The Civil Rights Movement refers to the decades-long struggle for social justice and legal equality for African Americans that took place primarily in the mid-20th century in the United States. The movement was characterized by nonviolent protests and civil disobedience, and it was met with sometimes violent resistance from those who opposed its goals.

### The Early Movement (1954-1963)

The movement is often considered to have begun with the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, which ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This led to a series of events, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger.

Key figures in this period include Martin Luther King Jr., who emerged as a prominent leader and advocate of nonviolent resistance, and Thurgood Marshall, who argued the Brown case before the Supreme Court.

### The Height of the Movement (1963-1968)

The movement gained significant momentum with the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, where King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. This period also saw the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

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In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was passed, which prohibited racial discrimination in voting and had a significant impact on voter registration and political representation of African Americans.

### The Late Movement and Beyond (1968-Present)

The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 was a significant blow to the movement, but it did not end the struggle for civil rights. The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968, which prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, or sex.

The fight for civil rights continues to this day, with issues such as racial profiling, police brutality, and economic disparities remaining at the forefront of national conversations.

### Legacy and Impact

The Civil Rights Movement had a profound impact on American society. It led to the end of legal segregation, the expansion of voting rights, and a greater awareness of racial inequality. It also inspired other movements for social justice, such as the women's rights movement and the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

### Conclusion

The Civil Rights Movement was a complex and multifaceted struggle that involved a wide range of individuals and organizations. It was marked by significant victories, but also by ongoing challenges and the recognition that the fight for equality is ongoing.

Please note that this is a very brief overview and the Civil Rights Movement is a vast topic with many nuances and complexities. If you need a more detailed essay or specific information, I would recommend consulting academic resources or historical texts.