Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Non-Violent Foot Soldiers

By Bill Pfingsten, April 5, 2014

1. Non-Violent Foot Soldiers Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The central principle of the American Civil Rights Movement was non-violence, based on the strategies of Mahatma Gandhi, who led India's independence struggle against the British Empire. Being non-violent did not mean being passive. Using "direct action," protesters aggressively disobeyed unfair segregation laws. This put them on a collision course with the White establishment that refused to change. Protesters were trained to resist, yet not fight violence with violence. They believed that God's divine power and the U.S. Constitution were on their side. They put their beliefs to the test on Birmingham's streets.

Erected by the Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail. (Marker Number A3.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights.

Location. 33° 31.024′ N, 86° 48.8′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker is on 6th Avenue N. 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. A different marker also named Non-Violent Foot Soldiers

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(here, next to this marker); Osmond Kelly Ingram (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Cannons (within shouting distance of this marker); Reflecting Pool (within shouting distance of this marker); Police Presence (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "Peace Be Still" (about 400 feet away); Kneeling Ministers (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 13, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 429 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on May 29, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico. Photo 1. submitted on April 16, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.