Birmingham, Alabama: Putting People First

The crisis of leadership at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute represents a clash of values, wherein the institution responsible for stewarding powerful, poignant and respectful dialogue, has demonstrated that they do not value dialogue with residents of Birmingham and the public at large.

Because of their poor stewardship, some in the local and national media are misconstruing the crisis of leadership at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute as a clash of cultures, ethnic groups, or races. Let me be clear – it is not.

In fact, I would like to clarify my own initial remarks to ensure that we can bring all voices to the table for ongoing dialogue.

Birmingham’s Jewish community is not monolithic in thought. I consider myself an ally of Birmingham’s Jewish community. In fact, African American and Jewish leaders in Birmingham have worked together to build bridges during some of Birmingham’s darkest times. I expect us to continue to do so.

It was not my intent to suggest that the entire Jewish community was opposed to Dr. Angela Davis receiving the Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award.

With that said, members of the community, Jewish and otherwise, were indeed vocal in their opposition of Dr. Davis receiving the Shuttlesworth Award.

Dialogue should have allowed for the full measure of discussion about the merits of the recognition by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, including supporters and dissenters of some of Dr. Davis’ positions.

In fact, the community has heard little from the BCRI. This is unacceptable.

While the resignation of some members from the Board of Directors from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute signals a first step, there are still unanswered questions surrounding their situation. We know very little about what transpired on that board that has brought us to this point.

What happened?

For transparency, I want you to be aware that on this past Monday, January 7, I requested the following items and actions from the board and staff of the BCRI Board of Directors.

• Minutes: A release to the public of all minutes of the BCRI board of directors from September 2018 – Saturday, January 5.
• Honoree: A release, to my office, of the official, written communication shared, or yet to be shared, with Dr. Davis regarding the initial invitation to Birmingham as well as communications rescinding the invitation.
• Apology: Issue an apology statement to the community-at-large for the poor handling of the process.
• Criteria: A release of the award selection criteria to help the community understand the full range of your selection rationale.
• Facilitation: Invite representatives from stakeholder organizations to meet directly with the board of directors this week.

As of today, I have received copies of BCRI board minutes from September-December 2018 (you can read a PDF those minutes here: BCRI Governance 2018). No other actions have taken place yet, but I have been assured they are forthcoming.

Two of the core values of my administration are transparency and accountability, which is why I implore and insist that every step be taken to restore confidence in the decision-making process and governance of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. I intend to partner with the Birmingham City Council in holding this board accountable.

The City of Birmingham is the largest donor to the BCRI, and as such we have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that the use of public resources reflect the values of the City of Birmingham.

I acknowledge the formation of the citizen-led Birmingham Committee for Truth and Reconciliation which will host Dr. Davis in Birmingham on Saturday, February 16. I welcome Dr. Davis back home and hope that her return to the City is one that helps further community conversations.

Soon, I will announce a series of conversations that will facilitate constructive dialogue around civil and human rights starting January 21 during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Observance.

We do have a unique legacy that changed the events of the world more than a half-century ago. In the spirit of those that fought and died so that we can stand on these sacred grounds, I will ensure that every step is taken to preserve and protect our civil and human rights legacy of courageous dialogue.

Yours truly,

Randall L. Woodfin
Mayor, City of Birmingham