In 1961, Black college students fought segregation. Four years later, their Supreme Court case secured First Amendment rights for future protesters.
Sylvia Copper was a freshman at Southern University when she was suspended for her participation in the historic protest. She knew the risks involved but was steadfast in her decision. Sylvia met with producers on the VERY street where the protest took place.
In “Seven Days of 1961,” we hear about the civil rights movement from those who lived it. Visit sevendaysof1961.usatoday.com to learn more about these pivotal events of 1961.

Joyce Barrett led a sit-in at age 22, helping to enact a ban on racial discrimination in Maryland
13:20

More than 100 high school students walk out in protest of Brenda Travis' expulsion for activism
17:09

After Freedom Riders barely escaped death, new activists poured into the South for months
18:04