Councilman at Large Fielkow Announces 4th Annual Civil Rights History Tour
May 9, 2011 – New Orleans, LA - On June 1, 2011, New Orleans City Councilman at Large Arnie Fielkow will bring 240 New Orleans youth to Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, AL for a day of Civil Rights history, Minor League Baseball and college football. Part educational and part recreational, this is the fourth annual youth trip to Alabama organized by Fielkow.
In an effort to include youth from neighborhoods across New Orleans, all eight police districts, as well as Orleans Parish Juvenile Court Judge Tracey Flemings-Davillier, assisted in recruiting the participants. As in years past, New Orleans Civil Rights legend Reverend Skip Alexander will accompany the youth, among other community leaders.
The first stop will be the 16th Annual Rickwood Baseball Classic, a unique part of American history in which players and umpires are dressed in traditional uniforms. Rickwood Field is America’s oldest ballpark, and has played host to iconic baseball teams, including the Negro Baseball League.
Following the Minor League baseball game, the youth will visit the 16th Street Baptist Church. Birmingham Civil Rights leader and former professional baseball player Reverend William Greason will speak about his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement, including the horrendous events that took place in the church’s basement.
Across the street, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will welcome the New Orleans group for private, guided tours.
From there, the youth will travel to the University of Alabama’s football complex to meet Assistant Head Coach, Burton Burns. Last year, Burns, a New Orleans native, spoke to the group about the importance of education. In addition, two of his players, including Heisman Trophy winner and newly drafted New Orleans Saint, Mark Ingram, talked to the youth about making good choices in life.
“Many New Orleans kids have never left the city, much less the state. This trip by bus to Alabama extends their horizons in so many ways. Not only do they physically get out of town, but listening to Civil Rights leaders brings them to a significant place in the history of our country, especially the South. It is critical that these future leaders of our city are thoroughly familiar with the plight of those that came before them. The baseball and football components further engage the youth and teach them life and leadership skills that will be invaluable to their overall education,” said Councilmember Fielkow.
The trip is sponsored by New Orleans City Councilman at Large Arnie Fielkow, Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman and the Zeta Beta Tau chapter of Tulane University. WBOK-AM radio and WWL-AM radio are the media sponsors.
“At the NOPD, we believe that there are many methods of keeping New Orleans safe. When we provide opportunities for our youth to widen their scope of knowledge, we simultaneously narrow their desire to make poor decisions. Our youth are the future of our city, and Councilman Fielkow’s trip to Alabama is exactly the type of initiative that creates leaders. The NOPD is proud to partner with the Councilman to make the youth trip to Alabama a success,” said New Orleans Police Department Superintendent, Ronal Serpas.
“I am proud to once again sponsor this wonderful experience that gives our youth a dynamic understanding of the Civil Rights Movement, of which New Orleans was heavily involved. Hearing stories from those who stood shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an invaluable lesson that will resonate with these youth and empower them to seek leadership roles in the community as well. Developing our youth into well-rounded adults that understand the history of their community is a priority for all city leaders, and this trip certainly contributes to that mission,” said Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman.
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Contact:
Danielle Viguerie
Communications Director
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow
Ph: 504-658-1063
daviguerie@nola.gov
