The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal part of Black history, beginning in the mid-20th century and aiming to end racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. This movement sought to secure equal rights and opportunities for Black people in various areas of society, including education, employment, voting rights, and public accommodations.

Key events and figures of the Civil Rights Movement include:

1. Brown v. Board of Education (1954): A landmark Supreme Court case that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896.

2. Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956): Sparked by the arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, this boycott led by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery Improvement Association was a significant early victory for the Civil Rights Movement.

3. Civil Rights Act of 1964: This federal legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and prohibited segregation in public places.

4. Voting Rights Act of 1965: Enacted to combat racial discrimination in voting, this law eliminated barriers that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote, such as literacy tests and poll taxes.

5. March on Washington (1963): Organized by civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., this peaceful demonstration drew over 250,000 participants and culminated in King's historic "I Have a Dream" speech.

6. Selma to Montgomery Marches (1965): Led by activists like John Lewis and Hosea Williams, these marches were pivotal in the push for voting rights for African Americans and highlighted the brutality they faced, especially during "Bloody Sunday" on the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

The Civil Rights Movement led to significant changes in American society, including the dismantling of Jim Crow laws, increased access to education and employment opportunities for Black Americans, and the broader recognition of their civil rights and humanity. Many activists, leaders, and everyday citizens played critical roles in advancing the cause of civil rights, paving the way for greater equality and justice for all Americans.