The 16th St. Baptist Church in Birmingham
51 years ago, four young black girls were killed in Birmingham when their church was bombed by the KKK. I had the opportunity to visit the church last summer on my civil rights trip. We have made progress, yes, but I look around and find it devastating about how very far we’ve yet to go.
Today I am thinking of Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the four girls lost that day. Too many black children have had their dreams and their potential ripped away from them. Violence and terror from racists, hate groups, the police, and the PIC must end.
It is my hope that in 51 years from now, I can speak of these crimes and heartaches in historical terms only. Maybe, just maybe, we will have learned our lessons and will no longer leave so many mothers to mourn their children.
LAM on the LAM 
Remembering with you. Thank you for this reminder.
Hoping right along with you, but skeptical that 50 more years is enough time…
I hear you. Particularly if we base our hopes on the progress, ahem, that’s been made in the last 50. It’s a bit defeating, to say the least. Still, I have to hope.