2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: U.S. Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court has played a significant role in Black history, with many landmark decisions impacting the lives of Black Americans. Here are a few key moments involving the Supreme Court and Black history:

1. Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857): In this infamous case, the Supreme Court ruled that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, were not considered citizens and therefore had no right to sue in federal court. This decision further entrenched slavery and sparked outrage among abolitionists.

2. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954): This landmark case overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson and declared segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional. The unanimous decision by the Supreme Court marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.

3. Loving v. Virginia (1967): In this case, the Supreme Court struck down laws banning interracial marriage, ruling that such laws violated the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. The decision not only legalized interracial marriage but also set a precedent for future civil rights cases.

4. Griggs v. Duke Power Co. (1971): This case established the concept of disparate impact, which prohibits employment practices that discriminate against groups of individuals, including Black Americans, even if unintentionally. The ruling helped advance workplace equality and eliminate discriminatory hiring practices.

5. Shelby County v. Holder (2013): This case, in which the Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, had significant implications for Black voters. The decision weakened federal oversight of states with a history of voter suppression, leading to concerns about increased barriers to voting for Black Americans.

These are just a few examples of how the U.S. Supreme Court has shaped Black history through its decisions on civil rights, equality, and justice.