Civil rights activist teaches students value of nonviolence - Gainesville Times

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Civil rights activist teaches students value of nonviolence

Charles Alphin, right, and Col. James Benson, left, observe Riverside Military Academy cadets after Alphin’s speech about nonviolence. - photo by Andrew Akers

1114Riverside 1 — Charles Alphin, right, and Col. James Benson, left, observe Riverside Military Academy cadets after Alphin’s speech about nonviolence. - photo by Andrew Akers

Six decades ago, 9-year-old Charles Alphin grabbed his bicycle and pedaled to the north side of St. Louis to cool off in a public swimming pool. Upon arrival, he was greeted by an angry mob who beat him with sticks, stole his bicycle and threatened to hang him. His crime: Being black.