Home Blog Page 117

Staying Safe While Enjoying Black Friday Shopping

By
Birmingham Times
-
0

For many years the term “Black Friday” has been synonymous with the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. It is considered the official beginning of holiday shopping. It is a five-day period of time that many retailers emerge from the red and earn a profit. In 2023, there were over 200 million shoppers during the five-day period.

Excellent bargains for consumers and money for our nation’s economy creates a win-win scenario. Yet, this scenario is not without its potential dangers. This article will focus on some of those dangers to help you enjoy your shopping experience while protecting yourself from thieves and scammers.

Let us review some personal safety tips for in-person shoppers:

• Stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you.

• Park in a well-lit area, and be sure to lock the vehicle’s doors, close all windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in your trunk. Additionally, opt to shop at earlier times, if possible, to help you avoid dangers that evening darkness may bring.

• Avoid leaving anything valuable in your car.

• Help yourself avoid getting lost by making a mental note of where you parked and by snapping a quick picture, if possible.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.

• Try to make purchases on just one credit card. Data breaches may occur, especially during busy shopping seasons, and cyberattacks generally increase during Black Friday sales. Should this happen, you can reduce the risk by not having multiple cards compromised.

• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers by not overloading yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Do not walk around with your purse open. Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put your wallet inside the coat or front pants pocket.

• If you are shopping with children, select a central location to meet if you are shopping in case you are separated. Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

• Shop with friends or relatives when taking a trip to the store. You may find safety in numbers.

• Avoid arguments or fights over an item.

• Slip your more expensive purchases into less noticeable bags, perhaps even from your less expensive purchases that day.

• Be aware of all exit locations in case an emergency occurs.

• Back out slowly while scanning for cars and people.

• Look around and under your vehicle as you approach it. If there is a suspicious item on your windshield or your car appears to be tampered with, determine if it is safe to drive to a well-lit location to check rather than checking right away or call the authorities.

Consider taking these Keeping an Eye on Safety precautions when you shop in-person anytime, but especially during the five-day Black Friday period.

Deadline Expires for Miles College to Acquire Birmingham-Southern College’s Campus

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
The purchase agreement between Birmingham-Southern College and Miles College expired on Monday. (File)

The Birmingham Times

Miles College President Bobbie Knight said Wednesday that the institution was “disappointed” that a deadline had expired to purchase the Birmingham-Southern College campus but the school’s commitment to growth and expansion remains steadfast.

“We will continue to explore every avenue to secure this opportunity in the future,” Knight said in a statement. “This setback does not deter us; it motivates us to pursue excellence and opportunity with greater determination.”

The purchase agreement between BSC and Miles ended Monday, meaning it is unlikely the private, historically Black liberal arts college located in Fairfield, Alabama would purchase BSC campus.

BSC issued a statement late Monday that said it has been working with Miles since May when it closed to facilitate the sale of BSC’s 192-acre campus property. “A joint letter of intent was signed on June 19, reflecting BSC’s commitment to working with Miles at the exclusion of significant marketing to other potential buyers,” BSC said Monday.

“The BSC community has great respect for Miles College, its students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and appreciates both the shared roots and the alignment of missions,” said the statement. “But to meet its commitments to lenders and other creditors, the BSC Board of Trustees is obligated to sell the 192-acre campus property as quickly as possible.”

This story was updated at 12:10 a.m. on 11/27/2024

Odessa Woolfolk Honored at Reception with 2024 Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
Odessa Woolfolk, renowned educator, civic leader and lifelong advocate for Civil and Human Rights, accepts the 2024 Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. (Provided)

The Birmingham Times

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) last week presented Odessa Woolfolk, the city’s renowned educator, civic leader and lifelong advocate for civil and human rights, with the 2024 Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award.

Woolfolk accepted the award at the BCRI’s 32nd anniversary reception with dozens from throughout the Birmingham metro area in attendance including members of the Shuttlesworth family; former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington, and business and civic leaders.

Odessa Woolfolk, center, renowned educator, civic leader and lifelong advocate for Civil and Human Rights and the 2024 Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award winner with Rosilyn Houston, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Board Chair; and Mike Goodwich, (Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation) at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s 32nd Anniversary Celebration. (Provided)

“That is an award of a lifetime,” Woolfolk said before the ceremony. “Rev. Shuttlesworth has been my idol since I first met him when he was here doing his work in the late ’50s and ’60s. To be associated with his values, his mission, his courage, his belief in people, equality and justice to … have something on my shelf that associates me with those values doesn’t get better than that.”

The award, named after the legendary civil rights leader and co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), recognizes individuals who have made enduring contributions to the ongoing fight for equality, justice and human dignity.

Odessa Woolfolk, second from right, renowned educator, civic leader and lifelong advocate for Civil and Human Rights and the 2024 Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award winner with, from left, Dr. Ruby Shuttlesworth Bester; Dr. Carolyn Shuttlesworth and Patricia Shuttlesworth at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s 32nd Anniversary Celebration. (Provided)

“We are honored to present the Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award to Odessa Woolfolk, whose lifelong dedication to human and civil rights has shaped the course of history in Birmingham and beyond,” said Rosilyn Houston, newly elected chair of the BCRI Board of Directors, in a statement. “Her vision, leadership and tireless advocacy continue to inspire new generations to stand up for justice and equality. Odessa Woolfolk exemplifies the very essence of what this award stands for.”

Tyesha Brown, Celebrated Birmingham Indie Filmmaker, Dies at 42

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
Tyesha Brown was remembered by families and friends for her legacy of creativity, resilience, warmth, and community impact. (File)

By Je’Don Talley Holloway | The Birmingham Times

Tyesha Brown, a celebrated indie filmmaker born and raised in Birmingham’s Ensley community, died on Friday in Dayton, Ohio. She was 42.

Known for her passion for filmmaking and storytelling and her commitment to uplifting local talent, Ms, Brown’s work enriched the Birmingham arts scene and inspired countless aspiring creatives.

She was remembered by families and friends for her legacy of creativity, resilience, warmth, and community impact.

“I want people to know that she had an impact on the world around her,” said her sister Daphne Brown, also an Ensley resident. “Although she didn’t have any kids, she left her footprints on our family, Los Angeles, Memphis, Baltimore, Maryland, and Birmingham… she definitely lived, and she came to do what she was supposed to do.”

Daphne said she admired her sister’s spirit and would describe her as “Love.”

“When you read your Bible and it says, ‘love is patient, love is kind’, that’s my sister; she was the epitome of love,” said Daphne. “…there wasn’t a bad bone in her body. She was always so happy, eager to help, and she had a passion for everything that she did. I don’t know how I’m gonna do this [life] without her.”

Growing up “you wouldn’t find [Tyesha] without me, and me without her,” Daphne said. “We’ve always been best friends. We were total opposites, but that’s what made us the sister duo that we were.

“There’s nothing about her that I won’t miss,” Daphne continued. “Her dedication and commitment to getting things done, her love and kindness, her smile, her faith, her love my kids. I will miss all things Tyesha.”

Tyesha’s grandmother, Ensley resident Lois Banks said she loved most about her granddaughter was “her heart for people. She was more a giver than she was a receiver. She loved unconditionally, and she taught me [to do] that,” said Banks.

Brown’s unconditional love is what Banks will miss most, she said. “I know she loved me, and I loved her. She loved me unconditionally because that’s the kind of heart she had.”

Born and raised in Ensley, Tyesha Brown was a graduate of Ensley High School and earned a dual bachelor’s degree in journalism and film studies from Morgan State University in 2005. Her journey into filmmaking began with a high school project through Girls Inc.’s Snapshots pregnancy prevention program in Birmingham, culminating in her award-winning first film, Destani’s Eyes. This success ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling that would define her career.

Ms. Brown’s impressive resume included credits on major television shows like NBC’s The Voice, CBS’s Big Brother, Survivor, and The Amazing Race. She honed her skills as an associate and field producer, specializing in story development. Splitting her time between Los Angeles and Birmingham, Ms. Brown seamlessly blended her Hollywood expertise with her deep love for her hometown.

In 2023, Tyesha founded IAMCLASSYBROWN Productions, focusing on producing films that highlighted urban stories, comedies, romantic comedies, and biopics. Her latest project, Checkmate, brought together seasoned and emerging talent from Birmingham and Detroit, including veteran actor Clifton Powell.

Brown also recently signed a distribution deal with Dreamland Media for one of her final projects. ‘Heaux Week’ which can be viewed on Tubi. In partnership with Birmingham-based production company, Pivot Motion Pictures, Brown will also release one of her final projects, ‘Nate And These Nutz’ in early 2025. Supporters are encouraged to stream all of Brown’s final projects to benefit her legacy.

Beyond filmmaking, Brown was a passionate mentor and educator. She worked with organizations like Flourish, Encore Theatre and Gallery, and Make It Happen Theater Company to teach film workshops and inspire the next generation of creatives in Birmingham. Her efforts fostered an “I can do it too” spirit among local artists and filmmakers.

Ms. Brown’s life was shaped by the loss of her parents at a young age, which instilled in her an unwavering work ethic and a profound appreciation for life’s brevity. She cherished her role as a loving sister to Daphne, her only sibling, and found strength in their bond.

Ms. Brown is remembered for her unstoppable spirit, her love for Birmingham, and her relentless drive to create meaningful art. Her legacy lives on through her films, her mentorship, and the vibrant creative community she helped build.

She is survived by her grandmother, sister, nieces, Dezire Turner and Zara Ibrahim, and a host of friends, collaborators, and admirers who will continue to be inspired by her life and work.

Brown’s family asks for support in laying her to rest. Donations towards her homegoing expenses can be made at: https://everloved.com/life-of/tyesha-brown/donate/

Miles College Wins 10th Straight; Makes History in Opening Round of Division II Playoffs

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
Tight end Travaunta Abner led Miles with a game-high four catches for 36 yards in the playoff win against Carson-Newman (Miles College)

The Birmingham Times

The Miles Golden Bears (10-2) are moving on to the second round of the Division II Football Playoffs following a razor-thin 14-13 victory on Saturday over Carson-Newman (9-3) in Miles’s first-ever NCAA Division II Playoff game at Albert J. Sloan-Alumni Stadium.

The school is looking to become the first SIAC school to advance to the regional final in the Division II playoffs since Tuskegee University in 2015.

The Golden Bears advance to next week’s game in the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs against undefeated Valdosta State (10-0) on Saturday Nov. 30.

Miles’ defense has been the team’s backbone all season, and it was a big reason why they won this contest.

Late in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Carson-Newman was out of timeouts and Miles was looking to run down the clock, The Golden Bears faced a third-and-7 at their own 45-yard line. Jonero Scott, who had already scored a touchdown and finished with a team-high 48 yards on the ground, was looking to get a first down to effectively end the game. Even if he didn’t make the line to gain, Miles could have pinned the Eagles deep with less than 10 seconds to go, making a victory seem inevitable.

Unfortunately, Scott coughed up the ball and the Eagles recovered at the Miles 41 with 1:01 to go. The celebratory mood on the sideline quickly changed. The defense had to get another stop and had little margin for error as Carson-Newman had a kicker that had range from nearly 50 yards and had just missed from that distance in the third quarter, hitting the cross bar.

But Miles stepped up to the challenge. After an incomplete pass on first down, the Golden Bears got pressure on Eagles quarterback Zane Whitson, who lofted a pass into the wind against double coverage. That’s trouble against any team, even more so against one that leads the nation in turnovers gained and second in interceptions. This time, Malachi Oglen got his first interception of the season, bringing a sense of relief to the Golden Bears sideline and reigniting the celebratory feelings that had temporarily been erased.

Earlier, with the game tied 7-7 and five minutes left in the second quarter, the D produced a fumble recovery, giving the Golden Bears’ offense the ball outside the red zone. The offense took advantage of the stop, scoring a touchdown 53 seconds later to take a 14-7 lead.

Although Carson-Newman had success running the football in the second half, the Miles defense did not break, holding the visitors to just a field goal in five possessions.

In a tightly contested fourth quarter, Miles dodged several bullets that could have changed the trajectory of the game. Facing a 4th down and five with 1:25 remaining, Carson-Newman went for a pass and had a receiver spring open down the sideline. With no defenders around and a for-sure first down should the ball be caught, the receiver was unable to haul in the pass, surrendering the ball back to Miles.

Despite the stop, Carson-Newman still had all of its timeouts and began using them as Miles looked to run out the clock.

After Scott mishandled the handoff the Miles defense came through with a big stop to end Carson-Newman’s hopes for a win.

Birmingham City Schools District Gets Passing Grade on State Report Card; More Needs to Be Done, Leaders Say

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
Through a partnership with KultureCity, BCS has trained all employees and equipped each school with sensory needs. (File)

The Birmingham Times

Birmingham City Schools district received an overall passing grade, according to the recently released Alabama State Report Cards, while school leaders pointed to improvements at several schools saying that a lot more work still needs to be done.

The district maintained an overall C, moving from a score of 72 in the previous year to a 74 on the report for 2023-24, according to the report.

Administrators said the number of schools receiving an A on the report card increased; three schools – Arrington Elementary, Wylam Elementary and Inglenook K-8 – improved from a grade of F to C; both Oxmoor Valley Elementary School and South Hampton K-8 school improved their grade from C to B and 42 percent of the district’s 43 schools improved their letter grade.

“This is the kind of report you get when educators, students and their families work hard toward a common goal,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan. “We still have a lot of work to do to ensure that each scholar receives the ultimate level of success.

Sullivan, who added that BCS has experienced a growth in student enrollment for the first time in 30 years, said BCS has intensified its efforts to identity student academic deficiencies by following data which will allow educators to tailor learning plans to help guide students toward success.

“We know that our scholars are more than a score or letter grade. They are individuals with bright dreams for the future,” Sullivan said. “When look at the grades and use them to help guide students toward their academic goals, we move closer to making those dreams a reality.”

Birmingham Water Works Hikes Rates for Customers in Latest Budget Approval

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
The Birmingham Water Works Board. (File photo)

By

Birmingham residents will be soon seeing higher water bills.

Birmingham Water Works approved its 2025 budget Wednesday, which included a 4.9 percent rate increase for customers, representing a monthly increase of $2.14 on the average bill. Originally, a 5.8 percent rate increase was proposed before settling on 4.9 percent.

“Nobody wants rate increases, and we were all committed to reducing the burden on our
customers as much as we could,” said BWW Chairman Tereshia Huffman in a statement. “We are proud that our 2025 increase remains below national averages while providing the revenue necessary to maintain and improve our system.”

The BWW’s approved capital budget for the upcoming year is $115.6 million, a 37.5 percent increase over last year, while its operations and maintenance budget will be $142.5 million, a 7.9 percent increase from 2024.

Despite the rate increase, officials at BWW have said that water consumption in the area has gone down over the last five years.

During a recent meeting where the board first considered the rate increase and budget, residents came out to voice their concerns with their bills, many saying how higher bills were hurting them.

Even elected officials have questions about why rates should be going up.

“I understand that we should have an increase every year,” said Sheila Tyson, who represents District 2 on the Jefferson County Commission. “I get that because the economy go up. But do it have to be such a high increase knowing that the citizens are using less water?”

Birmingham Water Works, which is nearly $1 billion in debt as of 2021, serves 770,000 people across five counties in the greater Birmingham area.

What to Watch as Miles College (9-2) Hosts Carson-Newman (9-2) in Opening Round of Division II Playoff on Sat. Nov. 23

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
Running back Jonero Scott has been a leader all season for the Miles offense and has the size, speed and power to help the Golden Bears control the pace of the game on Saturday against Carson Newman University in the opening round of the Division II Playoffs. (Miles)

By Donald Hunt | For The Birmingham Times

Miles College heads into the opening round of the NCAA Division II playoffs on a nine-game winning streak. In the first home football playoff game in school history, the Golden Bears (9-2) will have an opportunity to showcase their talents when they entertain Carson-Newman (9-2) in the first round of the Super Region Two playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. at Sloan-Alumni Stadium in Fairfield.

Miles College has garnered some well-deserved attention and a playoff spot from its impressive 53-25 victory over Clark Atlanta in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championship game last week. The Golden Bears could be tested in this playoff game against South Atlantic Conference’s Carson-Newman led by star running back Jayden Sullins who has rushed for 1,090 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Sam Shade, Miles College Head Football Coach. (Miles)

The Golden Bears’ head coach Sam Shade will have his work cut out trying to slow down the Eagles’s rushing attack. Shade, who was named the SIAC Coach of the Year, has some key players on defense who all stepped in the SIAC championship game: defensive back Jeremiah Hudson-Davis (six total tackles, two interceptions), defensive back Lashon Young (six total tackles, one interception), defensive end Jamichael Rogers (four total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack) and Keith Green (four total tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks).

Offensively, Miles College depends on quarterback Kamren Ivory and running back Jonero Scott who have been consistent throughout the season. Last week, Ivory threw for 160 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also had nine carries for 34 yards. Scott was the leader of the team’s ground game. He had 15 carries for 85 yards and two TDs in the championship game. His size, speed and power should the Golden Bears control the pace of the game.

Birmingham Barons to Return to Rickwood Field for Negro Leagues Tribute in 2025

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) baseball championship will be held at Rickwood Field in the coming years, according to reports. (File)

By Josh Jackson | MLB.com

Minor League Baseball is coming back to America’s oldest professional ballpark in 2025.

The Birmingham Barons, Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, will host the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Angels) at Rickwood Field in a tribute to the Negro Leagues on June 4, 2025, the team announced on Thursday.

Between 1996-2016 and 2018-19, the Barons played one game — the Rickwood Classic — at Rickwood Field each Minor League season.

As a ballpark that was the homefield of a Negro Leagues franchise that competed for several seasons on circuits now recognized as Major League level, Rickwood Field is a living monument to the thousands of Birmingham fans who filled its stands and the hundreds of Black baseball pioneers who competed between its lines — including Baseball Hall of Famers Satchel Paige, Willie Wells and Mule Suttles.

Willie Mays, who grew up about five miles away from Rickwood Field in Fairfield, Ala., also played his first games as a professional there. Mays joined the Birmingham Black Barons at age 17 in 1948.

Opened in 1910, Rickwood Field was the home of both the historical Birmingham Barons and, beginning in 1923, the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American, Negro Southern and Negro National Leagues. The beautiful concrete and steel ballyard remained the Black Barons’ home through 1960, and the Southern League’s Barons played there through 1987.

The venue became the center of the baseball world from June 18-20, 2024, for Major League Baseball’s Tribute to the Negro Leagues, during which the Barons hosted the Montgomery Biscuits (Rays) in MiLB at Rickwood and the Giants hosted the Cardinals in MLB at Rickwood.

Ahead of that celebration, Rickwood Field underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that provided the playing surface an extensive makeover, added a new and padded outfield wall, installed new dugouts, upgraded accessibility features and more — all while maintaining the stadium’s classic feel and intimate setting.

In addition to hosting amateur tournaments over the years, the facility got use in — and considerable help from — Hollywood productions. Cobb (1994), 42 (2013) and Soul of the Game (1995) all shot scenes at the park.

The Barons’ season starts on April 4, as they host the Knoxville Smokies (Cubs) at Regions Field. The White Sox affiliate is the reigning Southern League champion.

ELI Thrive Continues Transformation in Birmingham’s East Lake Area with More New, Affordable Homes

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
ELI Thrive held a ribbon cutting for its New Housing Initiative in the East Lake neighborhood. The event, held at 7330 2nd Avenue South, brought together supporters, local officials, and community partners to mark the completion of the first three of 15 homes nearing readiness for families. (ELI Thrive)

Special to The Times

ELI Thrive celebrated a significant milestone this week with the ribbon cutting for its New Housing Initiative in the East Lake neighborhood. This transformative project includes 15 new homes designed to provide safe, affordable housing for families in the Birmingham community.

The event, held at 7330 2nd Avenue South, brought together supporters, local officials, and community partners to mark the completion of three homes nearing readiness for families. The program featured speeches from key stakeholders, followed by the ribbon cutting and self-guided tours of the homes.

“Today, we stand on the brink of a dream that started with the desires of the families we serve. These homes will soon become spaces where memories are made, stories are told, and roots are planted in the East Lake community.” said Pam Bates, ELI Thrive’s Executive Director, who opened the ceremony by reflecting on the journey to make homeownership possible for families.

“Just a year ago, we were here breaking ground. Now, these homes will soon be filled with families creating memories and building toward homeownership,” added Marta Self of the Regions Foundation. “ELI’s rent-to-own program ensures these homes won’t sit empty—they’ll become stepping stones to financial stability and generational wealth.”

The event concluded with the official ribbon cutting and tours of the homes, offering attendees a first-hand look construction. (ELI Thrive)

The Vision Behind the Homes

The ELI New Family Housing Initiative is rooted in addressing one of the most pressing
challenges in Birmingham: Access to affordable housing. With a rent-to-own program, families will have the opportunity to rent these homes at $1,000 a month, with part of their payment contributing toward their down payment. ELI Thrive coaches will continue to provide holistic support, ensuring families are equipped for the transition to homeownership.

As ELI Thrive celebrates its 15th year of service in 2025, this project exemplifies the
organization’s commitment to economic stability, housing, employment, and healthy
relationships—core pillars that guide its mission of fostering thriving communities.

“This work is not done in isolation—it takes a village. We are grateful for the support that made this possible,” said Myron Thomas, ELI Thrive’s COO, who highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project. “Today, we celebrate not only these homes but the future they represent for the families who will call them home.”

The Regions Foundation, Navigate Affordable Housing Partners, Wells Fargo, The City of Birmingham Land Bank, and were among the partners who brought this project to fruition.

“Programs like this Rent-to-Own option are genius,” said Caroline Douglas of the City of Birmingham Land Bank, who praised the initiative’s creative approach to addressing housing needs “They make homeownership accessible and help families create lasting change. Congratulations to ELI Thrive for leading the way.”

The event concluded with the official ribbon cutting and tours of the homes, offering attendees a first-hand look at the thoughtful design and quality construction.

For more information about ELI Thrive’s programs and initiatives, visit www.elithrive.com.

1...116117118...1,706Page 117 of 1,706
©