Note on October 5: Remember Rev. Shuttlesworth on the day of his passing. Come learn more about him on the commemoration of the first anniversary of his passing. This Shuttlesworth Soul Food Diner has been postponed till Oct. 25 because of a family emergency, but we will be honoring Rev. Shuttlesworth just the same--he doesn't care about the date from his place in eternity).
On Thursday October 25, you can be a part of the commemoration of the first anniversary of the death of Birmingham's Civil Rights legend, Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth.
In honor of her late husband, Sephira Shuttlesworth will prepare and host a dinner of his favorite foods at Avondale Bricks Gallery. Write to bhamweekly@gmail.com for information or to make a reservation.
As those who attended the dinner in the spring to honor what would have been Rev. Shuttlesworth's 90th birthday can attest, Sephira's soul food cooking is so delicious it might need addiction warning labels. Last time it was oxtail, baked chicken with rice and gravy, greens with hamhocks, sautéed squash and onions, and peach cobbler. No one could stop eating except when the room erupted in spontaneous unison singing, led by Sephira, Greg Evans, and Barry McRae,
Here is the menu for the October 25 Shuttlesworth Dinner:
Herb-crusted
Roast Loin of Pork
Meatloaf
with Savory Green Tomato Gravy
Baked
Cornbread Dressing
Green
Cabbage with Country Ham
Rosemary
Hassel Back Potatoes
Sour
Cream Pound Cake
Butter
Pecan Ice Cream
Reverend Shuttlesworth was the leading figure among Birmingham's many foot soldiers in the Civil Rights movement. As pastor at Bethel, he survived the bombing of his church and parsonage in 1956, seven long years before the events that brought Birmingham to national attention in 1963, but that did not keep him from speaking out in the meantime and eventually persuading Martin Luther King to take on the most segregated city in America.
Rev. Shuttlesworth will be honored at the anniversary dinner with a spoken-word performance by Taomi Ray and, as those who attended the 90th birthday dinner can also attest, music perhaps even more soulful as the food. The singing will also honor Barry McRae, who sang so beautifully at the birthday dinner, and who is no longer with us either. Rev. Shuttleswoth's widow, Sephira will also talk about continuing his legacy, in addition to preparing a great meal with the same love as when he was alive.
Be ready to laugh at the stories, to cry from the moving experience even of the music, and to eat the best food you ever ate in your life.
Avondale Bricks Gallery is at 130 41st Street South in Avondale.
Dinner at 6:30, Thursday, October 25, in the gallery surrounded by a museum-quality Cuban art collection and comparable works by Birmingham artist Palo Pallas. The cost for this fantastic meal and once-in-a-lifetime experience in a unique setting is only $35 per person. Look for further announcements at www.bhamweekly.com, or write to bhamweekly@gmail.com for information or to make a reservation.