During a recent visit to Birmingham, on February 16th, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz visited St. Paul UMC. Mrs. LaVeeda Morgan Battle, Chairperson of St. Paul’s History Committee, and Pastor Richard Lane Stryker III welcomed the officials as well as local officials, including U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Mayor Randall Woodfin, Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson, Mrs. Denise Gilmore, and community leaders and members of the National Park Service. Also in attendance was the architect of St. Paul’s renovation plans Mr. David Steele with Lord Aek and Sargent.
Mrs. Battle shared on the history of St. Paul UMC, the critical role of St. Paul in the Civil Rights Movement, and the church’s continued dedication to justice, freedom, and raising up a new generation of leaders. St. Paul UMC is part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. “Established in 2017, the National Monument preserves and interprets the events, stories, and places associated with the nonviolent struggle against racial segregation in Birmingham, Alabama, during the mid-20th century.” At the conclusion of the visit to St. Paul, Pastor Stryker offered a prayer for safe travels of the Secretary and her delegation.
The visit came as a part of Secretary Haaland week-long multi-state tour to explore how the Department of the Interior can help tell America’s story. From St. Paul UMC, “the group visited the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and the A.G. Gaston Motel, which served as the headquarters for the Birmingham campaign. “The National Park Service has funded nearly $4.7 million to the monument’s sites through the Service’s African American Civil Rights Grant Program for Preservation and Rehabilitation.” (During Alabama Visit, Secretary Haaland Highlights Efforts to Advance Equity and Justice | U.S. Department of the Interior)
Secretary Haaland’s visit in the Civil Rights District ended at the A.G. Gaston Motel where she toured the site and offered statement to the press and the gathered guests. Rep Sewell noted that it was her distinct honor to welcome her dear friend, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, to Alabama today!” said Rep. Sewell. “During Black History Month, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our history. After all, Black History is American History. I’m honored to partner with the National Park Service to ensure that the rich legacy of Alabama’s 7th District is preserved so that future generations can learn from the sacrifices of all those on whose shoulders we stand.” (Rep. Sewell Welcomes Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to Selma and Birmingham | Congresswoman Terri Sewell (house.gov))
Please click HERE to see the video of Interior Secretary Deb. Haaland’s visit to the A.G. Gaston Motel.
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