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A Selma native will be the guest speaker 46th Annual Historic Selma Tour of Homes this weekend.

Cartledge “Cart” Blackwell  III will discuss Architecture of Selma and Dallas County, “Building in the Black Belt”  on Friday at 6 p.m.  Blackwell said its an Architectural History of Selma and Dallas County that explores the incredible rich culture of Queen City and its environs through the medium of built environment.

“It tells a story of an incredibly beautiful part of Alabama. Addressing the technologies, art, politics, and people that created and now sustain Selma’s and Dallas County’s architectural landscape,” Blackwell said. 

“Building the Black Belt” is a celebration of people, places, and the tradition of good building”

Blackwell is currently curator of the Mobile Carnival Museum and an architectural historian. Blackwell said he’s excited to return home.

“Coming home to Selma to speak on subject which I have made my career is very special,” Blackwell said. “It was my heritage, family circle, and youth in Dallas County that got me interested in history. It is always nice to return to the Black Belt, Dallas County in particular. The area is so beautiful and architecture a vehicle of revitalization.

Candi Duncan, Treasurer of Preservation Society said Blackwell has an impressive portfolio.

“He is one of the most knowledgeable persons on the architecture and  history of the Black Belt of Alabama,” Duncan said.

Blackwell is well-educated.  He holds undergraduate degrees in historic preservation and art history at the College of Charleston and  a graduate degree in architectural history at the University of Virginia.

Blackwell has family ties in Dallas County. His father, Cartledge Blackwell Jr., is a former Assistant District Attorney and Attorney. His sister, Virginia L. Blackwell, is a Selma Attorney. Virginia L. Blackwell practiced law with her father from 2003 until his death in 2019.