1968 Social Movements Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1968 Social Movements Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 13 Feb Civil rights protests at universities: On February 13, 1968, civil rights protests occurred at various universities across the United States. These protests were part of a larger movement advocating for racial equality and justice, reflecting the ongoing struggle for civil rights during this period. source: archives.gov
- 05 Mar East L.A. Student Walkouts Begin: On March 5, 1968, approximately 2,000 students from Garfield High School in East Los Angeles initiated a walkout to protest educational inequalities, marking the beginning of the East L.A. walkouts. This movement, involving thousands of students across multiple schools, highlighted systemic issues such as overcrowded classrooms, underqualified teachers, and a curriculum that marginalized Mexican-American culture. The protests were a significant catalyst for the Chicano civil rights movement. source: britannica.com
- 07 Mar 1968 Polish Student Protests: In early March 1968, Polish students initiated protests against censorship and political repression. The unrest began at the University of Warsaw, where students rallied for academic freedom and civil liberties. The demonstrations were met with force by the authorities, leading to widespread unrest across Poland. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Mar Polish Political Crisis Erupts: On March 8, 1968, Poland experienced a significant political crisis as student protests against censorship and political repression escalated. The unrest led to confrontations between protesters and security forces, resulting in widespread arrests and heightened tensions. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 Mar CBS TV suspends Radio Free Europe advertising: In March 1968, CBS Television suspended its free advertising for Radio Free Europe (RFE) due to concerns that RFE did not clearly disclose its sponsorship by the CIA. This decision was part of a broader effort to ensure transparency in media sponsorships during a period of heightened scrutiny over government-funded programs. source: brainyhistory.com
- 18 Mar Birth of Shinichiro Miki, Japanese voice actor: Shinichiro Miki, a prominent Japanese voice actor known for his roles in various anime and video games, was born on March 18, 1968. He has contributed to the voice acting industry with a diverse range of characters, becoming a well-respected figure in the field. source: animenewsnetwork.com
- 19 Mar BBC first color television news broadcast: On March 19, 1968, the BBC aired its first color television news broadcast, marking a significant milestone in broadcasting history. This transition to color television represented advancements in technology and media during the late 1960s. source: bbc.co.uk
- 25 Mar Derry Housing Action Committee Protest: On March 25, 1968, the Derry Housing Action Committee organized a protest in Derry, Northern Ireland, to highlight housing inequalities and demand better living conditions for residents. This event marked a significant moment in the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland, drawing attention to issues of discrimination and social justice. source: bbc.com
- 26 Mar Joan Baez Marries Activist David Harris: On March 26, 1968, folk singer Joan Baez married activist David Harris in a ceremony that reflected their shared commitment to social justice and anti-war activism. Their marriage was emblematic of the cultural and political movements of the 1960s. source: rollingstone.com
- 27 Mar Japanese Cultural and Trade Center opens in San Francisco's Japantown: On March 27, 1968, the Japanese Cultural and Trade Center, now known as the Japan Center, opened in San Francisco's Japantown. Designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the center comprises three malls: Kinokuniya Mall, Kintetsu Mall, and Miyako Mall, and features the Peace Pagoda, a gift from Osaka, Japan. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Apr Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.: Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent civil rights leader, was assassinated on April 1, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. His death sparked nationwide riots and mourning, significantly impacting the civil rights movement. source: archives.gov
- 03 Apr Martin Luther King Jr.'s final speech and impending assassination: On April 3, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his final speech in Memphis, Tennessee, where he spoke about the struggles for civil rights and economic justice. He was assassinated the following day, marking a pivotal moment in American history. source: archives.gov
- 07 Apr National Day of Mourning for Martin Luther King Jr.: Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared April 7 as a national day of mourning. This day was marked by memorial services and reflections on King's contributions to civil rights. source: history.com
- 09 Apr Martin Luther King Jr. laid to rest in Atlanta: Martin Luther King Jr., the prominent civil rights leader, was laid to rest on April 9, 1968, in Atlanta, Georgia. His funeral was attended by thousands, including notable figures from various sectors, reflecting his significant impact on the civil rights movement in the United States. source: history.com
- 18 Apr Amnesty International Netherlands Established: The Dutch Department of Amnesty International was officially formed, expanding the human rights organization's global presence.
- 26 Apr Ohio State University student protest: On April 26, 1968, students at Ohio State University organized a protest against the Vietnam War, reflecting the growing anti-war sentiment among college students during this era. The protest was part of a nationwide movement. source: nytimes.com
- 03 May Sorbonne student protests begin: The Sorbonne student protests began on May 3, 1968, in Paris, marking a significant moment in the student movement. These protests were part of a larger wave of civil unrest that swept through France and influenced global student activism. The events at the Sorbonne became emblematic of the 1968 protests. source: bbc.com
- 07 May May 1968 Paris student protests: On May 7, 1968, the Paris student protests continued to escalate. Following the violent confrontations on May 6, students and teachers marched toward the Sorbonne, leading to further clashes with police. The protests were part of a broader movement that included workers' strikes and widespread demonstrations across France. source: britannica.com
- 12 May March of the Poor Reaches Washington DC: On May 12, 1968, the Poor People's Campaign, led by Martin Luther King Jr.'s associates, culminated in a march to Washington, D.C. This event aimed to address poverty and economic injustice in America, drawing attention to the struggles of marginalized communities. source: britannica.com
- 19 Jun Poor People's Campaign Solidarity Day March: On June 19, 1968, the Poor People's Campaign held a Solidarity Day march in Washington, D.C., drawing between 50,000 and 100,000 participants advocating for economic justice and an end to poverty. source: britannica.com
- 08 Aug Miami race riot: The Miami race riot occurred on August 8, 1968, following tensions between the African American community and law enforcement. The unrest highlighted ongoing racial issues in the United States during the civil rights movement. source: history.com
- 27 Aug Civil rights protest in Derry: On August 27, 1968, a civil rights protest took place in Derry, Northern Ireland. This event was part of a broader movement advocating for the rights of the Catholic minority in a predominantly Protestant region, leading to significant political changes. source: bbc.com
- 07 Sep Miss America Pageant Protest: On September 7, 1968, approximately 400 feminists and civil rights activists, organized by the New York Radical Women, protested the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. They criticized the pageant for promoting restrictive beauty standards and objectifying women, symbolically crowning a live sheep as 'Miss America' to draw parallels between the pageant and livestock competitions. The protesters also highlighted the lack of racial diversity, as the pageant had never crowned a Black woman. Despite media reports suggesting the burning of bras, no such act occurred during the protest. source: history.com
- 09 Oct People's Democracy founded: On October 9, 1968, the People's Democracy was founded, marking a significant political development in the context of global leftist movements. This organization aimed to promote democratic socialism and was part of a broader trend of political activism during the late 1960s. Its establishment reflected the growing desire for social change among various groups. source: britannica.com
- 14 Nov National Turn in Your Draft Card Day: On November 14, 1968, anti-war activists organized a National Turn in Your Draft Card Day to protest the Vietnam War. This event aimed to encourage individuals to publicly reject the draft and express their opposition to the war. source: archives.gov
- 25 Nov Death of Upton Sinclair: Upton Sinclair, the American author and social activist known for his novel 'The Jungle', passed away on November 25, 1968. His works often highlighted social injustices and the plight of the working class, making significant impacts on American literature and politics. source: britannica.com
- 28 Nov John Lennon fined for drug possession: On November 28, 1968, John Lennon was fined for possession of marijuana after a police raid on his home. This incident highlighted the scrutiny faced by celebrities during the counterculture movement of the 1960s. source: theguardian.com
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