2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: Birmingham AL

Birmingham, Alabama has a significant place in Black history, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. The city was known as "Bombingham" due to the numerous racially motivated bombings that occurred targeting African American homes and businesses.

One of the most infamous events in Birmingham's history was the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963, which killed four young African American girls - Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Carol Denise McNair. This tragic event galvanized the Civil Rights Movement and brought national attention to the racial injustices occurring in the South.

Birmingham was also a center of protest and activism led by prominent Civil Rights leaders such as Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Birmingham Campaign in 1963, which included nonviolent protests and sit-ins, led to the desegregation of public facilities and businesses in the city.

The brutal response of authorities, including the use of police dogs and fire hoses on peaceful protesters, captured the attention of the nation and helped spur the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Overall, Birmingham's role in Black history is a reminder of the resilience and courage of African Americans in the face of severe oppression and discrimination, and the pivotal role played by the city in the fight for civil rights and equality.