Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Voting Rights Act reshaped American democracy. More than 60 years later, its future remains at the center of the national conversation.

Join us Saturday, October 10, as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute welcomes Kevin Morris for a book signing and discussion of his new book, An American Problem: How the Country Built—and the Supreme Court Broke—the Voting Rights Act.

The book traces the Voting Rights Act from its landmark passage in 1965 through the Supreme Court’s 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision and examines where voting rights stand today.

📅 Saturday, October 10
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Copies of An American Problem will be available for purchase in the BCRI Gift Store beginning October 6.

Registration is encouraged. Go to bcri.org/events to let us know you’re coming.

Even the smallest, seemingly ordinary artifacts can tell significant stories.

This “I Am Registered to Vote” button is part of the BCRI Archives. It represents something that many Black Americans were systematically denied within recent history: the ability to register to vote, publicly make that declaration, and exercise the right at the ballot box.

During National Voting Rights Month, we reflect on the long struggle to secure voting rights and the people who fought to make access to the ballot a reality.

Artifacts like this help make that history tangible.

🗣️ Attention families!

You’re invited to join us for a fun day of reading! 📚

In recognition of the anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, we’re partnering with 16th Street Education & Visitors Center to bring the community together for a day of family reading and learning. We'll be reading I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience by Susan Verde.

Come read, learn, and explore themes of courage and resilience together. Plus, enjoy pizza and snacks and take home a FREE copy of the book! 🍕📖

Space is limited, so please register! CC

Want to make an impact in Birmingham?

You should volunteer at the BCRI! Come to our next Volunteer Orientation on Wednesday, September 16th to learn how you can join the work.

No experience required. All you need is a willingness to help!

At orientation, you’ll:
✅ Fill out initial paperwork
✅ Learn about volunteer opportunities through a Q&A session
✅ Get familiar with the galleries with a mini scavenger hunt

Light refreshments will be provided. Must be 18 or older to join.

📍 Resource Gallery, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
📆 September 16th | 10 AM – 12 PM
🔗 Sign up at bcri.org/events

🗣️ Visitor Notice: The BCRI will have special hours on Wednesday, August 26th due to a scheduled private event.

⏰ 2:00pm-5:00pm