1960s Timeline

May 5, 1962 - Malcolm X, Minister of Nation of Islam Mosque No. 7 in Harlem, traveled to Los Angeles and held a news conference today concerning the clash between police and Black Muslims on April 28 that resulted in the death of Muslim Ronald T. Stokes. Mr. X accused Los Angeles Police Chief William H. Parker of Gestapo tactics and false propaganda. He charged that a squad of 75 officers shot or clubbed 16 Muslim members during the clash. The violence began, he said, when th

May 5, 1962 - Charges of violence and brutality were exchanged between Los Angeles officials and Negro leaders after the death this week of a Black Muslim. A grand jury investigation was set for May 15. Meanwhile, nine members of the Black Muslims were arraigned (pictured) on criminal charges of assault with intent to commit bodily harm. Six wounded Muslims, awaiting arraignment, were recovering in Los Angeles General Hospital. Ronald T. Stokes, 29, secretary of Los Angeles N

May 1, 1962 - Police Chief William H. Parker (pictured left with Mayor Sam Yorty) warned the criminal complaints committee of the Los Angeles grand jury today that there “are bound to be more frequent” clashes between his force and the Black Muslim brotherhood. One member of the Black Muslims was killed and six were wounded Saturday in a battle outside a Muslim Temple. Seven police officers were injured. Maclolm X, national spokesman for the Nation of Islam, has charged polic

Aug. 27, 1961 - About 5,000 persons jammed a Harlem armory today to hear Elijah Muhammad, Negro Muslim leader (far right). Those attending were carefully searched because of a death threat against Mr. Muhammad. A hundred policemen were stationed outside, but they were not needed. In his address, Mr. Muhammad said: "Negroes inhabited the earth and had a civilization when whites were savages living in caves. I am not teaching segregation, I am teaching separation. I am not teac