“I had to explain what it was, that it was from Birmingham," said Avery, 76. Nonviolence was King's way, and some are put off by scenes of burning buildings and rioting that accompanied some protests, including one in Birmingham. Jonathan McPherson was walking just a few feet behind King when both were arrested in downtown Birmingham. Then-Mayor Larry Langford issued a blanket pardon for the convicted protesters in 2009, and many including Avery accepted. Just 18 at the time, Avery soon relocated to Chicago because his mother feared for his safety in Birmingham.

Source: ABC News May 14, 2021 10:40 UTC