Leaders Unveil Marker for Mining Disaster in Tuscaloosa, Kicking Off NAACP Convention

The Thursday morning unveiling of a new historic marker on Jack Warner Parkway honors the memory of Black coal miners traumatized or killed in a 1901 mining disaster, but also kicks off the annual convention of the Alabama NAACP.

As the Thread reported in depth last fall, an almost forgotten part of Tuscaloosa's history includes a flooding disaster at a coal mine serving Bryce Hospital.

Thanks to extensive research by historian George Adair, the story has been saved from obscurity and brought back to the forefront of conversation.

Not only does the story resonate given the conditions endured by the 13 Black coal miners trapped underground in freezing water for days, but it also led to a series of early lawsuits filed by African American plaintiffs against state agencies. Given that the state was soon to enter its era of Jim Crowe laws which disenfranchised Black citizens for decades, the legal proceedings, even with mixed results, are historically significant.

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A new marker at the approximate site of the mine on Jack Warner Parkway near Manderson Landing on the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk was unveiled Thursday morning.

"Such an action will remind future generations not only of the injustices that were endured, but of the endurance and strength of a people that has always been determined to be free," said Dr. Thaddeus Steele, a board member of the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History and Reconciliation Foundation. "In this way, what was once a site of sorrow will become a site of education, reflection, and ultimately transformation."

The unveiling also kicked off the Alabama NAACP's annual convention, which is being held in Tuscaloosa for the first time in recent history.

Black leaders young and old will assemble for conversations about constructive activism, unity in difficult times, solutions to gun violence and more.

We are both honored and proud to host this year's event in our historic city, a community deeply woven into the fabric of the Civil Rights Movement and committed today to carry forward the fight for justice, equality, and opportunity. Tuscaloosa has a unique place in our state and nation's history, from the courageous stand of Vivian Malone and James Hood desegregating the University of Alabama, to the many Bloody Tuesday foot soldiers who marched, organized, and sacrificed. Tuscaloosa has a long been has long been a center of perseverance and progress."

State Chapter President Bernard Simleton was also present in Tuscaloosa Thursday to kick off the Convention, which this year has the theme of Beyond the Ballot Box: Activisim in Action.

"Activism is an action word. It's not just speaking, it's doing. Whether that's registering people to vote or going to the local city council - I know Tuscaloosa is a good city but there's still a lot of complain about. Go to the mayor and the city council, make things right for your community," he said. "That's what activism is all about. Not just sitting there taking it because you don't think we have the power. Power belongs to the people. And if we don't take advantage of that, the local government, the state government or the federal government, they will run that program the way they want to, and not the way we want to - we the people."

The Conference continues through this weekend in and around Tuscaloosa.

For more coverage of local news, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.