Birmingham Community Remembers Lynching Victim with Tree Planting Ceremony
Birmingham, AL – The air was filled with a sense of purpose and reflection this past Sunday as the Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective (BBRTC), along with activist Rachael Reichenbach and The Black Cherry Tree Project (BCTP), hosted the final event of the “Power of Us” Cultural Organizing Summit in Linn Park. The event featured the symbolic planting of a black cherry tree in memory of Lewis Houston, a black man who fell victim to a tragic lynching almost 140 years prior.
A Dark Chapter in History
The story of Lewis Houston dates back to November 24, 1883. Houston, a laborer for the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, faced a devastating accusation from a white woman who claimed he assaulted her during a break-in at her home. After being apprehended by local police based on her wrongful testimony, Houston’s life took a horrific turn. On the night following his arrest, a mob of 150 white men forcibly removed him from the Jefferson County Jail.
In a chilling act fueled by racial animus, the mob dragged Houston to Capitol Park, now known as Linn Park, and lynched him from a tree. Reports indicate that despite his pleas for mercy, he maintained his innocence, stating that he would pray until his last moment. His tragic experience reflects the deep-rooted racial injustices that plagued the region and the country during that era.
Honoring the Past and Creating Change
The planting of the black cherry tree serves as the first of a planned total of 33 trees, each symbolizing a lynching victim from Jefferson County. This initiative seeks to not only memorialize those who lost their lives to such acts but also to facilitate a broader dialogue on racial justice and reconciliation within the community.
The BCTP, alongside organizers from the BBRTC, emphasizes the importance of remembering these historical injustices through various artistic representations, aiming to honor the victims and ignite community conversations around the ongoing issues of race and equality. The overarching goal is to foster understanding and healing through the remembrance of painful histories.
Building Community Connections
In attendance were local residents, community leaders, and supporters working together in solidarity, reflecting on the injustices of the past while looking forward to a more inclusive future. Activist Rachael Reichenbach remarked on the significance of this event, noting that such memorials not only honor the victims but also educate current and future generations about the legacy of racism that still affects society today.
Reichenbach said, “It’s vital for us to recognize these stories that have long been buried. By planting this tree, we are not just remembering Lewis Houston; we are making a statement that we will not allow such history to repeat itself.”
Continuing the Mission
As the event concluded, participants gathered around the newly planted tree, reflecting on its poignant meaning and the necessity of continuing the work toward racial reconciliation. The BBRTC, BCTP, and Reichenbach invite the public to stay engaged in these conversations and to participate in upcoming initiatives focused on education and awareness within the community.
For those interested in learning more about the BBRTC and The Black Cherry Tree Project, additional information is available through local community resources. The residents of Birmingham are encouraged to remember the past while working collaboratively for a more equitable future.
