1. 1890 Jim Crow Laws establish the idea of “separate but equal” in the US Among other things, it established that races (black / white) must have separate facilities in all public places. Examples: restrooms, drinking fountains, waiting rooms… AND SCHOOLS! It soon became VERY obvious that separate was not equal…. And people decided to fight these laws!

2. Schools: Black and White All Linda Brown wanted was to go to school with her friends. Read the article about this real life hero! When you are finished, respond to the prompt at the end of the article. We will reveal the rest of the story later.

3. Vocabulary to know while you read… Conclude – to decide or settle Doctrine – a belief or system of beliefs accepted as true Inherently- basically, naturally Justify-to show to be just or right Precedent-an act or decision that serves to guide or justify late acts or decisions Reputation-the general opinion that the public has of someone Inferior-of a lesser quality or value Unanimously-in complete agreement

4. The rest of the story… Chief Justice Earl Warren looked stern as he read. First, Warren restated the arguments both sides had made. Finally, he came to the part of his speech where he announced the decision. “We unanimously conclude that in the field of public education the doctrine ‘separate but equal’ has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” Thurgood Marshall beamed with pride and joy. He had won the case – “separate but equal” was no longer legal. With that precedent set, all of the other segregations laws were doomed. It would take decades before the effects of segregation would be reversed. In may ways, we are still living with the effects of “separate but equal.” But thanks to the fighting spirit of Oliver and Linda Brown, the legal skills of Thurgood Marshall, and the wisdom of Chief Justice Earl Warren, segregation is no longer legal in the United States. Thurgood Marshall Chief Justice Earl Warren The Brown Family

5. Brown v. Board of Education in PBS' The Supreme Court

6. 1. What evidence did Thurgood Marshall use to prove that “separate but equal” schools are not fair? 2.How many of the Supreme Court justices sided with Chief Justice Warren in finding “separate but equal” school to be unequal? 3.Which of these words probably come from the Latin work animus, meaning mind, heart, or feeling? a.Inherently b. Precedent c. Unanimously d. Inferior 4.In paragraph 12, Chief Justice Earl Warren is described as “broad-minded”. What does that mean and what text evidence can you give that proves your answer? 5. In paragraphs 13 and 14 the author describes Thurgood Marshall and the other attorneys’ actions as they “climbed the marble steps of the Supreme Court” and “stood at attention as the nine justices, looking regal in their black robes”. What mood is he trying to establish here for the readers? 6.“Neither Linda nor her father knew it at the time, but their visit to Summer School that day would change the course of American history.” This quote from paragraph 5 is an example of which literary element? a. Foreshadowing b. Inference c. Metaphor b. Simile 7. Imagine you live in a town wither black and white people are forced to go to separate schools, restaurants, and stores. Write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper expressing your views on the subject. Your assignment….