Vernetta Hilliard
Outline summary
9/30/13

The Bombing of the 16th Street Baptiste Church

General Purpose: To inform my audience about the bombing of the 16th street Baptiste church.

Specific Purpose: The tragedy of the bombing of the church, and how it helped change history.

Thesis Statement: The bombing of the 16th street Baptiste church was one of America’s most horrific tragedies.

Introduction

“Auntie can I borrow your compact, brush, and a quarter?” Those were the last words of a little girl 12 years old who died in the bombing of the 16th street Baptiste Church. She was one of four little girls who died that day, Denise McNair, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, and Carole Robertson. They lost their lives because of hatred and an unwillingness to change. The events that happened on September 15, 1963 would be remembered in US history forever. I have heard of this event my whole life. My mother has vivid memories of visiting this very same church as a child while on summer break visiting relatives in Birmingham. I will take you a journey of the history of this historic landmark, the tragic events of this day, and the aftermath of that day in civil rights.

Transition: I want to begin by giving you a look at the start of this church.

Body I. Sixteenth Street Baptist Church was the first African American church to be organized in Birmingham. A. According to the church’s official website, the church was formed in 1873 on 16th and 6th st in Birmingham Alabama. 1. The original church was constructed for $26,000 and completed under the supervision of T.C. Windham, a black contractor from Birmingham. 2. The original building was constructed in 1884, but was order by the city to be demolished, and the current building was completed in 1911 B. The church was a social center for the African American community in Alabama. 1. It was chosen because of its size and location. 2. In the early days of the church many noted African Americans W.E.B DuBois, Paul Robeson, Mary McLeod Bethune spoke there to name a few. C. The church was a rallying site for the civil rights movement in Alabama 1. Meetings were held at the church to plan marches, sit ins,

Transition: Due to the church being such an important place in the civil right movement, it was targeted by the KKK.

II. After the desegregation agreement of 1963, the peaceful summer ended when the federal courts ordered integration of the public schools. A. On Sunday September 15, 1963, the church was bombed. 1. Four little girls lost their lives, Denise McNair 11 yrs. old, Addie Mae Collins 14yrs old, Cynthia Wesley 14 yrs. old, and Carole Robertson 14yrs old. 2. The bomb was placed outside the basement window of the church. 3. Per Carolyn Mckinstry, African American author and retired telecommunications professional, they were all in the restroom in the basement of the church preparing for Sunday services. 4. L Joiner, renowned author and journalist interviewed Carolyn Mckinstry, who was then the 15 yrs. old Sunday school secretary who answered the phone just seconds before the bombing. B. It was Panic everywhere as people searched for their family. 1. Denise McNair’s mother had not made it to the church yet. 2. She sent her daughter ahead so she could attend Sunday school and chorus practice before Sunday services. 3. Denise Dad spoke of hearing the bombing from his church, and rushed to the scene. 4. By the end of the day there were more than 20 injured and the four girls had been killed.
Transition: There were uproar in the community by whites and blacks because of this. III. No one claimed responsibility for bombing A. There was evidence collected but only one minor charge and conviction. 1. A witness identified Robert Chambliss as the one who left the bomb outside of the church. 2. He was arrested but only convicted of possessing a box of dynamite without a permit. 3. Others were suspected but never charged, Bobby Frank Cherry, Thomas Blanton, and Herman Cash. B. It took over 14yrs before anyone was brought to justice for the crime. 1. In 1977 Robert Chambliss (Dynamite Bob) was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. 2. He died in 1985 in a prison hospital. 3. Cash died before he could be charge in 1994, but Blanton and Cherry were arrested and convicted to life in prison in 2001.

Conclusion
I hope that I have educated you on this tragic event in American history, The Bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham Alabama. How the church was formed, the purposes it served and one of the events that changed the history of Alabama. Remember the importance of equality and freedom and all who suffered to make this happen.