History of Joseph Lowery in Timeline

"Joseph Echols Lowery, an influential figure in the American civil rights movement, was a Methodist minister and a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr. He co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), playing a pivotal role in its leadership across several decades. Lowery's activism spanned the major events of the movement in the mid-20th century and extended into the 21st century, earning him the title 'Dean of the Civil Rights Movement'."

October 6, 1921: Joseph Echols Lowery Born

Joseph Echols Lowery was born on October 6, 1921. He would become an influential leader in the civil rights movement.

1950: Joseph Lowery Marries Evelyn Gibson

In 1950, Joseph Lowery married Evelyn Gibson, who would become a steadfast partner in his civil rights work and a respected activist in her own right.

1952: Lowery Begins Ministry at Warren Street Methodist Church

Joseph Lowery's tenure as pastor of the Warren Street Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama, began in 1952, marking the start of his influential role in the civil rights movement.

1955: Lowery Joins Montgomery Bus Boycott

In the wake of Rosa Parks' arrest, Joseph Lowery emerged as a leader in the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement.

1957: Lowery Co-founds Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Alongside Martin Luther King Jr., Fred Shuttlesworth, and other prominent figures, Joseph Lowery co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, a pivotal organization in the fight for civil rights.

1959: State of Alabama Seizes Lowery's Property

In 1959, the state of Alabama seized Joseph Lowery's property, along with assets belonging to other civil rights leaders, to cover damages from a libel lawsuit, a decision later overturned by the Supreme Court.

1961: Lowery Concludes Pastorate at Warren Street Methodist Church

In 1961, Joseph Lowery ended his time as pastor at the Warren Street Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama, after nearly a decade of service.

1965: Lowery Participates in Selma to Montgomery March

At the request of Martin Luther King Jr., Joseph Lowery joined the historic Selma to Montgomery march in 1965, further demonstrating his commitment to civil rights.

1977: Lowery Leads SCLC

In 1977, Joseph Lowery took on the role of president for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), a position he held for two decades.

1986: Lowery Becomes Pastor at Cascade United Methodist Church

Joseph Lowery's leadership extended to Atlanta's Cascade United Methodist Church, where he served as pastor from 1986, overseeing significant growth and expansion.

1992: Lowery Concludes Pastorate at Cascade United Methodist Church

Joseph Lowery concluded his impactful tenure as pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta in 1992, leaving behind a legacy of growth and community engagement.

1997: Lowery Steps Down as SCLC President

After two decades of dedicated leadership, Joseph Lowery concluded his term as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1997.

1997: NAACP Honors Lowery with Lifetime Achievement Award

The NAACP recognized Joseph Lowery's lifelong dedication to civil rights by presenting him with their esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award at their 1997 convention, solidifying his legacy as a leading figure in the movement.

2003: Lowery Receives Inaugural Walter P. Reuther Humanitarian Award

In 2003, Joseph Lowery was granted the inaugural Walter P. Reuther Humanitarian Award by Wayne State University, acknowledging his profound impact on human rights.

2004: Lowery Receives Martin Luther King Jr. Center Peace Award and National Urban League's Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award

Joseph Lowery's contributions to peace and social justice were celebrated in 2004 when he received both the Martin Luther King Jr. Center Peace Award and the National Urban League's Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award.

2006: Lowery Delivers Stirring Speech at Coretta Scott King's Funeral

During Coretta Scott King's funeral in 2006, Joseph Lowery delivered a powerful speech, condemning the violence in Iraq and advocating for social justice, earning him a standing ovation from attendees, including four U.S. presidents.

January 20, 2009: Lowery Delivers Benediction at President Obama's Inauguration

On January 20, 2009, Joseph Lowery played a significant role in President Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony by delivering a moving benediction, incorporating lines from "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and concluding with a powerful message of unity.

July 30, 2009: President Obama Awards Lowery Presidential Medal of Freedom

On July 30, 2009, Joseph Lowery's remarkable contributions to civil rights were recognized with the highest civilian honor in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented by President Barack Obama.

2009: Presidential Medal of Freedom Awarded to Lowery

In recognition of his lifelong commitment to civil rights activism, President Barack Obama bestowed upon Joseph Lowery the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.