Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Board Leaders Resign Over Award Controversy
Board leaders for the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute stepped down today following days of controversy over a decision to cancel a prestigious award presentation to noted scholar and activist Angela Davis.
Chairman Mike Oatridge, Vice Chairman Walter Body, and Secretary Janice Kelsey in a prepared statement said: “As members of this board, we regret the circumstances surrounding the selection process regarding the 2018 Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award and the dissension this has caused. “
In October, the board announced Davis would be presented the award honoring the legacy of the civil rights leader. Saturday, the board said the award was being rescinded. That move was prompted by concerns over some of Davis’ previous statements and questions about whether she met the criteria for the award, according to the board statement.
The story attracted national attention on social media. Locally activists called for BCRI leaders to step down.
The resigning board members said: “It is hoped this move will enable the City of Birmingham to create a board structure that will best enable the BCRI to continue its critical mission in the future. We are happy to lend any assistance that may be needed on an interim basis to ensure a smooth transition.”
Activists called for board resignations at a Monday press conference.
Wednesday Frank Matthews of the Outcast Voters League said he is pleased with the announced board resignations. He’s asking that longtime civic leader Odessa Woolfolk be named interim board chair for the Institute.
Mayor Randall Woodfin has said the controversy could have been handled differently. He did not respond to requests for comment on the board resignations.
Crowds in Railroad Park protest Trump administration for “No Kings” day
The event was part of protests across the country under a theme of "No Kings in America." The protests, organized by the 50501 movement, was held on April 19, the 250th anniversary of the battle of Lexington and Concord, an early fight in the Revolutionary War.
She grew up believing she was a U.S. citizen. Then she applied for a passport
Among those fearful of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown are adoptees who grew up thinking they were U.S. citizens — only to find out years later, in adulthood, they're not.
Alabama to honor wastewater sanitation projects despite losing federal backing
The Alabama Department of Public Health says it will honor its wastewater contracts for Lowndes County in spite of the Department of Justice’s recent decision to cancel its two-year-old agreement with the state supporting septic system improvements in the region.
Iran and the U.S. plan expert-level talks over Tehran’s nuclear program
The two countries will begin having experts meet to discuss details of a possible deal over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program, the top Iranian diplomat said after a second round of talks.
Putin calls an Easter ceasefire as Russia and Ukraine swap hundreds of POWs
The Russian president announced a temporary ceasefire, citing humanitarian reasons, as Russia and Ukraine swapped hundreds of captured soldiers.
White House solicits corporate sponsors for its Easter Egg Roll event
Corporate sponsors for the usually apolitical event held on the White House South Lawn include tech giants Meta, YouTube and Amazon.