‘Coming in to experience Birmingham’

The historic Birmingham neighborhood of Woodlawn — after a steep social and economic decline that lasted more than 30 years — is rapidly coming back, with new businesses, new housing and a new, hopeful attitude. But according to Brian Gunn of economic development organization REV Birmingham, a lot of people in the city are unaware of these recent improvements.

“One of the biggest challenges Woodlawn faces is a perception issue,” Gunn said. “Despite all these vibrant activities and businesses locating in Woodlawn, (some people) still think negatively of it,” he said. “Woodlawn a few years ago did have a bad rap, but a lot of that stuff is being turned around.”

That turnaround will be put on vivid display at the next Woodlawn Street Market on Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 55th Place South. 

The market — sponsored by the Woodlawn Business Association and REV Birmingham — will feature about 55 local artists, crafters, retailers and food vendors.

In addition to the vendors, the market will feature the “Take it to the Streets” hip-hop dance competition. The competition at the April market featured dancers from Atlanta, Charlotte, New Orleans and other cities. 

“And all these people are coming in to experience Birmingham,” Gunn said.

This is the second quarterly market this year, and the sixth market to be held since the events began in 2014, Gunn said.

“[Woodlawn] is becoming more vibrant, and the main reason for the street market was to show the people inside and outside the community that there are positive things going on there,” he said.

Public response to the markets has been strong, according to Gunn, who said that the crowd in April “increased significantly” over the April 2015 market. “When we started at 10 a.m., the crowds were there and continued until 4 p.m.,” he said. 

There are also markets scheduled for Sept. 10 and Dec. 4, according to REV Birmingham. Community partners for the events include Communicating Vessels music studio, Woodlawn United, Dream Center, Imperial Formal Wear, 2threefive and One Stop Environmental. 

The deadline for vendors to sign up has passed, but spots are available for the next market in September, Gunn said. For information, contact Gunn at 595-0562 or bgunn@revbirmingham.org.