jan 1, 1963 - Birmingham, Alabama
Description:
King lead the movement rather than followed events. However, the local SCLC leader was not well liked among the African American community and demonstrations were poorly attended. The violence used by 'Bull' Connor (the head of police) and his men attracted national attention, however (which was what King needed).
King was arrested for defying an injunction that denied his right to march but JFK intervened and got him released. King then used children in the protest. Footage of Connor’s men using high pressure hoses and dogs on them was shown throughout USA attracting sympathy. 500 youths were arrested and jailed.
A deal was reached to improve the situation of Birmingham's black but Connor's KKK friends tried to sabotage the agreement through the bombing of the house that belonged to King’s brother. King’s motel room was also bombed. These outrages provoked riots among the local African-American community.
Birmingham was crucial in persuading the Kennedy administration to push the bill that eventually became the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Added to timeline:
African American Civil Rights
1865 - 1992
Date:
