Civil Rights Leaders
MLK and Rosa Parks
Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK fought for the rights of Black Americans. King, during the 1950s-60s, followed the non-violent path of Gandhi ; therefore, MLK never used weapons in order to achieve equal rights. Because of the "I Have a Dream" speech, MLK not only touched the hearts of Black Americans, but also many white Americans. Unfortunately, in Memphis,Tennessee on April 4th, MLK was shot and killed, leaving the Black American community devastated. Even though MLK died, his "dream" lived on and in 1964 the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, giving Blacks the rights they deserved.
MLK
Leadind others to follow his "dream"
Rosa Parks
Refuses to give up her seat on bus
Rosa Parks
During the fight for Black American rights, may colored Americans boycotted transportation, public bathrooms, public seating, and etc. Rosa Parks, a Black American women, not only boycotted, but refused to give up her seat on a bus. Even though a White American wanted the seat and asked her to move, she simply refused, which caused her to get arrested. The arrest of Rosa Parks led to many riots, which left hundreds injured. Since the riots wouldn't stop, Rosa Parks was freed from jail on December 2, 1955, which is one day after she was arrested. Parks's story motivated, along side MLK's leadership, lead to the fight and victory of Black Americans in achieving their civil rights.