Alabama Power, the Alabama Power Foundation and volunteers from the Alabama Power Service Organization are proud to support this year’s 50^th anniversary of the pivotal events that took place in Birmingham in 1963, which helped lead to passage of the Civil Rights Act and the end of legalized segregation in the United States.

“Alabama Power is one of our strongest corporate citizens, and we applaud the company’s very active participation in this year’s commemoration of the events that helped change the world for the better,” Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell Sr. said today at a news conference at City Hall. 

“Birmingham is Alabama Power’s home, and we are thrilled to play a part in honoring the human rights heroes who risked their lives to move our city and state forward,” said Charles McCrary, Alabama Power president and CEO.

Combined, Alabama Power, the Alabama Power Foundation and the Alabama Power Service Organization are providing support for more than 15 events throughout the year connected to the 1963 commemoration.  Several events have already taken place this year, including the Power of Leadership Forum, which focused on the life and accomplishments of the late African-American businessman A.G. Gaston, a key figure in the Birmingham civil rights movement. The “Power of Leadership” is a recurring theme in Alabama Power’s support of activities commemorating 1963, with a focus on events that celebrate some of the unheralded leaders of the movement: pioneers of business.

“We want to recognize the entrepreneurs and innovators, in business and in other fields, who helped drive the movement and whose influence is still being felt today,” said Bobbie Knight, Alabama Power’s vice president for the Birmingham Division.

Alabama Power and the Alabama Power Foundation are longtime supporters of the city’s important civil rights institutions, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the historic 16^th Street Baptist Church. Alabama Power is also supporting efforts to extend the city’s civil rights walking trail.

For more information about the 50^th anniversary of Birmingham’s civil rights movement and the most up-to-date listing of events, please visit www.50yearsforward.com.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state. Learn more about the company and its community service efforts at www.alabamapower.com.