Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport presents new mural honoring Civil Rights Leader

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Family members of civil rights leader Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and Birmingham city leaders were in attendance at the mural unveiling ceremony at the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport Thursday.

The 13 foot high, 66 foot long mural created by artist Rico Gaston, is described as a lasting tribute to Shuttlesworth, as his portrait is the centerpiece surrounded by colorful rays.

Shuttlesworth’s oldest daughter, Patricia Shuttlesworth Massengill, described the art piece as beautiful.

“I saw it on the wall and I said ‘No way. Is this my father? What is this?'” said Massengill. “You just don’t know how honored we are that our dad and our mom are still being represented and that they’re being honored.”

A collaboration between Leadership Birmingham, Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport and Artist Rico Gaston, the mural is one piece of art Birmingham City Councilor Crystal Smitherman says she is happy to have in the Magic City.

“We have to continue to honor our leaders, making sure that we preserve history and I really love that no matter who it is, whether you’re from Birmingham, from another country,
they’ll be able to see just a little bit of the history and the pride, and the legacy Birmingham has left behind with the civil rights movement,” said Councilor Smitherman.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.