Birmingham, Alabama Commemoration of 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing Marks 62 Years Since Tragic Death of Four Young Girls

The 62nd anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, which resulted in the tragic deaths of four African-American girls, was commemorated on September 15, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama. The bombing, which occurred on September 15, 1963, killed Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Denise McNair, ages 11 to 14, shortly before the church’s 11:00 am Sunday service commenced.

During the horrific event, a fifth girl, Sara Collins Rudolph, survived but suffered severe injuries, including the loss of her right eye. The bombing also injured at least 14 other individuals. In the chaos following the attack, violence erupted in Birmingham, leading to the deaths of two additional African-American boys, Virgil Ware, aged 13, and Johnny Robinson, aged 16. In response, Alabama Governor George Wallace ordered 500 National Guardsmen and 300 state troopers to help restore order amidst the unrest.

Executed by members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), the attack drew widespread national outrage and highlighted the racial violence that plagued the civil rights movement. Birmingham was notoriously referred to as “Bombingham” due to the frequent bombings targeting African American churches and homes in the area.

The anniversary prompted reflections by public figures on the struggles for civil rights and the ongoing fight for voting rights. Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Alabama emphasized the importance of reflecting on the civil liberties that past activists fought for. The girls were posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2013 in recognition of their legacy.

Shavon Arline-Bradley of the National Council of Negro Women described the bombing as one of the most gruesome acts of violence in U.S. history. Dr. Amos Brown highlighted that the crime illustrated a lack of respect for the humanity of Black lives. The 16th Street Baptist Church, a vital site for civil rights activism, had previously faced bomb threats from the KKK and was a hub for significant events during the movement.

Originally, the trial for the bombing did not take place until 1977, resulting in the conviction of Robert E. Chambliss for murder. Subsequent investigations led to the convictions of two additional former KKK members, Thomas Blanton in 2001 and Bobby Frank Cherry in 2002. The bombing and its implications were examined in the documentary “4 Little Girls,” directed by Spike Lee, which highlighted both the violent event and its historical context.

In recognition of its historical significance, the 16th Street Baptist Church was designated a national historic landmark in 2006, and a bronze and steel statue commemorating the four girls was unveiled at Kelly Ingram Park in 2013. The last surviving convicted bomber, Blanton, died in prison on June 26, 2020, leaving behind a complex legacy intertwined with the civil rights movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing occur?

The 16th Street Baptist Church bombing occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, on September 15, 1963.

How many girls were killed in the bombing?

Four African-American girls were killed in the bombing: Addie Mae Collins (14), Cynthia Wesley (14), Carole Robertson (14), and Denise McNair (11).

What happened during the bombing?

The bombing took place shortly before the church’s 11:00 am service while children were attending Sunday school classes.

What injuries were reported during the bombing?

A fifth girl, Sara Collins Rudolph, who was present during the bombing, survived but lost her right eye and sustained additional injuries. The bombing injured at least 14 other individuals.

What were the repercussions of the bombing in Birmingham?

Following the bombing, violence erupted in Birmingham, resulting in the deaths of two additional African-American boys, Virgil Ware (13) and Johnny Robinson (16). In response to the violence, Alabama Governor George Wallace deployed 500 National Guardsmen and 300 state troopers to restore order.

Who was responsible for the bombing?

The attack was executed by members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and received widespread national outrage.

What does Birmingham’s history reflect during the civil rights movement?

Birmingham was known as “Bombingham” during the civil rights movement due to frequent bombings aimed at African American churches and homes.

What commemorations took place on the anniversary in 2025?

The 62nd anniversary of the bombing was marked on September 15, 2025, prompting reflections by public figures on civil rights and voting rights.

When did the four girls receive national recognition?

Twelve years prior to the 2025 anniversary, in 2013, the four girls received the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously.

What was the outcome of the investigation into the bombing?

The initial trial for the bombing did not occur until 1977 when Robert E. Chambliss was convicted of murder. The case was revisited in later years, leading to convictions of two additional former clan members, Thomas Blanton (2001) and Bobby Frank Cherry (2002).

Key Features of the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing