Unit 6: Inclusion: The Politics of the African American Struggle for Freedom & Citizenship Plessy v. Ferguson: Integration & the Supreme Court PART 1

The Case On June 7, 1892, Homer Plessy boarded a car of the East Louisiana Railroad that was designated by whites for use by white patrons only. On June 7, 1892, Homer Plessy boarded a car of the East Louisiana Railroad that was designated by whites for use by white patrons only. He did this purposely in order to start a test case to challenge LA law which segregated trains. He did this purposely in order to start a test case to challenge LA law which segregated trains. Although Plessy was 1/8 black and 7/8 white, under Louisiana state law he was classified as an African-American, and thus required to sit in the "colored" car. Although Plessy was 1/8 black and 7/8 white, under Louisiana state law he was classified as an African-American, and thus required to sit in the "colored" car. When he refused, he was promptly arrested. When he refused, he was promptly arrested.

The Ruling In 1896, the Supreme Court ruled (7-1) in Plessy v. Ferguson that a Louisiana law mandating separate but equal accommodations for blacks and whites on intrastate railroads was constitutional. This case was later applied to other public places like schools. In 1896, the Supreme Court ruled (7-1) in Plessy v. Ferguson that a Louisiana law mandating separate but equal accommodations for blacks and whites on intrastate railroads was constitutional. This case was later applied to other public places like schools. The court disagreed with the Plessy’s lawyer’s arguments that segregation violated the equal protection clause of the 14 th Amendment. The court disagreed with the Plessy’s lawyer’s arguments that segregation violated the equal protection clause of the 14 th Amendment.

The Implications According to the Supreme Court, segregation was legal as long as schools were equal for blacks and whites. Few schools for blacks, however, were actually equal in quality to schools for whites. According to the Supreme Court, segregation was legal as long as schools were equal for blacks and whites. Few schools for blacks, however, were actually equal in quality to schools for whites.

The Schools The glaring inequalities between black and white schools underscored the need for social change in American race relations. Black parents and community leaders denounced the broken-down school buildings, outdated secondhand schoolbooks, scarce resources, and inadequate supplies. Public school inequalities mirrored the second-class status of African Americans in American society. The glaring inequalities between black and white schools underscored the need for social change in American race relations. Black parents and community leaders denounced the broken-down school buildings, outdated secondhand schoolbooks, scarce resources, and inadequate supplies. Public school inequalities mirrored the second-class status of African Americans in American society.

Harlan’s Dissent Justice John Marshall Harlan, whose father had owned slaves, was the only dissenter in the decision. Justice John Marshall Harlan, whose father had owned slaves, was the only dissenter in the decision. He was born in Kentucky and had served for the Union during the Civil War. He was born in Kentucky and had served for the Union during the Civil War. He was appointed justice by President Hayes who had taken office through the Compromise of He was appointed justice by President Hayes who had taken office through the Compromise of He said that this decision was like the Dred Scott case from He said that this decision was like the Dred Scott case from 1857.

Unit 6: Inclusion: The Politics of the African American Struggle for Freedom & Citizenship Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, KS: Integration & the Supreme Court PART 2

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, 1940 Legal Defense and Educational Fund, 1940 Fought segregation and discrimination Fought segregation and discrimination Education, housing, employment, and politics Education, housing, employment, and politics Constance Baker Motley endured many hardships and even assaults as she tried school desegregation cases in the South. Here she leaves the federal court in Birmingham after an unsuccessful attempt to force the University of Alabama to accept a black student. She was the second black graduate from Columbia University Law School & was inspired to become a lawyer by the work that NAACP lawyers were doing. Black lawyers were sometimes assaulted. Constance Baker Motley endured many hardships and even assaults as she tried school desegregation cases in the South. Here she leaves the federal court in Birmingham after an unsuccessful attempt to force the University of Alabama to accept a black student. She was the second black graduate from Columbia University Law School & was inspired to become a lawyer by the work that NAACP lawyers were doing. Black lawyers were sometimes assaulted.

Precedents This black student at the University of Oklahoma was not allowed to sit in a classroom with white students. It took two Supreme Court decisions in 1948 and 1950 to end such segregation at the University of Oklahoma. This black student at the University of Oklahoma was not allowed to sit in a classroom with white students. It took two Supreme Court decisions in 1948 and 1950 to end such segregation at the University of Oklahoma. SOURCE: Corbis/Bettmann

The Case In 1950, when the all-white Sumner School in Topeka, Kansas, refused to admit Linda Brown (1943–), her father, Oliver Brown, filed a lawsuit and testified in court that his daughter had to travel an hour and twenty minutes to attend a black school. In 1950, when the all-white Sumner School in Topeka, Kansas, refused to admit Linda Brown (1943–), her father, Oliver Brown, filed a lawsuit and testified in court that his daughter had to travel an hour and twenty minutes to attend a black school. The Brown family had been recruited to challenge segregation. The Brown family had been recruited to challenge segregation. The Sumner School was only seven blocks away but practiced racial exclusion. The Sumner School was only seven blocks away but practiced racial exclusion. Linda became the “named plaintiff” in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education (1954) that declared unconstitutional laws mandating public school segregation. Linda became the “named plaintiff” in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education (1954) that declared unconstitutional laws mandating public school segregation.

The Case The final Brown case had been preceded by years of groundwork and other cases. The final Brown case had been preceded by years of groundwork and other cases. In Briggs v. Elliott in 1950, NAACP lawyers and a SC parent challenged the lack of buses for black elementary school children in one district. In Briggs v. Elliott in 1950, NAACP lawyers and a SC parent challenged the lack of buses for black elementary school children in one district. Cases like this were combined into the Brown case. Cases like this were combined into the Brown case. Advisors including famous black historian John Hope Franklin helped build the case. Advisors including famous black historian John Hope Franklin helped build the case. The main lawyers in the case were, Constance Baker Motley, Robert Carter, Jack Greenberg and Thurgood Marshall. The main lawyers in the case were, Constance Baker Motley, Robert Carter, Jack Greenberg and Thurgood Marshall.

Thurgood Marshall “Twentieth century America, fighting racism at home and abroad, has rejected the race views of Plessy v. Ferguson because we have come to the realization that such views obviously tend to preserve not the strength but the weakness of our heritage.” Marshall was born in Maryland, the grandson of a slave. Was denied admission to University of Maryland Law School because he was black so he went to Howard instead. From there he went to the NAACP, then he became a federal judge and in 1967 he was confirmed as the first Black Supreme Court justice. He had been nominated by President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

Earl Warren “To separate them [black children] from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to the status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone…We conclude that in the field of public education the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” Appointed by President Eisenhower after being a 3 term governor of CA. Eisenhower had assumed Warren would be conservative, but he turned out to be unabashedly liberal causing Eisenhower to regret the appointment.

The Ruling In 1954 the Supreme Court ruled (9-0) in Brown v. Board of Education that segregated schools were unconstitutional because although they were separate, they were not equal. In 1954 the Supreme Court ruled (9-0) in Brown v. Board of Education that segregated schools were unconstitutional because although they were separate, they were not equal. George E.C. Hayes, left, Thurgood Marshall, center, and James M. Nabrit, the lawyers who led the fight before the U.S. Supreme Court for abolition of segregation in public schools, descend the court steps in Washington, D.C., on May 17, 1954.

The Implications & Brown II Schools, however, were slow to enforce the ruling. In a second Brown case, the court said that schools must integrate with “all deliberate speed.” This still did not cause all schools to immediately integrate. Schools, however, were slow to enforce the ruling. In a second Brown case, the court said that schools must integrate with “all deliberate speed.” This still did not cause all schools to immediately integrate.

The Implications & Brown II Dealt with the practical process of desegregation Dealt with the practical process of desegregation Ordered prompt compliance Ordered prompt compliance “All deliberate speed” “All deliberate speed” Eisenhower displeased with ruling Eisenhower displeased with ruling Did not push for enforcement Did not push for enforcement Six states proceed Six states proceed Moderate politicians urged calm Moderate politicians urged calm Hoped to avoid full-scale conflict Hoped to avoid full-scale conflict The two Brown cases plus the murder of Emmett Till mobilized protests for an end to all Jim Crow segregation. The two Brown cases plus the murder of Emmett Till mobilized protests for an end to all Jim Crow segregation.

The Little Rock Nine In 1957, 9 students tried to integrate Central High School in order to receive access to a quality education. In 1957, 9 students tried to integrate Central High School in order to receive access to a quality education. This historic event occurred after the Montgomery Bus Boycott, but before the March on Washington. This historic event occurred after the Montgomery Bus Boycott, but before the March on Washington.

The Little Rock Nine (left to right) Thelma Mothershed, Elizabeth Eckerd, Gloria Ray, Jefferson Thomas, Melba Pattillo, Ernest Green, Carlotta Walls, Minnijean Brown, Terrence Roberts, and Daisy L. Bates. (left to right) Thelma Mothershed, Elizabeth Eckerd, Gloria Ray, Jefferson Thomas, Melba Pattillo, Ernest Green, Carlotta Walls, Minnijean Brown, Terrence Roberts, and Daisy L. Bates. They ranged in age from 14 to 16 at the time. They ranged in age from 14 to 16 at the time.

Little Rock Central High School, Arkansas

The Push Back The Governor of Arkansas, Orval Faubus, directly resisted the authority of the federal court system and the value of desegregating schools. The Governor of Arkansas, Orval Faubus, directly resisted the authority of the federal court system and the value of desegregating schools. Governor Faubus instructed the Arkansas National Guard to surround Central High and keep all blacks out of the school. They succeeded on the first day. Governor Faubus instructed the Arkansas National Guard to surround Central High and keep all blacks out of the school. They succeeded on the first day.

The Push Back A Judge granted NAACP lawyers Thurgood Marshall & Wiley Branton an injunction that prevented the Governor from using the National Guard to deny the nine black students admittance to Central High. A Judge granted NAACP lawyers Thurgood Marshall & Wiley Branton an injunction that prevented the Governor from using the National Guard to deny the nine black students admittance to Central High. Governor Faubus announced that he would comply with the court order but suggested that the nine stay away for their own safety. Governor Faubus announced that he would comply with the court order but suggested that the nine stay away for their own safety.

The Push Back President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division into Little Rock to escort the nine students into the school, but they were still subjected to abuse. President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division into Little Rock to escort the nine students into the school, but they were still subjected to abuse. President Eisenhower & Governor Faubus

The Nine being escorted into school.

The Push Back "Cruel mob force had frustrated the execution of an order of a United States court, and the governor of the state was sitting by, refusing to lift a finger to support the local authorities," President Eisenhower later wrote. "Cruel mob force had frustrated the execution of an order of a United States court, and the governor of the state was sitting by, refusing to lift a finger to support the local authorities," President Eisenhower later wrote. Elizabeth Eckerd

The Push Back Rally at state capitol. Photograph shows a group of people, one holding a Confederate flag, surrounding speakers and National Guard, protesting the admission of the "Little Rock Nine" to Central High School.

What happened to the nine? Governor Faubus did not give up. The Little Rock School Board was granted an injunction delaying integration until Governor Faubus did not give up. The Little Rock School Board was granted an injunction delaying integration until However, the ruling was overturned by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and integration was upheld by the Supreme Court in However, the ruling was overturned by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and integration was upheld by the Supreme Court in Governor Faubus ignored the ruling and used his power to shut down Little Rock's public schools. During the shutdown, white students attended private schools in the area but black students had no choice but to wait until schools were reopened in Governor Faubus ignored the ruling and used his power to shut down Little Rock's public schools. During the shutdown, white students attended private schools in the area but black students had no choice but to wait until schools were reopened in 1959.

What happened to the nine? One of the girls, Minniejean Brown, was suspended for dumping a bowl of chili on the head of one her persecutors and didn't finish out the school year. One of the girls, Minniejean Brown, was suspended for dumping a bowl of chili on the head of one her persecutors and didn't finish out the school year. The other 8 did finish out the year. The other 8 did finish out the year. Three of the students moved away. Three of the students moved away. The remaining five took correspondence courses from the University of Arkansas. The remaining five took correspondence courses from the University of Arkansas.

What happened to the nine? Ernest Green graduated that year. He was the first black to ever graduate from Central High. Ernest Green graduated that year. He was the first black to ever graduate from Central High.

What did the Little Rock Nine accomplish? Ultimately, the Arkansas public schools were integrated. Ultimately, the Arkansas public schools were integrated. The high point of desegregation in the Little Rock School District came in 1980, when the average black student attended a school that was 50 percent white. (statistics from the Civil Rights Project at UCLA) The high point of desegregation in the Little Rock School District came in 1980, when the average black student attended a school that was 50 percent white. (statistics from the Civil Rights Project at UCLA)

The Effects The Little Rock Nine inspired further actions of the Civil Rights Movement like Freedom Rides and lunch counter sit-ins. The Little Rock Nine inspired further actions of the Civil Rights Movement like Freedom Rides and lunch counter sit-ins.

The Effects This year, at the 50 th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine integrating Central High School, there are mixed opinions at how much they accomplished. This year, at the 50 th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine integrating Central High School, there are mixed opinions at how much they accomplished. "We thought this was a place that would accept us," one of the nine, Ernest Green, told the crowd. "And you know what? Fifty years later, I think we were right!" "We thought this was a place that would accept us," one of the nine, Ernest Green, told the crowd. "And you know what? Fifty years later, I think we were right!"

The Effects "The forces that resisted the desegregation of Little Rock have never stopped fighting," the Rev. Jesse Jackson said. "Those who rejected the dream are still rejecting the dream."

The Legacy

A statue of the nine now stands outside a new museum across the street from Central High School.

How do the Little Rock Nine impact us today? Today, the average black student attends a school that is 20 percent white. (statistics from the Civil Rights Project at UCLA) Is that integration?

How do the Little Rock Nine impact us today? The Jena 6 of Louisiana show us that although integration has taken place, racism is still alive in our schools today.

Multiple Choice Review 1.In what year, did the Little Rock Nine attempt to integrate Central High School? A.1960 B.1959 C.1958 D.1957

Multiple Choice Review 1.In what year, did the Little Rock Nine attempt to integrate Central High School? D. 1957

Multiple Choice Review 2. In what state was Central High School? A.Alabama B.Arkansas C.Georgia D.Louisiana

Multiple Choice Review 2. In what state was Central High School? B. Arkansas

Multiple Choice Review 3. What political leader helped the Little Rock Nine achieve their goal? A.Governor Faubus B.Ernest Green C.Justice Thurgood Marshall D.President Eisenhower

Multiple Choice Review 3. What political leader helped the Little Rock Nine achieve their goal? D. President Eisenhower

Multiple Choice Review 4. What did the case Plessy v. Ferguson decide? A.That separate but equal was constitutional. B.That separate but equal was unconstitutional. C.That separate but equal only applied to trains. D.That separate but equal schools must be closed.

Multiple Choice Review 4. What did the case Plessy v. Ferguson decide? A.That separate but equal was constitutional.

Multiple Choice Review 5. What did the case Brown v. Board decide? A.That schools were equal so that segregated schools were constitutional. B.That schools were not equal so segregated schools were unconstitutional. C.That schools were not equal so segregated schools needed to be improved. D.That schools were equal so segregated schools should be integrated because it’s right.

Multiple Choice Review 5. What did the case Brown v. Board decide? B. That schools were not equal so segregated schools were unconstitutional.