Isom Clemon Civil Rights Memorial Park Opens in Downtown Mobile

Jan 29th, 2025

Posted in: Press ReleaseMayorParks and Recreation

- January 29, 2025 -

 For Immediate Release: 

Isom Clemon Civil Rights Memorial Park Opens in Downtown Mobile

Mobile, Ala. — More than 150 spectators joined community leaders and members of the Clemon family this morning for the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for a newly renovated downtown park honoring the legacy of Isom Clemon, a pivotal figure in the Labor and Civil Rights movements in Mobile.

Located at 520 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., the “Isom Clemon Civil Rights Memorial Park” sits directly across from the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 1410 — a key meeting place during the Civil Rights era and an organization that Clemon led for many years. 

“This park stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. Together, we’ve created a space that honors Isom Clemon’s enduring legacy and the history of Mobile’s Civil Rights and Labor movements while also serving as a vibrant gathering place for the community,” said Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood. “May this park inspire unity, reflection, and progress for generations to come.”

The land where the park now stands has always been an important gathering place for the surrounding neighborhoods. However, over the last decade, local elected leaders and community groups have worked collaboratively to plan, design and develop a “pocket park” worthy of Clemon’s name.

In 2016, after the City of Mobile acquired the land, the Rotary Club of Mobile and the Downtown Mobile Alliance led an effort to create a preliminary design for the park, working alongside community leaders and residents from surrounding neighborhoods. That fall, the late City Councilor Levon Manzie passed a resolution officially naming the park the “Isom Clemon Civil Rights Memorial Park.”

"Nine years ago, the Downtown Mobile Alliance partnered with the Rotary Club of Mobile to set a bold vision for this neighborhood park. Many partnerships and collaborations later, we celebrate this beautiful public space,” said Elizabeth P. Stevens, former President & CEO of the Downtown Mobile Alliance and Past President of the Rotary Club of Mobile. “It is embellished with stunning statues and markers, all of which tell the history of Isom Clemon and the efforts he and so many others have undertaken to achieve the noble goal of equity."

Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood worked with Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson to create a plan for the park’s construction, which was funded through the City of Mobile’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District. Mobile County managed the design and construction process, and some elements of the park were funded through the Mobile County Commission’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation.

“Isom Clemon’s work with the ILA and the Alabama Democratic Conference demonstrated that great things happen when good people unite behind a common goal. It is fitting that this project in his honor has brought together community members, organizations, and leaders from across Mobile,” Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “My hope is that this park will keep Isom Clemon’s legacy alive and inspire future generations of Mobilians to remember that we are always stronger together.”

Construction on the park’s recent renovation broke ground in the summer of 2023. This $1.4 million investment added improved seating, new sidewalks, enhanced landscaping, new lighting, and a unique play area designed with input from children at nearby Florence Howard Elementary School. In addition to these enhancements, the park now features two prominent public art installations:
 

• A Bronze Statue of Isom Clemon: This 8-foot-9-inch bronze statue, accompanied by educational relief plaques, honors Clemon’s contributions to African American labor in Mobile and his pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement. The statue was created by Steven Whyte Sculpture Studios following a nationwide contest overseen by the Mobile Arts Council.
   
• The Guardian of Labor, Liberty, and Love: Created by local artists Charles Smith and Frank Ledbetter, this stainless-steel sculpture commemorates the men and women of ILA Local 1410. Drawing inspiration from African textiles and symbols, it represents the collective efforts of ILA members to gain respect for their labor, achieve true liberty, and share their love of life with all people. The sculpture was commissioned by the Rotary Club of Mobile and Main Street Mobile.

During the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony today, members of the Clemon family celebrated with representatives of ILA Local 1410, the Alabama Democratic Conference and the many stakeholders who helped make this project a reality. Owned and managed by the City of Mobile, the park will be an integral piece of Mobile County’s Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District — an expansive initiative championed by Commissioner Merceria Ludgood.

“The family is proud that this park recognizes his legacy and honors his commitment and passion to promote civil rights for all people,” said Darlene Moore, daughter of Isom Clemon.

 

ABOUT ISOM CLEMON:

Isom Clemon (October 18, 1919 – April 16, 1994) was a trailblazer in both labor and Civil Rights. As the leader of ILA Local 1410, Clemon played a pivotal role in representing Mobile's African American longshoremen. He was also a co-founder of the Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC), which helped secure African American political representation in Alabama, including the first African American delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MOBILE

The City of Mobile is the 2nd largest city in Alabama, with a population of over 206,000 residents. Often referred to as the Port City, Mobile is home to the Port of Mobile and the fastest-growing container terminal in the United States. Mobile has a unique history shaped by more than 300 years of French, Spanish, British, Creole and African American cultural influences. As the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, Mobile is a community that is “Born to Celebrate.” The City Government is led by Mayor Sandy Stimpson and the Mobile City Council. The mayor’s office oversees city infrastructure, parks and recreation, public safety, sanitation, public attractions and facilities, planning, zoning, litter and other city services aimed at improving the quality of life for all citizens. The City of Mobile operates with a mission to create “One Mobile — a safer, more business and family-friendly city for citizens and visitors.”

ABOUT MOBILE COUNTY COMMISSION:
Commissioners: President Merceria Ludgood (District 1), Connie Hudson (District 2), and Randall Dueitt (District 3). As the governing body for Mobile County, Alabama, the Commission is responsible for budget and infrastructure decision-making that enhances quality of life and makes Mobile County a great place to live, learn, work, play, and visit. Mobile County Commission maintains almost 1,400 miles of roads, 160 bridges, 100 buildings, multiple parks, and provides funding for all County operations, including the Sheriff’s Department, Metro Jail, License Commissioner, Revenue Commissioner, and Probate Judge. The Commission is integral to economic development within the region and is committed to increasing public access to water through its Parks Initiative.