The Civil Rights Movement

Birmingham, Alabama

1960

U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregation in interstate travel was unconstitutional

Many wondered if federal and state officials would enforce the Supreme Court decision

Freedom Riders

After the sit-in movement, some SNCC members participated in the 1961 Freedom Rides organized by CORE.

The Freedom Riders traveled the South to see if Supreme Court decision would be enforced

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Freedom Riders, 1961

The Freedom Rides began in Washington, D.C. Freedom Rides were

mostly peaceful until they arrived in Alabama

In Anniston, Alabama, one bus was burned and some riders were beaten. Local law enforcement

did not protect the riders

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Freedom Rides in Birmingham

In Montgomery, a mob attacked the riders when they got off the bus.

Many riders suffered severe beatings in Montgomery. Some of protestors were

arrested for disturbing the peace

Kennedy Administration demanded Governor Patterson protect the Freedom Riders Governor said he could not

guarantee their safety

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Freedom Riders The violence brought national attention to

the Freedom Rides Alabama officials condemned for allowing

the brutality to occur. President John F. Kennedy stepped in to

protect the Freedom Riders Protest continued Gained a lot of national attention Began enforcing federal law

Desegregating Southern Universities

In 1963, the governor of Alabama, George C. Wallace tried to block the desegregation of the University of Alabama.

JFK sent in troops to integrate the university

In June 1963, Kennedy proposed civil rights legislation.

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Birmingham, Alabama

One of the most segregated cities in the South

Nickname: Bombingham

Major focus of protests in 1963

Dr. King actually jailed for a time in this city

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Project C

Local protestors decided picket and march in protest of segregation

Included school children in with the protests

Protestors were arrested Jails filled up, yet there were still many

protestors A frustrated Bull Connor changes tactics

Protestors Attacked

Police use dogs to quell civil unrest in Birmingham, Ala. in May of 1963.

"Bull" Connor also allowed fire hoses to be turned on demonstrators.

Over 500 children were attacked and arrested

National Outrage

National media showed scenes in Birmingham National outrage Bull Connor criticized

Gave more support to JFK’s civil rights bill

Would also help influence the March on Washington