BPL Civil Rights 2023 Displays and Exhibits logo and City of Birmingham's Forging Justice logo

 

For the entire year of 2023, the City of Birmingham – in partnership with area churches, arts organizations, activists, businesses and nonprofits – will honor the challenges, lessons and triumphs of the 1963 Birmingham civil and human rights movement. The 60th commemoration will include programs, events, workshops, and entertainment that will be open to the entire community.

“The eyes of the world were on Birmingham in 1963 while a battle was waged for the equal rights of all of its residents,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “We plan to spend 2023 remembering and reflecting on the people and events that helped to break down segregation not only in Birmingham, but in our country.”

The year 1963 was pivotal in our history, featuring several marches and demonstrations as African Americans demanded the rights promised to them as American citizens. Youth as young as eight years-old participated in a Children’s Crusade where youngsters marched and were jailed for freedom. Under the leadership of college students, a selective buying campaign was launched where Black residents only bought from businesses that provided equal access to all. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested and penned his famous “Letter from the Birmingham Jail.” Domestic terrorism also rocked the city. The A.G. Gaston Motel was bombed on Mother’s Day, and on Sept. 15, 1963, four little girls were killed in a tragic bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church.

The theme for the year is “Forging Justice.” Birmingham is known for its steel production and also its racial past. Today, however, just like steel melds together different elements to make a singular strong force, the city has worked to forge relationships among all races, religions, ethnicities and creeds.

Displays and Exhibits

January

Unity and MLK Display

February

Black Resistance Display

Spider Martin - Selma to Montgomery March Photo Exhibit (February-April)

March

Women History Display

Spider Martin - Selma to Montgomery March Photo Exhibit (February-April)


April

Clergy Display

Spider Martin - Selma to Montgomery March Photo Exhibit (February-April)

A Celebration of Art and Activism Bibb & Tucker Quilt Exhibit (April 29-June 2)

May

Children and Youth Display

A Celebration of Art and Activism Bibb & Tucker Quilt Exhibit (April 29-June 2)

June

Restorative Justice Display

July

Environmental Justice Display

Common Bonds Archives Exhibit (July 6 - August 31)

August

Storytelling Display

Common Bonds Archives Exhibit (July 6 - August 31)

September

Civil and Human Rights Display

Texture of Jazz Needle Point Exhibit (September 5 - October 20)

October

Social Justice Display

Texture of Jazz Needle Point Exhibit (September 5 - October 20)

November

Arts and Culture Display

Both Sides of the Lens Archive Exhibit (November 3 - December 15)

December

Economic Opportunity Display

Both Sides of the Lens Archive Exhibit (November 3 - December 15)

Links


Strong Her March 2023

February Poster

January Flyer






 



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