US civil rights

Discover the history of the US civil rights movement

In mid-20th century America, hundreds of thousands of civil rights activists squared up against racism. This week on HistoryExtra, discover more about the transformative history of the US civil rights movement – from Martin Luther King Jr's 'I have a dream' speech to Mamie Till's decision to display her son's body in an open casket.

You can also listen to our new podcast series below, where expert historians weigh in on the key events and figures in the movement.

Broaden your knowledge

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US civil rights movement5 landmark events. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Protesters in Washington DC with placards

The long road to racial equality. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

TimelineKey moments in the American civil rights movement

Two police officers take off a man in a police car during the Notting Hill race riots, London, UK, 2 September 1958.

How did the US civil rights movement influence Britain?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Learn about key figures

Charlotta Bass, the first black woman to be nominated to the US Vice Presidency

Charlotta Bass: the first woman of colour to run for US vice president

Photograph of Pauli Murray

Pauli MurrayThe Civil Rights and LGBTQ+ icon who fought Jim and Jane Crow

James Lawson hosting a press conference in Alabama

Who were the key figures of the civil rights movement?

Mourning Martin Luther King JrThe life and legacy of the civil rights leader. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Discover landmark events

Rosa Parks rides an integrated bus

From Rosa Parks to Martin Luther King: the boycott that inspired the dream

Emmett TillThe murder that reshaped the American civil rights movement. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Rosa Parks being fingerprinted after her arrest

Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat: what happened next?

Black rights activist Malcolm X

Malcolm X: Activism, assassination and how he predicted his own death

Listen to our podcast series

Episode 1The lynching of Emmett Till. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Episode 2The Montgomery bus boycott. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Episode 3The March on Washington. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Episode 4The 1964 Civil Rights Act. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Episode 5Malcolm X’s assassination. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Episode 6Legacy. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.