Traveling Exhibits

For more information about these and other exhibitions available for rental from BCRI, call (205) 328-9696, ext. 218.

Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is proud to partner with the Birmingham Public Library Central Branch to share the Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. exhibit. The exhibit will open at BCRI and the Public Library Central Branch on September 16th and run through December 2nd. Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. profiles the revolutionary men—including Muhammad Ali, James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, W.E.B Du Bois, and Kendrick Lamar—whose journeys have altered the history and culture of the country. The achievements of the men are woven within the legacy and traditions of the African-American journey—achievements of excellence in spite of society’s barriers.

Foot Soldiers: Profiles of Courage Then and Now

This commissioned exhibition by noted photographer (and Alabama native) Chester Higgins, Jr. features portraits of 32 individuals who participated in civil rights activities in Birmingham in the 1960s. The project is an extension of BCRI’s long-term relationships with both the veterans of the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement and photographer Chester Higgins. The photographs are a part of the Institute’s Traveling Exhibitions.

Living In Limbo: Lesbians in the Deep South

Carolyn Sherer’s contemporary exhibition honors the current complexities of lesbian family life in the South. The exhibition provides an intimate view of a population that largely has been invisible or underrepresented in public art. The images challenge viewers to envision a world without prejudice and discrimination – a world that celebrates commitment, family and inclusion for everyone – a world without limbo. For Availability, contact: Carolyn Sherer Photographer 205.907.7162 carolyn.sherer@icloud.com Ahmad Ward Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Project Coordinator 205.328.9696 ext. 234 award@bcri.org

Courage Under Fire: The 1961 Burning of the Freedoms Riders's Bus

Thanks to a gift of photographic prints from the Anniston, Alabama law firm of Merrill, Merrill, Mathews & Allen, BCRI was able to create an exhibition entitled Courage Under Fire: The 1961 Burning of the Freedom Rider’s Bus. The photographs were taken by Joseph Postiglione on May 14, 1961, the day that a group of Freedom Riders onboard a Greyhound bus was attacked by locals opposed to the desegregation of public transportation facilities. The images, which quickly made the news wires, helped make Alabama synonymous with violent resistance to desegregation during the course of the long movement for Civil and Human Rights in the United States. 64 black and white photographs (framed)

Remembering 4 Little Girls: A Gallery of Creative Expressions

“Remembering 4 Little Girls” was organized by HBO and is owned and circulated by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The exhibition is composed of winning entries in a nationwide high school creative expression contest inspired by Spike Lee’s Oscar® nominated documentary about the 1963 Birmingham, Alabama church bombing that took the lives of four young girls. 36 multi-media pieces (includes paintings, sculptures, and other media.

Selma-to-Montgomery: A March for the Right to Vote

Photographs by Spider Martin Photographer Spider Martin (1939 – 2003) was born in Wylam, an immigrant community outside Birmingham, Alabama. At the age of twelve, he wrote, he was president of the Wylam branch of the Confederate States of America Club. But before he reached the age of 25, he had helped to change the world through his photography. The exhibit has traveled to Washington, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans and Montgomery. Through the generous support of Margaret Jemison, however, this original set of images is now part of BCRI’s permanent collection. In 2006, Jemison made a gift to BCRI in memory of her mother, Marie Stokes Jemison, a Birmingham activist whose friendship wtih Spider Martin enriched her life and that of the Jemison family. With her gift, BCRI purchased the photographs and exhibit materials. 48 black and white photographs (framed) and interpretive material

Elder Grace

Through the lens of his camera, celebrated New York Times photographer Chester Higgins, Jr. takes a look at more than 60 African- American men and women who found beauty within themselves and are experiencing aging with energy, wit, and grace.