Huffman High science teacher with physics students Ronald Youngblood, left, and James Mullins on the newly donated laptops from Computers for Learning. Sanders, sponsor of the Robotics Team researched ways to secure funding to advance technology learning for students at his school. (Chanda Temple Photo, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES)
When Huffman High School Science Teacher Justin Sanders sees a problem, he works until he finds a way to solve it.
Over the last year, his efforts to bolster educational opportunities for his students have helped him secure nearly $8,000 from various outside resources to:
A) Host a Best Buy technology camp in June 2016 at the school
B) Improve the school’s robotics program and class with donations of laptops and hard drives this spring
C) Gain a Lowe’s grant in May 2016 to build an in-school recording studio to address literacy, music education and the science of sound
D) Buy robotics kits and advance the school’s new robotics program
“We had tools and materials to work with. We just didn’t have a lot of electronics for programming such as motherboards and enough laptops for a class or group setting,” said Sanders. “Through this additional funding, we hope to increase student engagement and motivation for learning, especially when it comes to computer programming.”
Last fall, Sanders saw a need for laptops for his classroom. He read about Computers for Learning, a government group that donates used laptops, minus the hard drives. After Sanders applied, 12 laptops were donated in January 2016. But because the laptops did not have hard drives, which are essential for the machines to work, Sanders started researching how much hard drives would cost.
An employee from Vulcan Materials heard about his plight and worked to donate 12 hard drives to Sanders’ program this spring. The company plans to donate about $1,400 to the school’s robotics program, he said.
The laptops will be used in labs, scientific simulations, word processing, computer programming activities for the robotics team and online activities. Sanders said the donations will allow his students to better focus on computer programming and STEM-related concepts.
Ronald Youngblood, one of Sanders’ physics students and a rising senior, said he’s excited about all of the technology coming to Sanders’ class. “If we can see what’s happening by using these tools, I feel like that will make the class more interesting and will make people take the (robotics) class and join the robotics team,” Youngblood said. “These tools will put us on a winning level. I don’t like to lose.”
To expose students to opportunities involving video production, Sanders Googled the topic and found that Best Buy offered a summer academy. Last year, he applied to be a host school for the company’s Geek Squad Academy. His application was approved in March 2016. As a result, Huffman will host a two-day camp June 29-30. The camp, which will cost $15, will address the latest technology for photography, film production, 3D Design, digital music creation and more. To apply, please visit www.bhamcityschools.org/Huffman or http://bit.ly/1XuIUbw.
“I thought this would be a cool way to get students interested in video production, which is something I had done in my class before. And it was also something I had done in recording our sports games,” said Sanders.
Sanders saw how big a role music played in student learning, and he wondered how else he could combine technology and music to help students. Earlier this month, he was notified that his application for the Lowe’s Tool Box for Education had been approved. He will receive $5,000 to build an in-school recording studio at Huffman.
But that’s not all.
In fall 2015, he received a $1,000 WIAT One Classroom at a Time grant to buy robotics kits. And in 2014, Sanders received $500 from the Bright House Classroom Innovators Grant Program to allow students to produce educational media that demonstrates their understanding of scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way.
“I really feel humbled, if anything, about all of this,” said Sanders. “This is a big responsibility. I want to make sure that everything – the equipment, the tools, the robotics kits – are used to enhance a student’s educational experience,” he said.
“I want to thank all of our donors, especially Kevin Jackson of Vulcan Materials, for their support. These donations will make a huge difference in the lives of our students at Huffman.”
The Birmingham Barons and The Friends of Rickwood will welcome baseball fans back to legendary Rickwood Field for the 21st Annual Rickwood Classic on Wednesday, June 1 at 12:30 p.m.
The classic will showcase the Birmingham Barons against the defending Southern League Champion Chattanooga Lookouts, Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.
[The Birmingham Times has a 100 FREE tickets to the game. We will allow (2) Tickets per person until they run out. Stop by our office at 115 3rd Ave West. Please be prepared to show ID and sign for the tickets]
Rollie Fingers, former MLB All Star, Cy Young Award winner, Baseball Hall of Famer and former Birmingham A’s pitcher, will be the guest of honor.
This will be the fifth appearance for the Lookouts having previously played in the 1997, 2002, 2011 and most recently the 2012 contest. The game will mark the first appearance by a Minnesota Twins affiliate in the Rickwood Classic.
In the 20-year history of the Rickwood Classic the Barons are 9-11 overall including a win in the very first game in 1996 defeating the Memphis Chicks by a score of 3-2.
This year’s classic will celebrate Baseball Hall of Famers, especially those that have donned the Birmingham Barons, Black Barons or A’s uniform.
Harold “Pie” Traynor (1948), Burleigh Grimes (1964), Rube Marquard (1971) and Frank Thomas (2013) are Baseball Hall of Famers who wore the Barons uniform. The legendary Rollie Fingers (1992) and “Mr. October” Reggie Jackson (1993) were both members of the Birmingham A’s before embarking on their Hall of Fame careers.
Leroy “Satchel” Paige (1971), Willie Mays (1979), George “Mule” Shuttles (1996), Bill Foster (1996) and Willie Wells (1997) are former Black Barons that are enshrined in Cooperstown.
Rickwood Field has also seen numerous Hall of Famers play for opposing teams or as part of barnstorming exhibition games. A record 110 Baseball Hall of Famers have stepped foot on the diamond at Rickwood Field. These names include: Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Roberto Clemente, Mickey Mantle Christy Mathewson, Honus Wagner, Hank Aaron, Rogers Hornsby, Yogi Berra, Dizzy Dean, Joe DiMaggio and more.
The Barons will don the uniforms worn by the 1967 Birmingham A’s featuring the iconic A’s script on the left side of the jersey which will be white with green sleeves and green numbers on the front right and back of the uniform. The team will also wear special green caps with the white old English “B” on it.
“We are excited to celebrate the 21st installment of the Rickwood Classic by honoring Baseball Hall of Famers,” said Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson. “The Rickwood Classic is a very special event in the Birmingham community and over the years has been recognized nationally as a must-attend baseball game. Along with the Friends of Rickwood and Levy’s Fine Jewelry we are looking forward to providing another fun and memorable afternoon at America’s oldest ballpark.”
“The Friends of Rickwood are looking forward to this year’s Classic, and to honoring the rich history of the ballpark. The impressive number of Hall of Fame members who have graced the field is highlighted by those legendary athletes who have played for the home team – the Barons, the Black Barons, and the A’.” said Friends of Rickwood Director David Brewer.
“Celebrating the accomplishments of these iconic individuals confirms further Rickwood’s role in both baseball and community history. It is also an honor to welcome back to Birmingham, Rollie Fingers, Hall of Fame member and Rickwood alum. The Friends of Rickwood also appreciates greatly our partnership with the Birmingham Barons, Levy’s Fine Jewelry and the City of Birmingham, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the ballpark on June 1.”
Fingers, a three-time World Series champion, enjoyed a 17-year Major League career highlighted by his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992 becoming just the second relief pitcher to receive the honor. He was a seven-time All-Star including four-straight appearances from 1973-’76.
Fingers took home Relief Pitcher of the Year, the Cy Young Award and the American League MVP award during the 1981 season while pitching with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Fingers spent parts of two seasons pitching for the Birmingham A’s during the 1967 and 1968 seasons helping lead the Barons to the Southern League Championship in 1967. He went a combined 16-9 in 36 appearances including 31 starts and was inducted into the Barons Hall of Fame during the 2008 season and the Southern League Hall of Fame in 2015.
His father was an educator and president of Lawson State Community College and his mother was the school’s dean of students.
But Theo Lawson said he would never get into education.
However, fate dealt Lawson a different hand.
“I wound up teaching lawyers and I wound up teaching police officers,” Lawson said. “I never thought that I could teach things that I actually liked.
“The one who swore he would never get into education becomes director of public safety at an institution of higher education,” he said.
That institution is Miles College, where Lawson became director of public safety in December. The father of four is also an assistant Jefferson County attorney.
The license plate on his black Cadillac ATS sedan echoes the dual nature of his world. It reads, “LWYRCOP.”
Lawson jokes that he has been like both the police portrayed on the opening half of the Law & Order television show and the lawyers portrayed in the second half.
His wife Yolanda, an assistant city attorney for Birmingham, is a fan of Law & Order. He generally critiques the show.
“I sit there and go, ‘You can’t do that,’” he said. “’That’s not the way that goes.’ Ironically, I was regional director of the National Black Prosecutors Association for several years (and) a lot of those folks that show is patterned after, I know them.”
Lawson calls himself a “Today Show, CNN kind of guy.” As far back as he can remember, he was fascinated with law and law enforcement, often imaging himself to be a detective or criminologist.
The Pleasant Grove resident had largely decided to pursue being a police officer but his parents suggested he take advantage of his skills in debate and pursue being a lawyer.
As he began his career, Lawson was a private investigator, night court prosecutor for the City of Birmingham who went to the district attorney’s office.
“That gave me the best of both worlds,” Lawson said. “I got to be a lawyer and have a badge.”
From there, Lawson taught at the National College of District Attorneys, became chief assistant city attorney for the City of Birmingham,
taught at several local police academies and became a certified tactical operator.
“I pretty much hold all of the certifications that you can have in law enforcement,” said Lawson, who also serves as a criminal law and procedure professor at Miles College.
So which career path would Lawson like to pursue? “I enjoy doing it all and making a difference in law and law enforcement,” he said.
“I’ll see where God points me.”
Miles College student Larry Scott, a native of sebring, florida, is a second year political science major with a 3.875 GPA. (Courtesy)
Miles College student Larry Scott, a native of Sebring, florida, is a second year political science major with a 3.875 GPA. (Courtesy)
Miles College student, Larry Scott, became the first student from Miles College to win an award at the Model North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Simulation, which was held at Howard University and partially funded by NATO.
Scott was chosen from a total of 300 students to receive this award.
“One could not find a better student,” said Alan Tharpe, director of the Model NATO Program. “[Scott] worked very hard to master the workings of NATO, the political dynamics of Denmark, and the important issues of the day facing NATO, such as the crisis in the Ukraine, the refugee crisis in the Middle East and Syria, as well as the delicate balance between Russia and the Baltic nations.”
Scott, a native of Sebring, Florida, is a second year political science major with a 3.875 GPA. After graduation he plans to attend graduate school to receive a master in Political Science with a concentration in international relations or public administration.
Miles College represented the country of Denmark at the simulation of NATO proceedings. Out of 33 colleges in attendance from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, and Belgium, Miles College and Howard University were the only two HBCUs selected to participate.
Under the leadership of Tharpe, Ba-Shen T. Welch, director of the International Studies Program, and faculty member Lauren Yearout, Miles College students gained important insights into international politics and issues and the workings of NATO.
The International Studies Program has sent students to China, India, South Africa, Egypt, Vietnam, Thailand as well as Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy at no cost to the students.
New Year’s Resolutions. Many of us made them, but as we reach the end of yet another month, I must ask, “Are you still on track to accomplish the goals that were important to you only a few months ago? Is your intentionality as concentrated today as it was in January or at the end of last year?” I must be completely honest. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, in just this short period of time, I had forgotten one thing I promised God as last year was ending.
Let’s go back…
I love attending church on New Year’s Eve. There’s just something about hearing the pastor’s declaration over the year ahead. In an even greater way, leaving the past problems, hurts, disappointments, and mistakes, in the past, is like exhaling as you start anew! During our church’s service, my pastor challenged us to do two things: 1) burn the very thing that could hold you back from achieving your goals, and 2) be bold enough to write your dream on paper and place it on our “Dream Wall.” As my husband and I were leaving church that night, I was focused. My goal was simple. To reach the flaming barrel, at the front of the church. I knew what was holding me back and I was committed to burning it up. As I made my way toward the fire, I took a final look at my small piece of paper before tossing it into the flame. The two-letter word that was about to be burned up was….ME.
I willingly threw “me” into the flames.
In order to fulfill my purpose and be everything God has called me to be, I had to get rid of “me.” My way of thinking. My desire for comfort. My ease in following. My contentment without expectation. My voice as the voice of reason. And I willingly let go…that night. But as the days in the new year progressed, my daily routine did not seem all that new. There was still more work than hours. More “honey did you’s” that had not been done. More practices, productions, and parties for the kids. And more “to do’s” than were earthly possible for one individual to do. Once again, I was trying to do everything, but all the while, I was feeling tired, overwhelmed, and to tell the truth, a little bit frustrated.
Then one day, I was passing the front of our church when God stopped me in my tracks. He gently asked, “Did you forget?” “Forget what?” I said with just a hint of negative temperament. “That you are all burned up.” I paused. In that second, I relived the moment I threw “me” into the barrel of flames. At that point, I breathed a sigh of release. I remembered my only responsibility was to cast my cares onto my Father because He cares for me. Carrying the weight of the world was no longer an option. After all, I was all burned up which could only lead to a total reliance on the Father.
You see, I am the only one who can keep me from achieving the dreams God has placed in my heart. That’s why I chose to be all burned up. Scripture tells us, “With less of you, there is more of God and His rule.” Satan intentionally keeps us busy, creates distractions, and uses the irrelevant things of this world to divert our attention. He creates undue stress in our lives, making us believe we must be all things to all people. He knows as long as he can keep us preoccupied, we will never accomplish anything of significance.
So I ask again, “Where are you in achieving your goals for this year?” If you are still on track, I applaud you. If you are not, let this be your friendly reminder to refocus. Don’t allow another day to pass without doing something that gets you one step closer to your destiny.
Jefferson County District 1 Commissioner George Brown (center) shared his experiences as a Cub Scout, as well as how he became a general in the United States Army. ( Courtesy Photo)
The goal of scouting with this program is to introduce the boys to different opportunites and be exposed to camping.
The past few months have been full of activity for the Boy Scouts in Birmingham.
On March 17, Birmingham Mayor William Bell was recognized as an Eagle Honoree for his contributions over the years to the Greater Alabama Council at the annual American Values luncheon.
Bell and his wife Sharon have been supporters of scouting in Birmingham for a number of years. Cub Scout packs from Bush Hills Academy and Cornerstone Elementary schools were also present.
Jefferson County District 1 Commissioner George Brown (center) shared his experiences as a Cub Scout, as well as how he became a general in the United States Army. ( Courtesy Photo)
On March 19, the Birmingham District held the annual Pinewood Derby at Southhampton Elementary School. On April 7, the Birmingham District Cub Scouts held the Blue and Gold Banquet at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church. Jefferson County District 1 Commissioner George Bowman was t guest speaker. He shared his experiences as a Cub Scout as well as his 34 years of experience in the military and how he became a general in the United States Army. Several boys and packs were recognized for their growth, experience and advancement in scouting.
On April 29, Bush Hills Academy Pack 419 held their Blue and Gold Banquet, which was well attended by parents, Cub Scouts, and faculty at the school.
The boy scouts of America has a goal of making sure every boy who wants to be a part of scouting has an opportunity.
Currently the Boy Scouts of America has begun a project with the Birmingham Housing Authority to establish units at Cooper Green, Kimbrough Homes and Loveman Village. This is a process the scouts are using to develop young boys into responsible men. The goal of scouting with this program is to expose boys to different opportunities and give them a new insight on life.
The Boy Scouts of America has a goal of making sure every boy who wants to be a part of scouting has an opportunity regardless of his economic status. The scouts want every young man to be exposed to camping.
If you missed FUNK FEST, and singing ‘Meeting in My Bedroom,’ you missed a treat, but you do not want to miss all the fun planned this spring and summer.
This is Memorial Day Weekend and June is Black Music Month.
THIS WEEKEND AND NEXT WEEK:
FRIDAY
COMEDIAN ADELE GIVENS at the StarDome Comedy Club, this weekend.
SATURDAY
GRAND OPENING OF MAGIC CITY STUDIOS DACE AND PERFORMANCE ART with a community event, 12 – 2 p.m. in Fairfield, 415 45th Street, including performances, inflatables, giveaways, free popsicles. For more call (205) 677-MC87.
MILITARY FREE ADMISSION TO THE BIRMNGHAM ZOO, Saturday and Sunday with proof of military ID from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
SUNDAY
SLOW ART SUNDAY at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
KIM SCOTT and JOSH VIETTI at Jazz in the Park Birmingham at Huffman High School.
Kim Scott (photo courtesy)
BILL AVERY and RENITA BRAXTON PICKENS at the Tide and Tiger.
SAM FRAZIER at Henderson’s in Midfield, 8 p.m..
MONDAY
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!! ENJOY!
TUESDAY
PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.
TIDE AND TIGER ON THE PATIO, 4 p.m. until on Graymont across from Legion Field.
WEDNESDAY
RICKWOOD CLASSIC, 12:30 p.m. at Rickwood Field. Pitcher Don Henkel will be inducted into the Barons Hall of Fame. Call (205) 988-3200 for more.
PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND, 7 p.m. at the Avondale Brewing Co.
THURSDAY
One of the Hottest Jazz Festivals in the Nation attracting people from around the world to Birmingham includes…..
STEEL CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL SOIREE, with ALVIN GARRETT and LOGAN THE ENTERTAINER and Precision Groove featuring Deirdre Gaddis, 7:30 p.m. at the Harbert Center.
NEXT FRIDAY
STEEL CITY JAZZ at Linn Park with MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME, BONEY JAMES, MINDI ABAIRAND BONESHAKERS, MARCUS ANDERSON and TRANQUILITY with DJ Cut Creator at the After Party.
NEXT SATURDAY
STEEL CITY JAZZ FEST in Linn Park with MAZE featuring FRANKIE BEVERLY, KEN FORD, DAVID SANBORN, BWB, MAYSA, JAZZ FUNK SOUL, BEN TANKARD, KYLIE TURNER, MICHAEL WARD, ALTHEA RENE and LATRESE BUSH.
CANOE AND KAYAK TRIP at Locust Fork River. Call (205) 631-4680 for more.
NEXT SUNDAY
FOR CARIBBEAN LOVERS
SPECIAL SCREENING OF QUEEN NANNY – Queen Nanny, Legendary Maroon Chieftainess will be screened at the Museum of Art on June 10, 7 p.m. The documentary explores the legendary figure – Nanny of the Maroons, a national heroine in the Jamaican struggle for freedom from the British.
FIFTH ANNUAL CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL – The Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization is June 11, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in Linn Park, downtown Birmingham. FREE. There will be food, music, dancing, costumes and vendors For more information, call (205) 383-1726.
FOR ART LOVERS
SLOW ART SUNDAY – Unlock the secrets of works, May 29 in the Museum’s collection by cultivating the art of looking slowly. Leave the Museam feeling inspired – not tired. Master Docent Marlene Wallace leads a discussion on Reclining Nude by Fernando Botero. MORE: Slow Art Sunday: Mountain Boulder, Chinese (Qing Dynasty is June 12. Oscar’s Sunday Brunch is back on December 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
FIRST THURSDAY: AFTER HOURS AT THE BMA – Join others this summer in the breezy outdoor sculpture garden for “Southern Pictures,” a new film series at the BMA starting June 2, 7 p.m. with ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ FREE. Based on Homer’s The Odyssey, this award-winning Coen Brothers production became an instant classic. Set in Mississippi in the 1930s, the film tells the amusing tale of three escaped convicts (bless their hearts) on a search for hidden treasure. Ranging from vintage classics to contemporary hits, each featured film is set in the South. Come early to enjoy the open galleries, drinks, and tapas at First Thursdays: After Hours at the BMA. Bring your own blanket!
FOR MUSIC LOVERS
Josh Vietti (photo courtesy)
JAZZ IN THE PARK – Enjoy JAZZ in Park Walker County, this Saturday, 6-9 p.m. with J. Robinson Trio at 6 p.m. and First Class Jazz at 7:30 p.m. This Sunday ….IN BIRMINGHAM at Huffman High School with KIM SCOTT at 6 p.m. and JOSH VIETTI at 7:30 p.m.
TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE – This SATURDAY, at the Tide And Tiger is the LADIES OF DISTINCTION SPRING FLING PARTY. SUNDAY – MEMORIAL DAY WEEKENDSHOW – BILL AVERY and RENITA BRAXTON PICKENS. June 19- FATHER’S DAY SHOW with TJ HOOKER TAYLOR and RENITA BRAXTON PICKENS. CHECK OUT the TIDE AND TIGER! Every Tuesday enjoy wings for 50 cents and $5 drinks at half price. Every Sunday enjoy music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s with DJ Tide and Tiger. For more information, call (205) 503-3880.
DON’T MISS:
PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND – One of the most talented and iconic bands to come out of the legendary New Orleans scene is the PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND and they are kicking off a nationwide tour. Stopping in Birmingham at the Avondale Brewing Co. on June 1st, Wednesday, the band will give you some of what you have been missing – Real Music!
FOR COMEDY LOVERS
AT THE STARDOME: Every Thursday is Postively Funny Improv and this weekend check out ADELE GIVENS, Friday through Sunday. That’s right, straight off of touring with The Queens of Comedy at the StarDome
COMING SOON to the StarDome Comedy Club: June 3-5 – FELIPE ESPARZA , June 10-12 – COREY HOLCOMB, June 17-19 – FORTUNE FEIMSTER, June 21-26 – JOHN MORGAN, July 1-3 – D.L. HUGHLEY, July 8-9 – CARLOS MENCIA, July 15-17 – ARNEZ J, July 22-24 – RICKEY SMILEY, and July 28-30 – RODNEY CARRINGTON. Call (205) 444-0008 for more.
CONGRATULATIONS LARRY SCOTT!
Larry Scott (photo courtesy)
Miles College student Larry Scott won an award at the Model North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Simulation at Howard University. Scott was chosen from a total of 300 students to receive this award. He was also chosen as a Hercules Scholar for the Tom Joyner Foundation 2016. Miles College represented the country of Denmark at the simulation of NATO proceedings. Out of 33 colleges in attendance from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, and Belgium, Miles College and Howard University were the only two HBCUs selected to participate. Scott, a native of Sebring, Florida, is a second year Political Science major with a 3.875 GPA. After graduation he plans to attend graduate school to receive a master’s in Political Science with a concentration in international relations or public administration.
LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES IN BIRMINGHAM CITY PARKS – Children visiting Birmingham City Parks will soon have a new feature to enjoy. This weekend Little Free Libraries will be unveiled at parks throughout Birmingham. The libraries will allow residents to pick out a free book to enjoy. The first set of libraries was unveiled at Maclin Park recently. Councilor Roberson said that the unveiling could not come at a better time as the city will have the opportunity to showcase a new park for the community as well as new features for the entire family to enjoy. “We’re really changing the core of our communities by ensuring that we provide the public with the fundamental tools to succeed,” Councilor Roberson said. “Families can now visit the park to take in fun, physical activities, and enjoy a book or two at the same time.”
Danny Clinch (photo courtesy)
WALL STREET ROTARY CLUB AND MAYOR BELL – Birmingham Mayor William Bell was the featured speaker at the Rotary Club of Wall Street New York’s monthly meeting recently. Bell was in New York for the Birmingham Business Alliance’s annual marketing trip and also met with site selectors and location consultants to market the Birmingham region. Mayor Bell spoke to the Rotary Club about Birmingham’s diverse economy and shared information about the region’s 3,500 jobs created and $1.1 billion in capital investment last year. He discussed Birmingham’s efforts to become a model for human rights, criminal justice and inclusivity by sharing information about the National Park initiative for the city’s Civil Rights District and a $4.7 million grant from the U.S. Justice Department that made Birmingham one of six pilot cities to better understand underlying tensions between law enforcement and minority communities. “Mayor Bell is one of Birmingham’s best ambassadors,” said Brian Hilson, president and CEO of the BBA. “His understanding of economic development and the needs of our entire region make him well suited to represent us on this trip, where we meet with and market Birmingham to nearly 30 different companies and consultants, many of which represent some of the world’s most respected businesses.”
(Photo) Cutline: (left to right: Motoi Hotta, director of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); Angela Fisher Hall, director of the Birmingham Public Library; Mary Beth Newbill, head of the Southern History Department at the Central Library (standing next to Miss Iwate); and Norikazu Mori, chief executive director of the JETRO.
Miss. Iwate visit to BPL by Japan External Trade Organization (photo courtesy)
JAPANESE REPRESENTATIVES VISIT MISS IWATE AT BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY – Motoi Hotta, director of the Japan External Trade Organization, and Norikazu Mori, chief executive director of the Japan External Trade Organization, got an up close and personal view of Miss Iwate (Japanese Friendship Doll) inside the Linn-Henley Building at the Central Library, downtown. Miss Iwate, who originally came to the Birmingham Public Library in July 1928 as part of a Japan-United States goodwill doll exchange, returned to Japan in September 2015 for a “makeover” carried out by the Yoshitoku Doll Company. When her restoration was completed, Miss Iwate was on display at the Iwate Prefectural Museum in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture. She returned to Birmingham in mid-March 2016, ready to continue her role as ambassador of peace and friendship with renewed enthusiasm. The Birmingham Public Library is very proud of its role as the caretaker of Miss Iwate, said Angela Fisher Hall, director of the 19-branch system. “We often share the story of Miss Iwate with visitors to the library who have an interest in our special collections, and many visitors ask for her by name,” Hall said. “Before our city had its wonderful Birmingham Museum of Art, our library was the hub for culture and learning. It’s good to have Miss Iwate here at the library to serve as a goodwill ambassador.”
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM RECEIVES EPA GRANT – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected the Cities of Birmingham and Tarrant to receive its 2016 Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup (ARC) Grant. The City of Birmingham will receive a $400,000 community-wide assessment grant, and the City of Tarrant will receive a $200,000 clean up grant for the Tarrant Industrial Complex. Grant funds also will be used to conduct community outreach activities. “These grants will empower communities to transform idle, languishing lands into vibrant hubs for business, jobs, and recreation,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “These funds will allow communities that have struggled with hazardous substances from industrial complexes, to address contamination of their soil and groundwater and provide needed remediation. These grants allow communities to begin to regain their environmental health,” stated Congresswoman Terri Sewell. Lawson State Community College will receive the EPA’S Brownfields Workforce Development Grant.
BIRMINGHAM COMPANY HONORED IN WASHINGTON, D.C. – Process Equipment, Inc. was honored recently for their contribution to U.S. export markets. And awarded the President’s “E” Award at the nation’s capital. The award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for significant contributions to export expansions. he award was created by President John F. Kennedy. It gives recognition to persons, firms or organizations that contribute in the effort to increase United States exports. Process Equipment, Inc. specializes in the air handling and materials handling equipment. Page & Jones, a Mobile company that handles international shipping logistics was also awarded the “E” Award. This is the first year in the awards history with all 50 states represented.
INTERN’S GUIDE TO SUMMER IN THE CITY – Register your interns for the BHM 101: Experience the Magic, June 7, 2 p.m. at Regions Field. Hundreds of interns, summer law associates and co-op students choose Birmingham as their location for experiential learning. While employers are making assessments of candidates, interns are also evaluating the company and the city to see if this will be the place they launch their careers – allow the BBA to help you make a great impression on potential talent.
COMING SOON
FOR HISTORY LOVERS:
May is National Preservation Month. Check out:
SMITHSONIAN TRAVELING EXHIBITION COMES TO ALABAMA
Hometown Teams, the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, a part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program, is on its Alabama tour, June 4 in Haleyville, Alabama. Hometown Teams looks at the social and cultural role of sports and athletics in small town America from the earliest days of our nation up to the present across all demographics. Admission: Free. Location: Downtown Mall, 920 20th Street, Haleyville. Sponsors: The Smithsonian Institute and Alabama Humanities Foundation with key support from the Alabama Power Foundation, Norfolk-Southern Railroad, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, Alfa Insurance and AAA Cooper Transportation. For more information, visit: www.alabamahumanities.org.
JUNE 5 – VULCAN BIRTHDAY BASH starts at 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Go to visitvulcan.com for more.
JUNE 6 – THE REVIVAL: TIME FOR A MORAL REVOLUTION OF VALUES, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the New Pilgrim Baptist Church, 708 Goldwire Place SW, Birminhgam, AL 35211.
JULY 16-17 – SLOSS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL, in Birmingham. Look for more soon.
AUGUST 20 – EVO 2016 5Kk Fit Challenge, 8 a.m. – Noon at the Sloss Furnace
Well, that’s it. Tell you more next time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com.)
Birmingham Mayor William Bell has served in that capacity since his election in 1990 and has a schedule full of events daily. (Frank CouchThe Birmingham Times)
A day in the life of Birmingham’s most powerful mayor
By Barnett Wright
Times staff writer
Birmingham Mayor William Bell has served in that capacity since his election in 2010 and has a schedule full of events daily. (Frank Couch\The Birmingham Times)
Mayor William Bell is hobbled.
Birmingham’s top elected official is walking with a noticeable limp, the result of an aching knee. He has just finished an early-morning speech at a Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service graduation and promotion ceremony, where he spoke about the challenges of tough jobs.
“The new hires have gone through a lot to get to this day,” Bell told the graduates. “It’s not easy becoming a fireman. It is one of the most difficult jobs not just in the city, not just in the government. It is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. We thank you for your service.”
The mayor shook hands with each graduate. Afterward, he headed in search of a brace for his knee and then back to City Hall. If firemen have one of the most difficult jobs in the city—and they do—then the mayor can definitely relate.
Not only does the 66-year-old have to handle the responsibilities of being the mayor of Alabama’s largest city and tend to the pain in his knee, but he also has to endure the myriad problems of politics.
Bell, who some say is already laying the groundwork for another term in 2017, was able to convince state lawmakers that he needed more authority to move the city forward, while an equal number of people felt he was making a power grab that would take the city backward.
The Alabama legislature this month amended the Mayor-Council Act, which arguably makes him—intended or not—the most powerful mayor in the history of Birmingham.
Revered and Despised
Birmingham Mayor William Bell has served in that capacity since his election in 2010 and has a schedule full of events daily. (Frank CouchThe Birmingham Times)
This is a mayor who has helped generate more than a billion of dollars in capital investment for the region but has still struggled to demolish abandoned homes in neighborhoods, a mayor who has traveled the globe but gets criticized for not attending neighborhood meetings 20 minutes from City Hall.
Bell is as revered as he is despised.
Among his supporters is Brian Hilson, president and chief executive officer of the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA). “Mayor Bell continues to provide strong leadership in economic development for Birmingham,” Hilson said. “He has a clear vision and high expectations for both expanding business opportunities and attracting new employers to Birmingham—and he is an active participant in the process.”
Among the mayor’s detractors: Birmingham City Council President Johnathan Austin. “He flat-out refuses to sign off on legislation and contracts that the council approves regarding council business,” Austin said. “This continues to hurt our neighborhoods.”
This next year may be one of the mayor’s most challenging politically—some are already raising money to make sure he doesn’t serve another term—as he begins to govern with newfound legislative power and with a majority of council members who say he refuses to communicate.
“I communicate very clearly,” Bell said. “What I don’t do is play games with people. Sometimes people think when I say stuff I mean something different. I mean exactly what I say.”
Rebirth
Birmingham Mayor William Bell has served in that capacity since his election in 2010 and has a schedule full of events daily. (Frank CouchThe Birmingham Times)
To spend a day with Bell means every second is accounted for. There is no down time, no breaks. Some days, there is no breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Other days, there are breakfast, lunch, and dinner speeches—all in the same day. It depends.
Bell begins this particular early-April day with the firemen’s graduation at Birmingham Southern College. He makes a quick stop to get a brace for his nagging knee. Then he heads back to City Hall in a black Chevrolet Suburban with his security detail, all sworn Birmingham police officers.
The mayor’s day is mapped out by a retinue of schedulers, security and administrative staff, all of whom know his whereabouts to the second.
Today, he has agreed to sit down for a series of interviews on topics ranging from his fights—physical and political—with Birmingham City Council members, to the perception that he neglects the neighborhoods in favor of downtown Birmingham, to the inflammatory racial rhetoric now echoing throughout the city, to the loss of his mother earlier this year.
Before Bell heads to one of three private meetings, he responds to questions about growth in the city.
“We took on the task of building the downtown entertainment district with the Westin Hotel to bring more people to the city for conferences and conventions. As a result, by bringing more conventions, our lodging tax is up 12 to 14 percent,” Bell said. “That means we have more revenue for our general fund budget, which can be used to address issues in our neighborhoods and communities.”
The rebirth of Birmingham’s City Center has helped generate more than $1 billion in capital investment over the past year, according to local business figures.
Hilson said the mayor “has consistently made the right first impression on prospective Birmingham companies or to close the deal . . . Mayor Bell is as gifted at understanding a company’s plans and needs as any elected leader I have ever worked with, which is why we call on him so often to meet with companies.”
Birmingham Mayor William Bell has served in that capacity since his election in 2010 and has a schedule full of events daily. (Frank CouchThe Birmingham Times)
Some neighborhood leaders are not happy, though. Danny Robinson, president of the Hooper City Neighborhood Association, said Bell has done a terrible job when it comes to neighborhoods.
“I understood what he was doing early on with Regions Fields and Railroad Park, keeping downtown beautified,” Robinson said. “Downtown has been revitalized and is standing on its own. So now it’s time to go outside of downtown and deal with the neighborhoods. We have been neglected for years.”
Robinson said grass and vacant lots are cut only once a year in his community, and he feels the mayor makes promises he does not keep.
“I’ve had to cut that grass myself,” Robinson said. “We are always the last to get anything. I can’t say that about the Avondale neighborhood. The mayor pays more attention to Avondale than Hooper City.”
Bell said he hears that constantly.
“What I try to tell people is that we are all in this together. We’re trying to develop this city so all of our neighborhoods are safe, so all of our neighborhoods are places where people can spend their senior years in peace and quiet or raise their children,” he said. “The truth is we’re working in all of those areas, but some areas catch fire quicker than others.”
(Sensitive to the criticism, Bell last week presented the city council with a $420 million fiscal 2017 budget that emphasizes public safety and neighborhoods.)
Private Meetings
Birmingham Mayor William Bell has served in that capacity since his election in 2010 and has a schedule full of events daily. (Frank CouchThe Birmingham Times)
Here at City Hall, the mayor holds most of his private meetings in a small conference room just outside of his third-floor office. In his first closed-door meeting of the morning, he listens intently to his visitors. He takes no notes—an aide with a laptop does that—and he allows his guests time to make their case for the city’s help on an issue to reduce homelessness.
The mayor is impressed that the parties have done their homework and have checked city’s website for how money is being allocated. He then assigns a member of his administration to address the concerns and follow up.
The mayor’s next stop of the day reveals his combative relationship with the city council. It’s the Alethia House ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Tuxedo Park Apartments—and not one council member is present. The mayor notices.
Keeping with his theme of neighborhood revitalization, his speech focuses not on the council but on what his administration is doing for residents.
“Ground-breakings and ribbon-cuttings are the easy part,” Bell tells residents and other dignitaries at the event. “Oftentimes people say, ‘Why doesn’t the city do this? Why doesn’t the city do that?’ The city can’t do these things by itself. Some folks in the community have to say, ‘We’ll step up. We’ll do the hard work up front to try to pull everybody together so we can change the quality of life for people, so they don’t have to live in unsafe, dilapidated housing but have a decent place to live in their twilight years.’”
Afterward, the mayor notes that no one from the council has attended. The relationship between the two branches of the city’s government has been antagonistic and shows no signs of improving.
Levers of Power
Birmingham Mayor William Bell has served in that capacity since his election in 2010 and has a schedule full of events daily. (Frank CouchThe Birmingham Times)
“If there is anything [Bell] needs to learn, it’s how to work with the council,” said former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington. “Under our form of government, the mayor must have a good working relationship with the council. That apparently has not happened or it’s broken down.”
Bell, who will turn 67 on June 1, began his first full four-year term as mayor in 2013. He won in a special election in late-2009 to replace former Mayor Larry Langford following Langford’s federal conviction. Then he won a shortened two-year term in 2011 that was abbreviated to align with the mayor and council elections.
“He has not had the strength to hold on to [a majority of] council members,” Arrington said. “They started off doing pretty good. When I was in office, I worked awfully hard to line up folks during their campaigns. I don’t know if Bell wants to do that. So when he builds unity with council members, it doesn’t last long.”
Council President Austin said, “the mayor is not interested in talking; he’s not interested in communicating; he’s interested in what he wants, which is total power and domination over this city and that is a dangerous thing.”
Bell does not deny that he was instrumental in getting lawmakers to make changes to the Mayor-Council Act to give him more authority.
“I did not get to be mayor by not having the ability to work with legislators and people who I know can have an impact, both positively and negatively, on the direction of the city,” he said. “A person who sits in the office of mayor must know where the levers of power are in order to make things happen or to stop things from happening. And when I see that the city is in jeopardy of losing momentum, then it’s incumbent upon me to make sure that those levers of power are accessed.”
Circle of Life
The day is winding down. The mayor is about to go behind closed doors again, but he takes a few moments to discuss his role as a black mayor in a city with a population that is nearly 75 percent African-American.
His most vocal detractors are black people, and he is especially sensitive to the criticism because he grew up in Titusville.
“That’s where my roots are,” he said. “I grew up in an African-American community that had professionals like doctors and teachers, as well as janitors and bus drivers, so I understand the struggles of predominantly black neighborhoods.
“I feel a commitment not just to Titusville but to every neighborhood like it because I know there are good people there,” he said. “I can’t just do for one neighborhood. I have to be the mayor for all the neighborhoods.”
The conversation then turns to his family.
Bell is married to the former Sharon Carson and has two children, William Jr. and Jillian, both graduates of Ramsay High School and the University of Alabama.
For the first time all day, the mayor becomes emotional. He’s talking about his mother Luvenia Little, who died earlier this year at age 91, and his son William A. “Tony” Bell Jr., who won the Democratic nomination for a district court judgeship in the March 1 primary.
“My mom was an inspiration for me from a standpoint of keeping me grounded and letting me know that I am still that little nappy-headed boy that came out of Titusville, that she and my dad gave me an opportunity through education to rise above and beyond where they had been,” the mayor said.
“Since my son threw his hat into the ring to be a judge—he’s already a municipal judge in Irondale—and won the Democratic primary [with 75 percent of the vote], he thinks he’s the big politician in the family now,” Bell said.
“It’s all part of the circle of life,” the mayor said. “Yes, we lost my mom, my children’s grandmother, but life goes on. But there’s the joy that my son has brought, not only because he won an election but also because he has two beautiful sons that my mother loved dearly, as she did all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Though we still mourn my mother’s passing, there’s joy because she gave me a chance so I could give my son a chance so he can give his children a chance.”
Bell said he has no real hobbies or activities in his spare time. “My favorite thing to do is spend time with my grandsons (ages 5 and 1 ½). They are my motivation to keep going and always try harder,” the mayor said.
The day comes to a close, but not really. The day never really ends for the mayor of Alabama’s largest city.
Bell is alerted about an emergency at the Salvation Army in the 1400 block of Fred Shuttlesworth Drive. The building has been evacuated after a loaded gun and suspicious device were found in the pockets of a coat in the donation box.
In minutes, the mayor is on the scene. He speaks privately with Police Lt. Sean Edwards, a Birmingham police spokesman, and then makes brief remarks to the media.
As quickly as the mayor arrived, as the reddened sun begins a slow fade, he hops back into his black Chevrolet Suburban and is gone.
Birmingham Mayor William Bell and City Council President Johnathan Austin were recently asked what happened to their relationship that has steady deteriorated since Bell took his office in 2010. Austin remembers campaigning for Bell and being a part of a majority on the council who backed the mayor. Those days are long gone.
Bell on Austin:
“A long time ago, I coined a term called the ‘Lucifer Syndrome,’ which means sometimes when people are close to folks they perceive as having more power than they have, they assume they have the same level of power. The mayor, whether it’s William Bell or anyone else, has a certain amount of power to move this city forward. Sometimes people become envious of that. They think they can attain the same level of respect or power, and they go off on their own. That’s the only way I can explain it. They often times say I don’t communicate, but I communicate very clearly.
“What I don’t do is play games with people. Sometimes people think when I say stuff, I mean something different. I mean exactly what I say. I think conflicts have arisen when people see contracts going to different attorneys, but they want their attorneys to get things. Well, usually I have people who have proven that they are capable of delivering, and I’m willing to work with anybody.
“If a council member walks in right now and says, ‘We would like this person to be involved,’ and I see how that person’s involvement will benefit the city, then I will deem it my mission to go out and make that happen. What I’m not going to do, however, is let somebody stand back and dictate to me or run over me in my capacity as mayor. If they want to be mayor let them run for the mayor’s office. You can’t have 10 people negotiating on behalf of the city. There’s only one entity empowered by law to negotiate on behalf of the city.”
Austin’s response:
“Elected officials must always talk and communicate. That has been something that has plagued William Bell’s administration since he’s been in office—his inability to talk and communicate. That is why we are dealing with the situation we have now. This mayor is not willing to sit down and have a true conversation and compromise about anything.
“We have conversations, but they don’t result in action. There are promises and possibilities, but no action. The problem with this mayor is that, regardless of the issue, he always wants to win and never wants to compromise or communicate.
“Someone who has been in one position for a long time, looking in a particular direction, always sees ghosts around them because they’ve been in the same place for too long. When you’re in a position for so long and that’s all you know, then you’re always going to see ghosts. He’s seeing ghosts.”
I imagine that all parents like me remember the feeling they had when their first new baby finally arrived. That moment when you first laid eyes on him or her, the pride you felt and how you could not help but think about all of the possibilities for them. Well I kind of feel that way today. Don’t get me wrong I am not comparing my feelings about publishing today’s “reimagined” Birmingham Times with those I had when either of my two daughters were born but I can’t help beam with pride and think about the possibilities.
When we took over The Times back in February we promised to build on the dream that Dr. Jesse J. Lewis, Sr. started when he printed the first edition of The Birmingham Times in 1964 we committed to not just informing, engaging and empowering our readers but to reposition The Times for the next 50 years. You can’t do it if you don’t make a commitment to content and covering the community so we started day one to improve in both areas, building on that promise with the first edition published in February. People have noticed. We hear good things about the direction that we are headed, not just from friends and family, but from people throughout the community.
If you have not read us you have missed the story we did about Alzheimer’s disease, or the discussion around the slave mural in the Jefferson County Courthouse. We also received feedback on the story we did about the role of barbershops in the black community. With the third installment of the comedy “Barbershop 3” arriving in theatres we thought it was an engaging conversation. And the “Human Trafficking” story in last week’s paper and online was one that has us thinking about the possibilities.
So today you are reading the Times in a whole new format. It is part of that promise to reposition the Times. Make no mistake this new format is just one piece of that promise, but it is an important piece because it provides us with a way to reach new readers and it invites many of our old readers back to rediscover The Birmingham Times.
Let me tell what to expect each week. This book (which is what I call it) is designed around what we are calling a centerpiece story. Our cover will make it pretty clear what the centerpiece story is and we will also point out on the cover the most important stories inside and where to find them.
You should expect us to provide you with a compelling story each week across a range of topics. We plan to be unpredictable, one week covering the mayor and politics and the next week covering health or education or Dontay Wilder’s next heavyweight fight here in Birmingham or someplace else in the world.
You should expect diverse topics and diverse faces in the Birmingham Times and while we will continue to cover the community from an African American perspective we want to ensure that everyone in Birmingham feels welcome to read the Times.
Lastly; I hope you notice the design, it is intentional and planned to help you navigate the newspaper easier and for you to come to expect where to find certain topics, in other words expect us to be pretty predictable in where content shows up week to week. I should note that, for the most part, you should not expect to find really long stories outside enterprise, investigative and some well-sourced cover stories. We understand your time is valuable so we want to make sure we tell you the story in a digestible way that allows you to read it over coffee or a sandwich at lunch.
Well, enough telling you about and bragging about this new baby, let me get you to reading it. I hope you like and it and that you like me can’t help but think about the possibilities.
