Bull Connor's Birmingham Summary and Analysis

MLK describes 1963 Birmingham as a city in time warp for a Negro citizen. There is no evidence Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Bill of Rights, many Amendments or the 1954 Supreme Court decision outlawing public school segregation have any impact. A Negro child born and raised to maturity in Birmingham begins life in a "jim-crow," i.e. legally enforced Negro discriminatory, hospital with parents living in a ghetto and goes to a "jim-crow" school. Children play in the streets because "colored" parks are inadequate and integrated parks are closed. Shopping is acceptable but having a sandwich or soda at the same counter with white customers is illegal. The Metropolitan Opera does not tour there because it avoids segregated audiences. The NAACP is a "foreign corporation" in Alabama and civil rights activities are illegal. Jobs are available for menial work...