Large Civil Rights Demonstration in Forsyth County

January 24th, 1987

January 24th, 1987

Large Civil Rights Demonstration in Forsyth County
How Long Ago?

38 years, 1 month, 18 days ago

Location

Forsyth County, Georgia, United States

Category

Social Movements & Civil Rights

People
  • Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Alonzo Smith
  • Raphael Warnock
Links & References
Tags

Large Civil Rights Demonstration in Forsyth County

Approximately 20,000 protesters gathered in Forsyth County, Georgia, to participate in a civil rights demonstration. Activists marched to advocate for racial equality following historical racial tensions in the county. The protest was organized in response to a racially motivated incident the previous year, as community members aimed to address and challenge ongoing discrimination and harassment against Black individuals. The demonstration drew participants from across the country, highlighting the continued struggle for civil rights in America.

20,000 participants in the civil rights march.

Culminated from racial tensions in the county.

Featured prominent speakers advocating for justice.

Demonstrated the nationwide call for equality.

What Happened?

In January 1987, Forsyth County, Georgia, witnessed a significant civil rights demonstration involving around 20,000 participants. This event was borne from a series of racially charged incidents in the county, particularly an event the previous year where a Black man was threatened by a group of white residents. Activists sought to spotlight the racial discrimination and violence that had plagued the area for decades. The demonstration aimed to reclaim the county as a space for inclusivity and equality.

Encompassing marchers from various backgrounds, the protest featured prominent speakers who addressed the systemic injustices faced by African Americans in Forsyth County and beyond. The event was marked by a strong sense of solidarity and determination, with chants calling for justice echoing through the streets. The march concluded peacefully, showcasing the community's ongoing commitment to civil rights.

Local law enforcement estimated the crowd's size and ensured that the march was conducted without major incidents. The high turnout not only underscored the national concern for civil rights during the 1980s but also served as a catalyst for future community discussions about race relations in the South, drawing attention from various media outlets across the nation.

Why Does it Matter?

The demonstration in Forsyth County is noteworthy as it reflected the ongoing struggle for racial equality that persisted long after the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The large turnout represented a nationwide call to action for civil rights and highlighted the organization strategies employed by activists to confront racial injustice. This event signaled the need for continued advocacy and awareness regarding discrimination and set a precedent for future civil rights mobilizations.

Discover More Historic Events from January 24th

Crime & Law

Larry Nassar Receives 175-Year Sentence

January 24th, 2018 7 years ago

Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics doctor, was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing over 150 young female athletes. The sentencing took place in Michigan, where emotional statements from victims detailed the long-term trauma caused by Nassar's actions, which spanned nearly two decades. His position granted him unsupervised access to these athletes, allowing him to exploit their trust and vulnerability. The lengthy prison term aims to serve justice and give a voice to the victims, marking an important moment in the movement against sexual abuse in sports.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Deadly Bombing at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow

January 24th, 2011 14 years ago

A suicide bomber detonated explosives in the arrivals hall of Moscow's Domodedovo Airport, leading to at least 35 fatalities and injuring around 180 individuals. The attack intensified concerns over security and terrorism in Russia, particularly given the possibility of links to extremist groups in the Caucasus region. This tragic incident drew widespread condemnation and heightened the sense of vulnerability in a major transportation hub.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Cyclone Klaus Strikes Bordeaux, France

January 24th, 2009 16 years ago

Cyclone Klaus made landfall near Bordeaux, France, unleashing powerful winds and torrential rain that led to 26 confirmed deaths. The storm disrupted public transport and severely impacted power supplies across the region. Emergency services responded to numerous calls for assistance as trees were uprooted, vehicles were damaged, and infrastructure faced significant challenges. The cyclone was part of a larger weather pattern affecting Southern Europe, illustrating the increasing frequency of severe weather events attributed to changing climate conditions.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

DHS Commences Official Operations

January 24th, 2003 22 years ago

The United States Department of Homeland Security, tasked with enhancing the nation's security and coordinating counter-terrorism efforts, officially began operations in January 2003. Created in response to the September 11 attacks, this new department consolidated numerous federal agencies to protect the country more effectively. With a budget of over $40 billion, DHS's formation marked a significant shift in U.S. security policy, aiming to prevent future attacks and improve response to disasters and emergencies.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

Japan's First Lunar Probe Launched

January 24th, 1990 35 years ago

Japan launched Hiten, its first lunar probe, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. This mission represented Japan's entry into lunar research, emphasized the advancements in robotic spacecraft technology, and came 14 years after the last lunar probe by the Soviet Union. Hiten was designed to orbit the moon and study its surface, contributing to a deeper understanding of lunar science. Notably, this mission made Japan the first country other than the United States or the Soviet Union to send a robotic spacecraft to the moon, showcasing its growing capabilities in space technology.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Ted Bundy Executed by Electric Chair

January 24th, 1989 36 years ago

Ted Bundy, a notorious American serial killer, was executed in the electric chair at the Florida State Prison. Bundy was convicted of the murders of over 30 young women during the 1970s, and his criminal exploits garnered extensive media attention. His execution followed years of appeals and public outcry surrounding his crimes. The event marked a controversial moment in American criminal justice, highlighting the debates over the death penalty and the societal impact of violent crime.

Continue Reading