100% worth the visit, particularly for young African Americans who are not learning about our…read morehistory in the country in school or at home. When you see what those before you had to endure in order for you to be able to walk into a restaurant LEGALLY...just go.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 16th St Birmingham, AL…read more I wanted to visit this museum, in fear that this history would be deleted, omitted, whitewashed or hidden from public view. As much as insensitive, out of touch people, politicians, or organizations may feel, being reminded of the atrocities committed by their fore parents, we as Americans of indigenous/african descent must endure the pain of oppression, injustice inflicted on our fore parents and threatened to repeat every day, it's a part of our reality politically and socially. These museums provide us with a baseline for freedom deferred also the intestinal fortitude and courage that sustained us.

While in Birmingham, Alabama, I find myself here on a regular basis. Just outside of the 16th…read moreStreet Baptist Church is a statue of four young girls at play. For those unfamiliar, the 16th Street Baptist Church is forever etched in history by a heartbreaking moment in time. It was a moment in the midst of the civil rights movement when a bomb exploded within the church, killing four young girls who were in the church at choir practice. As a parent who has lost a child, I understand how fleeting life can be, sadly all too often heartbreakingly fleeting, and I understand how precious of a gift life truly is. These girls were robbed of so much that lay before them. They would never know the joy of having children of their own, they missed so many if the highs and lows that define the adventure of life. They would never realize the culmination of a complete life. And for what? Hatred, a blind hatred and fear of a changing world. That does not mean they died in vain. Their lives were cut short, but in that short time, they left their mark upon this world. When my son died, I was lost and a part of me was dead beside him, but I realize that his life was not defined in his final moments, but instead Tyler's life was defined every day that he lived. Today I stood before this statue of four young girls, who, had they lived, they would be elderly women today. I stood before this statue and mourned the days and milestones they would never see. I whispered to the wind, I hope they knew happiness in their few years here and I hope that whatever awaits beyond, they are there looking down at a world they never got to see come to this fruition. Mostly, I wish those girls peace in that beyond, that their spirits not mourn for what was stolen from them, but for all they had in their few years. And I hope in that great beyond my son is seeing me as a man struggling to be what I wish he could have seen me as while he was here.

Stronger together is Large, colorful, and a powerful public art mural that spreads vital…read moreinformation. Me and my family were in a short statue in Birmingham and staying at the nearby Mariott hotel we decided to walk to the nearby civil rights sights and when we did we stumbled upon this mural almost immediately. Overall amazing piece that leaves a mark on you. Teaches valuable lessons and illustrates them very vibrantly. The artist did a great job conveying and showing there intended message.

What you do matters is an inspirational message public art mural that I drove by while me and my…read morefamily was on a day trip to Birmingham. We was headed from our hotel to the Vulcan statue when we passed this a few other murals through what I believe is known as the Avondale area of the city. This is a pretty cool mural and it reminds me of almost a greeting card or a wallpaper with the design. Im a sucker for any public art with positive messages and or dedications so I enjoyed this piece. Glad we stumbled upon it on our drive thru the city.

Comfortably secluded enough to take your time while you plan out your pictures against this…read moreinspiring mural!

Watch out now that robot is playing with monkeys and he might hurt them or they might hurt him…read morehome. I'm not really sure why this mural is called robot with monkey is but it's a fun colorful one

ROLL TIDE!!! It's funny to think that my office building is a stones throw away from this exact…read more landmark. I can't even envision a football game being played here at this exact spot BUT I think it's awesome! Amazing, actually. I love learning of these types of things and the rich heritage right here in Birmingham, Alabama!!!

This plaque commemorates a historic football game and the start of a long-standing tradition. We…read moreneed to remember these spots that help form where we stand today. It is within these footsteps of the past that we find the path to our tomorrows.

I visit Uptown regularly. Whether enjoying an event at Protective Stadium, watching The Birmingham…read moreStallions, devouring a cupcake from K&J's Elegant Pastries, checking out a show at Uptown Jazz, or enjoying some hot chicken from Eugene's.....I've enjoyed it all. I haven't stayed at the hotels in the district since I'm a local, but maybe a staycation should be in my future. It's definitely a cool spot in the city. One recommendation I have would be for the restaurants to stay open later. While this doesn't necessarily affect me, I've heard attendees complain about how the businesses close fairly early and if you're leaving an event in the area, there's nothing to eat or do. I'm not sure what it would take to make this happen, but I think it's worth a try. Regardless, go visit Uptown!

It has been great to follow the revitalization efforts in the Uptown district over the past few…read moreyears! The city has done a kid to create an area with lord of dining and entertainment options for those in Birmingham. With those amenities comes less parking, but I've found that arriving earlier, if possible, always helps with that aspect.

Won tickets thanks to yelp to come out and try some fantastic burgers benefiting als. There were…read moreseveral vendors out grilling up burgers. My favorites were harvest burger which had a nice pimento cheese spread, Maggie's which had bologna on it and craft burger. All were piping hot and flavorful. Glad I was able to participate. Definitely full afterwards and needed a nap lol. Can't wait until next year

Beer and burgers???! Um, yes please! This was SUCH a cool event and so awesome i won tickets as a…read moreYelp elite. I never win anything! Lol I'd never been to Avondale Brewery but the location is massive. Really nice stage and green space for relaxing, but of course the beer was the perfect accompaniment to the burgers we got to sample. 4 local restaurants all competing for voter's choice and I was so happy my choice ended up winning! (Craft Burger) seriously all of the options were delicious and the sample portions were a good size. There were even chips and tea/coffee for the non beer drinkers. It was super hot that day so I appreciated there being some tables and areas with shade and misters. The Live music was also really nice as well as meeting the different vendors (Top Golf & others), plus it's great knowing the proceeds from this event went to a great cause (ALS foundation). Awesome Saturday afternoon well spent.

Tragic City Rollers is Birmingham, Alabama's roller derby team. It is good to see that roller derby…read morecontinues to survive as the world has firmly entrenched itself in the 21st century. We need to embrace this particular slice of Americana and hopefully roller derby and teams like the Tragic City Rollers will continue to flourish.