Birmingham Unveils Permanent Wall for Alabama’s 14 HBCUs

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute has unveiled a permanent wall honoring Alabama’s 14 historically Black colleges and universities, listing each school and its founding year. A companion exhibit, “Historically Black,” runs through Dec. 12 and uses photographs, documents, artifacts and memorabilia to highlight the schools’ campus traditions and contributions to education, culture and the Civil Rights Movement. The institute will also award all 14 schools its Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth Humanitarian Award, the first time the honor has been given to a group rather than an individual. Organizers say the tribute celebrates the institutions’ lasting influence and offers visitors a chance to recognize their achievements and shared legacy.