http://mckinstryfamilymuseum.org/

McKinstry Family Museum, 2236 Ishkooda Road SW, Birmingham, AL (2026)

06/20/2026

Father's Day 2026
Father’s Day is a holiday in honor of fathers. It is celebrated in many countries around the world but originated in the United States. (1) McKinstry Family Museum Incorporated celebrates Father's Day every year. This year Willie D. McKinstry is being celebrated as the father of McKinstry Family House from 1956 to 1978 (his death). Mr. McKinstry became very successful in his professional life and as a father. Along with his wife, Willie Gertrude Dowdell McKinstry, he helped raise 7 children and 11 grandchildren before his death (1978). Professionally he was successful in many ways. He started working at a very early age, around 16 years old. His father became sick, so he had to quit school to work and take care of himself, his father, mother and two sisters. It was the time of "The Great Depression" in Alabama. (between 1930-1933). His first job was in the CCC Camp. While at the CCC camp he met other Black men like himself who could sing. Together they formed Mr. McKinstry's first singing group. From there he formed another singing group who performed on WJLD radio station (see photo). From singing on WJLD he moved into playing records as a DJ. (see photo) He then expanded himself professionally, being well-known in the greater Birmingham, Alabama community as a DJ and professional announcer. He was the "first local" Black man (African American Man) to perform on Birmingham Television (channel 13). He did commercials during the Saturday night wrestling fights on channel 13. A very popular "song" by Willie McKinstry is still being played today (06/2026) on "YouTube." It's called "My GOD Is Real.".
At the time of his death (see photo) Willie McKinstry, the first Black Man (African American), had been promoted to "Assistant General Manager, Johnston Broadcasting Company, WJLD. He had also received an honorary doctorate degree. Not bad for a 16-year-old boy coming out of poverty. Also, so that his two boys (Marvin and Melvin) could have work after school, Willie McKinstry opened a "Service Station." In Riley, Alabama. He maintained ownership until his death. His family are very proud of his accomplishments in life, and as a father, starting from a very humble beginning to who he was at death. He was a great father and family provider. Happy Father's Day from McKinstry Family Museum Incorporated to all those deserving fathers.

References:
1. Attached photos Herein. (the house) (Mckinstry singers)

2. Father’s Day | 2026, Definition, History, Traditions, Celebration, & Facts | Britannica

3. The Civilian Conservation Corps in Alabama, 1933–1942

4. Riley, Alabama - Riley is a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama with a population of 529. Riley is in Jefferson County. Living in Riley offers residents a sparse urban feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Riley and residents tend to be liberal.

5. Riley - Birmingham, AL - Niche

05/25/2026

In Remembrance of Memorial Day 2026.
"Thank you to all the American Soldiers (men and women) who sacrificed their lives for our country".

05/09/2026

Mother's Day 2026, Sunday May 10
HOMAGE! Happy Mother's Day to the matriarch of McKinstry Family
House, Willie Gertrude Dowdell McKinstry who married Willie McKinstry. She and her family moved into McKinstry Family House in 1956 (built in 1952) and she moved out in 2000. During that time, she developed a love of "hats." and for attending "church." She was a Christian and the last half of her life in "Birmingham" was spent attending New Pilgrim Baptist church at 903 Six Avenue South. The church has since moved and is no longer located there. Mrs. McKinstry is now dead. But today, Mother's Day, Mrs. McKinstry is remembered with photos showing her love of church and hats. She also had a collection of "everyday hats." She was truly "The hat lady" of McKinstry Family House. Herein is a collection of "some" of Mrs. McKinstry's hats. There are and were many more hats that we can't add all here. We hope you like/love the ones shown here. They were all originally her ownership. Only worn by her. Happy Mother's Day 2026 from McKinstry Family Museum. Enjoy your day.

04/04/2026

Easter 2026:

A cultural tradition at McKinstry Family House during the Easter holidays was coloring eggs and going on an Easter Egg Hunt. Whether the Easter Egg hunt was on Easter Sunday or around that time they were always so much fun. One of the most memorable Easter Egg Hunts for me was held on Easter Sunday directly after a sermon by Reverend Billy Graham (1918-2018) at "Legion Field" in Birmingham, AL in 1964. This event has been mentioned before on this Museum page.

The event occurred in 1964, during the days of Segregation, when Blacks and Whites did not celebrate major events together in Birmingham. People were still living in the age of "Separate" but " "Equal" for most major Birmingham events. However, on this particular day I was sitting in the bleachers at Legion Field enjoying a Reverend Billy Graham sermon and afterwards an " Easter egg hunt." Fast forward to today, the year 2026. Reverend Billy Graham is dead (1918 - 2018), separate but equal events no longer occur, but the tradition of Easter Egg Hunts at Legion Field lives on in Birmingham and will be as much fun for children today as they were for children living at McKinstry Family House who attended it in 1964. Don't ask me how many eggs I found because I don't remember, if any. I was just so happy to be there. Happy Easter to everyone from McKinstry Family Museum Incorporated.

References:

1. Easter Egg Hunt Meaning Unveiling Traditions and Symbolism | EastersDate.com
2. the meaning of the easter egg hunt - Search
3. Easter Eggs: What Is the History Behind This Tradition? | Chase Oaks | Chase Oaks
3. Billy Graham - Wikipedia
4. 1964 Billy Graham Easter Rally - Bhamwiki
5. Billy Graham Easter Rally - Clio
6. RESPECT organization hosting helicopter egg drop in Birmingham April 12
7. About Us — McKinstry Family Museum

P.S. Sorry about the photos. Facebook messed them up. not me.

02/27/2026

Fourth Write up for Black History Month 2026.

This is the fourth in a series of write ups on "Black Women Achievements Against The "Odds." The woman chosen for this write up is "Sojourner Truth.". She was born into slavery (1797) and died as a free woman (1883). We have tried to choose the successful Black women in history the McKinstry children studied during Black History " week" at schools like Powderly Elementary, Wenonah High school, Birmingham Baptist Black College, Ullman High School all located in Birmingham, Alabama where the McKinstry children attended city schools. There were "7" McKinstry children born to Willie and Willie Dowdell McKinstry. They were born when Black History was celebrated for only 1 week per year. It became so successful that now Black History is celebrated for 1 month. Sojourner Truth (whose real name was Isabella Baumfree) mother had "13" children. Against the odds of slavery and abuse Sojourner Truth had many successes in life. She was a working slave. owned by several different "abusive " slave owners during her life. She was sexually abused as a child and adult by her slave owners. However, "against the odds" she achieved numerous successes in her life.She owed all of her success to God.
Her successes in life included but not limited to:
1. Sojourner Truth became the first black woman to go to court against a white man and win the case.
2. Sojourner Truth had a life-changing religious experience during her stay with the Van Wagener slave owners and became a devout Christian.
3. In 1851, at the "Ohio Woman's Rights Convention," Sojourner Truth delivered her best-known speech as a slave, "Ain't I a Woman?"
4. During the Civil War, Sojourner Truth helped recruit black troops for the Union Army.
5. In 1864, Sojourner Truth met President Abraham Lincoln.
6. While in Washington, D.C., Sojourner Truth had a meeting with President Ulysses S. Grant in the White House.
7. Truth spoke about abolition, women's rights, prison reform, and preached to the Michigan Legislature against capital punishment.
8. She was a friend of Susan B. Anthony, an American social reformer and women's rights activist who played a very significant role in the "women's suffrage movement.

Sojourner Truth is best known for her powerful speeches and activism. She did so much more in her life than what is mentioned in this 4th write up. Beyond her activism and slavery years, Sojourner Truth supported herself by selling copies of her book
" The Narrative of Sojourner Truth." Also, during the civil war she gathered supplies for Black Volunteer regiments and counseled formerly enslaved people.

Please make "use" of the references below to learn more about this powerful Black woman in history. Sojourner Truth seemed to never have a tireless moment. We hope you enjoyed Black History Month 2026 with The McKinstry Family Museum Incorporated.

Reference:

1. sojourner truth wikepedia - Search
2. Susan B. Anthony - Wikipedia
3. sojourner truth britannia - Search

02/20/2026

Constance Baker Motley. Third writeup - Black History month 2026. Black Women Achievements Against the Odds

Constance Baker Motley was born in 1921 and died in 2005. Her main profession was as a "jurist (Judge)" and politician. Her mother had "12 children." She received her "bachelor of law degree" from Columbia University in 1946. Prior to that she attended Fisk University in Nashville TN and New York University. This woman was truly a powerhouse.

Here are just "some" of Constance Baker Motley's notable accomplishments and there are many:

1. In 1945 she worked for the first Black "United States Supreme Court Judge, Thurgood Marshall" as a Law Clerk.
2. In 1946 she worked for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) as a civil rights lawyer. She was the fund's "first female attorney."
3. In 1950, Constance Baker Motley was the first African American woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, in Meredith V. Fair. She won James Meredith's case, resulting in him becoming the first black student to attend the University of Mississippi in 1962.
4. Constance Baker Motley was successful in nine (9) of the ten (10) cases she argued before the Supreme Court. After appeal she eventually won the 10th case.
5. In 1964, she was the first African American woman to sit in the New York State Senate (21st district)
6. In 1965, Constance Baker Motley was chosen as the first woman as "Manhattan Borough President".
7. In1966, she was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson to a seat on the "United States District Court for the Southern District of New York." She became the first " African American female federal judge."
8. From 1982-1986 she served as "Chief Judge."
9. In 1986 Constance Baker Motley assumed "senior status." Her service terminated from this position on September 28, 2005, due to her "death" in New York City.

The information above (1-9) is just a few of Constance Baker Motley's achievements in life. When you read "everything" she did you will see she was just a one-woman powerhouse of successful endeavors. She didn't waste her time. She performed. And in doing so she is now a role model for many Black women to follow. "To me" this is the power of "Black History Month." To share the knowledge and power of what successful Black men and women did in their lives. Let's remember these powerful Black Men and Women who came before.

You can read more about the other accomplishments of 'Constance Baker Motley' in the Reference section below.

Reference:

1. Constance Baker Motley - Wikipedia

2. Constance Baker Motley | Biography, Accomplishments, & Facts | Britannica

3. Constance Baker Motley - Search

4. https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=SJwOIjxS&id=D6E45D2D64A2694623BBDB755024C9C5C92CB97F&thid=OIP.SJwOIjxSzI5XhF89dYNDxgHaJQ&mediaurl=https%3

02/13/2026

Shirley Chisholm. Second writeup - Black History month 2026. ""Black Women Achievements Against the Odds.

This is the second writeup in a series of McKinstry Family Museum writeups on Black History Month 2026, "Black Women. Achievements Against the Odds." The Black woman being highlighted today is Shirley Chisholm. Born in 1924 during "segregation" in America and died in 2005 during "integration.".She made history being the "1st Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. At that very moment she became a great role model for Black women to follow. Since her life many black women have walked in her footsteps and achieved the same greatness. But, there always has to be a courageous "first". Showing the way. That courageous first doesn't always set out to be the first; it just happens by their deeds and ambition to achieve where no other American "Black" woman has gone before.. It's the desire to be who they want to be.regardless of race or gender.. Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress. The U.S congress is a very powerful institution of the American Federal government. It is one of three powerful institutions of the American federal government. Neither of the three run the American government alone.
Shirley Chisholm served in the House of Representative from 1969 to 1983 from the state of New York. In 1972 Shirley Chisohm was the first Black Woman to run for President of the United States of America. Again Shirley Chisohm became a "pioneering African American politician." However, early in her life she did not immediately become a politician. She was an educator, a career teacher. She also was one of several national Black leaders who were very inspirational during the 1963 demonstrations across the country.. By performing the unthinkable, Shirley Chisholm overcame obstacles and paved the path for later generations. The McKinstry girls heard a lot about Shirley Chisholm in 1963.another Black woman achieving greatness against the odds.

References:

1 Amazing Facts About Shirley Chisholm - Discover Walks Blog

2. Shirley Chisholm | Biography, Accomplishments, & Facts | Britannica

3. what year did Shirley Chisolm run for president of the American - Search

4. Shirley Chisholm - Wikipedia

5. Shirley Chisholm – Profile of a Civil Rights Activist

6. U.S. Government Publishing Office. Checks and Balances.

02/07/2026

BLACK HISTORY 2026 series:

This is the first in a series of Black History posts on " Black Women. Achievements Against The Odds." . Some of the Black women you may know about and some you may not. I will provide references so you can read further about their struggles to achieve fame and success in their chosen fields. This first post is about "MARION ANDERSON,." one of my favorites in Black history. When I attended Powderly Elementary school I reported on this woman almost every year during Black History " week." The references I provide below will give you the opportunity to read further about this great woman and her struggles and successes.. If she can do it. Maybe so can you. Marion Anderson was an Opera singer (contralto). She also sang spiritual songs Interestingly, Anderson was also an important figure in the struggle for African-Americans to overcome racial prejudice in the United States during the mid-twentieth century. She was best friends with first lady Eleonar Roosevelt, wife of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States of America. They both pledge a black sorority together. .Mrs. Roosevelt and Marion Anderson remained deep friends for the rest of Mrs. Roosevelt's life. Marion Anderson was the first African -American to sing at the Metropolitan Opera. (5). She also participated in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, singing at the "March on Washington For Jobs and Freedom in 1963...Marian Anderson sang in venues around the world, She also sang the National Anthem at President Kennedy's inauguration in 1961. She received numerous other awards and honors. She was awarded the first Presidential Medal of Honor" in 1963, the "Congressional Gold Medal in 1977, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978, the National Medal of Arts in 1986, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991. She is a great role model. Marian Anderson was born during "segregation" and achieved greatness all the way into "Integration" and beyond. Marian Anderon died in 1993 at the age of 96. Marian Anderson, a Black woman.achievements against the odds..

02/01/2026

Mckinstry Family Museum Incorporated (Museum) will be celebrating "Black History Month" 2026 which is the month of February. (1) in the United States.. Some of the McKinstry children who lived at McKinstry Family House attended Powderly elementary school (2). At that time. Black History month was celebrated for "one week." (3) only. But in 1976 it was extended to one month. During this month of February 2026, the Museum will be recognizing several Black Women who have achieved success during their lives against the odds. (6) Other countries who also celebrate Black History Month include (Canada, Germany, The UK, Panama, The Netherlands, Costa Rica). (5) There may be others.

References:
1.. Britannica- black history month- Britannica - Search
2. Powderly Elementary School - Bhamwiki
3. Black History Month | Description, History, & Facts | Britannica
4. black history month- Britannica - Search
5. other countries that celebrate black History month - Search
6. Black Women Achievement Against the odds, A calendar for 1984-1986 - Search

01/19/2026

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

Today is January 19, 2026, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Dr. King was born January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, GA (1) during segregation (2) but he rose above that to become a well-known leader in the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. He was also cofounder and the first president of the "Southern Christian Leadership Conference SCLS)" (7). Although there were many achievements in Dr. King's life the most notable achievements included:

1. Montgomery, Alabama Bus Boycott (1955-1956).

2. March on Washington (1963). which Grenetta McKinstry (15 yrs. old) of McKinstry Family House participated. She was one of those individuals on the "Birmingham, Al. Bus" that left Kelly Ingram Park, Birmingham, AL, arriving in Washington D.C. for the March (1963). The Birmingham bus arrived in time for the "I have a Dream" given by Dr. King.

3. Birmingham Campaign (1963). Jacqueline McKinstry Picket and Grenetta McKinstry of McKinstry Family House both participated. Jacqueline was 18yrs old and Grenetta was 15yrs old. They were part of the children's non-violent demonstrations.

4. Dr. King's Nobel Peace Prize (1964). Given to him for his non-violent struggle for civil rights for the African American population. (3)

5. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
https://www.nps.gov › mlkm › index.htm
Memorial park in Washington, DC
1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Open 24 hours
(202) 426-6841

At the time of 4 of the significant events just mentioned above, Dr. Willie McKinstry, patriarch of McKinstry Family House, was the Assistant General Manager of Johnston Broadcasting Company (WJLD). (4)) Also, WJLD was given a lifelong membership in the SCLC and the radio station reported many of the Civil Rights events happening in Birmingham at the time.

Dr. King's legacy continues to inspire movements for social justice and equality worldwide. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated annually in the United States to honor his contributions to civil rights and his lasting impact on American society. (5) Those who lived at McKinstry Family House were "so honored" to have participated in a small part of Dr. King's life. Rest in peace great warrior. And in the words of former president Barack Obama, "let this be a day on and not a day off." (6) Volunteer to do something good today for mankind somewhere in the world.

References:

1 Martin Luther King Jr. - Wikipedia.

2. LII / Legal Information Institutehttps://www.law.cornell.edu › wex › segregation

3. Martin Luther King Jr. – Biography - Nobel Prize. o

4. mckinstryfamilymuseum.org. Exhibit 4- Dr. Willie D. McKinstry's Obituary program (b.1919-d.1978)

5. https://www.britannica.com › topic › Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Day

6. President Obama Reflects on Dr. King's Legacy and Honors It with Service | whitehouse.gov

7. Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute

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