60 years since ‘The Children’s Crusade’ changed Birmingham and the nation

Birmingham, Alabama commemorates the 60th anniversary of the city’s ‘Children’s Crusade,’ a turning point in the civil rights movement.

Historical background: Thousands of children marched in the streets of Birmingham in 1963 to demand an end to segregation and were met with brutal force.
* The brutality faced by the young protestors, who became known as foot soldiers, shocked the world and contributed to the passage of the Civil Rights Act.

Remembering the movement: Civil Rights Activist Committee Chair, Paulette Roby, shares her experiences as a foot soldier during the Children’s Crusade.
* Roby reflects on the non-violence teachings by Revs. Martin Luther King, Jr., Fred Shuttlesworth, and James Bevel and the courage they provided to protestors.

The importance of remembrance: Civil rights activists encourage the teaching of these historical events to ensure the legacy of the Birmingham movement is not forgotten.
* Some leaders and legislators are trying to prevent the study of Black history, which activists argue is a critical part of American history.

Continuing the struggle: While acknowledging the progress made in the intervening decades, Roby emphasizes that the fight for equal rights is far from over.

View original article on NPR

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