official hostS of the 2023
international peace conference
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million members who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change—across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Rotary strives to create a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change—across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Promoting peace is one of its principal area of focus. Our 35,000+ clubs work together to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, save mothers and children, support education, and grow local economies. Rotary International District 6860 (North and Central Alabama) contains 52 Rotary Clubs with 3,039 members, 6 Rotaract Clubs, and 20 Interact Clubs. The Rotary Club of Birmingham is one of the largest and most active clubs in the world.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is a cultural and education research center that promotes a comprehensive understanding for the significance of civil rights developments in Birmingham with the mission to enlighten each generation about civil and human rights by exploring our common past and working together in the present to build a better future.
The Institute for Human Rights at UAB serves as a platform for interdisciplinary interaction and collaboration to raise awareness, engage in education, foster research, and design initiatives for practical action and outreach resulting in the promotion and protection of human and civil rights locally, nationally, and globally. Our vision is to prepare, transform, and support the leaders of the global human rights community by creating innovative educational programs, research initiatives, and outreach solutions.
City of Birmingham declares
"Birmingham peace week"
May 1-7, 2023
For the entire year of 2023, the City of Birmingham - in partnership with area churches, arts organizations, activists, businesses, and nonprofits - will honor the challenges, lessons, and triumphs of the 1963 Birmingham civil and human rights movement. The 60th commemoration will include programs, events, workshops, and entertainment that will be open to the entire community.
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Mayor Randall Woodfin declared May 1-7, 2023, to be Birmingham Peace Week, when the city will welcome the 2023 International Peace Conference (IPC). A partnership between Rotary International District 6860, The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and UAB's Institute for Human Rights, the event will bring together people from around the world to highlight the pursuit of peace at all levels of society. The week will mark the 60th anniversary of the Children's March that ultimately led to desegregation in Birmingham.
The theme for the year is “Forging Justice.” Birmingham is known for its steel production and also its racial past. Today, however, just like steel melds together different elements to make a singular strong force, the city has worked to forge relationships among all races, religions, ethnicities and creeds.
Rotary Club of Birmingham President Brenda Hackney and Rotarian Will Ratliff, IPC Chair, with planning committee member Carolyn Ratliff, Mayor Randall Woodfin, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute President & CEO DeJuana Thompson, UAB Institute for Human Rights Director Tina Kempin Reuter and
Birmingham City Councilor Crystal Smitherman.