Washington, D.C. – This afternoon, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) joined her U.S. House and Senate colleagues and leadership in a ceremony at the United States Capitol to posthumously bestow the Congressional Gold Medal to the "Four Little Girls” who tragically lost their lives during the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

“Today, the American people, through their Congressional representatives, bestowed the Congressional Gold Medal upon Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley,” said Rep. Sewell. “As a direct beneficiary of their sacrifice, I was honored that my first piece of legislation honored the “Four Little Girls” with the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow upon any individual.”

At the ceremony earlier today Congresswoman Sewell delivered remarks along with Congressman Spencer Bachus, Senator Richard Shelby, Senator Barbara Mikulski, and members of Congressional Leadership. “I not only question where I would be today without the influence of the “Four Little Girls” but more importantly, I question where America would be. The premature and senseless deaths of these girls awakened the slumbering conscience of America and galvanized the Civil Rights Movement,” Rep. Sewell said at the ceremony. “Their memory served as the torch of courage and strength that my dear friend and colleague John Lewis carried when he marched unarmed, unafraid towards mounted Alabama State Troopers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in my hometown of Selma, Alabama. The depth of their sacrifice burned in President Johnson’s mind as he signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Our country owes a debt of gratitude to these heroines whose shoulders we stand on today.”

A host of family members representing each of the four girls were in attendance at today’s ceremony. “All of these family members embody a level of reconciliation and forgiveness that is unique to the human condition. Their elegant dignity in the face of such adversity is truly inspiring,” said Rep. Sewell.   

“I would be remiss not to thank my colleagues from the Alabama congressional delegation who joined me as original co-sponsors of the Bill. We came together in our deep love and appreciation of Alabama’s special role in the civil rights movement. I specifically appreciate the tremendous efforts of Congressman Spencer Bachus and Senator Richard Shelby in getting the support we needed in both Chambers of Congress,” explained Rep. Sewell.    

 “Although we will never be able to replace the lives lost or the injuries suffered, this Gold medal will serve as a compelling reminder that the price of freedom is not free. Today’s ceremony reminded us that in recommitting ourselves to the cause of justice and equality we will be fulfilling the tremendous legacy left by the four girls.” Rep. Sewell concluded, “I am so proud to have spent this special day with my Congressional colleagues, the families of the “Four Little Girls”, and Birmingham’s faith and community leaders as we bestowed this honor posthumously upon Addie Mae, Carole, Cynthia, and Denise. It was a truly remarkable event.”

History of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Bombing

On September 15, 1963, amid high racial tensions, a bomb detonated in the 16th Street Baptist Church as children were entering the basement on their way to worship.  Addie Mae Collins, Caroline Robinson, and Cynthia Wesley, who were all 14, and Denise McNair, 11, were killed.  The explosion injured 22 people and left heavy damage to the church itself.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. travelled to Birmingham to deliver the eulogy for the children and the bombing, which shocked Americans across the nation, and became a galvanizing force for the passage of historic civil rights legislation including the Voting Rights Act of 1964.

History of the Congressional Gold Medal

The presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal requires the support of a two-thirds majority of the House and Senate and the signature of the President.  The requirements for a Congressional Gold Medal are set in statute by the rules of the Financial Services Committee, where Congressman Bachus serves as Chairman Emeritus and Congresswoman Sewell serves as a member, and by the House.

Individuals and groups in civil rights history who have been Congressional Gold Medal recipients include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Dr. Dorothy Height, Rosa Parks, the Little Rock Nine, Jackie Robinson, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Montford Point Marines.

Contact: Hillary Beard / 202.225.2665 / Hillary.Beard@mail.house.gov