Apr. 15, 1963 - In Birmingham, Alabama today, Mayor Albert Boutwell and the new City Council were sworn in. They pledged to give Birmingham a “new era of economic and cultural growth.” Most citizens of this Southern steel center — white and Negro — are believed to be hoping the new, more moderate group of city leaders will bring a lessening, if not an end, to racial tensions that have grown alarmingly in the last few days. A warm sun was shining as the Mayor and Council members took the oath on the steps of the impressive 12-story City Hall. About one fourth of the crowd of 200 standing in a park across the street were Negroes. Neither Mr. Boutwell nor any of the Council members referred directly to the sit-ins at restaurants, “prayer walks,” and protest marches that have been taking place. The Mayor came closest to mentioning the situation when he said: “I am determined that we shall present a true and positive picture of both our city and people to the rest of the world. Whatever our shortcomings may be, they are our own local problems, and we shall resolve them by local effort and local unity. We are blessed by good conscience among all our people, and we have both the intelligence and will to live and prosper in peace and, in good time, mutual respect and understanding.” While the swearing-in ceremonies were going on, more than 50 Negroes were being arraigned in Recorders Court on charges of parading without a permit. The group included the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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