Although the United States was created on the premise that "All men are created equal," many people have found that this belief did not include them. Whether discriminated against based on gender, race or place of origin, many people have been denied basic civil and human rights. Advances made over the last 150 years or so made it possible for the 2008 presidential campaign to include two women and an African-American.

Timeline of Events
This timeline highlights key events in U.S. civil rights history. For each event, we provide a brief summary of the event, its significance and relevant classroom resources.

Leaders and Innovators
Many people have played significant roles in fighting for and securing access to and equity in education and the workplace. In this section, we highlight just a few of these leaders.

Recommended Reading
Use these resources to start or supplement your school or classroom library.