Baptist Church Bombing: A Tragedy

Engl 165-04 Fall '22

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One event in March book three, pages 1-61, that stood out to me the most was the 16th street church bombing. This event was tragic and heartbreaking. Since the church was a meeting place for civil rights activist groups, it was unfortunately targeted.  This makes the event even more disheartening. The news coverage it seemed to get at the time is also somewhat unsettling.

In the book, the news report said that the church bombing was breaking news and that no causalities had been reported at the time. However, as we know, there were four causalities and many injuries. Today, any causalities or injuries would be known almost instantly and would get worldwide attention for weeks. If you look up the bombing today, there are countless reports and pictures and videos about the four girls that unfortunately lost their lives. They are honored and respected and even still mourned. Where was that national coverage for them in the 60s?

I personally think that no matter where the activists decided to meet, the same thing would have happened. Their actions were pure and honest, and they were only working for the human good. They could not have changed their actions or choices in order to have a different outcome. As unfortunate as that sounds, I honestly believe it was true. Sadly, people filled with hate will carry out actions of hate no matter what.

The people that witnessed this bombing had a choice as to what to do with the information they knew. After the bombing, there were four suspects, but due to witnesses being too reluctant to talk, they weren’t convicted until many years later. If I could put myself in the shoes of one of the witnesses, I would tell the truth about what I saw and work my hardest to get justice.

 
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Death and Chaos in March Book 3

Engl 165-04 Fall '22

The third book of March opens up with the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. I was going to write about this incident but I find it hard to write about what the characters could have done differently because the bombings were so unexpected. The death and chaos scene I would like to discuss is when the police officer shot and killed an innocent sixteen year old African American teen named Johnny Robinson. In the news, this police officer was never indicted because he claimed that it was all an accident. This police officer or anyone in general should not take an innocent person’s life away for any reason. It should not matter what religion you believe in, what your origin, race, or color is. In today’s society, this reminds me of George Floyd’s death in 2020. George Floyd was an innocent African American who was killed by a white police officer. The only difference between these two events was the fact that George Floyd was not a teenager, he was not killed in Birmingham, Alabama, and he was not shot by a police officer. If I was this police officer I would not have killed an innocent person unless I see someone is about to put my life in danger. In addition, I would not have lied and said that this incident was an accident when it was clearly racially motivated. Now, if I were in the shoes of the sixteen year old, Johnny Robinson, I would have tried to run away as quickly as possible away from all of the death and chaos to prevent myself from being killed by white supremacists. Lastly, the choices that this police officer made caused a bad outcome because it resulted in the death of an innocent person.

 
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16th Street Baptist Church Bombing

Engl 165-04 Fall '22

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On September 15, 1963, 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama was bombed. In March Book 3, the drawings depict a specific narrative. A woman goes to check on some of the girls during Sunday School as they are hiding in the bathroom to talk. One of the girls is named when the woman returns to her own Sunday School class and tells another woman that her daughter, Denise, is talking with her friends in there. Right after this conversation finishes, the bombing takes place. We then find out that Denise McNair and three other girls died. Three of the girls, including Denise, were 14 years old and the fourth one was 11.

The bombing of this Birmingham church did receive lots of coverage. Many White people were shocked and enraged because of the incident. Over 8,000 people attended the girls’ funeral service. The culprits for this crime weren’t sentenced to anything until many years later. Three out of four of the men did end up in jail for what they did. Robert Chambliss was convicted of the murder of the girls in 1977. Thomas Blanton and Bobby Frank Cherry were both convicted in the early 2000s. Herman Cash, the fourth bomber, died in 1994 and was never prosecuted for his crimes.

I can’t imagine the heartbreak the friends and family of those girls felt. I go to church regularly and when I’m there I always feel comfortable and safe. So, if my church were bombed, I have no idea how terrifying that would be. If I lost a friend due to such a bombing, I’d be grieving for years. Knowing that those children must’ve been blown up in that explosion is horrifying.

Despite how sickening it was to see a singular shoe, signifying Denise McNair, I’m grateful I got to read it in that format. I have a hard time visualizing thing, and those comic panels made it easier for me to understand the emotions. Even still, however, I cannot imagine how the parents must’ve felt. These are the types of incidents that stick with me the most: the ones about innocent people being suddenly killed because of pure hatred.

Sources:

https://www.nps.gov/articles/16thstreetbaptist.htm

https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/baptist-street-church-bombing

 

Hacksaw Ridge

Engl 165-04 Fall '22

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Since Dr. Baldwin told us to write about whatever we want for the extra credit blog post, I’ve decided I’ll write about my favorite movie. That is, I’m going to be writing about why I love Hacksaw Ridge.

Hacksaw Ridge is a movie based on the experiences of WWII soldier Desmond Doss. Doss refused to use a gun, a conscientious objector, and he joined as a medic. He refused to take lives because he was a dedicated Sabbath-keeping Christian. Despite his lack of a gun up on Hacksaw Ridge in Okinawa, and his unit believing him to be a coward before their first battle, prior to Hacksaw, Doss saved the lives of 75 men. Mind you, these men were saved by Doss alone, who stayed behind on the ridge when his unit was given the call to retreat. This meant that there actively were Japanese soldiers roaming and looking for American soldiers to kill. Doss’ service ended after he ended up badly injured during his unit’s return to Hacksaw Ridge.

Image result for hacksaw ridge

Garfield’s acting in this movie is phenomenal. I personally think his acting is better in this movie than in his Spider-Man movies. Part of it is, of course, because of Doss’ nature. If you watch interviews of Doss, you can tell how kind he is. Also, his obvious actions of saving lives in the war while actively refusing a gun does also help paint a good portrait of him. So, I think this allows Garfield to play Doss as an expressive man, even though most of that emotion is more positivity and determination than negativity and anger.

The movie’s message is also extremely meaningful. Doss never once compromises his beliefs for any reason. He believes killing is wrong, so he never kills, despite the fact one of the Japanese solder’s main targets were medics and he was therefore targeted more. For a Christian, this movie is a great example of how a follower of God should be. Doss trusts in God’s plan for him, despite his frustration at times, and he remains kind and welcoming to all of those around him.

I’m a Christian, even a part of his same denomination, and I am nowhere near the person Desmond Doss was. If I had his enduring patience and trust, I know I’d be so much happier, like he was.

For non-Christians, I think this movie’s message still applies. Always hold onto your values, despite the ridicule and judgement of others. If you value showing others kindness, then endlessly show them love and appreciation. It’s not easy to stand your ground. When everyone wants you to be different, to compromise your values, it’s hard. If you believe your values are worth keeping, then always keep them. That’s seemingly how Doss approached things, and I think it turned out well for him.

See the source image

Images:

https://www.sbs.com.au/movies/review/hacksaw-ridge-first-look-review

Desmond Doss the first conscientious objector to receive a Medal of Honor for his actions at Hacksaw Ridge in 1945 [x-post from r/colorizedhistory] from OldSchoolCool

 

Activism

Engl 165-04 Fall '22

I believe that I am an activist of positivity. The world now seems like it is becoming more of a negative place by the day. Yes both good and bad things happen everyday, however we have been having the same problems with humanity since we first learned how to organize. Jealousy and hate spread faster than happiness and positivity because negative emotions are easier to deal with and keep in one’s mindset rather than to change and keep a positive and beneficial one. I try to keep myself as positive as I can not only for myself but for the ones close to me as well. We all have hard times and need someone to either just take our mind off of it or to help cheer us up. If I cannot keep the positive motivation, how can I try and spread positivity if I cannot obtain and keep it within myself? There are so many activist organizations nowadays, both good and bad, for so many different things all trying to be heard and make changes happen to benefit their cause or to benefit the world. For example the Blue Sphere Foundation is a non profit activist organization who are working to protect the oceans through action both on the front line and behind a screen by exposing issues such as overfishing. Activism in the present day has a lot of ways to spread their message, social media, blog posts, newspapers and talking to the government about their position in an effort to benefit certain people/groups. I believe those ways are very effective in the effort to spread a message either to a high ranking official, the citizen public, or the entire world, no matter who the activists tell or inform about their movement the message will spread eventually even by telling only a single person, it will eventually spread and their message recognized.

 

Freedom and Activism

Engl 165-04 Fall '22

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The Birmingham Campaign – 1963 | Black Then

After reading this weeks’ assigned pages in March Book Two, it really got myself, and other students reading these pages thinking about what lengths we would go to for the right to go to school to get an education, to have the right to vote, etc? Although I am taking a class about leadership, I, unfortunately, don’t see myself as one, so I don’t think I would go to great lengths myself, but with the help and support of others, I could see myself going to great lengths. The things that people of color couldn’t do back then weren’t small-scale issues. Getting an education is one of the most important things a person can do, and if I wasn’t allowed to get an education because of the color of my skin, I would be in outrage and would try my best to do something about it. I don’t know if I would risk my life for it, but I would still go to great lengths. 

I personally don’t see myself as an activist. I have my opinions on topics, but I tend to keep them to myself rather than advocating them, and maybe that’s something I should work on. I can see myself in the future partaking in large group activities like a protest for an issue that I feel strongly about. In today’s society, you see activism everywhere for every large-scale issue out there. Whether that be for human rights, for the environment, for politics, or for any other issue, there will be activism for it. I feel like activism is effective because essentially people will advocate for an issue until there is change. That’s the goal of activism. People who are passionate about a specific issue keep going and would rather not give up unless they have to.

As I said, I personally don’t see myself as a leader or activist, but if it was something I was passionate about like getting an education or having the right to vote, I could see myself going to great lengths to have the right to have those freedoms. Activism is a very important thing because, without it, there would be no hope in trying to resolve a large-scale issue.

 

Taking the Stance as an Activist

Engl 165-04 Fall '22

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It is hard to imagine what life would be like if we were unable to have the freedom to choose to receive an education, go to college, apply for a job, or have the right to vote. All of these rights we have now, we truly take for granted. Most of us complain about being forced to go to school; however, we really do not understand what it would be like to not even have the privilege of going to school. Being able to receive an education really is a privilege. 

I feel that I am an activist in more of a feminist way. I disagree with the past views of the “woman’s role” and feel that everyone should be treated equally and given the same respect. I come from a very conservative family that still has, somewhat, that mindset. I definitely speak my mind and stand up for myself when I do feel discriminated against. I know with my stubbornness, this will be something I am always capable of. I do my best to treat everyone with the same respect and want the same consideration put towards me.

There are still so many issues in today’s world where activism is needed. Right now, I believe the largest form of activism is the activism against war and violence. With Russia attempting to begin a new World War, many people are taking their position. Protests are taking place. Many countries and companies are taking a stand against Russia by no longer trading with it to get the point across that they do not support the actions of Putin. Violence should no longer be the way that problems are solved. Though we are not yet sure of the results of this protest yet, I do believe that it will be effective because the ruler of Russia is not receiving the power he is after. As the rest of the world joins forces to fight for what is right, I believe the point will be made and the war will come to an end.

There are so many ways to use activism to get a point across. Everyone has their own viewpoints and will fight for what they feel passionate about. Whether this is by boycotting a product or company, protesting, or just raising awareness, there are many ways each person can be an activist. I believe that being an activist is very important and necessary to make the world a better and more equal place.

 
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Activism and Voice

Engl 165-04 Fall '22

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Activism

Activism is special because every single person is an activist , and many of them do not realize the power they have. We are all passionate about different components. Wether that’s emailing a teacher , because of a grade that seems to be wrong, and replying for a change.

We all have that feeling to promote a change within our human minds. Mine kicks in when I want my parents to do something for me that they don’t think is appropriate, like buying me a new car every year or letting me go to “that” party , where every other teenager is going to be. I can’t say that is the only way I’m an activist , but it is the most relatable for younger readers. I’m a stronger activist for Agriculture. I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born from hard workers and human beings with the desire to see other human beings be able to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

I have spoken out for these issues at the local, state, and national levels. I have a strong desire to the men , women , and children have the opportunity to provide for themselves, and have their voices heard. Just because these people don’t have the best education, or the same amount of wealth as the urbanized communities, they should not be left out of the conversation.

I see myself continuing to be a peaceful activist. I feel that using my voice is the ultimate weapon in todays society. A persons’ voice gives a voice to the voiceless. Violence is never the answer. Peace can move mountains!

 

Activism Today

Engl 165-04 Fall '22

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My Version of Activism

When thinking of myself as an activist, I believe myself to have strong beliefs and leadership skills to lead other activists. I think I would be a loud but peaceful activist as I don’t believe violence to fix things but instead words. It is important that when speaking up you treat others how you would want to be treated and show them respect even if you do not receive it from them. I believe that part of being an activist is when seeing and standing up for an issue that you also show knowledge and understanding. 

Types of Activism

In today’s society there has been a lot of human rights activism pertaining to racism, gay rights, and gender equality. We have seen this largely through social media, demonstrations, and protests. Including some more recent and well known protests such as the protests for George Floyd. Most recently, the US as well as many other countries are in protest with Ukraine against their battle with Russia. We see this activism on the news, in social media, and even in everyday discussion as it is such a current topic. Gay rights activism has lead to us celebrating gay rights in June during what is known as Pride Month. In this month there are many parades and demonstrations to help bring awareness and support towards the LGBTQ+ and allies. 

Effective Activism

I believe activism to be a very effective method. Through the use of activism in protests, demonstrations, social media, boycotts, strikes, and petitions; we have been able to work out many problems and bring awareness to others. Through activism we have gained many things such as the right to vote, same sex marriage, and diversity. This activism has lead us to achieve so many things that most of us can’t even imagine being without but through perseverance and activism we have gained the things we strive for.

Introduction to Activism

 
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Human Rights Activist

Engl 165-04 Fall '22

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As an activist, I believe that human rights play a big role in today’s society. I feel like everyone should be able to believe in their own rights and not be judged for them. Everyone should be treated equally, despite their beliefs. All humans should be treated fairly despite what political party, race, or ethnicity they consider themselves to be. Everyone has the right to their own freedom of speech. In today’s society, people often start conflicts with others when they feel like their freedom of speech is being mistreated.

During my lifetime, I have not had many opportunities to play a role as a human rights activist. When given the chance, I have always tried to advocate for human rights on social media. No matter the circumstance, I feel as if everyone should be treated equally and loved. Unfortunately, the world has not come to show that everyone is being treated equally. I hope that one day in the future, I will have more opportunities to be with a group that shows equality to all. I have spoken out about how we are entitled to our human rights and have freedom of speech. One day in the future, I would like to attend a protest on behalf of those who feel like they cannot speak on their behalf.

Today’s world has become a very cruel place. It is crucial that we fight for what we believe in. There are many advocates in today’s society for human rights. There have been activists who attend protests to speak out for those who feel like they cannot. We have many advocates that will speak out for everyone’s equality. I hope to be able to have an opportunity to join a group and attend a protest about our human rights. As I have mentioned many times before and will mention again, everyone deserves to feel loved and deserves the same as the person you sit next to.

I believe that it is effective for our world. It shows that even with how bad the world has become, we can still love one another and fight for each other. I believe we definitely have some work to do and the world still needs change, but we need to fight for it one day at a time. Human rights are so important and make us who we are.