Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) – 1955

Question 1

What was it?

Answer 1

Founded in 1955 during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
• Led by Martin Luther King Jr. (his first major leadership role).
• It was an organization formed to coordinate and lead the boycott of the segregated bus system in Montgomery, Alabama.

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Question 2

Key features:?

Answer 2

anized carpool systems and alternative transportation for boycott participants.
• Helped sustain the year-long boycott despite arrests, harassment, and violence.
• Provided a platform for MLK’s leadership and the philosophy of nonviolent resistance.
• Brought national attention to the civil rights struggle.

Question 3

Why is it important?

Answer 3

The MIA’s successful boycott led to the Supreme Court ruling bus segregation unconstitutional.
✅ Helped establish MLK as a national civil rights leader.
✅ Served as a model for future civil rights activism and organizing.