The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) was a prominent civil rights organization that played a significant role in the American Civil Rights Movement. CORE was founded in 1942 in Chicago by a group of interracial activists, including James Farmer, George Houser, and Bayard Rustin, with the goal of advancing civil rights through nonviolent direct action.

One of CORE's most well-known campaigns was the Freedom Rides of 1961, in which activists rode interstate buses into the southern United States to challenge segregation laws and practices. These rides were met with violence and resistance, but they ultimately helped to bring national attention to the issue of segregation in public transportation.

CORE was also instrumental in organizing and participating in other important civil rights campaigns, such as sit-ins, voter registration drives, and protests for fair housing and employment practices. The organization's commitment to nonviolent resistance and direct action strategies helped to shape the broader Civil Rights Movement and advance the cause of racial equality in America.

CORE continues to exist today as a civil rights organization, advocating for social and economic justice for all Americans. Its legacy as a pioneer in the fight for racial equality remains an important part of Black history and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.