"A lot of other cities build parks that are designed for tourists. But the primary focus of Railroad Park has always been our residents... We wanted to make sure that if you live in Birmingham, you know that this park is for you."
T. Marie King is an activist, facilitator, organizer, and volunteer. Serving on the core coalition for the Jefferson County Memorial Project and the board of the Greater Birmingham Arts Education Collaborative, T. Marie has combined her passion for the arts with her purpose of advocating for social change. Her most recent venture is Local Voices Network, a community-driven platform that shares the stories of those whose voices often go unheard. https://youtu.be/iZS7lHfrL88
"What began as a creative and emotional outlet has become more than a career. It’s part of my identity, and it’s how I can connect with other people who might have felt the way I have at some point. I like to think that’s why people purchase my work — they see a part of themselves in my paintings. They hang my art on their wall, and it grows with them."
"We have such a deep, deep storytelling tradition here in the south. That’s part of what we are known for nationally and internationally in terms of literature. But we haven’t had a major presence in the film industry and are so often poorly illustrated in mainstream media. I really saw this as a powerful way to add this region’s voices to the chorus to help understand what life is like in America."
"I want young artists to know that there is absolutely a place for them, and that it is entirely possible to have a rewarding art career here in Alabama."