Locals accomplish goal of self-sufficiency through Housing Authority program

February 11, 2016

By Joseph D. Bryant
Authority of the Birmingham District

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District earlier this month celebrated the life-changing success of residents who have reached their goal of self-sufficiency.

The latest class of Family Self-Sufficiency program participants held on February 4, celebrated 10 graduates who have successfully completed the program that features goal setting, mentoring and financial incentives to empower families to make positive life changes.

Graduates have found jobs, moved to better jobs and have gone from public housing and public assistance to finding complete financial and housing independence. Participants include both public housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher residents.

“It has been a blessing for me,” said graduate Sara Bracy, sharing her personal story during the ceremony at the Smithfield Court gymnasium. “There was always something educational to learn every time we met. I knew that this program would work, but you have to be willing to put everything you have into this program.”

Leanita Johnson is living her dream each morning she opens the door and begins work in her own corner of a downtown hair salon.

Johnson is self-employed as a cosmetologist. She’s also in the home-buying market – her second major goal.

Johnson’s journey towards self-sufficiency began in late 2011 when she joined the FSS program. Johnson moved tenaciously in the direction of fulfilling her goal to improve her quality of life.

She had three goals: To become gainfully employed, to establish a salon, and to attend homebuyer seminars in preparation for homeownership.

Johnson said her journey was not without challenges, but she remained focused. Johnson gives the same advice to others that she followed.

“Don’t give up. Keep pursuing the dream that God has given you,” she said. “It doesn’t matter the obstacles. What’s for me is for me and know that God is leading me to a better place.”

Johnson now has two jobs. In late 2015, she became a community center assistant at the Harris Homes Community Center.

“It feels good and the best is yet to come,” she said. “I’m looking forward to moving into my own home.”

The Program

Participants enter into a five-year contract with HABD to identify educational, personal and professional goals. A FSS coordinator is assigned to each person to develop an action plan that outlines specific activities and services needed to achieve their goals. Services include education, job training, social services, business development, credit counseling, legal assistance, job placement and self-help workshops.

“You started with an idea that ‘I’m going to try something new,’ and you stayed on the path and you accomplished so much,” said Galvin Billups, HABD Director of Resident Services.

When a participant in the FSS program becomes employed or advances in employment, HABD rent increases, but the extra money is redirected to an escrow account. As a renter earns more income, the escrow account also grows. At the end of the five years, the special account may be used for a home down payment, completing the goal of self-sufficiency.

“Families must be able to invest in themselves and their children, and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program provides that chance,” said Jerethia Blake, a Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator. “These graduates stand as strong examples of what can be achieved with guidance, hard work and self-determination.”

In his comments, Executive Director Michael Lundy, who arrived at HABD February 2, pledged a new effort to expand FSS opportunities to residents. Lundy said FSS illustrates one of the agency’s core missions, to provide safe and affordable housing while also offering a path to true independence.

“We don’t want you to be here forever,” he said. “If you’re able-bodied we’re going to put you on a path of self-sufficiency.”

Honorees are: Bracy; Johnson; Beverly Fields; Misha Hargrove; Jacquelin Harrell; Jessica Gilbert-Jenkins; Godefroid Tshibangu (deceased) & Veronique Kamuanya; Tanisha Simmons; Della Wilborn and Cecelia Williams.

Leading the March Towards Criminal Justice

February 11, 2016

By Marian Wright Edelman

President, Children’s Defense Fund

Via George Curry Media

Bryan Stevenson’s inspiring and best-selling book Just Mercy shares some of the fruits of his lifelong fight to push our nation closer to true justice. In January, our nation took two more steps forward in the ongoing struggle to treat children like children and ensure a fairer justice system for all, especially for our poor and those of color.

In 2012 Bryan Stevenson won thelandmark United States Supreme Court case Miller v. Alabama banning mandatory sentences of life in prison without parole for children 17-years-old and younger. Until then, the United States was the only country in the world that routinely condemned children convicted of crimes as young as 13 and 14 to die in prison.

After that ruling most states that had sentenced youths to mandatory life sentences gave them the opportunity to argue for reduced sentences or apply for parole. Seven did not: Alabama, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana and Pennsylvania. Three of these – Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Michigan – accounted for more than 1,100 of the 1,200-1,500 inmates still imprisoned for crimes committed as children.

A January 25 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Montgomery v. Louisiana made clear that the Miller decision must be applied retroactively in every state. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the decision, “The opportunity for release will be afforded to those who demonstrate the truth of Miller’s central intuition — that children who commit even heinous crimes are capable of change.”

One of Bryan Stevenson’s searing stories in Just Mercy is about a child sentenced to life in prison without parole. Ian Manuel pled guilty to armed robbery and attempted murder for a crime he committed with two older boys when he was 13. He was incarcerated at Apalachee Correctional Institution in Florida, an adult prison, and sent to solitary confinement: “Solitary confinement at Apalachee means living in a concrete box the size of a walk-in closet . . . If you shout or scream, your time in solitary is extended; if you hurt yourself by refusing to eat or mutilating your body, your time in solitary is extended . . . In solitary Ian became a self-described ‘cutter’; he would take anything sharp on his food tray to cut his wrists and arms just to watch himself bleed. His mental health unraveled, and he attempted suicide several times. Each time he hurt himself or acted out, his time in isolation was extended. Ian spent 18 years in uninterrupted solitary confinement” – despite calls from even his victim about his inhumane confinement.

Tragically, Ian Manuel’s story is not unique. The same day the U.S. Supreme Court decided Montgomery v. Louisiana, President Obama announced a ban on solitary confinement in the federal prison system for all children and youths, and for adults incarcerated for “low-level infractions” in an executive action that should serve as a model for all states and local jurisdictions.

The president wrote that solitary confinement “has been linked to depression, alienation, withdrawal, a reduced ability to interact with others and the potential for violent behavior. Some studies indicate that it can worsen existing mental illnesses and even trigger new ones. Prisoners in solitary are more likely to commit suicide, especially juveniles and people with mental illnesses. The United States is a nation of second chances, but the experience of solitary confinement too often undercuts that second chance.

“ . . . In America, we believe in redemption. We believe, in the words of Pope Francis, that ‘every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity, and society can only benefit from the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes.’ We believe that when people make mistakes, they deserve the opportunity to remake their lives. And if we can give them the hope of a better future, and a way to get back on their feet, then we will leave our children with a country that is safer, stronger and worthy of our highest ideals.”

Reaching that vision of America — the one that believes in redemption and hope and equal justice for all — is the goal Bryan Stevenson has been striving for throughout his life. His critical victories over 30 years exonerating innocent death row prisoners and helping ensure fairer treatment for others, along with his earlier success before the U.S. Supreme Court in Roper v. Simmons that banned the execution of children have convinced him you cannot make a difference and create justice until you get close to the people who are struggling.

He has said, “All of my clients are broken. They’ve been broken by poverty. They’ve been broken by racism. They’ve been broken by inequality. They’ve been broken by injustice … When you’re broken you need grace. When you’re broken you need love. When you’re broken you need fellowship. When you’re broken you need understanding. When you’re broken you need vision.” Bryan Stevenson is unwavering in that vision and in lifting his voice of great moral clarity at the forefront of the struggle. Every new hard-earned and overdue victory should remind us all that we must keep moving towards greater justice for all.

Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www.childrensdefense.org

Barbershop Talk

Birmingham Times

February 11, 2016

by Pete Stone

Dr. Carter G. Woodson Started Black History Week

In 1926 Dr. Woodson gave the world its first day of Negro History Week that he originated as a historian.

Negro History Week later became Black History Month.

As a barber I have openly participated in Black Cultural discussions for over 40 years. Barbershop Talk is an intricate part of our history, which is a painful and disruptive set of fixed events that shape our lives. The discussions in a Barbershop environment affect the growth and development of the understanding of knowledge which equals wisdom. The association of Negro life and Black history is our story but white publishers stole our legacy with no reparations paid to Black culture.

Dr. Woodson made a statement that lives in my mind each day that I live. He said, “When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions.” Black history is important to the world but must first be understood by the majority of Black folk. History is time and time tells a story; with one hand time holds back and with the other hand time moves us forward.

Barbershop talk offers Black people an opportunity to teach and learn true Black history from each other and inject it into the community. The barber and beauty shops of America are the perfect conduit for our history to pass through to the next generation.

Now I am not asking you to believe this because I said it, I am asking you to study to show your own self-approval.

Contact me at (205) 243-8644

Pride of Birmingham: Remembering Gospel Singer

Birmingham Times

February 11, 2016

Inez Andrews

By Andre Thomas

Mrs. Inez (McConico) Andrews was born in Birmingham on April 14th, 1929. A graduate of Phillips High School, Inez Andrews was no stranger to the Billboard charts. Her single “Lord Don’t Move The Mountain” (1973) peaked in the Top 50 slot on the R&B singles chart. Her studio her albums “Raise a Nation” (1992), and “If Jesus Came to Your Town” (1988) peaked in the Top 50 slot on the Top Gospel Albums charts.

Catapulting to international fame with her powerful rendition of the well-known Negro spiritual, “Mary Don’t You Weep,” Inez toured the world with James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Albertina Walker, and Deloris Washington as a member of the Grammy-nominated group, The Caravans. Recording her smash hit over fifty years ago, her rendition of Mary Don’t You Weep is still being performed by a number of platinum recording artists like Aretha Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Fantasia Barrino to name a few.

Nineteen studio albums, one live album, a Gospel Hall of Fame inductee and host of dynamic nominations for Stellar, Grammy, and Dove Awards, the Phillips High School graduate represented Birmingham proudly every time she hit the stage. Never letting go of her Birmingham roots, this talented star always gave fans that good ole-fashion, hand-clapping, foot-stomping gospel music. Inez Andrews, The Birmingham Times salutes you as a Pride of Birmingham.

Andre J. Thomas is a 5x Award Winning Producer and Entertainment Blogger based out of Birmingham, Alabama. He can be heard every Saturday on the hit radio show, The Joe Lockett Show which airs 101.1 FM & 1260 AM (Metro Birmingham) from 4pm to 7pm CST. You can also read articles written by Andre in The Birmingham Times, Black Moguls Magazine, Gumptown Magazine and on andrejthomas.com.

Keeping an Eye on Safety for February 11, 2016

Birmingham Times

February 11, 2016

By Samuetta Hill Drew

Heart Disease and Women is typically a topic addressed in a health article versus a safety article, but in the spirit of Valentine’s Day let’s view this topic with our safety awareness lenses. After all, 2016 safety theme is awareness and what’s more important for our moms, daughters, sisters, and other female love ones than being aware of the correlation between heart disease and women. Certainly knowledge about this correlation can better equip women to keep themselves in a possible “safe zone” regarding this topic since heart attacks are the number one killer of women not cancer! Let’s explore safety measures which can be implemented to help women prevent heart attacks and dispel some of the myths. Many health care professionals believe heart disease in women is preventable if women make better choses to keep their hearts safer.

Safety Awareness Information:

High Blood Pressure is a leading risk factor for death in women in the United States, contributing to nearly 200,000 female deaths each year. Therefore, it is vitally important to closely monitor and reduce your daily sodium (salt) intake. Read the sodium content labels contained on all foods you purchase at the supermarket and select those which have a lower content. 65% of our sodium comes from foods we purchase and 25% comes from foods we eat while dining out.
Don’t ignore heart problems. Make yourself aware of the warning signs because they differ between women and men. Signs are uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest (this is common in both men and women). If it last more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back, seek immediate medical attention (call 911). Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach are other signs as well as shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs can be breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
As women grow older there is an increase chance of contracting heart disease, but it can affect younger women also. The combination of birth control pills and smoking will increase contracting heart disease by 20%. A sedentary lifestyle at any age can cause plague to accumulate and lead to clogged arties.
Women, who engage in yoga, run marathons and exercise regularly, can still be at risk for heart disease. You can be thin and have high cholesterol. The American Heart Association suggests that women begin checking their cholesterol at the age of 20, or earlier if you have a family history.
64% of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous signs. Because these symptoms vary greatly between men and women, they’re often misunderstood. Extreme fatigue, indigestion, dizziness, flu symptoms, shortness of breath and upper back muscle pain are often more prevalent signs for women.

Regardless of your age, gender, ethnicity, or family history let’s Keep an Eye on Safety for our hearts by creating a Heart Safety Plan which should include better food choices, exercise, checking risk factors frequently and keeping ourselves aware.

I’m Coming Out Swanging!

Birmingham Times

February 11, 2016

By Angela Moore

I’ve never been in a physical fight a day in my life, well, unless you count the time I punched a boy to the ground in the early ’80s because he was picking on my brother. (Hi Guy I punched. In case you’re reading this, “I’m sorry.”)

Anywho, while I’ve not physically fought, I’ll-be-doggone if I haven’t had my back up against the proverbial rope, ducking and dodging, spiritually swinging and flailing in faith with all my God-given might, having to go round-for-round more times spiritually than I would desire, or thought I deserved. It’s times like this, when I’m in a spiritual fight-fest with whatever new or repeat enemy I’m facing that I have to ask myself, “Are you a pretender or contender? What ‘you gone do’ barbecue or mildew?”

I recognize about human life, even Christian life, that often we breeze through the good days with a swagger that rivals a champion fighter. The float like a butterfly, sting like a bee is on fleek, as the American teens say, when things are easy. However, when the unexpected, unfair, unwanted trials of life cause us to really “get in the ring”, go toe-to-toe and show what we know against raging forces we sometimes forget our Father has already fixed the fight and we count ourselves out not knowing victory is at hand.

Here’s what I know. We are contenders, not pretenders. Our faith and its rewards are realer than real. We are heavyweight champion-worthy testimonies to the Power which works within us. That’s it. It’s settled. At some point we must learn to stay in the ring, come out swanging (Yes, I said “swanging” not swinging) and keep on swanging until we WIN! #CueVictoryDance

@AngelaMMoore316

About Angela

Angela Scott Moore has sported many hats in her lifetime. She’s a former broadcast anchor/reporter/producer, a trained motivational speaker, fundraiser and marketing/PR expert. Prior to divorce, she spent nine years as a pastor’s wife working in full-time ministry, where a majority of her time was spent empowering women and girls. She’s an avid blogger at Life Gets Better found at www.angelamooreblog.wordpress.com and Angela Eats the Ham found at www.angelaeatstheham.com. She also hosts a Facebook page titled “I’m More Than What Happened” sharing valuable lessons she’s learned with hopes of helping others overcome the pains of divorce.

Angela is a philanthropic community supporter who has served with more than 25 local and national organizations over her 20 year professional career. Currently she’s working in the fields of Social Justice and operates the blossoming, full-service business venture Amazing Kreations, offering media and event planning assistance, soft skills training and motivational speaking at no, or low cost to small organizations, ministries and businesses. Taking lessons learned from each phase of her ever-evolving life, Angela’s now donning the hat of a woman on a mission to use spoken and written words to motivate others to always know that life gets better, and it can be fun in between.

Alabama’s Black Politicians Divided Over Clinton, Sanders

Birmingham Times

February 11, 2016

By Barnett Wright

Birmingham Times Staff

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Some leading black politicians in Alabama appear divided over whether Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, or former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton should be the Democratic nominee for president.

Voters in the state will head to the polls on March 1, to cast ballots in either the Democratic or Republican primary — and Clinton and Sanders could give blacks in Alabama one of the more difficult presidential choices in years. This isn’t an election where the ballot features the first African American candidate (President Barack Obama) or a white candidate (President Bill Clinton) with an uncanny ability to connect with non-white voters.

Strong arguments can be made for both Clinton and Sanders as the next president, according to local politicians.

Both candidates seem to be serious about the black vote in Alabama and have visited the state over the past two months. In December, Clinton, accompanied by Civil Rights luminaries, spoke in Montgomery. In January, Sanders spoke to an overflow crowd at the Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham.

As the election season progresses, there is enthusiasm on both sides.

Team Clinton says …

Clinton supporters are excited about their candidate’s potential to build on President Obama’s legacy.

Last week at the opening of a Clinton campaign headquarters in downtown Birmingham, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell said, “I am convinced that in order to build on the foundation of President Barack Obama, there’s only one candidate that has that ability to do it not only domestically but also in foreign affairs, as well as ensure that all the gains we’ve made do not retrench. That person is Hillary Clinton.”

Another Clinton supporter, State Rep. Merika Coleman, (D-Hueytown), said she wants a president who’s going to be a “fighter for women, for senior citizens, for our children, for our economy, for jobs, for healthcare … and that person is Hillary Rodham Clinton.”

Sewell pointed out that Clinton is working hard in Alabama, as well as across the country.

“Hillary Clinton was the very first person who came out with a press release after we called out our governor for having the pernicious requirement that voters must have a photo ID in order to vote and then systematically closed down 31 DMVs in areas” where it was hard to use transportation to go and vote, said Sewell (D-Birmingham). “If ever I’m needed in a battle, I want Hillary in the fox hole next to me. She has shown at every level that she is committed to the values we hold dear.”

Team Bernie says …

Sanders supporters are excited about their candidate’s potential to spark change because he is not tied to the establishment, they say.

“He’s open to different ideas, and he’s more open to change,” said Birmingham City Council President Johnathan Austin. “Hillary Clinton is the Democratic version of the establishment. Bernie is an agent for change, and his campaign is preaching that.”

Birmingham City Council Member Steven Hoyt said, “[Sanders] understands the significance of the middle class. He offers universal healthcare. He takes care of veterans. He has the pulse of America. I like what he has to offer in terms of equal pay for equal work. I think he gets it. I believe he’s a viable candidate who can make a difference. He’s accountable and transparent, and he’ll make a great president.”

Sanders supporters also question whether Clinton is taking the black vote for granted, given the popularity of her husband in the black community.

“We don’t owe Hillary anything,” Hoyt said. “There is no entitlement. You have to earn the vote of the African American community. No one dose cures all. She has to work as hard as Bernie to get the African American vote.”

Austin added, “She may take the Democrat vote for granted. It appears Hillary would be the natural selection for the nomination, and she’s not campaigning in some areas like Bernie. I think after what happened in Iowa (and now New Hampshire), they’ll have to readjust their strategy. And Bernie’s message is resonating.”

National Support

Blacks are the majority of the voters in many Democratic primaries in the South and a huge segment of the electorate in other areas. And both candidates are vocal about their support for black causes.

Sanders has said he is a lifelong Civil Rights advocate who marched with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He is proposing economic policies that he believes will deal with income inequality and injustice. He has met with Black Lives Matter activists and has adopted many of their ideas. He has made a number of campaign stops at historically black colleges. And he has a growing stable of hip hop artists in his corner, including Antwan Andre Patton, better known as Big Boi of the duo Outkast, and Atlanta rapper Killer Mike.

Clinton is enormously popular with blacks and among prominent African Americans, such as the Rev. Al Sharpton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and former Attorney General Eric Holder. In addition, more than a dozen members of the Congressional Black Caucus, as well as large numbers of black mayors, state representatives, and state senators have endorsed the former secretary of state.

President Obama has not endorsed Clinton, but he has referred to his former rival as “one of the finest secretaries of state we’ve had” and in an ABC News interview last year said she would make a “great” president. Of Sanders, the President has lauded the senator’s work on behalf of the American people but stopped short of giving his opinion on how the candidate would fare in the White House.

Where They Stand Now

Sanders lost to Clinton by a razor-thin margin in the Iowa caucuses and won easily in New Hampshire on Tuesday by 30 points.

ABC News reported this week that Clinton’s robust strong national lead over Sanders is essentially gone. According to a national Quinnipiac poll, Clinton received 44 percent of support, while Sanders received 42 percent. The last Quinnipiac poll, released on Dec. 21, 2015, showed Clinton with a whopping 31-point lead over Sanders, 61 to 30.

The New York Times, nbcnews.com, and abcnews.go.com contributed to this report.

Classifieds ~.February 11. 2016.~

Birmingham Times

February 11, 2016

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

UAB JEFFERSON TOWER 15TH FLOOR LAB RENOVATION

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

UAB PROJECT # H140041

The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama for the University of Alabama at Birmingham requests proposals from General Contractors for furnishing all labor and materials required for the UAB Jefferson Tower 15th Floor Lab Renovation, located at 625 19th Street, Birmingham, Alabama; UAB Project # H140041.

UAB is a Signatory Sponsor to and affirms The Birmingham Plan – Construction Industry Program; requirements as stated in the Modified Instructions to Bidders, UABHS Form C-2 MIB.

Proposals will be received until 2:00 p.m. on March 1, 2016 and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud in the large conference room of the 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233. Bids must be submitted on Proposal Forms furnished. Proposals shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with the bidder’s name, address, State license number, the name of the project being bid, time and place of the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified.

Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening at the Office of Juan de Onis, Director of Program Planning, 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on March 1, 2016 will be returned unopened.

The scope of work includes build-out of new laboratory and offices within an occupied building. New work includes complete build-out of the space including all Architectural work and MEP systems. The work requires implementation and maintenance of Infection Control and Interim Life Safety provisions. Experience in renovations and performing work in an occupied Healthcare setting is required as work will take place adjacent in an occupied Hospital Building.

Construction Contracts shall be awarded only to Contractors, licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama. Construction Contracts in excess of $50,000 shall be awarded only to Contractors licensed as required by the 1978 Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 8 as amended. Bidders must be responsible in accordance with criteria in the bid documents and as stipulated by Title 39-2-3-(e) of the Code of Alabama.

A Cashiers Check drawn on an Alabama Bank or bid bond, executed by a Surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in Alabama, payable to The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama in the amount of 5% of the amount of bids, but in no event more than $10,000.00, must accompany the bidder’s proposals. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the contract price will be required when the Contract is presented by the Contractor to the Owner.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m. in the large conference room of the 2020 Building, 2020 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.

Only those bidders represented at the Pre-Bid Conference will be eligible to bid on this project. A mandatory walk-through of the project area will be part of the conference. UAB has designated that bid documents will be available for examination at McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, 3000 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912.

Bid Documents will be issued electronically to General Contractor bidders requesting them. BidDocuments may be purchased at Alabama Graphics, 2801 Fifth Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, beginning on Friday, February 12, 2016.

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Notice of Public Involvement Meeting

Purpose: This meeting is part of a review that will assess compliance with Federal regulations pertaining to the transportation planning process conducted by the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Alabama Department of Transportation, Birmingham / Jefferson County Transit Authority, and units of local government in the Birmingham area.

Hosted By: Representatives of the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Alabama Department of Transportation, Birmingham MPO and the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham.

The meeting is Tuesday, February 23, 2016, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, 2 North 20^th Street, Suite 310, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. If you are not able to attend the meeting, please address your comments to: Federal Highway Administration, Alabama Division, 9500 Wynlakes Place,Montgomery, AL 36117-8515. Anyone requiring special accommodations should advise Cissy Edwards Crowe (205-251-8139) at least one week in advance. For additional information concerning the Birmingham MPO visit www.rpcgb.org

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS: IFB #16-07 – LOW SULFER #2 DIESEL & REGULAR #87 OCTANE UNLEADED FUEL

Notice is hereby given that Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority is soliciting bids from a qualified person (s) or entity to supply BJCTA with LOW SULFER #2 DIESEL & REGULAR #87 OCTANE UNLEADED FUEL. The bid document is available for download on the BJCTA’s website: www.bjcta.org.

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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority will be accepting sealed bids for:

Mechanical Plant Water Treatment and Maintenance Services

Bid information, requirements, plans and specifications may be downloaded at www.bjcc.org (under Jobs & Vendor Opportunities – Open Bids section). There is no charge for downloading bid documents. They may also be examined and obtained at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Purchasing Office, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, North Exhibition Hall, 3^rd Floor, Birmingham, AL 35203.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Forum Building Meeting Room M, located at 950 22^nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203.

Bids must be received for public opening on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 no later than 10:00 a.m., and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud in the Forum Building Meeting Room M. Bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished by BJCC. All bids received after 10:00 a.m. on the bid date will be retained in the file, unopened.

Questions should be emailed to Jerry.Nelms@bjcc.org. Telephone inquiries are not accepted.

Sharon Proctor

Purchasing Coordinator

Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority

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ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION

And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS

from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Mike Burgess on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294 until 4:00 PM Central Time March 1, 2016. The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.

UAB HIGHLANDS THIRD FLOOR

RADIOLOGY ROOM 2 RENOVATION

FOR THE UAB HEALTH SYSTEM

AT The

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama

Project No.: UH160331

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The project scope generally consists of replacement of the existing x-ray equipment with new similar equipment, along with associated electrical, plumbing, and fire protection system upgrades, and associated replacement of floor, wall, and ceiling finishes.

B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Prime contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Only prime contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, March 1, 2016 after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than March 4, 2016 by 5:00 PM Central Time.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:

Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location:

Architect:

Birchfield Penuel & Associates

2805 Crescent Avenue, Suite 200

Birmingham, Alabama 35209

Mr. Clay Birchfield

205-870-1876

205-870-3058

clayb@bpa.net

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

Documents:

After notice to pre-qualified bidders is given, the pre-qualified prime contractor bidders may obtain bid documents from the Architect (see address above) upon deposit of $100.00 per set. The deposit is refundable in full on the first two (2) sets issued to each prime general contractor bidder upon return of documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening. Additional sets for pre-qualified prime contractor bidders, subcontractors, vendors, or dealers may be obtained upon payment of the same deposit. The deposit for additional sets shall be refunded less the cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution, upon return of the documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days after bid opening.

Bid documents will be available at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at the Office of the Architect; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 601 37^th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Construction Market Data, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912; and electronically through McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge.

Bonds:

A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Bids:

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). The Bid Date is March 22, 2016 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35294.

Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening at the Office of Juan DeOnis, Director of Program Planning Facilities and Capital Projects, 2020 Building, 2020 8^th Avenue south, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on March 22, 2016 be returned unopened.

Fire Alarm Work

In accordance with Title 34, Chapter 33A, of the Code of Alabama 1975, bidders for fire alarm work of this project, if any, must include with their bid, evidence of licensure as required by the act, by including with the bid submittal, a valid State Fire Marshal’s permit.

D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE

A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on March 7, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the UAB Highlands Hospital Main Lobby. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed Bids for the purchase of Hydraulic Dredge and cable location system will be received by The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham Engineering Department, Attn: E. B. Sorrell, Jr. P.E.; Chief Engineer, 3600 First Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35222 until 10:00 a.m. local time on Friday, February 26^th, 2016, at which time they will be opened and read. Bids received after said time will be rejected and returned unopened.

The Work consists of, but is not limited to, furnishing and installing a manned hydraulic dredge with flowmeter capable of removing settled aluminum sulfate and ferric sulfate sludge, new cable traverse system, and all drinking water safe discharge hoses. In the bid, listed as a separate item, will be dredge location system operated from the cabin of the dredge using the existing cable tie-down system, and other miscellaneous associated items as necessary to complete the Work.

Bids shall be based on a lump sum plus additional allowance as indicated in the Bid Form.

Bidding Documents may be examined at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 601 37^th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222 and the office of the Chief Engineer of The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham, 3600 First Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35222.

Prime Contractor bidders may obtain one complete set of Bidding Documents from the office of the Chief Engineer of The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham upon payment of $50.00 deposit by company check or by certified check, and signing a nondisclosure statement. No personal checks or any other form of payment except as noted will be accepted. This deposit shall be refunded in full to each prime contractor bidder upon the return of the Bidding Documents in a reusable condition within 10 days after the bid opening. Additional sets of Bidding Documents for prime contractor bidders, subcontractors, vendors or dealers may be obtained upon payment of said $50.00 deposit, and signing a nondisclosure statement. This deposit shall be refunded less the costs of printing, reproduction, handling, and distribution, upon return of the documents in reusable condition within 10 days after the bid opening. Company check or Certified check for documents shall be made payable to The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham, 3600 First Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama, 35222 and mailed to the Attn: E. B. Sorrell, Jr. P.E.; Chief Engineer. No additional charge will be made for delivery via UPS ground. Those requesting shipment of documents via carriers other than UPS ground will be made at the requesting firm’s expense. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available to any Bidder. Neither the OWNER nor the ENGINEER will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including any addenda, obtained from other sources. No Bidder may withdraw or alter a bid within 60 calendar days after the actual date of the bid opening.

A mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit, will be held at 9 a.m. local time on Tuesday, February 9^th, 2016 at the Shades Mountain Filter Plant located at 2990 Shades Crest Road, Birmingham, Alabama, 35216. All prospective Bidders and interested parties are required to attend the pre-bid conference. The purpose of the pre-bid conference is to raise questions pertaining to the Bidding and Contract documents and for the OWNER or its representatives to clarify any points. All Contractors shall complete and submit HUB Bid Solicitation Notice (HUB Form 3) no later than seven (7) days after the scheduled date of the pre-bid conference. This form may be submitted in person at the pre-bid conference. Bids will NOT BE ACCEPTED from any Prospective Bidder who does not attend the mandatory Pre-Bid Conference.

Each bid shall be accompanied by a cashier’s check, drawn on an Alabama Bank, or bid Bond in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid not to exceed $10,000.00 in the form and subject to conditions provided for in the Specifications.

The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond each in an amount equal to 100 percent of the Contract Award.

Bidders shall comply with all statutory requirements in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bids will only be received from Contractors who are licensed by the State of Alabama.

Contract time of commencement and completion will be in accordance with the Agreement.

The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham (“BWWB”) has adopted a voluntary Historically Underutilized Business (“HUB”) Program designed to encourage the participation of HUB firms in construction projects. To that end, the BWWB will never exclude any firm from participation in, deny any person benefits of, or otherwise discriminate in connection with the award and performance of BWWB contracts based on racial, gender, social, or economic status.

It is the intent of the BWWB to foster competition among contractors, suppliers and vendors that will result in better quality and more economical services for the BWWB. Under this program, the BWWB has established a goal of 30% participation of HUB firms for services required for BWWB construction projects. The BWWB’s stated goal will not be the determining factor in construction contract awards; rather bidders must demonstrate compliance with the Good Faith Efforts, more particularly outlined in the HUB Program, toward meeting said goal.

Failure on the part of a bidder to fully submit the information required herein may be considered by the BWWB in evaluating whether the bidder is responsive to bid requirements.

Alabama Code §31-13-9 (1975) provides that as a condition for the award of any contract by The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham, a business entity or employer that employs one or more employees within the state of Alabama shall provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program.

Each Prospective Bidder must complete, as a condition for the award of any Contract by The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham, the Certification Regarding Debarment in Section 00201. The Certification must be complete in its entirety and must be included with the Prospective Bidder’s Bid (NO EXCEPTIONS).

Legislature of Alabama Act 2013-205 grants the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) the authority to issue certificates of exemption from sales and use taxes for construction projects for certain governmental agencies. Pursuant to Act 2013-205, Section 1(g) the Contractor accounts for the sales tax not included in the Bid Form by submitting an Accounting of Sales Tax-Attachment to BWWB Bid Form. Failure to provide an accounting of sales tax shall render the bid non-responsive. Other than determining responsiveness, sales tax accounting shall not affect the bid pricing nor be considered in the determination of the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. After Notice of Award, Contractor and Subcontractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must comply with ADOR requirements for making application for qualification of the exemption and are responsible for ADOR reporting requirements for the duration of the project.

If a Contract is to be awarded, it will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder, who has neither been disqualified nor rejected pursuant to these Contract Documents, and whose Bid based on an evaluation by the OWNER indicates that the award will be in the best interest of the Project and will result in the lowest overall cost to the OWNER for completion of the project. If a Contract is to be awarded, it will be awarded within 30 calendar days after the day of the opening of bids.

The OWNER reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, the right to waive irregularities or to accept any proposal deemed to be in the best interest of the OWNER.

Owner:

The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham

3600 First Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35222

Owner’s Engineer:

The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham

Engineering Department

3600 First Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35222

Owner’s Project Manager:

Primary Contact:

Mr. Jeff Cochran Ph.D., P.E., PMP, LEED GA, ENV SP

Principal Engineer

Telephone number: (205) 244-4212

Facsimile number: (205) 244-4712

Cellular number:

Email: jeff.cochran@bwwb.org

Secondary Contact:

E. B. Sorrell, Jr., P.E., P.L.S., SECB

Chief Engineer

Telephone number: (205) 244-4183

Facsimile number: (205) 244-4683

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INVITATION FOR BID

DATE: February 1, 2016

TO: Prospective Bidders

INVITATION FOR BID NUMBER: 16-01

SEPARATE SEALED BIDS FOR: Repair of Three (3) Fire Damaged Units at Various Housing Communities

PRE-BID CONFERENCE DATE/TIME: February 12, 2016 / 10:00 A.M. CST

LOCATION: HABD Central Office

1826 Third Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

BID OPENING:

DATE: February 29, 2016

TIME: 10:00 a.m. CST

LOCATION: HABD Central Office

1826 Third Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

By submission of a bid, the bidder agrees, that if the bid is accepted, to enter into a contract with the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), to complete all work as specified or indicated in the bid documents, for the contract price and within the contract time indicated in the attached IFB. The bidder further accepts all of the terms and conditions of the IFB.

The bid will remain open for the period specified in the IFB, must be independently arrived at, and be prepared in accordance with the instructions to bidders (form HUD-5369). In addition, the HUD-required certifications must be completed and submitted as part of the bid (see form HUD-5369).

A pre-bid conference will be held in accordance with the terms listed above. All bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference.

The bid price(s) will be included as provided in the attached IFB. Unless otherwise specified in the IFB, all prices will be on a firm-fixed-price basis and are not subject to adjustments based on costs incurred.

Bidders should be advised that, prior to award of any contract, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District reserves the right to conduct a pre-award survey for the purpose of determining the bidder’s responsibility and capacity to perform the contract. This survey may include review of subcontracting agreements, financial capacity, and the quality of work performed on other contracts.

All bids must be signed and dated. If a joint venture is submitting the bid, each joint venture must sign the bid. Late bids will be handled in accordance with the form HUD-5369.

A copy of this solicitation is available at www.habd.org under the Purchasing and Procurement Section. Questions regarding the attached IFB should be directed to the Procurement Administrator, in writing ten (10) days prior to the closing date and time set forth in the bid documents. Questions received after the deadline will not be answered.

Contracting Officer: Dontrelle Y. Foster, Interim Executive Director

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Cam Newton and the History of Black Quarterbacks in State of Alabama

Birmingham Times

February 5, 2016

By Barnett Wright
Times staff

On Sunday, Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton will become only the sixth Black quarterback to start in the Super Bowl’s 50-year history.

Newton’s ties to the state of Alabama come from his stellar career at Auburn University, where he won a Heisman Trophy and a national championship.

But there’s another Black quarterback on the Carolina roster with Alabama ties that few are talking about — backup quarterback Joe Webb, a Wenonah High School graduate and former starter at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Some say Webb is arguably the best athlete on the team. Before signing with Carolina, he started at quarterback for a Minnesota Vikings playoff game in 2012. As the Panthers prepare for the Denver Broncos Sunday, they can depend on Webb as an emergency backup running back; fifth receiver on game days, and someone who plays on all special teams units.

But all eyes and ears have been on Newton in the wake of comments he made last week about being a Black quarterback.

Newton ignited a national race conversation when asked his explanation for the heat he’s taken from some parents who have written to newspapers and websites criticizing some of his actions.

“I’ve said this since day one,” Newton said. “I’m an African American quarterback that scares people because they haven’t seen anything they can compare me to.

“I think it’s a trick question,” he added. “If I answer it truthfully, it’s going to be ‘Aw, he’s this or that.’ But I will say it anyway: I don’t think people have seen what I am or what I’m trying to do.”

Newton is trying to become only the third Black to ever win football’s ultimate game. Doug Williams, who won Super Bowl XXII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1988, was the first and Russell Wilson won with the Seattle Seahawks and Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014 .

Other starting Black quarterbacks in Super Bowls have included Steve McNair for the Tennessee Titans (XXXIV), Donovan McNabb for the Philadelphia Eagles (XXXIX), Colin Kaepernick (XLVII) for the San Francisco 49ers, and Russell Wilson (XLVIII, XLIV) for the Seattle Seahawks.

Bama QB Passed Over

Newton, a number-one pick in the 2011 NFL draft, is only the second Black quarterback from Auburn to play in the NFL, following Jason Campbell, who was drafted in the first round by the Washington Redskins in 2005.

Interestingly, the University of Alabama has never had a Black quarterback in the NFL while UAB (Webb drafted in 2010 by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round) and even Alabama State (Tavarius Jackson drafted in the second round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2006) have sent Black quarterbacks to the league.

Blake Sims, arguably the best Black quarterback to play at Alabama, set an Alabama single-season record by passing for 3,487 yards in 2014, when he tossed 28 TD passes and earned the MVP honor in the Crimson Tide’s 42–13 victory over Missouri in the SEC championship game.

Sims was passed over in the 2015 NFL Draft, though, and played briefly in the Canadian Football League (CFL) before being cut.

As for Black quarterbacks at Alabama and Auburn, Walter Lewis in 1980–1983 was the first Black quarterback to start for the Crimson Tide and led Alabama during the final three seasons of the Bryant era. Lewis played in the United States Football League with Memphis, spent time with the New England Patriots, and played in the CFL.

At Auburn, Charles Thomas (1978–1981) was the first Black QB for the Tigers.

Who are some of the other notable Black signal-callers at Alabama and Auburn?

In 2014, the Iron Bowl saw two Black quarterbacks face each other when Sims started for Alabama and Nick Marshall for Auburn. The Tide won 55–44, while Sims and Marshall combined for 768 yards passing and six touchdowns.

Auburn’s Black QBs have included Jeremy Johnson, Kodi Burns, Reggie Slack, and Pat Washington. Campbell was QB for the undefeated 2004 team and was a first round draft choice. Slack, 1986–1989, was signed by the Houston Oilers in 1990 and played several seasons in the CFL

Most Influential

Before Sims in 2014, Andrew Zow was the last African American quarterback to start at Alabama, playing from 1998 to 2002.

Zow had an up-and-down career, playing through the turmoil of coach Mike DuBose’s final year and the uncertainty of Dennis Franchione’s two seasons as coach.

He was still able to guide Alabama to a Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship in 1999 and finished his career with 5,983 passing yards and 35 touchdowns. He was benched in his senior season, however, with some Alabama passing records within reach in favor of Tyler Watts, who is white.

How did Zow see the matter?

In an interview with Bleacher Report he said, “A lot of people want to make it racial a lot of time. I’m not going to say it’s not. Sometimes you may get the feeling that, ‘Hey, look this could be racially motivated.’ But with some of the things you put up with as quarterback, Bama fans could care less about your race. There’s the side of the fans who want their guy in there, regardless of what [racial] side you’re on. I put up with it.”

Zow is head coach at Montevallo High School, about 30 miles outside of Birmingham.

Asked whether the African American community celebrated his accomplishments Zow said, “I was considered one of the most influential African American athletes at the University of Alabama at the time. Back home in my community [Lake Butler, Fla.], I was more being celebrated as a kid playing quarterback in college than being a Black quarterback at Alabama.”

Zow said former Bama player Sylvester Croom, the first African American head football coach in the SEC at Mississippi State, and his family were supportive.

“Sylvester Croom and his brother, Calvin Croom, both played at Alabama,” Zow said. “Calvin had a church in Tuscaloosa, the College Hill Baptist Church. The people at the church made a big deal of me playing quarterback. Calvin was one of those guys who celebrated and supported me. And Coach [Terry] Jones, the strength-and-conditioning coach at Alabama when I was there, also went to the same church. He and his wife were very supportive of me. They had me come into the church and speak to the kids all the time.”

Asked to describe his relationship with the Alabama football program today Zow said, “My relationship with Alabama is good … Coach [Nick] Saban has been good to me. He’s very good with former players. He wants guys to be there for the other guys. If I was living in Tuscaloosa, I’d be going back there all the time. You talk about what he’s built there, it’s great. He’s very open.”

TAKE A STAND

Birmingham Times

February 5, 2016

There comes a time when one must take a stand on the principles of God’s Word, that is if you want to truthfully honor the Kingdom of God, because there is no other way to let the world know who and what you believe in. If you are a leader over God’s people, surely you must know that it is imperative that your stand is on the Word of God. If there is an issue against God’s Word, the leader should take a stand for the Word of God, and everyone who believes the Word of God. We are not talking about what the law says or does not say, because whoever wrote the law against the foundation of the Law, then that person or persons’ patriotism should be question. AMEN!

I believe in Jesus and all He says in the Word of God; now where did your belief come from, and what are you basing it on. Did you not know this country/America was founded on God believing emigrants, and by the way, we all are emigrants.

America was founded upon the principles in the Word of God, and it is reflected in every institution that was built during its inception; recent years someone got a smart idea that we should change everything; tell me how can that be? You new kids on the block surely cannot change God’s program, and if allowed to do so, you are asking for tremendous devastation, as we are beginning to see. AMEN!

This is God’s world; He made it and everything therein. Man’s inventions came from God, but man has distorted all the good God has given him; let us all bow before God Almighty and repent for all our ugliness and sin. AMEN!

www.thealmightyeyes.com

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By Joseph D. Bryant Authority of the Birmingham District

By Barnett Wright Times staff

By Joseph D. Bryant
Authority of the Birmingham District

By Barnett Wright
Times staff