The City of Birmingham Retirement and Relief System Pension Board will vote Wednesday on an amendment that aims to increase pensions for retired city employees. (Adobe Stock)
The City of Birmingham Retirement and Relief System Pension Board will vote Wednesday on an amendment that aims to increase pensions for retired city employees.
If the board votes yes, an increase will not happen right away. Amendment 14 would first go before the Birmingham City Council. If the city council votes yes, the board and city can start working together on pension negotiations.
The board will vote inside the Birmingham City Hall at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
“I hope that as many retirees, or even active employees who are off that day, or even a taxpayer who wants to come to that meeting, they can come,” said Dexter Cunningham, a Birmingham Retirement and Relief Pension System trustee.
Cunningham, a retired Birmingham Police Department sergeant, said some retired first responders receiving a $400 pension check monthly. He said some widows are receiving $300.
“How can anybody make it off of $400 month?” Cunningham said. “We are just seeking some type of increase.”
Cunningham said the board is an independent entity overseeing the pension fund. The amount of money the board puts toward the fund, the city of Birmingham has to match it, and that has been a reason pensions have remained the same over the last 25 years, Cunningham said.
“We’re talking in a scale of maybe $1 (million) to $2 million the system would vote to increase to give retirees something,” Cunningham said.
If the pension fund is increased, it would affect all eligible retirees who have worked for the city of Birmingham.
Jehovah's Witnesses' annual observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal will feature a talk highlighting the importance of Jesus. (Provided)
jw.org
For Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world, the most important day of 2025 will be Saturday, April 12.
The day corresponds to Nisan 14 of the Jewish calendar. On that date, over 2,000 years ago, Jesus introduced the observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal hours before his death.
As a result, Jehovah’s Witnesses gather annually on Nisan 14 to remember the death of Jesus Christ in adherence to his words recorded at Luke 22:19, “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”
“While there are more than 9 million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide, more than 21 million people attended the Memorial last year,” said Clarence Fortune, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “We hope our local community members will join us in remembering the death of Jesus Christ and reflecting on its profound significance.”
The annual observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal will feature a talk highlighting the importance of Jesus’ death and how all mankind benefits from his sacrifice.
The event is one hour in duration and is free and open to the public.
For more information about how Jehovah’s Witnesses observe the Lord’s Supper, please visit the event’s online invitation on jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In addition, a special talk titled “Can Truth Be Found?” was delivered at local Kingdom Halls on the weekend of April 5 and 6.
The 30-minute, Bible-based public talk highlighted what Jesus said about truth and where it can be found despite the increase in misinformation today. The talk was followed by a one-hour discussion of a scriptural topic featuring audience participation.
In Birmingham, Jehovah’s Witnesses launched a month-long campaign to invite residents to the Memorial.
“The purpose of our campaign is to extend the invitation to these two special events to as many people in our community as possible,” said Fortune. “These events are open to anyone who is seeking to learn more about Bible truth and show appreciation for the death of Jesus Christ.”
BY JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY | Special to the Birmingham Times
SHUMAINE & TAMARCUS PRUITT
Live: Fairfield
Married: Dec. 19, 2010
Met: January 2003, at Stillman College, during their public speaking class in The Wynn Center.
“Stillman is a small school, so we had seen each other before and exchanged small words and little flirtations, but we’d never had a one-on-one conversation until we took the public speaking class,” Shumaine said, “I used to sit behind TaMarcus in class and he was always turning around and staring at me. And then we had a mutual friend that he eventually sent to [play matchmaker at a party].”
TaMarcus clarified that he only turned around to look at her “because I could feel her staring at me first,” he smiled.
As for the friend he sent to play matchmaker, he and his buddy borrowed a bit from the movie ‘The Five Heartbeats’, where one of the brothers in the group would play shy, while another went over to let the girl know that the “shy one” was interested.
“I was letting her know I was interested,” TaMarcus recalled.
The pair exchanged numbers and started hanging out on and around campus, but it was their summer break that brought them closer. They became great friends and by the time they got back to school for the fall semester they knew that there was something deeper between them.
First date: Fall 2003, at The McFarland Mall in Tuscaloosa. TaMarcus had window shopping and food court lunch in mind, … that would get the best of him and his pockets.
“I bought her some Diesel shoes, and a lot of Bath And Body Works– lotions, sprays, all that stuff,” TaMarcus said. “I did like her and I asked her if she wanted the stuff because I thought she was gonna be a little modest and turn some of the stuff down, but she went for it all,” he laughed.
Shumaine laughed and added, “He wasn’t very excited to do these things, and the whole time you could tell … and was trying to figure out if he was doing too much. But he participated and I was grateful,” she said, “and we ate Chinese food at the food court.”
The turn: Nov. 30, 2003. Shumaine gave TaMarcus an ultimatum. “TaMarcus was a bit of a playboy in college, and I don’t think that he would have made the decision to be exclusive on his own, but ultimately, there was a situation where I found out he was being too friendly with someone I knew, and we had just gone shopping the day before so I took the things that he bought me and threw it on his porch and told him that he could not have his cake and eat it too.”
“I couldn’t lose the best thing that ever happened to me, so we made it official.” TaMarcus said.
Shumaine And Tamarcus Pruitt met in 2003 at Stillman College where they shared a class. The couple married in 2010. (Provided Photos)
The proposal: June 2009, in Chicago, Illinois, at the airport. Shumaine was visiting her family when TaMarcus flew in for a visit.
“I had planned to propose to her inside the terminal, but she would not get out and come inside so I did it when I got in the car,” TaMarcus said. “I got in and said, ‘Do you wanna marry me?’
Shumaine’s mom had prophesied the proposal. “Before I left to pick him up, she said, ‘that boy is gonna propose to you’, so I was shocked when he actually did,” Shumaine said. “And I was caught off guard because I was so focused on driving in the busy airport traffic that I made him repeat it, I was like ‘what?’ And then he pulled out the ring and I was surprised and happy. I said, ‘yes, and gave him a kiss.’”
The wedding: At Woodrow Hall in Birmingham, officiated by Pastor Carl Jones, of Zion Star Missionary Baptist Church. Their colors were purple, black and white, and the reception was at the Fish Market on the Southside.
Most memorable for the bride was an incredible wedding weekend. “Our whole wedding weekend was such a blast; we had a lot of friends and family from out of town come in and all of my sorority sisters and his fraternity brothers were there. We just had an amazing time. And for everyone to be gathered together because of us was awesome,” Shumaine said.
Most memorable for the groom was their first look at each other before the ceremony. “I thought it was pretty exciting seeing my bride for the first time. I thought she looked amazing, she was gorgeous, she’s my sunshine,” TaMarcus said, “I couldn’t wait to put my hands on her.”
Words of wisdom: “You need to show your wife that you cherish her and support her. Continue to date your spouse because before you had your kids you had your partner, and she was there first so you need to keep her in first place. [And on those dates] y’all can acknowledge and reflect on everything that y’all are building together,” said TaMarcus.
“It’s important to support your spouse and be their biggest cheerleader,” Shumaine said, ‘show them you value them and what they find valuable. Grow with your spouse, be flexible, don’t be stuck in your ways, and be willing to be a team player. Have great communication with one another and never stop dating your spouse; it keeps things fresh and exciting.”
Happily ever after: The Pruitt’s attend Rock City Church on Valleydale Rd, and have three children: Monroe, 14, Taj, 8, and Melrose, 4.
Shumaine, 43, is a Chicago native, and attended Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history and Jones International University [online], where she obtained a master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and relocated to Alabama permanently after college graduation. Shumaine works as the outreach coordinator and event planner for her and her husband’s non-profit, The Alabama Greek Foundation, known for their annual fundraising event, The Alabama Greek Picnic.
TaMarcus, 42, is a West End native, and A.H. Parker HIgh School grad. He attended Stillman College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and The University of West Alabama, where he obtained a Masters of education. TaMarcus is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and an entrepreneur. He owns The Kloset franchise, with a flagship store in Fairfield, and campus locations Miles and Stillman College, called ‘The Kloset Miles College’, and ‘The Kloset Stillman College’.
“You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them. If you would like to be considered for a future “Hello’’ column, or know someone, please send nominations to Barnett Wright bwright@birminghamtimes.com. Include the couple’s name, contact number(s) and what makes their love story unique.
George Johnson provides free meals for Birmingham’s homeless and underserved population on Sundays. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
Behind a sizzling hot grill on a bright Sunday morning in a parking lot of NLess Cutz stands Reginald Johnson as he prepared a meal for dozens of Birmingham’s homeless and underserved.
With early 2000s R&B hits playing in the background, Johnson’s younger brother, George, sorts through bags of donated clothing.
A quick scan across the parking lot is Kenneth “Niddy” Hubbard providing free haircuts.
For these three, giving back to their community was a “no-brainer,” said Hubbard.
Since October 2024, every Sunday, Hubbard along with cousins, Reginald and George Johnson, have provided the services from Noon-4 p.m. at Birmingham’s NLess Cutz, 809 3rd Ave N.
“It began just out of me wanting to give back,” Hubbard said. “I started riding around downtown and finding less fortunate people and asking them if they wanted a free haircut. If they say ‘no,’ I move on to the next person.”
While he was offering free haircuts, Hubbard said he learned that his cousin (Reginald) was providing free food “and I was like let’s ‘link up’ and make it a package deal,” said Hubbard, the owner of NLess Cutz, who has been cutting hair for more than 10 years.”
Giving back to the community with free haircuts was a “no-brainer,” said Kenneth “Niddy” Hubbard. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
Hubbard, 36, who also operates a business, Kenny Do It All, where he does home improvement work, knew since he was 15 he would be a barber, he said.
Originally from Long Island, New York, he and his family moved to Birmingham in 2002.
Reginald, 38, with the help of his brother George, 37, started with a few dollars and a small grill, offering free food.
“At first, it was kind of iffy because I got bum rushed with a lot of guys and I didn’t know what to do, [but] then I started slowing myself down and figuring out just breathe,” he said, adding, “people would ask if we were a church because they only ever saw churches doing this kind of work.”
The weekly gathering offers more than just a free meal and a free haircut but a sense of community. “Everybody out here is our family,” said Reginald, including the volunteers, which vary from week to week, that help assist.
“People we consider family and that we’ve been knowing since childhood are here helping us as well,” added George.
Working alongside his family is “awesome because we’re liked minded people,” said Hubbard.
“I’ve counted homeless people who were able to get jobs just from changing their appearance and getting free clothes. That does a lot,” he said.
Hubbard recalled his first time providing haircuts alongside his cousins. “We linked up for the first time right across the street from the Platinum in downtown Birmingham (2024). We started there, and it just started growing,” he said. “Our motto is to just dedicate a Sunday every Sunday and wherever it goes, it goes. We go with the flow. We’ve really just started but we want to continue to grow.”
Providing haircuts is more than just about improving someone’s appearance.
“It’s about giving everybody a chance,” Hubbard said. “With me being a barber, I know how a haircut can change a person’s perspective. When I introduce myself out there for the first time, and I got my first person to let me give them a haircut, it just put something in me. I want to keep feeling that feeling.”
For donations reach out to Facebook: Reginald Johnson Jr or Instagram: @ Da_Families_workshop.
Tim Berry, Global Head of Corporate Responsibility, said Chase opened its first branch in Alabama five years ago. (File)
By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times
Alabama has been identified as one of four locations with special significance for JPMorganChase in 2025, according to a letter to shareholders from one of its top executives.
Tim Berry, Global Head of Corporate Responsibility, said the bank opened its first branch in Alabama five years ago and “we’ve grown our banking network to include 11 branches statewide, with plans to triple that number and hire an additional 170 bankers by 2030.”
He wrote, “We’ve helped support the state’s economy by financing the construction of manufacturing, wholesale distribution and recycling facilities, as well as the development of more than 650 affordable housing units. Our funding has been wide ranging and had a positive impact on local economies.”
The other three locations identified in the letter are Columbus, Ohio; the United Kingdom and San Francisco, CA where “we take the time to understand a locale and what it needs to grow its economy,” Berry wrote, “We then …execute a tailored approach with goals like creating jobs, training workers, increasing access to housing and helping people grow their savings – all while strengthening the firm’s bottom line.”
Here’s what Berry said about Alabama in his Letter to Shareholders:
JPMorganChase has provided banking and financial services to consumers, businesses and vital institutions across Alabama since 1973, and today we proudly bank Auburn University along with other colleges across the state. We’ve helped support the state’s economy by financing the construction of manufacturing, wholesale distribution and recycling facilities, as well as the development of more than 650 affordable housing units. Our funding has been wide ranging and had a positive impact on local economies. In Foley — one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and a place where we plan to expand our branch presence next year — we invested $2.6 million through New Markets Tax Credits to the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market, which helped it grow to host 30 vendors, two retail stores and a wholesale distribution facility for vendors to sell local and fresh seafood, produce and meats.
Five years ago, we opened our first bank branch in Alabama, creating a new opportunity for us to connect with consumers and to share insights gained from JPMorganChase Institute research. Earlier this year, the Institute published a report on how small businesses outside of metropolitan areas, like those beyond the boundaries of Alabama’s cities, fare in scaling to $1 million in annual revenue — a key milestone of business development and sustainability.
Moved by the countless stories we heard from Alabamians eager to utilize our branches’ resources — and with the support of partners, including the Huntsville mayor and members of Congress — we’ve grown our banking network to include 11 branches statewide, with plans to triple that number and hire an additional 170 bankers by 2030.
While our branch network’s expansion will help Alabamians access tools to bolster their financial health and even launch a company, we know the importance of working across sectors to develop community infrastructure aligned with these goals. To do so, we have supported nonprofits, providing technical assistance and community development finance throughout the state through partners like Appalachian Community Capital, The Capital Collective, Neighborhood Concepts and the Alabama Small Business Development Initiative.
Because despite being a bank headquartered in New York City, we are proud to show up like a bank headquartered in Alabama.
Boosie Badazz delivered a supercharged, high-energy set that had fans rapping along word for word. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
Story and Photos by Marika N. Johnson | For The Birmingham Times
The Millennium Tour 2025 electrified Birmingham’s Legacy Arena at the BJCC on April 5, with a star-studded lineup that featured Trey Songz, Omarion, Bow Wow, Nivea, Ying Yang Twins, RSVP, Boosie BadAzz, Rick Ross, and Plies — each bringing their energy and crowd-pleasing presence to the stage.
Produced by the Black Promoters Collective, the event seamlessly brought together a diverse array of artists for a cohesive, high-impact show. Nivea kicked off the evening with her soulful vocals, setting a vibrant tone. The Ying Yang Twins followed with a lively set that kept the audience on their feet. RSVP — comprising Ray J, Sammie, Bobby V, and Pleasure P — delivered an engaging performance that showcased their chemistry and vocal skills. Boosie Badazz and Plies maintained the momentum with their supercharged, high-energy sets that had fans rapping along word for word.
Omarion captivated the crowd with smooth vocals, choreography, and a talented group of dancers, performing solo hits and classics from his B2K days. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
Rick Ross took the stage with trademark swagger and commanding delivery, paving the way for a series of extended headliner performances. Bow Wow’s dynamic set, enhanced with pyrotechnics, smoke, and laser lights, included crowd favorites like “Let Me Hold You.” Omarion captivated the crowd with smooth vocals, choreography, and a talented group of dancers, performing solo hits and classics from his B2K days. Trey Songz closed the night with a romantic, vocal-driven set featuring hits like “Neighbors Know My Name,” leaving fans on a high note.
Altogether, the concert served as a powerful celebration of early 2000s R&B and hip-hop, resonating deeply with the Birmingham audience and proving the lasting impact of these beloved artists.
The Birmingham Airport Authority Board has initiated a comprehensive Modernization Plan to transform the parking facilities at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.(Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport)
By Kim Hunt | Birmingham Airport Authority
The Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) Board has set in motion a Modernization Plan that will transform the parking program at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM). The Board has unanimously approved some first steps that will help to set the stage for improvements that will come in phases over the next few years and beyond.
“As passenger traffic continues to grow, we must move the parking operation in a new direction,” said Ron Mathieu, President and CEO of the BAA. “Parking is a critical part of the customer experience at BHM, and our goal is to modernize the operation so that we are ready to meet and exceed the expectations of travelers,” said Mathieu. The initial phase calls for reconfiguration of the parking deck and a restructuring of parking rates that is necessary to fund future improvements.
Members of the BAA Board approved several “Phase One” initiatives at a special workshop on Friday, April 4th. Among the changes that are coming:
• Reconfiguration of level 1 of the parking deck to relieve capacity constraints for rental car businesses that operate at BHM.
ADA-Van Accessible parking will remain on the first level of the deck. All other “oversize” vehicles will move to the Economy Lot.
• Restructuring of parking rates at BHM for the first time in 16 years. The rate changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.
Hourly parking in the deck will go from $24 a day to $26 a day. Daily parking in the deck will go from $12 a day to $17 a day. Incremental parking will increase from $1 an hour to $2 an hour in all lots. Economy parking rates will stay the same at $10 a day.
Discontinuation of the Commuter Parking Program that gives deep discounts to a select group of airline employees who live in Birmingham but who are based in other cities and work out of other airports. The program will end on December 31st, 2025.
These initial steps will help the airport staff prepare for major investments and improvements that will be recommended and considered by the BAA Board in the future.
Airport staff will soon be recommending future projects that will cost between $40 and $50 million dollars to complete. These projects will be considered by the board in the months ahead:
The redevelopment of the Economy Lot as part of a new, remote parking complex.
New technology known as a parking guidance system that will present drivers with dynamic, real-time information on parking availability. This will limit the need to “drive around” searching for an empty space.
New technology in the parking exit lanes to speed up transactions and get visitors on their way more quickly.
Comprehensive signage to better communicate the location of the various parking options and directions for getting there.
The Parking Modernization will also include the revamping of Valet Parking to assure a truly premiere experience for travelers. Looking further into the future, the airport staff anticipates the need for new facilities to meet parking demands. Estimates on those projects are in the works.
Commercial airports that participate in the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and accept grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are required to be self-sustaining. BHM must function like a business and is required to generate the money needed to fund the airport operation.
“Parking is a critical part of the airport business and is also expensive in terms of maintenance, growing capacity, and providing all the different levels of service the public demands,” said Mathieu. The parking and rental car operations make up 45% of BHM’s operating revenue. “The Board is doing exactly what is needed to set in motion a new era of parking that will better serve customers,” said Mathieu.
The Parking Modernization Plan grew out of a year-long review by airport staff and the consulting firm, InterVISTAS, whose team of experts are well-versed in the industry. Together, airport staff and the consultants have applied best practices, compared BHM to other airports, and reviewed how top performing airports are meeting similar challenges. Most importantly, the Parking Modernization Plan is designed to meet current and future challenges with a data driven approach that assures the airport can continue to accommodate future growth and give customers what they want and need.
Lisa McMillian and her husband Freddie McMillan, opened their donation-only restaurant Drexell & Honeybee’s in Brewton, Alabama, which is located in south central Alabama. (Provided)
By Ameera Steward | For The Birmingham Times
When Lisa McMillian considered all the people trying to do their best to make it and still struggling with enough food to eat “I found out that I could help do something about that, and I committed myself [to it],” she said.
With that commitment, McMillian and her husband Freddie McMillan, opened their donation-only restaurant Drexell & Honeybee’s in Brewton, Alabama, which is located in south central Alabama, north of the Florida Panhandle and just under a three-hour drive from Birmingham.
Open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and feeding 125 to 130 people per day, the eatery is dedicated to ridding customers of any shame or embarrassment that can come with ordering food.
“The idea of being hungry…is the loneliest feeling in the world,” said McMillian. “We wanted to make it just so easy for people to come in and get a meal and sit down and enjoy it or take it with [them] and not have to worry. Pride is a precious thing…it’s not good to destroy that because sometimes that’s all people have.”
While delivering groceries to an elderly couple in 2008, McMillian mentioned that she was going to meet her girlfriends for a cup of coffee when the elderly couple’s granddaughter made a face, leading Lisa to ask her what was wrong.
The young woman said she wished she could do things like that with her girlfriends, but didn’t have the money.
At that moment Lisa said to herself “I wish I could open up a place where people just come…eat and drink, and if they don’t have [the] money they don’t have to worry about it.”
That gave birth to Drexell & Honeybee’s where the motto is “We Feed the Need.”
Open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Drexell & Honeybee’s is dedicated to ridding customers of any shame or embarrassment that can come with ordering food. (Provided)
The Root of it All
McMillian grew up in a household of 12 children in Brewton, Alabama, in the middle. Her dad, Earlie Ray Thomas, worked for the city and her mother, Bertha Lee McCants Thomas, was a stay-at-home mom, “but we never went hungry.”
Being raised in a house with 12 children meant staying busy, McMillan remembered.
“We grew up working hard in the cotton fields as teenagers [for the summer],” she said. “We were all taught the value of a hard day’s work. We also had the duty of taking care of our grandparents that stayed a block over from us.”
She added that holidays were always exciting and “we always shared a big meal together on those days.”
In addition to taking care of his family her father also helped others. She believes his way of taking care of others, sparked her passion.
Lisa and her husband, Freddie, met at Booker T. Washington School in Brewton when she was in eighth grade and he was in tenth. After he graduated in 1968, they went their separate ways.
Freddie, 75, went on to join the Marines and served for 35 years including duty in the Vietnam War. Lisa, 72, graduated [Booker T. Washington] in 1970 and went on to study social work at Hope College located in Holland, Mich. However, after two years she decided college wasn’t for her.
She spent five years in Atlanta and then went on to California where she lived “a nomadic life,” doing different jobs. While in California, what’s known as the Northridge Earthquake of ‘94 hit and Lisa said, “‘it’s time to go home.’” So she relocated back home to Brewton.
She found the elderly were having a hard time and some had to choose between medicine and food and in 2000 she started a food bank.
Drexell & Honeybee’s operates on a donation system. (Provided)
A Sense of Security
In 2010 she reconnected with Freddie when he was visiting Brewton from North Carolina. They were on the phone one day and she told him about her wish to open a place for the people.
He told her he would relocate to Brewton, and they could open a place together.
Freddie said that he chose to relocate and open the business with Lisa “because of the difference it [could] make in the lives of others.”
Drexell & Honeybee’s operates on the Freddie’ Social Security and military retirement funds. Donations of dry goods, fresh produce, and money from the community also help them carry out their work.
“The main reason is serving others…It’s not just food,” he said. “It’s any little thing you can do for anyone in need of help. It’s such a joy to see the change in others after you have crossed their paths and help make their lives easier in some small way…we pray every day for a servant’s heart and for God to make us more humble.”
After a year of being together, they married in 2011.
While running errands, Lisa saw a building for sale in Brewton and thought it would be the perfect location for a restaurant. She called her husband, they bought the building, renovated it and opened the restaurant and celebrated seven years on March 26.
“What we wanted to do is make people feel welcomed and…not pressured [or] threatened…So we said no cash registers…we don’t have…credit card machines…we don’t do change…We don’t have any money in the restaurant,” Lisa said.
They do, however, provide an inconspicuous donation box.
“[Freddie] said ‘no matter what happens…half of our retirement will go into this restaurant to keep it going…this restaurant is going to continue…whether people donate or not,” she added. “I [felt] secure…knowing that we were going to keep food…in there whether people put money in the donation box or not.”
As for the name of the restaurant, Lisa remembers riding around California where she lived there and saw a storefront for lease. “I didn’t have a penny…but I jumped out of my car…and thought ‘I would love to put an ice cream shop here.’” She asked herself what she would call it, and the name Drexell & Honeybee’s popped into her head. “I said, ‘I [don’t have] a penny…but if I ever get a restaurant, I’m going to call it Drexell & Honeybee’s.’”
Customers can choose a meat and two sides get dessert, bread and a drink. (Provided)
Not About The Money
The McMillans start their days around 6:30 a.m. because they cook from scratch and are the main chefs, and their days end around 2 p.m. Although they’re able to do it themselves, they do invite guest chefs and volunteers to help.
Each new day requires a menu change.
“We see what’s on sale at the grocery store, and then we set up our menu [based on that],” Lisa explained. “We serve comfort food [and] soul food — macaroni and cheese…hamburgers, steaks, pork chops, chicken, dressing — [and] we do it from scratch.”
Customers can choose a meat and two sides get dessert, bread and a drink. “We all have a duty and responsibility to take care of this earth and its people,” Freddie said. “Our job and duty is to step up and feed any and every one in need.”
Although they don’t ask for payments or donations, they do ask that people respect the restaurant as well as the other patrons; it’s not about getting the biggest piece of chicken or special treatment.
“Everybody’s the same,” she said. “You might have…more money but we still are human beings, and we need to be treated equally and fairly.”
She added that when someone tells her how much of a blessing the restaurant is, “I know we are serving a purpose. I know we are here for a reason, and that’s what makes all the difference.”
To read a note that says, “if it wasn’t for you, me and my family of four would not have eaten today … brings me joy,” Lisa said. “That’s where all the work comes in. It’s not the money they put in the box, it’s [when] people tell you … ’you’ve helped me so much.’”
The restaurant has a small donation box secluded in a corner of the restaurant where you can anonymously leave a donation or even a thank-you note. (Provided)
Charles Barkley recently renovated his late mother’s house in Leeds — the small city east of Birmingham that’s still home in his heart.
During the process, he looked around the neighborhood where he grew up and was saddened by what he saw in the plethora of abandoned homes and lots — the same sight Barkley knows exists in neighborhoods throughout Birmingham.
He decided to do something about it.
The former Auburn star, Basketball Hall of Famer, television commentator, and one of Alabama’s most prolific philanthropists, says he will commit $2 million to address blight in Birmingham and Leeds —$1 million for each city.
“I want to buy run-down homes and try to reinvigorate these areas,” he shared in a recent conversation. “That’s my next venture.”
In Leeds, Barkley said he’ll partner with the minority contractor who renovated his mother’s home to purchase and renovate surrounding properties. “He did an amazing job,” Barkley said.
He hasn’t yet settled on a strategy for addressing blight in Birmingham.
“I want to do some due diligence on who I can trust,” he said. “That’s my game plan.” In recent years, Barkley has donated at least $15 million to various causes and institutions.
He also donated $1 million to St. Mary’s Academy, a 157-year-old, high-achieving Catholic school for young Black women in New Orleans after being inspired by a “60 Minutes” segment featuring two former students who independently solved a math problem thought to be impossible.
“These beautiful Black women, man, they’re just the high achievers,” Barkley said at the time. “A lot is demanded of everybody at the school—high excellence. And these two young Black women did something in mathematics that was incredible. It just inspired me.”
Additionally, Barkley has donated $1 million to ALS research in Alabama in the name of former Auburn teammate Gary Godfrey, who was diagnosed with the disease in January 2019, and to the Wounded Warrior Project.
“That’s just my way of trying to make sure Auburn stays diverse,” he said then.
As for the donation to address blight in Birmingham, Barkley said he wants to work with Mayor Randall Woodfin and Michael Pickett, the interim head of the police department.
“I want to do everything I can to help Randall and the interim police chief fix up neighborhoods and get people living in these houses again,” he said.
Andrea Burrell Bobbs, a second-grade teacher at Sun Valley Elementary School, is celebrated by her students after she was named the BCS Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025. (BCS)
Birmingham City Schools
Andrea Burrell Bobbs, a second-grade teacher at Sun Valley Elementary School, was named the Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025 for Birmingham City Schools. And, Aubrey Bennett, a dedicated 12th-grade U.S. Government, Economics, and Advanced Placement African American History teacher at George Washington Carver High School, has been named the Secondary Teacher of the Year for the system.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan, executive leadership, and school administrators informed Bobbs of the award during a surprise presentation in March.
Bobbs has devoted 20 years to enriching the lives of children within Birmingham City Schools. Inspired by her grandmother, Bobbs is passionate about advocating for students with mental health challenges and building strong relationships that inspire active learning.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan and school administrators informed Andrea Burrell of her award during a surprise presentation. (BCS)
She focuses on creating real-world learning experiences to support the whole child. Her innovative approach, including the design and implementation of Take-Home Fluency Packs, has led to significant academic achievements, with 70% of second-grade students meeting their benchmark goals by the end of the school year.
As a leader and lifelong learner, Bobbs has taken on numerous leadership roles, including serving on the Sun Valley Leadership Team, as Second Grade Lead Teacher, Mentor Teacher, Spelling Bee Coordinator, Professional Development Facilitator, and Field Trip Coordinator.
Her educational journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Stillman College, followed by a Master of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Montevallo and an Ed.S. degree in Teacher Leadership from the University of West Alabama.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan, left, surprises Aubrey Bennett with news of his award. (BCS)
Bennett, a 17-year veteran in education, has spent the last 11 years inspiring students at Carver High School. Growing up in a single-parent household, Bennett found his passion for social studies in a classroom in East Syracuse, New York, thanks to his fourth-grade teacher, Mr. Sampson. This early inspiration has driven him to provide his students with opportunities to see the world through a different lens, including field trips to the Legacy Museum, Voter Round Table Forums, Financial Literacy Seminars, and African Food Tastings.
As the sponsor of the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Carver High School Attendance Liaison, Bennett has worked tirelessly to increase student attendance and engagement. His efforts have led to a significant decrease in chronic absenteeism and the creation of monthly events aimed at combating truancy.
Bennett’s dedication to his students extends beyond the classroom. He has made history at Carver High School by having five out of 14 students earn qualifying scores on the African American Studies AP exam. His leadership roles include Project-Based Learning Liaison, Social Studies Department Chair, Financial Literacy Coordinator, and Imagine Learning Facilitator for Virtual Learning.
Bennett’s commitment to education and his students is evident in his continuous pursuit of professional growth. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Marist College and a Master’s in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix. He is currently working towards becoming a National Board Certified Teacher.
