Police use tear gas, whips, and clubs to attack supporters of Black voting rights marching from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama; dozens are hospitalized on “Bloody Sunday.”
March 6, 1857
U.S. Supreme Court in Dred Scott v. Sandford rules that people of African descent cannot be U.S. citizens, are not protected by the Constitution, and have no standing to sue in federal courts.
March 5, 1842
This week, Maryland law provides for punishment of up to 20 years in prison for any African American found with an antislavery publication in his or her possession.
March 4, 2015
U.S. Department of Justice finds pervasive bias within police department and municipal court in Ferguson, Missouri, including targeting Black people for stops, arrests, and uses of force.
March 3, 1819
Congress creates federal program to “civilize” Native Americans.
March 3, 1991
Los Angeles police beating of Black motorist Rodney King is caught on tape.
March 2, 1807
Congress bans importation of enslaved people, effective January 1, 1808, but establishes no remedy for Africans illegally smuggled into the country after enactment of the ban.
March 1, 1921
Idaho bans marriage between Black and white people even though the state’s population is less than .02% African American.
February 28, 1942
A mob of more than 1,000 white people riots outside public housing project in Detroit, Michigan, to prevent Black families from moving in.
February 27, 2013
Alabama officials argue before U.S. Supreme Court in Shelby v. Holder that Voting Rights Act of 1965’s protections are no longer needed to prevent discrimination; on June 25, the Court agrees.