George Wallace at the School Door

In 1963 there was tension in the South. African Americans were demanding the right to equal treatment under the law. They faced strong, often violent, opposition from Southern authorities. One such conflict arose at the University of Alabama. When the school admitted black students for the first time, Alabama’s governor George Wallace stood at the door to block their entrance. In doing so, he protested desegregation and clashed with President John F. Kennedy’s administration. Listen to hear more about George Wallace’s contentious views and his lasting impact on politics.

Race Education

Story Length: 7:01

Listen to the Story:

SOURCE:

AIR DATE: 06/11/2003

Want to hear the story and see the teaching resources?

Access to full library of lessons
Daily current events
Listening comprehension questions
Graphic Organizers

Learn More

Related Lessons

Social Studies • ELL

Civil Rights Protests with Martin Luther King, Jr.

People of all races from all over the country participated in desegregation demonstrations in the South in the 1960s. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called on clergy—religious leaders—from around the nation to participate in nonviolent protest demonstrations. In this audio story you will hear the story of a Rabbi who participated in these marches where he was arrested and threatened with violence.

Integrating central high a pivotal moment in the civil rights

Social Studies • ELL

Integrating Central High: Little Rock Nine and the Civil Rights Movement

Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas was only one of many schools being desegregated in accordance with the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This public radio story describes the attempt by nine black students to integrate Central High School in 1957. But the protests against its desegregation made Central High the symbolic focus of white resistance to civil rights for black Americans.

Social Studies

Civil Resistance Movements

When faced with oppression what's more effective - violent or non-violent resistance? This public radio story looks at the research of conflicts and resistance movements over time and the effectiveness of fighting back without violence. Have students use this analysis to better understand the two sides of the Civil Rights Movement - Martin Luther King Jr's message of non-violent resistance and Malcolm X's "Black Power" philosophy.