Birmingham to Celebrate Odessa Woolfolk with Prestigious Human Rights Award
In an exciting event set to take place this month, the city of Birmingham is gearing up to honor one of its most beloved figures, Odessa Woolfolk. On November 20, Woolfolk will receive the coveted 2024 Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) as part of its 32nd anniversary celebration.
A Lifetime Achievement Recognized
The award, named after the legendary Civil Rights leader Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the ongoing fight for equality, justice, and human dignity. Named one of Woolfolk’s idols, Rev. Shuttlesworth’s values greatly resonate with her own, and receiving this award is a momentous occasion for the lifelong educator and civic leader. “That is an award of a lifetime,” Woolfolk shared, reflecting on her deep admiration for Shuttlesworth, which began in the late 1950s during the peak of his activism. She added, “To be associated with his values… doesn’t get better than that.”
A Night to Remember
The ceremony will be held at the BCRI located at 520 16th Street N. in downtown Birmingham. According to Rosilyn Houston, the newly elected chair of the BCRI Board of Directors, “We are honored to present the Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award to Odessa Woolfolk, whose lifelong dedication to human and civil rights has shaped the course of history in Birmingham and beyond.” Houston emphasized that Woolfolk’s commitment to the cause serves as an inspiration, encouraging new generations to join the fight for what is right.
A Legacy of Service
Odessa Woolfolk’s journey has been unconventional and extraordinary. As a native of Birmingham, she has spent decades advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, promoting education, and championing social change. Woolfolk played a critical role in the establishment of the BCRI in 1992, where her leadership helped transform the Institute into a nationally recognized hub for Civil Rights education and activism.
“It’s so important to lift up the cause that Rev. Shuttlesworth and others in the Civil Rights community stood for,” Woolfolk expressed. She noted that the award not only honors her contributions but also serves as motivation to “keep fighting the good fight.”
Champions of Change
Woolfolk’s influence reaches far and wide, and she joins an impressive list of past Shuttlesworth Award recipients, including former mayor Richard Arrington and Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson. Woolfolk described her fellow awardees as “my brothers in spirit,” highlighting their shared dedication to social justice and community empowerment.
Her work has gone beyond the realm of activism; as a high school educator, she inspired the Foot Soldiers who marched alongside Shuttlesworth in 1963. Her efforts have paved the way for future generations to chase after the dream of equality and justice.
Get Involved!
Residents of Birmingham and beyond are encouraged to participate in this momentous event. Tickets are priced at just $32 and can be purchased online at the BCRI’s official website or directly at their ticket booth.
As the city prepares to honor one of its own, the spirit of activism and the legacy of the Civil Rights movement remain ever-present. Odessa Woolfolk’s recognition reinforces the idea that the fight for equality is ongoing, and every contribution, big or small, helps pave the way for a brighter future.
Mark your calendars for this celebration of history and the relentless pursuit of justice!
