Comeback Town: A Secret Meeting that Changed Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama – A Momentous Shift in Civil Rights

Decades after the much-debated Brown v. Board of Education ruling compelled the desegregation of public schools, private facilities in the South, particularly in Birmingham, Alabama, held on to their ways of segregation as of 1963. But an under-the-radar meeting held in June 1963 marked a turning point in the city’s affliction with racial division, instigating a drastic change in the city’s retail sector. The experiences of Michael Pizitz, who at the ripe age of 90 may be the last surviving attendee of that landmark meeting, offer a first-hand account of this historic event.

A Dark Chapter in Birmingham’s History

In the throes of segregation, Birmingham’s society was suffocating from racial disparities and biases — Black individuals confined to less privileged, menial roles in banks, newspapers, and corporations, while departmental stores notably lacked Black salespeople.

During this era, the steadfast advocate of segregation was Bull Connor, the city’s public safety commissioner, responsible for administrative authority over public services including the police and fire departments, libraries, and other public spaces. As a result, a group of ministers, including the likes of Dr. King and Rev. Shuttlesworth, tried pursuing the desegregation of commerce pillars such as U.S. Steel, Birmingham’s biggest employer at the time, but were repeatedly rebuffed.

Boycotts and Economic Fallout

The unyielding resolve of these civil rights leaders guided them to alter their tactics: instead of directly besieging these large enterprises, they pressured the retail sector with a wave of boycotts. From Loveman’s to Pizitz, these hefty contenders began to crumble under the looming economic impact as stores reported sales drops from 10 to 15 percent during the unrest’s peak.

The Tide Begins to Turn

Conversely, the mounting unrest and resultant economic repercussions caught the attention of store owners. The images of a peaceful march by Black children harshly suppressed in May 1963, followed by a string of arrests, acted as a turning point. Recognizing the unsustainable trajectory of hostility and division, the decision to path integration was put forth.

With heightened awareness and moral obligation, an unofficial meeting was convened, largely attended by representative owners of downtown stores, big and small alike. Their discussions, albeit unrecorded, resulted in unanimous decisions that would unravel Birmingham’s discriminatory norms. The concealed meeting culminated in the removal of segregated water fountain signs initially, gradually leading to restroom and restaurant desegregation within a span of two weeks.

Evolving Employment Practices

Although these were monumental strides towards comprehensive desegregation, there remained one daunting task: the hiring of Black salespeople. Ignited debates ensued, marked by resistance from some store owners fearing white employees’ displacement. Amid the controversy, stores like Pizitz hired two Black salespeople. Despite initial opposition, the salespeople’s conduct and reputation eased the tensions and normalized Black and white employees working collectively.

A New Birmingham Emerges

In addition to the integration of departmental stores, the environment improved drastically over a brief span. The tide of violent protests subsided, and threats to Pizitz’s family and other retailers diminished.

While the retail sector’s integration may not be perceived as heroic by some, it was a crucial part of Birmingham’s comeback story. As Michael Pizitz’s reflections remind us, preserving memories and oral histories are essential elements in understanding and molding our societal evolution. Speaking with others who lived during these times illuminates the ways regional history shapes our current world—and can help shape a more diverse and inclusive future.