Separate but Equal Movie Quiz

NAACP Involvement and Initial Case

• The NAACP got involved due to issues with buses, commonly referred to as the bus problem.
• Legal action originated in Clarendon County, South Carolina.

Key Individuals

• Harry Briggs Senior was the person who spearheaded the lawsuit against the district.
• The governor of South Carolina during the lawsuit was Burns.

Contextual Background

• The movie is set against the backdrop of the Korean War.
• A petition required 20 signatures for the NAACP to consider the case, but 66 individuals ultimately signed.

Pressures and Disparities

• White officials attempted to coerce African Americans into dropping the suit by offering raises and threatening job dismissals.
• There was a significant financial disparity in educational funding, with $179 spent per white student compared to $43 per black student.

Legal Representation

• The defense was represented by lawyer John W. Davis, while the plaintiffs were represented by Marshall.
• Two essential questions for the NAACP were whether to enforce "separate but equal" or to challenge its constitutionality.

Constitutional Context

• The 14th Amendment was pivotal in the plaintiffs' arguments.
• The Plessy vs. Ferguson decision had been upheld by the Supreme Court seven times prior to this case.

Key Testimonies and Broader Impact

• Kenneth Clark, a psychologist, assessed the negative impact of segregation on children.
• Four other states were involved in lawsuits regarding segregation, including Virginia, Delaware, and Kansas.

Judicial Changes

• President Eisenhower's administration allowed for the appointment of a new Chief Justice to the Supreme Court.
• The new Chief Justice, Earl Warren, had a significant influence on the case and the justices' perspectives.

Arguments and Judicial Concerns

• The court needed to establish if the framers of the 14th Amendment intended to allow segregation.
• Chief Justice Warren emerged as the leading force advocating for the change in judicial stance towards desegregation.

Key Personal and Historical Insights

• Marshall's personal struggles included his wife's battle with stomach cancer.
• The NAACP's main office was located in New York, highlighting its role as a national organization.

Miscellaneous Facts

• Chief Justice Vinson died of a heart attack, leading to the appointment of Warren.
• Warren had previously served as the Governor of California before becoming Chief Justice.

Additional Notes

• The Supreme Court feared overstepping congressional authority and becoming too involved in state matters, likening themselves to a "nine-judge school board."
• The cornerstone of the 14th Amendment relates to the Civil Rights Act of 1866.
• "Krytocracy" refers to a government run by judges, a term relevant to discussions on judicial power.
• Children had to walk 5 miles to school, emphasizing the struggles faced by those affected by segregation.
• Marshall's passion for trains reflects a personal aspect of his character, found in contrast to his serious legal work.
• His daughter Julia expressed fears about the trial affecting how others perceived their family, showcasing personal conflicts amidst the legal battle.
• Thurgood Marshall became a Justice in 1967, marking a significant milestone in American history.

Test your knowledge about the landmark case featured in the movie 'Separate but Equal'. This quiz covers key individuals, locations, and events that led to significant changes in civil rights in South Carolina. Perfect for learners interested in historical legal battles.