This week’s journey through the cities of Alabama opened my eyes to how much history shapes today’s movements, struggles, and triumphs. Each day brought a new city, a new event, and a deeper connection to the stories of Black resilience, from the Civil Rights Movement to the present day. Here’s a look at what I learned from each city, the people who changed history, and the movements that defined Alabama’s contribution to Black history.

Day 9: Selma, Alabama

Selma holds a revered place in the Civil Rights Movement, where the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March became a turning point in the fight for voting rights. “Bloody Sunday,” on March 7, 1965, was a violent confrontation between peaceful protestors and state troopers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, bringing national attention to racial injustices in the South. Figures like John Lewis and Amelia Boynton paved the way with immense courage, making Selma a symbol of the struggle for Black enfranchisement. Learning about Selma reminded me of the cost of voting rights and the people who made it their life’s mission.

Day 10: Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery is where the spark of the Civil Rights Movement was ignited. This is the city of Rosa Parks, whose brave refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a movement that lasted over a year. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a key leader here, organizing and inspiring the masses with his vision of justice and equality. The power of boycotting, collective action, and persistence that Montgomery taught us continues to resonate in today’s social movements.

Day 11: Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham was the battleground for some of the movement’s most intense confrontations. The “Children’s Crusade” of 1963 was a pivotal event where young students marched and bravely faced police dogs and fire hoses. The 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, in which four little girls tragically lost their lives, shook the nation to its core and galvanized the push for civil rights legislation. Birmingham’s fight and sacrifice are woven into the movement’s legacy, reminding us of the power of youth activism and the heartbreaking costs of progress.

Day 12: Tuskegee, Alabama

Tuskegee’s history is multi-layered, representing both achievement and exploitation in Black history. Known for the Tuskegee Institute, founded by Booker T. Washington, the city became a hub of Black educational excellence. But Tuskegee is also a place of deep sorrow due to the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study, where Black men were denied treatment to study the disease’s progression. The legacy of Tuskegee emphasizes the importance of trust, accountability, and the value of Black intellectual and community leadership.

Day 13: Voting Day

Learning about Voting Day highlighted how Black Americans’ fight for voting rights has shaped our political landscape. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 dismantled discriminatory practices like literacy tests and poll taxes, securing the right to vote for countless Black citizens. But as history has shown, the fight is ongoing with recent challenges to voter rights across the nation. Voting Day is a reminder of the power of the ballot and the need to continue protecting this hard-won right.

Day 14: The Black Belt of Alabama

The Black Belt, a region named for its rich, dark soil, was historically known for its cotton plantations and large enslaved population. Today, it’s a symbol of both resilience and continued struggle. Many of its communities still face economic challenges, healthcare disparities, and systemic neglect. Exploring the Black Belt’s history and its present-day issues underscored the complexities of rural poverty, the legacy of exploitation, and the need for renewed focus on these historically significant yet underserved areas.

Day 15: Cullman and Sundown Towns

Sundown towns like Cullman serve as a stark reminder of the violent and oppressive practices that excluded Black Americans from many communities across the country. Sundown towns enforced curfews to keep Black people from entering or staying after dark, a form of racial exclusion that perpetuated fear and segregation. Reflecting on Cullman made me think of the long-lasting impacts of exclusionary practices and the importance of creating truly inclusive communities today.

Day 16: Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, known as the “Rocket City” for its contributions to the space race, has a complex racial history. While it’s a city associated with technological progress, its integration during the Civil Rights Movement was marked by struggles and setbacks. As Huntsville grew, so did the Black community’s involvement in the sciences, education, and industry, challenging barriers and stereotypes. Huntsville is a reminder of the importance of equal opportunity and representation in all fields, including STEM.

Day 17: Mobile, Alabama

Mobile has a unique and deeply rooted Black history, from its days as a major port in the transatlantic slave trade to the establishment of Africatown, founded by survivors of the last known slave ship, the Clotilda. Africatown is a testament to resilience, as the communitypreserved African traditions and culture against tremendous odds. Mobile’s history illuminates the strength of cultural preservation and the deep, painful ties between slavery and America’s economic foundation.

Closing Thoughts

This week taught me that Alabama’s Black history is a mosaic of resistance, community, and, most importantly, hope. Each city offered lessons of bravery, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for justice. From the heroes who marched for voting rights in Selma to the innovators breaking barriers in Huntsville, these stories remind us that Black history is a crucial part of American history. As I reflect on this week’s journey, I’m inspired to continue learning, advocating, and honoring the legacies of those who paved the way for change. The past lives on in the present, guiding our future steps toward a more just and inclusive society.

As we move closer to Black History Month, I feel more connected to these stories and more committed to sharing them with others. Here’s to learning, remembering, and building a better future together.