Birmingham police Chief Michael Pickett has requested that all alumni events and activities be held at Legion Field, instead of local parks, a proposal that has received mixed reactions from the community.
Yakisha Hardy, a Jackson-Olin graduate, shared her conflicted feelings about the change.
“I hate it that they want us to move, and I’m kind of conflicted because I grew up across the street from Legion Field,” Hardy said.
The request would shift alumni events away from local parks and place them in and around Legion Field. Hardy said the change could affect the atmosphere of these gatherings.
“I had to run a mile in five minutes around McAlpine before I could graduate, so I don’t get that same feeling of nostalgia that I get at Legion Field. I wouldn’t have that, and I’m sure a lot of other alumni wouldn’t have that same feeling either,” Hardy said.
The proposal follows an incident in July of last year when Birmingham police arrested four men involved in a shooting near Woodlawn High School during an annual alumni picnic.
Dana Woodruff, a Huffman graduate who has organized local alumni events, said she understands the reasoning behind the request and is keeping an open mind.
“When you think about crowd control and resources, I understand the city making a move like that, the Birmingham Police Department getting more involved in a community gathering,” Woodruff said.
She also emphasized the importance of considering different perspectives.
“I do think it’s more about perspective as well, just really weighing the options of safety and crowd control, bringing something else to Legion Field. Why not bring other cultural events into Legion Field? So, I can see it on both sides,” Woodruff said.
Alumni events typically take place during the summer near local high schools and parks. Hardy said the location shouldn’t matter as long as safety is prioritized.
“He has to keep us safe wherever we are, at Legion Field or at McAlpine. So what’s the difference? To me, it’s like Legion Field would be an even bigger issue,” Hardy said.
Pickett could not be reached for comment.
