BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The City of Birmingham’s annual AWAKEN tribute returns Friday morning, honoring the foot soldiers and activists of 1963 while celebrating the next generation of leaders carrying their legacy forward.
AWAKEN 2026: Passing the Torch takes place Friday at 10 a.m. at the Carver Theatre, 1631 4th Ave. North. The tribute, held during Magic City Classic Week, brings generations together through dialogue, education and recognition of the local changemakers whose courage helped shape Birmingham’s civil rights history.
“Passing the torch means more than remembering the people who came before us. It means making sure the next generation understands their sacrifices, learns from their courage, and recognizes its own power to shape the future,” said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin.
The program features musical selections by the Carlton Reese Memorial Choir and a spoken-word performance by Birmingham Poet Laureate Salaam Green. A panel discussion moderated by WBRC-TV/FOX6 anchor Steve Crocker features Woodfin and civil rights foot soldiers and activists Dr. Carolyn McKinstry and Janice Kelsey.
The event also includes the presentation of the Putting People First Award, with remarks from the Civil Rights Activist Committee of the Foot Soldiers. Attendees can explore a pop-up exhibit before and after the program featuring archival materials from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and personal collections.
Community members are invited to attend.