Birmingham, AL, August 17, 2025

News Summary

Bishop Calvin Woods Sr., a significant figure in the civil rights movement and former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, has passed away at the age of 91. Woods dedicated his life to advocating for justice and equality, building a legacy through his activism and community leadership. He is survived by ten children, numerous grandchildren, and continues to inspire future generations. His contributions to the civil rights movement and unwavering faith in change will be remembered by all.

Birmingham, AL – Civil Rights Activist Bishop Calvin Woods Sr. Passes Away at 91

Bishop Calvin Woods Sr., a prominent civil rights activist and community leader, died on Friday, August 15, at the age of 91. His family confirmed the news shortly after his passing, stating that Woods had been in ill health and under medical care for the past month while living with his son, Chris Woods.

Woods was a significant figure in the civil rights movement, serving as the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) until his retirement in 2022. He succeeded his older brother, Reverend Abraham Woods, becoming a vital voice for justice and equality in Birmingham.

Both Calvin and Abraham Woods played instrumental roles during the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement, co-founding the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights (ACMHR) alongside Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth. Throughout his life, Calvin Woods was committed to addressing racism and violence, reinforcing an enduring legacy through activism.

Woods is survived by ten children, which include businessman and former Birmingham mayoral candidate Chris Woods. His family tree extends to 38 grandchildren, 68 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Those in public office include Birmingham City Councilman Clinton Woods and Rock City Church Pastor Mike McClure Jr., both of whom reflect the impact of Woods’s legacy.

A Legacy of Faith and Activism

Calvin Woods was remembered for his unwavering faith and devotion to promoting love among people. In prior interviews, he emphasized the significance of hope and the notion that “change is possible.” Born in the 1930s and educated at A.H. Parker High School, he attended Miles College on a scholarship, marking the beginning of his active involvement in the Civil Rights Movement as a young adult. By his 20s, Woods was participating in protests and working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Woods ascended to the presidency of the SCLC in 2006 and, during his tenure, focused on empowering communities through faith-based initiatives. He faced numerous challenges, including arrests, physical violence, and sitting in jail for six months due to his advocacy for bus desegregation. His involvement in historic events, such as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, solidified his role as a civil rights pioneer.

As his family prepares to celebrate his life, funeral arrangements are still under discussion. The Woods family’s profound contributions to Birmingham’s faith, political, and cultural arenas continue to resonate, inspiring future generations to embrace the values of service and community leadership.

Remembering an Advocate for Justice

Bishop Calvin Woods Sr. was a trailblazer whose commitment to civil rights shaped the community he loved. He spent his life advocating for social justice and fighting against systemic inequalities, leaving behind a legacy that underscores the belief that action rooted in faith and hope can lead to meaningful change. His family aims to carry on his values and passion for justice in their ongoing work.

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Additional Resources

• WBRC: Civil Rights Activist Reverend Calvin Woods Sr. Dies
• Birmingham Times: Calvin Woods Sr. Dies at 91
• ABC 33/40: Birmingham Civil Rights Leader Bishop Calvin Woods Dies at 91
• AL.com: Birmingham Civil Rights Icon Dies at 91
• Wikipedia: Civil Rights Movement

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.