Tag: Black History Month

‘Son of Birmingham’: Randall Woodfin’s Powerful New Release

‘Son of Birmingham: A Memoir’ by Mayor Randall Woodfin. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Birmingham, AL – “Son of Birmingham,” the highly anticipated memoir by Birmingham’s youngest modern-day mayor, Randall Woodfin, is available now. This gripping narrative weaves together Mayor Woodfin’s life story with his bold vision for a more equitable future, offering an intimate look at the man reshaping the urban South. (Iron City Communications, 2025)

Through candid storytelling, Woodfin shares how his roots in Birmingham, the lessons from Morehouse College, and the beats of Southern hip-hop shaped his journey. From bagging groceries as a teenager to addressing systemic challenges as mayor, “Son of Birmingham” is a call-to-action for servant leadership, resilience, and unity.

Randall Woodfin was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. After earning his degree at Morehouse College and later his law degree at Samford University, he returned home to serve his community. Elected mayor in 2017, Woodfin has been nationally recognized for his progressive leadership, including a keynote speech at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

Key Topics in the Book

  • The journey from grocery store clerk to mayor
  • Southern hip-hop’s influence on leadership and grit
  • Declaring gun violence a public health crisis
  • Building unity across Birmingham’s 99 neighborhoods
  • Leading Birmingham through pivotal moments in history

Don’t miss this unforgettable story of hope, resilience, and the power of leadership.

Praise for Son of Birmingham

“Being from the South, I know the power of legacy and tradition. Mayor Randall Woodfin embodies that. Son of Birmingham is a love letter to Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, and I’m honored he accredits inspiration to Outkast.” – Antwan “Big Boi” Patton, Grammy-winning member of Outkast

“A love letter to Birmingham and the resilience of its people. Woodfin combines modern hope with timeless wisdom.” – Geoffrey Canada, President of the Harlem Children’s Zone

“Woodfin’s journey fills my heart with hope. His leadership is a blueprint for justice and inclusion.” – Medaria Arradondo, former Minneapolis Police Chief

“Son of Birmingham captures the story of a city in transformation and the leader guiding its evolution. This memoir is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of change.” – Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland

“If Alabama has a chance to overcome its past and reach its potential, it will be because of leaders like Randall Woodfin. Son of Birmingham is a moving memoir of perseverance and progress.” – Roy Wood Jr., Comedian and Journalist

New book release: ‘Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids’ Guide’ by Cara Reese

‘Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids’ Guide’ by Cara Reese. Photo: Amazon

I’ve been an avid reader all my life and some of my favorite memories as a child are linked to books in one way or another. Books make such wonderful gifts, especially for children. Not only are they entertaining, they can also be used as educational tools to help them expand their vocabulary and teach them how to be kind and responsible citizens. In today’s new book news, Cara Reese has a new children’s book out, “Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kid’s Guide.” It is all about Dr. King’s trip to India, so if you’re looking for the perfect book for the child/children in your life that will teach them about Dr. King’s experience in India and his nonviolent philosophy, consider this new title, especially during Black History Month. Pick up your copy today – it is available on Amazon.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a Christian minister, activist, and political philosopher who was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. (Wikipedia)

Cara Reese has roots in St. Louis, Chicago and Dallas/Ft. Worth. She received her B.A. in Humanities and her M.A. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. A third-generation educator who’s endlessly inspired by the power of historical picture books, she studied children’s literature at Columbia University. Cara lives in Atlanta and remains perpetually in awe of the city’s rich history. When the stars are perfectly aligned, she enjoys globe-trekking with her amazing family, staring for hours at the ocean, or aspiring to make the perfect kale chip. Cara Reese’s first children’s book, “Black Artists Rock! A Cool Kids’ Guide A-Z,” earned the coveted Kirkus star. “Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids’ Guide,” has earned the Kirkus starred review and is Cara’s second children’s book. Read an interview with the author on Kirkus Reviews.

“Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids’ Guide” – In this vibrant and lyrical text, the little-known story of Dr. King’s exhilarating and life-changing journey to India is finally told. Inspired by Gandhi’s nonviolent philosophy, Martin and his wife, Coretta, jet set across the globe to the wondrous land of India. Traveling by planes, trains and boats, their colorful month-long adventure would change them forever. This compassionate and deeply touching story is a testament to the power of Gandhi’s and King’s nonviolent philosophy to connect people across continents for a common goal: justice.

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The Classic Theatre of San Antonio presents ‘A Raisin in the Sun’

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio presents ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ for Black History Month. Photo: The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is proud to present its first production of the new year for Black History Month, Lorraine Hansberry’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’ a timeless piece about the Black experience. Performances will take place at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s new performance space at San Pedro Playhouse, the former Cellar Theater. Performances begin on February 8 and close on February 25. Showtimes are at 7:30p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 2p.m. on Sundays. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2024)

Lorraine Hansberry’s iconic drama is a powerful theatrical masterpiece that explores the dreams, struggles, and resilience of a Black family living on the south side of Chicago in the 1950s. It weaves a poignant narrative around the Younger family as they grapple with racial discrimination, economic hardship, and the pursuit of their aspirations. As the family receives a life-changing insurance check, their divergent dreams and desires clash, sparking a profound examination of identity, equality, and the American dream. With compelling characters and a stirring narrative, this play explores hope and the enduring human spirit.

“I am honored to guide the vision and direction of this sacred, timeless piece. ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ serves as a repository of Black American experiences, difficulties, intricacies, and intersectionalities. In this production, anticipate a supernatural noir that immerses you within the essence of the story and its compelling, reflective characters. Trust me, you don’t want to hear about this production — you want to be there.” – Darcell Andre, Director

The cast for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ includes:
Lena Younger (Mama) — Cassandra L. Small*
Walter Lee Younger — Jeremiah Jordon
Beneatha Younger — Jessica Winston
Ruth Younger — Danica McKinney
Travis Younger — Keith Tubbs
Joseph Asagai — Ty Price
George Murchison — Joshua Cook
Bobo — Carl E. Brooks
Karl Lindner — Byrd Bonner
Mrs. Johnson — Nerryl Williams

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The Classic Theatre will offer some exciting nights in celebration of ‘A Raisin in the Sun.’

● Champagne Opening Night — Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 7:30p.m.
● Pride Night — Friday, February 9, 2024 at 7:30p.m.
● Student Night — Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 7:30p.m.
● ASL Performance — Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 2p.m.
● Student Night — Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 7:30p.m.

Get tickets here.

Ticket information:
Tickets for The Classic Theatre of San Antonio are $39 (Adult), $35 (Military, Older Adults 60+, First-Responders), and $24 (Students) are available online or by phone at (210) 589-8450. The Classic Theater is wheelchair accessible.

Classic Theatre at San Pedro Playhouse
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is a nonprofit professional theatre in San Antonio, Texas, committed to producing theatre that is relevant, diverse, entertaining, and transformative. They produce five main stage shows a year, as well as the Second Series, a series of smaller productions, partnering with local and national artists. The Classic Theatre of San Antonio was founded in 2008 by Chris Cheever, Asia Ciaravino, Anthony Ciaravino, Diane Malone, Rick Malone, Terri Peña Ross, and Allan S. Ross, and counts among its credits more than 70 Alamo Theatre Arts Council (ATAC) Awards.

 

Celebrate Black History Month at the Briscoe Museum

February events at the Briscoe include stories of Black Cowboys, Buffalo Soldiers, and more. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

The stories of the Western United States are as diverse and far-ranging as the landscape that inspires the cowboy in us all. To share that history, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is showcasing those stories during a day focused on the Black history of the West, including two programs to help children and families understand the roles that Black Americans played in the West. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)

Did you know that you can tip your hat to President’s Day at the Briscoe? When you visit, do not miss the bronze bust of President Lincoln sculpted by Gutzom Borglum, the artist who carved Mount Rushmore, in the museum’s lobby. The bust was crafted before Borglum began carving the likenesses of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln in the Black Hills of South Dakota, so stop by to wish President Lincoln happy birthday (February 12) or drop in for President’s Day (February 20).

All programs are included with museum admission. Admission is free for children 12 and under, making the museum a terrific destination for families. Active duty members of the military also receive free admission, while active duty family members and retired members of the military receive discounted admission. The museum also is proud to participate in Museums For All, Blue Star Museums and Bank of America Museums on Us.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18: Full STEAM Ahead: Gather Around the Campfire 11a.m. – 1p.m.
Families are invited to join the Briscoe and learn about the history of Black Cowboys in the West. After listening to a short presentation about Black Cowboys and their life on the cattle drives, families will be able to design and make their own musical instrument to play around the campfire. This is a family friendly program.

The Briscoe’s education series “Full STEAM Ahead” helps learners of all ages understand more about the American West by engaging in hands-on, STEAM learning experiences. Sharing the American West through STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics – each of the activities ties back to the Briscoe’s art and artifacts, bringing the West to life in a new way. Each program explores an aspect of life in the West to engage and inspire learning and is included with museum admission. Children 12 and under receive free admission to the Briscoe.

Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers 2p.m. – 4:30p.m.
Learn the history of Buffalo soldiers from the Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Association (BCBSA) members through a short presentation at 2p.m., followed by members sharing stories and artifacts as they interact with visitors through 4:30p.m. The Buffalo Soldiers were members of the all-Black U.S. Army units formed by Congress in 1866 after the end of the Civil War, giving former slaves, freedmen and Black Civil War veterans an opportunity to serve.

Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Cheatom will lead the 2p.m. presentation as Trooper Cheatom of the BCBSA. Dressed in replica blue union Army uniforms worn by the Buffalo soldiers in the late 1800s, members will share the stories of an 1800s trail driver and the only recorded female Buffalo soldier, Cathay Williams. Since women were not allowed to serve then, Williams disguised herself as a man to enlist in the army, serving from 1866-68.

The Briscoe is open Thursday through Monday, 10a.m. – 5p.m. and closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Briscoe is located on the south end of the River Walk, near the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, with convenient parking at the Riverbend Garage directly adjacent to the museum or one of many downtown surface lots. 

‘The Balcony’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

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Walter Sanders, III as Lee Johnson in ‘The Balcony’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio.  Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.

Coming up at The Public Theater of San Antonio this month is ‘The Balcony.’ It will play in the Cellar Theatre on Tuesday February 27 and Wednesday February 28 at 7:30p.m. as part of Black History Month. Tickets are $20 and are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)

Set in 1913, ‘The Balcony’ is a historical fiction production about a young Black man named Lee Johnson. Mr. Johnson is accused of murdering San Antonio’s most beloved physician, Dr. Augustus Maverick and the city of San Antonio is up in arms, threatening to lynch the young man before he has his day in court. To keep him from being killed by the 1,500 angry citizens in the street outside the courthouse, the Bexar County Judge hides the young man in his chambers. The trial testimony reveals some surprises that no one anticipated but Mr. Johnson becomes a victim of his circumstances.

‘The Balcony’ is an original play written by attorney and author Lee Cusenbary, who has been a contributing writer to The Renaissance Guild’s series “Divas and Men of Eastwood,” receiving the Best Script Award from ATAC for his script, “Men of Eastwood,” produced at the Carver Center. It stars Walter Sanders, III as Lee Johnson, Tyler Askins as Sidney Overton, Kimberly Askins as Mary Overton/Fena Nussbaum, Judge Philip Kazen as Judge Charles Anderson, Scott Leibowitz as District Attorney A.B. Storey, Robert Mortiz as Dr. L.L. Shropshire, John Heller as Bailiff Fred Barnes and Rebekah Williams as Mable Lewis.

The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258