ABSTRACT
World War II gave rise to a new militancy in the African American community of Birmingham and the nation. The African American church and its pastors in Birmingham were an essential part of the new militancy while maintaining their traditional roles as spiritual leaders and builders and preservers of institutions in the community. Two of the most militant organizations championing the rights of African American in Birmingham during the early war years were the United Mine Workers of America and the Communist party. The Communist party in Birmingham, taking advantage of the growing dissatisfaction among African American industrial workers, continued to agitate for job advancement for blacks and greater political rights. Responding to the militancy that emerged in Birmingham during World War II, pastors joined lay leadership by supporting the call for the immediate end to segregation and racial discrimination. After the war, pastors assumed greater leadership in civil rights activities in an atmosphere of greater resistance.
