The mural titled A New Day in Old Birmingham by Ronald Scott McDowell celebrates Birmingham as a melting pot of ideas and cultures. It is located on the first floor of the Central Library. It was unveiled on August 15, 2003 during a ceremony.

Ronald Scott McDowell is a renowned international self-taught sculptor and visual artist. He is well known for his ability to create life-like pictorials, which master the range of human emotions and capture the essence of the human spirit.

He is one of the most sought after artists of his time. Locally, McDowell's works are on display at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Miles College, Jefferson State Community College, Lawson State Community College and others. He has created commissioned works for the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and for Alabama Governors Don Seigelman and Fob James. He was commissioned to create sculptures in Birmingham's Kelly Ingram Park and Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, is home to 50 of his portraits.

McDowell has a strong following of famous patrons including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Bill Cosby, Dixie Carter, Lionel Richie, Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Barry Gordy, Jr., Maya Angelou, and former President Bill Clinton.

His talents have allowed him the flexibility of changing creative direction at any time. However, it is his devotion to God, that guides and inspires him. "I honor the gift God gave me," McDowell said. "This isn't about me... I'm [being used] to tell a story of a time, a place and a people," he added.

The City of Birmingham and the Birmingham Public Library Board are proud to hang this mural by a renowned multi-talented artist to depict forty years of Birmingham's history.

The Birmingham Public Library is a cultural icon in the city of Birmingham. The wealth of knowledge it encompasses influences the lives of every citizen, business, and educational institution it serves. This knowledge is not limited by race, background, age or culture, because the library is the information place where everyone is welcome and encouraged to visit.

In the year commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham it is fitting that the Birmingham Public Library Board commissioned "A New Day in Old Birmingham."

This mural, celebrating Birmingham as the melting pot of ideas and cultures, is permanently located on the first floor of the central library downtown. Visitors from the United States and abroad will be able to view this magnificent historic work of art.

A project of this magnitude required the commitment of many people and organizations in this great city. Mayor Bernard Kincaid's leadership was the perfect catalyst to accomplish this idea. Twenty-seven Birmingham Neighborhood Associations as well as corporations and individuals strongly supported and endorsed this project. The teamwork and support of Mrs. Barbara C. Sirmans and staff and the City of Birmingham Community Development Department were essential to the completion of this project.

Thanks to all for their financial support, good wishes, and prayers for bringing to fruition this outstanding result of public and private partnership.

Sincerely,

Alma P. Dennis, President
Birmingham Public Library Board
August 15, 2003