Fine wine, live jazz, art and history will come together in Decatur this month for an evening supporting two projects dedicated to preserving one of Alabama’s most consequential civil rights stories.
CEOTA Nonprofit will host its 2026 Art & Wine Extravaganza on Friday, Oct. 23, at Ingalls Harbor Pavilion, with proceeds benefiting the developing Decatur Scottsboro Boys Civil Rights Museum and Judge James E. Horton Jr. Legal Learning Center.
The evening will feature sommelier Derrick C. Westbrook, who has been recognized by Wine Enthusiast as one of its “40 Under 40,” along with contemporary jazz saxophonist Dee Lucas.
A VIP reception begins at 5 p.m., followed by the main event at 6 p.m.
“The Art & Wine Extravaganza is an opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy a wonderful evening and support a vision that has been years in the making,” said Frances D. Tate, founder and chair of CEOTA Nonprofit. “Every ticket purchased helps us move closer to opening the Decatur Scottsboro Boys Civil Rights Museum and Judge James E. Horton, Jr. Legal Learning Center and ensuring that these important stories of courage and justice are preserved for generations to come.”
CEOTA, which stands for Celebrating Early Old Town with Art, is leading development of both institutions. The museum and legal learning center are intended to preserve and interpret the history of the Scottsboro Boys cases and the legacy of Judge James E. Horton Jr., while providing opportunities for education and the study of justice and constitutional rights.
The organization also sees the projects as part of a broader effort to strengthen Decatur’s place as the northern gateway to Alabama’s Civil Rights Trail.
General admission tickets are $150, while the VIP Experience is $195. Tickets and additional information are available through CEOTA’s Scottsboro Boys Civil Rights Museum website.
