Shattered Glass in Birmingham: My Family's Fight for Civil Rights, 1961-1964

16. Gaston Motel

180 16 Gaston Motel As the Birmingham campaign continued during April and May of 1963, the police—under the on-scene control of Bull Connor—used trained a
ack dogs to control the crowds. Images of police dogs snarling on their chains, lunging at demonstrators, and ripping their clothes appeared repeatedly in television news broadcasts and newspaper coverage around the world. The first use of police dogs occurred on Sunday, April 7, 1963. On April 19 the Alabama Advisory Commi
ee of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission conducted hearings regarding charges of police brutality. Chaired by Father Albert S. Foley—who had earlier criticized King for the timing of demonstrations—the commi
ee heard testimony gathered by Reverend C. Herbert Oliver, founder of the Inter-Citizens Commi
ee. For several years Oliver and his organization had investigated and cataloged incidents of police brutality toward black citizens. In this hearing he read testimony from several blacks—both demonstrators and innocent passersby—regarding their injuries from dog bites and police batons. At the conclusion of the hearing, Father Foley reminded witnesses that the Advisory Commi
ee had no authority to act, other than to send a report to the Civil Rights Commission. The commission could then recommend that the Justice Department investigate these charges of “misuse of police power.” Foley then advised anyone who witnessed police violence to get accurate descriptions of the officers, including names and badge numbers if possible.™ Throughout the Birmingham demonstrations, civil rights leaders held mass meetings to motivate people and recruit volunteer marchers. Held at various churches, these meetings provided the focal point for the local campaign . Curious to see what occurred during these events, Dad a
ended several mass meetings. gaston motel 181 One evening during supper Dad told us about the day’s activities. “The mass meeting this morning was fascinating,” he said. “The church was almost full. People were standing up, swaying back and forth, and singing . I looked around, and the only other white people there were a couple of police detectives.” Ann asked: “Why did policemen go to the meeting? Do they want to demonstrate?” Dad laughed and said: “No. That’d be the last thing—.” He paused, frowned. Now he looked serious. “Bull Connor sent them to spy on the meeting . He’s still in charge of the police and firemen.” Paul said: “Did they let the police stay?” “Yes,” Dad said. “The cops didn’t stop the meeting. So a#er some singing, Abernathy—he’s King’s top assistant—got up and gave a rousing speech. He tried to get people fired up. Very emotional rhetoric, to build up excitement before King spoke.” I said: “Like the opening act for a concert?” “Exactly!” Dad said. He dished up more mashed potatoes. Then he continued : “King started with a very quiet voice. Calm and soothing. A simple message . Then he built, idea upon idea, a strong appeal for support. The volume and intensity kept increasing.” Dad ate quietly for a minute. His eyes moved back and forth as he chewed. “During King’s talk, people called out ‘Amen!’ and ‘Say it, brother!’ One woman stood and yelled, ‘sweet jesus!’” “Just like the churches we visited,” Ann said. Susie asked: “Why did she yell so loud?” Dad said: “Well, Susie, she felt Jesus was there. She really sees Jesus when she looks at Reverend King. Vincent Harding—one of the Negro reporters I met—says that a lot of Negroes talk about King as the Messiah.” Mom said: “Jim, I admire King and the other civil rights leaders. But it isn’t right to compare people to Christ.” “Yeah, you’re right,” Dad said. “But for some Negroes, King seems like the promised leader.” He picked up a piece of fried chicken, chomped a big bite, and waved the drumstick as he chewed and looked around the table at each of us. When he knew we were listening, he went back to his story: “Before the demonstrators le# the church, they all filed by big baskets. They had to empty their pockets of knives and guns, and whatever weapons they might have. To make sure they practiced nonviolence.” I asked: “Did you join the demonstration?” 182 shattered glass in birmingham Dad said: “No, that’s not part of my job. I’m trying to get communication started. Negotiations. I went to the mass meeting just to see...