A Public Discussion Sponsored by The Alabama Humanities Foundation,
Historic Bethel Baptist Church-Collegeville and the Birmingham Historical Society
Saturday, November 22, 2014, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Historic Bethel Baptist Church-Collegeville
3233 29th Avenue North
Birmingham, Alabama 35207
205-322-5360 Telephone, 205-322-4534 Fax
Rev. Thomas L. Wilder, Jr., Pastor
Please join us for a Public Discussion and exhibition of rare photos and documents highlighting the leadership role of Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Bethel Baptist Church-Collegeville, in organizing a series of non-violent protests aimed at securing political, social, economic, cultural, and judicial equity for African Americans. The “Public Discussion” will allow participants to examine art, literary works, and music reflective of the hopes, determination, and frustrations of people of African American descent, not only in Birmingham, Alabama, but that of people across the United States and around the world.
The discussion includes scholarly presentations by noted authors and a panel discussion by “sung and un-sung heroes” of the movement. Authors, Dr. Glenn Eskew, But for Birmingham; Marjorie White, A Walk to Freedom; and Rev. Dr. Carolyn McKinstry, While the World Watched, will share their nationally acclaimed work. Featured speakers include Bishop Calvin Wood a founding member of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights, and Mrs. Ruby Shuttlesworth-Bester, one of Rev. Shuttlesworth’s children. Her first hand account of what it was like to participate in the movement as a “foot soldier,” who was also the daughter of a man who was revered, feared, loved, and hated, will transport participants back to a Birmingham that many will find difficult to recognize. The symposium will conclude with a concert by the Carlton Reese Memorial Choir. Breakfast and lunch will be served.
