Overview
This tour peals back the façade and reveals the true and devastating experience that was the day to day life of African Americans in the most segregated city in the country. Led by Wilhelmina Thomas, who is a storyteller, a needlewoman and a craftivist who grew up on the west side of Birmingham, Alabama in the Riley, Wenonah and Hillman communities.
She attended Wenonah Elementary, Riley Elementary and Jones Valley High Schools. Her earliest memories include the church, the civic league and the Civil Rights Movement. It is these lived experiences which fuel passion about Afro, Afro American and Birmingham history.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
All fees and/or taxes
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Please note that tours begin at our shop at 219 20th Street North Downtown Birmingham 35203 - please check your GPS - NOT Irondale...NOT on Richard Arrington Blvd.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
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Birmingham Historic Touring Company
15 min
Your tour begins at our shop and proceeds down 20th street toward 4th Ave North covering the Black contributions to the founding of Birmingham
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4th Avenue North
15 min
This leg of the tour covers the 1926 Red Line Zoning laws, the Palm Leaf Hotel, and the Chitlin' Circut.
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Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park
10 min
A park and statues dedicated to our local founder of the Temptations
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4th Avenue Business District
10 min
The remnants of our once dynamic "city within a city" with possible stop in Nelson Brothers and Green Acres.
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Civil Rights District
10 min
This is the center of the Civil Rights National Historic Monument
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Carver Theater
10 min
One of the best Black theaters - now the Jazz Hall of Fame...also you will see the Prince Hall "Colored" Masonic Lodge
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Kelly Ingram Park
15 min
Kelly Ingram Park is an improved public park that contains emotionally powerful sculptures depicting the civil rights struggle in Birmingham. The park served as an assembly spot for activities of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other groups in the movement.
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16th Street Baptist Church
15 min
The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, stands as a poignant symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, marked by its tragic history as the site of a racially motivated bombing in 1963, which resulted in the loss of four young girls. This historic church remains a powerful testament to the struggle for civil rights and a focal point in the ongoing journey toward racial equality in the United States.
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A.G. Gaston Motel
10 min
The A.G. Gaston Motel, built by prominent African American businessman and entrepreneur, Arthur George Gaston (1892-1996), provided first-class lodging and dining in Birmingham, Alabama, to African American travelers. Designed by Birmingham-based architect Stanley B. Echols, the motel opened in 1954
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Lyric Theatre
10 min
Our only standing theater that allowed mixed (though still segregated) audiences
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Chicago).
Additional Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about 1963 Birmingham Civil Rights Experience - Black History Matters Walking Tour
Can I cancel 1963 Birmingham Civil Rights Experience - Black History Matters Walking Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 1 hour–1 hour 30 min.
Where does it start?
Please note that tours begin at our shop at 219 20th Street North Downtown Birmingham 35203 - please check your GPS - NOT Irondale...NOT on Richard Arrington Blvd.
Which places does it visit?
It visits Birmingham Historic Touring Company, Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park, Civil Rights District, Carver Theater, Kelly Ingram Park, A.G. Gaston Motel, Lyric Theatre.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by The Birmingham Historic Touring Company
