The Brown vs. Board of Education sparked change across the United States
             in many ways. While the ruling was specifically intended to end
             segregation, it was also responsible for inspiring African Americans to
             fight for the freedom they deserved. The ruling was the beginning of a new
             society that could finally be recognized. While fighting for freedom and
             equal treatment proved to be a painful and difficult process, no one would
             When the decision was handed down, schools in 21 states were still
             segregated. The court ruling forced them to decide how they would adhere
             to a new system. While they were allowed a certain amount of time to
             comply, they were also told by the court to act with "deliberate speed"
             (Davidson 1144). The area that experienced the most difficulty with
             desegregation was the Deep South. In fact, in 1956, just one year after
             Brown vs. Board of Education, a "Southern Manifesto" (1144) emerged,
             declaring to use "all lawful means" (1144) to restore segregation. While
             Brown v Board of Education changed the law, it was apparent that it would
             take more than law to change the behavior of a society.
             While it would prove to be a challenging task, the African American
             community was poised for change. In Alabama, Rosa Parks was one of the
             first individuals to act on the new ruling. Her refusal to give up her
             seat on a public bus and subsequent fine stirred what many tense emotions
             about segregation. Many African Americans participated in a boycott of
             Montgomery buses, which was significant because African Americans
             constituted most of Montgomery bus customer base. The white community
             responded to this challenge with "legal and physical intimidation" (1145).
             For instance, Martin Luther King's home was bombed because he was leading
             the boycott. In addition, more than 80 African American leader were
             arrested for organizing a boycott that was deemed illegal. ...