The Vulcans Community Awards is the most prestigious recognition of civic pride, leadership, and progress in the seven-county Birmingham region. When the COVID-19 pandemic has made the annual awards banquet impossible, Vulcan Park and Museum turned to Backstory to design a multimedia exhibit called The Vulcans Community Awards On View.
Backstory managed the design process. This entailed curating artifacts, writing the script, and coordinating graphic design with Amanda Lucius of Mandalu. Videos created by Avila E Group video rounds out the multimedia project.
The 2020 honorees have responded to the call to service during one of the most trying moments in the city’s history. The honorees include individuals who have helped keep essential workers and the community at large safe and encouraged. And, the honorees include individuals who have addressed the need for a more equitable and just Birmingham.
Honorees fall into one of four categories: Servant Leader, Game Changer, Hero, and Lifetime Achievement. Under the Servant Leader, Game Changer, and Hero categories there are three honorees — one Vulcan and two Spears.
Additionally, the Vulcans recognizes a single honoree for the Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Dr. Perry W. Ward is featured prominently in the exhibit. Visitors will learn about his 30-plus year legacy as President of Lawson State Community College. They’ll also get to know Lawson State’s own history, a legacy that extends to 1947.
One of the advantages of the exhibit format is that it will allow thousands of Vulcan Park and Museum visitors to learn just what The Vulcans are about. The Vulcans Community Awards On View is rich in imagery and accessible to visitors. Video links throughout the exhibit will allow visitors to hear directly from the honorees. The honorees have been invited to provide artifacts that illustrate their impact on the city.
“The exhibit features people who have risen to unique challenges presented by COVID-19 and the ongoing conversation about the sort of society we want to be,” says Backstory president Phillip Ratliff. “In this exhibit, visitors will recognize their own struggles and triumphs.”