In reply to a recent writer from East Alabama asking how Birmingham has improved since the civil rights movement of the mid-1960 s, here are some facts for the writer to consider.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has grown from a small extension center to a major university, which is also the largest employer in the state. The UAB medical system is a nationally recognized center for research and treatment. It includes facilities such as the Kirklin Clinic and the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital. The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic center supports entertainment, sports, and exhibitions. The former Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is now the Alabama Symphony Orchestra that attracts musicians and directors from major music schools. Birmingham Southern College, which once considered relocating, has grown and has added new buildings, a football team and a stadium. The new Regions Baseball Park has the Barons once again playing all home games in Birmingham, and the park was named Ballpark of the Year for 2013.
People are moving back to areas where garden homes and loft apartments have been built. Major downtown office buildings have been constructed, and Birmingham has a new main library and several branch libraries. For educational purposes, the McWane Center and the Civil Rights Institute attract students and visitors from all parts of the nation.
Therefore, despite the previous writer s opinion, Birmingham remains The Magic City.
John B. Brake
Birmingham