These 10 Historical Photos Show The Real Side Of The Civil Rights Movement

by N/A, 8 years ago | 3 min read

Whenever possible, it's necessary to be reminded of human history. February is Black History Month, and it's extremely important that we all pay reverence to the often under-recognized, frequently marginalized African-Americans who played key roles in the betterment of our great nation.

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Human history is important and, to us in the US, American history is a crucial subject of study.

US history takes on a special importance every February during Black History Month, when Americans take time to emphasize the achievements and contributions of African-Americans to US history. While the photos below certainly don't make for a complete and definitive list, they acknowledge the sacrifices and hard work paid by some of history's most important African-American figures.

1. On November 14, 1960, Ruby Bridges became the first African-American student at the formerly all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana.

2. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering his "I Have a Dream" speech to a massive crowd on the National Mall in Washington, DC. August 28th, 1963.

You can listen to (and read) the speech here.

3. A mugshot of Rosa Parks from February 22nd, 1956 following her refusal to relinquish her bus seat to a white person.

Interestingly enough, the mugshot occurred nearly three months after the bus incident.

4. September 4th, 1957: Elizabeth Eckford walks to the entrance of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas amongst harassment by white people and the foreboding presence of the National Guard.

The screaming 15-year-old white girl is Hazel Bryan, and you might be surprised by what the rest of her life was like.

5. December 4th, 1964: at a news conference in New York, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. shows the photos of three civil rights workers who were murdered in Mississippi.

6. Muhammad Ali's knockout of Sonny Liston. Though he's often more remembered as one of the greatest boxers of all time, he was a key figure in the Civil Rights movement.

A quote from Muhammad Ali: "I know I got it made while other black folks are out there catchin' hell, but as long as they ain't free, I ain't free."

7. Civil Rights legend Malcolm X and one of his most poignant quotes.

This definitely applies today.

8. Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali chatting in a diner, 1964.

9. Josephine Baker, the first African-American woman to star in a major film and a staunch supporter of the Civil Rights movement.

Baker would not perform before segregated American audiences.

10. James Meredith, the first African-American to attend the University of Mississippi, shortly after being shot on June 6th, 1966 during a march.

This photo won a Pulitzer Prize. Meredith recovered in two days from the wounds (caused by birdshot pellets) and was able to continue the march.