The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is excited to announce our 6th annual commemorative reenactment of the historic Children’s Crusade. Also known as the Children’s March, this annual event is designed to bring together current students from the greater Birmingham area and Civil Rights Footsoldiers – the students of 1963 who heroically placed themselves on the frontline of a movement that changed the world.

Morning Activities

High School students from the Birmingham Metro Area are invited to join this engaging event.
Morning activities include:

• A moderated conversation between student leaders & guidance counselors involved in the Children’s March of 1963 and those involved in the work today.
• Reflections from Paul Kix, on his newly released book, You Have to be Prepared to Die Before You Can Begin to Live: Ten Weeks in Birmingham that Changed America.
• Three energizing presentations from Professor Doug Evans, III, Professor Keene Walker, and Dr. Gerry White.
• Spoken word and riveting a cappella song will take place throughout the presentations.

The morning ends with Rev. Gwendolyn Webb presenting the roll call of participating schools and initiating the walk out.

The March

Carrying placards displaying affirmations and calling for peace and rights, students, educators, community leaders, and Footsoldiers will reenact the 1963 Children’s March by ceremoniously walking across the street to the historic Kelly Ingram Park for our culminating rally.

Participants will enjoy the following:

• Lunch
• Music
• Vendors
• A college fair

Transportation will be provided for Title 1 funded schools. Event toolkits will also be provided to pre- registered groups.

This signature BCRI event kicks off “Youth Peace Weekend” in collaboration with the first-ever International Peace Conference and the Youth & Peace in Action and NewGen Peace Builders summit.