New brochure details African American history

By Megan Lavey / Selma Times – Journal

The City of Selma released a new brochure Tuesday recognizing the contributions of early African-Americans to the area.

The timing of the brochure release comes three days before Black History Month ends.

Elise Blackwell, with the city’s office of planning and development, said that the idea originated with a historic survey conducted in a tradtionally black neighborhood.

This neighborhood is bordered by Valley Creek, St. Ann Street, Jeff Davis Avenue and First Avenue.

The brochure itself is divided into special sections, which include medicine, business, politics and education among others.

The relatives of those honored in the brochure, as well as those who were involved in the research, were on hand.

Most of the materials used in creating the brochure came through the efforts of Alston Fitts and the Old Depot museum.

The brochure was researched and printed using a matching grant from the Alabama Historical Commission.

Members of the committee who produced the brochure include Lauri Cothran, Jean Martin, Patty Sexton, Jean Jackson, Fitts, Fred Williams III and others.

Blackwell said the brochure will be distributed to local schools and attractions during the next few days so it will be available to the entire community.