BIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — On May 2, 2013, over 1,400 Birmingham area high school and college students, local citizens, civic leaders and visitors from around the nation will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Children's March of 1963. Hosted by Birmingham City Councilor Jay Roberson and Pastor of the historic Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Reverend Arthur Price, Jr., students will reenact this pivotal moment in the history of our nation with the March for Change beginning at 12pm at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130501/PH04950 )
The Children's March of 1963, dubbed the Children's Crusade, was a major catalyst of the Civil Rights Movement, providing a vivid image of the racial injustice that school-age children, and their adult counterparts, battled on a regular basis. The courage and sacrifice displayed paved the way for the March on Washington five months later, and eventually the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The goal of this 50th Anniversary Reenactment and teach-in is to allow the children of 1963 to inspire the students of today, empowering them to address the larger issues facing their own generation.
Moving literally and figuratively from the past into the present, students will march from the historic and storied Kelly Ingram Park to the city's new Barons' Stadium and award-winning Railroad Park. Prior to this, students will attend a program at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, where in addition to watching a documentary that chronicles the Civil Rights Movement, students will interact with individuals who marched, protested, and were jailed during the height of the activity. "These young people will be a part of a reenactment that changed not only this city, but changed this state and the world," said Councilor Roberson.
Speaking further, Pastor Price added, "We are excited about the reenactment of the children's march and the opportunity it presents for the high school students in our area to reflect on the rich history of Birmingham. Out of that tumultuous time for our city arises many lessons on reconciliation and hope. Lessons we hope each participant will carry with them wherever their life journey takes them."
The public is invited and encouraged to participate by joining the marchers at Kelly Ingram Park at 12 noon on Thursday, May 2.
For additional information, contact the office of Birmingham City Councilor Jay Roberson at 205-254-2498 or via social media, visit www.facebook.com/BirminghamMovement on twitter, hashtag #March4Change
Media Contact: For press credentials or coverage requests, please contact Email.