1. Events that Sparked the Civil Rights Movement
The American South in the 1950’s

2. An Unlikely Trigger Emmett Louis Till Born & raised in Chicago
Understood segregation, but not really affected by it in the North

3. Trip Down South At 14, in 1955, went to MS to visit relatives
Mom warned him to act “differently” around white people

4. Dare Gone Wrong Went to Bryant’s store with friends
Bragging about white friends
Dared to talk to white lady in store

5. Inappropriate Action Till went to buy candy in store
On way out, said “Bye, baby” to Mrs. Bryant
Other claims made

6. Fate of Emmett Carolyn Bryant told husband of incident
Roy Bryant & JW Milam kidnapped Emmett on August 28, 1955 to beat & scare him
They took it much further

7. Young Life Lost
3 days after kidnapping, body found in Tallahatchie River
Unrecognizable

8. The Trial Bryant & Milam arrested - charged with murder
Admit kidnapping
Biased jury
Acquitted of all charges & released

9. Funeral Emmet’s mother has open casket
Demand for justice for heinous crime

10. The Next Step
December 1, 1955

11. Bus Segregation Montgomery, Alabama 75% of riders are black
1st 4 rows reserved for “whites only”
Moveable separation line

12. Take Your Place
If white section full:
Move to back
Stand
Exit the bus

13. Rosa Parks Dec. 1, 1955 - boarded bus after work
Refused to move for white passenger

14. Consequence
“Tired of giving in.”
Arrested

15. Trial Dec. 5, 1955 Tried on charges of: Fined & released
Disorderly conduct
Violating a local ordinance
Fined & released

16. Protesting Segregation & the Rosa Parks Trial
December 5, December 20, 1956

17. Bus Boycott Dec. 4, 1955 - plans made for boycott
Announced at churches
Boycott until:
Treated with courtesy
Black drivers hired
Seating on first-come basis

18. Leadership Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA)
Led by Martin Luther King, Jr.

19. Day 1 - Dec. 5, 1955 Rained - but boycott began Created carpools
Black taxi drivers charged bus fare ($.10)
Rode horse & buggy
Rode mules
Walked (some up to 20 miles)

21. Consequences Boycotters harassed, beaten
Homes & churches firebombed (including King’s)
Taxi drivers fined
Personal drivers lost insurance
Many arrested
King arrested and spent 2 weeks in jail
Brought national attention to boycott

23. VICTORY! Boycott lasted 381 days Buses stood idle for months
Bus company lost money
Supreme Court ruling
Bus segregation in Montgomery was finished