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| 1929 | Birth USA King, Martin Luther |  |
| 15th Jan Atlanta Birth of Martin Luther King, Jr., born to teacher Alberta King and Baptist minister Michael Luther King |
| 1953 | Pastor USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Atlanta Appointed Pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama |
| 1955 | Arrest USA Parks, Rosa | |
| 1st Dec Rosa Parks is arrested for refusing to comply with the Jim Crow laws that required her to give up her seat to a white man |
| 1st Dec The Montgomery Bus Boycott, urged and planned by ED Nixon (head of the Montgomery NAACP chapter and a member of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters) and led by Martin Luther King follows Rosa Parks ' arrest |
| 1955 | Education USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Boston Receives Ph.D in systematic theology from Boston University |
| 1955 | Jim Crow Laws USA Parks, Rosa | |
| 1st Dec Rosa Parks is arrested for refusing to comply with the Jim Crow laws that required her to give up her seat to a white man |
| 1955 | Montgomery Bus Boycott USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Montgomery The boycott lasts for 381 days, the situation becoming so tense that King's house is bombed, King is arrested during this campaign, which ends with a United States Supreme Court decision outlawing racial segregation on all public transport. |
| 1st Dec Montgomery The Montgomery Bus Boycott, urged and planned by ED Nixon (head of the Montgomery NAACP chapter and a member of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters) and led by Martin Luther King follows Rosa Parks ' arrest |
| 1955 | Montgomery Bus Boycott USA Parks, Rosa | |
| 1st Dec The Montgomery Bus Boycott, urged and planned by ED Nixon (head of the Montgomery NAACP chapter and a member of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters) and led by Martin Luther King follows Rosa Parks ' arrest |
| 1956 | Montgomery Bus Boycott USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Montgomery The US. Supreme Court ruling prompts Montgomery to desegregate buses |
| 1957 | Southern Christian Leadership Conference USA King, Martin Luther | |
| King helps found Southern Chris tian Leadership Conference (SCLC), reated to harness the moral authority and organizing power of black churches to conduct non-violent protests in the service of civil rights reform |
| King is an adherent of the philosophies of nonviolent civil disobedience used successfully in India by Mohandas "Mahatma" Gandhi, and applies this philosophy to the protests organized by the SCLC |
| 1958 | Montgomery Bus Boycott USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Montgomery Writes "Stride Toward Freedom", about the bus boycott |
| 1959 | Civil Disobedience USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Visits India to study nonviolence and civil disobedience |
| Writes "The Measure of A Man", from which the piece "What is Man?", an attempt to sketch the optimal political, social, and economic structure of society, is derived |
| 1960 | Pastor USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Atlanta Joins his father as co-pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta |
| 1961 | Southern Christian Leadership Conference USA King, Martin Luther | |
| The FBI begins wiretapping King fearing that Communists are trying to infiltrate the Civil Rights Movement, when no such evidence emerges, the bureau uses incidental details caught on tape over six years in attempts to force King out of the SLCLC |
| 1963 | Arrest USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Birmingham 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 |
| 1963 | Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters USA Randolph, Philip | |
| The Leaders and organizations comprising the Big Six were are ML King, Roy Wilkins , NAACP; Whitney Young, Jr., Urban League; A. Philip Randolph, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; John Lewis , SNCC & James Farmer of the Congress of Racial Equality |
| 1963 | Civil Disobedience USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Washington 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 |
| Birmingham 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 |
| King, representing the SCLC, is among the leaders of the so-called "Big Six" civil rights organizations who are instrumental in the organization of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom |
| 1963 | Congress of Racial Equality USA Farmer, James | |
| The Leaders and organizations comprising the Big Six were are ML King, Roy Wilkins , NAACP; Whitney Young, Jr., Urban League; A. Philip Randolph, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; John Lewis , SNCC & James Farmer of the Congress of Racial Equality |
| The Leaders and organizations comprising the Big Six were are ML King, Roy Wilkins , NAACP; Whitney Young, Jr., Urban League; A. Philip Randolph, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; John Lewis , SNCC & James Farmer of the Congress of Racial Equality |
| 1963 | Demonstrations USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Washington At the time, it the largest gathering of protesters in Washington's history, King's "I Have a Dream" speech electrified the crowd |
| Birmingham Begins the campaign for black civil right |
| Washington 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 |
| Washington Demands include an end to racial segregation in public school; meaningful civil rights legislation, including a law prohibiting racial discrimination in employment; protection of civil rights workers from police brutality & a $2 minimum wage |
| Washington King, representing the SCLC, is among the leaders of the so-called "Big Six" civil rights organizations who are instrumental in the organization of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom |
| Washington More than a quarter million people of diverse ethnicities attend the event, sprawling from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial onto the National Mall and around the reflecting pool |
| Washington The Leaders and organizations comprising the Big Six were are ML King, Roy Wilkins , NAACP; Whitney Young, Jr., Urban League; A. Philip Randolph, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; John Lewis , SNCC & James Farmer of the Congress of Racial Equality |
| 28th Aug Washington 250,000 civil rights supporters join the "March on Washington" |
| 1963 | Demonstrations USA Lewis, John | |
| The Leaders and organizations comprising the Big Six were are ML King, Roy Wilkins , NAACP; Whitney Young, Jr., Urban League; A. Philip Randolph, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; John Lewis , SNCC & James Farmer of the Congress of Racial Equality |
| 1963 | Demonstrations USA Randolph, Philip | |
| The Leaders and organizations comprising the Big Six were are ML King, Roy Wilkins , NAACP; Whitney Young, Jr., Urban League; A. Philip Randolph, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; John Lewis , SNCC & James Farmer of the Congress of Racial Equality |
| 1963 | Demonstrations USA Wilkins, Roy | |
| The Leaders and organizations comprising the Big Six were are ML King, Roy Wilkins , NAACP; Whitney Young, Jr., Urban League; A. Philip Randolph, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; John Lewis , SNCC & James Farmer of the Congress of Racial Equality |
| 1963 | Demonstrations USA Young, Whitney | |
| The Leaders and organizations comprising the Big Six were are ML King, Roy Wilkins , NAACP; Whitney Young, Jr., Urban League; A. Philip Randolph, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; John Lewis , SNCC & James Farmer of the Congress of Racial Equality |
| 1963 | Publication USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Birmingham 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 |
| 1963 | SNCC USA Lewis, John | |
| The Leaders and organizations comprising the Big Six were are ML King, Roy Wilkins , NAACP; Whitney Young, Jr., Urban League; A. Philip Randolph, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; John Lewis , SNCC & James Farmer of the Congress of Racial Equality |
| 1963 | Southern Christian Leadership Conference USA King, Martin Luther | |
| King, representing the SCLC, is among the leaders of the so-called "Big Six" civil rights organizations who are instrumental in the organization of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom |
| 28th Aug Washington Makes the "I have a dream speech" |
| 1963 | Urban League USA Young, Whitney | |
| The Leaders and organizations comprising the Big Six were are ML King, Roy Wilkins , NAACP; Whitney Young, Jr., Urban League; A. Philip Randolph, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; John Lewis , SNCC & James Farmer of the Congress of Racial Equality |
| 1964 | Civil Rights Act USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Congress passes Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing segregation in public accommodations and discrimination in education and employment |
| Congress passes Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing segregation in public accommodations and discrimination in education and employment |
| 14th Oct The youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded to him for leading non-violent resistance to end racial prejudice in the United States |
| Publishes "Why We Can't Wait" |
| Congress passes Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing segregation in public accommodations and discrimination in education and employment |
| 1965 | American Liberties Medallion USA King, Martin Luther | |
| The American Jewish Committee presented King with the American Liberties Medallion for his "exceptional advancement of the principles of human liberty" |
| 25th Mar Montgomery The march finally goes ahead fully, it is during this march that Willie Ricks coins the phrase "Black Power" |
| 1965 | Black Power USA Ricks, Willie | |
| 25th Mar Montgomery The march finally goes ahead fully, it is during this march that Willie Ricks coins the phrase "Black Power" |
| 1965 | Bloody Sunday USA King, Martin Luther | |
| 7th Mar King is not present, after meeting with President Lyndon B. Johnson, he attempts to delay the march until March 8, but the march was carried out against his wishes and without his presence by local civil rights workers |
| 7th Mar King, the SCLC & SNCC organize a march from Selma to Montgomery, the first attempt to march is aborted because of mob and police violence against the demonstrations ends in Bloody Sunday |
| Montgomery 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 |
| 7th Mar King is not present, after meeting with President Lyndon B. Johnson, he attempts to delay the march until March 8, but the march was carried out against his wishes and without his presence by local civil rights workers |
| 7th Mar King, the SCLC & SNCC organize a march from Selma to Montgomery, the first attempt to march is aborted because of mob and police violence against the demonstrations ends in Bloody Sunday |
| 25th Mar Montgomery On the steps of the state capitol building, King delivers a speech that has become known as "How Long, Not Long" |
| 25th Mar Montgomery The march finally goes ahead fully, it is during this march that Willie Ricks coins the phrase "Black Power" |
| 1965 | Demonstrations USA Ricks, Willie | |
| 25th Mar Montgomery The march finally goes ahead fully, it is during this march that Willie Ricks coins the phrase "Black Power" |
| 1965 | Legislation USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Congress passes Voting Rights Act of 1965, which suspends (later bans) literacy tests and other restrictions to prevent blacks from voting |
| Congress passes Voting Rights Act of 1965, which suspends (later bans) literacy tests and other restrictions to prevent blacks from voting |
| Congress passes Voting Rights Act of 1965, which suspends (later bans) literacy tests and other restrictions to prevent blacks from voting |
| 1966 | Chicago Freedom Movement, The USA King, Martin Luther | |
| The SCLC forms a coalition with CCCO, Coordinating Council of Community Organizations, an organization founded by Albert Raby, the combined organizations' efforts are fostered under the aegis of The Chicago Freedom Movement (CFM) |
| Growing popularity of the black power movement, blacks stressing self-reliance and self-defense, indicates King's influence was declining, especially among young blacks |
| King turns toward economic issues; SCLC moves civil rights struggle to the North; opens Chicago office to organize protests against housing and employment discrimination |
| The SCLC forms a coalition with CCCO, Coordinating Council of Community Organizations, an organization founded by Albert Raby, the combined organizations' efforts are fostered under the aegis of The Chicago Freedom Movement (CFM) |
| The SCLC forms a coalition with CCCO, Coordinating Council of Community Organizations, an organization founded by Albert Raby, the combined organizations' efforts are fostered under the aegis of The Chicago Freedom Movement (CFM) |
| 1967 | Civil Disobedience USA King, Martin Luther | |
| King plans Poor People's Campaign; advocates redistribution of wealth to eradicate black poverty |
| 15th Aug Washington Calls for a campaign of civil disobedience to meet black demands |
| King plans Poor People's Campaign; advocates redistribution of wealth to eradicate black poverty |
| 1968 | Arrest USA Ray, James Earl | |
| 8th June London Arrested for the murder of Martin Luther King by Scotland Yard at London airport |
| 1968 | Assassination USA Johnson, Lyndon Baines | |
| 3rd April Memphis Five days later, President Lyndon B. Johnson declares a national day of mourning for the lost civil rights leader |
| 1968 | Assassination USA King, Martin Luther | |
| Mar Memphis King goes to Memphis , Tennessee, in support of the black sanitary public works employees, represented by AFSCME Local 1733, who had been on strike since March 12 for higher wages and better treatment |
| 3rd April Memphis Five days later, President Lyndon B. Johnson declares a national day of mourning for the lost civil rights leader |
| 3rd April Memphis King is booked in room 306 at the Lorraine Motel, owned by Walter Bailey, in Memphis , while standing on the motel's 2nd floor balcony, King is shot at 6:01 p.m. |
| 3rd April Memphis King is pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital at 7:05 p.m. |
| 3rd April Memphis King returns to Memphis and addresses a rally, delivering his "I've been to the Mountaintop" address at Mason Temple (Church of God in Chris t, Inc. - World Headquarters), King's flight to Memphis had been delayed by a bomb threat against his plane |
| 3rd April Memphis The assassination led to a nationwide wave of riots in more than 60 cities |
| 4th April Memphis Shot dead while stepping out onto a motel room balcony in Memphis |
| 1968 | Assassination USA Ray, James Earl | |
| 8th June London Arrested for the murder of Martin Luther King by Scotland Yard at London airport |
| 8th June London Two months after King's death, escaped convict James Earl Ray is captured at London Heathrow Airport while trying to leave the United Kingdom on a false Canadian passport in the name of Ramon George Sneyd |
| 1969 | Arrest USA Ray, James Earl | |
| 10th Mar London Ray is extradited to Tennessee and charged with King's murder, confessing to the assassination, though he recants this confession three days later |
| Mar London On the advice of his attorney Percy Foreman, Ray makes guilty plea to avoid a trial conviction and thus the possibility of receiving the death penalty, Ray is sentenced to a 99-year prison term |
| 10th Mar London Ray is extradited to Tennessee and charged with King's murder, confessing to the assassination, though he recants this confession three days later |
| Mar London On the advice of his attorney Percy Foreman, Ray makes guilty plea to avoid a trial conviction and thus the possibility of receiving the death penalty, Ray is sentenced to a 99-year prison term |
| 2005 | Death USA Parks, Rosa | |
| 25th Oct Montgomery American civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks dies age 92 years old, 50 years earlier, Parks had famously refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus and in doing so catalyzed the American civil rights movement |
| 25th Oct Montgomery American civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks dies age 92 years old, 50 years earlier, Parks had famously refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus and in doing so catalyzed the American civil rights movement |
| 26th Jan Montgomery Condoleezza Rice Attends a memorial service in Montgomery, Alabama, in Rice's home state, for Rosa Parks , an inspiration for the American Civil Rights Movement |
| 26th Jan Montgomery Parks ' act of civil disobedience inspired blacks in Montgomery to boycott the city's buses for more than a year and to successfully challenge the Jim Crow laws that confined them to second-class status in the city. |
