Sallie Robinson facts for kids
Sallie Robinson (born 1851, date of death unknown) was an important African-American civil rights activist in the 1800s. She stood up for fair treatment when people faced discrimination.
In May 1879, Sallie Robinson, who was 28 years old, bought two first-class train tickets. She was traveling from Grand Junction, Tennessee, to Lynchburg, Virginia. Her nephew, Joseph Robinson, was traveling with her.
When they tried to enter the special "parlor car" on the train, the conductor stopped Sallie. He pushed her toward the "smoking car" instead. This was a car usually meant for different passengers.
A few minutes later, Joseph told the conductor that he was Sallie's nephew and that he was also African American. The conductor seemed surprised. He then said they could move to the parlor car at the next stop.
The Robinsons finished their trip in the parlor car. However, they were upset about how they had been treated. They complained to the railroad company. Then, they decided to sue the company for $500. They used a law called the federal Civil Rights Act of 1875. This law was made to protect people's rights.
During the trial, the conductor said he thought Joseph was a white man traveling with a Black woman. He made a wrong guess about their relationship. The jury decided in favor of the railroad company. The Robinsons then took their case to the highest court, the U.S. Supreme Court, but they did not win there either. Even though they lost, Sallie Robinson's actions showed great courage in fighting for equal rights.
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