#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.
Additional Resources
Access more information from Media Rich Learning and curated off-site sources.
#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
September 15, 1916: First Use of Tanks in Combat
#OTD20 — September 15, 1916: History is made as military tanks roll into combat for the first time during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, part of the Somme Offensive.
September 13, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith Elected to Senate
#OTD20 — September 10, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith is elected to the U.S. making her the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress.
September 12, 1962: JFK Pledges “We Go to the Moon…”
#OTD20 — September 12, 1962: JFK delivers his “We Go to the Moon” address at Rice University, challenging the nation to land a man on the moon within the decade.
September 11, 1973: Coup Topples Government in Chile
#OTD20 — September 11, 1973: a military coup topples the democratically-elected government in Chile.
September 9, 1916. Woodrow Wilson Urges Patience on Women’s Suffrage
#OTD20 — September 9, 1916: President Woodrow Wilson speaks in Atlantic City, urging patience on the issue of women’s suffrage.
September 8, 1945. Korea Partitioned at 38th Parallel
#OTD20 — September 8, 1945: American troops arrive in Korea, initiating the division of the peninsula along the 38th parallel.
September 8, 1945: Huey “The Kingfish” Long Shot
#OTD20 — September 10, 1935: Senator Huey Long, a prominent figure during the Depression-era politics, is shot while at the Louisiana state capital in Baton Rouge.
September 7, 1940. Luftwaffe attacks. London Blitz Begins.
#OTD20 — September 7, 1940: The Blitz of London begins as the German Luftwaffe launches a devastating attack on the city. By day’s end, one thousand Londoners are dead.
Introducing #OTD20: Your Daily Dose of History
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