Two Abreast on the Sidewalk

A minister led 52 Black demonstrators on a civil-rights walk through a Southern city. They walked two abreast for about four blocks, keeping to the sidewalks except at intersections, and did not obstruct traffic or interfere with pedestrians. A city ordinance made it an offence to hold any parade, procession or public demonstration without a permit from the City Commission, which was told to refuse a permit whenever it believed the public welfare, peace, safety, health, decency, good order, morals or convenience required. The group had no permit. The minister was arrested and convicted, and was sentenced to 90 days' hard labour plus 48 more days for failing to pay a fine and costs. He argued that the ordinance gave city officials unlimited power to ban demonstrations, in violation of the First Amendment.