Birmingham Public Library: Birmingham At 150—Part 1

Pelham AL

19 December, 2021

6:41 PM

Description

Press release from Birmingham Public Library: December 17, 2021 American Humanity: Birmingham at 150 On December 19, 2021, the City of Birmingham turns 150 years old. In that span of time, Birmingham saw the best and the worst of American humanity. Birmingham has been a leader in industry, in affirmative action, and in modernization. Yet, ignoring other parts of the city's history is a disservice to the bold men and women who overcame so much in their fight for equal rights (with much left to fight for). My father's family hails from Birmingham, but I did not spend significant time in this city as a child. A simple twist of fate brought me back here on November 9, 2020, and I immediately began my second book. Shortly thereafter, I began working with and for the Birmingham Public Library (BPL), and I realized my book would lack context without a deep dive into Birmingham's history. This piece reflects the research of an outsider reaching for deeper inclusion into the society and culture of The Magic City. I hope you will take this journey through the beautiful, tragic, and occasionally reprehensible moments in our city's storied history. This press release was produced by Birmingham Public Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.