LLANDOVERY, UK — A loving bond between Alabama and Wales continued earlier this month, when the University of Alabama Birmingham Gospel Choir performed in several Welsh cities and community events. It was in response to an invite from a Welsh delegation that visits Alabama every year.
The bond between the communities are rooted in tragedy: Welsh artist John Petts designed a stained-glass window for the 16th Street Church in Birmingham shortly after its bombing in 1963.
"Four young women lost their lives," said Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, "and people in Wales collected together to create a window to give expression to the feelings of people in Wales."
Speaking with the BBC in 1987, Petts fondly recalled the Birmingham community "had never heard of Wales, but they were very quickly told something of the little country Wales was, and how it put great value on independence and freedom."
"I'm still amazed that this country, of all the countries in the world, was so moved by that particular bombing in 1963 that they donated a window that people come from all over the world to see now," said choir director Dr. James Reginald Jackson.
During the UAB choir's trip to Wales, members were able to meet with Petts' surviving family members and perform for them as well as a group including Welsh dignitaries and First Minister Drakeford.
The choir was also invited to witness the unveiling of Wales' own local plea for tolerance and unity, a mural entitled "Call Them Out," featuring the image of Welsh rugby player Nia Fajeyisan, which encourages people to call out racism when it is witnessed.
"Many of the people who are here today, these things happened well, well before they themselves were born," said Drakeford. "But the significance of that relationship goes on being important."
"Now we get a chance to go full circle and come and see you and say thank you for thinking about us," added Dr. Jackson.