Plus get our latest book recommendations, author news, and competitions right to your inbox.
Published by Diversion Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
The youngest mayor in the modern history of Birmingham, Alabama, and a rising star in the Democratic Party weaves a memoir of a Southern Black man's hard-earned life lessons, a family struck by gun violence, his determined public servitude, his forward-thinking government leadership, and his country's ongoing fight against systemic racism from the Birmingham streets to all points of the urban South and beyond
At once a moving memoir of a Black kid and his family persevering in a city central to the Civil Rights struggle, yet still battling systemic racism and senseless gun violence, Son of Birmingham is also the inspirational story of modern history's youngest Mayor of Birmingham and a progressive call-to-action to citizens across America—an appeal to servant leadership and responsive government for all people.
Informed by the street-wisdom of his generation's Southern rap music; nurtured by family, friends, and faith; educated at the historically Black Morehouse College, Mayor Randall Woodfin has become a paragon of the strength, youthful hunger, and progress our nation clamors for right now. In Son of Birmingham, he walks readers through the streets of the urban South, the neighborhoods of Birmingham then, now, and in the future. He brings to light the daily joys and struggles of fellow Americans and shows what spurred him to turn his Morehouse education and Capitol Hill experience to the city of his youth, armed with a vision of responsive government, public servitude, and what it will take to give all Americans—south, north, east, and west—equitable, inclusive, and prosperous cities where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. His work earned him a keynote speaker role at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, as well as endorsements from President Joe Biden, Senators Bernie Sanders and Corey Booker, and Stacey Abrams.
Mayor Randall Woodfin is a proud son of Birmingham, yes, but his life story and leadership principles apply to all corners of a country fighting to be the best version of American it can be.
At once a moving memoir of a Black kid and his family persevering in a city central to the Civil Rights struggle, yet still battling systemic racism and senseless gun violence, Son of Birmingham is also the inspirational story of modern history's youngest Mayor of Birmingham and a progressive call-to-action to citizens across America—an appeal to servant leadership and responsive government for all people.
Informed by the street-wisdom of his generation's Southern rap music; nurtured by family, friends, and faith; educated at the historically Black Morehouse College, Mayor Randall Woodfin has become a paragon of the strength, youthful hunger, and progress our nation clamors for right now. In Son of Birmingham, he walks readers through the streets of the urban South, the neighborhoods of Birmingham then, now, and in the future. He brings to light the daily joys and struggles of fellow Americans and shows what spurred him to turn his Morehouse education and Capitol Hill experience to the city of his youth, armed with a vision of responsive government, public servitude, and what it will take to give all Americans—south, north, east, and west—equitable, inclusive, and prosperous cities where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. His work earned him a keynote speaker role at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, as well as endorsements from President Joe Biden, Senators Bernie Sanders and Corey Booker, and Stacey Abrams.
Mayor Randall Woodfin is a proud son of Birmingham, yes, but his life story and leadership principles apply to all corners of a country fighting to be the best version of American it can be.
About The Authors
Randall Woodfin was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and after four years in Atlanta earning his degree from Morehouse College, has lived in Birmingham ever since. He worked at City Hall (in jobs for both the Mayor and the City Council) and for the Jefferson County Committee on Economic Opportunity, attended Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and, after obtaining his law degree, accepted a job in the City of Birmingham Law Department. As an assistant city attorney, he also became an organizer, working on campaigns at the local, state, and federal level. After serving on the Birmingham Board of Education, he ran for mayor, won an upset victory in a runoff, and is seeking his third term in 2025.
Edward T. Bowser is an award-winning journalist, founder of the music and pop culture website SoulInStereo.com, and currently serves as the Deputy Director of Communications for the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office, where he helps shape the city’s voice and vision.
Product Details
- Publisher: Diversion Books (January 21, 2025)
- Length: 288 pages
- ISBN13: 9798895150030
Browse Related Books
Raves and Reviews
“As a former urban mayor, I understand that running a city like Birmingham is challenging even in the best of times. That is why Randall Woodfin’s leadership has been so essential in leading the city through an unprecedented pandemic, creating new economic opportunities, and confronting systemic criminal justice inequalities that had compounded over decades. He showed courage and conviction.”
– Senator Cory Booker
"Randall Woodfin is a committed leader who believes in justice and opportunity for all. He understands that with so much unmet need in our communities, now is not the time for complacency. We need leadership with the courage and vision to use government as a tool to advance true equity and holistically invest in the needs of people.”
– Stacey Abrams
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Son of Birmingham eBook 9798895150030
- Author Photo (jpg): Randall Woodfin (0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
