Alabama Black History Spotlight: Kevin Croom’s Growing Impact

Townsend Nissan proudly presents the 2026 Black History Makers of Alabama, a celebration of excellence, impact, and legacy.

This special initiative is brought to you by Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and The Tuscaloosa Thread, alongside our valued community partners, the Tuscaloosa Branch of the NAACP and the Tuscaloosa County–West Alabama Chapter of the NPHC, united in honoring the individuals who shape our community and inspire the next generation.

Stillman College proudly highlights the dedication of its aspiring journalists through this article, authored by Student India Harris, a passionate Journalism student. This piece stems from a collaboration between Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa and the Department of English, Journalism, and Media Communications, showcasing the skill and talent within its community.

2026 Black History Maker of Alabama – Kevin Croom

Kevin Croom is a devoted change-maker, committed to giving back to West Alabama communities by helping underprivileged families. He exemplifies the qualities of leadership, service, and commitment to others throughout West Alabama communities. These qualities go hand in hand with Croom’s belief that supporting at-risk youth and building strong families are the foundations of strong communities.

With this goal in mind, and giving no mind to skeptics, Croom set out to mentor four young men considered by society to be "problematic." Their eventual success in avoiding the pitfalls of their environment proved the strength of his faith.

This was just the beginning for Croom. He established the non-profit Croom Foundation in 2018 to aid families and young men and women, with the motto, “You are a product of your environment until your environment changes.”

Croom has built a strong reputation within Tuscaloosa. He is deeply connected with people, and he supports them through efficient action. The Croom Foundation supports families and youth with education, safety, and household stability. His work is rooted in helping families access the support services they need to flourish.

His ministry works with schools and local organizations to help provide better lives for families and ensure a strong future for the community's youth. The Foundation has a strong history of preparing youths for academic success, financial stability, and ongoing prosperity.

They also work to encourage students to pursue higher education by providing scholarship support. Croom has helped 118 students secure more than $ 5.2 million in scholarships across 43 cities and 13 states.

As much as $90,000 of this was awarded through the Officer Kennis Memorial Scholarship. The fund was created to honor the life of fallen Meridian police officer and Tuscaloosa native Kennis Croom, the younger brother of Kevin Croom. This scholarship carries forward Kennis’ dedication to his community, duty, and service.

His deep desire is to make the community a better place to grow in family, faith, and integrity. The community trusts Croom's guidance, and, with the Foundation, communities are shaped through ongoing active involvement, empathy, and a deep regard for supporting families in need.

For Croom, Black History “serves as a guidepost” for the Foundation’s mission. “Black History challenges us to address disparities with honesty, compassion, and strategy. It reminds us that progress is not accidental, it is built through intentional action, community partnership, and a commitment to lifting others as we climb.”

Croom’s work is more than mentorship; it is a movement. It began as guidance for four young men and evolved into a foundation of opportunity stretching across cities and states. Through unwavering faith, action, and a steadfast commitment to community, he is not merely responding to challenges but redefining outcomes. His mission embodies a profound truth by altering the environment, which directly impacts the future.

Consequently, through the lives he has transformed, the scholarships he has facilitated, and the families he has strengthened, his influence will resonate beyond West Alabama. This demonstrates that titles do not measure true leadership, but rather the lives they uplift.

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa thanks Townsend Nissan for supporting our yearly Black History Makers of Alabama spotlight. Be sure to visit them at 2620 Skyland E Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405.

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