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What to Expect in Alabama on Election Day Nov. 5

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Birmingham Times
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Birmingham votes in the city’s mayoral election; candidates for City Council and Birmingham Board of Education are also on the ballot. The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. (File)

By Maya Sweedler | Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Alabama voters head to the polls on Nov. 5 with a newly drawn congressional district and a long history of Republican dominance in the state on the line.

The Democratic candidate for president hasn’t carried Alabama since Jimmy Carter in 1976. Since then, the state has become reliably red. Both U.S. senators, six of the state’s seven members of the U.S. House and the governor are Republicans. Former President Donald Trump won the state by 28 percentage points in 2016 and 26 points four years later.

Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and three independent candidates round out the field on the presidential ballot. Alabama has nine electoral votes.

Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District was redrawn this year after the Supreme Court ruled that the state had illegally diluted the influence of Black voters. The district stretches across the lower third of the state and includes the cities of Mobile and Montgomery. Democrat Shomari Figures and Republican Caroleene Dobson are both seeking the open seat. Its voting-age population is 49 percent Black, up from 30 percent from when the district was reliably Republican.

The current representative, Barry Moore, opted to run in the neighboring 1st District where he beat incumbent Jerry Carl in the primary. The other five incumbent representatives are running for reelection in their current seats.

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who backed litigation that resulted in the redrawing of Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, called next week’s election in the district a historic opportunity for the state’s voters.

Holder appeared with Figures at a series of Monday campaign stops in Mobile. The National Democratic Redistricting Committee, which Holder chairs, supported the legal battle that led to the district being redrawn into a competitive seat where Black voters have the opportunity to influence the outcome.

Standing at the pulpit of Big Zion AME Zion Church, which has a 182-year history in Mobile, Holder said the nation owes a debt to the voting rights movement that began in Alabama in places like Selma and Birmingham. The way to repay that debt is to vote, he said as he urged the gathered crowd to support Figures.

“He’ll also fight for that ultimate progress where justice, fairness and equality are just the norm, not something that we point to as abnormal,” Holder said of Figures. Holder, who is Black, invoked the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. that the arc of the moral universe “bends toward justice,” but added that people “must put our hands on that arc and pull it towards justice.”

Figures worked in the Obama White House and as a former top aide to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. His campaign is being joined by several high-profile Democrats as he seeks to rally turnout. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will appear at a Figures event in Montgomery this week.

“We can again show America that Alabama can lead the way,” Figures said Monday. “Because the truth about this seat is that this seat is at the center of determining who will be in control of the House of Representatives.”

Neither senator nor the governor is on the ballot this year, and the state’s lone ballot measure would affect only Franklin County.

Alabama doesn’t offer early in-person voting. It also is one of the few states that still requires an excuse to vote by mail. As a result, nearly all Alabama voters cast their ballots in person on Election Day. In recent elections, the state has reported more than 80 percent of its votes between poll close and midnight on Election Day.

Here’s a look at what to expect in the 2024 election in Alabama:

Election Day: Nov. 5.

Poll closing time: 7 p.m. CT

Presidential electoral votes: 9 awarded to statewide winner.

Key race and candidates: President: Harris (D) vs. Trump (R) vs. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Independent) vs. Jill Stein (Independent) vs. Chase Oliver (Independent).

Other races of interest: U.S. House, state Supreme Court, Civil Appeals, Criminal Appeals, Public Service Commission, state Board of Education and a ballot measure.

Past presidential results: 2020: Trump (R) 62 percent, Biden (D) 37 percent, AP race call: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, 8 p.m. ET.

Voter registration and turnout: Registered voters: 3,776,498 (as of September 2024).

Voter turnout in 2020 presidential election: 62 percent of registered voters.

Pre-Election Day voting

Votes cast before Election Day 2020: about 13 percent of the total vote.

Votes cast before Election Day 2022: about 3 percent of the total vote.

AP writer Hannah Fingerhut contributed to this report.

Birmingham’s Odessa Woolfolk Named Recipient of 2024 Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award

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Birmingham Times
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Odessa Woolfolk's legacy of leadership in human and civil rights, education, and community empowerment spans decades. (FILE)

By Barnett Wright

The Birmingham Times

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) will present Odessa Woolfolk, the city’s renowned educator, civic leader, and lifelong advocate for civil and human rights, with the 2024 Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award on Nov. 20.

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

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

Woolfolk, who helped found the BCRI, will receive the Award at the Institute’s 32nd anniversary celebration this month at the Institute, 520 16th Street N. in downtown Birmingham.

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

Woolfolk joins a list of previous Shuttlesworth Award winners that have included former Birmingham mayor Richard Arrington; Equal Justice Institute founder Bryan Stevenson and former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young.

“Most of those people I have worked with on various civic endeavors and all of them are known for being involved with social justice,” Woolfolk said. “I call them my brothers in spirit because we have been in the vineyards of social justice and Civil and Human Rights for a long time.”

Woolfolk’s legacy of leadership in human and civil rights, education, and community empowerment spans decades. A native of Birmingham, she has been an advocate for justice, dedicating her life to advancing equality for marginalized communities and promoting the power of education as a tool for social change.

As a pivotal leader in the city, she played a key role in establishing the BCRI in 1992. Her vision and leadership as the Institute’s founding board chair helped transform the Institute into a nationally recognized center for Civil Rights education and activism.   Through her efforts, the Institute became a powerful symbol of Birmingham’s place in the struggle for racial justice, serving as a bridge between the past and the future of human rights advocacy.

“In these times it is so important to lift up for the cause that Rev. Shuttlesworth and others in the Civil Rights and Human Rights community stood,” Woolfolk told the Times. “What this does is to encourage me and others to keep fighting the good fight.”

Woolfolk’s social justice work included her role as a high school educator of the Foot Soldiers who marched with Shuttlesworth in 1963. Her work in promoting civic engagement, educational equity, and dialogue around human rights issues has empowered generations to carry forward the torch of equality.

Tickets are $32 and available for purchase at www.bcri.org/event/reimagine or at the BCRI’s ticket booth.

9 Tips to Practice Good Credit Health

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Birmingham Times
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The more you maintain good financial habits and clean up past mistakes, the better your credit can be. (Chase)

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

Good credit can help unlock the door to a brighter future.

That’s not just a metaphor – your credit score is one of the first pieces of information lenders review before approving you for a mortgage, business loan or other purchase requiring finance. A strong credit history could help position you as a more trustworthy borrower.

Think of building credit like practicing good hygiene. The more you maintain good financial habits and clean up past mistakes, the better your credit can be.

Here are nine important tips to help establish and maintain good credit health.

  1. Check your credit reports

Reviewing your credit report is the first step in finding information that may be affecting your score. You have a credit report with the three major bureaus. You can access your ExperianTM credit report for free with Chase Credit Journey®.

  1. Monitor your credit score

This three-digit number can be key to your lender’s decision and helps determine the interest rate offer you’ll receive. With a higher credit score, you may be able to lower your interest rate. Keep in mind, credit score is just one of the many factors considered. The five main categories that determine your credit score are payment history (35 percent), amounts owed (30 percent), length of credit history (15 percent), new credit (10 percent) and types of credit used (10 percent).

  1. Pay off delinquent accounts

Bring any delinquent accounts current, or work to pay them off when you are able. Delinquencies include past due payments, charge-offs, collections or judgments.

  1. Make payments on time

Every on-time payment is important as it helps demonstrate good financial behavior. It also takes time to rebuild your credit score after delinquencies and late payments.

  1. Avoid new debt

Because hard inquiries can also affect your credit score, try to avoid applying for multiple lines of credit in a short period of time. Hard inquiries will appear on your report for two years.

  1. Know your debt-to-income ratio

Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward paying off debts. Keep DTI ratios low, as this shows you’re more likely to be able to afford monthly loan payments.

  1. Keep low balances

Paying off your revolving loans every month is beneficial for your payment history while lowering the total amount owed. Try to keep your balances at or below 30% of your credit limit to help your credit score.

  1. Keep accounts open

Closing accounts lowers your total amount of available credit and increases the percentage of credit in use, which can have a negative impact on your score and credit history. Borrowers who have credit available but don’t use it all or pay it off every month likely appear more credible to lenders.

  1. Know how much you can afford to spend

Understanding your personal finances helps avoid getting into debt you can’t pay off, which could potentially harm your credit. Knowing and maintaining your personal budget reduces the chances of missing payments.

Keep your credit clean

Building good credit is a gradual process. While it takes time for derogatory marks to disappear from your credit report, there are steps you can take now to start improving your credit score.

As with any healthy routine, once you’ve gotten started, it can be easier to maintain. Over time, you’ll be on your way to establishing healthy credit hygiene and solid financial health.

Ascension St. Vincent’s Officially Becomes UAB St. Vincent’s

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Birmingham Times
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UAB Health System, Hospital and School of Medicine leadership celebrated with UAB St. Vincent's leaders, caregivers and associates on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. Leaders commemorated the day with employees at UAB St. Vincent's locations in Birmingham, Trussville, Pell City, Chilton County, Blount County and Highway 119. (Andrea Mabry, UAB)

By Alicia Rohan | UAB News

As of Nov. 1, 2024, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System Authority has assumed ownership of Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System in central Alabama to sustain patients’ access to the highest-quality care in Birmingham and surrounding communities.

After thorough study and due diligence, UAB announced in June that the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved an agreement with Ascension to seek the necessary approvals and work toward satisfying closing conditions.

Under the agreement, the UAB Health System Authority has assumed ownership of all Ascension St. Vincent’s sites of care, including the hospitals at Birmingham, Blount, Chilton, East and St. Clair, as well as the One Nineteen Campus, the Trussville Freestanding Emergency Department, and imaging centers and other clinics that are part of Ascension Medical Group. The transaction includes Ascension St. Vincent’s services, facilities, caregivers and associates, including a robust network of providers serving the region.

UAB Health System, Hospital and School of Medicine leadership celebrated with UAB St. Vincent’s leaders, caregivers and associates on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (Andrea Mabry, UAB)

Former St. Vincent’s sites of care and operations are now officially UAB St. Vincent’s.

“We are thrilled to welcome St. Vincent’s patients, caregivers and associates to the UAB Medicine community,” said UAB Health System CEO Dawn Bulgarella. “We are grateful and excited for how well this acquisition has been received by patients, as well as the St. Vincent’s and UAB teams. I look forward to seeing how the combining of these two great health systems enhances patients’ access to a larger network of care, creates exciting opportunities for our people and makes Alabama’s healthcare system more sustainable.”

UAB St. Vincent’s patients will continue to have access to the health care services and providers they’ve come to trust, and they will also gain access to a larger care network. The goal of the transition team made up of UAB, Ascension and St. Vincent’s team members has been to make the transition smooth for UAB St. Vincent’s patients, caregivers and associates, as well as the broader UAB Medicine team and the communities both health systems serve.

“A significant amount of work and dialogue has gone into this effort, and Ascension has been a great partner throughout, demonstrating a shared commitment to a smooth transition for everyone we serve,” Bulgarella said. “We exist to improve lives, and that purpose will continue to drive our actions.”

At a time when hospitals are closing across the nation, UAB Health System has made it a priority to strengthen Alabama hospitals, support care providers, and increase community outreach and service through innovative partnerships that improve the state’s health care ecosystem.

“Today we are celebrating the beginning of an exciting, more sustainable new era of health care in Alabama,” Bulgarella said. “We look forward to investing in our people, facilities and systems to enhance the caregiver, associate and patient experience across UAB Medicine and UAB St. Vincent’s.”

Ray Watts, M.D., who chairs the UAB Health System Authority Board in addition to serving as UAB president, says UAB Health System is uniquely positioned to deliver on that commitment to sustain patient and employee success.

“UAB Health System is recognized among the nation’s best for innovative, world-class, people-first care, as well as among the best places to work in health care,” Watts said. “As an Alabama-operated health system, we love, understand and meet the needs of our local communities, and we deeply respect Ascension St. Vincent’s caregivers’ and associates’ similar community- and mission-focused commitment.”

That commitment is shared by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees and System Office. During the June Board meeting at which the agreement passed with unanimous support, UA System Interim Chancellor Sid J. Trant — who, along with Bulgarella, recommended the resolution for approval, said “As you all know, the University of Alabama System and the UAB Health System exist to improve the lives of Alabamians and beyond. This acquisition will go a long way to that end and will move the UA System toward fulfilling its vision of becoming the preeminent public system of higher education and health care in the United States.”

16th Street Baptist Church Wins 2024 National Preservation Award

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Birmingham Times
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The National Trust for Historic Preservation bestowed the Trustees’ Emeritus Award for historic site stewardship to 16th Street Baptist Church, the only institution across the country to receive this recognition. (File)

dcwins.com

Sixteenth Street Baptist Church was among 10 recipients honored this week with a 2024 National Preservation Award.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation bestowed the Trustees’ Emeritus Award for historic site stewardship to Sixteenth Street, the only institution across the country to receive this recognition. The National Trust cited the church’s successful restoration efforts and its role as a “shining example” of preservation, cultural revitalization, and social activism.

An awards ceremony took place on Tuesday, kicking off the 2024 PastForward Conference, held this year in New Orleans.

“In our continued effort to celebrate the power of place, we gather at this PastForward Conference to honor some of the most effective leaders in the field of preservation,” said Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Whether preserving and honoring African American burial grounds, or repurposing a former newspaper headquarters into a thriving downtown center, the efforts of our 2024 awardees have activated meaningful sites to serve the public good.”

During the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Sixteenth Street served as the organizational headquarters, site of mass meetings, and rallying point for African Americans protesting widespread institutionalized racism in Birmingham. The Ku Klux Klan bombing of the church in 1963 was followed by President Lyndon Johnson’s signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act into law.

Today, the church remains committed to serving the community, as well as the more than 100,000 tourists who visit annually to tour the redesigned educational spaces and multi-media museum experiences that focus not only on the bombing and its aftermath, but also on the aesthetic significance of the church’s design by African American architect W. A. Rayfield.

“We are deeply honored to accept this recognition on behalf of the Birmingham community,” said the Rev. Arthur Price Jr., the pastor at Sixteenth Street. “Our sanctuary is a sacred space in every sense, and we are proud to continue on its legacy and history.”

Miles College to Host AI Yard Fest Showcasing Leaders in Tech Innovation, Business, and Education

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Birmingham Times
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The City of Birmingham and Builders + Backers have created a strategic partnership to advance innovation and entrepreneurship. (Adobe Stock)

miles.edu

Miles College will host AI Yard Fest, November 7, beginning at 11 a.m. inside the Kirkendoll Learning Resources Center in campus. This event, powered by Latimer.ai, will focus on artificial intelligence, innovative applications, and opportunities for underrepresented community entrepreneurs in tech. This event will bring together leading voices in tech innovation, business, and education to inspire and engage the next generation of tech professionals and entrepreneurs.

The 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Growth supports the development of great companies by aligning curriculum, mentorship, and investment. Operating at the intersection of purpose and prosperity, the 2150 Center is committed to changing the narrative of HBCU innovation, driving forward the success of minority-owned businesses. The organization aims to make a significant local and global impact, focusing on empowering underrepresented communities through education and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Latimer.ai, a trailblazer in AI education and innovation, is known for providing state-of-the-art solutions and empowering institutions to integrate AI into their curricula. Black Girls Code is dedicated to instilling a sense of belonging in Black girls in the tech industry and equipping them with the skills, opportunities, and resources to lead. Together, they will be the main attractions at the AI Yard Fest, showcasing their unwavering commitment to advancing diversity in technology and preparing students for the AI-driven industries of the future.

Additionally, HBCU Cares is a proud partner of the AI Yard Fest. HBCU Cares is dedicated to providing resources and support to historically Black colleges and universities, ensuring students have access to technology, education, and opportunities for successful careers. Their involvement highlights the importance of collaboration in expanding access to tech for underrepresented communities.

The recently launched 2150 Innovation, Commercialization & Growth Center is dedicated to transforming the HBCU landscape by bridging the gaps in access, education, and funding for underserved and underrepresented founders and entrepreneurs. As the largest buying demographic in the country, Black communities deserve equitable representation across all sectors. Through collaboration with our valued partners, we are able to accelerate problem solving and research commercialization while driving meaningful impact.

“National thought leaders and founders will take over the campus and energize innovators and disruptors,” said 2150 CEO & Founder In Residence Erskine “Chuck” Faush. “The Al Fest will educate those who are curious and cautious of Al, support those who need guidance on its practical uses, and empower those with ideas that could transform the tech space.”

Event Overview: AI Fest is designed to provide students, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts with hands-on exposure to artificial intelligence and its applications. The day will feature keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, offering invaluable insights into how AI is transforming industries and creating pathways for future careers in technology.

For more information, visit www.2150innovate.org.

First-Ever Miss Senior Titusville Library Named in Birmingham

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Birmingham Times
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Andrea Whitfield was recently crowned the first-ever Miss Senior Titusville Library. (Provided)

birminghamal.gov

As patrons walked into the Titusville Public Library last week, a red carpet lined the way. Ambient sounds of Kenny G filled the air and near the circulation desk, a black and gold balloon arch framed a makeshift stage area with a cascade of strings lined with foil stars.

It was the site of the first-ever Miss Senior Titusville Library Pageant. Birmingham women aged 55 and older were invited to vie for the honor of being the queen of this popular neighborhood library.

“Through this pageant, we recognize and honor the rich narratives, multifaceted talents, and remarkable contributions of our senior participants,” said Branch Manager Reba Williams. She often hosts many senior-centric events, including fitness classes, gardening tips, and book clubs.

An audience of mostly senior citizens filed into the library—a parade of folks donning everything from their Sunday’s Best, with full suits and dresses with sequins, as well as T-shirts and blue jeans. They strode in with pride, many with walkers, canes and even a scooter. And, in true senior fashion, one patron passed around a Ziploc bag filled with cinnamon candy and peppermints, saying, “Have some.”

The current Miss Senior Jefferson County 2024, Victoria Clark Thomas, was the mistress of ceremonies. “People don’t get old because they age,” she told the crowd. “They get old because they stop doing things they did when they were young.”

Four lovely women of a certain age competed for the crown: Patricia Russell Hendrix, Debra Japaul, Rosia Underwood, and Andrea Whitfield. One by one, they emerged from double doors sandwiched in between a flagpole and book display.

The audience of more than 50 attendees swooned and gasped as each woman did her strut.

“Alright now.”

“You go girl.”

“Do your thang.”

The categories were activewear, talent and evening gown. The women glided, sauntered, and swayed, showing off various wares of sequins and pearls, fringes, Afrocentric gowns, a pink cowboy hat and even a construction outfit accentuated with a working drill. They did praise dances and recited original poems. One shimmied to Mary J. Blige’s “Feeling Fine,” and another showed off her original artwork.

Sitting among the crowd was Sharon Tate of Titusville. “I think this is wonderful,” she said. “This is giving seniors a chance to express themselves, be themselves, and motivate other seniors.”

In the end, the judges of three community leaders tabulated their scores and the winner was announced: “Andrea Whitfield!”

Dressed in a one-shoulder black gown with silver rhinestones, the radiant 70-year-old smiled bright and was crowed with a headpiece that envied one at any Miss America pageant.

“With me being in the Titusville community, it always gives me the opportunity to do and represent the city in each and every way,” said the grandmother, golfer, author and retired teacher. “It is a service, and I am a servant of the city of Birmingham.”

Her secret for glowing beauty and an active life?

“Enjoy life,” she said. “Slow down and enjoy every moment. Life is a celebration. You don’t look for things that will take your breath away. You look for things that take your breath away.”

HBCU Weekend Football Roundup: Miles College on a 6-Game Winning Streak

By
Birmingham Times
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Quarterback Kamren Ivory is an important part of Miles College's 6-game win streak. He had a terrific game against Benedict College last week completing 17-of-25 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. (Tam'Ron Williams, Miles College)

By Donald Hunt | For The Birmingham Times

Miles College is playing some of its best football of the season. The Golden Bears (6-2, 6-0) are alone in first place in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) standings and will showcase its winning ways on Saturday, Nov. 2 at home against Morehouse College (1-7, 1-5). The kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

The team has a six-game winning streak heading into this game.

The Golden Bears are coming off an impressive 26-14 win over Benedict College last week. Quarterback Kamren Ivory had a terrific game completing 17-of-25 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He also had three carries for 62 yards and will be a key player against Morehouse College along with his wide receivers Keidarris Griffin, Franck Pierre, Jaquel Fells and tight end Travaunta Abner.

In other SIAC action, Tuskegee University (5-3, 5-1) will visit Clark Atlanta (5-2-1, 4-2) on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. for a conference game. The Golden Tigers are on a five-game winning streak and had a nice 30-14 road victory over Central State last week. Tuskegee University linebacker Charles Davis Jr. led the team’s defense with six solo and seven total tackles. The Golden Tigers will need another strong defensive effort against the Panthers.

In the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Alabama State (4-3, 3-1) will host Alcorn State (4-4, 3-1) on Saturday, Nov. 2 in the Port City Classic in Mobile, AL. The kickoff will be at 4 p.m. ASU will be taking plenty of momentum into this game following a 27-19 win over its longtime rival Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic. The Hornets are trying to keep pace with first place Jackson State (6-2, 4-0) in the SWAC East. Alabama State quarterback Kareem Keye could be a player to watch in this game. Keye connected on 14-of-20 passes for 131 yards and two TDs for a good performance in the Magic City Classic.

In other conference action, Alabama A&M (3-4, 1-2) will entertain Southern University (4-4, 3-1) on Saturday, Nov. 2. The kickoff will be at 2 p.m. The Bulldogs will face a tough conference opponent with the Jaguars (4-4, 3-1) who lead the SWAC West standings.

After 31 Years, Etheridge Senior Car Wash Closes in Historic Black Birmingham Business District

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Birmingham Times
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Ashley Pritchett, left, and April Pritchett-White, Co-Owners/Operators, of Etheridge Senior Car Wash in downtown Birmingham. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

By Sym Posey and Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

After being in business for more than three decades, a staple of the historic downtown Fourth Avenue business has closed.

Etheridge Senior Car Wash at 1600 3rd Ave N, closed October 25 leaving a void downtown and also in the hearts of longtime customers.

Etheridge Senior Car Wash, a staple of the historic downtown Fourth Avenue business, has closed. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

“After 31 wonderful years, we regret to announce that we will be closing our doors,” wrote April Pritchett-White and Ashley Pritchett, Co-Owners/Operators of Etheridge Senior Car Wash earlier this month in a joint statement on their social business page. “The evolving economy and challenges in hiring have made it increasingly difficult for us to continue operating at the level of excellence you have come to expect.”

“I’m thankful for all of our loyal customers who have supported our family and business throughout the years. It’s been amazing to serve them and I will always cherish the memories and relationships that we’ve built,” Ashley told The Birmingham Times. “I am sad. This has been in my family since I was young. …”

“I will miss the customers,” April said. “Serving the community, helping people who were just getting back on their feet. We’ve been going down there (to the car wash) since we were little. There’s a lot of memories.”

Last week, many longtime customers stopped by downtown business for one last car wash and detail.

“I’ve been coming to the car wash for about 10 years. I will miss the quality of work,” said Daijah Bell, of Birmingham. “Every time I left … my car looked brand new.  There was consistent attention to detail. I will also miss the community. You never know who you’ll meet while there. You could connect with different people from the Birmingham community and form many connections and relationships.”

Ashley Pritchett, Co-Owner/Operator at Etheridge Senior Car Wash. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

Anita Davis, of Birmingham, said she’s not sure where she will take her car now. ‘What are we going to do?” she asked. “They do such a good job. It’s like you just bought your car off the showroom floor … We come here all the time, my whole family.”

Located in the historic Black business district which stretches along 15th to 18th streets North, and from Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard to Second Avenue North, the car wash first opened in 1993 by their grandfather Willie T. Etheridge, the patriarch of several family-owned businesses that have included five barbershops and beauty salons and a catering facility. Mr. Etheridge died in 2003.

His daughter Felecia Etheridge-Dovi took over the car wash business in 2002 until her passing in 2017 when April and Ashley became co-owners.

“My mom died on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, 2017, and we opened up this business the next day, and we have been going every day since non-stop…This is the first time in eight years since my mom died that we have decided to choose us. We want to enjoy our lives too,” said Ashley.

With the cost of products increasing and a shortage of workers, the business took a toll, she said.

“We had to adjust our hours. We were Monday through Saturday. We lost some workers and then we changed to Tuesday to Saturday,” she said. “We have been struggling for workers for a long time. Sometimes I can have 30 cars and I, with my hands, wash 25 of those 30 cars. That’s how short we’ve been lately.”

Just before the pandemic in 2020 the business had 14 employees. It was down to two just before the final closing, which meant the sisters often had to help wash and detail cars.

“My mom worked all the time,” April said. “Growing up, we went on family vacations with my aunt. We never went on family vacations with our mom for real. She didn’t take a lot of pictures with her. I’m looking forward to doing all the things that my mother didn’t get to do.”

Ashley Pritchett, Co-Owner/Operator with April Pritchett-White, lock up the building at 1600 3rd Ave. N. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

“Committed To Working”

April, 43 and Ashley 40, remember the Car Wash being a part of their lives since they were little girls raised in the east side of town. Ashley graduated from Huffman High School and April from Ramsay. The Etheridge family owned a barbershop, beauty shop and the car wash which were all on the corner of 16th and 3rd Avenue North.

“We were like barbershop and beauty shop kids,” Ashley said. “We didn’t go over there (across the street to the car wash) often. We just used to watch from across the street at the beauty shop … we weren’t allowed to sit around [over there] because we were little.”

Once she got to high school, April remembered driving a car owned by her grandfather while she had to do small tasks at the car wash. “Once I was committed to working, he gave me the car,” April recalled of 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier. “On the weekend I would drive the car and do stuff for the car wash … get his clothes out the cleaners, go the bank and get change.”

April Pritchett-White, Co-Owner/Operator, of Etheridge Senior Car Wash in downtown Birmingham. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

April said she learned every aspect of the business after her grandfather passed. “When my mom took over the business, I had to help her with billing and ordering supplies and doing the customer database, doing the profit and loss statements, all the financials,” she said. “When we were younger it was more fun than anything counting the change out of the drink machine … [But it] prepared me for the business. When my mom passed away, I knew exactly what I needed to do, I knew exactly what to do to run the business.”

Ashley said the sisters began discussing the future of the business in 2022 not long after the pandemic. “We lost a lot of employees … everything just changed. We had 14 employees at one time in 2016-2020. After the pandemic, four came back. Now we have two loyal employees that I’ve had for five-plus years Jeffery Edmondson and Louis Dixon.”

As for the future, Ashley, who works at UAB, said she has returned to pursuing nursing at Lawson State Community College and April has been at Blue Cross Blue Shield for 17 years.

Their uncles — part of the well-known Birmingham Etheridge Family — run the Etheridge Brothers Barber Shops on Graymont Avenue and Etheridge Beauty & Style Shop downtown which will stay open.

Louis Dixon provides car detailing at Etheridge Senior Car Wash a week before its closing in downtown Birmingham. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

“Support Black Businesses”

As the sisters prepared to close the business last week, Jennifer Tiehen who lives in McCalla, Alabama, stopped by with her personal car. Tiehen said she found out about Etheridge Senior Car wash through a Google search while working at her job downtown. That was after she and co-workers had scheduled someone to wash cars at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center there they worked.

“[We] scheduled someone to come to us to detail the cars that we have there, and they didn’t show up,” Tiehen said. “I Googled and found Etheridge Senior Car Wash and since then we have brought almost seven vehicles back. “

The work was so good that Tiehen said she and co-workers brought back their personal cars.

Ralph Woodfin, of Birmingham, was also at the car wash last week and said he’s been a return customer.

“I’ve had my vehicles washed here on several occasions and they have always done an excellent job. They were always thorough, and my car always left there sparkling from the inside to the outside,” he said. “The community will miss this business because they did such an excellent job. I’m not happy to see this Black business leave but I do think we need to continue to support Black businesses in the area.”

Jeffery Edmondson provides car detailing at Etheridge Senior Car Wash a week before its closing. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

12-Year-Old With Fatal Disease Saluted by 33 Alabama Law Enforcement Agencies

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Birmingham Times
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Officials from 33 law enforcement agencies across the state presented Devarjay “DJ” Daniel, 12, with badges, resolutions and more. (Provided)

The Birmingham Times

In the midst of the festivities in Birmingham surrounding America’s largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football game last week, several area law enforcement agencies took a moment to honor a critically ill youth and fulfill one of his dreams.

Officials from 33 law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Birmingham Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the FBI, Alabama State University’s (ASU) Public Safety Department presented Devarjay “DJ” Daniel, 12, with badges, resolutions and more. Daniel was diagnosed with terminal brain and spine cancer when he was just 6 years old.

“It’s an awesome day to support a young man who has a lot of challenges in front of him,’’ said Police Chief Scott Thurmond. “It’s reinvigorating to us to have someone who wants to be a part of profession and give back to others.”

Kevin Kendrick, ASU’s director of Public Safety, bestowed upon Daniel the title of “honorary police officer” with the University’s Department of Public Safety. The presentation was made at noon on Friday (Oct. 25) at Birmingham’s CrossPlex.

Honoring Daniel was among the most meaningful duties that he has ever performed in the line of duty, Kendrick said.

“It was truly an honor and privilege to take part in DJ’s swearing in ceremony,” said Kendrick. “The strength and courage that he exudes is a testament of what it means to protect and serve, and I am proud to have him sworn in as an (honorary) Alabama State University police officer.”

DJ is being treated for an advanced stage of brain cancer. His number one desire is to have a career as a law enforcement officer. ASU joined the city of Birmingham’s Police Department in making DJ’s dream a reality. The young man’s ultimate goal is to be sworn in as an honorary officer by 1,000 different police departments.

Despite undergoing 13 surgeries, the Texas boy’s determination to become a police officer has never wavered. In 2019, he was first sworn in as an officer by the Brookshire Police Department in Texas.

When he was initially given five months to live, he set a goal of being sworn in by 100 police departments.

Since then, he has been sworn in by 871 police departments across the U.S. and beyond, including recently in Italy.

Daniel said he wants to keep traveling the world visiting police departments “until my gas tank runs out.”

“I’m pretty sure you know what that means. That’s when God calls you home,’’ Daniel said. “Pray for kids that have brain cancer.”

AL.com contributed to this post.

Updated at 5:06 p.m. on 10/31/2024 to clarify where Daniel is from.

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