MEDIA ADVISORY
MEDIA CONTACT:
Branda Johnson
media@alvalues.org
MONTGOMERY, AL — May 3–4, 2025 — Alabama Values, the We Shall Someday Project, and community partners invite media to two powerful back-to-back public events celebrating Montgomery’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and honoring the legacy of the 1961 Freedom Riders through art, storytelling, and community engagement.
WHAT:
Freedom Rides Mural Unveiling + We Shall Today: Freedom Riders 64th Anniversary Community Celebration
WHO:
Alabama Values, Freedom Rides Museum, King’s Canvas, mural artist Milton Madison, civic leaders, local performers, artists, and cultural organizers
WHEN & WHERE:
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Freedom Rides Mural Unveiling
Freedom Rides Museum | 210 South Court Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
This public event will unveil a new Freedom Rides-inspired community mural, created in partnership with local artists and cultural workers. The mural serves as a permanent visual narrative of Montgomery’s role in the movement and the beauty of collective storytelling.
Visuals: Mural reveal, artist remarks, community reflections, and photo opportunities. You can also find a recap on the creation of the mural here -> Freedom Rides: A Mural by Milton Madison
Sunday, May 4, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
We Shall Today: Freedom Riders 64th Anniversary Community Celebration
King’s Canvas | 1413 Oak Street, Montgomery, AL 36108
This community-wide celebration will feature live performances, music, civic dialogue, and storytelling. The event reimagines the public square as a space for reflection, joy, and engagement while honoring the Freedom Riders and calling attendees to help shape the next chapter of justice.
Visuals: Live art and music, interactive civic engagement booths, family-friendly activities, and interviews with artists, organizers, and community partners.
BACKGROUND:
Both events are part of We Shall Today, a community-centered series of events commemorating the 64th anniversary of the Freedom Rides. The series complements the new musical We Shall Someday, currently running at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, which explores the intergenerational legacy of the Freedom Riders through story, music, and hope.
WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS:
- Montgomery’s history as a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement is honored and continued.
- Community members and visitors will connect with the past and envision the future.
- Art and storytelling are uplifted as powerful tools for civic engagement and social change.
#####
Alabama Values is a grassroots communications organization working to raise awareness and increase engagement around community issues in Alabama. They work directly with grassroots civic organizations advocating to build power and break down barriers to civic participation for communities across the state.