The city's AWAKEN 2026 tribute to the foot soldiers of 1963 was set for Friday, Oct. 30, at the Carver Theatre, with Carolyn McKinstry and Janice Kelsey on the panel.

Birmingham will honor the foot soldiers and activists of the 1963 civil rights movement at AWAKEN 2026: Passing the Torch. The program starts at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Carver Theatre, 1631 4th Ave. N.

Updated Oct. 31: The program was scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30. By Saturday the city had not published who received this year’s Putting People First Award. We will add the name when it does.

The city’s Office of Public Affairs is hosting it, according to the city’s announcement. The tribute is held every year during Magic City Classic week. This year it falls the day before the Oct. 31 parade and game.

What is on the program

The city said the morning includes:

  • music from the Carlton Reese Memorial Choir
  • a spoken-word piece by Birmingham Poet Laureate Salaam Green
  • a panel with Mayor Randall Woodfin and civil rights foot soldiers and activists Carolyn McKinstry and Janice Kelsey, moderated by WBRC anchor Steve Crocker
  • the Putting People First Award, with remarks from the Civil Rights Activist Committee of the Foot Soldiers
  • a pop-up exhibit before and after the program, with archival material from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and from personal collections

This year’s theme is about handing the movement’s lessons to young people.

“It means making sure the next generation understands their sacrifices, learns from their courage, and recognizes its own power to shape the future,” Woodfin said in the announcement.

What it means for you

The city says community members are invited. Its announcement does not mention tickets, a cost or registration, so check with the city’s Office of Public Affairs before you go if you are bringing a group.

  • When: 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30
  • Where: Carver Theatre, 1631 4th Ave. N.
  • Arrive early if you want time in the pop-up exhibit before the program starts

The Carver sits in the Civil Rights District, a short walk from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park and 16th Street Baptist Church. For the rest of the week’s plans, see our Magic City Classic guide and things to do this month.