Overview
In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas that schools legally segregated by race were unconstitutional. It was the first major case won by activists for civil rights, and sparked a decade of reform in which people across America came together to fight injustice and end oppression.Few places were more oppressive to African Americans than Birmingham, Alabama. Lorded over by authoritarian Sheriff Bull Connor, blacks were treated without respect or dignity throughout the city. Even worse, the city was the site of numerous bombings, meant to frighten the city's black citizens away from pursuing any kind of civil rights.
Led in part by Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, a black minister whose own church had been the target of two bombs, the people of Birmingham began to protest, demanding a change in the city governmental structure that allowed racist politicians to control the town. Soon, Martin Luther King Jr. arrived in the town, and the nation's eyes were on the small southern city. King was promptly jailed, but his efforts were picked up by the young school students of Birmingham, who proudly marched on their own, unafraid of being sent to jail and the cruel authority of Bull Connor and his men. Their efforts were key to the protests in Birmingham, one of the central conflicts and sites of the Civil Rights movement, the defining moment of an era that would change America forever.
Synopsis
In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas that schools legally segregated by race were unconstitutional. It was the first major case won by activists for civil rights, and sparked a decade of reform in which people across America came together to fight injustice and end oppression.
Few places were more oppressive to African Americans than Birmingham, Alabama. Lorded over by authoritarian Sheriff Bull Connor, blacks were treated without respect or dignity throughout the city. Even worse, the city was the site of numerous bombings, meant to frighten the city's black citizens away from pursuing any kind of civil rights.
Led in part by Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, a black minister whose own church had been the target of two bombs, the people of Birmingham began to protest, demanding a change in the city governmental structure that allowed racist politicians to control the town. Soon, Martin Luther King Jr. arrived in the town, and the nation's eyes were on the small southern city. King was promptly jailed, but his efforts were picked up by the young school students of Birmingham, who proudly marched on their own, unafraid of being sent to jail and the cruel authority of Bull Connor and his men. Their efforts were key to the protests in Birmingham, one of the central conflicts and sites of the Civil Rights movement, the defining moment of an era that would change America forever.
Children's Literature
AGERANGE: Ages 12 up.
In many ways Birmingham, Alabama, in the 1960s was the front line in a war of ideas. On the one side stood the ranks of white supremacy, chronic injustice, violent hatred, and an unwillingness to acknowledge the elemental human rights of African Americans. On the other side stood the believers in equality, racial justice, equal opportunity, and an end to the inhumanity of a "separate but equal" society. In the early 1960s these forces collided in this Alabama city. The result of that clash was a mass transportation strike, church bombings, attacks on busloads of freedom riders, and the ultimate victory of Dr. Martin Luther King and his supporters. It is this compelling story that William Boerst tells in this title, a part of "The Civil Rights Movement" series by Morgan Reynolds. As in the case of other books in this series, this particular work is based upon firm scholarship, the capacity to tell a story in a way that captures the reader's attention, and a balanced approach. As a result, Marching in Birmingham fulfills its charge and provides readers with important information about events that helped shape the nation. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck
Editorials
Children's Literature
AGERANGE: Ages 12 up.In many ways Birmingham, Alabama, in the 1960s was the front line in a war of ideas. On the one side stood the ranks of white supremacy, chronic injustice, violent hatred, and an unwillingness to acknowledge the elemental human rights of African Americans. On the other side stood the believers in equality, racial justice, equal opportunity, and an end to the inhumanity of a "separate but equal" society. In the early 1960s these forces collided in this Alabama city. The result of that clash was a mass transportation strike, church bombings, attacks on busloads of freedom riders, and the ultimate victory of Dr. Martin Luther King and his supporters. It is this compelling story that William Boerst tells in this title, a part of "The Civil Rights Movement" series by Morgan Reynolds. As in the case of other books in this series, this particular work is based upon firm scholarship, the capacity to tell a story in a way that captures the reader's attention, and a balanced approach. As a result, Marching in Birmingham fulfills its charge and provides readers with important information about events that helped shape the nation. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck
School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up- Beginning with descriptions of African Americans' segregated and oppressive living conditions prior to the Civil Rights era, these books chronicle significant events in the struggle for equality. Freedom Summer discusses the collaborative strategies black and white Americans (especially privileged white college students) devised to dismantle the restrictive, often violent measures used in the South to prevent most African Americans from voting. Birmingham focuses on Alabama and the organized efforts by both black and white Americans to end local-government-sanctioned segregation and inequality. These titles are visually appealing with generous white space around the texts. Throughout, mostly black-and-white historical photos-some famous, others not-enhance the narratives. Also adding impact are numerous dramatic accounts by participants in the struggle. For the most part the books are easy to read; however, occasionally flashbacks to events leading up to a particular situation can be somewhat jarring. The authors do a good job of detailing some of the behind-the-scenes challenges, frustrations, and tensions within and between the various organizations and individuals involved in the campaign for civil rights. The difficulties, struggles, divisions, and uncertainties of the country in confronting and dealing with the reality of its own history and image are well highlighted, especially in Freedom Summer . Good general resources.-Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
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