Linton Barbershop Documentary Snags Regional EMMY

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A short video documentary telling the story of one of the most historic locations in Tuscaloosa has been awarded the 2023 Southeast EMMY in the category of Historical/Cultural, Short Form Content.

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The Block, which was once home to prominent Black-owned businesses at the center of the Civil Rights Movement, housed businesses such as the famed barbershop of Rev. Thomas Linton, the first Black newspaper The Alabama Citizen, Maggie’s Diner, along with sleeping rooms for itinerant Black railroad workers.

"The Linton Barbershop Project" was a collaboration between the University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History and Reconciliation Foundation, along with Linton family members.

This effort included Felecia Linton and attorney Sue Thompson, who are working to preserve the memory of the site for future generations.

The Linton Barbershop Project in 2022 worked with the UA Center for Public Television on a documentary short featuring Dr. John D. Vickers Jr. — owner of The Block until 2010.

“It’s always a great honor to win an EMMY,” Executive Producer Rob Briscoe said. “Our team did a fantastic job, and this award tells me that people want this story to be told. We hope this is just the beginning.”

During its heyday, The Block was well known as a sanctuary for foot soldiers during the Civil Rights Movement. It was also a place where mass meetings were held and where Autherine Lucy found refuge during her struggle to integrate the University of Alabama.

"This was a haven for Black folks who participated in the march and was also the first time I saw that Blacks could achieve something on an economic [level]," Vickers said. "I think this is a great idea to add this legacy to the civil rights struggle and the trail that people come to Tuscaloosa to [visit.]”

The Linton Barbershop Project Committee consists of:

• Elva Bradley, retired assistant dean in the College of Communication and Information Sciences;
• Jessy Ohl, associate professor of Communication Studies
• Scott Bridges, co-president of the Tuscaloosa Civil Rights History and Reconciliation Foundation;
• Rob Brisco, executive producer.

Organizers say community involvement will be crucial for the next phases of the project, with Bridges saying more stories are being collected about the barbershop and the rest of The Block in order to build momentum.

Those interested in supporting the project with stories, documents, or resources associated with The Block are asked to contact Elva Bradley at ebradley@retiree.ua.edu.

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