Saturday, May 14, 2022
During our packed day of exploring and learning about the Civil Rights Movement, a common theme at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute was the impacts and processes of dismantling segregation. The above quote, delivered to us via an intro video presented before entering the exhibits, explained the strength and power that black communities had during times of segregation. Black communities established community spaces, schools, and churches that were integral not only for building community with one another, but for planning civil rights protests and boycotts. As the video finished and the screen lifted, the beginning of the exhibit was revealed, starting with two water fountains labeled “colored” and “white”, giving us a very clear visual of what segregation was like for people living during this time. As each of us walked through the museum deeply reflecting on the images, words and exhibits that were presented to us, we discovered the intense level of planning, courage, and persistence each individual had in this process.
For some of us, learning the role that kids had in the movement was deeply striking, considering that this tactic was deemed effective; the images of children being arrested and put into jail by police officers impacted the community on a different level. Another moving piece of history was learning about the children in Kelly Ingram Park who were peacefully protesting against segregation. They were viciously attacked with high pressure fire hoses and violent police dogs. The part of the exhibit that explained this event in history overlooked the park, which was our next stop.
At the park, we saw statues dedicated to these children, showing us the fire hoses used against them, along with the fear and dedication in their faces. The dedication that these incredible young people had in this movement inspired us to continue to use our voices and stand against the injustices happening currently in our world.
Next, we visited the 16th st. Baptist Church where a horrific bombing occurred on September 16 1963, killing 4 young girls; Addie Mae Collins, Carol Denise McNair, Carole Rosamond Robertson and Cynthia Dionne Wesley. Sarah Collins, a sister of one the victims, was also injured. It’s impossible to imagine the level of hatred and violence that an individual has to be able to bomb a church full of innocent people, but unfortunately this was a common occurrence across Birmingham. This occurrence was so common that Birmingham was called “Bombingham”.
After the 16th street Baptist Church, we changed up the content of history by visiting a Queer History exhibit, put on by the Invisible Histories Project. This non profit works to preserve, collect, and make accessible the Queer and Trans history of the Deep South. The Gay Rights movement was connected to the civil rights movement by how individuals were inspired to use the same strategies of fighting for equality. There was even an overlap in activists who participated in both movements. This exhibit brought joy and laughter into our day after focusing on some heavy topics. As important as it is to sit with the heavy information it is just as equal to learn about the resilience and radical pride that communities had throughout history.
We ended our day with some delicious local ice cream and an unexpected rainstorm which resulted in a very wet but energetic game of basketball back at home.
As we stepped away from this emotion filled day we are taking with us how communities can rise to build resilience and not let acts of violence take their power away.
-Sonya Slyapich and Sophia Riccardi