The civil rights movement, spanning from 1955 to 1968, aimed to eliminate racial discrimination against African Americans and secure voting rights, led by activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Key events included the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Freedom Rides, which highlighted issues of segregation and inspired grassroots and national efforts for equality. The ongoing struggle for civil rights today continues to resonate through movements like Black Lives Matter, emphasizing that the fight against discrimination remains relevant across various minority groups.