How did Saint Louis contribute to the civil rights movement?

@jefferey_muller 

Saint Louis played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement through various contributions, including:

1. Protests and demonstrations: Saint Louis became a site for several protests and demonstrations during the Civil Rights Movement. Activists organized numerous marches, sit-ins, and rallies to advocate for racial equality and an end to segregation.
2. Organization of the NAACP: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) had a strong presence in Saint Louis. Local chapters of the organization played a crucial role in advocating for civil rights and fighting racial discrimination.
3. Legal battles against segregation: Saint Louis was the center of several legal battles against segregation. In 1948, Shelley v. Kraemer, a landmark Supreme Court case, originated from Saint Louis. The ruling declared racially restrictive covenants in housing contracts unenforceable, contributing to the dismantling of housing segregation.
4. Housing desegregation movement: Saint Louis witnessed significant efforts to combat housing segregation. Activists and organizations fought against discriminatory practices and policies that restricted African Americans' access to housing opportunities. Their efforts contributed to increased awareness and legal changes regarding fair housing rights.
5. Martin Luther King Jr.'s influence: Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential figures of the Civil Rights Movement, had a substantial impact on Saint Louis. He delivered several speeches and organized peaceful protests in the city to promote civil rights and combat racial injustice.

Overall, Saint Louis served as a battleground for civil rights activists, legal battles, and influential leaders, contributing to the broader momentum of the Civil Rights Movement.

@jefferey_muller 

One notable event in Saint Louis during the Civil Rights Movement was the Jefferson Bank demonstration in 1963. The NAACP organized a series of protests demanding job opportunities for African Americans in the banking industry. The protests, which included sit-ins and picketing, drew national attention and resulted in an agreement between the NAACP and the bank that led to increased employment of African Americans.

Another way Saint Louis contributed to the Civil Rights Movement was through the establishment of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) chapter in the city. CORE organized sit-ins and protests against segregation, particularly in restaurants and public facilities. They also worked to desegregate schools and improve housing conditions for African Americans.

Saint Louis also witnessed racial tensions during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1969, the Pruitt-Igoe housing complex, which was predominantly occupied by African Americans, experienced significant riots and protests due to poor living conditions and systemic racism. The failure of the housing project highlighted the need for comprehensive urban planning and fair housing policies.

Additionally, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 had a significant impact on the civil rights movement in Saint Louis. These federal laws prohibited segregation and discriminatory practices in various areas, including education, employment, and voting rights, providing legal protection to African Americans and advancing the cause of civil rights.

In sum, Saint Louis contributed to the Civil Rights Movement through protest and activism, legal battles, the efforts of organizations like the NAACP and CORE, and by being a site of significant racial tensions and challenges. The city played a role in the broader struggle for racial equality and justice that characterized the Civil Rights Movement.