New marker on the MAAHT!

On Oct 19, 2025, the MLP and the City of Montevallo, with funding and other support from Shelby County, unveiled a new marker commemorating Almont Elementary School on the African American Heritage Trail. The school served African American children in the Montevallo area from 1939 until full integration in 1970. The unveiling was followed by a storysharing reception at Almont's Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.

Photographs by Tonia Mayton.

State Senator Rodger Smitherman (center) pose with former students of Almont Elem. School

Photo collage board of former teachers and students

Rev. Elijah Smith of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and others at the unveiling ceremony

Marla Jones, Cathy Gaddis, Kathlyn Lathion and Ethel Thompson at the dedication

Unveiling of the marker by James Salter, Sen. Smitherman and Rev. Rance Gaddis

Community members at the dedication and unveiling

Brenda G. Essix speaking at Pilgrim Rest Church during the storytelling portion of the dedication