key term - Texas Southern University

Definition

Texas Southern University (TSU) is a public historically black university located in Houston, Texas. Established in 1927, TSU played a vital role during the desegregation and Civil Rights Movement in Texas, serving as an educational institution that advocated for racial equality and social justice while providing a higher education environment for African American students.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Texas Southern University was founded as the Houston College for Negroes before changing its name to Texas Southern University in 1947.
2. TSU became a focal point for African American activism during the Civil Rights Movement, particularly in Houston and the surrounding areas.
3. The university's Law School has produced many prominent African American lawyers and judges who have made significant contributions to civil rights advocacy.
4. In 1961, TSU students organized protests against segregated lunch counters and contributed to the broader movement for civil rights in Texas.
5. Texas Southern University continues to be a major center for African American culture, education, and advocacy for social justice today.

Review Questions

• How did Texas Southern University contribute to the desegregation efforts in Texas during the Civil Rights Movement?
  • Texas Southern University was instrumental in promoting civil rights and desegregation efforts in Texas. As a historically black university, it became a hub for activism and education for African Americans seeking equality. TSU students participated in protests, sit-ins, and other forms of activism that highlighted the injustices of segregation. The institution provided a platform for future leaders and activists who fought for equal rights within the education system and beyond.
• Discuss the significance of TSU's Law School in shaping the legal landscape for civil rights in Texas.
  • The Law School at Texas Southern University has played a critical role in shaping the legal landscape for civil rights in Texas. It has produced numerous influential African American attorneys who have fought against racial discrimination and advocated for social justice. Many graduates from TSU's Law School have taken prominent roles in legal cases that challenge segregation laws and promote equal opportunities, reinforcing the importance of legal education as a tool for social change within the state.
• Evaluate how Texas Southern University's legacy continues to impact contemporary movements for racial equality and social justice.
  • Texas Southern University's legacy significantly influences contemporary movements for racial equality and social justice. The institution not only serves as an educational platform but also as a cultural center where discussions about equity, activism, and community empowerment take place. Current students engage with issues rooted in historical struggles while drawing inspiration from their predecessors' achievements. By fostering leadership and advocacy among its students, TSU continues to be at the forefront of efforts aimed at dismantling systemic racism and promoting civil rights across Texas and beyond.

Related terms

Brown v. Board of Education:

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional, which was a significant step toward desegregation.

Civil Rights Act of 1964:

Legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and aimed to end segregation in schools and public places.

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC): A civil rights organization formed in 1960 that played a key role in the American civil rights movement, focusing on nonviolent protests against segregation and discrimination.