Vibrant New Mural Slows Traffic and Captivates Visitors in Birmingham's Civil Rights District

Delmous Vance III is getting accustomed to the sight of vehicles slowing down as they approach his building in downtown Birmingham. The eye-catching reason for this sudden deceleration is a striking new mural that now adorns the exterior of his pharmacy, Citizens Express, located on Fifth Avenue North, directly across from the historic A.G. Gaston Motel museum in the heart of the city’s Civil Rights District.

The mural, titled “Radical Seeds,” spans the entire side of the building and features a powerful depiction of five figures—ranging from an infant to adults—embracing each other in a display of unity and warmth. The artwork is already becoming a significant visual landmark in the area, drawing the attention of passersby and creating a moment of pause in the bustling downtown.

“This mural holds deep meaning for our community, especially since this is the gateway to the Fourth Avenue Business District,” Vance explained. “With A.G. Gaston once owning this building before selling it to my father, this piece represents a legacy that continues through generations.”

As Vance discussed the mural, a woman pulled into the nearby parking lot, clearly drawn by the vibrant artwork. “People can’t get enough of it,” Vance remarked.

Commissioned in June by the non-profit organization Taproot Earth, the mural is a testament to the power of public art in transforming urban spaces. Based in Slidell, Louisiana, Taproot Earth focuses on supporting communities from the Gulf Coast to Appalachia that are grappling with the effects of climate change through grassroots organizing and advocacy.

“The mural was intended to symbolize love, abundance, and strength, aligning with our organization’s message,” said Langston Austin, the New Orleans-based artist behind the piece. “My work is driven by empathy and compassion, and this mural reflects those values—showcasing people caring for each other in different ways.”

Vance was immediately on board when approached about using his building as the canvas for the mural. “It’s a profound piece that emphasizes the importance of community involvement in making things work. It takes everyone coming together,” he said.

Citizens Express Pharmacy is not just another business in downtown Birmingham; it carries a rich history. Founded by A.G. Gaston, one of the first prominent Black entrepreneurs in Alabama, the pharmacy is part of a legacy that includes a funeral home, insurance company, bank, motel, and drug store—an empire built from humble beginnings.

Gaston, born into poverty in Alabama’s Black Belt and the grandson of formerly enslaved people, rose to prominence through sheer determination and business acumen. When he passed away in 1996 at the age of 103, his legacy included this very pharmacy, which Delmous Vance Jr. purchased from him in 1970 after working there as a pharmacist.

Today, Delmous Vance III continues to uphold this legacy. “This mural is more than just art; it’s a connection between the past, present, and future. It represents a continuation of the values that A.G. Gaston and my father instilled in this community. I’m proud to carry that forward,” Vance said.