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Modern Civil Rights Movement: June 1963 to July 1964
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Blocking the Door
Vivian Malone & James Hood, two black students, were barred from entering the University of Alabama by the governor of Alabama. Although their registration was valid, Governor George Wallace stood in front of the door to the university, claiming that if they were allowed to enter, he would be violating his inaugural promise to stop desegregation of schools. The conflict escalated to such an extent that President JFK issued Executive Order 11111 & declared the incident an obstruction of justice. -
Medgar Evans
Medgar Evans, a NAACP activist, was murdered outside his home after returning from NAACP programs. He was returning home with anti-Jim Crow merchandise when he was shot in the back. Byron de la Beckwith, the main suspect of the murder, was anti-desegregation and was a key member of the Mississippi’s White Citizens Council. -
I Have A Dream Speech
On August 28, 1963, in Washington, American civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr, delivered the public speech, “I Have a Dream”, to over 200,000 people in front of the Lincoln Memorial. He demanded the abolition of racism in the United States and the protection of civil and economic rights. He also pointed out America's shortcomings and what needed to be done to improve it. -
Four Little Girls - KKK Church Bombing
The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, was bombed by Ku Klux Klan militants. Just before 11 o'clock, the church was attacked, and four African-American girls; Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and 11-year-old Cynthia Wesley were killed in the basement. Sarah, Addie's sister, lived, but she lost her right eye. -
The 24th Amendment
The 24th amendment prohibited states from requiring voters to pay a tax in order to vote. Before the amendment, Southern states often used poll taxes to restrict voting access for minorities and other low-income demographics (particularly African Americans). Although its enforcement would take many more years, the 24th amendment attempted to make all Americans equal at the ballot box. -
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Freedom Summer
Freedom Summer was a 1964 voter registration drive led by the Council of Federated Organizations to help increase voter registration. Over 700 mostly white volunteers helped African Americans in Mississippi to fight against voter intimidation and discrimination at polls. Freedom Summer brought increased awareness it brought to voter discrimination helped lead to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Through Freedom Summer, only 1200 out of 17000 Black Mississippians successfully voted who attempted to. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark anti-discrimination law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The law prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or national origin. Its main applications were at the ballot box, in previously-segregated schools, and in the workplace. Although it was difficult to enforce initially, it was a monumental step towards equality.