Events with tag - Social Justice

August 1, 1619 AD

First African Slaves Arrive in Colonial America

In August 1619, the Dutch warship White Lion arrived at Point Comfort, Virginia, carrying '20 and odd' Africans who were traded for food and supplies, marking the beginning of slavery in colonial America. This pivotal moment transformed the nation's history and established a system that would persist for 246 years.

July 5, 1852 AD

Frederick Douglass's Fourth of July Speech

Frederick Douglass delivered his powerful anti-slavery speech 'What to the Slave is the Fourth of July' at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York. Speaking to 600 people, he challenged America's celebration of independence while maintaining slavery.

December 6, 1865 AD

13th Amendment Ratification

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on December 6, 1865, marking the formal abolition of slavery throughout the United States. This historic legislation, championed by President Abraham Lincoln, required intense political maneuvering and transformed the nation's social and legal landscape forever.

December 6, 1865 AD

Thirteenth Amendment Ratification

The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was officially ratified, marking the formal abolition of slavery throughout the United States. This historic amendment passed after intense political negotiations and required approval from three-fourths of the states.

July 9, 1868 AD

14th Amendment Ratification

The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, establishing citizenship rights and equal protection under law for all Americans, including former slaves. This transformative amendment fundamentally changed the relationship between states and federal government during the Reconstruction era.

August 18, 1920 AD

19th Amendment Ratification

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the constitutional right to vote after a 72-year struggle. This historic moment marked a fundamental change in American democracy, adding 26.8 million women to the electorate.

June 2, 1924 AD

Indian Citizenship Act

A landmark legislation that granted full U.S. citizenship to approximately 125,000 Native Americans who previously lacked this status, marking a pivotal moment in American civil rights history.

May 29, 1932 AD

Bonus Army March

In summer 1932, during the Great Depression, 20,000 WWI veterans and their families marched on Washington D.C. demanding early payment of service certificates. The peaceful protest ended in tragedy when President Hoover ordered military forces to violently disperse the protesters.

July 26, 1948 AD

U.S. Military Desegregation Order

President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, officially ending racial segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces and establishing equality of treatment and opportunity for all service members regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin.

July 2, 1964 AD

Civil Rights Act Signing

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964, marking a watershed moment in American history by outlawing discrimination and segregation across public spaces, employment, and federally funded programs.

July 28, 1968 AD

American Indian Movement Founded

The American Indian Movement (AIM) was established in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a response to discrimination and police brutality against Native Americans. Founded by Dennis Banks, Clyde Bellecourt, George Mitchell, and Russell Means, the organization began with 200 members and grew into a nationwide movement for Indigenous rights.

November 20, 1969 AD

Alcatraz Island Occupation

In November 1969, 89 Native American activists occupied Alcatraz Island for 19 months, transforming the abandoned federal prison into a symbol of Indigenous resistance and bringing national attention to Native American rights.