During the Civil War, Lincoln issues the executive order known as the Emancipation Proclamation - pretty much freeing all slaves held in the states then in rebellion. This made slavery abolition a primary goal of the raging Civil War.
The Thirteenth Ammendment to the US Constitution is declared adopted by Secretary of State William H. Seward. The Ammednment illegalised slavery across the country, fulfilling the goals outlined by the Emancipation Proclamation, and brought the ended Civil War to a complete resolution.
Jim Crow Laws introduced
First of Jim Crows Laws are passed, making many racial discriminatory actions legal or mandatory.
Founding of the NAACP
National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People founded in New York to combat segregation and racial injustice.
Buchanan vs. Warley
Buchanan vs. Warley case is decided in the Supreme Court, whereby the first case of a Jim Crow law being reversed occured. The law, a city ordinance in Lousville, Kentucky, declared that African-Americans could not be sold real property. The Supreme Court deemed the law unconstitutional.
"Thirty Years of Lynching in the United States" Published
The National Assocation for the Advancement of Coloured People publishes "Thirty Years of Lynching in the United States", an in-depth piece of research on racial violence and hate crimes in the US. It raised national consciousness on the injustices endured by black Americans.
Race exclusive schools abolished
A Supreme Court ruling deems that seperate schools for black and white children are unconstitutional.
Murder of Emmett Till
Emmett Till, an African-American fourteen year old, is murdered by the husband of a white woman who Till was supposedly flirting with. Despite being found guilty of the killing, Till's murderers were acquitted of all charges. The acquittal enraged black right activists all over America.
Rosa Parks bus incident
Rosa Parks, an African American commuter, refuses to give up her seat on the bus for a white man. Arrested for civil disobedience, Parks started a bus boycott in her city of Montgomery, raising national awareness for black civil rights.
"The Hate That Hate Produced" Broadcast
The Nation of Islam broadcasts "The Hate That Hate Produced", a documentary featuring the preaching of black nationalist Malcolm X. This brought X to national attention, garnering many supporters of aggresive cause.
"I Have a Dream" Speech
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech is delivered from the Lincoln Memorial. King advocated peaceful protesting and non-violent means to rid America of segregation between blacks and whites.
Assassination of Malcolm X
Malcolm X is assassinated by Nation of Islam member Thomas Hagen during a public address. X's death sparked mass outrage and increased support for the civil rights movement.
Implementation of the Voting Rights Act
The Voting Rights Act is implemented by the US government, giving African Americans the right to vote in national, state, and council elections.
Black Panther Party is Founded
Leftist revolutionary African-American leftist organisation the Black Panther Party is founded in Oakland, California. The BPP supported violent retaliation towards police brutality against blacks. Controversy followed the organisation during tis entire existence.
Murder of John Frey
Black Panther Party leader Huey P. Newton kills white police officer John Frey. This both enraged and inspired members of the black civil rights movement.
Assassination of Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King is assassinated by James Earl Ray, an opposer of the ongoing civil rights movement. King's death sparks a remarkable increase in support for black rights.
Fair Housing Act Implementation
The Fair Housing Act is passed by the Supreme Court, declaring that real estate can be sold to anyone, regardless of race, religion or nationality.
2008 Presidential Election
Barack Obama is voted by the American people into the position of President of the United States. He is the first African American to call the White House home.