Center Street, also known as Dynamite Hill, captures the spirit of resilience in Birmingham’s civil rights history.
Birmingham residents can look forward to the PBS premiere of ‘I’m Still Here: A Life on Dynamite Hill’ on February 6, 2023. This poignant documentary highlights the historical significance of Center Street, known as Dynamite Hill, during the Civil Rights Movement. Produced by local filmmaker Sam Miller, the film showcases the resilience of the community amidst violence. Additionally, it features interviews with notable residents who lived through that era, preserving their stories for future generations.
Exciting news is in the air for residents of Birmingham! A short documentary titled I’m Still Here: A Life on Dynamite Hill is making its way to PBS programming, creating buzz, and giving locals a poignant glimpse into their history. Set to premiere on the PBS YouTube channel on February 6 at 5:00 PM, with a television broadcast later in April, this film is one you won’t want to miss!
The film places a spotlight on Center Street in Birmingham’s Smithfield neighborhood, a area that holds deep, historical significance. Known as Dynamite Hill during the turbulent times of the Civil Rights Movement, this street gained its ominous nickname due to the countless bombings that targeted Black families living in the area. The documentary shines a light on the fierce spirit of resistance and determination that those families showed amidst violence and segregation.
Produced by Leadership Birmingham, the film is a labor of love for Sam Miller, a first-time filmmaker hailing from Birmingham. Miller, a member of the Leadership Birmingham Class of 2022, worked tirelessly to bring this important story to the forefront. He teamed up with co-director Stephen Stinson and cinematographer Logan Dillard, both of whom bring rich backgrounds from Nashville and share a collective commitment to telling Birmingham’s stories through film. Their combined passion for capturing this period of history shines through in the documentary.
The musical score crafted by Birmingham’s own Sanders Bohlke sets the emotional tone for the film, helping to underscore the resilience found within the community. And let’s talk about accolades! The documentary has already made a name for itself, winning multiple awards and even taking home the REEL SOUTH Short Film Award and the Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary Short Film at Birmingham’s Sidewalk Film Festival.
Interviews with residents who lived through the bombings reveal haunting yet inspiring stories. Notable figures include Arthur Shores, a civil rights attorney whose family faced great peril during their fight for justice, and children from that era like Jefferson Davis, Barbara Shores, and Honorable Judge Houston Brown. By sharing their experiences, these voices bring a palpable sense of context and depth to the narrative of Dynamite Hill.
During its peak, the Dynamite Hill neighborhood served as a significant meeting point for key civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Thurgood Marshall. Their legacies intertwine with the rich history of the area, contributing to Birmingham’s ongoing struggle for equality. Unlike anything you’ve seen before, this documentary embodies a sense of time and place that is both somber and inspiring.
Seeking to preserve the memories of the past, Barbara Shores, who grew up on Center Street, co-authored a book titled Birmingham’s Dynamite Hill. This literary work documents the neighborhood’s history from the 1850s to the mid-1900s, providing a broader context that many younger people in Birmingham may be unaware of. As an exciting addition to the community, the public unveiling of the book will be held on December 11 at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Birmingham’s Graymont neighborhood.
As the bond between generations fades, there’s an urgent need to connect the past with the present. The documentary and the book serve as vital reminders of the courage and determination shown by those who called Dynamite Hill home. Hopefully, through these storytelling efforts, the vibrant history of this community will not only be preserved but will also foster discussions among younger generations about the significance of Birmingham’s civil rights journey.
So mark your calendars and prepare to take an emotional journey through Birmingham’s rich history. You won’t want to miss this enlightening experience!
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