While the outcome of the Civil War led to the most transformational period in American history, the election of President John F. Kennedy led to what is the close second.

 

On October 19, 1960, a Martin Luther King Jr. arrest and ensuing imprisonment led to deep concerns from his family over his unknown whereabouts. His wife, Coretta Scott King who was six months pregnant, contacted the Democratic leading Kennedy campaign for assistance. Jackie Robinson, the famed baseball player, appealed to his party's (Republican) Vice President, Richard Nixon. The responses were polar opposites. While Kennedy expressed empathy and a willingness to help, Nixon was unmoved, refusing any aid.

 

For his courage and bold decision -- to side with the King family when it was largely unpopular with Southern whites, and against the advice of his team -- the Democrat, Kennedy, earned 70% of the Black vote. For perspective, the previous election saw the Republicans garner 60% of this constituent. Kennedy won the election by the closest margin in modern history (until the 2000 election). His election, spurred by his extraordinary gesture, and answered with the majority Black vote, would lead to a multitude of Civil Rights legislation that would transform America -- yet again, after decades of codified inequality.