W. A. Gayle suspends discussions; MIA executive board declines King's resignation offer; crowd at mass meeting affirms support for boycott

January 23, 1956

Mayor Gayle declares that there will be no more discussions with black leaders until the MIA is willing to end the boycott. All three members of the city commission announce that they have joined the local Citizens Council. At a meeting of the MIA executive board King offers his resignation, but it is not accepted. A large crowd attending a mass meeting at Beulah Baptist Church affirms support for the boycott.