Coming of Age in Mississippi The 1950s and 1960s remain the most controversial and important decades for the nation to this day. The civil rights movement was supposed to end racial segregation and all prejudice against African Americans. Whether it was the right to vote, the right to sit where you liked, or to love someone outside of your race; racist people at this time were reluctant to have equality. These civil rights movements challenged and demanded to be heard through protest and nonviolent activity. However, these protests were never noticed and were completely repressed by the authorities and other racist onlookers. Americans and their confidence in their ignorance were certainly tested during this period; how could anyone ignore what was happening in their nation during a time of such great distress and vulnerability? There have been countless times when people fought for what they believed regarding the rights of African Americans in this nation; but the first to be truly noticed and magnified was in Topeka Kansas: Brown vs. Board in 1954. In this case, Oliver Brown sued so that his third-grade daughter could attend a (nicer) school with white students. Nonetheless, the school told the court that it insisted the school system was “separate but equal.” One can only assume that there was such ignorance because the South feared that the order for immediate desegregation would unleash disturbances in their old ways of life. It is unimaginable that these southern states would practice massive resistance against those of a different race. Fortunately, those who believed in equality, along with other local groups, founded organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of... middle of paper... voices heard. The civil rights movements remain the most controversial and momentous decade in history for the nation to this day. To end all racial segregation and all prejudice against black Americans. By challenging and demanding to be heard through protest and nonviolent activity, these hopeful Americans had won the battle they had fought their entire lives. Ignorance is vacant in our society, equality is among all. And it's all thanks to those who sacrificed; Emmett Till, Anne Moody, Martin Luther King Jr. and the marchers/demonstrators. The 1950s and 1960s were the most influential times for our nation and shaped our nation for the better. These efforts are celebrated every February in the United States as “Black History Month”. This is where we respect and give thanks for all that has been done and celebrate those who have made these efforts.