The Detroit tribune., 1963-04-13
BIRMINGHAM
MANIFESTO

The patience of oppressed people cannot endure
forever The Negro citizens of Birmingham for the last
era years have hoped in vain for evidence of good
faith resolution of our just grievances
Birmingham is part the United States and we are
bona fde citizens Yet the history of Birmingham reveals
that very little of the democratic process touches the life
OF the Negro in Birmingham We have been segregated
raciay exploited economically and dominated politically
Under the leadership of the Alabama Christian Movement
for Human Rights sought relief by petition for the re-
peal of city ordinances requiring segregation and the
stution of a merit hiring policy in city employment We
rebued We then turned to the system of the courts
We weathered setback after setback with all of its cost
ness finally winning the terminal bus, parks and airport
The bus decision has been mpemented begrudgngy
and the parks decision prompted the closing of all munc
pallyowned recreaonal facilities with the exception of
the and Legion Field The airport has been slight
y better experience with the exception of hotel
dations and the subtle discrimination that continues in the
limousine service
We have always been peaceful people, bearing
oppression with super human effort Yet have been the
victims of repeated violence not only that inflicted by the
hoodlum element but also that inflicted by the blatant mis-
of police power Our memories scared with pain
full mob experience of Mothers Day 1861 during the Free
dom Ride For years, while homes and churches
being bombed we heard nothing but the ranting and
ngs of racist city officials
The Negro protest for equality and justice has been
voice crying in the wilderness Most of Birmingham has
city has acquired the dubious reputation of being the
worst big city relations in the United States Last
FALL for Pickering moment it appeared that sincere
munty leaders from religion business and industry dis
cerned the inevitable conformation in relations APP
preaching Their for the citys image and
monwea of all its citizens did deep enough Sol
promises made, pending posponement of d-
rect action that would be joined in suit seeking the
relief of segregation ordinances Some merchants agreed
to desegregae their resrooms as good faith start some
actually complying only to retreat shortly thereafter We
hold in hands now broken faith and broken promises
We believe in the American Dream of democracy in
the eersonian doctrine that a created equal
and endowed by their Creator with certain unaenabe
rights among these being life liberty and the pursuit of
happiness" az
Twice since September we have deferred our direct
action thrust in order that change in the city
would not be made in the hystera of community crisis
We act today in full concert with Hebraic Christian
tradition the laws of morality and the Constitution of
nation The absence of justice and progress in Birmingham
muny chance to survive We demonstrate faith that
we believe that the beloved community to Brm-
ingham s@W mMH
We appeal to the czenry of Birmingham, Negro and
white to join us in this witness for decency morality,
selfrespect and human dignity Your individual and cor
porate support hasten the day of liberty and justice
for ALL This is Birmngham's moment of truth in which
every citizen play his part in her larger destiny
DETROIT TRIBUNE, SATURDAY, APRIL Is, 1868 5