JAMES ARMSTRONG
Barberand Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights MovementAPR 27, 1923 – NOV 18, 2009
Mr. James Armstrong cut hair at Armstrong Barbershop in downtown Birmingham for more than 50 years. Among his clients was civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Mr. Armstrong was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement from the very beginning. During his time in the Army, he was a flag bearer and so he was also appointed to be the flag bearer in marches, including the famous 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery. He took part in other demonstrations including one that attempted to integrate the Greyhound Bus Station’s waiting room. He also was part of a demonstration that sought to integrate the stores in downtown Birmingham, and his part in this led to jail time in April of 1963. In this same period, Mr. Armstrong also worked closely with Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth.
James Armstrong is mostly known for a lawsuit that he filed in August of 1957 that led to the desegregation of Graymont Elementary in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. His lawsuit resulted in his sons Dwight and Floyd becoming the first black children to attend that school. Their first day at the school was September 9, 1963.
Mr. Armstrong was the flag bearer at the annual commemoration of Bloody Sunday held the first weekend in March in Selma, Alabama. He also was a board member and volunteer at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Every Sunday following the opening of the Institute he told his story to visitors so they would understand his passion and commitment to a lifelong goal of justice.
Mr. Armstrong’s Children
Denise Armstrong-Wrushen
James Armstrong, Jr.
Dwight and Bonnie Walker-Armstrong
Floyd Armstrong
Mr. Armstrong’s Grandchildren
Charlie Wrushen, Jr.
Tiffany Wrushen
Darren Armstrong
Carlos Armstrong
Justin Armstrong
