boycott movement’s most effective leader, possessed unique peacemaking and debating skills. He understood the larger significance of the boycott and quickly realized that the nonviolent tactics used by the Indian nationalist Mahatma Gandhi could be used by southern blacks.

      By holding on to her seat, Rosa Parks                     illustrated how one person's spontaneous act of courage and defiance can alter the course of history.

“I didn’t get on the bus with the intention of being arrested,” she said later. “I got on the bus with the intention of going home.” - Rosa Parks

“I knew that as far as I was concerned, I would never ride on a segregated bus again.” - Rosa Parks

“I was fortunate God provided me with the strength I needed at the precise time conditions were ripe for change. I am thankful to him every day that he gave me the strength not to move.” - Rosa Parks