ABSTRACT
In the period from 1920 to 1940, African American churches of the mainline denominations continued to fill many of the same needs they had met before World War I in an atmosphere of dashed hopes, white intimidation, and economic insecurity. Despite the segregation and generally harsh conditions in Birmingham, African Americans from the Black Belt of Alabama and other southern states continued to migrate into Birmingham. For many African Americans in Birmingham, the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church continued to be the main social center. African Americans migrated into Birmingham seeking employment opportunities. Most black men were mine or factory workers. Black women were primarily domestics and laundresses. The pre-World War I emphasis on self-help, racial solidarity, race pride, and building character continued in the sermons and addresses of African American pastors. Pastors gave top priority to two concerns: the promotion of community-based African American businesses and the maintenance of colleges and schools.
