NFL star, activist uses AI to teach Birmingham students about civil rights
Colin Kaepernick partnered with Birmingham schools helping students to use AI.
Mason Reed 
NFL athlete and entrepreneur Colin Kaepernick recently visited Birmingham to celebrate the creative achievements of city students who are leveraging technology to explore vital chapters of American history. Students presented innovative projects detailing the 1963 Birmingham Children’s Crusade, utilizing Lumi Story AI—a platform specifically designed by Kaepernick for secure, classroom-focused learning.
Empowering the Next Generation
Since the partnership began in 2025, hundreds of Birmingham City Schools students in grades 6-8 have engaged with this generative AI tool to enhance their literacy and writing development. Kaepernick emphasized that the goal is to equip students to be active builders and creators. "We want them to walk out of our schools and be able to take on the world," he stated, noting that the technology is intended to be used intentionally to support both students and educators.
A Commitment to Academic Excellence
This initiative arrives as Birmingham City Schools celebrates significant academic growth. The district recently achieved a report card grade of 77 for 2025—the highest in the district’s history—a jump from 71 in 2019. Superintendent Mark Sullivan lauded the focus on quality resources, noting that Lumi Story AI stands out because of its robust safeguards, which guide student thinking rather than replacing it.
Students Take the Stage
On Tuesday, June 2, representatives from Hayes K-8, Green Acres Middle School, Bush Hills STEAM Academy, and John Herbert Phillips Academy showcased their work during a presentation event. Held at the historic John Herbert Phillips Academy, the showcase allowed students to demonstrate how the technology assisted them in conducting research, verifying facts, and crafting graphic novels.
For the students, the impact went beyond technical skills. Phillips Academy student Jamaya Rembert highlighted how the project fostered personal growth and a deeper connection to the material. "I love being able to speak up for what’s right, freedom and equality," Rembert said, reflecting the spirit of the historic lessons brought to life through her work.
