Birmingham, Alabama, August 17, 2025

News Summary

Bishop Calvin Woods Sr., a key figure in the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement, has died at the age of 91. Known for his dedication to social justice, Woods co-founded the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights and was an influential leader in the fight for racial equality, participating in historic protests alongside Martin Luther King Jr. His family remembers him as a devoted father and community leader, and they plan to celebrate his impactful life and enduring legacy.

Birmingham, Alabama – Bishop Calvin Woods Sr. Passes Away at Age 91

Bishop Calvin Woods Sr., a pivotal figure in the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement, has passed away at the age of 91. His family announced that he died at his home in Birmingham on August 15, 2025. Woods was renowned for his long-standing commitment to social justice and racial equality, having marched alongside prominent leaders such as Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

Born on September 13, 1933, in Birmingham, Woods had a significant impact on his community and beyond. He graduated from Parker High School in 1950 and, in 1956, co-founded the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights with his brother, Rev. Abraham L. Woods Jr. This organization played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of Black citizens in Alabama.

Bishop Woods was actively involved in the historic 1963 demonstrations in Birmingham, which spotlighted the brutal treatment of Black Americans. During these protests, he was arrested for his participation in nonviolent sit-ins at segregated lunch counters, a movement that aimed to confront the city’s racial segregation laws head-on. His commitment to social justice led to his conviction for protesting against the segregated bus system in 1956, marking the beginning of his painful yet transformative journey as a civil rights activist.

Legacy and Recognition

Woods continued his advocacy, eventually becoming president of the Birmingham chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) after the death of his brother. He held this position until 2021 and also served as the national vice president of the SCLC as well as president of the New Era Baptist State Convention. His impactful leadership in these roles significantly contributed to the ongoing struggle for racial equity.

As a pastor, he led East End Baptist Church from 1960 to 1974 before taking on the role of pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church, where he remained a respected leader until his passing. Throughout his ministry, Woods was known for emphasizing action in the fight against racial injustice and consistently upheld the philosophy of nonviolence.

Family and Personal Life

Bishop Woods was a dedicated family man, raising a total of 13 children and having 38 grandchildren, 68 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. His family plans to gather together to celebrate his extraordinary life and enduring legacy. Tributes from loved ones reflect the deep respect and admiration they held for Woods, highlighting his role as a trailblazer and freedom fighter.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalized, but his son remarked on the hope that Woods’ legacy of love and commitment to justice will continue to inspire future generations. Woods often expressed that love would ultimately conquer all, indicating the enduring relevance of the Civil Rights Movement’s ideology.

Impact on Civil Rights

Bishop Woods’ participation in the 1963 March on Washington and other significant protests—including his strategic role in response to violence against protesters in Birmingham—demonstrated his unwavering dedication to civil rights. In a recent interview, he reflected on the importance of garnering support from the white community in the fight for justice, underscoring his inclusive vision for racial harmony.

Calvin Woods’ passing marks the end of an era for many in the Birmingham community, but his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement remain a vital part of the ongoing quest for equality and justice.

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Additional Resources

• WVTM13
• Wikipedia: Civil Rights Movement
• AL.com
• Google Search: Civil Rights Movement
• Birmingham Times
• Google Scholar: Calvin Woods
• ABC3340
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Calvin Woods
• WBRC
• Google News: Calvin Woods

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.