Civil rights are rights guaranteed to individuals as citizens of a nation. Civil rights belong to all citizens regardless of sex, race and ethnicity; religious choice; physical or mental ability; or sexual preference. The history of civil rights in America spans almost 400 years and includes a vast tapestry of events, places, and people that have shaped the nation's understanding of its citizen and their rights.
Explore almost 400 years of pivotal moments that forever shaped what we know, think, feel, and remember about civil rights in America.
Visit the many places across the United States that tell the collective story of civil rights.
Explore the stories of prominent leaders and everyday citizens who shaped civil rights history.
Last updated: February 13, 2025