Community Stories

Birmingham, Alabama is seeing a strong current push for Black community uplift through prevention, mentorship, and trusted neighborhood spaces. A recent city effort is using barbershops, schools, faith institutions, and public housing community rooms to reach Black boys early with guidance and support, showing a more community-centered approach to public safety and opportunity.

Daphne, Alabama also reflects positive Black community life through local Black History programming and community storytelling that honors Black residents and keeps their history visible in the city’s public life. Together, these stories show Alabama communities building pride, leadership, and connection through service, history, and everyday care.

Local Heroes

Birmingham: William A. Barnes, president and CEO of the Birmingham Urban League, leads programs that support economic self-reliance, civil rights, workforce development, and school-based help for residents across Jefferson County. His work reflects the kind of steady leadership that strengthens families and opens doors for the next generation.

Daphne: Local historians and Black community voices recognized through the city’s Black History Month programming deserve the spotlight for preserving memory and sharing lived experience. Their storytelling keeps Black history active, visible, and connected to the community’s future.

Cultural Moments

Black culture is not just being celebrated this year — it is leading the conversation. Across the country, major events are bringing together artists, creators, entrepreneurs, and communities in ways that highlight the depth, influence, and power of Black expression. One of the strongest examples is the American Black Film Festival in Miami, which continues to serve as an important platform for Black filmmakers, actors, writers, and producers. In Philadelphia, the Roots Picnic stands out as one of the biggest cultural gatherings connected to Black music, community, and creative energy. In New York, CurlFest continues to celebrate Black beauty, fashion, self-expression, and natural hair pride.