SHP Wellness / DEI Celebration Trails
The UAB School of Health Professions' Wellness and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committees collaborated to create the SHP Wellness/DEI Celebration Trails.
Each of these trails will lead you on a walking tour of Birmingham's murals and landmarks celebrating our history in the Civil Rights Movement and today's efforts for justice and healing.
We invite you to get outside and follow the trails!
If you want to share your journey on social media, please tag us using #SHPtrails. If you have artist names or details we need to add or edit, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Civil Rights District
1. Fly V
17th Street North is the end of Birmingham's Downtown Retail and Theatre Historic District. The "Fly" in this Fly V stands for "Forever. Live. Young." This mural is next to the historic Carver Theatre. Artist on Instagram: @iam_jamietheartist
2. Fourth Ave Moving Forward
The artist said, "The history here is powerful. ✊🏾The people here are powerful, but the power of the people is buried in blight." In 2019, the area received a $54,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. The Birmingham Times wrote an article about what to expect. Artist on Instagram: @elcreativ.e
3. Kelly Ingram Park
Part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, Kelly Ingram Park was the assembly spot for protests by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and others. The “Four Spirits” statue, memorializing the victims of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, was unveiled in 2013 as part of the 50th anniversary of that tragedy.
4. 16th Street Baptist Church
On Sunday, September 15, 1963, at 10:22 a.m., the church was bombed by white supremacist terrorists. Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Denise McNair, and Carole Robertson were killed in the blast while attending Sunday School. Today, the church "extends a hearty welcome to you" and you can click here to see their worship schedule.
5. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
The BCRI mission is "To enlighten each generation about civil and human rights by exploring our common past and working together in the present to build a better future." In January 2017, President Barack Obama signed an order designating this entire area as a national monument.
Map Connecting All Locations
We created one map (Google "My Maps") that has links to all these locations in one convenient place.
Click below to access.
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Railroad Park Area
1. Mural of Hope
Located on the side of Good People Brewing, this mural is in honor of the Hope for Autumn Foundation - a non-profit that provides assistance to families battling childhood cancer. Look closely and you will notice the leaves are children's handprints. Artist: Marcus Fetch and RedPath Creative
2. Black Lives Matter - Street Painting
This 380-foot-long mural took 100 gallons of paint and countless volunteers from around the Magic City to create on June 17 & 18, 2020. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said, “I am thankful Black Lives Matter Birmingham, the mural artists and community joined together for this positive message. The spirit of solidarity during the street painting over those two days were powerful." Bham Now captured the event in photos and video.
3. Negro Southern League Museum
The NSLM has the largest collection of original Negro League baseball artifacts in the U.S. They also have an on-site research center with a research team of seven of the top researchers in Negro League and Southern League baseball history. The NSLM is temporarily closed due to the pandemic, their website will provide updates.
4. Unity - One City
This mural is on the Watts Realty Co. Building (1500 block of 3rd Avenue South) and was created by the 2018 Leadership Class of the Birmingham Assocation of Realtors "to encourage unity within our community." Artist: Marcus Fetch
5. Wells Fargo
In 2014, Wells Fargo unveiled a mural highlighting Birmingham's Civil Rights Movement. At the dedication, former Birmingham Mayor William Bell said, “I’m grateful to Wells Fargo for portraying this part of the history of the city so young people from the university and others who pass by can see and be reminded of that history.” Next to the mural is a Key that explains 18 significances about this piece.
Map Connecting All Locations
We created one map (Google "My Maps") that has links to all these locations in one convenient place.
Click below to access.
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2nd Avenue North Area
1. Unity - YWCA
Located at the YWCA's My Sister's Closet at 2324 3rd Avenue North, this building is home to two murals. "Unity" on the east side and "Together There Will Always Be A Way" on the west side. You can read the full story and see more photos in the AL.com article, "YouthServe mural at YWCA depicts the strength of collaboration and diversity".
2. Voting Rights, Voting Power
This mural is located at 2320 2nd Avenue North, part of the former Urban Standard location.
3. Black Lives Matter - Urban Standard
This mural is located at 2320 2nd Avenue North, part of the former Urban Standard location. Artist: @bendykneesdesign
4. Bham Strong
Located at 2209 1st Avenue North, Bham Strong was created by @shanebnsa of @mammothmurals. It is on a temporary wall in front of a building under construction, across the street from The Wine Loft. Artist: @shanebnsa
5. Never Silent, #BHAMSTRONG
Just north of Bham Strong, at 2026 Morris Avenue, is a mural with the image of Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. The "Never Silent" mural is in front of Honeycreeper Chocolate and the basic. clothing store. Artist: Bailey Priest
Map Connecting All Locations
We created one map (Google "My Maps") that has links to all these locations in one convenient place.
Click below to access.
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3rd Avenue North Area
1. Together We Create Birmingham
This is located on the side of the historic Pythian Temple of Alabama at 310 18th Street North. A blog post from Jeremy Richter says it "was built in 1913 for the Alabama Penny Savings Bank, the first bank in Alabama to be owned by a black resident."
2. Love is my Favorite Color
"Love is my favorite color", featuring diametrical fingers holding a sign, is located on the 18th Street side of the Alabama Theatre. Artist: @vero_the_traveling_artist
3. Rise Together
Composed completely of the words "Rise Together" over and over and over, this mural is also located on the 18th Street side of the Alabama Theatre. Artist: @FitzSigns
4. Safe
This mural was originally part of a larger "Be Safe. Be Well." mural that spanned four spaces on the 18th Street side of the Alabama Theatre. The "Safe" mural is the only one of those signs remaining of the work painted by local volunteers.
5. Better Together
The California Fashion Mall was severely damaged by the civil unrest in Birmingham on May 31, 2020. An influx of artists and volunteers from around the Magic City turned the plywood walls into messages of hope. Artist: Vincent Rizzo of @rizzotattoos
6. We Are in This Together
7. Nothing But Love
This piece is right on the corner of the 19th Street side, next to what used to be the California Fashion Mall entrance. Artist on Instagram: @easeful_eassence
8. Let Love Happen
This section is also on the 19th Street Side of the California Fashion Mall. There is a brief YouTube video that shows Dewon Moton working on the wall. Artist on Instagram: @easeful_essence
9. Change Starts Now
There is a YouTube video that takes a look at all the finalized art on the Mall. Artist: Dewon Moton
10. Fear Causes Racism
11. Intergalactic in Harmony
12. Unity
On the opposite side of 3rd Avenue N from the "Harmony" work is this piece by Brian Burks. In his own words, "Woulda been more detailed but it kept raining!" Artist on Instagram: @brianburkx
13. Birmingham United
14. Wheelhouse - Philando Castile
This is the first in a series of three by Birmingham artist Tyra Robinson in collaboration with Bare Hands, Inc. There is also an accompanying Unforgotten BHM website that goes into detail about what happened to each person and who they are.
15. Wheelhouse - Sandra Bland
On the Unforgotten BHM website, it says "I hope this piece compels people to consider how familiar these lives are to ours and to grasp the heaviness that these circumstances have created for their families. Ultimately, I hope that this opens our eyes to the ongoing murder of innocent, ordinary people."
16. Wheelhouse - Jordan Edwards
A Facebook post from Dia de los Muertos Alabama says, "[The artist's] hope is that we all will take the time to reflect on how these senseless acts can also contribute to mental and emotional trauma for the loved ones left to process their deaths. ❤️You are invited to add the name of a lost loved one on the side panels as part of this installation.❤️" Artist: Tyra Robinson
17. Float Like A Butterfly, Sting Like A Bee
The artist says, "This mural represents all of the freedom that has come with the Civil Rights Movement and the struggle that is still faced to this day. It features quotes from prominent black athletes, authors and civil rights leaders, and serves as a piece of unity and empowerment for the Birmingham community." Artist: Jacqueline Powell Gibson @dotJPGdesigns
18. Am I Next
This was created by 13-year-old Nyela Dixon who lives in Tuscaloosa. The group BHAM Cleanup accepted her proposal and then she and her team - dad Eric and sister Iyana - created the 11' x 7' mural. In a terrific article on DoingMoreToday.com, Nyela says, “I want people to know that even though we are in dark times, they are not alone. It may take a while, but it will hopefully get better.”
Map Connecting All Locations
We created one map (Google "My Maps") that has links to all these locations in one convenient place.
Click below to access.
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Pizitz Building Area
1. I Am Only One
The first seven pieces you see are in one location - the Upswing parking lot across from the Pizitz Building on the 19th Street North side. They are part of a collaboration between REV Birmingham and many local artists including Fitz Hand Painted Signs, Blank Space Bham, and BHM Artist Collective. REV Birmingham gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the installation that took two-and-a-half months to materialize. "I Am Only One" Artist on Instagram: @seanmgilder
Oluale Kossola
This piece is about Oluale Kossola (Cudjoe Lewis) who was one of the last survivors of the transatlantic slave trade. Artist on Instagram: @brother_andy
Say Their Names
Full credit to UAB scientist and photographer Viktoria Havasi, MD, PhD, whose fantastic Facebook page @muralsoftheham gave us all the details for this work and its partner piece: "These two fantastic “Say Their Names” murals are the creation of a handful of female artists: Meghan McCollum of @blankspacebham, Levi Axleigh @levi.axleigh.art and Jordan Thompson @raviolibites of @bendykneesdesign, Becki Delgado @beckimarieart and Lydia Cherie @lydiacherie."
Good Things Are Coming
Helping Hands
Listening
Stronger Together
2. Black Lives Matter - Heart
Just east on 2nd Avenue North, on the right hand side, is another piece by @brother_andy. This piece is in the Chocolata' store front. Artist: Andy Jordan
3. No Justice No Peace
Just further up, go north on 20th Street and you will see Forstall Art Center on your right. The left mural, "No Justice. No Peace." is by @easeful_essence. The right mural. "Black Lives Matter" is by @forstallart
Map Connecting All Locations
We created one map (Google "My Maps") that has links to all these locations in one convenient place.
Click below to access.
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Avondale Area
1. Wall of Respect
This mural is located across 5th Avenue from Avondale Park. For those not familiar, Avondale Park (next to Avondale Library) is nearly 40-acres and has a rose garden and gazebo, amphitheatre, duck pond, walking track and baseball/softball fields. It was also home to Birmingham’s first zoo from 1911 - 1934.
2. Know Your History
Created in 2016, it features four Birmingham legends. Going clockwise from top left you see: Sun Ra, jazz composer, bandleader and poet known for experimental, cosmic music; Angela Davis, global civil rights activist; Fred Shuttlesworth, minister and major leader of our civil rights movement who fought against segregation and other forms of racism; and Spider Martin, photojournalist best known for documenting Bloody Sunday and other incidents from the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965. Artist: Tim Kerr
3. Wings of Avondale
Arguably the most popular mural in the area, "Wings of Avondale" is located across the street from the "Know Your History" mural. This one was vandalized in early 2018, but community support financed the reconstruction of this Instagram hot spot. Artist: Marcus Fetch
4. What You Do Matters
Located on the 1st Avenue South side of Sozo Trading Co., Suzanne Owens, CEO of Sozo Children says it "is a reminder to be the best we can be and remember what we do really matters. Even in the small things, our world around us can become a better place." Artists: Meghan McCollum, Levi Levinson, Jordan Thompson and Lydia Walker of Blank Space Bham
5. North Avondale Rocks
We've seen this one simply called "The Mural Building" because it is pretty much 100% mural. From what we understand, Vincent Rizzo of Rizzo Tattoos covered this entire corner - including the Fast Religion Motorcycle Superstore - in vibant colors. You can find this building at the intersection of 1st Avenue North and 41st Street, just north of Sozo.
6. Black Lives Matter - Tropicaleo
The colorful horizontal banner is on the fence that separates Tropicaleo from Cahaba Brewing Company. The banner is facing the parking lot of the Village East Shopping Center off of Crestwood Blvd, which is also home to Seasick Records, Mom's Basement and more.
7. Girls Inc.
The mural, designed and painted by local artist Merrilee Challiss, is 80 feet long. The Girls Inc. website, which includes photos and a timelapse video, says the art was inspired by their "mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold" and the butterflies symbolize "the girls’ transition to adulthood." Girls Inc. is located across the street from Crestwood Park on the 8th Court S side. Artist on Instagram: @merilka
8. City Meats
This mural is part of a partnership between REV Birmingham and the City of Woodlawn as part of REV's urban food project. The artist, who was helped by a dozen students from Woodlawn High School, said everyone "wanted to showcase the diversity, unity and spirit of the neighborhood." Artist: Andy Jordan
9. Woodlawn
Located at the corner of 1st Avenue North and 55th Place, this mural is just around the corner from City Meats. Rob Clifton of Blank Space Bham said they wanted to create "a vibrant mural that will be inspired by the ebbs and flows of rhythm, specifically creative concepts from poet Langston Hughes’ work, The First Book of Jazz.” Artist: Blank Space Bham & Woodlawn Community
Map Connecting All Locations
We created one map (Google "My Maps") that has links to all these locations in one convenient place.
Click below to access.
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Worth the Drive
1. Breonna Taylor
In each handprint of this powerful piece is the name of a victim and you will notice that paint drips from each handprint. On her Instagram post, the artist Diva Reese says, "Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon' be alright 💖✊🏾" Artist on Instagram: @divareese
2. Black Lives Matter - Love
Located in Five Points South, this piece is one of a handful of art installments by Burx in that area. The others are window paintings that reflect the stores and the historic neighborhood. Artist: Brian Burks
3. Birmingham Pledge
Located on the wall of Birmingham Police Headquarters, the Birmingham Pledge (written on the wall next to this mural) is not a pledge to the Magic City - it is a pledge to recognize the worth of every individual. According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, the Birmingham Pledge has been used in all 50 states and 20 countries around the world. Click here to print and sign the Birmingham Pledge.
4. Letter From Birmingham Jail
This is the site where Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote "Letter From Birmingham Jail" - his response to a letter from eight white ministers titled "A Call for Unity". Their letter called the protesters "outsiders" and asked for patience to give Birmingham time to change. Dr. King's letter was a rebuttal and includes the line: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Click here to read his letter and/or to listen to him read his letter.
5. Ensley - She Is Ensley
The artist, Jamie Bonfiglio, said it took two weeks to finish this mural. On her Instagram page, in response to a shared photo of her work, said "Birmingham and all the cities surrounding it, including Ensley are full of creative, dope, and innovative people. Don't sleep on us!" We could not agree more. Artist on Instagram: @iam_jamietheartist
6. Ensley - Seedling
In a video by WVTM13, artist Erin Mitchell says her mural "Seedling" is designed to "convey learning, growth, strength, and renewal for the area" in Ensley's business district. The piece was commissioned by the Birmingham Legion FC and AT&T. Artist: Erin Mitchell
7. Ensley - Black Wall Street
The name Black Wall Street, originally used in Tulsa, Oklahoma until their race riots in 1921, has been used across the country for areas known for high African American economic activity. This mural is in Ensley's Historic Business District. Artist: Dewon Moton
8. Ensley - Hope Building
In a 2016 article from the Alabama News Center, Bettina Byrd-Giles, CEO of the Bethesda Life Center, said “There is a synergy going on on 19th Street" and that synergy continues today. This mural, on the side of the Hope Building, is a touch up of an older mural.
9. Ensley - Bethesda Life Center
10. Ensley - Alive
This mural, located on the Bethesda Life Center in Ensley, was commissioned by The Color Project Ensley, which is working to "make Ensley the most colorful place in Alabama making it into a destination space for residents and tourists." A 2015 article by AL.com looks at the revitalization of Ensley and talks about how they want this green space to be the "epicenter of an urban farming boom in Birmingham." Artist: Ukuu Tafari.
Map Connecting All Locations
We created one map (Google "My Maps") that has links to all these locations in one convenient place.
Click below to access.
