Brent Leggs: Leading Landmark Preservation Efforts in Birmingham, AL

In discussions surrounding the preservation of Birmingham's historic Prince Hall Masonic Temple, Brent Leggs stands out as a vital figure. As the Executive Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, Leggs is globally recognized for his advocacy in safeguarding significant African American landmarks, including Madam C. J. Walker’s estate in New York and Nina Simone’s birthplace in North Carolina. Leggs significantly contributed to the establishment of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, designated by President Barack Obama in January 2017. For him, the Masonic Temple holds personal importance, as he previously led efforts to restore the A.G. Gaston Motel, which became a National Monument in 2017. Leggs articulated the importance of recognizing Birmingham's Civil Rights heritage through preservation. He passionately noted, “This temple deserves reverence akin to Monticello.” As a leader in preservation, his initiatives highlight the crucial narratives within Black history while fostering community engagement and stewardship.

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