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Civil Rights (Part 1): Home

This LibGuide is about African American Civil Rights. The LibGuide "Civil RIghts (Part 2)" explores the Chicano and Red Power movements.

In this Guide...

In this Guide...

Welcome to the African American Civil Rights LibGuide! This guide includes additional resources to support what you are learning about in class. 

In this guide, you'll learn about African American Civil Rights:
  • Jim Crow and Segregation
    • The Green Book
    • Interracial Marriage Bans
    • Plessy vs. Ferguson
    • African American Military in the World Wars
  • Integration
    • Integration of the Military
    • Integration of Schools
    • Integration in Baseball
  • Key Figures
    • Explore our library's books and ebooks about specific leaders. 
  • Further Resources
    • This page includes additional research tools and books, as well as information about the Freedom Riders. 

Overview Books

Civil Rights Advocates

"The calling out of racism and racial injustice has become undeniably prevalent in the United States, but this wasn't always the case. During the civil rights movement, many black activists paved the way, advocating for social and legal action through means including sit-ins, protests, and marches. Ideologies and approaches differed at times, but what bonded these pioneers together was their determination for African Americans to be seen and recognized as humans and equals in the United States. Readers will discover how The New York Times covered such figures as Daisy Bates, the Freedom Riders, and Malcolm X as they fought for equal rights. Features such as media literacy terms and questions will enhance readers' connection to the story of civil rights"--Provided by the publisher.

The Civil Rights Movement

"The civil rights movement was one of the most important social justice movements in American history, and readers are sure to be captivated by this in-depth look at the leaders and moments that defined this period. Enlightening main text and detailed sidebars feature quotes from the men and women who lived through this time of trial and triumph, and the facts readers discover on each page complement current social studies curriculum topics. Additional insight is provided through primary sources, a comprehensive timeline, and historical and contemporary images"--Provided by the publisher.

America's Bloody History from World War II to the Civil Rights Movement

"Although America proclaimed its neutrality when World War II broke out in Europe in 1939, in just a few years it would not only be forced into the bloodiest conflict in world history but would also determine the war's outcome. The unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust were revealed when U.S. and Allied troops liberated concentration camps. Then, in 1945, the United States gave birth to the nuclear age when it dropped atomic bombs on Japan. In the 'peace' that followed, the cold war and the arms race escalated, the Korean War broke out, and, at home, the civil rights movement took hold, resulting in anti-black violence and hate crimes, race riots, and political assassinations. This bloody and transformative period of American history is told in vivid detail with the help of an abundance of primary source materials"--Provided by the publisher.

The Fight for Civil Rights

"This history of the Civil Rights movement is rich in detail, with insights and reminiscences from many eyewitnesses and activists who took part in the movement's most significant moments. Readers get to know the personalities, milestones, and the victories that ultimately changed a nation, and affected the world. With an emphasis on nonviolent resistance and the role of young people in the struggle, readers will be inspired to become changemakers, and search out adult mentors who will help them achieve their goals safely and with positive outcomes"--Provided by the publisher.

Historical Sources on the Civil Rights Movement

"When most Americans think of the civil rights movement, they think of the organized struggle for equality in the 1950s and 1960s. However, the civil rights movement actually has its roots in the Reconstruction era of the late nineteenth century as the country tried to rebuild itself after the Civil War. In this book, students will read accounts from early civil rights activists and leaders like Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Booker T. Washington, as well as from mainstays of the later movement like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Other primary sources, such as poems and Supreme Court decisions, fill in the details about the fight against racial injustice in the United States. Students will gain a better understanding of the long road to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which ended segregation, and the legacy of the civil rights movement"--Provided by the publisher.

The History of Civil Rights Movements in America

"There have been many struggles for civil rights in American history. Black Lives Matter is one of the latest movements, but other groups, including women and Native Americans, have also protested for equality and fair treatment. The History of Civil Rights Movements in America examines earlier movements and looks at how they compare to the Black Lives Matter movement of today"--Provided by the publisher.

Employment, Race, and the Law

"Employment, Race, and the Law dives into the history of employment discrimination toward people of color in the United States. This title looks at legislation that has helped battle employment discrimination, as well as race-based discrimination at work today." -Description from catalog

Malcolm X and the Black Panthers

Malcolm X

"Malcolm X faced many injustices growing up as an African American in the early twentieth century. Funneling his anger over systemic racism into activism, Malcolm X became a leader of the civil rights movement as well as one of the best-known spokesmen for the Nation of Islam. In this engaging biography, students will learn about Malcolm X's trials, tribulations, and victories in the battle for civil rights. Students will be guided through the reading with historical context and primary source documents, as well as a glossary of important words, a timeline, and references for further reading"--Provided by the publisher.

Freedom! the Story of the Black Panther Party

Note: This is a physical book and must be checked out from the library.

Provides a history of the Black Panther movement, discussing the formation of the organization, key figures in the movement, their ten-point manifesto, important moments for the movement, their interactions with other activists such as Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the demise of the organization. Includes a timeline and a glossary.

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Overview Articles

MLK, Jr. and Peaceful Protest

Martin Luther King Jr

"Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that, one day, all people would be viewed equally, no matter the color of their skin. And he fought hard for civil rights for African Americans, eventually even giving his life to the cause. This compelling biography explores King's early life and his activism in his own words within the context of the Jim Crow American South, along with his victories and the way in which he changed our world. Students will be guided through their reading with a glossary of important terms, a timeline of King's life and important events in the civil rights movement, and resources for further learning"--Provided by the publisher.

Martin Luther King Jr

"History has assigned Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his rightful place as a hero of the Civil Rights Movement, but what does it mean to be a hero ahead of one's own time? This exploration of the life of Dr. King compiles The New York Times's coverage of King's rise as a leader and activist and the hurdles he encountered along the way, including great resistance to his cause and his eventual assassination. In addition to coverage from his lifetime, also included are retrospectives that put the work of Dr. King in conversation with contemporary social justice efforts and reflect on just how far we have, and have not, come as a society"--Provided by the publisher.

Marching for Equality

"One of the greatest leaders in American history, Martin Luther King Jr., organized a march from Selma, Alabama, to that state's capital, Montgomery, in 1965. He and other activists wanted to call attention to the civil rights violations that plagued Alabama, as well as the struggle many African Americans were going through to exercise their right to vote. Readers learn about this important moment in American history through comprehensive text, quotes from civil rights leaders, and powerful photographs from the historic march to Montgomery"--Provided by the publisher.