888.630.9224As we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day today, it is important to pay tribute to the man who was so integral in championing the cause of civil rights for all. King maintained such an incredible leadership position during the Civil Rights Movement and led many protests that raised national awareness about civil rights. Let’s revisit some of these protests that would change the nation forever.
Montgomery Bus Boycott
The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a 13-month protest ignited by the arrest of Rosa Parks on December 1, 1955. Parks, an African American woman, was arrested for violating a Montgomery, Alabama law requiring racial segregation of buses. The Montgomery Bus Boycott culminated with the US Supreme Court ruling that the segregation on public buses is unconstitutional. The Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) organized the boycott and its president, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., would really gain national prominence. Protesters had to endure through the severe Alabama heat and near 100 degree temperatures.
The Birmingham Campaign
The Birmingham Campaign was a massive two month protest movement led by King and his Southern Christian Leadership Conference to end discriminatory practices in Birmingham, Alabama. An example of a measure taken during the Birmingham Campaign was to boycott businesses that had segregated bathrooms. If businesses refused to alter policies, protesters organized sit-ins and marches. Protesters really had to endure a great deal during the Birmingham Campaign. In addition to the grueling Birmingham heat, protesters had to endure police brutality.
March On Washington DC
August 28, 1963 is an epic day in American history. On this warm day in the nation’s capital, 250,000 gathered to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his eloquent “I have a dream” speech as a passionate vision of a future based on racial equality. In his speech, King memorably says, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” The weather was very comfortable on this August day in the nation’s capital.
