Dateline: June 12, 1963

Birmingham: The Beginning of Civil Rights

Movement
Precisely two months ago in Birmingham, Alabama eight white clergymen wrote a letter
urging negroes to engage in local negotiations and to use the courts when their rights are
denied. These eight men had earlier written an appeal for
law and order and common sense for Alabama to deal with
racial problems. A speech given by President Kennedy
yesterday reinforced the Birmingham Truce Agreement
negotiated last month, as he reasoned that our nation was
founded on the principle that all men are created equal.
The clergymen stated that forceful civil actions are
not necessary for African Americans to be allowed their
rights. They believe that it is in fact a significant issue that
African Americans are being denied their rights, but they
also believe that violence is not the answer. In response to
this letter, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote that forceful civil
actions are indeed necessary. King said that the reason for
their marches, sit-ins, etc. is in order to make negotiations
possible. The community constantly refuses to confront the
issue, but with the tension created by their actions, they
make negotiation a necessity.
Martin Luther King explains in his letter that waiting for justice only harms the African
American community. He argues that waiting to negotiate and take actions prolongs the societal
injustice they suffer. It means that African Americans have to endure more lynching, humiliation,
and the denial of their rights -- rights that all men are promised in the United States. King says
that the reason he came to Birmingham was because he believed that the white religious
leaders would understand and support their cause in fighting for justice even though it is a very
prejudice city. King expressed his disappointment that the clergymen do not see eye to eye with
him about desegregation, though he hopes that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon
pass away.
On May 10, 1963, an agreement was finally reached between civil rights protesters and
businessmen of Birmingham. This agreement was later known as the Birmingham Truce
Agreement. Activist organizations, including, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and
Alabama Christian Movement of Civil Rights, agreed to stop demonstrations for certain changes
in racial conditions. The presence of U.S. Assistant Attorney General Burke Marshall in the
attempt to bring racial equality in the city of Birmingham, is a significant step forward.
Nevertheless, it will take time until these changes are completely taken into effect.
The conditions agreed by both parties:
1. Within 3 days after close of demonstrations, fitting rooms will be desegregated.

2. Witithin 30 days after the city government is established by court order, signs on
washrooms, restrooms and drinking fountains will be removed.
3. within 60 days after the city government is established by court order, a program
of lunchroom counter desegregation will be commenced.
4. When the city government is established by court order, a program of upgrading.
Negro employment will be continued and there will be meetings with responsible local
leadership to consider further steps.
U.S President John F. Kennedy responds to the event in
Birmingham by delivering a speech to the nation through
radios and television on June 11, 1963. The Civil Rights
Address by Kennedy marked the first time a president asks
the American citizen to recognize civil rights as a moral issue
in which everyone is advised to contribute to bring justice to
the nation. The nation can only be in peace once
segregation and discrimination completely ends and African
Americans are given their full rights as citizens of America.
The highlight of the speech was perhaps the moment
when Kennedy mentioned civil rights struggle as part of a
political and cultural revolution sweeping the land.
Furthermore Kennedy emphasize the need for equality by inviting Americans of all different
backgrounds to engage in attaining freedom for the nations that reflects the tough work of
democracy. He stated, A great change is at hand, and our task, our obligation is to make that
revolution, that change, peaceful and constructive for all. The main point that impressed most
of the African Americans, including Martin Luther King Jr. was when Kennedy announced his
plans to introduce comprehensive civil right legislation as well as urge states to engage in
school desegregation.