Eugene "Bull" Connor
Civil Rights
Historical Inquiry
Riverbend Historical Investigation Project
By: Taylor Waldorf and Trevor Braget
Introduction and Background
Time Line:
http://rapaulsen.iweb.bsu.edu/images/large/civilrights.jpg
Jim Crow Laws:
Jim Crow was the name of the racial caste system* which operated mostly in the South between
1877 and the mid-1960s. Jim Crow laws were a way of life. Under Jim Crow, colored people
were viewed as second class citizens. Jim Crow represented the core of anti-black racism.
Jim Crow states passed laws that guided social interactions between the races. Jim Crow signs
were placed above water fountains and in front of public facilities. There were separate hospitals
for blacks and whites, separate bathrooms, separate schools, and separate churches.
http://www.ferris.edu/jimcrow/what.htm (Click Link for
More)
Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC):
Montgomery Bus Boycott:
The SCLC was one of the most important groups of the civil rights movement. The SCLC was
formed after the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. Martin Luther King Jr. was chosen to be the
group's leader. King's skills and popularity led many people to join the group. The SCLC
organized sit-ins, bus boycotts, and other non-violent protests. The Montgomery Bus Boycott
started when Rosa Parks was arrested for not giving up her seat for a white person. The bus
boycott lasted over a year and ended when the courts ruled that segregation on public buses is
illegal.
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/southern-christian-leadershipconference-sclc
http://mlkkpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/encyclopedia/encyclopedia/enc_montgomery_bus_boycott_1955_
1956/
(Click on Links for More)
Bull Connor:
Eugene "Bull" Connor was Birmingham's Commissioner of Public Safety in 1961. He was very
racist and strongly supported segregation. He had a close relationship with the Klu Klux Klan
(KKK). In 1963, the SCLC brought Project C to Birmingham. The police tried to control
thousands of nonviolent protesters with fire hoses and police dogs.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/freedomriders/people/eugene-bull-connor
(Click on Links for More
Background Video:
Video shows information regarding the Civil Rights Movement's "Project C" demonstration in
Birmingham, Al.
(Click on Link Below to View Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9kT1yO4MGg
Essential Question

How did the actions of Eugene "Bull" Connor influence the Civil Rights Movement?
Sub-Questions
1. Why did the SCLC and Martin Luther King Jr. choose Birmingham for Project C?
2. How does Bull Connor's tactics raise awareness for the Civil Rights Movement?
3. Why would Connor want to keep federal troops out and have the situation mainly
handled by the Birmingham police?
1. How did the Birmingham riots influence President Kennedy's timing of
addressing the nation in regards to desegregation?
Standard Addressed

Historical Thinking Skill: Using Sources

MN Social Studies Standards - 2011
(9.4.4.22.6): Identify obstacles to the success of the various civil rights movements; explain
tactics used to overcome the obstacles and the role of key leaders and groups. (Post-World War
II United States: 1945-1989)

Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
6-12:Research to Build and Present Knowledge
(7): Conduct Short Research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question),
drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for
multiple avenues of exploration.
Activity 1- A Letter from Birmingham Jail
Directions: Read the adapted document entitled "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" and mark any
important information. Answer the questions that relate to the document. Remember to back-up
your answers with evidence from the document.
16 April 1963
My Dear Followers:
While being placed here in the Birmingham jail, I came across your statement calling my present
activities "unwise." I do not usually answer criticism of my work and ideas. But since I feel that
you are men of good will, I want to try to answer your statement in what I hope will be
reasonable terms.
I think I should explain why I am here in Birmingham. I am the leader of the Southern Christian
Leadership Conference, which operates in every southern state. We help many similar groups
across the South. We share staff and resources with the other groups. A similar group in
Birmingham asked us to engage in a nonviolent demonstration. So I, and my staff are because we
were invited.
In short, I am in Birmingham because injustice* is here.
Moreover, I sit in Atlanta and worry about what is happening in Birmingham. Injustice*
anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Whatever affects others, affects everyone. We cannot
live with narrow minds. A person in the United States cannot be called an outsider anywhere
within the country.
In any nonviolent demonstration there are four basic steps: gather the facts to determine if
injustices* exist; negotiation; self-cleansing; and action. We have gone through all these steps in
Birmingham. There can be no arguing that racial injustice is in this community. Birmingham is
probably the most thoroughly segregated city in the United States. Its ugly record of brutality* is
widely known. Negroes have experienced unjust treatment in the courts. There have been more
unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham than in any other city in the
nation. These are the hard facts of the case. On the basis of these conditions, Negro leaders
wanted to negotiate with the city leaders. But they refused to engage in negotiations.
Then it occurred to us that Birmingham's mayoral election was coming up in March we waited.
When we discovered that the Commissioner of Public Safety, Eugene "Bull" Connor, had
enough votes to be in election race, we postponed action until the day after. Like many others,
we waited to see Mr. Connor lose. We then felt that our direct action could be delayed no longer.
Yours for the cause of Peace and Brotherhood,
Martin Luther King, Jr.
*Injustice- related to unfairness.
(Click on Link for Original Version)
http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html
Name:
Letter from Birmingham Jail
1. Why do you think Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote this letter?
1. What are Kings reasons for being in Birmingham?
1. What do you think King means when he says, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice
everywhere."?
1.
List the four steps of nonviolent demonstration. Can you name another historical (local,
national, global) example of nonviolent protest which followed the four steps that King
explained?
1. Why did King and others decide to delay their actions in Birmingham?
Activity 2: Visual Discovery
Name:
Visual Discovery of Bull Connor's Tactics
Investigate the photos of Birmingham, AL in 1963. Identify one image that you feel is the best
example of Bull Connor's use of tactics. Answer the questions that match the image. Make sure
you remember to answer the wrap-up question. You will then share your answers with others
during the classroom discussion.
Image #1
http://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/2010/06/26/birmingham/
Image #1
Step 1: Gather Evidence
- What do you see in this image?
- What key details, or pieces of evidence, do you see?
- How would you describe the scene and the people?
Step 2: Interpreting Evidence
- Where might this scene have taken place? Give evidence for your answer
- What do you think is happening in this scene? Give evidence for your answer
Step 3: Making Hypotheses from Evidence
- How do you think these people were feeling at this time?
- What does this image tell you about the tactics Bull Connor used in Birmingham?
Image #2
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/birmingham-erupted-chaos-1963-battle-civil-rightsexploded-south-article-1.1071793
Image #2
Step 1: Gather Evidence
- What do you see in this image?
- What key details, or pieces of evidence, do you see?
- How would you describe the scene and the people?
Step 2: Interpreting Evidence
- What do you think is happening in this scene? Give evidence for your answer
Step 3: Making Hypotheses from Evidence
- How do you think these people were feeling at this time?
- What does this image tell you about the tactics Bull Connor used in Birmingham?
Image #3
http://www.amistadresource.org/civil_rights_era/birmingham_desegregation_campaign.html
Image #3
Step 1: Gather Evidence
- What do you see in this image?
- What key details, or pieces of evidence, do you see?
- How would you describe the scene and the people?
Step 2: Interpreting Evidence
- What do you think is happening in this scene? Give evidence for your answer
Step 3: Making Hypotheses from Evidence
- How do you think these people were feeling at this time?
- What does this image tell you about the tactics Bull Connor used in Birmingham?
Wrap Up Question:
How do the images of Bull Connor's tactics raise awareness for the Civil Rights Movement?
Activity 3-Bull Connor interview and John F. Kennedy Speech
Eugene "Bull" Connor Interview and Transcript
Video and transcript can be found at
https://www.nbclearn.com/finishingthedream/cuecard/1310
Watch the Eugene "Bull" Connor interview and the John F. Kennedy speech, with the
transcripts. After you have viewed both videos answer the questions while using the amended
transcript.
Amended transcript:
"Bull" Connor states that for 42 days the city of Birmingham, Alabama has been "under siege"
(militarily surrounded with the intent of cutting off supplies to the city) from Martin Luther King
and his followers. President Kennedy has moved 3,000 federal troops into the state in-case it is
necessary for them to secure the peace in Birmingham. Connor does not want or believe the
troops are needed. Connor believes that the Birmingham police force along with the Alabama
highway patrol will be able to handle the situation.
Connor believes he has the most knowledge about what is happening in Birmingham, not the
President. Connor believes the President should instead ask Martin Luther King and his
followers (which Connor call agitators) to leave the city.
Connor lastly states that Martin Luther King and his "outside forces" have come to Birmingham
to create trouble between whites and African Americans. Federal troops are not needed and
should be removed so Birmingham can work their problems out as they always have.
The reporter asks Connor if they will use hoses and dogs.
Connor replies that they will use dogs if "they start throwing knives again and throwing
rocks. We will use the hose if it becomes necessary to stop the mob."
The reporter then asks what they will do if whites demonstrate.
Connor replies that they will do the same.
President John F. Kennedy Speech
Video and transcript can be found at
http://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset-Viewer/LH8F_0Mzv0e6Ro1yEm74Ng.aspx
Watch the Eugene "Bull" Connor interview and the John F. Kennedy speech, with the
transcripts. After you have viewed both videos answer the questions while using the amended
transcript.
Amended transcript, with definitions of word in bold below:
On June 11, 1963, the Alabama National guard was required to ensure the safety of two African
American students and their admission to the University of Alabama.
I hope all Americans will be able to view this event as positive progress towards
desegregation. This country was founded by men and women of different nations. It was also
founded on the idea that all men are created equal. When we take this right away from one
person, the rights of everybody else are threatened.
We do not ask for whites only when men sign up to join the military to go fight in wars for
America. Why should we only ask for whites when it comes to other public places, such as
universities and schools?
We shouldn't need demonstrations in the street in order for Americans of any color to receive
equal service at restaurants, hotels and voting. All Americans should be able to enjoy the
freedom of being an American regardless of their race or color.
A colored child in America today (the 1960's) has about half the chance of completing high
school as a white child in America. That same colored child has about one third the chance of
completing college as a white child in America. That child is twice as likely of being
unemployed. That child has one-seventh the chance of earning $10,000 a year. On average, that
African American child will live seven years less than the same white child.
It has been one hundred years since President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves. The
grandchildren of those freed men and women are not fully free. They are still not free from
injustice*. They are also still not free from social and economic oppression.
As Americans, we tell the world that everybody should be free. However, not everybody here is
free. In America, our second class citizens are colored people. In America, we do not have a
caste system, except with colored people.
Now is the time for America to fulfill its promise of freedom. The events in Birmingham and
elsewhere have made this an issue we cannot ignore. We can't depend on demonstrations in the
street anymore. It is time to do something about it in Congress and in the state and local
governments.
Next week I will ask the United States Congress to pass a law to ensure desegregation. The
courts have already upheld the rights of colored people, now the rest of the government will do
the same.
I have met with many business leaders and asked them to end discriminatory hiring practices.
Over 75 cities have seen progress in businesses desegregating. Many cities and businesses are
unwilling to act alone, so we need to make this a law.
Injustice-Violating the rights of others, unjust or unfair treatment.
Desegregation-The elimination of laws, customs or practices which restrict groups of people
based on race, gender or religion
Oppression-To live with cruel or unfair restraints given by an authority figure
Caste System-A social system in which people are placed in high or low standings based on race
or family.
Demonstrations-An organized protest in a community.
Discriminatory-Unfair treatment based on race, gender or religion.
Teacher copy
Activity Bull Connor interview and JFK speech:
Have students work separately to answer the questions about the Bull Connor interview and the
JFK speech. Have the students work in groups to answer the higher level questions that tie the
two together.
Also, when playing the interview and speech to the students give them access to the transcripts
and provide a copy of the adaptation of the transcripts.
Bull Connor Interview
Who led the outside groups/demonstrators in Birmingham?
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Do Federal Troops work for the city/state or the United States? (Hint: Who sent them?)
United States
Is Bull Connor for or against segregation?
For
What are some of the measures Bull Connor is willing to use against demonstrators?
Hoses and dogs
JFK Speech
Who did the National Guard have to protect?
Two African American (negro) students going to the University of Alabama
Where were these students trying to attend?
The University of Alabama
Do colored/African American children in the United States have a better or worse chance of
completing college or high school in the United States?
Worse
At the time of this speech, how long had it been since President Abraham Lincoln freed the
slaves?
100 years
What will the law JFK wants Congress to pass ensure?
Desegregation
Tie together questions
Who do you think President Kennedy was aiming his speech at?
Why does Kennedy feel that Congress and government need to be involved?
Do you think the Birmingham Riots influenced JFK's timing of giving this speech? Why or why
not?
Why would Bull Connor not want federal troops involved in Birmingham?
Why would Bull Connor want the Birmingham Police in charge?
Do you think the Birmingham police would be for or against segregation?
Who do the Federal Troops work for? Why is this important?
Who do the Birmingham police work for? Why is this important?
Student Name:
Bull Connor Interview
Who led the outside groups/demonstrators in Birmingham?
Do Federal Troops work for the city/state or the United States? (Hint: Who sent them?)
Is Bull Connor for or against segregation?
What are some of the measures Bull Connor is willing to use against demonstrators?
JFK Speech
Who did the National Guard have to protect?
Where were these students trying to attend?
Do colored/African American children in the United States have a better or worse chance of
completing college or high school in the United States?
At the time of this speech, how long had it been since President Abraham Lincoln freed the
slaves?
What will the law JFK wants Congress to pass ensure?
Students Names:
Answer the following regarding the Bull Connor Interview and JFK speech
Who do you think President Kennedy was aiming his speech at?
Why does Kennedy feel that Congress and government need to be involved?
Do you think the Birmingham Riots influenced JFK's timing of giving this speech? Why or why
not?
Why would Bull Connor not want federal troops involved in Birmingham?
Why would Bull Connor want the Birmingham Police in charge?
Do you think the Birmingham police would be for or against segregation?
Who do the Federal Troops work for? Why is this important?
Who do the Birmingham police work for? Why is this important?
Activity 4-Essential Question free-write
Essential Question: How did the actions of Bull Connor influence the Civil Rights movement?
Answer the Essential Question while supporting your answer with at least two direct pieces of
evidence from the sources you have been provided.
Checklist:
___ I have read and understand the background information provided in regards to the Civil
Rights Movement.
___ I have read the essential question as well as the sub-questions so that I understand the
historical inquiry that will take place.
___ I have read and answered the questions regarding the Martin Luther King, Jr. Letter from a
Birmingham Jail.
___ I have viewed and answered the questions regarding the Visual Discovery of Bull Connor's
Tactics activity
___ I have watched and listened to the interview with Eugene "Bull" Connor as well as read and
understand the amended transcript.
___ I have watched and listened to the John F. Kennedy speech as well as read and understand
the amended transcript.
___ I have answered the questions regarding the Bull Connor interview and JFK speech.
___ I have completed the free-write about the essential question, using evidence from the
resources provided