Digital History
Digital History: To the Heart of Dixie
In the early 1960s civil rights activists put the ban on segregation to the test. In 1961, "Freedom riders," boarded buses headed south to test the federal ban on segregated travel. And in 1962, the University of Mississippi was ordered...
Digital History
Digital History: The March on Washington
In August 1963, more than 200,000 people marched from the Washington Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial for civil rights. Read about that day in this brief article.
Digital History
Digital History: Birmingham, Alabama: Bombingham
The city that best exemplifies white resistance to integration and the tension and conflict of the civil rights movement is Birmingham, Alabama. Learn about events of and reactions to the civil rights movement of the early 1960s in...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Al Sharpton
Biographical details on Al Sharpton who began preaching at age four and became an ordained Pentecostal minister at age 10. A colorful and popular figure in the African American community, he embarked upon controversial protests that...
Alabama Humanities Foundation
Encyclopedia of Alabama: Selma to Montgomery March
One of the most famous events in Civil Rights history.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Bayard Rustin
Biographical information on Bayard Rustin, African-American civil rights activist who was a close adviser to Martin Luther King, Jr.
Stanford University
Stanford University: Lesson Plan on the Children's Crusade
A well designed four part lesson plan that examines the use of children in the civil rights demonstration that occurred in Birmingham under the leadership of Dr. King.
Alabama Humanities Foundation
Encyclopedia of Alabama: African American Union Troops
Following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, African Americans were granted the right to join the U.S. Army, but this article takes a closer look at how this new right worked.
Black Past
Black Past: Adams, Victoria Jackson Gray
This brief encyclopedia article tells about Victoria Gray Adams, a leading member of the civil rights movement in Mississippi. It includes links to websites containing her collection of papers.
Black Past
Black Past: Baker, Ella
This encyclopedia article tells about Ella Baker, one of the most influential women in the civil rights movement.
Black Past
Black Past: Carmichael, Stokely
In this brief encyclopedia entry you can read about Stokely Carmichael's role in the civil rights movement and his proclamation of "Black Power."
Black Past
Black Past: Evers, Medgar
This brief encyclopedia entry gives an account of Medgar Evers' life, including his importance as a civil rights leader and martyr. There is a link to a website to gain more information.
Black Past
Black Past: Jackson, Mahalia
This encyclopedia article tells the high points of Mahalia Jackson's life. She was a world-renowned gospel singer whose influence was felt in the civil rights movement.
Black Past
Black Past: Hamer, Fannie Lou
This brief encyclopedia article is about Fannie Lou Hamer, civil rights activist from Mississippi. There is a link to a website which gives more information about her.
Black Past
Black Past: King, Jr., Martin Luther
This encyclopedia article gives a good overview of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and his place in the history of civil rights in the U.S. There is a link to a website that gives more information.
Black Past
Black Past: Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. (1941 )
This is a profile of Jesse Jackson and his efforts in the civil rights movement.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Black Troops in Union Blue
Activity on African American troops in the Union Army. Students read article for background information, answer questions, then analyze and write about the controversies in a piece to be published in a mock Frederick Douglass's Paper.
Hartford Web Publishing
Hartford Black History Project: Citizens of Color: Black Society After Civil War
Discusses the history of the African American community in Hartford, Connecticut, in terms of the migration of former slaves to the city right after the end of the Civil War. Also discusses a second wave of migration as African Americans...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Citizens: African American Identity: 1865 1917
Discusses the efforts of African Americans to be recognized as equal citizens after the Civil War, and the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. Includes links to supplemental information.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Forever Free: The 1860s: 19th Century African American Legislators of Texas
An exhibit from the Texas State Library exploring the political achievements of African-Americans in the Texas state legislature and Constitutional Convention from 1865 through the 1890s.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Barbara Jordan
As a lawyer, a congresswoman, and a scholar, Barbara Jordan used her public speaking skills to fight for civil and human rights.
Stanford University
Sheg: Reading Like a Historian: Booker T. Washington vs w.e.b. Du Bois
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read primary source documents to solve a problem surrounding a historical question. This document-based inquiry lesson allows students to read a speech of Booker T. Washington's and a selection...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: African American Honorees in Alabama History
Students will create a PowerPoint slide show presentation and brochure on a famous African American icon from the Alabama Calendar. Students may select famous African Americans from Alabama such as Rosa Parks, Vonetta Flowers, Dr. Mae...
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: Black List Project: Al Sharpton
The Reverend Al Sharpton, well known for his racial and political activism, is featured in a biography.