📣 History lives in the voices of those who lived it. In 1958, a young janitor named James Pruitt helped prevent what could have been a deadly bombing at Birmingham’s Temple Beth-El. His story—once untold—is now being preserved thanks to an oral history initiative led by our very own Executive Director, Lukata Mjumbe. This powerful interview, conducted as part of the Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium’s Evidence of Things Not Seen project, was recently featured in The Washington Post. But this vital work is now under threat—federal cuts have jeopardized the future of our oral history and youth programs, including the exhibit planned to mark the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. 🗣️ We are racing against time to preserve the firsthand accounts of elders whose stories may otherwise be lost forever. This is why we do what we do—and why this work must continue. 📖 Read Mr. Pruitt’s story here: washingtonpost.com/nation/20… 🙏🏾 Support our work: aaacrhsc.org/donate #OralHistory #CivilRights #BirminghamHistory #JewishBlackSolidarity #TempleBethEl #HeritageMatters #SaveOurStories #AAACRHSC #EvidenceOfThingsNotSeen

On this day in 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, declaring that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The decision marked a turning point in the long struggle for civil rights, affirming that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” While Brown did not immediately end segregation, it became a powerful legal foundation for the movement that followed and inspired communities across the South to continue organizing, advocating, and demanding equal access to education and justice. Today, we honor the students, families, attorneys, educators, and activists whose courage helped reshape the nation—and we recognize the many civil rights sites across Alabama that preserve and share these stories of resilience and progress. As we reflect on this anniversary, we are reminded that understanding our history is essential to building a more just future.

On this day in 1860, the Clotilda arrived in Mobile carrying more than 100 captive Africans, more than 50 years after the transatlantic slave trade had been outlawed in the United States. It was an act of greed and defiance that forever changed countless lives—but it did not erase the resilience, culture, and humanity of those who endured it. The survivors went on to establish Africatown, preserving traditions, memories, and a legacy that continues to shape Alabama and the nation today. Their story reminds us that preserving history means telling the truth about both injustice and perseverance. As we reflect on this anniversary, we invite you to watch this message from our Executive Director, Rev. Lukata Mjumbe, The Preservation of Promise and Peril, recorded in Mobile in 2024. His sermon challenges us to consider what it means to remember, preserve, and carry these stories forward for future generations. Watch the full sermon here: youtube.com/watch?v=5Yf4Nf8B…

Even as we move beyond the Fourth of July, we remain in the shadow of America’s 250th anniversary—a milestone that invites us to reflect not only on our nation’s founding, but on the many people whose courage, faith, and sacrifice have shaped its ongoing story. In this message from First Missionary Baptist Church Decatur, we’re challenged to think more deeply about what it truly means to be a patriot. As we commemorate 250 years of American history, let us remember that Black history is American history, and that honoring the full story of our nation strengthens our shared future. Watch the full video here: youtube.com/watch?v=9BmZyOXv…

As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, we also celebrate the stories that deepen our understanding of our nation’s history. This Fourth of July, listen to Hatred, Holy Places, and Heroes, the remarkable story of James Pruitt, whose quick actions helped prevent a devastating bombing at Birmingham’s Temple Beth-El in 1958. Through the Consortium’s ongoing work to preserve oral histories, stories like his continue to remind us that everyday people have shaped the course of American history. As we reflect on 250 years of our nation’s journey, we remain committed to preserving the voices, places, and stories that ensure our shared history is remembered for generations to come. Watch the full episode here: youtube.com/watch?v=sHXajeqp…

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we’re reminded that the story of our nation is best understood through the people who have challenged it to live up to its highest ideals. This Fourth of July, revisit An Extraordinary Ordinary King, featuring scholar and activist Dr. Cornel West as he reflects on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. As we commemorate 250 years of American history, conversations like these remind us that Black history is American history—and that preserving and sharing these stories is essential to understanding our past and shaping our future. Watch the full episode here: youtube.com/watch?v=JZkS2UzG…

As America marks 250 years, we recognize that our nation’s story cannot be told without the courage, resilience, and leadership of Black Americans. At the Consortium, we remain committed to preserving these stories, protecting the places where history happened, and ensuring future generations understand that Black history is American history. As we commemorate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to telling the full American story—past, present, and future.

On this day in 1964, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law, marking a watershed moment in the ongoing struggle for freedom, justice, and equality in the United States. The passage of the Civil Rights Act prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and helped dismantle the legal framework of segregation that generations of activists had fought tirelessly to overcome. This landmark legislation stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of countless individuals—many of whom organized, protested, and risked their lives at sites now preserved and interpreted by members of the African American Civil Rights Network. As we commemorate this historic anniversary, we honor those who transformed the nation and reaffirm our commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of the Movement for future generations. 📷 Photo courtesy of Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

On this day, 67 years ago, Historic Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham was bombed in an attempt to silence the movement for justice and equality. Led by Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Bethel remained a steadfast center of the Civil Rights Movement despite repeated acts of terror. Today, we honor the courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment of those who refused to be intimidated in the fight for freedom. #OnThisDay #CivilRightsHistory #RevFredShuttlesworth #BethelBaptistChurch

Join our Consortium site partner, the Decatur Scottsboro Boys Civil Rights Museum & Judge James E. Horton, Jr. Legal Learning Center, for the 3rd Annual Judge James E. Horton, Jr. Day of Courage on Saturday, June 20. This special event honors the legacy of Judge Horton, whose commitment to justice and due process remains an enduring example of courage in the face of injustice. The program will feature keynote speaker Milton C. Davis, Esq., and highlight the ongoing importance of preserving and sharing the history of the Scottsboro Boys. 📍 First Missionary Baptist Church, Decatur 🕛 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

On Monday, the Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium gathered in Selma at First (Colored) Baptist Church for our 2026 Spring Convening. Members and partners from across the state came together for a day of learning, collaboration, and strategic planning. Sessions focused on community engagement, collections management, sustainability, leadership development, and strengthening the impact of our historic sites for future generations. Thank you to our presenters, member sites, and partners for sharing their expertise and helping advance the Consortium’s mission to preserve, protect, and promote Alabama’s African American civil rights heritage. #AACRHSC #CivilRightsHeritage #AlabamaHistory #HistoricPreservation #SelmaAL

GO VOTE ALABAMA: TODAY IS PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION DAY!!!! Polls opened 7am to 7pm!!! Your Vote is your Voice!!

Today marks the 62nd anniversary of “Bloody Tuesday,” a pivotal moment in Tuscaloosa’s Civil Rights history. We are honored to see one of our site representatives, Mary Kemp, featured in recent coverage reflecting on the legacy of that historic day. A foot soldier who marched during Bloody Tuesday in 1964, Ms. Kemp shared her memories of the movement and reflected on the importance of ensuring younger generations understand this history and continue the work toward justice. As we commemorate this anniversary, we remember the courage of those who gathered at First African Baptist Church and marched in pursuit of equal rights, despite violent opposition. Their legacy reminds us why preserving these stories and historic places remains so important. Read the full article here: wvtm13.com/article/tuscaloos…

This Sunday, our member site, First African Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, will host “Remembering Tuscaloosa’s Bloody Tuesday,” honoring a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement in West Alabama. On June 9, 1964, hundreds gathered at First African Baptist Church before attempting to march to the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse in protest of segregation. What followed became known as Bloody Tuesday, when marchers were attacked and arrested in a violent confrontation that marked a turning point in the movement for justice in Tuscaloosa. Nearly 100 people were arrested and more than 30 were hospitalized. (wbrc.com⁠) As we commemorate this history, we honor the courage of those who risked everything in the fight for equality and recognize the importance of preserving and sharing these stories for future generations. Read more about the observance and the history of Bloody Tuesday here: wbrc.com/2026/06/05/communit…

Congratulations to our member site, Old Sardis Baptist Church, on a wonderful 70th Observance of the Formation of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights (ACMHR) this past Friday. Thank you to everyone who helped make this special evening of reflection, remembrance, and celebration possible as attendees gathered to honor 70 years of faith, justice, and community and the enduring legacy of ACMHR. We are grateful to Old Sardis for continuing to preserve and share this important history.

In honor of today’s 70th Observance of the Formation of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights (ACMHR), hosted by our member site Old Sardis Baptist Church, we are highlighting Old Sardis once again this week. For generations, Old Sardis has served as a cornerstone of faith, leadership, and community in Birmingham, standing as an enduring part of the city’s Civil Rights legacy. Watch this video to learn more, and visit the Consortium’s YouTube page to explore additional stories and videos highlighting our member sites and the history they continue to preserve.

Congratulations to Georgette Norman on the successful launch and celebration of From These Roots: Selected Poems yesterday in Montgomery! As one of the founding mothers of the Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium, Georgette’s lifelong dedication to preserving Black history, amplifying culture, and nurturing generations of artists, storytellers, and changemakers has left an immeasurable impact across Alabama and beyond. We celebrate this beautiful milestone and the publication of a body of work that reflects the depth, wisdom, and legacy of her voice. Thank you, Georgette, for the many ways you continue to inspire, preserve, and uplift our communities. ❤️📚

Don’t forget — this Friday, Old Sardis Baptist Church will host the 70th Observance of the Formation of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights (ACMHR), commemorating the legacy of one of the most influential organizations in Birmingham’s Civil Rights Movement. Join in honoring 70 years of faith, justice, and community. Please see the flyer for event details, tickets, and additional information.

Although today is Memorial Day, we also pause to remember another moment that shaped our nation’s recent history. Today marks the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, whose death on May 25, 2020, sparked a global reckoning around racial injustice and renewed conversations about equity, accountability, and civil rights. At the Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium, we believe preserving authentic stories of the past helps us better understand the present. As stewards of places connected to the long struggle for civil rights, we recognize the importance of remembering moments that continue to shape the ongoing pursuit of justice. We remember George Floyd today.

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. At the Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium, we recognize that preserving history means honoring the many sacrifices that have shaped our nation and communities. As we work to protect authentic stories and historic places, we remain committed to ensuring that the legacies of courage, service, and perseverance are remembered for generations to come. Wishing all a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

Last night, one of our member sites, The Ballard House Project, welcomed guests for its VIVID REFLECTION May Soiree, an evening of music, food, storytelling, and community connection celebrating a resilient neighborhood through cultural artifacts and shared memories. We extend our congratulations to The Ballard House Project on another meaningful gathering that continues to honor and uplift community history through culture and engagement. Missed it? Be on the lookout for future opportunities to experience the exhibit and upcoming events, including another soiree in June. Follow The Ballard House Project on Facebook and visit ballardhouseproject.com for updates and more information.