Today's travels took my mom and me to Birmingham, AL. I had several stops on my always-there list: 16th Street Baptist Church, Birmingham Museum of Art, Sloss Furnaces and Whole Foods. Yep, Whole Foods - we don't have one in my home town and dealing with my hypothryoidism has led me to healthier eating....usually. :)
First stop....16th Street Baptist Church
This church was the first house of worship for African Americans in Birmingham. It was established in 1873. After moving and having that building condemned, this building was built in 1911. This church is very active in the community as a "tourist spot" but more importantly as a house of God. Tours can be scheduled and you can worship here during the church's regular services.
Unfortunately, it became well-known when, on September 15, 1963, it was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan. Four young girls were killed: Denise McNair (11), Addie Mae Collins (14), Carole Robertson (14), Cynthia Wesley (14). The girls were getting ready to lead in the 11:00 adult service. It was targeted because the church had been a staging ground for activism in the Civil Rights movement.
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| Currently, a photo of the 4 girls is displayed on both sides of the sanctuary. |
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| The bomb was under these steps. |
The surge of anger and emotions following the death of these girls and President John F. Kennedy two months later helped ensure the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
The church became a National Historic Landmark in 2006.
For more information:
http://16thstreetbaptistchurch.businesscatalyst.com/
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