When the spirit moves you
I writing to
let you know of a few events coming up next week
In this year, as we are
commemorating the 50th anniversary of the momentous event of 1963 in
Birmingham, much has been written and much has been said.
But I’m not sure we’ve sung enough.
It’s the one sure way to cut through
the complexities and come to the commonalities.
In my career as a reporter, I had
the privilege of experiencing mass meetings at small rural churches in
Randolph County. I heard Fred Shuttlesworth preach,
and years later heard him eulogized in word and song. I crossed the
Edmund Pettus Bridge several times during the annual reenactment of the Selma
to Montgomery March.
I wished at the time that I could do
more to share with my
readers the visceral experience of being
there. Moving with people who shared a common
purpose. The mood of joy,
not anger, in the face of difficulty. The infectiousness of the music and the beat. Wanting to sing even
though as a neutral observer I wasn’t supposed to participate. In some
instances, I couldn’t help but make an exception and join in.
So, I’d like to invite y’all to some
events being held this month at my church, Independent Presbyterian Church at
3100 Highland Avenue in Birmingham. To warm up and situate ourselves, we are
screening Soundtrack For a Revolution
on Wednesday, April 10.
This is a really powerful
documentary that moves through the history of Civil Rights Movement with a
focus on the music that animated it. Traditional and contemporary artists
perform. It’s a full on feature presentation so be prepared. Singing along
encouraged.
Featured in that film is
Birmingham’s own Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir. IPC has the honor of
hosting the choir at the our Sunday, April 14th casual service at 5
p.m.
On the morning of
April 14, to get people in the mood and
mindset, we are having a panel discussion with some of the
participants in the marches of 1963. I’d especially encourage young people to come. One of the key things to remember about the crucial events of April
and May of 1963 is the role that young
people played in Project
C: the confrontation in Birmingham that is now part of American History.
Details about the all the events are below. Guests are welcome. Y’all come.
April 10, 6:00 p.m.:
“Soundtrack for a Revolution” (82 minutes) this 2009
award winning documentary film traces the story of the Civil Rights Movement
through the stirring music that buoyed the spirits of the marchers. The New
York Times said, “it’s the kind of film that will have audiences clapping
and singing along.” The film features Birmingham’s Carlton Reese Memorial Unity
Choir who will perform at April 14 evening service. http://www.facebook.com/events/492774877449818/
o Optional southern supper by reservation 5:00 – 6:00
p.m. in the Great Hall. http://www.ipc-usa.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=24047&PID=967363
o 6:00 p.m. Introduction and film in the IPC Sanctuary
April 14, 10 a.m.: Highland
Forum Panel Discussion, the Great Hall
Between May 2 and May 7, 1963, in Birmingham,
3,000-4,000 children marched to protest segregation, facing arrest and jail,
snarling police dogs and powerful fire hoses. Images from those marches shocked
the nation and helped lead to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
We’ll recall the mood in the city and hear firsthand accounts of how it felt to
participate.
o Larry Krannich, introductions; Tom Spencer moderator
o Washington Booker and Paulette Roby – will provide
firsthand accounts of what it was like to participate in the marches as
teenagers.
o Rowena McNab – IPC member will share personal
recollections of watchign her parents support of the Civil Rights Movement.
o Barnett Wright – Birmingham News reporter and author of 1963: How the
Birmingham Civil Rights Movement Changed America and the World will help
provide historical context and discussion of the ongoing journey toward
justice.
·
April 14. 5
p.m.: Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir : performs
songs of the movement during IPC Casual Worship at 3116 Highland Ave. Bobbie
Epting, Associate Pastor
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