International Longshoreman's Association Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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International Longshoreman's Association Hall
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International Longshoreman's Association Hall in 2011
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 Location in Mobile, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Mobile, Alabama, United States |
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| Built | 1949 |
| Architectural style | Art Moderne |
| NRHP reference No. | 11000408 |
| Added to NRHP | June 27, 2011 |
The International Longshoreman's Association Hall is a very important historic building in Mobile, Alabama. It was a meeting place for a labor union and played a big part in the Civil Rights Movement. This hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 27, 2011, because of its special history.
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A Special Building: The ILA Hall
The International Longshoreman's Association Hall is more than just a building. It's a symbol of hard work and the fight for fairness. It was built in 1949 and has seen many important moments in history.
What is the ILA?
The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) is a labor union. A labor union is a group of workers who join together to protect their rights and improve their working conditions. The ILA represents longshoremen. Longshoremen are people who load and unload cargo from ships at ports.
The Mobile chapter of the ILA was started in 1936. It was created to represent the African American longshoremen in the city. These workers played a vital role in the port of Mobile.
A Place for Community and Change
The ILA Hall quickly became a central spot for the African American community in Mobile. It wasn't just for union meetings. Its auditorium hosted many famous African American entertainers, making it a lively cultural center.
More importantly, the hall became a key gathering place during the Civil Rights Movement. This was a time when people worked hard to end unfair treatment and gain equal rights for all. The hall provided a safe space for meetings and planning during this important struggle.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Visit
One of the most significant events at the ILA Hall happened on January 1, 1959. On this day, Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech there. This was a very special occasion because it was the only place in Mobile where he spoke publicly at that time. His visit made the hall an even more important landmark in the Civil Rights Movement.
Architecture: The Art Moderne Style
The ILA Hall was built in the Art Moderne style. This is a type of architecture that was popular in the mid-20th century. Buildings in this style often have smooth surfaces, rounded corners, and a sleek, modern look. They were designed to look futuristic and efficient.
