By the River Center for Humanity

By the River Center for Humanity is a unique institution located in Selma, Alabama, just one block east of the Saint James Hotel. Situated along the Alabama River, visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the river and the Historic Edmund Pettus Bridge. The center serves as a creative incubator for local performers and artisans, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents, arts, crafts, and merchandise.

Our mission at By the River Center for Humanity is to support small business owners, artists, and performers by helping them promote their services to a wider audience through our gallery, retail gift shop, and monthly open market events. We also offer educational classes in business and a variety of presentations, workshops, exhibits, performances, and interactive experiences for the public to enjoy.

Soul Prints is a powerful interactive dramatization created by Sister Afriye We-kandodis, which allows participants to emotionally connect with the trauma of the Middle Passage and slavery. Through sound, movement, and performance, Sister Afriye creates a healing space for participants to explore and release the emotional and spiritual wounds of the past. The experience often leads to life-changing moments and inspires individuals to move forward in their own healing journey.

At the end of each Soul Prints experience, there is an open forum where people of different backgrounds can come together to discuss the impact of slavery and the importance of spiritual healing for all of humanity. By the River Center for Humanity is a place where people can come together to learn, heal, and uplift each other, creating a sense of unity and understanding among all.