Birmingham is an impressive city which appears to be determined to face its segregationist past rather than sweep it under the rug. To this end the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Kelly Ingram Park stand as testaments to the city's willingness to move with dignity away from its shameful past. This can best be demonstrated by the inscriptions under the various monuments in the park. The one under that of the dogs and police attacking innocent demonstrators reading:
"This sculpture is dedicated to the foot soldiers of the Birmingham Civil Rights movement. With gallantry, courage and great bravery they faced the violence of attack dogs, high powered water hoses and bombings. They were the fodder in the advance against injustice, warriors of a just cause: They represent humanity unshaken in their firm belief in their nation's commitment to liberty and justice for all. We salute the men and women who were the soldiers of this great cause."
In a similar vein, the inscription under the Martin Luther King statue reads, in part:
"His dream liberated Birmingham from itself and began a new day of love, mutual respect and cooperation. This statue of Dr. Martin Luther King is erected by the citizens of Birmingham as an indication of their esteem for him and in appreciation of his sacrificial service to mankind."
It was an extremely moving day spent looking at the exhibitions that both celebrated and documented this tumultuous time in the struggle for equal rights and dignity.
No comments:
Post a Comment