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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Birmingham Mayor Pardons Civil Rights Protesters


By: Bob Johnson and Jay Reeves

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Birmingham's mayor offered a blanket pardon Tuesday to thousands of demonstrators charged in this cauldron of the civil rights movement in the 1960s, a mostly symbolic forgiveness he acknowledges few may actually want.

Many blacks who braved police dogs and fire hoses say they carry their misdemeanor record with them as a badge of honor.

Mayor Larry Langford said he expects many will reject the mass pardon for that reason, but he felt it was important to offer.

Birmingham Mayor Pardons Civil Rights Protesters....

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