Red Mountain is etched in Birmingham’s history—and to my personal history in a special way. When I came to Birmingham in 1972, the last mine on Red Mountain had been shut down for almost a decade. Birmingham was trying to shake off its damaged image in the wake of violence following the civil rights movement.  I wondered what ironic twist of fate had brought a girl from Johannesburg, South Africa to Birmingham, Alabama—two cities marked by racial strife. 
Some forty years later, the two halves of my life have come full circle. Soon after I published my memoir of growing up under Apartheid, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute invited my husband and myself to help prepare Birmingham students for an exchange visit to Johannesburg, South Africa. It was truly gratifying to meet with our city’s students, and then later to celebrate the arrival of students from Johannesburg. Both groups observed that they were surprised by historical similarities between the Civil Rights struggle in the United States, and Freedom struggle to end Apartheid: 50th Anniversary of Civil Rights, and Apartheid Comes Full Circle

Claire with Exchange Students from Johannesburg, South Africa (Boris Datnow)

The opening of Red Mountain Park has woven yet another strand, linking the city of my birth with my adopted city—bringing the two halves of my life together. You see, growing up in South Africa, I loved exploring the open veld and the game parks teeming with wildlife. When I came to Birmingham, the lovely verdant woods and valleys captivated me. The opening of Red Mountain Park in the heart of the city, now provides a sanctuary for enjoying the natural beauty surrounding us.  (AL.com). Moreover, it’s a unique place where Birmingham’s rich natural diversity and its fascinating history come together in a unique way. As a teacher I am excited by the possibilities that the park has to offer as an Outdoor Classroom where students can learn about the rich and diverse ecology of our area: Eco Mystery series, The Adventures of The Sizzling Six.

“The park will play a central role in helping Birmingham reconcile its proud and complex history, and move on from its dual identity as epicenter of civil rights struggle and former iron making giant.” Wallace Roberts and Todd - News - Red Mountain Park receives 2012 ASLA Analysis and Planning Honor Award
The largest urban park in the country reclaimed from a landscape devastated by a century of mining, Red Mountain Park is located on 1200-acres along a ridgeline overlooking the city. Over 40 miles of trails with a 10-mile rail trail and a 4-mile highline trail will connect various active adventure recreation areas.

Indeed, Red Mt. pulls together my passion for nature and for history. It speaks to me of renewal and rebirth—showing how history can come full circle, propelling me, and all citizens, to help make our community a better place for all.

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