Birmingham Civil Rights Institute celebrates 33 years, honors Eric Holder with Shuttlesworth Award

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The community is celebrating 33 years of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and honoring former US Attorney General Eric Holder with the Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award.

Hundreds gathered in downtown Birmingham Thursday for a night of celebration dedicated to those who show courage and fight for justice and equality.

“Justice does not arrive in the world unbidden. It must be insisted upon, fought for, defended every single day,” Holder said.

For over 30 years, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) has been a physical representation of the civil rights movement and a place to honor the people a part of that legacy.

“The people that work to make Birmingham and ultimately the world better,” said Ruby Fredrika Shuttlesworth Bester, Fred Shuttlesworth’s daughter.

Their goal is to continue to educate and make sure every generation knows what took place in Birmingham.

“The defining question of our time is whether we will advance the work of justice or allow fear and fatigue to induce us to surrender it to those who would turn back the clock,” Holder said.

BCRI presented Eric H. Holder Jr., the 82nd US Attorney General and the first African American to hold the title, with the 2025 Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award.

Holder’s connection to the civil rights movement in Alabama expands beyond his own accomplishments, when he married his wife Sharon Malone.

“The sister of another Alabama girl, Vivian Malone, who in 1963 integrated the University of Alabama,” Holder said.

Currently, Holder is the Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, and the organization says he represents what the Civil Rights Institute stands for.

“In 1963, the world was changed by the actions of foot soldiers, community activists, churches and community member who were seeking better living conditions and justice and creating a legacy for human rights here in Birmingham. It’s a part of our story; it’s also a part of our future,” said Tiffany Saxton, BCRI VP Strategy and Engagement.

BCRI staff says one of the best ways that you can help is to go out and visit the Civil Rights District.

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