More Than 2,000 Arrested
by: Dr. Clint Wilson
In what was perhaps the largest anti-segregation demonstration ever held in the South, police arrested and jailed more than 2,000 persons who peacefully sought to integrate Birmingham, Ala. lunch counters and other public facilities run by local merchants.
The nonviolent demonstration lasted a month and included children and adults as well as people of good will from the white and Jewish communities. Financial support was provided by sympathizers across the nation including baseball hero Jackie Robinson, singer Ella Fitzgerald and numerous other celebrities.
Finally, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference proclaimed victory after a settlement was reached with Birmingham officials and merchants. Upon receiving the news from its correspondents on the scene, the New York Amsterdam News headlined the story on page one.
“We Have Won In Birmingham”
BIRMINGHAM, ALA. - - The Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth announced at 3:15 p.m. New York time that there would be no further demonstration in Birmingham while "good bargaining is going on in good faith." The announcement came ...
1861 – Blacks Prevented From Carrying Flag This brief commentary appeared in a black newspaper in New York and reveals what life was like for some African Americans who lived in the North during the Civil War.
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