Civil Rights EOTO

Today in class two groups presented, one on the pro-civil rights events that pertained to Brown v. Board case. The other presented on the negative events that hindered the civil rights movement after the courts decision.

One of the events was discussed that advanced the movement was Little Rock Nine which was a test of segregation of schools after the Brown was. Nine black students were enrolled in a formally all white school, however, they were originally prevented from entering the school before President Eisenhower sent in troops to escort the students in the building. This was a huge step for the movement but it also set back because of the lack of acceptance and protest that surrounded the event.

The presentation also consisted of the lunch counter sit-ins in Greensboro which was a protest against the segregated diners. A group of black students would go to segregated lunch counter and sit there even after refusal of service. Although many were arrested they started a nation wide trend which made a impact in the movement.

They also discussed the events that were attempts to stop or slow down the movements which include Birmingham Church bombing which the third bombing in 11 days in the same town. The bomb in the Church killed 4 girls all under 14 years old. This caused a riot breakout until the police came and broke it up.

They also talked about the "stand in the schoolhouse door" incident was AlabamaGovernor George Wallace's symbolic opposition to school integration imposed by the federal government.Took place at of Foster Auditorium at the University of Alabama and was intended to prevent the enrollment of two black students. .When Wallace refused to budge, President John F. Kennedy called for 100 troops from the Alabama National Guard to assist federal officials. Wallace chose to step down rather than incite violence.

Overall, All the events that were examined were important to the movement and made a huge impact on our nation. I think something that we, people who weren't there in this time, don't understand is how violent these times were. Its not a time in our country that we should be proud of, and should be remembered in order not to relapse.