“Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: - 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’”

In protest of bus segregation, Civil Rights activists called Freedom Riders rode buses all around the South. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Inspired by people like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr., the Freedom Riders endured many threats and violence.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the most memorable figures of the Civil Rights Movement. His advocacy for non-violent change in the face of violence was respected by many.

Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech was delivered at the largely attended March on Washington protest and rally.

In protest of rulings of desegregation, four men bombed Sixteenth Street Baptist Church one Sunday morning. Four girls attending Sunday School were killed when the bomb exploded.

These signs and this drawing are to honor and remember the lives of the four girls killed in the Birmingham, Alabama church bombing in “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”

Individuals and groups all over the country began to take action in an effort to gain Civil Rights for all. Many people began to protest restaurants and other places that held “White Only” policies.

Many African-Americans and other protestors faced unbelievable acts of violence as they tried to stand up for their rights.

Even Martin Luther King (above) was harassed in his journey to bring about social change and justice. “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars... Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Embracing Martin Luther King’s idea of non-violent protest, many students and young people passionate about Civil Rights began to hold Sit-Ins at local businesses. In reaction, many businesses closed down operation or took away the barstools so protestors could not sit.

The Greensboro, NC Sit-In that began on February 1, 1960 sparked a movement among the citizens of Greensboro and eventually led to the desegregation of the Woolworth’s lunch counter.

 “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”  “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”  “Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”