The City of Birmingham and the University of Alabama at Birmingham are partnering in a series of events to recognize the 50th anniversary of some of the key events of the civil right era. At a press conference yesterday on the UAB campus, mayor William Bell announced the collaboration, which he says goes back many years.

The collaboration will feature special academic courses and internship opportunities, musical performances (including the debut of a new composition by UAB Professor of Music Dr. Henry Panion, III), and lectures by the likes of actor, author and Grammy award-winning hip hop artist Common, a personal favorite of UAB interim president Richard Marchase.

For details on UAB’s events click here, and for the most comprehensive listing of all of the commemorative events and initiatives in the city, please visit the City of Birmingham’s official anniversary website: 50yearsforward.com