Alabama Values

Today we honor Montgomery, Alabama’s own Nat King Cole, a legendary artist whose smooth voice and heartfelt melodies transcended barriers and brought people together. From jazz pianist to iconic vocalist, his music carried messages of unity, harmony, and hope. His legacy reminds us that art has the power to heal, inspire, and connect communities. Thank you, Nat King Cole, for using your gift to uplift and bridge divides. #NatKingCole #AlabamaPride #MusicThatUnites #BlackExcellence #AlabamaValues

Freedom means having a voice, and the power to choose leaders who truly represent us. But in Alabama, that freedom is still under attack. Black voters continue to fight against unfair maps that dilute their power, demanding districts that reflect their communities and protect their rights. Team AV sat down with plaintiff Shalelah Dowdy, a Mobile, AL, resident who has been in this fight for years. She stresses the need for fair representation for Black Alabamians and calls out the injustice of Alabama’s 2023 map. From ongoing challenges to hard-fought victories, Shalelah reminds us that this fight is far from over. For Shalelah, community involvement isn’t just important, it’s what she does. She knows that real change happens because people are doing the work to ensure Black communities have the representation they deserve. Leaders like Shalelah push the fight forward because we refuse to accept anything less than true freedom. #FairMaps #VotingRights #ALPolitics

Lauryn Hill didn’t just make history, she redefined it. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill shattered barriers, proving that artistry, truth, and unapologetic Black womanhood belong at the forefront.?? Today, her legacy reminds us that breaking records isn’t just about awards, it’s about breaking systems that try to box us in. Women continue to shape music, culture, and revolution on their own terms.?? #WomensHistoryMonth #LaurynHill #Unapologetic

Mark your calendars for this powerful conversation marking 60 years since the Selma to Montgomery March! Hear from a dynamic panel as they reflect on the progress made, where we stand today, and the road ahead for voting rights and democracy. In a time when our rights are still under attack, these discussions are more vital than ever. We’re proud of our Alabama leaders for creating space to inform, inspire, and push for change. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the movement! ?? March 24 | ?? Montgomery Interpretive Center at ASU #FutureOfDemocracy #VotingRights #SelmaToMontgomery

Bonita Hamilton-Ceasar is a powerhouse of talent and perseverance! ?? Hailing from Montgomery, AL, she has graced Broadway for over 16 years as Shenzi in The Lion King, proving that talent, dedication, and resilience can break barriers. ?A proud Alabama State University grad, she’s an inspiration to aspiring artists, showing that dreams are limitless, no matter where you come from. Her journey reminds us that representation matters, and her voice echoes for those still fighting for their place in the arts. ?? #WomensHistoryMonth #BonitaHamilton #BroadwayExcellence #ASU

JOIN US FOR A COMMUNITY TEACH-IN!? Democracy has never been just given, it’s shaped by the people who dare to reimagine it. Join us for the Defend The Ballot Teach-In on Saturday, March 22 in Lowndesboro, AL, where we’ll learn together, plan together, and strategize together for a future where every community has a voice. ?? This isn’t just a conversation, it’s a space for collective power-building. ?? Guided Civil Rights Tour – Walk the path of those who organized before us. ?? Round Table Discussion – Engage with foot soldiers, legal experts, and grassroots organizers. ?? Stories of Resistance & Power – Share a meal and stories with a 1960s movement leader. ?? Power Mapping Strategy – Develop tools to organize and mobilize ahead of elections. Meals provided! Transportation available—reserve your spot now! ?? 8 AM - 4 PM | Lowndesboro, AL ??? Let’s honor our history, build our community, and shape the future—together. ?? Register today: https://lnkd.in/e9UTUGsR ?? Spread the word—tag a friend and let’s reimagine democracy on our terms. ????#DefendTheBallot #ReimagineDemocracy #CommunityPower #FairMaps #CollectiveAction

Fair maps impact people, not just politics. Pastor Jackson sheds light on how unfair maps silence voices and deny resources, especially in Black communities. This is a moral fight for fairness and true representation. Stay engaged and demand change! #FairMaps #Representation

Fair maps aren’t just about politics, they’re about people. Pastor Jackson, a dedicated community leader, speaks to the real-life impact of unfair district lines and why the fight for fair representation matters. As someone who serves, supports, and uplifts her community, Pastor Jackson knows firsthand how gerrymandering silences voices and denies resources to those who need them most. Her perspective is vital. This isn’t just a legal battle, it’s a moral one. When district lines are drawn to weaken Black political power, entire communities suffer. Fair maps mean fair opportunities, access to resources, and a true voice in decisions that shape our lives. The fight continues. Speak up, stay engaged, and demand fair maps that represent every community fairly. #FairMaps #OurVoteOurPower #RepresentationMatters #AlabamaValues

?? Stay in the know, stay in the fight! ???? Get the latest from Alabama Values, impactful stories, grassroots updates, and more, delivered straight to your inbox. We’re breaking down the issues, amplifying community voices, and giving you the tools to organize, mobilize, and make change happen.?? Don’t just watch the movement, be part of it. Sign up for our e-newsletter today: https://lnkd.in/eAuJ-KNe #AlabamaValues #StayInformed #PowerInCommunity #TakeAction

A literary giant, anthropologist, and filmmaker, Zora Neale Hurston unapologetically told the stories of Black life, love, and struggle. From breaking barriers during the Harlem Renaissance to inspiring generations to challenge injustice, her work remains a force in the fight for racial and gender equality. This #WomensHistoryMonth, we honor her legacy, one that reminds us to speak our truth, amplify marginalized voices, and push for change. Her impact paved the way, now it's our turn to carry it forward!? #ZoraNealeHurston #BlackExcellence #HerStory