The Birmingham City Council approved an agreement Tuesday with the Offender Alumni Association to support this year’s Peace on the Block initiative, a community event organizers say is designed to promote healing, reduce violence and connect residents with critical resources.
The free event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, at the intersection of Tuscaloosa Avenue and 12th Street Southwest.
Council President Pro Tem LaTonya Tate and Councilor Crystal Smitherman both contributed discretionary funds to help host the event, which is entering its third year.
Tate said the concept grew out of a 2023 trip to Newark, New Jersey, where city leaders studied community-based violence prevention efforts.
“We saw how they would bring these resources to the community by hosting block parties like this. A lot of people might not have access to transportation, so bringing these partners to residents and building up those relationships has a huge impact," Tate said.
This year’s event will feature health resources, workforce development services, food assistance, school supplies and family-friendly activities, all in one location.
Tate said the goal is to eliminate barriers that can prevent people from accessing help.
“A lot of people don’t have access to transportation,” Tate said. “It’s important to bring partners into the community so people can learn what’s available to them and build those relationships.”
Smitherman said the event reflects the City Council’s broader approach to public safety by addressing the conditions that often contribute to violence.
“This current Council has really focused on the overall well-being of our neighborhoods and not just addressing issues with more police,” Smitherman said. “Things like food insecurity, workforce development opportunities, mental health assistance — all of these play a role in stabilizing communities.”
She added that violence prevention requires more than law enforcement.
“Violence is much more than, ‘Hey, I want to shoot somebody,’” she said. “It’s usually, ‘I don’t have enough food in my house,’ or, ‘I’m having mental health issues,’ or, ‘I need a job.’ We need to make sure people know they have the support of the city and our community partners.”
Tate said the event also serves as an opportunity for residents to connect with organizations that are already working to reduce violence and improve quality of life throughout Birmingham.
“We’re investing in people who are closest to the problems and closest to the solutions,” Tate said. “When you address the root causes and bring resources directly into neighborhoods, that’s how you build stronger communities.”
Organizers say Peace on the Block will include city departments, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers and local partners offering services and information, along with activities for children and families before the start of the new school year.
