African-Americans Vote in South Carolina (1:28)
A report from Charleston, South Carolina, describes heavy voter turnout at the state's primary election on August 10, 1948. For the first time since the Reconstruction era, African-Americans were permitted to vote in a Democratic primary, after a federal judge ruled their exclusion unconstitutional.
Speeches & Audio (3)
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African-Americans Vote in South Carolina
African-Americans Vote in South CarolinaAudio Clip (1:28)
Audio Clip (1:28)
A report from Charleston, South Carolina, describes heavy voter turnout at the state's primary election on August 10, 1948. For the first time since the Reconstruction era, African-Americans were permitted to vote in a Democratic primary, after a federal judge ruled their exclusion unconstitutional.
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Lyndon Johnson Signs Civil Rights Act of 1964
Lyndon Johnson Signs Civil Rights Act of 1964Audio Clip (3:45)
Audio Clip (3:45)
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction, prohibited racial discrimination in employment and education, and outlawed segregation in public facilities.
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Shirley Chisholm Campaigns for Nomination
Shirley Chisholm Campaigns for NominationAudio Clip (1:29)
Audio Clip (1:29)
While seeking the candidacy for president of the United States in 1972, Shirley Chisholm campaigns hard, speaking to crowds across the country about her beliefs in equality for women and minorities. In 1968, Chisholm became the first African-American congresswoman.
Videos (9)
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Civil Rights Act of 1964
Civil Rights Act of 1964Video Clip (2:57)
Video Clip (2:57)
After years of struggle and setbacks, advocates for equality celebrate the passage of sweeping legislation that prohibits racial discrimination.
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King Leads the March on Washington
King Leads the March on WashingtonVideo Clip (3:10)
Video Clip (3:10)
On August 28, 1963, a quarter million people gather to support civil rights, and share Dr. King's "dream" of equality.
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Blacks in the Military
Blacks in the MilitaryVideo Clip (3:12)
Video Clip (3:12)
Learn how blacks serving in WWII helped forward the Civil Rights Movement.
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Separate But Not Equal
Separate But Not EqualVideo Clip (2:21)
Video Clip (2:21)
In 1954, the Supreme Court unanimously strikes down segregation in public schools, sparking the Civil Rights movement.
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Freedom March
Freedom MarchVideo Clip (1:38)
Video Clip (1:38)
Newsreel footage of the freedom march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, led by Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Lyndon Johnson's Presidential Legacy
Lyndon Johnson's Presidential LegacyVideo Clip (4:06)
Video Clip (4:06)
Lyndon Johnson's presidency is remembered in part for his handling of the Vietnam War, but he also advanced civil rights and equality throughout the nation.
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Path to the Podium: Barack Obama
Path to the Podium: Barack ObamaVideo Clip (3:18)
Video Clip (3:18)
Follow Barack Obama's political journey from his early years to the White House.
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Jesse Jackson: 'Selma the Place to Be'
Jesse Jackson: 'Selma the Place to Be'Video Clip (1:18)
Video Clip (1:18)
Jesse Jackson recalls standing in the rain with Dr. King in Selma, Alabama.
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Jesse Jackson: 'We Have to go to Selma'
Jesse Jackson: 'We Have to go to Selma'Video Clip (1:42)
Video Clip (1:42)
"...two of the most prominent leaders of that march, were nearly beaten to death. I couldn't contain myself. So the next day, I got on a table at the seminar...and said 'if we are a seminary, if we are about what we are studying to become, ministers, we have to go to Selma..."
Photo Galleries (4)
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Black Women in Politics
Black Women in Politics(10 Photos)
10 Photos
View images of famous female African American politicians and activists.
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March on Washington
March on Washington(9 Photos)
9 Photos
See pictures from the famous March on Washington.
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Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr.(16 Photos)
16 Photos
See pictures from the life of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson(19 Photos)
19 Photos
See pictures from the life and presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson.
Interactives (1)
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Black History Timeline
Black History TimelineInteractive
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The 1965 Voting Rights Act aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote.
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