Letters from an American September 14, 2025
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Sep 15, 2025 The podcast poignantly recounts the tragic bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, highlighting the loss of four young lives and its profound impact on the civil rights movement. It delves into the heroic struggle against segregation and the violent resistance from white supremacists. The discussion also emphasizes the relentless pursuit of justice that continues to resonate in American society today, showcasing the legacy of resilience and hope born from such a heartbreaking event.
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Sunday Morning Bombing Killed Four Girls
- Four young girls were killed when dynamite exploded in the 16th Street Baptist Church ladies' lounge on September 15, 1963.
- Addie Mae Collins' sister Sarah survived with serious injuries while the other four died instantly.
Local Actions Tied To National Movement
- Birmingham's desegregation fight followed Brown v. Board and the Montgomery bus boycott, linking local activism to national change.
- Civil rights organizers combined legal action with nonviolent direct action to force public confrontation.
Violent Resistance To School Integration
- On September 9, 1957, Shuttlesworth and others met violent resistance when attempting to enroll Black children in an all-white school.
- Bobby Frank Cherry was captured on video reaching for brass knuckles during that attack.
