Mount Zion AME Zion Church (Montgomery, Alabama) facts for kids
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Mt. Zion AME Zion Church
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Mt. Zion AME Zion Church in 2009.
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| Location | 467 Holt St., Montgomery, Alabama |
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| Built | 1899 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 02001066 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 04, 2002 |
The Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Montgomery, Alabama, is a very important building. It is also known as the Mount Zion AME Zion Church Memorial Annex. This historic church is located at 467 Holt Street. It was first built in 1899 and then updated in 1921.
This church played a big role in the American Civil Rights Movement. Many important events happened here that helped change laws and bring fairness to all people.
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A Special Place in History
The Mount Zion AME Zion Church holds a special place in the history of the United States. It was a meeting spot for leaders and activists during the Civil Rights Movement. This movement worked to end unfair treatment and segregation against African Americans.
The Fight for Equal Rights
In 1955, a very important group called the Montgomery Improvement Association was started inside this church. This group helped organize the Montgomery bus boycott. The boycott was a protest where African Americans refused to ride city buses. They did this to protest unfair rules that made Black people sit at the back of the bus. This boycott lasted for over a year and was a major victory for civil rights.
A Resting Place for Marchers
Years later, in 1965, the church again became a key location. This was during the Selma to Montgomery marches. These marches were a series of protests for voting rights. People walked many miles from Selma to Montgomery to demand the right to vote. The Mount Zion Church offered a safe place for marchers to rest and gather on their long journey to the state capitol. Because of its role, the church is now part of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail.
Art and Legacy
The Mount Zion AME Zion Church is not just a historic building. It also features beautiful artwork that tells its story.
Murals of Hope
The sides of the church building are decorated with colorful murals. These large paintings show important figures and events from the Civil Rights Movement. You can see images of Martin Luther King Jr., a famous leader who fought for equality. There are also murals of Rosa Parks, who bravely refused to give up her seat on a bus. The murals also show scenes from the Selma to Montgomery marches, reminding everyone of the struggle and hope for a better future.
Protecting History
To make sure this important place is remembered, efforts have been made to protect the church.
A National Historic Site
The church congregation moved to a new building in 1990. However, the original building remains a symbol of history. On November 4, 2002, the Mount Zion AME Zion Church was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a very important historic site in the country. It helps preserve its story for future generations.
