Mayor William Bell addressed over 200,000 churches around the globe and asked them to participate in the 50 Years Forward campaign by observing a moment of silence on Sunday, September 15 at 10:22 a.m., the estimated time of the bombing that killed four little girls at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
“We are partnering with Reverend Jeff Wright, CEO of Urban Ministries, INC and inviting their 50,000 churches to be a part of this movement and Reverend Wright has introduced us to InService America who has another 150,000 evangelical churches. The response to this idea has been overwhelming. To just take a moment to pause at this date and time is such a simple act, but will have such a significant and unified impact on the world. Birmingham has been a catalyst for the human rights movement over the last 50 years by giving hope that things can change. Our once segregated and embattled city is now in renaissance and establishing itself for the next 50 years,” said Mayor Bell.
The unique Tele-town hall format allowed the Mayor to address the estimated 200,000 clergy, pastors and layman for an hour long discussion on Birmingham, 50yearsforward.
Local churches who are interested in joining this movement should contact opi@birminghamal.gov. For more information about empowerment week, visit http://www.50yearsforward.com. #50yearsforward
