By Tina Kay
The residents of the Titusville Community right here in Birmingham, Alabama are so excited to celebrate 30 years of unity in their community on Saturday, September 6. Titusville Day was established 30 years ago so the tri-community (North Titusville, South Titusville, and Woodland Park) could come together and celebrate the place where roots were established, people grew up, and the community that many consider home. Neighbors who may have moved elsewhere across the city or even the country can spend a day together almost like a family reunion of sorts. Titusville was established in 1910 and it was one of the first communities in the city where African Americans owned their own homes and started businesses. This community has a rich history and culture with quite a few renowned people whose roots started there like our very own mayor, William Bell, Sr., Carole Smitherman (attorney, judge, and former city councilor), and Condoleezza Rice (who served in the Bush administration for two terms) just to name a few.
This tri-community has 25 churches who, Mr. Ronald Bayles shared, “most will be a part of this historic celebration.” This day is supported by businesses, churches, and residents coming together to make this day of celebration take place each year. “People who grew up here and live here have a lot of pride in their community. This tri-community has been able to keep its luster because people care about their properties”, advised Mr. Bayles. This celebration typically takes place in July so that people would be able to come home during the summer around a holiday. However, the targeted date of July 5, has not worked out well over the past few years because of some changes in the planning. In its initial conception the celebration took place over the course of three days. However, it has worked out better for the planning committee and community to scale it down to one long day of exciting events in September.
The theme is “There is Unity in Our Community” and on September 6, the day starts off with a parade (or procession) at 7:30a.m. leaving the back area of Memorial Park, led by A.H. Parker High School marching band, and winding its way through the back streets of the community ending at South Elyton Church; where the reflective prayer breakfast takes place from 8:30-10:30a.m. Then the family fun day starts at 10a.m. in Memorial Park with vendors, food and fun until it is time for the movie in the park that begins at dusk. The day is meant to unify the community, people come home to see others they haven’t seen for a while, and it is all about family and a community that still values and practices unity. This vibrant community continues to thrive and teach new and younger generations how to have pride in the place they call home.
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