1. Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre (1921)

In the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Black entrepreneurs and business owners built a self-sustaining, prosperous community known as “Black Wall Street.” But in 1921, racial tensions erupted when a white mob attacked the area, burning buildings, looting homes, and killing an estimated 300 Black residents. The event was concealed for decades, but it stands as a testament to the resilience and economic power of Black communities, as well as the brutality of racial violence in America.

2. The Chinese Exclusion Act (1882-1943)

The Chinese Exclusion Act marked the first major law to restrict immigration based on nationality, reflecting widespread anti-Asian sentiment. This act suspended Chinese immigration for over 60 years, leading to discrimination and economic hardship for Chinese immigrants already in the U.S. Despite their contributions to building the railroads and infrastructure, Chinese communities faced hostility and violence, showcasing the roots of systemic racism that persists today.

3. The Haitian Revolution and Its Impact on the U.S.

The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) was the only successful slave revolt in history, overthrowing French colonial rule in Haiti and establishing the first Black republic. This independence movement inspired enslaved people across the Americas but also led the U.S. to tighten control over enslaved populations. The revolution indirectly influenced the Louisiana Purchase, as France, weakened by losses in Haiti, sold the vast territory to the U.S. for funding.

4. Redlining and Housing Discrimination (1930s-present)

Redlining, a practice sanctioned by the government’s Home Owners’ Loan Corporation, denied home loans and insurance to residents in predominantly Black neighborhoods. This led to segregated cities, underfunded schools, and fewer economic opportunities for generations. Though redlining was banned in 1968, its effects are visible today in wealth and education disparities, underscoring long-standing economic inequalities.

5. The Zoot Suit Riots (1943)

During World War II, Mexican-American youth in Los Angeles wore zoot suits—bold, oversized outfits that symbolized pride in their culture. Tensions escalated when white sailors attacked Mexican-American neighborhoods, sparking riots and violence that targeted the “zooters.” This event highlighted racial prejudice in the U.S. and became a rallying point for the Chicano rights movement.

6. Indigenous Code Talkers in WWII

While the U.S. Army struggled to keep communications secure during WWII, Indigenous soldiers—particularly Navajo Code Talkers—used their languages to develop unbreakable codes. Despite their crucial contributions to the war effort, these soldiers received little recognition until decades later, highlighting how the U.S. overlooked Indigenous contributions to its military victories.

7. The Puerto Rican Independence Movement and the Ponce Massacre (1937)

In the 1930s, Puerto Ricans held protests advocating for independence from U.S. control. One such event, a peaceful march in Ponce, turned violent when police opened fire, killing 19 people and injuring over 200. The Ponce Massacre became a symbol of Puerto Rican resistance against colonial rule and added fuel to the fight for self-determination and justice.

8. The National Day of Mourning by Indigenous Americans (1969)

Thanksgiving celebrations traditionally honor Pilgrims and Native Americans peacefully coexisting, but many Indigenous people mark the holiday as a National Day of Mourning. Since 1969, Native American activists have used the day to protest historical injustices and promote awareness of issues still affecting their communities, from land rights to environmental justice.

9. The Bracero Program (1942-1964)

The U.S. government initiated the Bracero Program during WWII to fill labor shortages by recruiting Mexican workers for agricultural jobs. Although the program provided temporary work permits, workers faced exploitation and unsafe conditions. The program’s mixed legacy laid the groundwork for contemporary debates on immigration and labor rights.

10. Japanese-American Internment Camps During WWII

After the Pearl Harbor attack, President Roosevelt authorized the internment of 120,000 Japanese-Americans, most of whom were U.S. citizens. Families were forcibly relocated to camps, enduring harsh conditions for years. Though the government later apologized, this dark period serves as a reminder of how fear and prejudice can lead to massive injustices.

11. The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act

This act overturned racist quotas that favored European immigrants, leading to the multicultural demographics of modern America. It’s a key moment in immigration history, reflecting shifting attitudes about racial and ethnic diversity in the U.S.

12. The Great Mississippi Flood (1927) and Racial Tensions

The devastating 1927 flood affected millions across the Mississippi Delta, and the government's discriminatory relief policies disproportionately harmed Black residents. This event played a role in the Great Migration, as Black Southerners moved north seeking better opportunities and treatment.

13. COINTELPRO and Surveillance of Civil Rights Leaders

The FBI’s Counter Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO) aimed to disrupt civil rights organizations, targeting leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and the Black Panther Party. Through illegal surveillance and harassment, the government sought to suppress social justice movements, exposing the extent of its opposition to racial and social equality.

14. The GI Bill and Racial Inequality

Although the GI Bill provided education and housing benefits for veterans, discriminatory practices meant that Black veterans often couldn’t access these benefits, widening the racial wealth gap and limiting Black families’ economic advancement for generations.

15. The 1968 East Los Angeles Walkouts

Thousands of Mexican-American students walked out of East LA schools to protest poor educational conditions and racist practices. These protests catalyzed the Chicano rights movement and pushed for systemic changes in education that supported equal opportunities for Latino students.

16. The Stonewall Uprising and LGBTQ+ Rights

The Stonewall Uprising began as a spontaneous protest against police harassment at a gay bar in NYC, sparking the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Led largely by LGBTQ+ people of color, the event redefined activism and advocacy in the face of widespread discrimination.

17. The Wounded Knee Occupation (1973)

In 1973, activists from the American Indian Movement occupied Wounded Knee to protest U.S. mistreatment of Native Americans. The 71-day standoff brought national attention to Indigenous rights issues and remains a symbol of Native resilience and resistance.

18. The U.S.’s Role in Latin American Dictatorships

Throughout the 20th century, the U.S. intervened in Latin American countries to support dictatorships that aligned with American anti-communist interests, undermining democracies in Chile, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. These actions left long-lasting scars in the region and strained international relations.

19. Labor Strikes and Worker Movements of the Early 1900s

Early 20th-century labor strikes by immigrants and minority workers brought about major changes in labor laws, but they’re rarely highlighted. Events like the Lawrence Textile Strike of 1912 set the stage for labor protections we rely on today.

20. The MOVE Bombing in Philadelphia (1985)

In 1985, Philadelphia police dropped a bomb on the home of MOVE, a Black liberation group, killing 11 people and burning 61 homes. The tragic event raised critical questions about police brutality and became a rallying point in discussions about racial and social justice.

By learning about these events, we gain a fuller understanding of U.S. history—one that includes struggles, triumphs, and the resilience of often-overlooked communities. Through these stories, we recognize the diverse influences that make up the fabric of American society.