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Voter Project
Bob Moses proposes the Mississippi Voter Registration Project. -
Volunteers
Early on in 1964, volunteers were asked to apply for the project. While people of all races and genders joined, the majority were northern white people. -
Project Authorized
The Council of Federated Organizations (COFO) officially authorizes the project, hoping to see an increase in volunteers and force the federal government to pass the voting rights legislation. -
Three project workers disappear
James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Mickey Schwerner are reported missing early on June 21st. They were investigating the bombing of Mt. Zion Church. They later were arrested and never heard from again. -
Freedom Summer Project officially begins.
About 500 volunteers and staff were placed all over Mississippi. -
First School Opens
The first Freedom Schools open in Clarksdale, Holly Springs, and Vicksburg. -
Civil Rights Act
President Lyndon B Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which was a major step forward for African American rights. It outlawed many forms of segregation and discrimination. -
MLK Visits
Martin Luther King visits varies cities in Mississippi to show his support for the project. -
Bodies Found
The three men who disappeared in June were found buried underground just outside of Philidelphia, Mississippi. After being arrested, they were released to members of the Ku Klux Klan who beat and tortured them before killing and burying them. -
Murder Suspects
The case of the three men murdered in June was dropped by local courts and moved to federal courts. The FBI found seven people guilty. -
Voting Rights Act
President Lyndon Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act of 1965. "It not only prohibits discriminatory registration provisions but also empowers the federal government to send its own registrars to local courthouses to make sure the law is obeyed." (Freedom Summer Project Timeline, n.d.)