The Five Cases

The Brown v. Board decision didn't stem from a single case. The challenge to racial segregation in public schools arose several times from communities all across the country. Five of those communities, along with the NAACP, bravely sought the elimination of segregation in the United States in pursuit of true equality.

They shared a common goal, and were bundled together by the Supreme Court. These cases led to a single ruling on a national issue that would transform American society forever.

 
  • Liberty Hill, a one room wood and tar paper shack of a school in Clarendon county South Carolina.

    Briggs v. Elliott

    When their petition for buses was ignored, 20 parents in South Carolina filed suit to challenge segregation itself.

  • The superior, modern brick building for John Phillip Sousa Junior High School

    Bolling v. Sharpe

    John Phillip Sousa Junior High School in Washington D.C. refused to admit 11 African Americans despite having several empty classrooms.

  • Monroe Elementary, a seemingly equal facility

    Brown v. Board of Education

    Started by the NAACP, 13 parents in Topeka, KS. enrolled their children in white schools but were refused.

  • Inferior tar paper Robert Russa Moton High School building.

    Davis v. County School Board

    Following a 400-student strike in Farmville, VA, the NAACP agreed to help them file suit against segregation itself.

  • Hockesson number 107, a small and vastly inferior schoolhouse.

    Belton (Bulah) v. Gebhart

    Two cases of inequality, Belton v. Gebhart, and Bulah v. Gebhart argued by Louis Redding, Delaware's first African American attorney.

Last updated: August 18, 2022

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