Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix

On September 13, UUCP will commemorate the 45th anniversary of the bombing at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama which killed four young women as they prepared for Sunday school. John Henry Waddell, a member of this congregation, created and dedicated memorial statues to these young women, titled "That Which Might Have Been, Birmingham 1963."

Three events are planned on Saturday, September 13th, to mark this pivotal anniversary in the continuing struggle for Civil Rights.

9:00 a.m. - viewing "The Children's March," a 40 minute film produced by Teaching Tolerance that gives historical background to the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church and the children of Birmingham's role in the struggle for civil rights. This event will be intergenerational and suitable for children.

3:00 p.m. - Viewing "Four Little Girls," a documentary by Spike Lee about the bombing:  includes interviews with the victims' family and friends. This event is more appropriate for older youth and adults. CHILDCARE WILL BE PROVIDED FROM 3-5 P.M.

6:00 p.m. - "The Love That Forgives" worship service/vigil led by Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray; music by Brenda Combs and our choir; a candlelight vigil in the statuary garden. "The Love That Forgives" was the Sunday school lesson planned for that day, 45 years ago. This event is appropriate for all ages.

There will be light refreshments at 5 o'clock, prior to the service for those attending the 3 o'clock program.

Many UU and other faith communities, the mayor and vice mayor of Paradise Valley, and the George Washington Carver museum have been invited to participate in this commemorative day.  We hope our UUCP community will have a strong showing as well.