Ep 6. Black Churches and White Terrorism

In season 1, episode 6 of Decoded, entitled "Black Churches and White Terrorism," host Brad Meltzer and his team investigate a series of bombings that occurred at African American churches in the deep south during the Civil Rights Movement.

The episode begins by examining the history of violence perpetrated against black churches in America. The team discusses the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, which killed four little girls and injured dozens more. They also look at other, lesser-known instances of church bombings throughout the southeast.

Using archival footage and interviews with experts, the team explores the motivations of those who committed these heinous acts. They discuss how some white supremacists saw black churches as symbols of black resistance and sought to eliminate them as part of their larger campaign of terror.

The episode then turns to the mystery of who was responsible for the bombings. The team interviews survivors and family members of those who were killed to gain a better understanding of the impact these attacks had on the community. They also speak with historians and law enforcement officials who investigated the bombings at the time.

One potential suspect the team looks into is known white supremacist Robert "Dynamite Bob" Chambliss, who was convicted of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. They explore his past and examine the evidence used to convict him, including a confidential informant who tipped off the authorities.

The team also delves into the controversial notion of "racial reconciliation," which has been suggested by some as a way to move past the legacy of violence against black churches. They speak with a pastor who has organized such efforts in his community and explore the challenges inherent in the concept.

Throughout the episode, Brad Meltzer and his team strive to shed light on this dark chapter in American history. They aim to honor those who were targeted during this campaign of terror and help ensure that their stories are not forgotten.

Overall, "Black Churches and White Terrorism" is a thought-provoking episode of Decoded that raises important questions about race, violence, and reconciliation in America. It is a sobering reminder of the atrocities that have been committed in the name of hate and a call to action to prevent such horrors from occurring again in the future.