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7 ways to support social justice in Birmingham right now
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“I believe that every person is entitled to dignity and respect, regardless of race or color.” These words from the Birmingham Pledge summarize the mission that is at the forefront of minds all across the nation right now. If you’re looking for tangible ways to get involved right here in Birmingham, we rounded up 7 local social justice initiatives that need your support today.
Why it Matters
Our fellow Birmingham citizens are hurting, frustrated and looking for ways to help. We put out a call for some of your favorite local nonprofits and organizations who are doing the vital work of advocating for social justice.
Here are a few that you named. We know this list won’t cover every organization or individual who is amplifying voices, educating others and protecting those who need it—but it’s a great place to start.
1. The Equal Justice Initiative
The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is an organization based out of Montgomery. At its core, EJI is one of the most effective legal advocacy organizations in the nation. They also have a museum and memorial in Montgomery and produce all kinds of educational materials, from short films to published research and more.
“The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.”
- DONATE HERE
- Address: 122 Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
- Phone: (334) 269-1803
- Website
- Learn more here about how you can learn + get involved in the EJI’s mission.
2. Black Lives Matter, Birmingham Chapter
Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a national movement that it arguably the most well-known in the fight against racial injustice. Did you know we have a Birmingham metro chapter?
They share all kinds of resources throughout the year that promote racial equality in Birmingham. From educational events to socials to political organizing and a whole lot more. As a whole, this organization is on the front lines of fighting for social justice in the United States.
- DONATE HERE
- Follow the Birmingham chapter on Facebook
- Check out BLM’s website for tons of resources, information, ways to get involved + more.
3. Be a Blessing Birmingham
“Be A Blessing Birmingham was created to bring awareness to and garner community support to help make things better for the large homeless population”.
Once a month, Be A Blessing Birmingham hosts a “Blessing Day” where they gather, purchase and distribute hygiene items and clothing to homeless citizens in downtown Birmingham.
- DONATE HERE
- Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with updates.
- Website
- If you want to donate items such as hygiene items or clothes, follow this link to learn what they need + where to drop it off.
4. Offender Alumni Association
Offender Alumni Association (OAA) runs multiple support forums and initiatives for newly returning citizens and formerly incarcerated individuals in the Birmingham area and beyond.
“The Offender Alumni Association’s mission is to create a network of former offenders who inspire each other to reduce recidivism, develop healthy relationships within their communities, and provide opportunities for social, economic, and civic empowerment.”
- DONATE HERE
- Address: 1000 24th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Phone: (205) 916-0123
- Website
- Like OAA on Facebook to learn more about how to get involved.
5. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) stands as a national authority on the history of the Civil Rights Movement. BCRI reaches more than 150,000 individuals each year through their programs and services, and the Institute itself brings people from all over the country.
“The Mission of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is to enlighten each generation about civil and human rights by exploring our common past and working together in the present to build a better future.”
- DONATE HERE
- Address: 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Phone: (205) 328-9696
- Website
- BCRI provides tons of important curriculum to learn and to share from. Check out some of their resources here.
6. Urban Impact Birmingham
Urban Impact Birmingham is a community and economic development nonprofit. They offer development services, business services and more to support and promote economic development and revitalization of the Historic 4th Avenue Business District and the Civil Rights District.
“We strive to lead, build and grow traditionally underserved and historic African-American commercial districts and communities. We create economic opportunity and impact people, place and business.”
- DONATE HERE
- Address: 1721 4th Ave N #102, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Phone: (205) 328-1850
- Website
- Learn more about how to get connected at this link, including signing up for Urban Impact’s newsletter.
7. Margins
Margins’ goal is to uplift and strengthen Black women and their ability to parent. Margins aims to intervene in poverty-stricken familial units and restore hope by providing practical support. This includes but is not limited to bill assistance, avenues for self-care, childcare, activities for children and parents and monetary help.
“Margins listens to and directly addresses issues stemming from systemic poverty by mobilizing resources from multiple channels and putting them to work for the people who need them.”
- DONATE HERE
- Follow then on Facebook and Twitter to learn more.
- Website
- Read more about their programs here.
This is only a handful of the extraordinary organizations promoting social justice in Birmingham and beyond. Do you know more? Send them my way at beth@bhamnow.com
Even though we’re all a little farther apart, we’re still in this together. See how you can help or get help, right here in Birmingham.
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