The Struggle for Equality- Readworks

What important event happened in 1865 in the United States?

• Slavery officially ended.

• Langston Hughes published his first book.

• Thurgood Marshall became Supreme Court Justice.

• Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama.

What does the text list?

• Barbara Jordan’s achievements in the U.S. House of Representatives

• laws that have made the United States a better country for all its people

• key events in the American civil rights movement

• some African Americans who have worked for equality for everyone

In the passage, the lives and work of five African Americans who have worked for equality for everyone are described. These African Americans include a writer, a Supreme Court justice, and an athlete. What can be concluded about the struggle of equality based on this information?

• The struggle for equality is over thanks to these five African Americans.

• The struggle for equality has not had an effect on America.

• A variety of people in society have struggled for equality in different ways.

• Only politicians and government workers have struggled for equality.

Based on the text, what is one thing Thurgood Marshall and Jackie Robinson had in common?

• They both wrote books about their experiences with racism.

• They both tried to make a positive difference in other people's lives.

• Neither one of them had to deal with racism.

• They both tried to pass laws to make sure everyone was treated equally and fairly.

What is this passage mostly about?

• the effects of slavery on African Americans after the Civil War

• the ways people lived life in the United States from 1865 to 1972

• how the laws in the United States make the country a better place for everyone

• how some African Americans worked to promote equality for everyone

Read this sentence from the passage:

“Jordan always believed that if people worked hard, they could overcome any barriers and become successful.”

What does the word “barrier” mean?

• progress

• occupation

• help

• obstacle