New Day in Birmingham Summary and Analysis

Target date arrives April 3, 1963, with a new mayor, Albert Boutwell elected but unable to take office. The loser, Bull Connor claims his administration cannot be removed until 1965 and will take his case to court. Project C begins smaller but well-organized with small group sit-ins at department stores and drugstores. Groups asked to leave after warnings are arrested but the operation starts quietly. Nightly meetings build interest and enthusiasm by visitors like Abernathy and MLK speaking on the philosophy and methods of nonviolence. Freedom songs are sung to call to mind days of slavery. Volunteers willingly turn in knives they carry to defend against Bull Connor's dogs. Invitations are given new volunteers who join twenty, thirty and forty at a time. Recruits meet with the Leadership Training Committee for screening, testing and assigning to march, errands...