Joe Minter honored by the City of Birmingham for his artistic justice + legacy

Joe Minter, a world-renowned sculptor, community historian and Birmingham native, was honored Friday morning at an event hosted by the City of Birmingham at the Birmingham Museum of Art. 

The annual event, AWAKEN, celebrates “local changemakers who use creativity, advocacy, and service to advance social justice and community progress,” a release from the city says. Each year, it his held during Magic City Classic Week.  

AWAKEN included: 

• A musical performance from Nathaniel Bagley
• Spoken word poetry from Quang Do and Salaam Green
• A panel on art as resistance with Wilhemina Thomas, Willie Williams Jr. and John Fields, moderated by Gina Mallisham
• Remarks from Joe Minter himself

The panelists discussed several topics about art and justice, namely where art belongs, who gets to access it and responsibilities of collectors. 

Minter’s art largely focuses on a mission to recognize the more than 388,000 Africans shipped in bondage to America as well as their descendants. Today, his art is in the MET, the Smithsonian and the National Gallery. 

In Birmingham, he created the “African Village in America,” a half-acre yard he started on his property in 1989. It is home to sculptures and other art that reflects the story of the African struggle in America, the Birmingham Times reported in 2021.

Most of the items were found at flea markets, thrift stores and along roadways. 

“His art reminds us that justice requires memory and that art can awaken what the systems try to bury, and resistance begins with recognition.”

Gina Mallisham

Minter was presented with the Putting People First Award by Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. The award itself was made by Sloss Metal Arts in Sloss Furnace. 

“There’s something powerful about Joe Minter. We celebrate him because he is authentically Birmingham. We also celebrate him because he’s not afraid to tell the truth about our journey. Joe Minter knows that, with creativity, with perseverance, you can rewrite your story. 

“You can build a new village from the ground up. You can find a home.

Randall L. Woodfin

Minter shared his own brief remarks, but he yielded much of his time to local teen Damon Melton, marking the importance of passing the torch to young people so they can share their perspectives and experiences. 

“I’m just a cry in the wilderness… This is all I’m gonna say. I’m going to let him tell you how he feels.”

Joe Minter

Learn more about Minter and his involvement in the Birmingham art community from these previous Bham Now stories: 

•  “Joe Minter is Here” shows never-before-exhibited art at Marc Steel
• 5 stunning works you need to see from “All Things Bright and Beautiful” at the BMA
• Lonnie Holley, popular Birmingham artist goes global with an exhibit in London
• 6 places you never knew existed in Birmingham—until now
• The Wall Street Journal explores top spots in Birmingham

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