On the morning of Sunday September 15, 1963, four young girls: Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Denise McNair, lost their lives after their chuch, the 16th Street Baptist Church became the target of a racially motivated bombing. The blast severely injured over 20 additional people, one of which was Addie Mae's younger sister Sara, also known as the "5th girl." A Love That Forgives was the title of the Sermon prepared by then Rev. John Cross.
This profound story is very much a significant part of history, that sadly throughout the 54 years since, has in many ways tried to be eradicated, forgotten, overlooked, and silenced, because it took place during a time when segregation, and racial crimes spurred by hatred were the unacceptable norm - As if the tragedies of 5 little black girls should ever be viewed as anything but a great historical tragedy, that in no way should ever be forgotten.