Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
S.H. Kress Store Building
Destination
— Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 5, 2021
1. S.H. Kress Store Building Marker
The S. H. Kress store was another site of economic boycotts and lunch counter sit-ins during the student-led protests of Miles College students and their leader Frank Dukes in 1962 and “Project C” in 1963. Retail stores such as Kress were targets for Movement protestors because they refused to hire Black sales clerks or to take down degrading signs directing Blacks to un- clean restrooms and water fountains. The boycotts did hurt the stores economically when African Americans, nearly half of the city's population and the stores' shoppers, refused to buy new clothes for Easter in 1962 and 1963. Next to the busy Christmas shopping season, Easter was one of the most lucrative times of the year for department stores. The Kress building now houses a law office.
"For Easter, wear overalls to church."
led by Miles College students.
Lesson C24: How did Miles College student government leader, Frank Dukes, develop a successful "Selective Buying Campaign at a time when boycotts were legal in Alabama?
Erected by the Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail. (Marker Number C24.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans
this page online
Location. 33° 30.944′ N, 86° 48.493′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of 19th Street North and 3rd Avenue North, on the right when traveling north on 19th Street North. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 19th St N, Birmingham AL 35203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Shutting Down Downtown (here, next to this marker); Former F.W. Woolworth Store Building (a few steps from this marker); S. H. Kress Five-And-Ten Cent Store (a few steps from this marker); Sitting in for Lunch (within shouting distance of this marker); Loveman's Department Store/McWane Science Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Woman in Paddy Wagon (within shouting distance of this marker); Music in the Movement (within shouting distance of this marker); Integration Corner (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.
Regarding S.H. Kress Store Building. The Civil
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 5, 2021
2. S.H. Kress Store Building Marker
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 5, 2021
3. S.H. Kress Store Building Marker
Marker is barely visible (edge on) to right of the right traffic light pole.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 5, 2021
4. S.H. Kress Store Building
Now the Wiggins Childs Pantazis Fisher & Goldfarb LLC law firm.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 214 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 13, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
