Reflection Civil Rights Research

Before researching 16th Street Baptists Church and the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham, I only had a broad idea of racism in the city of Birmingham during this time period. I did not know the specific details of what actually occurred and how the African American population was viewed. I did not understand the views of public officials during this time period and how they only cared for the well-being of the white population. These officials hated the African American population and believed them to be a problem in the communities. During peaceful protests, these officials would order the protesters to be taken straight to prison and even ordered them to be sprayed with very powerful water hoses. They even used dogs to scare and even attack the protesters. I also did not know the action that was taken by the children during this time period that helped to turn the tides and force actual action to be taken to help end racism in the city of Birmingham. These children held peaceful protests and even allowed themselves to be taken to prison. These efforts were fueled with passion and brought thousands of children to gather at the 16th Street Baptist Church to form their protest. Without the efforts of these children, they would still have experienced harsh treatment for the rest of their lives.