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Birmingham History Tour: African American Experience
4.9
23 Ratings
Birmingham
Join Wilhelmina Thomas on an insightful black history tour of Birmingham, Alabama. Discover the true and devastating experiences of African Americans in the most segregated city in the country.
Join Wilhelmina Thomas on an insightful black history tour of Birmingham, Alabama. Discover the true and devastating experiences of African Americans in the most segregated city in the country.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Birmingham Ghosts: Ghost Tours and Haunted Pub Crawls - The tour kicks off at our shop and heads down 20th Street towards 4th Avenue North, highlighting the significant Black contributions to Birmingham’s founding.
- 4th Avenue North - This segment of the tour explores the 1926 Red Line Zoning laws, the Palm Leaf Hotel, and the Chitlin’…
- Birmingham Ghosts: Ghost Tours and Haunted Pub Crawls - The tour kicks off at our shop and heads down 20th Street towards 4th Avenue North, highlighting the significant Black contributions to Birmingham’s founding.
- 4th Avenue North - This segment of the tour explores the 1926 Red Line Zoning laws, the Palm Leaf Hotel, and the Chitlin’ Circuit.
- Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park - A park featuring statues dedicated to the local founder of the Temptations.
- 4th Avenue Business District - Discover the remnants of our once vibrant “city within a city,” with potential stops at Nelson Brothers and Green Acres.
- Civil Rights District - The heart of the Civil Rights National Historic Monument.
- Carver Theater - Renowned as one of the finest Black theaters, now home to the Jazz Hall of Fame. You will also see the Prince Hall “Colored” Masonic Lodge.
- Kelly Ingram Park - An enhanced public park featuring emotionally impactful sculptures depicting Birmingham’s civil rights struggle. The park was a gathering place for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other movement groups.
- 16th Street Baptist Church - Located in Birmingham, Alabama, this church is a poignant symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, known for the tragic 1963 racially motivated bombing that claimed the lives of four young girls. It stands as a powerful testament to the civil rights struggle and the ongoing journey towards racial equality in the United States.
- A.G. Gaston Motel - Built by the esteemed African American businessman and entrepreneur Arthur George Gaston (1892-1996), this motel offered first-class lodging and dining to African American travelers in Birmingham, Alabama. Designed by local architect Stanley B. Echols, it opened in 1954.
- Lyric Theatre - The only remaining theater that permitted mixed (though still segregated) audiences.
What's Included
- All applicable taxes and fees
- All applicable taxes and fees
Additional Information
This excursion exposes the harsh reality of everyday life for African Americans in the country’s most segregated city. Guided by Wilhelmina Thomas, a skillful narrator, an expert seamstress, and a crafts activist who was raised in the Riley, Wenonah and Hillman neighborhoods on the western side of Birmingham, Alabama. She went to Wenonah Elementary,…
This excursion exposes the harsh reality of everyday life for African Americans in the country’s most segregated city. Guided by Wilhelmina Thomas, a skillful narrator, an expert seamstress, and a crafts activist who was raised in the Riley, Wenonah and Hillman neighborhoods on the western side of Birmingham, Alabama. She went to Wenonah Elementary, Riley Elementary, and Jones Valley High Schools. Her earliest recollections include attending the church, associating with the civic league, and participating in the Civil Rights Movement. Her personal experiences ignite her passion for African, African American, and Birmingham history.
Location
285 20th St N
20th Street North
285 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35206 - on the SouthEast corner of 20th Street North and 3rd Avenue North...This is DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM - not Irondale (please check your GPS)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(23 Ratings)
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Koji_s
Dec 30, 2024
The guide and historian,... - The guide and historian, Wilhelmina, shared stories from her deep knowledge. Listening to stories from a person who has close experience of the places gives much more than just reading books. I am so glad that she was available on Christmas day.
Review provided by Viator
David_f
Dec 4, 2024
Very knowledgeable tour guide - Such an interesting tour. Wilhelmina was very knowledgeable and helped us understand the context on the events of civil rights in Birmingham. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a short civil rights tour.
Review provided by Viator
Donald_c
Nov 14, 2024
Best tour and guide - My guide was from the area and was very knowledgeable about all the topics and sites that we visited. She answered all my questions and knew a lot of details you wouldn't find anywhere else. It was a great experience
Review provided by Viator
David_b
Nov 11, 2024
Wilhelmina will open your eyes - Wilhelmina is such a fabulous guide! Her research, her patience with our “dumb” questions, her ability to bring Birmingham alive, is not to be missed💕
Review provided by Viator
Eric_j
Oct 6, 2024
Civil Rights Enlightenment - We recently participated in the 1963 Birmingham Civil Rights Experience - Black History Matters Walking Tour, and it was truly fulfilling and inspiring. The knowledgeable guide provided insightful stories and historical context that brought the Civil Rights Movement to life.
Walking through key locations in Birmingham, I felt the weight of history and was deeply moved by the bravery of those who fought for justice. This tour not only educated me but also ignited a passion to advocate for social justice.
I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this critical era in American history. It’s an experience that will resonate long after it’s over.
Review provided by Viator
Wilson_g
Aug 31, 2024
Very Informative - Great walking tour of the black history places in Birmingham. The guide was knowledgeable and left no questions unanswered. Pickup location was easy to find and there is a parking garage a block away. I recommend this tour if you are wanting to know about some of Birmingham's black history.
Review provided by Viator
Mgurtov
Aug 19, 2024
Wonderful learning experience. - Our guide was very knowledgeable, not only about the civil rights history but also the city's history in relation to the Black experience. Very lovely person, and a please to learn from her.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C5564xhmichellef
Jun 20, 2024
Fantastic Tour Guides! - Thank you Wolfgang and team for a wonderful tour experience. You handled our group of 32 beautifully and your guides Wilhemena and David were knowledgeable and professional. Thank you for showing our guests Birmingham...they will never forget it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shelia_b
May 27, 2024
The 16th Street Baptist C... - The 16th Street Baptist C
hurch and the statue depicting the four girls killed in the bombing. I wanted to do the museum. But, it was closed.
Review provided by Viator
Stuff583
May 21, 2024
Wonderfully informative and entertaining. - The. tour was exceptional. Willamina was very knowledgeable, providing background information and context to the sights on the tour. She not. only explained the historical significance of stops, but also related other stories and events (both historical and current) as we walked to them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
