The Children's March in Birmingham

In 1963, over a thousand African American students gathered in Birmingham and began an unprecedented march against police lines and arrest. This was known as the Children's Crusade. It was a part of the SCLC's nonviolent initiatives and had occur several weeks prior to Martin Luther King's arrest.

During the March itself, hundreds of protesters were arrested and taken to jail. However, the following day, hundreds more joined the protest. Press of the event spread across America images of children face beatings, the use of high-pressure hoses, and dog attacks that were all instigated by the police department under the leadership of Eugene Connor.

The March was soon ended due to the police force and arrests and ended the Birmingham Campaign. As a result, local officials agreed to desegregate downtown stores and release jailed demonstrators at the end of the protest. However, the school board announced that it would suspend or expel all students who participated in the march. Local district courts upheld this decision, but on the last day, the appeals court reversed this decision and condemned the city education board. 

In the grand scheme of the civil rights movement, the Children's march provoked national outrage over violence against the children and aligned many Americans with the civil rights movement. It also highlighted the need for reform, that would soon become the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The courage of these children would inspire others to fight for racial justice and equality throughout the movement and throughout history. 

Sources:

https://lcrm.lib.unc.edu/blog/index.php/2012/05/02/remembering-the-childrens-crusade/