Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

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Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Educational center & museum promoting history in Birmingham, AL. Exploring our past & working together to build a better future.
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For group visits: https://www.bcri.org/groups/. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) documents the struggle of African American citizens in Birmingham to become full participants in the city's government and business community. Because this struggle was a social movement that caught the attention of the world, Birmingham is an appropriate place for an institution that serves the world as a center for study and reflection.

🎟️ WE’RE SOLD OUT!The response to Historically Black has been incredible. Our Opening Reception has officially reached c...
10/14/2026

🎟️ WE’RE SOLD OUT!

The response to Historically Black has been incredible. Our Opening Reception has officially reached capacity, with even more of you joining the waitlist.

Alabama is home to more HBCUs than any other state, so maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that y’all showed up for them. 🖤

While we wish we could welcome everyone on opening night, October 23 is just the beginning. Historically Black will be on view through December 12, with more ways to experience and celebrate the exhibition:

🎓 Member Preview | Oct. 22
BCRI members get an early look before the public opening!

🎓 HBCU Free Day | Oct. 24
Free admission to the BCRI with a valid HBCU school ID.

🎓 $5 HBCU Admission | Oct. 23–Dec. 12
HBCU students, faculty and staff can visit for just $5 with a valid school ID throughout the exhibit.

To everyone who registered, joined the waitlist, shared the exhibition or simply told somebody about it: thank you.

Our HBCUs deserve this love, attention and reverence. We can’t wait to celebrate their legacy with you. 🖤

Alabama’s has 14 HBCUs. More than any other state in the nation.Historically Black tells the story of all 14 institution...
10/09/2026

Alabama’s has 14 HBCUs. More than any other state in the nation.

Historically Black tells the story of all 14 institutions in one exhibit that celebrates the history, culture, impact, and traditions that have shaped Alabama.

We’ll kick things off with an Opening Reception on Friday, October 23, from 5–8 PM. For one night, we’re activating the entire BCRI campus. You won’t want to miss it!

đź–¤ Historically Black Opening Reception
đź“… October 23rd @ 5pm
🎟️ RSVP required; bcri.org/historically-black
đź“Ť BCRI Campus

Space is limited, and we expect tickets to go fast! Visit bcri.org/historically-black to claim your spot.

Come explore the exhibit, rep your HBCU, and celebrate with us!

Historically Black will be on view in the Odessa Woolfolk Gallery from October 23–December 12, 2026.

🚨 This event will be postponed! 🚨Due to the threat of inclement weather, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will not ...
10/09/2026

🚨 This event will be postponed! 🚨

Due to the threat of inclement weather, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will not be open on Saturday, October 10th. This book signing and fireside chat with author Kevin Morris will be postponed. Stay tuned for information regarding the new date.

Please remain safe and weather aware this weekend!

📢 VISITOR NOTICE: Birmingham Civil Rights Galleries will not be open on Saturday, October 10th due to inclement weather....
10/09/2026

📢 VISITOR NOTICE: Birmingham Civil Rights Galleries will not be open on Saturday, October 10th due to inclement weather.

Please remain safe and weather aware this weekend!

The Voting Rights Act reshaped American democracy. More than 60 years later, its history, evolution and future remain at...
10/06/2026

The Voting Rights Act reshaped American democracy. More than 60 years later, its history, evolution and future remain at the center of the national conversation.

This Saturday, BCRI Historian Barry McNealy sits down with Kevin T. Morris, Senior Research Fellow and Voting Policy Scholar at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU, for a fireside chat exploring the Voting Rights Act and Morris’ new book, An American Problem: How the Country Built—and the Supreme Court Broke—the Voting Rights Act.

Together, they’ll trace the Act from its landmark passage in 1965 through the Supreme Court’s 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision and discuss where voting rights stand today.

The conversation will be followed by a book signing with Morris.

đź“… Saturday, October 10 | 12:00 PM
đź“Ť Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Copies of An American Problem are available in the BCRI Gift Store. Registration is encouraged at bcri.org/events.

The Voting Rights Act reshaped American democracy. More than 60 years later, its future remains at the center of the nat...
09/30/2026

The Voting Rights Act reshaped American democracy. More than 60 years later, its future remains at the center of the national conversation.

Join us Saturday, October 10, as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute welcomes Kevin Morris for a book signing and discussion of his new book, An American Problem: How the Country Built—and the Supreme Court Broke—the Voting Rights Act.

The book traces the Voting Rights Act from its landmark passage in 1965 through the Supreme Court’s 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision and examines where voting rights stand today.

đź“… Saturday, October 10
đź•› 12:00 PM
đź“Ť Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Copies of An American Problem will be available for purchase in the BCRI Gift Store beginning October 6.

Registration is encouraged. Go to bcri.org/events to let us know you’re coming.

Even the smallest, seemingly ordinary artifacts can tell significant stories.This “I Am Registered to Vote” button is pa...
09/16/2026

Even the smallest, seemingly ordinary artifacts can tell significant stories.

This “I Am Registered to Vote” button is part of the BCRI Archives. It represents something that many Black Americans were systematically denied within recent history: the ability to register to vote, publicly make that declaration, and exercise the right at the ballot box.

During National Voting Rights Month, we reflect on the long struggle to secure voting rights and the people who fought to make access to the ballot a reality.

Artifacts like this help make that history tangible.

Address

520 16th Street N
Birmingham, AL
35203

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+12053289696

Website

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