Kingston
| Kingston | |
 |
Birmingham neighborhoods |
| District(s) | 4, 5 |
|---|---|
| Community | East Birmingham |
| Population | 2,325 |
| Area | N/A |
| President | Brenda Holifield |
| Meeting site | Royal Venues, (map) |
| Meeting day | 4th Monday |
| Website | |
| Neighborhood map | Kingston |
Kingston is a neighborhood in the East Birmingham community of Birmingham. It was developed on land formerly farmed as part of Peyton King's plantation, and has historically housed a large Black community, once surrounded by predominantly white neighborhoods.
The 500-unit Morton Simpson Homes public housing project was constructed in Kingston in the 1950s. By 1968 it was the home of about 7,000 residents in 2,000 households with an average income of $4,700. The neighborhood was served by Dupuy Elementary School, Gibson Elementary School and Kingston Elementary School, all of which have since closed. Currently students in Kingston attend Hayes K-8 School. Stockham Park is the only public park in the neighborhood, which is also crossed by Village Creek , separating it from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport on the north.
Stockham Valves & Fittings was a major manufacturer in Kingston from 1903 to 1998. In 2027 a new $300 million Coca-Cola United corporate headquarters with a bottling plant, warehouse and distribution center was completed on the former Stockham site.
Jerry's Convenience Store in Kingston was the scene of the police shooting that killed Bonita Carter in June 1979.
The Kingston Neighborhood Association meets on the 4th Monday of each month at the Royal Venues. It is presided over by Brenda Holifield.
Neighborhood presidents
- Emmet Lockett
- Lovie Crawford
- Joe Murray
- Willie Mae Hale, 2002–2006
- Lillie Cole, 2006–2020
- Brenda Holifield, 2020–
Demographics
- 2010: 1,855 (95.4% Black)
- 2020: 2,325 (89.6% Black)
References
- Cruikshank, George H. (1920) History of Birmingham and Its Environs: A Narrative Account of Their Historical Progress, Their People, and Their Principal Interests 2 volumes. Chicago, Illinois: Lewis Publishing Company. - via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections
- "Blight in Kingston gets attention" (August 31, 1979) The Birmingham News - via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections
- Roberson, Peggy (June 19, 1968) "Most homes shadowed by industry" The Birmingham News - via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections