* Have never been on a YouthWorks trip
* Have previously attended a YouthWorks trip
Many people know Birmingham for its history as a city central to the early civil rights movement. While the city was built in the decades after the abolition of slavery, racial divides and disparity have always been part of life here, which is part of the dynamic that made Birmingham a significant city in the Civil Rights Movement. Today, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located across the street from the historic Kelly Ingram Park and Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, plays an important role in educating locals and visitors about civil rights history. The Institute and other local organizations also seek to break through the racial divides that are still present in this city. Birmingham is also known for its mining. Birmingham played an important role as an industrial center for iron and steel production, which fueled its initial growth as a city -- it is the only place where the three minerals necessary to make steel can all be found in close proximity. Visiting The Vulcan, the largest cast iron statue in the US, you can get an idea of the importance of this industry in the past and how it influences the economics of the city presently. Today Birmingham has become known as a progressive center for medical research, banking, music, technology, art, engineering and higher education. However, the city is also working to find creative solutions to serve and support a large number of residents who struggle with poverty and homelessness.
Birmingham, Alabama is steeped in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Plagued by terrorism from white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan, the city had developed a violent reputation by the end of the 1960s. These attacks were often on black churches because of the role they played in organizing and planning civil rights efforts. While racial violence has decreased today, racial divides are still visible throughout the city. Groups will get the opportunity to learn about the history and importance of this community at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and through the stories of community partners. In addition to learning about Birmingham’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, YouthWorks supports and serves organizations that are active in service to the community. The decline of the steel and mining industries caused Birmingham to experience massive levels of white flight and contributed to increasing poverty in the city. Poverty is especially apparent in the community of Fairfield, the part of the community where we do much of our service. We partner with organizations that work for justice, education, and overall improvement of their community. Groups will get the opportunity to support children’s and housing programs and outreach organizations that are making a positive impact in Fairfield and the rest of Birmingham, all while learning about Civil Rights and the history of this community.