What did they do since 1860 ?

The Butler takes place 20's. We can see that the question of liberty for black people begin before 1920, many elements let the comprehension of this struggle :

• before 1860 : from 200 to 400 Millions of Africans were deported to America to work as slaves.
• 1862 : Lincoln proclaimed a law for slaves' emancipation.
• 1863 : Lincoln abolished slavery the 1st January
• 1865 : adoption of the 13th amendment of the Constitution by the Congress. It stipulated that slavery was banned everywhere in America. It was the end of Secession War and Black codes were created (ex Mississippi).
• 1866 : 14th amendment which stipulated equality of the rights for all in the USA and the voting right was given to the former slaves.
• 1870 : 15th amendment.
• 1875 : Law about civic right which banned segregation in public places. It was supposed to give Black People the voting right and equality with White people.
• 1896 : Plessy's judgment marked the process of segregation.
• Jim Crow Laws which appeared after secession war.