1950s

Overview A period of “massive resistance” to the High Court’s 1954 desegregation order ensues, mostly in the Deep South states. more

1955

Brown vs. Board of Ed (II). The U.S. Supreme Court articulates its formula for achieving public school desegregation. more

1954

Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, KS et. al. The U.S. Supreme Court overturns doctrine of “separate but equal” in the field of public education.more

1957

Cooper vs. Aaron U.S. Supreme Court calls for the forced integration of Central High School in Little Rock, AR. more

1960s

Overview The sixties were a period of tumult and revolutionary changes in society and law, with the Earl Warren Court expanding civil rights and civil liberties.

1963

Lyndon B. Johnson Becomes President Lyndon B. Johnson is sworn in as President following John F. Kennedy’s assassination. more

1964

Harlem Race Riots break out in Harlem, New York.

1965

The Voting Rights Act 1965 Voting Rights Act is enacted, abolishing the poll tax and placing the federal government in the business of protecting voters’ rights.

1963

March On Washington On August 28th, a massive, peaceful “March on Washington” is staged at the Lincoln Memorial to press for civil rights legislation.

1964

Civil Rights Act President Johnson pushes the 1964 Civil Rights Act through Congress, which banned race discrimination in public accommodations. more

1965

Watts Race Riots erupt in Watts section of California

1966-1967

Race Riots Across the Nation Riots erupt in many U.S. cities.more

1968

Martin L. King, Jr. Assassinated On April 4th, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. More race riots breakout in many urban areas across America.

1968-70s

Black Militancy, White Backlash A period of black militancy and white backlash. Blacks and whites begin to question desegregation. more

1980s-90s

Overview White flight to the suburbs and suburban sprawl accentuates racial divide between urban and suburban America.more

1987

Explosions in Canarsie, Brooklyn NYCCRC leads vigils in response to racial violence in Canarsie, Brooklyn.more

1986

New York City Civil Rights Coalition Formed New York City Civil Rights Coalition is formed amidst racial violence in Queens, NY. more

1989

Inception of Unlearning Stereotypes Program NYCCRC establishes award-winning educational program to help students confront racial stereotyping. more

1990s

Bias Incidents Run Rampant NYCRC responds to bias incidents in racial hotspots scattered throughout the city. more

1991

Crown Heights Racial Violence NYCRC leads “unity walk” and sponsors Black/Jewish healing in Crown Heights.more

1991

NYRC Restructured Michael Meyers, hired as NYCCRC’s second Executive Director, restructures the New York City Civil Rights Coalition. more

1991

Return to Canarsie NYCRC leads candlelight vigil in Canarsie after racially-motivated firebombing.more

1995 – Present

NYCRC Expansion NYCRC’s board of directors is expanded and the Coalition is restructured.more