Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Leaving Town, But Not the Battle
March Route for Moral Justice
— Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 26, 2021
1. Leaving Town, But Not the Battle paired marker
Segregation was still a way of life despite the ACMHR's heroic and dangerous direct action campaigns and its multiple lawsuits. Rev. Shuttlesworth knew he needed to put more pressure on the city. He and other ACMHR leaders spent several years urging Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to bring the SCLC - and the national attention that followed him - to Birmingham. He finally agreed to a joint direct action campaign of the local ACMHR and the national SCLC. They believed that a victory in Birmingham would break the back of racial segregation across the country. Bethel was bombed a third time in December 1962, even though Rev. Shuttlesworth was no longer its pastor.
"I organized to fight segregation. This means you can never be still."
Rev. Fred. L. Shuttlesworth
Bethel Baptist's pastor from 1953 to 1961.
Lesson F14: What impact did Rev. Shuttlesworth's leaving have on the ACMHR and the Birmingham Movement?
Erected by the Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail. (Marker Number F14.)
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 month for this entry is December 1962.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. ACMHR & the Student Activists (a few steps from this marker); ACMHR & the Second Revolution (within shouting distance of this marker); The Movement's Fearless Leader (within shouting distance of this marker); The Second Bethel Bombing (within shouting distance of this marker); Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth Bethel Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); A New Organization is Born (within shouting distance of this marker); A New Strategy: All-Out Attack (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bethel's Pastor Leads the Leaders (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.
More about this marker. The primary marker, of this set of two markers, was apparently knocked down and previously was sitting at the foot of this marker. It can be viewed in the April 2017 Google Street View but is now no longer there.
Regarding Leaving Town, But Not the Battle. The Civil Rights Activist Committee “Home of the Foot Soldiers“ is the Information
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 26, 2021
2. Leaving Town, But Not the Battle paired marker
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 26, 2021
3. Leaving Town, But Not the Battle Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 139 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 28, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo and text of the F14 primary marker. • Can you help?
