The city of Birmingham turns 150 this year, and Mayor Randall Woodfin is emphasizing his hometown’s resiliency in celebrating the anniversary of its founding.
With the theme “Built to Last,” the city is set to hold a series of events from June through December to mark its 150 years as a city, according to Woodfin.
The mayor took to social media on Monday evening to outline some of the special initiatives taking place as part of the celebration.
From June to December 2021, the city of Birmingham will celebrate 150 years of progress with how we’re #BuiltToLast! https://t.co/pnUhk8vfY8
— Randall Woodfin (@randallwoodfin) June 14, 2021
Among the thoughts Woodfin offered in a video released by the city was a vision for Birmingham’s future.
Partial transcript as follows:
Like the steel we were built on, we were built to last. Our future is in the world class of healthcare, education, technology and innovation, creating better ways to live, work and play. I see Birmingham as a home for small and large businesses, becoming a model for an inclusive and resilient economy. I see more opportunities for our homegrown talent, young, bright business owners and graduates remaining here, in their hometown, working to push us to the next level.
The city is holding an “I Love Birmingham Because…” letter writing campaign inviting anyone to submit reasons why they love Birmingham. Letters will be held in preservation by the Birmingham Public Library Archives.
As part of “Milestone Monday,” the city will showcase on social media any milestones that residents or Birmingham-based businesses are celebrating in 2021 and what the milestone means to them.
In addition, the city will post historic entries about Birmingham as “Did You Know?” posts on social media on Thursdays in 2021.
Although the city officially received its charter from the state legislature on December 19, 1871, which is regarded as Birmingham’s official birthday, the city began to take form in June of that year when the Elyton Company began selling lots in the area.
Watch the entire video titled, “Celebrating Birmingham’s 150th — Built to Last”:
Tim Howe is an owner of Yellowhammer Multimedia
