Dr. Martin Luther King Jr is surely one of the most well known leaders of the Civil Rights movement. Choosing him to be our Legendary card for the initial release of this deck was a clear choice. His clear compassion and love for his people, and all people, make him stand out in history as a beacon of hope. Showing that the world can change and that education, faith, and passion can make a difference. He also taught the nation and the world that violence is not the only effective catalyst to change and that, with a righteous cause and a dream as fuel, you can be the voice for change. As with most people Dr. King’s views evolved over time and later in life, as a result of his experiences, he began to see that a path of non-violence alone did not result in change and acknowledged that ‘a riot is the language of the unheard’.

Malcolm X joined this deck as his contributions to the Civil Rights movement were no less phenomenal or potent. As a symbol for change, both in his personal life and his nation, his ability to face changes with the seriousness and gravity that they needed awarded him with a violent and aggressive reputation. Malcolm X made no excuses for his beliefs, no matter how they differed and changed throughout his lifetime and his contributions to the pursuit of racial justice are a lasting part of history.

Rosa Parks is a name we all know as someone whose role in the Civil Rights movement was very public. She’s the very image we conjure of the word “no ”. Rosa parks was honored as “the mother of the freedom movement” and when she passed away in 2005 sent a shockwave of sorrow across our nation. Rosa Parks is remembered first for her refusal to bend to injust, racist practices and with her determined spirit she lifted the voices of all those who had defied those practices in the past. She is a reminder that you don’t need to be anything but yourself to change the world.

Bayard Rustin may not be a household name to many Americans or many other people abroad so let us help to rectify that. As a gay black man at the height of the Civil Rights movement he faced unique challenges in nearly all aspects of his life. Bayard Rustin often worked behind the scenes to ensure success of many of the key moments of the Civil Rights movement. Many people remember the voices and faces of the louder leaders of a movement; but without the steadfast support of people like Bayard Rustin, who never let the limelight distract them from fulfilling the cause, many major events from history may never have come to fruition.

Stokely Carmichael was a controversial force throughout the Civil Rights movement. He often found himself at the head of protests and, subsequently, arrested. Stokely Carmichael was always regarded as someone who had no problem putting his ideologies into words and actions. Charismatic and outspoken, he drew people to him, surrounding himself with people willing to make change by any means necessary.