Culture & Community

Birmingham’s culture is shaped by its people and by the voices of the past and the visionaries of today. From historic music venues to modern art galleries, from church choirs to block parties, this city pulses with creativity and pride.

Black Arts & Music

• Jazz, Blues, and Soul: Birmingham’s music legacy lives on in places like The Carver Theatre and The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

• Spoken Word & Open Mic: Local venues like Ensley Live Loft and Baba Java Coffeehouse host events that amplify young Black voices.

• Murals & Street Art: Public art throughout the city — especially in downtown and Woodlawn — tells stories of freedom, love, and resistance.

Faith & Fellowship

• Churches like 16th Street Baptist Church are more than historic landmarks. They’re active centers for organizing, worship, and healing.

• Community cookouts, food drives, and neighborhood cleanups still bring people together every month.

• Faith-based organizations partner with schools and nonprofits to provide mentorship, meals, and mental health support.

Black-Owned Business Pride

• Downtown’s 4th Avenue Business District is a historic Black economic hub, now being revitalized with new restaurants, boutiques, and cultural tours.

• Organizations like Urban Impact Birmingham are helping entrepreneurs launch and grow across the city.

• Featured businesses: Yo’ Mama’s Restaurant, Green Acres Cafe, Michael’s Steakhouse, and Harlem Zen Wellness Spa.

Community Organizations That Lead

• Faith in Action Alabama – grassroots social justice efforts around policing, voting rights, and poverty.

• Jones Valley Teaching Farm – urban farming with youth programs that center food justice.

• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – not just a museum, but an active learning space for community truth-telling and healing.

Events That Unite Us

• Sidewalk Film Festival – showcases Southern storytelling and indie Black filmmakers.

• Freedom Fest – a music and social justice celebration in the heart of downtown.

• Magic City Classic – more than a football game, it’s a weekend-long cultural homecoming.