This project documents a selection of important events in African American history. Currently it begins with the 1857 Dred Scott case and continues through Plessy v. Ferguson, the civil rights movement from 1955-1965, and school integration. It may be expanded in the future to contain information on other topics as well.

A SHORT HISTORY OF AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS 1776 -- Declaration of Independence, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 13th Amendment in 1865 -- abolished slavery, but did not give blacks equality. Civil Rights Act of 1866 -- all persons shall have the same rights...to make and enforce ...