The Birmingham Children's March: A Day of Courage and Determination

On May 2, 1963, over a thousand African American children marched in the streets of Birmingham, Alabama, in protest of racial segregation and discrimination. The march was organized by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The children faced violence and intimidation from the police and white supremacists, but they remained peaceful and determined. The march was a turning point in the civil rights movement and helped to bring about the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Background

Birmingham was one of the most segregated cities in the United States in the early 1960s. African Americans were denied access to basic amenities such as public transportation, restaurants, and hotels. They were also subjected to violence and intimidation by the police and white supremacists.

The Birmingham Children's March: A Play About the 1963 Children's Crusade for Civil Rights (Civil Rights Arts Project Series)

by Alan Marshall

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1446 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	53 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In 1963, the SCLC decided to launch a campaign in Birmingham to challenge segregation and discrimination. The campaign began with a series of sit-ins at segregated businesses. When the sit-ins failed to bring about any change, the SCLC decided to organize a march of children.

The March

On May 2, 1963, over a thousand African American children gathered at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. They were led by Dr. King and other SCLC leaders. The children marched to City Hall, where they presented Mayor Albert Boutwell with a petition demanding an end to segregation.

The children faced violence and intimidation from the police and white supremacists. The police used fire hoses and attack dogs to try to break up the march. White supremacists threw rocks and bottles at the children and beat them with sticks.

Despite the violence, the children remained peaceful and determined. They sang freedom songs and shouted slogans such as "End Segregation" and "We Shall Overcome." Their courage and determination inspired the nation and helped to bring about the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Aftermath

The Birmingham Children's March was a turning point in the civil rights movement. It showed the world the brutality of segregation and discrimination, and it inspired people all over the world to join the fight for equality.

The march also helped to bring about the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed segregation and discrimination in public places. The act also gave the federal government the power to enforce the law.

The Birmingham Children's March is a reminder of the courage and determination of the African American people who fought for their freedom. It is also a reminder of the importance of nonviolent resistance in the fight for social justice.

The Birmingham Children's March was a day of courage and determination. The children who marched faced violence and intimidation, but they remained peaceful and determined. Their courage and determination inspired the nation and helped to bring about the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Birmingham Children's March is a reminder of the power of nonviolent resistance and the importance of fighting for justice.

The Birmingham Children's March: A Play About the 1963 Children's Crusade for Civil Rights (Civil Rights Arts Project Series)

by Alan Marshall

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1446 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	53 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE