Civil Rights and Social Justice
The civil rights movement was a struggle for social justice that took place mainly during the 1950s and 1960s for Black Americans to gain equal rights under the law in the United States. The Civil War had officially abolished slavery, but it didn’t end discrimination against Black people—they continued to endure the devastating effects of racism, especially in the South. By the mid-20th century, Black Americans had had more than enough of prejudice and violence against them. They, along with many white Americans, mobilized and began an unprecedented fight for equality that spanned two decades.
Stories of Civil Rights Heroes
Congressman John Lewis talks about how Martin Luther King Jr. inspired him as a young man during the Civil Rights Movement.
John Lewis worked for civil rights for all for over 40 years.
Bayard Rustin organized one of the largest nonviolent protests ever held in the United States: the 1963 March on Washington.
Vijay, a middle school student, wrote about his hero Thurgood Marshall, who was appointed as the first African American Supreme Court Justice and advanced desegregation in the United States.
When the United States finally elected its first African American President--Barack Obama--in 2008, it was a testament to the progress that was made from the Civil War to the present. We look to the heroes of the past and present as the United States continues its evolution to live up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.
Stories of Contemporary Social Justice Leaders
Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold that office.
Michelle Obama was First Lady of the United States, and the first African American to hold that office.
Films about Social Justice Heroes
In 1965, the historic Selma March was a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. John Lewis—a revered U.S. Congressman who was then a young student—co-led hundreds of peaceful marchers seeking voting rights for African Americans in the South.
In this film, John Lewis, U.S. Congressman, speaks about the importance of being a good citizen.
Explore our showcase on Civil Rights Hero Congressman John Lewis
John Lewis was involved in the Civil Rights Movement as a young man and later became a member the House of Representatives for the state of Georgia.
Women's Right to Vote in the USA
On August 18, 1920, after a hard-fought series of votes in the U.S. Congress and in state legislatures, the Nineteenth Amendment became part of the U.S. Constitution . It states, "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."
Watch this short film about the history of women's suffrage and explore our showcase full of multi-media resources on equality for women.
On 8 October 2021, the UN Human Rights Council adopted resolution 48/13 recognizing that a 'clean, healthy and sustainable environment' as a human right. The court described a healthy environment as “a fundamental right for the existence of humankind.”
Environment - Greta Thunberg
Education for All - No person shall be denied the right to an education. These Heroes are fighting for just that.
Films
In India, Educate Girls is working to make education more accessible to girls by partnering with public schools, training local champions for girls’ education.
Stories
Explore our Art Library for inspiring images of Civil Rights Heores
Organizer created on 7/7/2022 5:36:31 AM by Abigail Richardson
Last edited 7/18/2022 12:05:27 PM by Abigail Richardson
