Curious about Tuscaloosa’s civil rights history? There’s a tour for that

The Tuscaloosa branch of the NAACP  partnered with the University of Alabama’s chapter to host a series of events to commemorate Juneteenth. The NAACP, a civil rights organization formed in 1909 as an interracial endeavor to advance justice for African Americans, works “to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.” 

Juneteenth celebrations kicked off Friday in Tuscaloosa. The historic churches civil rights tour took place Friday morning. The tour sites included Hunter Chapel AME Zion, Bailey Tabernacle CME Church and First African Baptist Church. Students from Stillman’s Upward Bound and the YMCA participated in the tour. 

Friday’s tours included presentations from foot soldiers who told the stories of the civil rights movement in Tuscaloosa and the churches involvement. Churches have always been the backbone of the community and the civil rights movement. 

“We all benefit. Young people benefit, the elders, especially the younger people benefit by instilling pride in themselves,” said event presenter and foot soldier Danny Steele. 

Tuscaloosa has a rich history in the civil rights movement and is home to several significant landmarks and sites that played a role in the struggle for civil rights. 

The Tuscaloosa Civil Rights Foundation collaborated with the NAACP, Tuscaloosa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the West Alabama Multicultural Alliance to host the Juneteenth “Historic Churches” Civil Rights Trail Tours. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Tuscaloosa’s civil rights history, click right here.