The American Civil Rights Movement

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The Civil Rights Movement of the 50's and 60's was arguably one of the most formative and influential periods in American history. Hundreds of thousands of civil rights activists utilized non violent resistance and civil disobedience to revolt against racial segregation and discrimination. The Civil Rights Movement began in the southern states but quickly rose to national prominence. It is of popular belief that the civil rights movement was organized by small groups of people, with notable leaders like—Martin Luther King, Jr, Rosa Parks, Medgar Evers, and even John F. Kennedy—driving the ship. That is partly correct. The Civil Rights Movement, in its truest form, was hundreds of thousands of people organizing events and protests, working together to ensure that every American—whether black, white, brown and anything in between—had the right to a prosperous and harmonious life. The Desegregation of the University of Mississippi James Meredith was a Civil Rights Activist, writer, political adviser, and the first African American admitted to the University of Mississippi. Originally, Meredith's admission to the University of Mississippi was rescinded on the basis of his race: the University of Mississippi—at that time—was an all white institution. Because all public educational institution were ordered to desegregate, Meredith brought upon a lawsuit. The district court, predictably, ruled against him, but his case made its way to the Supreme Court, which ruled in his favor. James Meredith arrived at the university on September 20, 1962, but he could not enter the school as all of the entrances were blocked off. Violent riots erupted upon his arrival and the military was dispatched for his protection. On October 1, 1962, Jame... ... middle of paper ... ....edu/index.php/encyclopedia/encyclopedia/enc_freedom_rides/>. "Freedom Summer." Eyes on the Prize. PBS, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2014. . "Selma to Montgomery March." We Shall Overcome. National Parks Service, n.d. Web. 8 Feb. 2014. . "March from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama." Eyes on the Prize. PBS, n.d. Web. 8 Feb. 2014. . "Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.." Martin Luther King: The Global Freedom Struggle. Stanford University, n.d. Web. 8 Feb. 2013. . "The Lorraine Motel." PCS Blog. N.p., 24 Aug. 2013. Web. 8 Feb. 2014. .

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