Too often, the teaching about the modern Civil Rights Movement—as a spontaneous eruption of angry but saintly African Americans led by two or three inspired orators—discounts the origins, the intellect, and the breadth that guided this complex social movement.
To support teaching the modern Civil Rights Movement beyond “I Have a Dream,” Teaching for Change recommends teaching about the 1963 events that shed light on the everyday people who organized in their communities to struggle for freedom and justice.
Why 1963?
The year 1963 was pivotal to the Movement. It is often recalled as the year of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom but much more transpired. It was a year dedicated to direct action and voter registration in the face of violence and with countless examples of brave resistance.
Key Events in the Civil Rights Movement
Teaching about 1963
Too often, the teaching about the modern Civil Rights Movement—as a spontaneous eruption of angry but saintly African Americans led by two or three inspired orators—discounts the origins, the intellect, and the breadth that guided this complex social movement.
To support teaching the modern Civil Rights Movement beyond “I Have a Dream,” Teaching for Change recommends teaching about the 1963 events that shed light on the everyday people who organized in their communities to struggle for freedom and justice.
Why 1963?
The year 1963 was pivotal to the Movement. It is often recalled as the year of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom but much more transpired. It was a year dedicated to direct action and voter registration in the face of violence and with countless examples of brave resistance.
Key Events in the Civil Rights Movement
Student Demonstrations
The Freedom Ballot
Children’s Crusade
The “Mailman Murder”
The Stand in the Schoolhouse Door
Assassination of Medgar Evers
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
Bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church (“Four Little Girls”)
Chicago School Boycott
Clyde Kennard’s Freedom and Death
Posted: June 16, 2017