Timeline: Martin Luther King Jr.

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Timeline: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Part III: National Figure

by David Johnson


1963	1964	1965	Next: New Directions for Civil Rights

1963

King is arrested and jailed during anti-segregation protests in Birmingham; writes Letter From Birmingham City Jail, arguing that individuals have the moral duty to disobey unjust. laws

Delivers "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington attended by 200,000 protesters, creates powerful image, builds momentum for civil rights legislation.

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1964

Publishes Why We Can't Wait

Congress passes Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing segregation in public accommodations and discrimination in education and employment.

King receives Nobel Peace Prize.

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1965

King and SCLC join voting-rights march from Selma to Montgomery; police beat and tear gas marchers; King addresses rally before state capitol, builds support for voting rights.

Congress passes Voting Rights Act of 1965, which suspends (later bans) literacy tests and other restrictions to prevent blacks from voting.

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Next: New Directions for Civil Rights