Wandering streets

Today I woke up wanting to drive the streets of Birmingham with no real direction laid out - to just hit the streets and see what I will find. What I will discover? Driving through a somewhat lower income area, this old, bright green stadium definitely stands out on a corner. Not knowing anything, I go to the landmark marquee and begin to read. What a find! A random find!

In the early 1900s, Birmingham was exploding with growth. It was the fastest growing city in America. Every big city should have a baseball team. Every baseball team needs a park. On August 18, 1910, the entire city of Birmingham closed down honoring the first day of baseball at Rickwood Field. So many iconic baseball athletes played ball at this park, such as Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson. Willie Mays grew up within walking distance. So many games packed, at a standing room only attendance most of the time. Today, one hundred and twelve years later, this stadium still “hits it out of the park” being the oldest baseball field in America.

Several folks, within city limits and out, told me to look for a most unique home in the southwest part of Birmingham.  I drive down a small neighborhood street and easily spot my next discovery - African Village.  I pull to the side of the road parking my car.  Behind an old pickup truck, I see a older grey bearded man walking towards the front door of this home.  I quickly approach him hoping for a brief conversation.  Within seconds I am invited into his yard.

His name is Joe Minter.  He briskly walks to certain artistic creations, located throughout his yard, and educates me about the intent of each piece.  Joe's work of art is created from things most of us would consider junk.  He explains to me whatever God gives to him, that is what he works with.  Most of his creations are uniquely sharing and teaching about African American history. 

Joe becomes very emotional with me as he explains the backdrop of this piece of art. It portrays a black man crying white tears, in agony, while in a jail cell. The man is Martin Luther King Jr., jailed on October 30,1967 in Birmingham. He was arrested for leading peaceful protests in the area.

This piece speaks of the importance of Rosa Parks and the Freedom Riders during the 1960's Civil Rights era in our country. Both helped change the segregated bus seating on the interstate rides and the city buses of Montgomery. I hope to visit the two monuments located in different parts of the state of Alabama during my future travels throughout the state. I spend almost 2 hours with Joe. It would be easy to spend an entire day examining the hundreds of pieces of art throughout his property.

Joe Mintor asks me if I want to take a full photo of him. I answer him quickly, "That would be an honor." He grabs several hand-crafted items. He straps one across his small chest and fills his hands with the other two. As I am departing, Joes says, "Hope you got something out of what I shared today." I walk back up to him and extend my hand. Joe grabs it and pulls me in for a hug. No words were exchanged nor needed. A 79-year-old artist living a life of passion, courage and dedication. A most inspiring moment for me today!