1963 Birmingham church bombing survivor speaks at rescheduled breakfast
By: Christa Burns, Junior staff writer
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Auburn University at Montgomery reschedules its Martin
Luther King Jr. Reflections Breakfast due to inclement weather. The new date and time have yet
to be determined.
Ice on the roads made it dangerous to drive in the city. The university closed all
operations for the rest of the week. According to WSFA.com, “The Capital City saw a quick
burst of snow that dropped around a half inch of snow, but the slushy moisture from that has
frozen, so travel conditions are bad and getting worse in Montgomery.”
The university’s Warhawk Weekly newsletter stated that AUM looks forward to hearing
from this year’s keynote speaker, author and activist, Sarah Collins Rudolph. The newsletter
states, “Rudolph survived the KKK’s 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in
Birmingham but carries physical and psychological wounds from it. She lost vision in one eye as
one of 22 victims wounded in the blast, and she lost her sister, 14-year-old Addie Mae, who was
one of four children killed.” Now, Rudolph is traveling and speaking to others about her
experience with hate and racism. According to Rudolph’s bio on AUM.edu, she says, “I’m trying
to live so I can live again.”
AUM refers to the Reflections Breakfast as one of its most cherished events. The annual
breakfast has become something that the university and community looks forward to. The
university states that the MLK Reflections Breakfast celebrates Martin Luther Kings Jr. Legacy.
“With poignant speakers, representatives and dignitaries, and students represented from across
the state, there is a place to listen, learn, and build understanding.” says AUM on their website.
For more information on this event, visit AUM.edu for updates.
