We Who Believe in Freedom: 1964–A Transformative Year in Civil Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights commemorates 1964 as a transformative year for the American civil rights movement. Join us as we look back at the grassroots efforts of Freedom Summer activists in Mississippi, remember the historic signing of the Civil Rights Act effectively ending Jim Crow segregation in the United States, and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic win as the recipient of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, firmly placing the movement on the world stage.

We invite you to visit The Center and view our 2024 rotation of the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection, We Who Believe in Freedom: 1964—A Transformative Year in Civil Rights.

Case Descriptions

Case – Freedom Summer: Eyes on the State of Mississippi

These artifacts highlight the purpose and initiatives of Mississippi Freedom Summer Project  

Archival Material on display: Mississippi Freedom Summer / Council of Federated Organizations Pamphlet 

Provides background information on Mississippi Freedom Summer Project as: 

  • What you can do  
  • COFO (Council of Federated Organizations)  
  • Freedom Schools 
  • Voter Registration  
  • Community Centers  

Case – “A Crucial Step in the Realization of America’s Promise”: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 

These artifacts highlight the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Archival Material on display: Cloture Motion for the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Document highlights the name of the Senators who signed the Civil Rights bill to be passed:

· Senator Everett Dirksen (R-IL)

· Senator Humphrey (D-MN)

· Senator Frank E. Moss (D-UT)

· Senator Eugene J. McCarthy (D-MN)

Case – The Tide of Opinion is in Our Favor”: King & The Nobel Peace Prize 

Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech 

Dr. Martin Luther King eloquently emphasized the urgent need for racial equality and justice, highlighting the pivotal role of nonviolent resistance in achieving lasting social change. This original draft is one of the primary Collection highlights.  

Music for the Movement

Visit our Spotify playlist to here songs that embody the spirit of the 1964 civil rights movement.

"We Who Believe in Freedom" Spotify Playlist

Images from the King Collection

    U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson reaches to shake hands with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after presenting the civil rights leader with one of the 75 pens used to sign the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in Washington, D.C., on July 2, 1964.

    Fannie Lou Hammer was a prominent leader in the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) during the Civil Rights Movement. Known for her activism, Hamer’s impassioned oratory and efforts to secure political representation for African Americans left a mark on the movement and American history.

    Singing “We Shall Overcome,” a group of volunteers begins its journey from Oxford, Ohio, to Mississippi. Despite the dangers, more than 1,000 college students volunteered to register voters, teach civics, and establish community centers in 1964.

    Democratic National Convention, August 24, 1964

    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. looks at his Nobel Peace Prize, December 10, 1964.