February 1965
Events
- February 18, 1965Jimmie Lee Jackson Shot by State Trooper in Marion, Alabama
26-year-old Jimmie Lee Jackson was shot in the abdomen by Alabama State Trooper James Bonard Fowler while shielding his mother during a nighttime voting rights march in Marion, Alabama. Jackson died eight days later. His death directly inspired the plan to march from Selma to Montgomery. Fowler was not charged until 2007.
- February 26, 1965Alabama State Trooper Shoots Jimmie Lee Jackson at Night March
Jimmie Lee Jackson (26), a deacon and voting rights marcher, was shot in the stomach by Alabama State Trooper James Bonard Fowler during a night march in Marion, Alabama. Jackson was beaten while trying to protect his mother and grandfather. He died February 26 after eight days in hospital. His death directly inspired the Selma-to-Montgomery march.
- February 21, 1965Malcolm X assassinated
The revolutionary leader is killed in Harlem, having reshaped Black political consciousness.