How The Children’s Crusade Put All Eyes On Birmingham

black children walking and guarded by state police
Via flickr
Adé Hennis
September 16, 2024

James Bevel of the SCLC recruited as many youth as possible in Alabama, especially popular quarterbacks and cheerleaders who could inspire their peers to join a historic cause. But their battle was far more important– and more physically violent–than any contact sport.

On May 2, 1963, over 1,000 students from 7 to 18 years old skipped school to participate in the Children’s Crusade in Birmingham – a peaceful protest against segregation. Hundreds of students were arrested on the first day, but the following days were nightmarish.

Birmingham’s commissioner of public safety ordered police and fire departments to use force in a desperate attempt to halt the movement. For nearly a week, these young protesters were blasted by hoses, clubbed by police, and mauled by police dogs.

After an eruption of national outrage and more than 2,000 children packed into jail cells, the city’s political and business leaders had no choice but to negotiate. On May 10, the city agreed to desegregate Birmingham’s lunch counters, restrooms, and businesses.

Not even children are spared from the brutality of racism. Yet their resilience, in this instance, inspires us all to continue our fight for liberation. What role should children play in fighting against oppression?

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