Mobile has 160,000 African American residents, in a Metro Area of more than 600,000.

The correct pronunciation of the city’s name is "Mo-beel", per its French founders describing the Maubilla Indians. Eventually the name became spelled "Mobile".

Mobile is the Azalea Capital of the World, displaying more than 50 varieties in colors from white to translucent lavender.

Mobile is home to the original Mardi Gras in America, instituted in 1703, years before New Orleans adopted the celebration.

Modern Mobile derives more than half its annual wealth from waterborne commerce.

Mobile Bay holds the second largest natural gas reserve in the world.

Notable residents born or made their mark here:

James Reese Europe
Staged the first public Jazz Concert in the US

John LeFlore The leading civil rights activist in Mobile from 1925-75

Alexis Herman
Under Bill Clinton, she became the first African American U.S. Secretary of Labor; appointed in 1997; her father, Alex Herman, was the first king of the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association

Hank Aaron
Baseball’s all-time leader in Home Runs (755), Runs Batted In (2,297), Total Bases (6,856), and 3rd in hits (3,771); Hammering Hank led National Leagues in home run's and RBI 4 times each and batting twice; MVP in 1957 and won 3 Gold Gloves; played in 24 All-Star Games; major roadways and a stadium in Mobile have been named after him; played for the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves

Satchel Paige
The most celebrated pitcher in Negro Leagues Baseball; he was finally drafted into Major Leagues Baseball in his 40s and pitched into his 50s; eventually played for the Cleveland Indians

Ozzie Smith
The most celebrated defensive mind shortstop in the history of Major Leagues Baseball; played with St. Louis Cardinals

Billie Williams
Played for the Chicago Cubs and nicknamed "Sweet Swingin' Billy"; for many years was the Cubs all-time home run hitter

Willie McCovey
A first baseman, he hit over 500 home runs playing mostly with the San Francisco Giants

Lil Greenwood
Duke Ellington discovered her in 1958 and worked with him until his death in 1974; Ellington introduced her to work with Sarah Vaughan, Eartha Kitt, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Charles Smith
One of the nation's premier handcraft design potters.