The city of Montgomery, the cradle of the civil rights movement, may be in violation of Alabama’s eminent domain law which is one of the most restrictive in the country. Often without adequate notice, it is demolishing the homes of property owners without compensation or due process. Typically, it then bills the property owners for the costs of demolition. Many of the demolished homes are in heavily minority neighborhoods. Although the city alleges that the homes are “blighted,” the case of Jimmy McCall, who is profiled in the video, contradict these claims. According to photos (not shown in the video) and a structural engineer, McCall’s new home, which he built himself, was in excellent shape. Although McCall won several court cases upholding his rights, the city demolished his home and has refused compensation. Click on the following link to view the video form the Alabama Civil Rights Advisory Commission hearing held in Montgomery, Alabama April 29th, 2009.