ESPN Comes To Birmingham This Week To Film 'Dear Black Athlete'

BIRMINGHAM, AL - One of the country's centers for the Civil Rights Movements will be the setting for a presentation by the ESPN. The network is in Birmingham this week to record a special show at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church called "Dear Black Athlete" for Black History Month. On Wednesday, February 7, the network will produce a live taping of the show presented by ESPN's "The Undefeated."

According to a statement by mayor Randall Woodfin, the recording will feature the Parker High School Gospel Choir, former NFL star Anquan Bolden, Baltimore Ravens tight end and author Brian Watson, former ESPN SportsCenter anchor Jemele Hill and other local and national sports figures.

The taping is open to the public and free of charge. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. and the taping will begin promptly at 1 p.m. To be part of the audience, you must register at http://www.theundefeated.eventbrite.com .

“This television special is an homage to one of the most admired leaders of the 20th century, and also a tribute to black athletes whose leadership and intellect are sometimes underappreciated," said Kevin Merida, ESPN Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of The Undefeated. "We are honored to anchor this series of conversations at the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham, where Dr. King spoke many times to mass rallies and courageously battled injustice.”

Photo of 16th Street Baptist Church by Gary Tramontina/Getty Images