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Son of Birmingham: A Memoir
Today's Birmingham—led by Mayor Randall Woodfin—is a phoenix rising from the ashes of systemic racism and white flight.
This first Southern city to pluck the feathers off Jim Crow, where peaceful protesters endured attacks by police dogs, where high-pressure water hoses tore at the flesh of men and women marching for their rights, and where children locked arms and sang "We Shall Overcome," is a living, breathing redemption story.
In Son of Birmingham, Woodfin draws upon the street wisdom of his generation's Southern rap music; the power of family, friends, and faith; and his education at the historically Black Morehouse College to preach the progress every corner of our nation clamors for right now. He walks readers through the streets of his Birmingham, bringing to light the daily joys and struggles of everyday people and revealing what spurred him to turn his education and Capitol Hill experience to the city of his youth.
A moving memoir of a young leader's perseverance in a city still battling racism and gun violence, which Woodfin experienced first-hand, Son of Birmingham is also a call-to-action across America—an appeal to Woodfin's unique brand of servant leadership and responsive government for equitable, inclusive, and prosperous cities where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
This first Southern city to pluck the feathers off Jim Crow, where peaceful protesters endured attacks by police dogs, where high-pressure water hoses tore at the flesh of men and women marching for their rights, and where children locked arms and sang "We Shall Overcome," is a living, breathing redemption story.
In Son of Birmingham, Woodfin draws upon the street wisdom of his generation's Southern rap music; the power of family, friends, and faith; and his education at the historically Black Morehouse College to preach the progress every corner of our nation clamors for right now. He walks readers through the streets of his Birmingham, bringing to light the daily joys and struggles of everyday people and revealing what spurred him to turn his education and Capitol Hill experience to the city of his youth.
A moving memoir of a young leader's perseverance in a city still battling racism and gun violence, which Woodfin experienced first-hand, Son of Birmingham is also a call-to-action across America—an appeal to Woodfin's unique brand of servant leadership and responsive government for equitable, inclusive, and prosperous cities where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2025
11 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 18, 2025
An easy read autobiographical account of the youngest mayor of Birmingham highlighting many historical sites and the Civil Rights struggles that makes Birmingham an interesting destination. Woodfin’s musical notations, that were referenced as an opening to each chapter, was influenced by the hip hop genre.
February 6, 2025
From the very first pages of Son of Birmingham, Randall Woodfin invites readers into his journey with a candor that feels both deeply personal and profoundly universal. This isn’t just a political memoir—it’s a story of resilience, community, and the power of staying rooted in one’s values.
Woodfin’s reflections on his upbringing and the lessons learned along the way resonate beyond Birmingham. They speak to anyone who has ever felt called to serve, to push forward despite obstacles, and to believe in the possibility of change. His storytelling is engaging, his insights are thoughtful, and his passion for his city is undeniable.
I’m still making my way through the book, but already, it’s clear that Son of Birmingham is more than just a recollection of experiences—it’s an invitation to reflect on our own roles in shaping the places we call home. Looking forward to finishing the journey and taking in the full scope of the wisdom he shares.
Woodfin’s reflections on his upbringing and the lessons learned along the way resonate beyond Birmingham. They speak to anyone who has ever felt called to serve, to push forward despite obstacles, and to believe in the possibility of change. His storytelling is engaging, his insights are thoughtful, and his passion for his city is undeniable.
I’m still making my way through the book, but already, it’s clear that Son of Birmingham is more than just a recollection of experiences—it’s an invitation to reflect on our own roles in shaping the places we call home. Looking forward to finishing the journey and taking in the full scope of the wisdom he shares.
February 7, 2025
Mayor Randall Woodfin is a dynamic leader on the move. In Son of Birmingham, he weaves together his personal and professional narrative with a unique thread– music. Whether starting a breakfast club for middle schoolers or championing the development of Uptown, Randall's heart for his city is evident. Like Birmingham, he has been knocked down, but refuses to stay down. Mayor Woodfin and Ed Bowser pull back the curtain on the center of influence and impact in central Alabama. Beyond his personal arc, Woodfin shares valuable insights into his two terms as Mayor of Birmingham: how he built his team and brought impactful projects to fruition. I'd encourage others to pick up a copy of the Mayor's touching memoir.
August 6, 2025
An interesting read by Birmingham mayor, Woodfin talks about the gun violence crisis, COVID, and the events that shaped the city into what it is today.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews