New BCRI exhibit celebrates Alabama’s 14 historically Black colleges + universities
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The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) is celebrating Alabama’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with a new exhibit and a permanent tribute.
“Historically Black: An Exhibit Honoring Alabama’s HBCU Legacy” opens today, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026.
Historically Black exhibit features artifacts from Alabama’s 14 HBCUs
The exhibit brings together artifacts, photographs, documents and memorabilia from each of Alabama’s 14 HBCUs. It highlights the schools’ contributions to education, civil rights, leadership and American culture.
Alabama is home to more HBCUs than any other state, according to BCRI. The state’s 14 HBCUs are:
- Alabama A&M University — Normal
- Alabama State University — Montgomery
- Bishop State Community College — Mobile
- Gadsden State Community College — Gadsden
- J.F. Drake State Technical College — Huntsville
- Lawson State Community College — Birmingham
- Miles College — Fairfield
- Oakwood University — Huntsville
- Selma University — Selma
- Shelton State Community College — Tuscaloosa
- Stillman College — Tuscaloosa
- Talladega College — Talladega
- Trenholm State Community College — Montgomery
- Tuskegee University — Tuskegee
The exhibit is temporary and on view in BCRI’s Odessa Woolfolk Gallery through Saturday, Dec. 12.
Permanent HBCU plaques unveiled at BCRI
BCRI also unveiled a permanent installation in one of its hallways, with a plaque for each of the 14 schools.
The unveiling took place during an invitation-only HBCU Leadership Luncheon in the Rotunda, with HBCU representatives, civic leaders and sponsors in attendance.
Plan your visit to BCRI
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10AM to 5PM, with last admission at 4PM. It’s closed Sunday and Monday.
Visiting the Birmingham Civil Rights District? The National Park Service is also running a temporary visitor center at BCRI while the A.G. Gaston Motel undergoes renovations.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: (205) 328-9696 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Address: 520 16th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10AM–5PM (last admission 4PM)
