Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement

Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement

Key Figures Who Changed America Grade 7 Social Studies Understanding the Fight for Equality

Historical Timeline: The Road to Civil Rights

Martin Luther King Jr.: The Dream of Equality

Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1929 Believed in nonviolent protest and peaceful resistance Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956) Delivered the famous 'I Have a Dream' speech in 1963 Won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 at age 35 Assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968

Rosa Parks: The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement

Seamstress and NAACP member in Montgomery, Alabama Refused to give up her bus seat on December 1, 1955 Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott Worked as a symbol of quiet strength and dignity Continued activism throughout her life Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996

Malcolm X: A Different Approach to Civil Rights

{"left":"Born Malcolm Little in Nebraska in 1925\nJoined the Nation of Islam in prison\nAdvocated for Black pride and self-defense\nBelieved in 'by any means necessary' approach","right":"Made pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964\nChanged views on racial cooperation\nAssassinated in New York City in 1965\nLegacy of Black empowerment and education"}

Key Civil Rights Organizations

NAACP (1909): Legal challenges and court cases SCLC (1957): Coordinated nonviolent protests SNCC (1960): Student-led sit-ins and voter registration CORE: Freedom Rides to desegregate transportation Each organization had different strategies but shared goals Worked together despite some disagreements

Compare and Contrast: Civil Rights Leaders

Work in pairs to complete a Venn diagram Compare MLK Jr. and Malcolm X's approaches What did they have in common? How were their methods different? Which leader's approach do you think was more effective? Why? Be prepared to share your thoughts with the class

Reflection: Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement

How do the actions of these leaders still impact us today? What civil rights issues exist in our current society? How can young people today follow their example? What would you say to these leaders if you could meet them?