Fountain Heights

AWARDS: Best in Show at the Birmingham Addys, National Mosaic AwarD, 2 GOLD National Addys (Branding & Print)

Faces of Fountain Heights

Advocating for the First Neighborhood in the Crosshairs of Birmingham’s Civil Rights Movement

Fountain Heights is one of Birmingham's earliest and most historically significant neighborhoods, known as a birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and a hub for the city's business and theater districts. Once a safe haven for first-generation Black homeowners, the neighborhood is now bordered by two of Birmingham’s busiest interstates, and many of its homes face vacancy and disrepair.

In recent years, renewed interest has focused on preserving the area, raising public awareness of its history and significance. I was hired to develop an integrated campaign that would reflect the spirit of Fountain Heights. This campaign included a neighborhood logo and icons, as well as posters, postcards, a brochure, an art installation, social media content, illustrations, and photography.

Recognizing that the story of Fountain Heights belongs to its residents, I spent six months deeply immersed in the community. I listened to their stories, attended church services, participated in ballroom dancing at the community center, and collaborated with historical archivists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to gain a deeper understanding of the neighborhood’s rich history.

The resulting integrated campaign allowed Fountain Heights’ story to shine. A key component of the project was a book that captured the stories and photographs from my time in the community. Designed to showcase multiple perspectives—from local businesses to stories of redlining during the Civil Rights Movement—the book is a testament to the neighborhood’s beauty, resilience, and pride, celebrating its past and present.