On this day in history Martin Luther King Jr. and 51 other protesters were arrested during a sit-in at “The Magnolia Room” in Rich’s Department Store in Atlanta, Georgia.

At the time African Americans were not allowed to try on clothing or sit at a table but were allowed to purchase items which then lead to the reason behind the multiple arrests.

The protesters were later charged with violating legislation. Sixteen peoples charges were dismissed and 35 were released on bond. While King was left in jail due to the 12-month probationary sentence on a charge of driving with an invalid Georgia license prior to the incident.

He was transferred to Reidsville State Prison and sentenced to four months ina Georgia works camp.

King’s attorneys filed an urgent request and intervention by then presidential candidate John F. Kennedy and brother Robert Kennedy.

King was released two days after being incarcerated on October 27,1960.