By May 1963, African Americans in Birmingham, Alabama, had had enough of segregation and police brutality. But with their lives and jobs at stake, most adults were hesitant to protest the cityÕs racist culture. Instead, children and teenagersÑlike Audrey, Wash, James, and ArnettaÑ marched to jail to secure their freedom.
At a time when the civil rights movement was struggling, BirminghamÕs black youth answered Dr. Martin Luther KingÕs call to Òfill the jailsÓ of their city. In doing so, they drew national attention to the cause, helped bring about the repeal of segregation laws, and inspired thousands of other young people to demand their rights.
Combining extensive research and in-depth interviews with protesters, Cynthia Levinson recreates the events of the Birmingham ChildrenÕs March from a new and very personal perspective.