MLK Jr., Mass Mobilisation & Federal Legislation (Lessons 9, 10, 15)

Martin Luther King Jr.

Civil Rights leader who championed nonviolent civil disobedience, Christian ethics, and federal legislative reform.

SCLC

Southern Christian Leadership Conference, founded in 1957 by MLK Jr. to coordinate nonviolent protest actions across the South.

Birmingham Campaign (1963)

Direct action campaign targeting public segregation, met with severe violence from local authorities.

Eugene "Bull" Connor

Birmingham Police Commissioner who turned high-pressure fire hoses and attack dogs on peaceful child protesters.

"Letter from Birmingham Jail" (1963)

MLK Jr.'s defense of civil disobedience, arguing that individuals have a moral duty to break unjust laws.

March on Washington (1963)

Massive rally of over 250,000 people demanding federal civil rights legislation and economic justice.

"I Have a Dream" Speech

Address delivered by MLK Jr. during the 1963 March on Washington calling for racial integration and equality.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Federal law outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public accommodations and employment.

Freedom Summer (1964)

Voting rights campaign in Mississippi focused on registering Black voters and establishing Freedom Schools amidst severe white violence.

Selma to Montgomery Marches (1965)

Three protest marches demanding voting rights for Black Americans, starting in Selma, Alabama.

Bloody Sunday (1965)

Violent assault by state troopers on peaceful voting rights marchers at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Federal legislation prohibiting racial discrimination in voting, including literacy tests and voter suppression tactics.

"I've Been to the Mountaintop" (1968)

MLK Jr.'s final speech emphasizing economic withdrawal, unity, and the inevitable triumph of justice.

Civil Rights Act of 1968

Landmark federal law (Fair Housing Act) prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing.

Power of Economic Withdrawal

Strategy advocated by MLK Jr. urging Black communities to boycott discriminatory companies and pool wealth.