Lawson State Hosts Black History Month Events Celebrating
African Americans' Legacy and Contributions
Lawson State Community College proudly presents its Black History Month program, set for Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This free public event will take place at the Perry Ward Alabama Center for Advanced Technology & Training (ACATT) on the Birmingham Campus.
The event includes a unique living history gallery, an immersive experience that reflects this year's theme: An African American Mosaic of History, Labor, Education, and Art.
This dynamic exhibition will showcase artifacts, historical documents, and reclaimed objects, offering a journey through Black history—from the pre-Columbian era to the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement. The display items are courtesy of Sloss Furnaces, local historians, and Lawson State faculty.
Carlos Morris, chair of the Lawson State Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, underscores the broad and intentional focus of the program: "I am reminded of the words of historic educator Mary McLeod Bethune: 'The progress of the world will call for the best that we have in us. If we work together, we will be able to make this world a better place for us all.'"
The event will highlight interdisciplinary connections between art, history, and community engagement, offering a deeper understanding of African American heritage.
"By embracing connections using art, history, and community engagement, we can gain a deeper understanding of Black history and its significance," said Gregory Wilson, an adjunct instructor at Lawson State.
Distinguished Speakers and Special Guests
The program will feature distinguished speakers who will share powerful, untold stories of African American innovators and leaders:
Mr. R.D. Burrell will discuss the legacy of his great-grandfather, Andrew Jackson Beard, an inventor credited with revolutionizing the railroad industry through labor-saving technology.
Mr. Philip Howard of the Conservation Fund will explore the contributions of renowned civil rights attorney Arthur D. Shores, who represented Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and worked alongside former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Ms. Barbara Shores, author, artist, and daughter of Arthur D. Shores, will attend as a special guest. The Lawson State Fine Arts Building, named in her father's honor, stands as a tribute to his contributions to civil rights and society.
Lawson State's Black History Month celebration is a testament to its commitment to preserving African American history and recognizing the achievements that have shaped today's world.
For more information, contact Mr. Carlos Morris at 205-929-6387.
