Through an educational presentation, members of the Birmingham community gathered to teach UAB students and other community members about Birmingham’s past. 

David Dada, deputy director at Birmingham’s division of Youth Services, was selected as one of the panelists for the Blazing Through Birmingham’s History virtual event. 

“I’m excited for us to learn,” Dada said. “It’s centered around the Civil Rights Movement and historical events that have happened in Birmingham. It’s a great opportunity for us to have a discussion about these events and learn from one another.”

Dada said that as a former Blazer, he was very happy to join the event. 

“UAB is my alma mater, and I have a huge appreciation for what the Student Affairs does, and how it touches on the student experience,” Dada said. “I was honored they reached out to me.” 

Dr. Tondra Loder-Jackson, professor of Educational Foundations in the School of Education, said she helped create and previously direct the UAB Center for Urban Education. Loder-Jackson was another speaker at this event.

“I tend to be especially responsive to UAB student organizational requests that aim to broaden our campus community’s knowledge and understanding of Birmingham’s history,” Loder-Jackson said. 

In addition to working as a professor, Loder-Jackson also serves as a senior faculty associate in the Institute of Human Rights. 

Charles Woods, the Education Program Manager at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, presented on Birmingham’s history and the Civil Rights Movement at the event.

Although this event looked into Birmingham’s past, Woods said how events throughout Birmingham’s history are still pertinent to today.

Woods said that if the audience members were to get one lesson out of his entire presentation, it would be that “it was the youth that made the change,” during the Civil Rights Movement. 

Mark Pettway, Jefferson County Sheriff, said he agrees with Woods. 

“The children led the march and the change,” Pettway said. 

Woods said how events such as this were important, because it is necessary to empower the youth in the community today and give them the knowledge they need to lead the Birmingham community into the future. 

Woods said that the youth made the change during the Birmingham Children’s Crusade of 1963, and it will be the youth that make a difference today.

Woods said that the Black Lives Matter movement is a continuation of the Civil Rights Movement, as well as other Black activist movements that have come before. Woods said he wanted this presentation to help students and community members learn of ways to get involved in activism in the community. 

“Register to vote, and then vote,” Woods said. 

Woods also listed several activist organizations he encouraged people to join, such as: Be a Blessing Birmingham, Woke Vote, Black People Run Bike and Swim and Gasp.

Dada then discussed why it is important for students to be involved, and what it means to be an active citizen. 

“Even choosing not to play affects the game,” Dada said. 

Dada said he suggests a number of ways for students to become involved, including the Office of Student Involvement, service organizations, internships and taking advantage of shadowing opportunities. 

“Don’t think you have to wait to make a difference,” Dada said. “You can start this now.”

To hear from the panelists and more about Birmingham’s history and getting involved, the event host, Kate Redden, said that this event was recorded and will be posted to the UAB Student Involvement page.