About the Digital Humanities Working Group

Our Mission

Preserving heritage, empowering communities, strengthening bonds

The Digital Humanities Working Group serves as Birmingham-Bessemer Youth Ministries' innovation engine, bringing together technologists, storytellers, organizers, and creatives to build community digital infrastructure that matters.

We believe technology should serve people, not the other way around. That's why we're building digital tools and platforms designed specifically for our community—rooted in our history, responsive to our needs, and shaped by our collective vision for the future.

Our work sits at the intersection of technology and the humanities. We use digital tools to preserve cultural heritage, amplify community voices, expand educational access, and strengthen the bonds that hold us together. Every project we undertake is grounded in the understanding that Birmingham-Bessemer's greatest asset has always been its people.

"We're not just building websites and apps—we're building digital infrastructure that will serve our community for generations to come."

Our Story

From vision to action: building Birmingham-Bessemer's digital future

2018

Birmingham-Bessemer Youth Ministries is founded with a vision to support and promote the humanities at the community level, drawing on Birmingham's Civil Rights legacy and rich cultural traditions.

2024

BBYM achieves 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and begins developing comprehensive educational platforms, including financial literacy programs, K-12 academic support, and The Swanson Initiative trust fund.

2025

The Digital Humanities Working Group is established as BBYM's innovation engine, bringing together founding co-creators to build community digital infrastructure through collaborative, multidisciplinary projects.

Today

We're actively recruiting founding members across four tracks—Technology, Content, Community, and Creative—to build projects that will transform how our community preserves heritage, shares knowledge, and builds power.

Our Core Values

The principles that guide our work

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Community-Centered

Every project begins and ends with community needs. We build with people, not for them, ensuring our digital infrastructure truly serves those who need it most.

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Open & Accessible

We believe knowledge and technology should be freely available to all. Our platforms are designed for accessibility, our content is offered without cost, and our doors are open to everyone.

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Collaborative

Great work happens when diverse talents come together. We embrace multidisciplinary collaboration, recognizing that the best solutions emerge from collective wisdom.

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Heritage-Honoring

Birmingham-Bessemer's history is our foundation. We preserve cultural memory, honor elder wisdom, and ensure that future generations know where they come from.

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Innovation-Driven

We leverage cutting-edge technology to solve real community challenges. From interactive learning platforms to oral history archives, we're always exploring new possibilities.

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Empowerment-Focused

Our goal is to build capacity, not dependency. We create tools that empower individuals, strengthen organizations, and amplify community voices.

How We Work

Multidisciplinary collaboration for maximum impact

The Digital Humanities Working Group operates through four specialized tracks, each bringing unique expertise to our collaborative projects. Co-creators can contribute to one track or work across multiple areas based on their interests and skills.

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Technology Track

Developers, designers, and technologists building the digital infrastructure that powers our community platforms

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Content Track

Writers, historians, and educators creating curriculum, documentation, and storytelling that preserves our heritage

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Community Track

Organizers, liaisons, and coordinators connecting our work to churches, schools, and neighborhood organizations

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Creative Track

Designers, photographers, and marketers crafting the visual identity and outreach that amplifies our message

Join Us in Building the Future

The Digital Humanities Working Group is actively recruiting founding co-creators. Whether you're a technologist, storyteller, organizer, or creative professional, there's a place for you in building Birmingham-Bessemer's digital future.

Become a Co-Creator Contact Us