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WALB newsfilm clip of Reverend Ralph D. Abernathy leading a kneel-in and being arrested in Albany, Georgia, 1962 July 27

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@ Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection

WALB (Television station : Albany, Ga.)

Description

In this WALB newsfilm clip from July 27, 1962, Reverend Ralph D. Abernathy leads a kneel-in at city hall in Albany, Georgia, during which he prays for the community, its leaders, and the leaders of the civil rights movement before police arrest him and his fellow demonstrators. The clip begins with a silent portion in which groups of African Americans get out of cars near city hall and walk towards the building. Rev. Abernathy exits one of the cars in a group with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. William G. Anderson, Slater King, and Reverend E. James Grant; president, vice president, and member of the Albany Movement respectively. The demonstrators line up in front of city hall and are met by local police, led by Albany police chief Laurie Pritchett. Pritchett gives directions to his officers and to those in the kneel-in as cameramen and reporters surround the group. The sound portion begins with Pritchett informing the demonstrators that they are under arrest. King appears to ignore the statement and asks Abernathy to pray. Abernathy prays for the city of Albany; the city officials, including the mayor and chief of police; and the members of the police force. Pritchett then interrupts the prayer, directing his officers to round up the demonstrators. Abernathy continues to pray for peace in the community, and for a willingness in the city officials to negotiate with the leaders of the African American community. He prays that those attending the kneel-in will not feel hate...

Record Contributed By

Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection

Record Harvested From

Digital Library of Georgia