19th street in downtown Ensley. Photo by Patriarca12.
Like many Birmingham neighborhoods, Ensley has faced its share of problems over the last 30 years, including crime, suburban flight and shuttered businesses.
But Ensley — with its entrepreneurs, rich jazz heritage and homegrown arts scene — is showing signs of life, according to area residents and activists.
“Ensley is experiencing a movement,” say the members of the Ensley Alive group on its Facebook page. “Believers know the pulse of this district is strong.”
Two back-to-back community events are planned for downtown Ensley on Aug. 20.
The Ensley Renaissance Festival will be at the old West Police Precinct at 616 19th St. from noon to 3 p.m.
Summer Jams, an annual block party and musical concert, will be at Avenue F and 19th Street from 2 to 7 p.m.
The Renaissance Festival — presented by Ensley Alive and the Birmingham Young Creatives — will feature local businesses and community organizations, a farmers market, visual art, African fashion and hands-on arts-and-crafts from the Birmingham Museum of Art. The event will also offer voter registration, live musical performances and DJ Nasty.
Summer Jams — presented by Birmingham City Councilman Marcus Lundy — will feature Birmingham native and Motown recording artist Sebastian Kole; Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires, a popular rock band; and Just a Few Cats, featuring Alvin Garrett and Logan.
Summer Jams is free and will also feature food, street vendors, prize giveaways and an open house highlighting downtown Ensley businesses.
For more about the Ensley Renaissance Festival, go to Ensley Renaissance Festival on Facebook.
For more about Summer Jams, contact Jose Perry Jr. at 254-2302 or jose.perryjr@birminghamal.gov, or search “Summer Jams, Presented by Councilor Marcus Lundy – District 9” on Facebook.
Find Ensley Alive on Facebook @ensleyalive.