#OTD20 | September 15, 1963
Birmingham Church Bombing
September 15, 1963: Four young girls are killed when a makeshift bomb explodes at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
The church is not only a place of worship, but a sanctuary for those fighting for racial equality, and a target for the violent white supremacists who wish to keep the city segregated.
The act of terror claims the lives of Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Denise McNair and injures many others. The FBI quickly identifies four suspects, but the local investigation goes nowhere and the perpetrators escape justice for years.
This devastating tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated racism and hatred that persisted in the American South and the sacrifices of those who dared challenge Jim Crow.
Viewing Options
The Civil Rights Movement, from AMERICA IN THE 20TH CENTURY, chronicles many of the iconic moments in the struggle for justice and equality. Spanning nine video chapters and more than 100 minutes, it is the leading standards-based resource on this important era.
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#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
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September 15, 1963: Birmingham Church Bombing
#OTD20 — September 15, 1963: a bomb explodes at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama killing four young girls: Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Denise McNair.
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