Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Birmingham City Hall
Destination
— Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 5, 2021
1. Birmingham City Hall Marker
Birmingham City Hall was the administrative center for the enforcement of local segregation codes. Thus, this building was one of the major destination points for the “Project C" marchers in the 1963 Birmingham Campaign. Its 19th Street entrance was the targeted destination during the marchers. Here is where they demanded an end to the city's racial segregation laws. Public Safety Commissioner Eugene “Bull” Connor used the city's oppressive police force to vigorously defend and enforce these laws. Connor's office was located in City Hall. As he came out of his office during the 1963 demonstrations, he ordered police to arrest some of the child protestors and put them in a holding cell in City Hall's basement. After 1963, Birmingham's African American citizens continued to march on City Hall to protest police brutality and put an end to racially discriminatory hiring practices within the police force.
"Our little folks made it to City Hall to pray today."
Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth
at a Sixth Avenue Baptist Church mass meeting on May 2, 1963, commending the young demonstrators.
Lesson C30: How can American citizens organize themselves to change or influence our form of government?
Erected by
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 2, 1963.
Location. 33° 31.2′ N, 86° 48.668′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker is on 19th Street North north of 7th Avenue North, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Birmingham AL 35203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Greyhound Bus Station (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stand for Freedom (within shouting distance of this marker); A City of Two Governments (within shouting distance of this marker); Arrested at City Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Joining the Marches (about 300 feet away); Birth of an Icon (about 300 feet away); Answering the Call (about 400 feet away); Love & Marriage (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.
Regarding Birmingham City Hall. The Civil Rights Activist Committee “Home of the Foot Soldiers“ is the Information Center for the Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 5, 2021
2. Birmingham City Hall Marker
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 5, 2021
3. Birmingham City Hall Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 187 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 7, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
