Children’s Crusade 50th Anniversary set for 2013

The Birmingham “Children’s Crusade” of 1963 is classified as the civil rights movement most important chapter.  The children of Birmingham brought segregation to its knees. Fire hoses, attack dogs and jail couldn’t break their spirits nor stop them from being catalyst for positive social change.  President John F. Kennedy stated during the summer of 1963 at a White House meeting to plan what eventually became the Civil Rights Act of 1964, “but for Birmingham, we would not be here”.

On Wednesday, April 25, at the Birmingham city council’s committee of the whole meeting, plans were presented for the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Birmingham Children’s Crusade, set for May 2 – 10, 2013.  Council President Roderick Royal sought the help of Foot Soldier’s International, a local nonprofit organization in an attempt to jump start the city’s 2013 year-long activities.  The presentation was opened with a five minute pictorial video depicting the environment in Birmingham that led to the crusade, then showing the dream alive where all children around the world are no longer divided but together in love.

On May 2nd, more than a thousand African American students skipped their classes and gathered at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church to march to downtown Birmingham.  As they approached police lines, hundreds were arrested and carried off to jail in paddy wagons and school buses.  The Birmingham campaign ended on May 10th when Martin Luther King, Jr. and local officials reached an agreement in which the city promised to desegregate downtown stores and release all protestors from jail if the boycotts and demonstrations would end.  Across the South, the triumph in Birmingham inspired similar campaigns; in a ten-week period, at least 758 racial demonstrations in 186 cities sparked 14,733 arrests.  On June 11, 1963 President Kennedy made a historic address on national television, describing civil rights as “a moral issue” and endorsing federal civil rights legislation.  King later wrote, “Looking back, it is clear that the introduction of Birmingham’s children into the campaign was one of the wisest moves we made.

The council president’s request of the Foot Soldier’s International organization is warranted.  One of the principles is a Birmingham native and was one of the children arrested.  Gwen Webb Appling became the 2nd black female hired by the Birmingham police department, is featured in the award winning documentary ‘Mighty Times the Children’s March’ and is an active civil and human rights activist.  J. D. Appling has been in the travel and tourism business thirty years and skilled in tourism economic development.

The proposed nine day commemoration includes a festival, educational opportunities, film festival, concerts, children’s crusade march reenactment and rally, a musical and much more culminated by a red carpet awards event.  The Appling’s believe this nine day event could become the largest in Birmingham; the economic impact could be enormous. Many organizations and current events are being cultivated for inclusion and tour packages are being created.  The objective is to not only make this a worldwide civil and human rights event but a must attend tourism and travel event.

In nineteen sixty three this city was a place and time that changed the world and we have another opportunity in 2013 to change it again.

The 50th Anniversary Commemoration
The Birmingham “Children’s Crusade”
May 2 – 10, 2013

WHY SHOULD WE COMMEMORATE THE “CHILDREN’S CRUSADE” OF 1963:
We must remind our children that the same mantle that God gave the children in 1963, exist today.  That Martin L. King Jr., Dorothy Cotton, Diane Nash, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, James Bevel and the many other civil rights legends did not die in vain; the dream is still alive and well.  We must always remind them that freedom ain’t free and they are only free when the shackles are removed from their minds.  Teaching them they should always turn to each other in love and not on each other with hate; non-violence is still the way.  Our goal is to remind today’s children of the power they possess, just as in 1963.  They must now seize the opportunity to develop their God given skills and talents to become our leaders of tomorrow.

MISSION STATEMENT:
The Birmingham “Children’s Crusade” added a new dynamic to the struggle in Birmingham and is classified by some as the chief watershed of the nonviolent movement in the United States, and the Civil Rights Movement’s most important chapter.  The children of Birmingham brought segregation to its knees, and today’s young people possess that same power; the powers of resistance, rebellion, character and love for humanity.  Fire hoses and attack dogs couldn’t stop those children from being catalysts for positive social change, jails couldn’t break their spirit.
In order to exorcise the painful effects of the events that took place May 2 – 10, 1963, it is our charge and mission to explore this era and tell this story.

ENVIRONMENT:
From 1957 to 1963, there had been 18 bombings in Birmingham, but no arrests. In 1957, the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth was chain whipped by a crowd because he attempted to enroll his children into an all-white school. Ruby, his wife was stabbed.  Again, there were no arrests. In 1961, a black man was dragged from the streets to a shack and then castrated. There were no arrests. Freedom riders were almost beaten to death in 1961 when they entered Birmingham. But there were no arrests. The black children of Birmingham felt oppressed at every turn, and in the spring of 1963 they played a vital role in restoring humanity to themselves and to a race-divided America.  Birmingham, AL., May 2 – 10, 1963, a place and time that changed the world.

After intervention from the U. S. Department of Justice, the Birmingham campaign ended on May 10, 1963 when Martin Luther King, Jr. and local officials reached an agreement in which the city promised to desegregate downtown stores and release all protestors from jail if the boycotts and demonstrations would end.

Across the South, the triumph in Birmingham inspired similar campaigns; in a ten-week period, at least 758 racial demonstrations in 186 cities sparked 14,733 arrests.  On June 11, 1963 President Kennedy made a historic address on national television, describing civil rights as “a moral issue” and endorsing federal civil rights legislation.

NARRATIVE

The city of Birmingham is known worldwide as the epicenter of the modern American Civil Rights Movement and has led some scholars to call Birmingham the site of the Second American Revolution.
President John F. Kennedy stated during the summer of 1963 at a White House meeting to plan what became the Civil Rights Act of 1964, “but for Birmingham, we wouldn’t be here.”
The Birmingham Children’s Crusade:
•    Brought national force to bear on the issue of segregation
•    Was a major factor in the national push toward the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited racial discrimination in hiring practices and public services in the United States
•    Showed that those who fought segregation would bring segregation to its knees
•    Shut down a city to fight social injustice
•    Defied police intimidation

APPROACH

As we review, dialog and discuss the bravery of those Birmingham students who sustained their courage and character for positive social change, we will ask them these questions.  What spurred thousands of children to action?  What gave you the power to rebel and resist?  How is it that children of all ages were the ones to garner the largest victory seen thus far in the civil rights movement?  How did character and the power of love form your actions?

We will ask today’s students similar questions.  What character qualities do I need to develop?  What sustains me?  What keeps me going in the face of adversity?  How can I be a catalyst for positive social change?  What skills will I need?

How can we inspire in today’s students a desire to experience anew the legacy of the children’s movement of 1963?  From our past they have the opportunity to develop their skills in personal growth, leadership, community involvement and relations, teamwork, communications, networking, public speaking and more.

The best and most appropriate approach is to commemorate the Birmingham “Children’s Crusade” and to rejoice in the triumphs achieved in the midst of the tragedies that occurred.  This 50th anniversary is our opportunity to turn pain and tragedy into triumph and victory.

RECOMMENDATION
Develop a week long commemoration, May 2 – 10, 2013, as the official “1963 Children’s Crusade”, declaring by Resolution and Proclamation the official “Birmingham Children’s Crusade” Week.

STRATEGY

• Activities will be centered around Kelly-Ingram Park and the Civil Rights District.
• We are creating an advisory board
• We will solicit input and marketing from the Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau
• We will solicit donations and contributions from corporate and community partners
• Establish a timeline with quarterly reports to contributing entities
• We’re open to suggestions from other organizations

PRELIMINARY ITINERARY

Thursday, May 2      Am – Kickoff Brunch with speaker (speaker – Council President Roderick Royal)
Afternoon/Evening reception at the Civil Rights Institute sponsored by city council

Friday, May 3        10:00am ‘Children’s Crusade’ March reenactment
Afternoon – beginning of ‘Children Crusade’ festival

Saturday, May 4    Continuation of ‘Children’s Crusade’ festival
•    Film festival – Carver Theatre (also show Mighty Times documentary)
•    Food and merchandise venders
•    Voter registration, medical screening, etc.
•    Spoken word, poems, etc. (centered around human and civil rights)
•    Concerts with local entertainment
•    Other events

Sunday, May 5        TBA

Monday, May 6        Civil & Human Rights rally

Tuesday, May 7        TBA

Wednesday, May 8        TBA

Thursday, May 9    Journey to Freedom: Songs and Readings from the Civil Rights movement

Friday, May 10        First Annual ‘Foot Soldiers International’ awards event – A Red Carpet event
•    Showing of “Mighty Times the Children’s March”
•    Participants in the documentary present
•    Producers and directors

Several of the events and activities will be fee based.

There are several collaborative events and organizations currently being cultivated for inclusion May 5th thru 10th.
1.    Birmingham Bar Association
2.    Aldridge Repertory Theatre, Inc.
3.    Leadership Birmingham Youth Forum
4.    Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
5.    Birmingham City School System
6.    16th Street Baptist Church
7.    The Southern Poverty Law Center

Scarface LIVE at Merienda Lounge

Catch rap legend Scareface at the Merienda Lounge, Friday, May 18, 2012 at Celebrity Fridays

Doors open at 9pm.

For tickets and information call (205) 422-9849 or visit www.meriendalounge.com.

Merienda Lounge is located at 420 Richard Arrington Jr.Blvd. South.

Registration Now Open for Lock-In Birminghams YMCA Youth Center Lock-In

Lock-In for ages 12-18 years old, Saturday – May 6, 2012 at the Phillips YMCA. 2400 7th Avenue South. Registration at 6:00pm.

Featuring …

• Zumba classes
• Self-defense
• What’s your Swagger?
• Rock Climbing
• Basketball Tournament
• Cyber Bullying
• Meet the Dog Nurse
• What’s in a Name?
• Spoken Word
• Are you Ready for College?
• and more!

For more information visit www.lockinbirmingham.org.

From The Mountain 2 The Valley THE ONLY CIVIL RIGHTS RADIO TALK SHOW!

PULSE Art to Life audition for singers, musicians, dancers and actors.

PULSE Art to Life will be holding auditions for the most talented performers in Birmingham.  Singers, musicians, dancers, and actors are invited to attend and open casting call to “show us what you’ve got.” If selected you will per-form in the Unveiling Silent Auction at Steel Lounge.

Location:
Homecoming Coffee & Gift Shop
312 Sixteenth Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Date: Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Time: 3pm-5pm
http://mapq.st/H5nt9m
(205) 202-4088

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Imana Berry, Artistic Director
pulsearttolife@gmail.com
205-447-0372

Wendolyn Warren, Executive Director
pulsearttolife@gmail.com
678-793-5004
205-447-0372

New Performing Arts Non-profit holds Unveiling &
Silent Auction Fundraiser

Birmingham-PULSE Art to Life is currently reaching out to local
artists to “Unveil” their talents. Singers, dancers, actors and musi-
cians who have good talent now have an organization that supports
artist and help to build their careers. Performers will have the oppor-
tunity to audition and perform at the 1st Unveiling and Silent Auc-
tion, to be held May 10, 2012, at Steel Lounge on 1st and 23rd.

The mission of PULSE is to cultivate the human spirit with art edu-
cation, training and renderings designed for both the novice and
master artist; to utilize the visual and theatre arts as social preserva-
tion tools for future generations.

The Unveiling and Silent Auction is the 1st fundraiser PULSE has
had where artist will actually perform. The money raised will help
the company file for their non- profit status and come in compliance
with federal government regulations. A portions of all funds raised
will go to the local National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Alabama-
Mississippi Chapter.

Once selected by PULSE as a performer, the artist will remain a part
of the PULSE Art to Life network and are provided with opportuni-
ties to their expand public appearances, work with professionals in
their art, and learn the business side of being a working artist. The
artist will also build self-esteem, learn goal setting, and understand,
how as a performer their art can be used to bring communities to-
gether.

The 2012 Unveiling & Silent Auction auditions will be held April 4,
2012 at Homecoming Coffee & Gift Shop, 312 Sixteenth Street,
Birmingham, AL, 35203. For more information call Imani Berry at
205-447-0372.

Presidential SWAG! Elite Weekend in D.C. this Labor Day!

Join us in the nations capital as Yollo Group services present Elite Weekend D.C. Edition.

Make sure you register today for Presidential SWAG! Labor Day Weekend 2012.(August 31 – September 3rd).

Yollo is taking you to the most elite event in Washington D.C.

Enjoy plenty of entertaining and relaxing activities, all while flexing your Presidential SWAG around the Nations Capital.

For more information visit goyollo.com

8Ball & MJG LIVE @ Merienda Lounge

April 6, 2012 don’t miss the legendary 8Ball and MJG LIVE in Concert @ The Merienda Lounge!  It’s Young Dil’s Birthday Bash

For tickets and VIP Section call (205) 422-9849 or visit www.meriendalounge.com

April 6th, 2012, Doors open at 9pm.

420 Richard Arrington Blvd Corner of 5th Avenue South. Birmingham, AL.

The Style Experience: Runway Obsessions

The Style Experience returns THIS WEEKEND, March 18, 2012 to the Davis Theater in Montgomery, Alabama.

The Style Experience – Runway Obsessions For Colored Girls Who Considered Fashion When the Rainbow is Enuf.

Featuring Ebony Fashion Fair Model Rodney High, Guest Models the Radar Men and hosted by Tonya Terry

Showtime at 6pm.

Then join the producers, models and attendees for the official after party Style Experience After Glow to be held at the Reniesaance Hotel Exchange Bar following the show.

Join us for the Urban Economic Forum hosted by the White House

Urban Business Owners email russ@urbanham.com with your email address for your invitation to the White House Urban Economic Summit.

The White House Business Council, in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration, invite you to participate in an urban economic forum designed specifically to address the needs of urban entrepreneurs in the Birmingham area.

Date: March 5, 2012
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: The Forum, Birmingham, AL

YWCA Central Alabama and NCCJ bring back Anytown Alabama

Birmingham, AL – The YWCA Central Alabama and the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) are excited to host Anytown Alabama this summer, June 3-9, 2012 for high school students across the greater Birmingham area. Applications are currently being accepted by the YWCA.

Anytown Alabama was started in 1989 by the NCCJ and is now part of a partnership between the YWCA and the NCCJ. In 2011 there were over 60 student “delegates” in attendance from across the state of Alabama. This year, students will again engage in a week of learning how they can create change as they build bonds with other students from all walks of life.

At Anytown Alabama, students develop leadership skills that they take back to their schools and communities. They participate in open dialogue, games, and interactive workshops about social justice issues.

Some of the life-changing topics to be covered include: racism, religious oppression, sexism, classism and heterosexism. Students learn how to respond to difficult real-life situations with kindness, courage and respect.  Anytown students leave feeling empowered to make their schools and communities more inclusive.

Anytown Alabama will be held June 3-9, 2012 at the YMCA Hargis Retreat in Chelsea. It is open to current 9th, 10th and 11th graders. Applications are welcomed from students of every race, creed, nationality, school, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status and ability. Interested students must fill out the online application at www.ywcabham.org/AnytownAlabama/applications.asp.

For paper applications and questions please contact the YWCA at anytown@ywcabham.org or (205) 322-9922 Ext. 179. The student application deadline is Friday, April 13.

For over a century, the YWCA Central Alabama has been responding to the needs of women and families by providing: affordable child care for low-income families; child care and after-school enrichment programs for homeless children; affordable housing for families and seniors; a full array of domestic violence services and outreach programs for social justice issues.

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