BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Councilwoman Sheila Tyson hosted 15 University of Southern California (USC) students recently who visited Birmingham on an “Alternative Spring Break” to tour the city’s rich civil rights landmarks. Each year USC sends a group of students to Atlanta, Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery to learn about the nation’s civil rights history.
“These young leaders from USC were so curious about Birmingham’s history,” said Councilor Tyson. “Members of this community have worked together to develop a city that is attractive to young people. I think that work is paying off and people across the country are starting to take notice of Birmingham.”
The students visited Kelly Ingram Park, the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum, and 16th Street Baptist Church with Councilor Tyson and Chuck Faush, chief of staff to Mayor Bell. The students were scheduled to visit Montgomery and Selma later in the week, and participated in a Habitat for Humanity building project in rural Alabama.
“It was really moving to visit places where civil rights leaders lost their lives in the name of equality,” said Markeith Royster, a graduate student in USC’s education program. “Birmingham is beautiful, everyone was so friendly to us, and ate some great soul food while we were here! I can’t wait to visit again.”
Councilor Tyson and Royster met in January at a leadership institute for community organizers and elected officials. At the meeting, Royster expressed his interest in possibly moving to the southeast after graduation to become a teacher. When Tyson learned he was visiting Birmingham for spring break, she promised to take him and his classmates to lunch.
Councilor Tyson said she hopes more universities will send students to tour Birmingham’s landmarks. “Our history is rich, our future is bright, and we’re steadily growing. I truly believe Birmingham has a wonderful story that really resonates with young people.”
