Sarah Collins Rudolph, a survivor of a Ku Klux Klan bombing that took her right eye and four friends, finds Wales to be a place of significant emotional resonance. Her journey to Wales, triggered by the tragic events of September 15, 1963, when a bomb detonated at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, leaving four of her friends dead, was marked by deep pain and loss. Sarah, along with her friends, were preparing for a Youth Day service when the bomb exploded, changing the course of their lives forever.
Among the deceased were 14-year-olds Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and 11-year-old Cynthia Wesley. Sarah, being Addie’s sister, miraculously survived but endured severe injuries, losing the vision in her right eye. Following the devastating attack, Wales stepped forward to show solidarity and support by fundraising for a stained-glass window memorial for the church.
The impactful response from Wales, manifested in fundraising efforts led by the Western Mail, saw the community come together to raise £10,000 for the Wales Window designed by artist John Petts. The stained-glass window, depicting a black Christ, symbolized unity and empathy from across the ocean. This act of kindness and solidarity resonated deeply with the survivors and families affected by the tragic event, including Lisa McNair and Kimberley McNair Brock, sisters of Denise McNair.
The enduring bond between Birmingham and Wales was further strengthened by a recent visit to Wales by a delegation from Birmingham, commemorating the historic friendship between the two places. The visit, part of an International Friendship Pact, aimed to promote economic trade and cultural exchange. As Sarah, Lisa, and Kimberley witnessed the warm welcome and remembrance in Wales, they expressed gratitude for the empathy and support shown by the people of Wales during their darkest hours.
Despite the painful memories of the tragic event, Sarah, Lisa, and Kimberley emphasized the importance of sharing their stories to educate future generations about the impact of racial violence and the resilience of communities in overcoming hate. The gift of the Wales Window and the ongoing friendship between Birmingham and Wales serve as reminders of hope, unity, and the enduring power of compassion in the face of adversity.