“The 63rd Commemorative Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement is celebrating 63 years from 1963, and in May 1963 when the children as young as 5 years old decided that they were going to fight for their civil rights.
“The Children’s March became the ‘Children’s Crusade.’ My mother, Gwendolyn Sanders Gamble, was a 15-year-old student recruiter for other students to get involved.
“The children of Birmingham made a difference that changed the laws for Civil Rights.”
That’s what Children’s March Commemorative Event Director, Mrs. Felesha Gamble-Hubbard, recently told us.
Set to take place May 2, 2026, in Birmingham’s historic 4th Avenue District, the event will feature prominent figures within Alabama history such as Foot Soldiers, past and present city officials and local businesses, along with noted musicians and food serving businesses.
All are welcome to share and be a part of this event, especially our local school students, who will learn that it was the children that sacrificed their lives and time for change for them to have equal opportunities, learn what can make a positive difference, and understand that with unity there is power.
Mrs. Gamble-Hubbard expounded upon this notion further, stating, “Being a part of this makes me happy and makes me feel like I am a part of change still to this day. I enjoy seeing us as a community feel free to enjoy life and what it means to be black in America. I joined this committee because my mother, aunts and cousins were a part of this movement, so I already felt like I was a part of it. I am still learning of the change the children made during the movement, and how impactful it was on our lives, as I would hope that it would give others a better understanding of what life and living was like in the 60’s. I could not imagine what it would have been like today if the children would not have marched then. I want this to mean for others that it takes every individual, no matter the color or age, to stand up for what is right and not be afraid to speak up when others are voiceless. Be bold! Be meaningful! Be consistent! But most of all Be dedicated to what you commit yourself to.”
Starting at 10 a.m. and set to end around 7 p.m., this day long commemoration will hopeful stir positivity and unity amongst all throughout our communities within good hearted and neighborly fashion with the intent to bridge generational and communal gaps that would build unity, discipline and humanitarian rights awareness. People can expect to learn more about history that was made by young children and the power of their actions, determination, and voices when no one was listening, along with an enjoyable entertainment lineup prepared for attendees as they will hear from some of our prominent figures in the city of Birmingham and Foot Soldiers of 1963. Nelson Mandela once stated, “If it were not for the children of Birmingham, Alabama, during the Children’s Crusade, South Africa would not be what it is today. The children’s actions were loud and clear.”
Come out May 2nd and enjoy, be educated and walk away with a mindset to be a prominent figure within society by being fair and seeing all of mankind as equal.
