Alabama African American History

The Future Emerges from the Past

Merriam-Webster defines history as a chronological record of significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution), often including an explanation of their causes.

This site, Alabama African American History–The Book & Beyond, focuses on African American people, places, and events that shaped Alabama, the nation, and the world.

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Janet Harmon Bragg mural. It shows a headshot of Janet wearing her aviation helmet and goggles against a blue sky background. A black airplane totes a banner that says Janet Harmon Bragg. A blue airplane has written "Fly Janet, fly" in the sky.
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Stories about Alabama African American people, places and events
The Clinton Row Colorwalk alley filled with murals painted by local artists in Huntsville, Alabama

African American History 365

Today in African American History

January 17

Three-time heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky, 1942.

Do You Know

Explore topics that inspire the young and young at heart to dream big and celebrate Alabama’s rich African American history and culture.

Careers / Occupations

Cities

Colleges

Alabama A&M University
Alabama State University
Albany State College
Antioch College
Atlanta University
Auburn University
Barnard College
Berea College
Brandeis University
Brooklyn Law School
Clark College
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
DePauw University
Dillard University
Duke University
Fisk University
Florence State College
Florida A&M University
Florida International University
Harvard University
HBCUs
Howard University
Illinois State University
Indiana University
Iowa State University
Jefferson State Community College
Judson College
La Salle Extension University
Lawson State Community College
Lemoyne College
Lincoln University
Louisiana State University
Meharry Medical College
Michigan State University
Miles College
Mississippi State University
Montreal College
Morehouse College
New England Conservatory of Music
New York University
Oakwood College
Occidental College
Ohio State University
Paine College
Pepperdine University
Rice University
Samford University
San Francisco State University
Selma University
Simpson College
Southern University
Spring Hill College
Stanford University
State University of New York
Stillman College
Talladega College
Temple University
Tennessee A&I State University
Troy State University
Tulane University
Tuskegee Institute
Tuskegee University
UCLA
University of Alabama
University of Alabama Birmingham
University of California
University of California at Los Angeles
University of California at Santa Cruz
University of Chicago
University of Denver
University of Detroit
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Iowa
University of Michigan
University of Montevallo
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of South Alabama College
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Tennessee
University of Vienna
Vanderbilt University
Washington University
West Virginia State College
Wiley College
Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania
Xavier University
Yale University

Churches

Awards

George Floyd mural in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, by artist Shane Bansa

Places

Discover the places, trails and murals that tell our story.

Band and color guard at Mobile Area Mardi Gras parade

Events

Learn about the pivotal events that shaped our history.

Screenshot of Alabama Poet Laureate Ashley M. Jones' interview appearance on television with Linsey Davis of ABC News Live Prime. The headline at the bottom of the screen says "Alabama's Youngest and First Black Poet Laureate"

People

Learn about Alabama African American history makers.

Alabama Historic Black Colleges and Universities

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Alabama State University Marching Hornets band performing on football field

ASU Marching Hornets. Photo courtesy Montgomery Advertiser

Alabama A&M University quad

AAMU quad. Photo courtesy Alabama A&M University

  • Alabama A&M University
  • Alabama State University
  • Bishop State Community College
  • Concordia College Alabama
  • Daniel Payne College
  • J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College
  • Gadsden State Community College
  • Lawson State Community College
  • Miles College
  • Oakwood University
  • Selma University
  • Shelton State Community College
  • Stillman College
  • Talladega College
  • Trenholm State Community College
  • Tuskegee University
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