MONTGOMERY-The Alabama Bicentennial Commission and its Alabama African American Heritage Committee announce the publication of “The Future Emerges from the Past: Celebrating 200 Years of Alabama African American History and Culture.”
The beautifully designed coffee-table book explores historical periods from slavery and the Civil War through Reconstruction, the Jim Crow era and the modern civil rights movement. Features include the state’s historically black colleges and universities, historic churches and noteworthy achievements by Alabama African Americans in the areas of business, science, culture, sports and entertainment.
Though some material will be familiar, the book includes a wealth of less-well-known stories as well as 
new research and discoveries, including the recent finding of the slave ship Clotilda in Mobile Bay.
According Nettie Carson-Mullins, social sciences education specialist for the Alabama State Department of Education, the book contains “vital information about Alabama and how we came to be who we are today as a state – much of which has never been collected or discussed in an educational setting.”
“This is a culmination of Alabama history from the perspective of those who seldom had an opportunity to tell their stories,” adds Mullins, who contributed to the book.
Nettie Carson-Mullins
The book is richly illustrated and includes resources such as timelines, newspaper articles and excerpts from presidential proclamations including Pres. Barack Obama’s proclamation establishing the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.
The bicentennial publication was supported by AT&T Alabama with assistance from Regions Bank and the Alabama State Department of Education.
AT&T Alabama president C. Wayne Hutchens noted that the project exemplifies AT&T’s commitment to strengthening communities and celebrating the contributions of remarkable people who make our state and nation great.
C. Wayne Hutchens
“It is simply not enough to celebrate the past. We must also contribute to the future,” Hutchens said. “We celebrate Alabama’s bicentennial by highlighting the immeasurable achievements of African-Americans who have contributed to our rich heritage. Let us look to the future and draw strength by embracing our diversity.”
“The Future Emerges from the Past” is available for sale for $19.95 a copy. Proceeds go to the UNCF Birmingham. Wholesale discounts are available. Visit www.ShopAlabama200.com for more information.
You can learn more about the bicentennial and the book at www.ALABAMA200.org. The book is also featured at https://doingmoretoday.com/regions-celebrates-black-history-month-with-new-book-history-in-motion-honoree/.
Media Release/Daniel Sparkman/Bicentennial Alabama
