History of Martin Luther King Jr. in Timeline
Martin Luther King Jr. was a pivotal leader in the American civil rights movement. A Baptist minister, activist, and political philosopher, King championed equal rights for people of color from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. His leadership was rooted in the principles of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, strategies he employed to challenge discriminatory Jim Crow laws and other forms of legalized racial segregation. King's advocacy significantly impacted the advancement of civil rights in the United States, leaving an enduring legacy of peaceful protest and social change.
1920: Start of Michael and Alberta's Courtship
In 1920, Michael King Sr. and Alberta Williams (later Alberta King) began dating
November 25, 1926: Marriage of Michael King Sr. and Alberta King
Michael King Sr. and Alberta King married on November 25, 1926.
January 15, 1929: Birth of Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was born Michael King Jr. on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Michael King Sr. and Alberta King.
1931: Michael Sr. Becomes Pastor at Ebenezer Church
Following the death of the previous pastor, Michael King Sr. became the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in 1931.
August 1934: Name Change
In August 1934, after returning from a trip to Berlin, Michael King Sr. changed his name to Martin Luther King Sr., and changed his son's name to Martin Luther King Jr.
September 1935: Start of School and Early Experience with Racism
In September 1935, Martin Luther King Jr. began school and experienced racism when his white playmate's parents forbade them from playing together due to King's race.
1936: Civil Rights March Led by Martin Sr.
In 1936, Martin Luther King Sr. led a civil rights march in Atlanta to protest voting rights discrimination.
1939: Singing at Gone with the Wind Premiere
In 1939, King sang as a member of his church choir at the Atlanta premiere of "Gone with the Wind."
September 1940: Enrollment at Atlanta University Laboratory School
In September 1940, at age 11, King enrolled at the Atlanta University Laboratory School for seventh grade.
May 18, 1941: King's Grandmother's Death
On May 18, 1941, King's maternal grandmother passed away from a heart attack. A young Martin Luther King Jr. was deeply affected by her death, struggling with feelings of guilt and responsibility.
1941: Death of Jennie Celeste Parks
Jennie Celeste Parks, Alberta King's mother, died in 1941.
1942: Early Achievements and Experiences with Racism
In 1942, at the age of 13, King became the youngest assistant manager of a newspaper delivery station. He also skipped ninth grade and enrolled in Booker T. Washington High School. He experienced racial humiliation and resentment towards whites during this period.
April 13, 1944: King's First Public Speech and Experience with Segregation
On April 13, 1944, King delivered his first public speech, addressing racial inequality and winning an oratorical contest. On the bus ride home, he and his teacher were forced to give up their seats for white passengers. This experience fueled his anger and resolve against segregation.
June 1944: First Experience with Integration
In June 1944, King worked on a tobacco farm in Simsbury, Connecticut. This was his first time in an integrated Northern environment, where he experienced the lack of segregation and contrasted it with the racism of the South.
1944: Early Admission to Morehouse College
In 1944, at 15, King was admitted to Morehouse College, due to wartime enrollment shortages, marking the beginning of his higher education journey.
1947: Decision to Enter Ministry
At 18, in 1947, King decided to pursue a career in ministry, influenced by his "spiritual mentor" Benjamin Mays.
1948: Graduation from Morehouse College
In 1948, King graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the age of 19.
1950: Intervention for Creek School Desegregation
In 1950, Martin Luther King Jr. intervened to help resolve a school desegregation issue faced by the Creek tribe in Alabama, where light-skinned Native children were allowed on buses to formerly all-white schools, while darker-skinned children from the same tribe were not.
1951: Graduation and Interracial Relationship
In 1951, King graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity. During his time at Crozer, he was in a relationship with a white woman which ended due to social pressures and potential impacts on his future career.
1951: Doctoral Studies and Ministry in Boston
In 1951, King began doctoral studies at Boston University and worked as an assistant minister, befriending other ministers and engaging in discussions on theology and social issues.
1952: Socialist Economic Views
In 1952, in a letter to Coretta Scott, King expressed his preference for socialist economic theory over capitalist, suggesting a need for better wealth distribution and potentially a move towards democratic socialism. He criticized capitalism for failing to meet the needs of the masses.
June 18, 1953: Marriage to Coretta Scott
On June 18, 1953, Martin Luther King Jr. married Coretta Scott on her parents' lawn in Heiberger, Alabama. They met through a mutual friend after King asked for an introduction to a "nice Southern girl."
1954: Pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church
In 1954, King became pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, a pivotal step in his career and civil rights activism.
March 1955: Claudette Colvin's Bus Protest
In March 1955, fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin refused to give up her bus seat to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama, foreshadowing the Rosa Parks incident and the Montgomery bus boycott.
June 5, 1955: PhD Completion
On June 5, 1955, King earned his PhD from Boston University, completing his dissertation "A Comparison of the Conceptions of God in the Thinking of Paul Tillich and Henry Nelson Wieman."
December 1, 1955: Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery bus boycott. This event, along with Claudette Colvin's similar protest in March 1955, became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, with King taking a leadership role.
1955: Start of King's Prominence in the Civil Rights Movement
In 1955, Martin Luther King Jr. became a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement, marked by his involvement in the Montgomery bus boycott.
October 1956: Undecided Voter
In October 1956, Martin Luther King Jr. expressed indecision about whether he would vote for Adlai Stevenson II or Dwight D. Eisenhower in the presidential election, while acknowledging his history of voting Democrat.
1957: Hoover Directs FBI to Monitor King and SCLC
In 1957, FBI director J. Edgar Hoover began tracking Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) due to suspicions of communist influence in social movements like labor unions and civil rights.
1957: Founding of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)
In 1957, Martin Luther King Jr., along with other activists, founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to organize nonviolent protests for civil rights reform, leveraging the influence of Black churches. This marked King's first address to a national audience.
September 20, 1958: Stabbing Incident
On September 20, 1958, while signing books in Harlem, Martin Luther King Jr. was stabbed by Izola Curry. He underwent emergency surgery and recovered.
1958: Non-Endorsement of Political Parties
In 1958, as leader of the SCLC, Martin Luther King Jr. maintained a policy of not publicly endorsing any political party or candidate, aiming to remain objective and act as a "conscience" for both parties. He did, however, praise Senator Paul Douglas for his strong advocacy of civil rights.
April 1959: Trip to India
In April 1959, Martin Luther King Jr. traveled to India, a trip funded with the help of Harris Wofford, the American Friends Service Committee, and others. This visit deepened his understanding of nonviolent resistance and strengthened his commitment to the American civil rights movement, inspired by Gandhi's approach.
September 1959: Speech at University of Arizona and Visit to Papago Reservation
In September 1959, after speaking at the University of Arizona about nonviolent social change, Martin Luther King Jr. visited the Papago Indian Reservation, met with tribal leaders, and preached at a Presbyterian church, further connecting with Native American communities.
December 1959: Return to Atlanta
In December 1959, King returned to Atlanta to co-pastor Ebenezer Baptist Church with his father, facing hostility from Georgia Governor Ernest Vandiver.
1959: Publication of "The Measure of a Man"
In 1959, Martin Luther King Jr. published "The Measure of a Man," a book containing his sermons "What is Man?" and "The Dimensions of a Complete Life." The sermons explored humanity's need for God's love and critiqued racial injustices prevalent in Western civilization.
March 1960: Atlanta Sit-ins Begin
The Atlanta Student Movement initiated sit-ins in March 1960 to desegregate businesses and public spaces, marking a crucial phase of the local Civil Rights Movement.
May 4, 1960: Arrest for Driving Without a License
On May 4, 1960, King was arrested in Atlanta for "driving without a license," although his Alabama license was valid. This incident led to a plea deal involving probation.
1960: Private Vote for Kennedy
In 1960, King privately voted for John F. Kennedy but did not publicly endorse him, though his father did. He suggested he might have endorsed Kennedy for a second term.
1960: Influences on King's Philosophy
By 1960, King's philosophy of nonviolence had been significantly shaped by various influences including Henry David Thoreau's "On Civil Disobedience," Protestant theologians Reinhold Niebuhr and Paul Tillich, and Walter Rauschenbusch's "Christianity and the Social Crisis." He also drew inspiration from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and the concept of agape.
March 7, 1961: Desegregation Negotiations in Atlanta
On March 7, 1961, negotiations led to an agreement to desegregate Atlanta's lunch counters in the fall, coinciding with school desegregation. This compromise faced mixed reactions within the movement.
November 1961: Albany Movement Begins
The Albany Movement, a desegregation coalition in Albany, Georgia, formed in November 1961, with King and the SCLC joining in December.
December 15, 1961: King Joins Albany Movement
On December 15, 1961, Martin Luther King Jr. arrived in Albany, Georgia, to participate in the Albany Movement. He was arrested during a demonstration and refused bail until concessions were made.
March 1962: Return to Old Pueblo
In March 1962, King returned to Old Pueblo to preach again to a Native American congregation.
July 1962: King Jailed and Released in Birmingham
In July 1962, Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed in Birmingham, Alabama, choosing jail over a fine for his activism. After three days, his fine was paid, and he was released. This event highlighted the increasing tensions and King's commitment to his cause.
1962: Gandhi Society for Human Rights
In 1962, King and the Gandhi Society for Human Rights, of which he served as honorary president, drafted a document urging President Kennedy to issue an executive order for civil rights, seen as a "Second Emancipation Proclamation."
April 1963: Birmingham Campaign Begins
In April 1963, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), led by Martin Luther King Jr., launched a campaign against racial segregation and economic injustice in Birmingham, Alabama. The campaign employed nonviolent direct action tactics.
August 28, 1963: March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr., as part of the "Big Six" civil rights organizations, helped lead the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, advocating for civil rights legislation and economic justice.
December 1963: FBI Initiates Surveillance on King
The FBI began an intensive campaign in December 1963 to 'neutralize' Martin Luther King Jr. as an effective civil rights leader. This effort included surveillance ordered by FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, which continued until King's death in 1968.
1963: FBI Surveillance Begins
In the fall of 1963, the FBI, authorized by Robert F. Kennedy, began wiretapping King's phone due to concerns about alleged communist associations within the SCLC.
1963: FBI Concerns Over King's Associations
In 1963, the FBI expressed concerns about Martin Luther King Jr.'s associations with individuals like Stanley Levison and Jack O'Dell, who were linked to the Communist Party. Despite reports indicating Levison had severed ties with the Party, the Bureau remained wary of his influence on King.
1963: Native American Participation in March on Washington
In 1963, a significant number of Native Americans, including many from South Dakota and the Navajo Nation, participated in the March on Washington, demonstrating the growing connection between the civil rights movement and Native American communities.
1963: Birmingham Protests and March on Washington
In 1963, King helped organize protests in Birmingham, Alabama, and was one of the leaders of the March on Washington where he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
1963: Collaboration with Bayard Rustin and the March on Washington
In 1963, King collaborated with Bayard Rustin for the March on Washington, despite controversy surrounding Rustin's personal life and political affiliations. King also agreed to Kennedy's request to modify the focus of the march to support the civil rights legislation.
1963: FBI Receives Authorization to Wiretap King
In 1963, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy authorized the FBI to wiretap Martin Luther King Jr.'s phone lines due to his association with Stanley Levison. Although initially approved for limited surveillance, FBI director J. Edgar Hoover extended the clearance for broader investigation of King's activities.
February 6, 1964: "The American Race Crisis" Inaugural Speech
On February 6, 1964, King delivered the inaugural speech for "The American Race Crisis" lecture series at the New School. He discussed the plight of African Americans, drawing comparisons to India's untouchables.
March 1964: St. Augustine Movement
In March 1964, King and the SCLC joined the movement in St. Augustine, Florida, working with activists who advocated for armed self-defense alongside nonviolent tactics. The movement involved nightly marches and numerous arrests. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed during this time.
March 18, 1964: Interview with Robert Penn Warren
On March 18, 1964, King compared his activism to his father's in an interview with Robert Penn Warren, highlighting the significance of nonviolent training.
May 7, 1964: Address at Saint Francis College
On May 7, 1964, King spoke at Saint Francis College in Biddeford, Maine, emphasizing the importance of eliminating the concept of racial superiority and inferiority through nonviolent methods.
October 14, 1964: Nobel Peace Prize
On October 14, 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent resistance against racial inequality.
November 4, 1964: CIA Investigates King's Alleged Soviet Invitation
On November 4, 1964, a Washington Post article claimed Martin Luther King Jr. was invited to the Soviet Union. This prompted the CIA to investigate possible communist links, intercepting mail belonging to King and other civil rights activists through its HTLINGUAL program.
November 1964: Support for Scripto Strike
Starting in November 1964, King supported a labor strike at the Scripto factory in Atlanta. He helped bring national attention to the strike and organized a boycott. Wanting to concentrate on the Selma campaign, he negotiated a deal to end the boycott.
December 1964: Joining the Selma Voting Rights Movement
In December 1964, King and the SCLC joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in Selma, Alabama, to support their voter registration efforts. A court injunction against civil rights activities was later defied by King.
1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, a pivotal legislative achievement of the civil rights movement, was passed.
1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964
In 1964, the Civil Rights Act, a landmark achievement of the Civil Rights Movement, was enacted into law, legally solidifying many of the rights King and others had marched for.
1964: Controversial FBI Report on 1964 Recording
In 1964, a controversy arose regarding a summary of a transcript from a recording at the Willard Hotel. The summary, which was several steps removed from the actual recording, suggested that Martin Luther King Jr. witnessed a rape from an audio recording in a room where he was not present. This information, derived from an anonymous source in an FBI report, was disputed by those close to King, including his wife. The tapes related to this incident are set for declassification in 2027.
1964: Impact of "I Have a Dream" and the Civil Rights Act
In 1964, King's "I Have a Dream" speech was recognized as a pivotal moment in American oratory. The March on Washington and the speech itself significantly contributed to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
1964: Potential Endorsement of Kennedy
In 1964, King suggested he might have endorsed John F. Kennedy for a second term had he lived.
1964: Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech
During his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Martin Luther King Jr. highlighted the successful use of nonviolent resistance by Mahatma Gandhi against the British Empire, emphasizing Gandhi's reliance on truth, soul force, non-injury, and courage.
1964: Opposition to Goldwater
In 1964, King publicly urged his supporters to vote against Barry Goldwater, believing his presidency would be disastrous.
January 2, 1965: Defying the Injunction in Selma
On January 2, 1965, King defied a court injunction by speaking at Brown Chapel in Selma, Alabama, continuing the fight for voting rights despite legal challenges.
March 7, 1965: Bloody Sunday
On March 7, 1965, the first attempt at a march from Selma to Montgomery, organized by James Bevel and other activists, met with police violence, a day that became known as Bloody Sunday. This event, though King wasn't present, was a turning point in gaining public support for the movement.
March 25, 1965: Selma to Montgomery March
On March 25, 1965, King led the Selma to Montgomery march, advocating for equal voting rights. After the march, he delivered a powerful speech titled "How Long, Not Long," emphasizing the inevitability of justice and equality.
1965: Voting Rights Act of 1965
The Voting Rights Act of 1965, another significant victory for the Civil Rights Movement, was passed, securing voting rights for Black Americans.
1965: Letter from Thích Nhất Hạnh
In 1965, Thích Nhất Hạnh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, sent a letter to King, influencing his stance on the Vietnam War.
1965: Selma Voting Rights Movement
King helped organize two of the three Selma to Montgomery marches during the 1965 Selma voting rights movement.
1965: King Proposes Compensatory Program for Disadvantaged Americans
In 1965, during an interview with Playboy, Martin Luther King Jr. discussed the need for compensatory measures for disadvantaged Americans, including black Americans, to address historical injustices. He suggested a government compensatory program of $50 billion over ten years rather than a full restitution of wages lost to slavery, which he believed was impossible.
1965: King Receives American Liberties Medallion
In 1965, Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the American Liberties Medallion by the American Jewish Committee. The award recognized his exceptional advancement of the principles of human liberty. During his acceptance, King emphasized the indivisibility of freedom, stating, 'Freedom is one thing. You have it all or you are not free.'
1965: King Denies Communist Connections in Playboy Interview
In a 1965 interview with Playboy, Martin Luther King Jr. denied any connections to communism, criticizing FBI director J. Edgar Hoover for appeasing southern political powers. King argued that concerns about communist influence in the civil rights movement were unfounded and served to support extreme right-wing elements.
August 5, 1966: Marquette Park March
On August 5, 1966, a march through Marquette Park, Chicago, was met with significant hostility, highlighting the resistance King's movement faced in the North. Despite being hit by a brick, King continued to lead marches.
1966: Move to Chicago
In 1966, King and Ralph Abernathy moved to the slums of North Lawndale in Chicago to experience and demonstrate support for the poor, marking the movement's shift to northern cities.
1966: King Honored with Margaret Sanger Award and Academy Fellowship
In 1966, Martin Luther King Jr. received the Margaret Sanger Award from the Planned Parenthood Federation of America for his courageous resistance to bigotry and dedication to social justice. Additionally, he was elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, recognizing his significant contributions to civil rights and human dignity.
1966: Meeting with Thích Nhất Hạnh
King met with Thích Nhất Hạnh during the monk's 1966 visit to the US, where Nhất Hạnh encouraged King to publicly oppose the Vietnam War.
April 4, 1967: Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence
On April 4, 1967, at Riverside Church in New York City, King delivered his "Beyond Vietnam" speech, openly criticizing the U.S. role in the Vietnam War and linking it to economic injustice.
April 15, 1967: Anti-War March and Speech at the UN
On April 15, 1967, King participated in and addressed an anti-war march from Central Park to the United Nations, highlighting the interconnectedness of civil rights and the war.
November 1967: Honorary Doctorate from Newcastle University
In November 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. traveled to the UK for a brief visit to receive an honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from Newcastle University. This made him the first African American to be honored in this way by the institution, marking a significant recognition of his contributions to civil rights.
1967: King Receives Honorary Degree
In 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. visited the UK to receive an honorary degree from Newcastle University.
1967: King Nominates Thích Nhất Hạnh for Nobel Peace Prize
In 1967, influenced by his conversations with Thích Nhất Hạnh and his evolving stance on the war, King nominated the monk for the Nobel Peace Prize.
1967: FBI Targets SCLC as Black Nationalist Hate Group
In 1967, the FBI, led by J. Edgar Hoover, classified the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) as a black nationalist hate group. The Bureau employed counterintelligence techniques to disrupt and discredit the organization and its leadership, including Martin Luther King Jr.
1967: King Influences Nichelle Nichols to Stay on Star Trek
In 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. persuaded actress Nichelle Nichols to remain on the science-fiction series Star Trek. As a fan of the show, King explained that her role was important for racial cooperation and served as an inspiration for future generations.
1967: Massey Lectures
During his 1967 Massey Lectures, King expressed his views on various issues, including his growing opposition to the Vietnam War and his reservations about the hippie counterculture associated with the anti-war movement.
1967: CIA Document on King's Role in Chicago
A 1967 CIA document, declassified later, downplayed King's involvement in the "black militant situation" in Chicago, suggesting his focus on "constructive, positive projects."
January 13, 1968: Call for Anti-War March on Washington
On January 13, 1968, King called for a major march on Washington to protest the Vietnam War, denouncing it as one of history's most brutal and pointless conflicts.
February 4, 1968: King's Final Sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church
King delivered his last sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church on February 4, 1968. This sermon was later played at his funeral.
March 29, 1968: Support for Memphis Sanitation Workers
On March 29, 1968, King went to Memphis, Tennessee, to support striking black sanitation workers who were demanding better wages and working conditions.
April 4, 1968: Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.
1968: Fair Housing Act of 1968
The Fair Housing Act of 1968, another significant legislative achievement of the civil rights movement, was passed.
1968: Civil Rights Act of 1968 Enacted
In 1968, spurred by King's assassination, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which included the Fair Housing Act, prohibiting discrimination in housing.
1968: Support for Robert F. Kennedy and Others
In 1968, while expressing support for Robert F. Kennedy, King believed he wouldn't defeat Johnson in the primaries. He also considered Republicans Nelson Rockefeller, George Romney, and Charles Percy as potential presidential candidates.
1968: The Fair Housing Act
In 1968, shortly after King's assassination, Congress passed the Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968), prohibiting housing discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.
1968: Support for Native American Rights
In 1968, during the Poor People's Campaign, Martin Luther King Jr. expressed his support for Native American rights in his book "Why We Can't Wait". Native Americans had been active supporters of the civil rights movement, and organizations like the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) and the National Indian Youth Council (NIYC) were closely involved with King's campaigns.
1968: World Constitution Convention
In 1968, King signed an agreement supporting a convention to draft a world constitution, leading to the World Constituent Assembly that drafted the Constitution for the Federation of Earth.
1968: Potential Presidential Run
In 1968, King considered a presidential run against Lyndon B. Johnson, encouraged by anti-war activists and Democrats, but ultimately declined, preferring to remain an activist.
1968: Poor People's Campaign
In 1968, King and the SCLC launched the "Poor People's Campaign" to address economic injustice, planning a multiracial march on Washington for economic rights.
March 10, 1969: James Earl Ray Confesses to King's Murder
On March 10, 1969, James Earl Ray confessed to assassinating Martin Luther King Jr., although he recanted this confession shortly after. He pleaded guilty to avoid a potential death penalty and received a 99-year prison sentence.
December 30, 1969: Martin Luther King Fund and Foundation Established
On December 30, 1969, the Martin Luther King Fund and Foundation was established in the UK to promote racial equality, community projects, and education, following King's assassination.
1970: International Personnel Agency Formed
In 1970, International Personnel, an employment agency focused on finding jobs for qualified black professionals, was formed as part of the Martin Luther King Fund and Foundation.
1971: Cities and States Establish King Holidays
Starting in 1971, various cities and states began establishing annual holidays to honor Martin Luther King Jr.
1971: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Established
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a holiday in cities and states throughout the United States beginning in 1971.
1971: Posthumous Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Recording
In 1971, Martin Luther King Jr. was posthumously awarded a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Recording for his work 'Why I Oppose The War In Vietnam.' This recognition highlighted the enduring impact of his voice and messages against war and for peace.
1975: Church Committee Reveals FBI Campaign Against King
In 1975, the Church Committee, a U.S. Congress investigation, uncovered the FBI's prolonged campaign to undermine Martin Luther King Jr. as a civil rights leader. This campaign lasted from December 1963 until his death in 1968.
1976: FBI Admits Lack of Evidence Against King and SCLC
By 1976, the FBI acknowledged that despite extensive surveillance, it had found no evidence linking Martin Luther King Jr. or the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to communist activities.
1977: Sealing of FBI Surveillance Records on King
In 1977, Judge John Lewis Smith Jr. ordered that the audiotapes and transcripts from the FBI's surveillance of Martin Luther King Jr. between 1963 and 1968 be sealed in the National Archives until 2027, restricting public access to these records.
1977: King's Remains Moved to Final Resting Place
In 1977, Martin Luther King Jr.'s remains were moved from South View Cemetery to a tomb at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
1977: Presidential Medal of Freedom Awarded Posthumously
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter awarded Martin Luther King Jr. the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. This prestigious honor acknowledged King's profound influence on American society and his relentless pursuit of civil rights and justice.
1977: Presidential Medal of Freedom
King was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977.
November 2, 1983: Reagan Signs King Holiday Bill
On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the bill establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday.
January 20, 1986: First National Observance of MLK Day
On January 20, 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was observed as a federal holiday for the first time.
1986: Federal Holiday
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first observed as a federal holiday in 1986.
October 1991: Plagiarism Inquiry
In October 1991, an academic inquiry concluded that portions of King's dissertation had been plagiarized. While the findings were significant, the committee decided against revoking his degree.
1992: Bush Proclamation for MLK Day Observance
Following President George H.W. Bush's 1992 proclamation, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year.
November 18, 1996: King Foundation Removed from Charity Commission List
On November 18, 1996, the Martin Luther King Fund and Foundation was removed from the UK Charity Commission list because it had ceased to exist.
1997: Dexter Scott King Meets with Ray
In 1997, Dexter Scott King, Martin Luther King Jr.'s son, met with James Earl Ray and publicly supported Ray's efforts to get a new trial. The King family also won a wrongful death claim against Loyd Jowers and other alleged co-conspirators.
1998: James Earl Ray Dies
In 1998, James Earl Ray, the confessed assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., died in prison at the age of 70, still maintaining his innocence and claiming a conspiracy.
1999: New Hampshire Recognizes MLK Day
In 1999, New Hampshire became one of the last states to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a state holiday.
January 17, 2000: MLK Day Observed in All 50 States
On January 17, 2000, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was officially observed in all fifty U.S. states for the first time.
2000: DOJ Investigation Concludes
In 2000, the U.S. Department of Justice concluded its investigation into Loyd Jowers' claims of conspiracy in King's assassination, finding no evidence to support the claims.
2002: Ronald Denton Wilson's Claim
In 2002, Ronald Denton Wilson claimed his father, Henry Clay Wilson, assassinated King due to a belief in King's communist ties, but provided no evidence.
2003: Pepper Publishes Book
In 2003, William Pepper published a book detailing his investigation and trial work related to the King assassination, as well as his representation of James Earl Ray.
2003: Congressional Gold Medal
King was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2003.
2004: Jesse Jackson's Statement
In 2004, Jesse Jackson made a statement regarding the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The specific context of the statement is not available.
2004: Congressional Gold Medal Awarded to King and Wife
In 2004, Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. This award celebrated their significant contributions to the civil rights movement and their lasting impact on American history.
2006: Coretta Scott King's Death
Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr., passed away in 2006. She was active in social justice and civil rights until her death.
2007: Yolanda King's Death
Yolanda King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., passed away in 2007. She was a motivational speaker, author, and founder of Higher Ground Productions, an organization focused on diversity training.
2008: Jerry Ray Interview
In 2008, Jerry Ray, James Earl Ray's brother, gave an interview to CNN describing James as bold and capable of armed robbery.
2011: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedicated
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., was dedicated in 2011.
2014: Release of FBI Letter and Tape to King
In 2014, a letter and tape recording from the FBI, which were sent to Martin Luther King Jr. in an attempt to discredit him, were fully released. King believed the package was meant to drive him to suicide, though it may have been intended to push him out of leadership in the civil rights movement. He refused to yield to these threats.
April 20, 2016: Redesign of $5 Bill to Include King's Speech
On April 20, 2016, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew announced the redesign of the $5 bill to include images from Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech. The redesign was part of an effort to commemorate historical events at the Lincoln Memorial, where the speech was delivered.
September 9, 2016: Canonization of Martin Luther King Jr.
On September 9, 2016, Martin Luther King Jr. was canonized by Archbishop Timothy Paul of the Holy Christian Orthodox Church. His feast day was designated as April 4th, the date of his assassination. He is also honored with a Lesser Feast on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church on April 4th or January 15th (his birthday). The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America commemorates him liturgically on January 15th.
2017: King Statue Unveiled
In 2017, Newcastle University unveiled a bronze statue of Martin Luther King Jr. to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his honorary doctorate ceremony. The Student Union also renamed their bar "Luther's".
2017: Declassification of CIA Document
In 2017, a CIA document from 1967 was declassified, shedding new light on their assessment of King's activities in Chicago during that period.
May 2019: Controversy Over Allegations in FBI Note on King
In May 2019, an FBI file surfaced containing a handwritten note alleging Martin Luther King Jr.'s involvement in a sexual assault incident. Historians and scholars criticized the reliability of this evidence and questioned the credibility of the claims, given the FBI's historical efforts to discredit King.