The Movement Continues

A Christmas night bombing by White terrorists targeted Rev. Shuttlesworth and was meant to kill him or drive him from Birmingham and his new organization, but he refused to leave, saying he “wasn't saved to run.” Instead of spreading fear, the bombing of Bethel Baptist and its parsonage inspired many Black citizens to follow his leadership. On December 26, 1956, Rev. Shuttlesworth, ACMHR members, and other Black citizens carried out their plan to challenge segregation on city buses, with as many as 250 riders taking seats in “Whites-only” sections. Most rode without incident, but at least 22 people, including Rev. Shuttlesworth, were arrested; he was later arrested for driving without a license and improper vehicle documentation. According to the New York Times, 400 people gathered and voted to continue the effort to integrate the buses, though Rev. Shuttlesworth urged the ACMHR to file a lawsuit and stop testing the buses until the courts ruled. The bombing and his continued civil disobedience brought him national media attention.

Birmingham, Alabama · United States