Port of Africatown Delegation Joins Statewide Leaders for Sparkling Commercial Corridor Program
We are proud to share highlights from a recent statewide gathering that brought together visionary leaders committed to revitalizing Alabama’s historic commercial corridors. Hosted in Montgomery by the Center for Community Progress, the Sparkling Commercial Corridor Program convened practitioners from across the state to examine the realities, opportunities, and lessons learned in redeveloping vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties.
POA Board Meeting, October 2025
Members of the Sparkling Corridor Program are presenting to the best lessons to the board members.
This year’s cohort included representatives from Montgomery, Birmingham, and the Port of Africatown, creating a powerful network of leaders who are reimagining what long-neglected communities can become. The program offered a deep dive into current redevelopment initiatives, the impact of local innovation, and the challenges communities must navigate to transform these corridors into vibrant economic and cultural anchors.
We were honored to have a strong delegation representing the Port of Africatown:
Leonard Stewart
Heidi Hall
Brandon Norwood
Elizabet Elliott
Barja Wilson
These community members traveled to Montgomery on our behalf, engaged fully in the learning exchange, and returned home energized with insights and practical strategies. They recently presented their reflections and recommendations to our board, offering thoughtful perspectives on how we can strengthen development in the downtown corridor and deepen our regional partnerships.
Their participation is more than a field trip — it is an investment in the future. This group continues to help us imagine what is possible, explore innovative approaches to redevelopment, and build relationships that expand our impact throughout Alabama.
We extend our sincere thanks to each of them for their leadership, commitment, and dedication to the Port of Africatown. Their engagement helps lay the groundwork for the vibrant, resilient, and thriving community we are building together.