By Paige Robinson, Staff Photographer
During the Civil Rights Movement, many members of the Black community fought for equal rights and justice. This included all ages, genders, and backgrounds. In Americus, Georgia, there was a youth group called the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) who led peaceful protests. In July 1963, the SNCC hosted a protest near the Martin Theater, with more than 200 people involved. Police quickly shut down the protest, but the story does not stop there.
While there were many arrests ending with protestors being let off quickly, not all were that lucky. There were 35 girls between the ages of 12 and 15 who were arrested, and were taken 20 miles away from their homes. While in jail, the police did not alert any of their families that they were being held captive. These girls became known as the Stolen Girls. Little to no food and water was provided and the conditions were unethical. The girls wore the same clothes they had on the day of the protest, were forced to share a small cell with no beds, and had no working toilet. In addition to this neglect, many of the prison guards would torture and rape the young girls.
After some deep diving, a photographer for the SNCC was able to trace where the Stolen Girls were taken. He traveled to the jail they were being held in, and instantly spread the news when he saw the girls held captive. He took photos that were later published to the paper. With all the press and public attention, the jail finally released the girls. They did not file anything on the girl’s records, but some of the Stolen Girls’ families received bills from the jail claiming they had to pay $2 for each day the girls were there.
What happened to the Stolen Girls is one of many stories of horrible treatment the Black community deals with despite the continued fight for equality. However, these events did not stop the girls from protesting. They continued to protest and fight for their community, and play a monumental role in the Civil Rights Movement.
To read more about this topic visit https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/stolen-girls-july-august-1963/