Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History & Reconciliation Foundation
The Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History and Reconciliation Foundation stands in solidarity with the tens of thousands of non-violent protestors opposing the senseless killing of unarmed black citizens. The most recent killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd are the latest in a long and painful history of racial violence and compel us to examine the core values of American democracy.
Dedicated to preserving the history of racial justice and promoting racial reconciliation across West Alabama, The Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History and Reconciliation Foundation affirms progressive action that will bring down the walls of systemic and systematic racism. It stands against injustice of any form against any person. And it seeks to build a nation in which economic opportunity among and between citizens is a reality.
[Law Enforcement] The Foundation is in support of working with local governments and stakeholders to create a citizens’ advisory committee to improve community policing and root out both systemic and systematic racism in law enforcement across West Alabama.
[Community] The Foundation seeks to work with elected officials to achieve greater diversity and equitable representation in all areas of government.
What's New
Here are the Civil Rigths Trail videos introduced at the Tuscaloosa Heritage Festival. Thanks to all who made them possible.
Discrimination Begins, Part 1
Discrimination Begins, Part 2
Autherine Lucy and the Barbershop
Nonviolent Sit-Ins
Bloody Tuesday
Stories: In their own words
Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Trail
Reconciliation: Putting words into action
Our Blog
PARA Using Trail in Summer Programs
Civil Rights Trail is being featured in PARA’s Summer Programs.
Bloody Tuesday Anniversary
The Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History & Reconciliation Foundation remembers the 56th anniversary of Bloody Tuesday, the day on which members of our community attempted to march from First African Baptist Church to the then new County Courthouse to protest the broken promise of no more segregation. We observe remarkable change now in motion because of the courageous actions of Reverend Linton, Willie Wells, Harrison Taylor, Danny Steele, and many other Tuscaloosa foot soldiers. Those voices continue to be our vision.
“truly the most important thing…”
Mary Shannon Wells from Southern Living in a piece on what to do when visiting Tuscaloosa not only mentions the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Trail, but states it is the most important thing visitors can do.
PSA–Slave-Built House To Disappear?
Tuscaloosa, AL. A historic structure might be demolished if not taken on as a preservation project. The Historic Preservation Commission will hear an appeal to demolish the structure at a meeting, Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 5 pm, Tuscaloosa City Hall, 2nd Fl Council Chambers. 1818 University BoulevardMasonry Carriage HouseCirca 1854Resource 19a. Buck Carriage House. Circa 1854. Two story, stucco covered, masonry carriage house with side gable roof of asphalt shingles, exposed rafters, second floor with single leaf paneled door, two flight staircase, first floor with two single leaf paneled doors. (C/NRHP 1975) C
Foundation Welcomes Students from the University of Michigan
Four students from the University of Michigan School of Information are spending a week in Tuscaloosa for an alternative spring break to assist the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History & Reconciliation Foundation with our web presence. As part of their experience, they are meeting with members of the Foundation and foot soldiers from the movement here in Tuscaloosa, as well as experiencing our trail.
Media Attention
Great Day Tuscaloosa interview, Kip Tyner, March 20, 2019 Druid City Living article, April 16, 2019 Civil rights history organization opens trail, April 25, 2019 Tuscaloosa News article, April 25, 2019
The Trail & Brochure are Ready!
The Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Trail brochure has been published and phase one of the trail is open. The marker signs are yet to be installed, but the brochure and map will guide you to each location and its significance. You may find the online versions under the “On The Trail” sign at the top level of this site or at https://civilrightstuscaloosa.org/trail/.
Additional BBC Recordings on Civil Rights
Interviews with Andrea Baker Truth and Reconciliation, August 26, 2018 Quilting, September 2, 2018 National Lynching Memorial, September 9, 2018
King’s Road: A First-Hand Account Of Bloody Tuesday
Members of the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History Task Force hosted guests from Utah State University April 5 – 6, 2018. Under the direction of Dr. François Dengah students traveled to several locations significant to the civil rights movement in the United States, including Tuscaloosa where they experienced the history, locations, and people of the movement. Their visit and work produced a Utah Public Radio segment.
