New web site sheds light on Birmingham Civil Rights era

The city of Birmingham launched a new website for next year's 50th anniversary celebration of the Civil Rights movement in 1963.

The new website is 50yearsforward.com and it's filled with archived pictures, stories, and firsthand stories from people who survived and even thrived in the chaos of Birmingham in 1963.

"It's not just looking back 50 years, it's looking forward 50 years at what tools we need to give these young people so they can be successful," said Mayor William Bell as he launched the site at Phillips Academy.

Phillips Academy used to be Phillips High School, the same building where Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth was beaten while trying to enroll his children here.

Marking that is just one of the ways Birmingham school's superintendent hopes to participate in the next year of celebration.

"The role that students played then, and the 50 year commemoration and the role students play now moving forward," Dr. Craig Witherspoon said. "So certainly the school system has a role to play and we look forward to being part of the conversation moving forward."

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