0313 Berry Civil rights photos
Berry Middle School students view never-before-seen photographs from the Civil Rights Movement, including this one of Martin Luther King Jr., at their school on March 4. Photo courtesy of Hoover City Schools.
Berry Middle School students got an up-close look at Birmingham history on March 4 when author/journalist Barnett Wright paid a visit to campus to show never-before-seen photographs from the Civil Rights Movement and share stories from his new book, 1963: How the Birmingham Civil Rights Changed America and the World.
Grade-level assemblies were held, along with time for students to view the historic photographs. Wright, a reporter for AL.com/The Birmingham News, uncovered the never-developed photographs in a stockpile at The News building downtown.
“I think students gained a better understanding of the rich history we have here in Birmingham and the major role our city played in the Civil Rights Movement. His presentation showed us how the movement had a direct impact on the cultural diversity we have across America today,” Berry teacher and assembly co-organizer Dianna Minor said. “It was great for him to be here during this year’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights movement.”
Following a full day including lunch, Wright met with Berry's journalism students and politics classes.
Barnett Wright moved to Birmingham from Philadelphia in 2000. A father of two and a local reporter, Wright has covered local government for years and had the opportunity to learn first-hand about Birmingham and its history.
1963: How the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement Changed America and The World is on sale now. The book will be available exclusively at Books-A-Million stores, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute gift shop and at The Birmingham News/Alabama Media Group at 2201 Fourth Ave. North. All proceeds from book sales at Berry Middle School were contributed to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Wright said.
To order online, visit www.bhamstore.com
