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Birmingham Civil Rights Tour: Historic Equal Rights Journey
5.0
668 Ratings
Birmingham
Embark on a three-hour walking and driving tour of Birmingham to uncover the historic struggle for equal rights. Explore the Civil Rights movement from the end of the Civil War to the present day, visiting significant landmarks and learning about the courageous individuals who fought for change.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Civil Rights District - Guests will walk around Kelly Ingram Park, see 16th Street Baptist Church, and learn about the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham
- Kelly Ingram Park - Walk around the park to see the statues and learn about those who marched for freedom in Birmingham
- 16th Street Baptist Church - Learn about the role the church played in the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham and the history of the church bombing that tragically killed four little girls.
- Linn Park - See where the march protests ended in Birmingham and learn about groups fighting for Civil Rights in Birmingham
- Boutwell Auditorium - Guests will learn about Bull Connor and his clashes against those fighting for Civil Rights
- Smithfield - Visit Dynamite Hill to see houses and churches that were bombing in Birmingham during the Civil Rights movement.
- The Historic Bethel Baptist Church - Guests will see the church where Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth led the movement from
- Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park - See the Black Business District to learn about Black life in Birmingham during its heyday.
- John Herbert Phillips Academy - Guests will see where Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth attempted to integrate schools in Birmingham
- Wells Fargo ATM - See where the Freedom Riders where attacked in Birmingham.
What's Included
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
- Knowledgeable driver/guide at your service
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
- Engaging live commentary on board
- Inclusive of all activities
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
On this tour, which combines both WALKING & DRIVING, you will be on a three-hour journey around Birmingham. This journey will take you through the historical struggle for equality that spanned from the end of the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. The tour initiates at the statue of Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, a key figure in the local Civil Rights struggle. The tour includes discussions on why there was a need for the Civil Rights movement and the factors that led to the breakdown of segregation. As you tour significant churches, parks, and homes within Birmingham, you’ll gain insights into the various factions that either supported or opposed the Civil Rights movement.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to significant weather (hurricane, tornado, or ice), you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- We will walk over a mile on the tour in temperatures anywhere between 40-100F. Guests must be able to walk unassisted at a reasonable speed.
- Not recommended for those that cannot walk at least a mile.
- Not recommended for those affected by cold/hot weather.
Location
512 16th St N
16th Street North
I will be standing in front of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute next to the Fred Shuttlesworth statue. There is a parking lot diagonal from the front of the Institute that is free to park in. There is also free street parking(no meters) & paid street parking(meters) around the start point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(668 Ratings)
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Romy_r
Jun 17, 2024
Civil rights Tour-AL - Our guide Mike was very knowledgeable about the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham and its origins. I grew up in Birmingham but never knew the majority of this information. So happy we took the tour, even if it was on a super hot June day.
Review provided by Viator
Jill_g
Jun 15, 2024
excellent - This tour was so informative! I urge everyone to take the time to go. Our guide was so knowledge about the civil rights era and the continued fight for equality in Alabama. I can't say enough about everything we learned, and we are history buffs! Take this tour!
Review provided by Viator
589jedb
Jun 8, 2024
GREAT TOUR! - My daughter and I had a wonderful time on this tour! Clay, the company's owner, was our guide, and he was terrific. Very open to questions and very honest in his answers. The tour itself was both thoughtful and thorough, and Clay stayed an extra twenty minutes to discuss Birmingham even further. An amazing tour - I really felt like I was walking through Civil Rights history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erica_j
Jun 8, 2024
Awesome experience! - The tour guide was knowledgeable about the history of Birmingham as well as sensitive to the subject matter.
Review provided by Viator
Jed_b
Jun 7, 2024
A terrific, honest, and thorough tour - My daughter and I had a wonderful time on this tour! Clay, the company's owner, was our guide, and he was terrific. Very open to questions and very honest in his answers. The tour itself was both thoughtful and thorough, and Clay stayed an extra twenty minutes to discuss Birmingham even further. An amazing tour - I really felt like I was walking through Civil Rights history.
Review provided by Viator
Lovingsc
Jun 5, 2024
Well Worth the Time. - This tour was top notch! Mike taught us 100 years of history by taking us to the parks and buildings which were so important to the Civil Rights Movement.
I shall not think of this time of history the same way again
The tour takes only smaller groups so there was ample time for questions and discussions.
I cannot recommend Red Clay Tours enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carl_t
Jun 5, 2024
So much information - The guide Mike, being so knowledgable, and friendly
16th street Baptist church
Dynamite Hill
Rev Fred S
Review provided by Viator
Speechiev
Jun 3, 2024
Brilliant , thought provoking .if you do one tour in Birmingham this should be it . - This was the trip that everyone should go on if visiting Birmingham and it will stay with me forever .Mike was an incredible guide , truly passionate and knowledgeable about the history . It is a painful subject and one which is hard to hear ,but hear it we must as white people in continuing the Black Lives Matter movement and understanding the incredible bravery and courage of the civil rights movement .It was an emotional tour as we were additionally honoured to meet Jeff Drew on our route and hear his experiences first hand . I have taken many civil rights tours - this one was the best by far , and I feel privileged to have been here in Birmingham and listened to Mike and Jeff .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tourist644251
May 28, 2024
MIKE FROM RED CLAY TOURS IS THE BEST - Oh my goodness! Red Clay Tours, the tour guide Mike was absolutely amazing! He gave the most thoural tour guide that I've ever been on!
It was my daughter and I first visit to Birmingham, so we were excited to take a tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights.
●We were expecting the typical tour guide, but Mike's knowledge of the history dating back to the 1940's through 2024, and driving us to many different historical attractions/landmarks was impeccable!
●I definitely want to bring my family to experience what my daughter and I experienced! We learned so much! To see The Birmingham Civil Rights on television is one thing, but to experience it in person, and have an superb tour guide like Mike is absolutely awesome!
●Please go and experience the Birmingham Civil Rights Tour with Red Clay Tours! I promise, it's worth every penny and you won't be disappointed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anne_m
May 27, 2024
Great tour in Birmingham - This is an amazing tour. We learned so much. Mike, our guide, was excellent. He really brought the material alive. He was very knowledgeable and dynamic. I highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator