The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is excited to announce their annual commemorative reenactment of the historic Children’s Crusade on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 10:30am. Also known as the Children’s March, this annual event is designed to bring together current students from the greater Birmingham area and Civil Rights Footsoldiers – the students of 1963 who heroically placed themselves on the frontline of a movement that changed the world.

Once identified as the most segregated city in America, Birmingham was a battleground in the fight for civil rights. In 1963, at the cataclysmic intersection of Connor, children, and confrontation, Birmingham became the radical stimulus for rights, respect, and reconciliation – a feat that drew the world to watch, take note, and build upon.

Yet, 61 years later this very history is under attack and threatens to repeat itself as lawmakers stand emboldened against a backdrop established by Connor and his divisive concepts. Education curriculum, voting rights, policing,
mass incarceration, poverty, healthcare, gun violence, citizenship, climate, access, and accessibility are on the ballot once again.

Last year over 1,000 area students attended this annual event, which was covered on the C-SPAN network. Check out the event recap and the full C-SPAN episode! It’s that time again! On Thursday, May 2nd the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will commemorate the 61st anniversary of the Children’s March with a motivational program and pep rally centered around the theme, “Inspired by the Past. Vision for the Future.”

High School students from the Birmingham Metro Area are invited to join BCRI in an engaging event that is designed to empower and equip them with a deeper alignment and commitment to leadership, purpose and vision. Woven throughout the presentations will be pops of energy and movement, including spoken word, singing, and more. The morning ends with Footsoldiers presenting the roll call of participating schools and initiating
the commemorative walk out.

Carrying placards displaying affirmations and calling for peace and rights, students, educators, community leaders, and Footsoldiers will reenact the 1963 Children’s March by ceremoniously walking across the street to the historic Kelly Ingram Park for our culminating rally where participants can enjoy lunch, music, vendors, and a resource fair.

This event, including lunch and giveaways, is free and open to all pre-registered groups. A transportation grant is available for Title I funded schools.

Once you have sent your registration request, a member of the BCRI team will contact you to arrange delivery of the event toolkit, which includes transportation and parking details; pre/post surveys;
curriculum resources; National Park Service Junior Ranger Books for the Civil Rights National Monument; Junior Ranger badges; pencils; and more!