Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Fourth Avenue Historic District
Prior to 1900 a "black business district" did not exist in Birmingham. In a pattern characteristic of Southern cities found during Reconstruction, black businesses developed alongside those of whites in many sections of the downtown area.
After the turn of the century, Jim Crow laws authorizing the distinct separation of "the races" and subsequent restrictions placed on black firms forced the growing black business community into an area along Third, Fourth, and Fifth Avenue North, from 15th to 18th Streets. Segregation and discrimination created a small world in which black enterprise was accepted and to which blacks had open access. This area served as the business, social, and cultural center for blacks with activities similar to those in the predominantly white districts. The businesses located in the area included barber and beauty shops, mortuaries, saloons, restaurants, theatres, photographic studios, cleaners, shoe shine parlors, and motels. These black businesses and their successors continued to do well throughout the '60s.
The black business district was not only "alive" during the day light hours but "thrived" throughout the night. On Friday and Saturday nights, the streets were filled with crowds of people visiting the bars or just out for a stroll. Live entertainment made the district "the place to be."
While most of the theatres provided "movies" the Frolic and Hury Henry had "live" stage shows during the 1930s. Not only did singers and dancers captivate the audiences, but live vaudeville shows came to the area. Bob Williams, owner of "Bob's Savoy," a famous night club and restaurant, entertained the elite of the black athletic and entertainment world. After the Civil Rights struggle, many new doors were opened literally and figuratively to blacks. Many black businesses, especially hotels and cafes, suffered with the end of segregation. Once allowed into white establishments, sadly many blacks did not return to the black-owned businesses. The abandonment of black-owned businesses caused a major "economic" impact on the area, causing many to do their shopping in malls and other areas.
National Register of Historic Places, February 11, 1982.
Erected 1982 by Alabama Historical Commission, Urban Impact, Inc. and the City of Birmingham.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is February 11, 1886.
Location. 33° 30.924′ N, 86° 48.696′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of 4th Avenue North and 17th Street North, on the right when traveling west on 4th Avenue North. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. 4th Avenue District (here, next to this marker); Dunbar Hotel Building Urban Impact Office, (a few steps from this marker); Green Acres Café (within shouting distance of this marker); Colored Masonic Temple (within shouting distance of this marker); Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame (within shouting distance of this marker); Famous Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Eddie Kendricks Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Taxi Stand (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.
Also see . . .
1. Fourth Avenue Historic District (Birmingham, Alabama). Wikipedia entry (Submitted on November 17, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. A. G. Gaston. Encyclopedia of Alabama website entry (Submitted on November 17, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,731 times since then and 57 times this year. Last updated on June 5, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 3. submitted on November 17, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on January 21, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.