African-american Heritage Sites In Alabama Recognized Through Special Fund, History Preserved

By Keisa Sharpe

Civil rights leaders have identified 20 Alabama sites for placement on the 2018 World Monuments Fund’s watch list in an effort to save the historic buildings from decay.

The 20 sites comprise the new African-American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium, which is being coordinated through the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. They include schools, homes, hotels and churches that played key roles in the civil rights movement — providing shelter for civil rights activists, hosting meetings and serving as centers for worship and rallies.

Their inclusion in the watch list, and the creation of the consortium, were both announced Monday during a news conference Monday at the historic Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham. The church is among the 20 designated sites, located in Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma and in the state’s Black Belt.“The churches, homes and meeting places we have recognized represent our best and most treasured human values,” said Joshua David, president and CEO of the World Monuments Fund, which is helping fund the preservation efforts. “We aim to celebrate and share these inspiring stories of courage and resolve, paving the way for a sustained legacy of action and social justice.”

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