2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: U.S. Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court has played a significant role in Black history through key decisions that have shaped the civil rights and legal status of African Americans. Here are a few important cases and 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 did not have the right to sue in federal court. This decision further entrenched the institution of slavery in the United States.

2. Brown v. Board of Education (1954): In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court declared that racially segregated public schools were unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established in the Plessy v. Ferguson case. This decision marked a major victory in the civil rights movement and paved the way for desegregation in schools and other public facilities.

3. Loving v. Virginia (1967): The Supreme Court struck down state laws banning interracial marriage in the Loving v. Virginia case, affirming the right to marry regardless of race. This decision was a significant step towards dismantling legal barriers to racial equality.

4. Griggs v. Duke Power Co. (1971): In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that employment practices that discriminate against African Americans, even if unintentional, are illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This decision helped to combat systemic racism in the workplace.

These are just a few examples of how the U.S. Supreme Court has influenced Black history through its rulings on civil rights and racial equality.