Birmingham Includes

Birmingham has transformed from a city known for its segregation and violence to a beacon of inclusivity and progress. The efforts of civil rights leaders, activists, and everyday citizens have created a city that celebrates diversity and equal rights. From the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, Birmingham recognizes the importance of remembering its history and continuing to work towards a better future. The city’s commitment to inclusion is reflected in its thriving arts and culture scene, its support for LGBTQ+ rights, and its efforts to create economic opportunities for all residents.

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John Lewis and Protesters on “Bloody Sunday”, 1965

John Lewis was a student activist and organizer when he was severely attacked on the Edmund Pettus Bridge when he and others attempted the first Selma to Montgomery march on March 7, 1965. The events of what became known as Bloody Sunday showed the nation the harsh realities of segregation, racial intolerance, and their brutal enforcement. Lewis later became a longtime U.S. Congressman.

Bessie Estell

The Birmingham Civil Rights Movement not only had an impact on the fight for racial equality, but also served as a model for other social movements. The tactics used in Birmingham, such as sit-ins, boycotts, and marches, were adopted by other groups fighting for change, including the women’s rights movement. Longtime educator Bessie Estell was a local civil rights leader who fought for both racial and gender equality in Birmingham, and her activism paved the way for future generations of activists. Overall, the lessons learned and successes achieved in Birmingham continue to inspire and inform movements for social change around the world.

The push for a more inclusive city took another major step in 1975 when longtime educator Bessie Estell was elected as the first African American woman to sit on the Birmingham City Council.

Woman’s Rights are Human Rights

The Birmingham Civil Rights Movement not only had an impact on the fight for racial equality, but also served as a model for other social movements. The tactics used in Birmingham, such as sit-ins, boycotts, and marches, were adopted by other groups fighting for change, including the women’s rights movement. Longtime educator Bessie Estell was a local civil rights leader who fought for both racial and gender equality in Birmingham, and her activism paved the way for future generations of activists. Overall, the lessons learned and successes achieved in Birmingham continue to inspire and inform movements for social change around the world.

The push for a more inclusive city took another major step in 1975 when longtime educator Bessie Estell was elected as the first African American woman to sit on the Birmingham City Council.

Angela Davis, Activist and Author

Birmingham native Angela Davis is known worldwide for her activism and writing, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. Davis early on witnessed racial segregation and inequity while growing up in the Smithfield neighborhood dubbed “Dynamite Hill” for the number of homes that were bombed in racist attacks. An author and lecturer, Davis continues her advocacy on social issues including prison reform.

Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth at the Front of the Bus

In 1956, Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth, a prominent civil rights activist, led the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights (ACMHR) in the fight for integration of Birmingham’s public transportation system. ACMHR filed a lawsuit against the city of Birmingham in federal court to desegregate the buses, and Shuttlesworth led protests and boycotts in support of the cause. In 1957, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of ACMHR in the case, and the buses were finally integrated. Shuttlesworth’s efforts were a significant victory for civil rights activists in Birmingham and served as a model for future integration efforts in other cities.

Anti-Racism Protest

African American woman with raised fist shouting through a megaphone during an anti-racism protest. The tactics used in Birmingham, such as sit-ins, boycotts, and marches were adopted by other groups fighting for change, including the women’s rights movement.

Kelly Ingram Park, 1963

During the Birmingham Campaign in 1963, the use of high-powered fire hoses by the city’s police force to control and subdue protesters was a particularly brutal and iconic moment in the Civil Rights Movement. The force of the hoses was so strong that it could tear the bark off of trees and knock down adults and children alike. The images of young black protesters being blasted by the hoses, often with their clothing torn off, shocked the world and galvanized support for the movement. This use of force was eventually condemned by political leaders and the media, contributing to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Loveman’s Boycott

Loveman’s department store was one of the main targets of the Birmingham Campaign’s economic boycott. The store had a policy of racial segregation and refused to hire Black workers in any role other than janitors. The boycott, which included sit-ins, picketing, and leafleting, was successful in pressuring Loveman’s to change their hiring practices and to begin serving Black customers. The photo of the African-American woman carrying a picket sign at Loveman’s became an iconic image of the Birmingham Campaign and the struggle for civil rights. The woman’s name is not known, but her bravery and determination to fight against discrimination and segregation have been an inspiration to many.

March on Washington, August 28, 1963

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was held on August 28, 1963, in Washington, D.C. The event was organized by civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., to advocate for civil and economic rights for African Americans. The march attracted approximately 250,000 people from all walks of life, including many white supporters. The highlight of the march was King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which he delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The march is considered a watershed moment in the civil rights movement and is credited with helping to push the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Today’s Agents of Social Justice

The civil rights movement of the 1960s in Birmingham helped to establish a legacy of activism, perseverance, and solidarity that continues to inspire contemporary social movements today. The lessons learned and the successes achieved during that time serve as a foundation for current advocates fighting for justice, equity, and inclusion. The legacy of the Birmingham movement contributed to the development of new tactics, strategies, and leadership models, while also creating a framework for understanding the intersections of race, gender, class, and other social identities. Ultimately, the legacy of the Birmingham movement provides a powerful reminder that change is possible and that collective action can make a significant impact on society.

Angela Davis, Activist and Author

Birmingham native Angela Davis is known worldwide for her activism and writing, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. Davis early on witnessed racial segregation and inequity while growing up in the Smithfield neighborhood dubbed “Dynamite Hill” for the number of homes that were bombed in racist attacks. An author and lecturer, Davis continues her advocacy on social issues including prison reform.

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Skate Park

The Barkery

Roller Rink

Amphitheater

City Walk Social

Playground

Lake Park Lawn

Food Trucks

Pickleball Courts

Bridge Lighting

Civil Rights Story Zone

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Birmingham Includes

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