Historically Black, at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute through Dec. 12, gives each of Alabama's 14 HBCUs its own installation of artifacts and photographs.

A new exhibition at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute brings all 14 of Alabama’s historically Black colleges and universities together under one roof.

Historically Black opened Friday, Oct. 23, and runs through Saturday, Dec. 12. The institute says on its exhibition page that Alabama is home to more HBCUs than any other state.

What you will see

Each of the 14 schools has its own installation in the Odessa Woolfolk Gallery, with artifacts, photographs and memorabilia, according to the institute’s listing for the opening reception. The institute said the exhibition was co-curated with the participating schools.

The schools in the exhibition, as the institute lists them:

  • Alabama A&M University
  • Alabama State University
  • Bishop State Community College
  • Drake State Technical College
  • Gadsden State Community College
  • Lawson State Community College
  • Miles College
  • Oakwood University
  • Selma University
  • Shelton State Community College
  • Stillman College
  • Talladega College
  • Trenholm State Community College
  • Tuskegee University

Two are close to home. Miles College is in Fairfield, about eight miles west, and Lawson State Community College has its main campus in Birmingham.

Hours and admission

The institute’s plan your visit page lists its general hours and admission:

  • Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. Last admission is at 4 p.m.
  • Admission: $15 for adults; $13 for seniors 65 and older, military and students; free for children below grade 4 and for institute members.
  • Parking: free.

Tours of the galleries are self-guided and take about 90 minutes, the institute said. Tickets are sold online and at the door.

The free opening reception ran from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday across the institute’s campus.

What it means for you

  • You have until Saturday, Dec. 12, to see it, and the galleries are closed Sundays and Mondays.
  • HBCU graduates and students visiting for homecoming or the Magic City Classic can find their own school’s installation in one stop.
  • Pair it with a walk through Kelly Ingram Park and 16th Street Baptist Church, both nearby. Our Civil Rights District guide covers what to see, and our free things to do page lists more low-cost outings.