The civil rights movement in America is full of remarkable moments and passionate advocates who have fought for the equality and justice of all Americans. From marches to protests, countless individuals have devoted their time and energy to the cause of civil rights. This article will discuss some of the major civil rights moments in each U.S. state, highlighting pivotal moments that have helped to shape our society.
Major Civil Rights Moments in Every State
Alabama
-
1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March: Led by Martin Luther King, Jr., the Selma to Montgomery March was part of the civil rights movement to establish the right to vote for African Americans. This march was significant in that it was the first mass march to be centered around civil rights, and it ultimately resulted in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
-
1968: Fair Housing Marches: Led by the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, the Fair Housing Marches resulted in the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibited discrimination in housing.
Alaska
-
1959: Alaska Becomes the 49th State: Although Alaska was admitted as a state in 1959, it was not until 1977 that it was declared a state that offered all rights of American citizenship to citizens of all racial backgrounds. This was a major moment for civil rights in the state, as now all citizens of the state were formally offered the same rights and opportunities.
-
2014: First Native Alaskan Governor Elected: In 2014, Bill Walker was elected as the first Native Alaskan governor, a pivotal moment in the state’s history that signified the end of much institutionalized racism and discrimination.
Arizona
-
1972: Tucson Unified School District Desegregation Plan: Tucson Unified School District was one of the first to create a plan to desegregate its public schools. This plan was noted as being a major victory for civil rights in the state, particularly in the area of education.
-
1991: Arizona’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Arizona was the last state to recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a holiday. Although it was established in 1991, it was only in 2000 that the holiday began to be observed by all state agencies.
Arkansas
-
1957: Desegregation of Central High School: The desegregation of Central High School was a major breakthrough in civil rights in Arkansas, as the nine African American students who were the first to attend the previously all-white high school faced resistance and violence from protestors. It would not be until 1973 that the last of the nine students would graduate from the school.
-
1972: Integration in Little Rock Schools: The courts ordered the integration of public schools in Little Rock in 1972, which finally allowed all students to attend school together regardless of race. This was a major victory for civil rights in the state, and it paved the way for equal education opportunities in the state.
California
-
1933: Loving v. California: In this landmark Supreme Court case, the court ruled in favor of a mixed-race couple who had been arrested for violating the state’s anti-miscegenation laws. This case marked a major breakthrough for civil rights in California, as it helped to ensure that interracial couples were no longer subject to discrimination.
-
1964: Delano Grape Strike: This strike was significant in that it was one of the first strikes led by Filipino American workers. The strike resulted in improved wages and working conditions for workers, and it was a major moment in California’s civil rights movement.
The civil rights movement in America is one that is full of incredible moments and passionate advocates. This article has explored some of the major civil rights moments in each U.S. state, highlighting pivotal events that have helped to shape our society. Despite the progress that has been made, civil rights remain an issue that continues to need to be addressed in this nation. It is up to each and every American to recognize their individual responsibility to ensure that justice, equality, and equity are offered to all.