Martin Luther King Jr. was only one human being, but he made a
             huge impact on today's society. Dr. King wanted for people to be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin or their ethnic background. He wanted to end racism, one person at a time, and bring out from individuals, their dignity and worth. Dr. King led the boycott of segregated public transport and as founder and president of the Southern Christian Leadership Council, he became a national figure. He demanded measures to relieve poverty, organizing a huge march on Washington. He also opposed the war. Then, one year later, after his most famous speech, he became the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
             Four black girls were killed September 15, 1963: one eleven years old and three girls fourteen years old. They were all in the Church's women's lounge getting ready for a youth program, when a bomb exploded. All four girls were killed.
             In the early 1960s, the Church had been the downtown gathering place for Civil Right protesters.
             The bombing occurred, after struggling for several years, as Birmingham's public schools were about to integrate. Also, it happened only 18 days after Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington.
             The American Civil Rights movement of the 1960s gained strength outside of the "normal" actions. Hundreds and thousands of individuals joined in street protests. However, thousands were, in turn, arrested. Happening against the riots in Watts and other inner-city neighborhoods, the movement threatened the society with widespread chaos and rebellion. The Civil Rights Act of 1963 was passed, which was intended to banish discrimination in public accommodations and the labor force. Programs were established to integrate blacks into the labor force and provide equal access to higher education. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passe...