Children’s Crusade in Birmingham
More than a thousand Black schoolchildren marched in Birmingham in May 1963, filling the jails when adult protesters dwindled. Commissioner “Bull” Connor ordered fire hoses and police dogs against these young protesters. The disturbing images appeared in newspapers worldwide. Many children were injured as water pressure tore clothing and skin. Some were as young as six years old. Their courage broke the stalemate in Birmingham and pressured businesses to desegregate.
