Titusville, one of the first neighborhoods where Black/African Americans could own commercial or residential property, has had a long history filled with culture and community. Prior to its current name, the community was known as South Elyton and was home to Alice Furnace, one of the first blast furnaces in Birmingham. Industry in the area, paired with its proximity to the city, paved the way for it to be the location of Birmingham’s first airport.

In the early 1900s, Alice Furnace began to close parts of its operation. By 1940, it was inoperable. As the industry began to develop in other parts of Birmingham and the country, Titusville saw a steep decline in residents and an increase in vacant houses.

In the 1960s, Titusville became the location of many key civil rights movements. The most famous being when Martin Luther King, Jr. penned his Letter from a Birmingham Jail. Over the years, respected African Americans such as Wallace Rayfield, William Bell, and Condoleezza Rice have all called Titusville home.

Despite a history of heroism and strength, the effects of population migration are still felt in the community, creating a lack of access to healthcare and fresh, healthy foods for residents.

Over the past 30 years, companies such as the Titusville Development Corporation have been serving members of their community with affordable housing, food pantries, GED preparation, job readiness programs, and more. Live HealthSmart Alabama formed a strategic partnership with the Titusville Development Corporation to revitalize the neighborhood.

We, alongside our partners, are working to bring increased access to prevention and wellness, physical activity, and healthy eating back to Titusville.

These improvements are a positive step forward, helping to make Titusville a healthier and more connected community. As a community rooted in leadership, Titusville is ready to show how the courage of the past will forge its future.

Improvements