CIVIL RIGHTS

The 1958 Assassination Attempt That Left Martin Luther King Jr. a Single Sneeze Away From Death

With a letter opener protruding from his chest, Martin Luther King Jr. reassured everyone that everything was ok. One sneeze later, it would not have been.

12 Protests That Changed the World

The act of protesting has a long and productive history.

You can save this one for the next time someone makes you mad (though it might not do you any favors, either).

Where Does the Phrase ‘May You Live In Interesting Times’ Actually Come From?

This common phrase is often used during times of political uncertainty, and has even been described as an ancient Chinese curse. History says otherwise, though.

The Stonewall Inn is now a national monument.

8 Facts About the Stonewall Riots

The Stonewall Riots were a watershed moment for the LGBTQ+ community in the U.S., but here are some important facts you might not know about the uprising.

Meet Opal Lee—the 97-Year-Old Activist Known as the ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth’

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday? Yes—and we have Opal Lee to thank for that.

Stanford’s interactive map shows where school segregation persists.

Interactive Map Shows How School Segregation Has Changed in Your Town

See how your neighborhood is faring.

“Blackbird” Revisited: How The Beatles’ Civil Rights Anthem Has Been Inspiring Artists for More Than 50 Years

How Johann Sebastian Bach and the Little Rock Nine inspired one of The Beatles’ biggest hits—and one of the most covered songs ever recorded.

Harry Belafonte performing in Munich circa 1980.

8 Entertaining Facts About Harry Belafonte

You know Harry Belafonte's hits—here are some facts about the artist behind them.

A Freedom Rider getting kicked out of a bus depot, 1961.

11 Facts About the Freedom Riders

Hundreds of civil rights activists calling themselves Freedom Riders bravely held the nation accountable to its rules against segregation in 1961. Here are the facts you need to know.

What Happened to the Physical Copy of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech?

For two decades, the original copy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic speech was stashed inside a Harry Truman biography for safekeeping.

Bessie Coleman, David Bowie, and Martin Luther King Jr. all have January birthdays.

10 Famous Birthdays to Celebrate in January

Some of our favorite figures from history, literature, music, pop culture, and more were born in the first month of the year. Do you share a birthday with one of these famous folks?

On December 1, 1955, a Bus Driver Had Rosa Parks Arrested—But It Wasn’t Their First Encounter

Rosa Parks changed the world on December 1, 1955, when she stood up for civil rights by sitting down. But who was the bus driver on the other side of history?

A National Monument Has Just Been Established to Honor Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley

Emmett Till’s murder—and his mother's fight for justice—will be recognized across three sites in two states.

7 Facts About Lorraine Hansberry

By the age of 34, Lorraine Hansberry was already the author of two plays that had appeared on Broadway. She should have been on course for a long and successful career—but tragically, that wouldn't happen. Still, her legacy has endured.

Larry Kramer in Manhattan's Washington Square in 2007.

10 Fascinating Facts About Larry Kramer

While co-founding two of the most influential HIV/AIDS organizations in the U.S., he still had time to pen a landmark play and be nominated for an Academy Award.

How Marcus Garvey Bean Salad Became a Traditional Juneteenth Dish

Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey played a major role in the early civil rights movement. This Juneteenth dish has more of a connection to him than just his name.

Booker T. Washington at his writing desk, 1894

12 Illuminating Facts About Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington was one of the most influential Black leaders of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Here are a few facts about this innovative educator.

Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, Nannie Helen Burroughs, and Frances E.W. Harper.

10 Black Suffragists You Should Know

Some Black suffragists may not be as well known as their white counterparts in the movement, but they made an indelible impact on history.

13 Incredible Facts About Frederick Douglass

The list of Frederick Douglass's accomplishments is astonishing—respected orator, famous writer, abolitionist, civil rights leader, presidential consultant—even without considering that he was formerly enslaved.

From left: Bessie Coleman, Shirley Chisholm, Dr. Lonnie Johnson.

25 Unheralded Black American Pioneers and Trailblazers You Should Know

You may not have heard of these groundbreaking Black innovators and creators in fields from science to comics.

10 Fascinating Facts About W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois co-founded the NAACP—and was a victim of McCarthyism.

9 Surprising Facts About Harriet Tubman

From enslaved woman to Underground Railroad guide and Civil War spy, Harriet Tubman led a remarkable life.

'Stand For Your Truth': The Life and Legacy of Sacheen Littlefeather

In 1973, Sacheen Littlefeather caused a national stir when she refused Marlon Brando’s Oscar for Best Actor in 'The Godfather.' Nearly 50 years later, the activist received a long overdue apology for the abuse and discrimination she endured.

Strom Thurmond approached the Senate as though it were an endurance contest.

The Longest Filibuster in History Lasted More Than 24 Hours

In 1957, South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond made a marathon argument against integration.