Ch. 27,2

Kennedy Takes Action Motivated by attacks on Freedom Riders African American vote had helped JFK win presidency JFK more concerned with Cold War, but did bow to public pressure to act

Increasing Confrontation “Ole Miss”/U of Miss – 1962 – riots over desegregation Attempts to assassinate first black student even after gradation, main helper was killed

MLK in Birmingham April 12, 1963 – protest marches and sit ins MLK Jr. arrested and jailed “Bull Connor” authorized violence to disperse peaceful protestors including children Huge letter writing campaign by general public to White House June 11, 1963 – JFK called on Congress to pass a true civil rights reform bill

1964 – Civil Rights Act 9/15/63 – church bombing in Birmingham 11/22/63 – JFK assassinated Lyndon B. Johnson – shepherded Civil Rights Act through Congress Strong opposition by southern Senators July 1964 – LBJ signed Civil Rights Act Banned segregation, including schools individuals could be prosecuted for violating the civil rights of others Equal Employment Opportunity Commission