 In the early 1960s , Birmingham was one of the most racially divided cities in the United States , both as enforced by law and culturally . Black citizens faced legal and economic disparities , and violent retribution when they attempted to draw attention to their problems . Martin Luther King called it the most segregated city in the country . Protests in Birmingham began with a boycott led by Shuttlesworth meant to pressure business leaders to open employment to people of all races , and end segregation in public facilities , restaurants , schools , and stores . When local business and governmental leaders resisted the boycott , SCLC agreed to assist . Organizer Wyatt Tee Walker joined Birmingham activist Shuttlesworth and began what they called Project C , a series of sit @-@ ins and marches intended to provoke mass arrests . 
