12-hour prayer vigil the be held for "racial healing" in Birmingham | News

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- A citywide prayer vigil will be held for 12 hours Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Railroad Park.

The anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing will be on the minds of many of those attending the event. The program will start at 10 a.m. and conclude at 11 p.m. One of the organizers is Paul Hughes, director of Redigging the Wells,  a faith-based ministry. Hughes says a diversity of people created the city and when combined together they can make it stronger.

Hughes says white, African American and native Americans will all be hand. The event will aim to spread the gospel and racial healing.

"Because we believe Birmingham, even with its past of racial injustice and hurt, is a place God is still writing a story of racial healing and racial justice," Hughes said.

A Native Candian Indian has come to Birmingham to take part in the program.

"We are here as a people to unite, one purpose, one heart, one mind and that's to see the races heal," Rita Bear Gray said.

At 11:30 am a procession of horses will leave Kelly Ingram Park for Railroad Park. Hughes expects up to 5,000 to attend.

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