Drew Becker
22-3-18
CRW
Henderson
The Birmingham Church Bombing
The 1960s was known for its upheaval and civil unrest. One of the most notable examples was the Birmingham Church bombing. The bombing influenced not only the civil rights movement in the United States. It also influenced the world, and caused many after effects. We still feel the effects today.
On September 15,1963, a bomb went off at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. 4 girls were killed, and 14 were injured. The suspects were 3 former Ku Klux Klan members. The victims were Addie Mae Collins,14, Denise McNair,11,Carole Robertson,14, Cynthia Wesley, 14. The children were attending a mass service held at the church.
Robert Edward Chambliss, Thomas Blanton, Bobby Frank Cherry, and Herman
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He is housed at St. Clair Correctional Facility in Alabama. He is the only surviving perpetrator. In August of 2016, Blanton was denied parole. He asked to die a free man, but will not be eligible for parole until 2021. He is 79-80 years old.
Bobby Frank Cherry was born June 20th,1930 and died November 18th,2004 in prison. He was sentenced to life in prison after a sensationalized trial in 2001. During the trial, it was revealed that Cherry had attacked a black minister with brass knuckles in 1957. The minister was trying to integrate schools. Cherry’s ex-wife Willadean Brogdon reported that Cherry bragged about being “the one” who planted the bomb.
The bombing shocked the world. 800 ministers attended the funeral for the victims. In attendance was Dr. King. He gave the eulogy, which was heard by the 3,300 at the funeral. "This tragic day may cause the white side to come to terms with its conscience. In spite of the darkness of this hour, we must not become bitter ... We must not lose faith in our white brothers. Life is hard. At times as hard as crucible steel, but, today, you do not walk alone." (King