Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Receives $75,000 Grant

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Museums are among the bevy of organizations and institutions hurting for funding amid the coronavirus pandemic, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is among those affected by the pandemic. The institute, which has been closed during the pandemic, received some good news Monday, however, in the form of a grant from Regions Bank.

BCRI leaders are currently working to raise $750,000 between now and the end of 2020 to keep education, research and other operations moving forward, and Regions' $75,000 grant this week will help chip away at that goal.

“A visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is an experience like none other, and we owe it to current and future generations to ensure the BCRI is well positioned to continue fulfilling its mission,” said Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Affairs for Regions Bank. “Seeing the images, touring the galleries, watching the videos, and hearing the voices of leaders from the Civil Rights Movement as they recount history leaves a lasting impression. In turn, it helps us shape a brighter future as we honor those who fought for equal rights by making sure we are upholding the principles of justice and opportunities for all.”

A downtown Birmingham landmark for nearly 30 years, the BCRI is part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

“In this current national climate as our society addresses issues of race and justice, the presence of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is needed now more than ever to provide leadership on racial justice, diversity and equity,” said Isaac M. Cooper, chairman of the BCRI Board of Directors. “There is a hunger for a deeper understanding of the struggle for racial and economic justice, and BCRI is at the forefront of developing programming on equity and social justice that speaks to this moment. We deeply appreciate the support of Regions and other donors that have supported us at this time.”

Most recently, the institute was honored that the portrait of the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis that is housed in the BCRI collection was selected for the inside cover of his Congressional Memorial Program. As the BCRI continues offering virtual programming, its leadership is also developing new educational and tourism programs for future visitors.

BCRI leaders plan to reopen the institute to visitors as soon as conditions allow.