Background Information

 

During the Spring of 2002, while cleanup and recovery operations were under way at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Workers Memorial Committee believed it would be impressive if we could acquire a section from one of the World Trade Center, Twin Towers for a workers memorial. We could construct the Memorial here in the West Alabama area to honor all workers killed or injured in the work place. We contacted the Alabama Seventh District Representative in Washington, D.C., the Alabama Red Cross Labor Liaison and operating engineers at Ground Zero with the idea. Even before our committee knew what we wanted, we were able to acquire a seven-foot section of I-beam from World Trade Center, Tower One. This I-beam weighed approximately 1000 lbs. We worked with organizations in Atlanta, Georgia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to deliver the I-beam. We had agreed to share the treasured artifact with the labor council in Atlanta, Georgia in exchange for their help. It was cut in half and our section continued its journey to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. On June 20, 2002, our Workers Memorial Committee held a press conference displaying the I-beam and explained its purpose. At that time our committee was unable to secure a suitable, permanent location for a Memorial and the I-beam was put into storage.

On Patriots Day 2006, with renewed interest in the River Walk project in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, our Workers Memorial Committee was reorganized to revitalize the project. The committee now has members from the Cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport, Tuscaloosa County, University of Alabama, area businesses, private individuals and the West Alabama Labor Council. Collectively, our committee designed Workers Memorial Commons and secured a permanent location for the Memorial on River Walk in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Workers Memorial Commons, when completed, will include that section of I-beam from World Trade Center, Tower One and will serve as a tribute to all workers that have been injured or killed in the work place.

Contact Information

 
    Workers Memorial Commons Foundation, Inc.
      1923 Culver Road                             P.O. Box 20264
      Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401            Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35402
    Executive Director                             
      James M. Crowder                               
      8920 Sanders Ferry Road                                 
      Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401                 
      P: 205.799.2632               

Workers Memorial Commons Foundation, Inc.

 

Workers Memorial Commons Foundation, Inc. was established in June 22, 2007, to construct and maintain Workers Memorial Commons on the River Walk in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Workers Memorial Commons Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is managed by a volunteer staff.

The Foundation's goal is to build the Memorial with in-kind services, donated materials and sponsorships from businesses, organizations and individuals. Workers Memorial Commons will be the first memorial that embraces every worker regardless of vocation, ethnic background or economic prominence.

                  Central Sculpture

This bronze fifteen foot central sculpture supporting a section of I-beam from Tower One of the World Trade Center will be displayed in a negative edge reflective pool at the entrance of Workers Memorial Commons. The stylized bronze arms represent every worker killed or injured on the job including the 2749 people who were working and perished on September 11. The bronze arms extend upward out of the rubble illustrating the unrelenting drive to rise and rebuild time and time again.