The City of Birmingham, Alabama has announced the launch of three community-based initiatives aimed at making the Birmingham community safer. Developed in partnership with the Institute of Research for Social Justice in Action, the new programs will be hosted by Miles College, a historically Black school in Fairfield, Alabama.
The first initiative, “Rise Up Birmingham,” will engage 50 teenagers and young adults in the Birmingham area to participate in a five-week, paid program focused on leadership and violence prevention. Another program, “Flipping the Game: From Hustle to Enterprise,” will focus on empowering adults in the community to pursue entrepreneurship by transforming their informal hustles into viable, legal businesses.
Lastly, the “Community Practitioner in Residence” program will offer adult residents and grassroots leaders a unique opportunity to receive intensive training and field-based learning. Ultimately, the residence program plans to develop a citywide network of community practitioners committed to peace, equity, and transformation.
“Miles College has always been more than a college. We are a launchpad for leaders. A home for hope. And a place where transformation begins,” said Miles College President Bobbie Knight. “It is our honor to open our campus to these impactful summer programs. Together with the city and our partners, we are building bridges from potential to purpose — and preparing the next generation of changemakers.”
