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Odessa Woolfolk Honored at Reception with 2024 Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award

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

The Birmingham Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tyesha Brown, Celebrated Birmingham Indie Filmmaker, Dies at 42

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

By Je’Don Talley Holloway | The Birmingham Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Birmingham Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Birmingham Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birmingham Water Works Hikes Rates for Customers in Latest Budget Approval

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Birmingham Times
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The Birmingham Water Works Board. (File photo)

By

Birmingham residents will be soon seeing higher water bills.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Donald Hunt | For The Birmingham Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Josh Jackson | MLB.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special to The Times

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

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

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

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

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

The Vision Behind the Homes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maralyn Mosley Once Fought Courthouse Officials to Keep Open a Hospital for the Poor in Alabama. On Wednesday, They Honored Her

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Birmingham Times
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From left: Jefferson County Commissioners Mike Bolin; Jimmie Stephens, president; Sheila Tyson; Patient Advocate Maralyn Mosley; Commissioner Joe Knight; former Jefferson County Deputy Manager Walter Jackson and former Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos. (Robin DeMonia, Direct Communications)

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

Maralyn Mosley, one of Birmingham’s most passionate community activists, isn’t often at a loss for words, she said. But on Wednesday, Mosley said she was both “speechless” and “overwhelmed.”

Mosley and more than a dozen elected officials, hospital administrators, business and civic leaders, residents and others gathered for a ribbon cutting at a brand new $120-million Cooper Green Mercy Health Services state-of-the-art outpatient clinic on Birmingham’s southside.

The 211,000 square feet, five-story building, at 1509 Sixth Ave. South, provides full-service outpatient care that includes primary and specialty care clinics, urgent care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, laboratory services, imaging, and a pharmacy.

Few fought harder for the new Cooper Green than Mosley, a longtime patient, who battled Jefferson County officials for years to make sure the facility provided quality health care for the county’s sick poor.

On Wednesday, Mosley learned that a community room inside the facility had been named in her honor. It’s on the first floor right past the pharmacy.

The Mosley Room is a “multipurpose space [that] provides room for luncheons for support groups, community meetings, arts in medicine, and more,” according to a program book.

“I was in shock,” Mosley told The Birmingham Times. “I didn’t think anyone would have thought about a room in my name. It’s an honor. I was so overwhelmed. I’m never speechless but I couldn’t think of anything to say, and I felt if I said more than ‘thank you’ I would start crying.”

Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson, left; Maralyn Mosley and her son Christopher Mosley outside the Mosley Room at Cooper Green Mercy Health Clinic. (Robin DeMonia, Direct Communications)

When Jefferson County officials made the decision to downsize the old Cooper Green Hospital in 2012, Mosley fought tooth and nail to prevent the move and told then County Manager Tony Petelos that she was prepared to be arrested if the county moved forward.

Petelos and Mosley on Wednesday recalled that conversation with a laugh.

“I told Mrs. Mosley 10 years ago we would build a new building and she didn’t believe me,” Petelos recalled. “So I reminded her (on Wednesday) and she said, ‘you did tell me that.”

“Tony Petelos and I were sitting together talking to each other civilly,” Mosley said with a laugh on Wednesday. “…Today was a good day. We weren’t screaming and calling each other names.”

Mosley said her fight was to make sure that all patients received the quality health care they deserved regardless of their ability to pay. “… Even though you were poor and you had no money … [the indigent sick poor] who came to Cooper Green from throughout Jefferson County deserved [a world class clinic],” she said.

On Wednesday, ribbon was cut on that world class facility. “The building is beautiful,” Mosley said. “People can come in and talk about diets and diabetes and eye disease and cancer and get information about health care and how you can take care of yourself.”

Cooper Green Mercy Health Services Authority, a new ambulatory care facility, has joined the Birmingham skyline. (Andrea Mabry, UAB)

Patients of Cooper Green will also have access to an MRI machine, allowing for complete imaging in-house, an in-house pharmacy, a consultation room, and vaccination area. The urgent care clinic has a separate entrance and has designated areas for well and sick patients, as well as a casting room for minor injuries.

The rehabilitation area has an outdoor patio with multiple surfaces, a low-impact water treadmill and zero G gait system. There is also an eye clinic with an optical shop to offer glasses on-site. The hematology/oncology clinic now has individual infusion bays where patients will receive treatment in a semi-private, comfortable space.

“I think it’s truly a testament to the individual and institutional commitments we’ve made to ensure that health care services will always be available for the individuals in our community,” said David Randall, CEO of Cooper Green Healthcare Authority, during Wednesday’s ceremony. “Cooper Green embodies the spirit, the desire, and the drive to make sure there is always a healing hand, an opportunity for hope for those that are in need.”

Raegan Durant, M.D., medical director for Cooper Green, said, “This state-of-the-art building is designed with the patient in mind, and our services are now more patient-centered than ever before. It signifies a new chapter in health care delivery, offering better access, improved care and superior outcomes for the residents of Jefferson County.”

Jefferson County Manager Cal Markert said, “Health care will be provided much more effectively and for years to come will serve the residents of our community in an exceptional manner.”

Cooper Green, known as Mercy Hospital, opened in 1972. (UAB)

Hours of operation for urgent care will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and clinics are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To get connected with Cooper Green, call 205-930-3377.

Cooper Green, known as Mercy Hospital, opened in 1972, was a 319-bed acute care hospital, owned by Jefferson County and providing medical services to all residents of the county regardless of their ability to pay. In 1975, it was renamed to honor former Birmingham mayor Cooper Green.

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

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Birmingham Times
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Birmingham native Roy Wood Jr. will return to the Magic City as a featured guest speaker at the 2026 A.G. Gaston Conference on Feb. 18 at the Red Mountain Theatre Company. (File)

By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times

TODAY…
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!.
**FALL BULBS, SPRING FLOWERS, 11 a.m. to NOON with BETHANY O’REAR sharing about spring-blooming bulbs including variety selection, soil preparation and more for garden beds and containers at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
**HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE MERRY AND BRIGHT IN MOUNTAIN BROOK at the Crestline Village Holiday Open House, 4-8 p.m.
**LIVE MUSIC BY RAZZ MA TAZZ, 7 p.m. at 100 Frankfurt Circle
**JELLY ROLL: BEAUTIFUL BROKEN TOUR, 7 p.m. at The BJCC.
**STEPHEN WILSON, JR. SON OF DAD TOUR at Saturn.
**SKATENIGS, THE PAPER ARMY, MARA NAGRA and SKEPTIC at the Nick Rocks.
**LATE NIGHT THURSDAYS with ASHTRONIC at The Nick Rocks.
**BLUES JAM EVERY 3rd THURSDAY, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**EVERY THURSDAY- THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS, 7 p.m. at Platinum of Birmingham with DJ Slugga.
**ALABAMA BLAZIN BINGO, 6 p.m. at Overtime Grill and Bar.
**FILM at Sidewalk Film.
**KARAOKE, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

FRIDAY…

IT IS Friday…the weekend starts…
**NOIRVEMBER: DOUBLE INDEMNITY 80th Anniversary, 2 p.m. at 1821 2nd Avenue North.
**NOIRVEMBER: MILDRED PIERCE, 4:15 p.m. at 1821 2nd Avenue North.
**LIVE JAZZ: ROTATING ARTISTS, 5:30 p.m., at 610 Preserve Pkwy in Hoover.
**GOOD PEOPLE & GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING At Dave’s Pub. 6 p.m.
**BURLESQUE NIGHT with BELLA DONNA at The Nick.
**LATE NIGHT FRIDAYS with DJ JACK BAMA at The Nick Rocks.
**DRIVIN’ N’ CRYIN’ with THE WILLIAMSON BROTHERS at Saturn.

SATURDAY…
**THANKSGIVING FOOD GIVEAWAY, 9 a.m. at 100 Mike Moore Blvd.
**11th TURKEY GIVE AWAY, 10 a.m. at 20th Street Ensley by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
**GOLDEN TEMPLE BIRTHDAY 51st CELEBRATION, 10 a.m. at 1901 11th Avenue South.
**BIG AND BARREL-AGED BEERSGIVING, 11 a.m. at Cahaba Brewing Company.
**DRIVIN’ N’ CRYIN’ at Saturn.
**PRETTY GIRLS LOVE KARAOKE, 7 p.m. at Iron City.
**MOON TAXI at Iron City
**LOVE RAT DUO at Elysian Gardens, 8 p.m.
**KARAOKE SATURDAYS, 3 p.m. at 3605 Gray Avenue, Adamsville, with the ALL-EN ONE BBQ with Chef Randy ”Dee” Allen and The Lovely LaToria at the 7 Angels Coffee & Smoothie Café.
**THE BACKWOOD SHINERS with BENJAMIN ARMSTRONG at The Nick Rocks.
**ERICA RYLEIGH with BACKWOOD SHINERS at The Nick Rocks.
**LATE NIGHT with BLUE WIDOW, JACK THE ELBOW and WISER THE MORNINGSTAR at The Nick Rocks.
**LATE NIGHT with R.1.Y.T. at The Nick Rocks.

SUNDAY…
**SINGO BINGO EVERY SUNDAY, 1 p.m. at Cahaba Brewing Company.
**EASE BACK 4th SUNDAYS, 5 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**EVERY 4TH SUNDAY TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH at The Nick Rocks.
**Bama Roots Radio presents WILL STEWART with KYLE KIMBRELL at the Nick Rocks.

MONDAY…
**SWEET HOME SPIRITS NIGHT at BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND at the Nick.
**GAMES WE PLAY – SHE’S THE GIRL TOUR at Saturn.
**GOOD DIEHL – ROLLER COASTER Release Party at the upstairs at Avondale.

TUESDAY…
**MAGIC CITY BOOK SIGNING + JOSE CARR JAZZ JAM, 7:30 p.m. at True Story Brewing Co.
**SUPERSTAR KARAOKE TUESDAYS, 10 p.m. at The Nick Rocks.
**JOSE CARR EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT at True Story Brewing.
**SUBSTRATE BINGO at Saturn.

WEDNESDAY…
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**FIGHT CLUB OPEN DECK with Host LEMON BELOVED! Every Wednesday at The Nick Rocks.
**WEDNESDAY NIGHT with DJ SUNDROP at the Nick.
**WINSTON RAMBLE at Saturn.
**ALABAMA ALL-STAR COMEDY SHOW PART II with Funnyman Gaitlin (Leeds), KG the Kid (Bessemer), Jay R. Brown (Montgomery), Sumter County Comedian (York), Jr. Robinson (Hueytown), Patrick Wallace (Homewood), Frantinique (Birmingham), Cliff-P (Lincoln) hosted by Charles Winston at the StarDome Comedy Club.

NEXT THURSDAY…
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**THANKSGIVING DINNER, 11 a.m. at Magic City Acceptance Center.
**MULTI-DIVINCIONSL: THE FIRST ACT at the Nick Rocks.
**LATE NIGHT THURSDAYS with GREAT JANE at The Nick Rocks.
**BLUES JAM EVERY 3rd THURSDAY, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

NEXT FRIDAY….
**LATE NIGHT FRIDAYS with DJ JACK BAMA at The Nick Rocks.
**EMO NIGHT BROOKLYN at Saturn.
**ZINGARA – FOR THE CRYSTAL CHILDREN TOUR at Iron City.

NEWS YOU CAN USE…
**HUMORIST ROY WOOD, JR. HONORED WITH ALABAMA HUMANITIES ALLIANCE AWARD – ROY WOOD, JR. is one of the recipients being honored by the Alabama Colloquium series: Honoring the 2024 Alabama Humanities Fellows. Wood, Jr. will receive the highest humanities award in the state on December 2 at Alys Stephens Center. This award recognizes Alabamians who have made the State of Alabama and the nation a smarter, kinder, more vibrant place to live and who challenge us all to think, to empathize, and to explore what it means to be human. Rick Braggs is also being honored as a 2024 Fellow.

THINGS TO DO OR KNOW…

In town, around the state…
**GLOW WILD AT THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO is one of Birmingham’s Top Holiday Activities starting tomorrow through January, 2025. GLOW WILD is back for the holiday season and features a variety of new lanterns and new entertainment. Get out to see and enjoy the larger-than-life lanterns lighting your way through the Zoo. Walk through the breathtaking displays and create memories with family and friends. Take photos, enjoy the restaurants that are opened and be sure to try the special adult versions of hot chocolate. There will be special guests and appearances throughout the season so check out the updates right here or visit www.birminghamzoo.com.

ART LOVERS…
AT THE BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART…
**DECEMBER 1 – MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY at the Birmingham Museum of Art, noon – 5 p.m.
**DECEMBER 6 – ART AFTER 5: DIE HARD, 5 p.m. 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.
**DECEMBER 11 – ARTBREAK: WHAT IS COLOR THEORY?, 11 a.m. at 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.

FOR HOLIDAY AND CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS

FOR CHRISTMAS LOVERS…young and old…
TODAY –
**CULLMAN CHRISTKINDLMARKT 11 a.m. at Depot Park in Cullman.

 FRIDAY –
**LIGHTS UP! At The Summit, 5 p.m. at The Summit.
**ALL IS BRIGHT, 6 p.m. at 2621 Lane Park Road, in Mountain Brook.
**MOODY FARMS CHRISTMAS TREE FARM OPENING DAY, 9 a.m. at 1489 Valley Road in Oneonta.
**NORTH POLE EXPO 2024, 9 a.m. at 5381 Trussville Clay Road, in Trussville.
**CHRISTMAS AT THE FALLS, 4 p.m. at 1500 Noccalula Road in Gadsden.

SATURDAY –
**CRESTWOOD PICKERS CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE, 10 a.m. at Crestwood Pickers.
**CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE with the Crestwood Pickers, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 7001 Crestwood Blvd, Suite 900.

MONDAY –
**NEW!!!  A NEW HOLIDAY DAY CAMP on NOVEMBER 25 – School Day Out at the Gardens. Herb Garden Chefs is what young explorers will enjoy as they take a scavenger hunt to uncover and identify a world of culinary herbs. The journey starts in the new Garden Lab where campers will harvest and prepare fresh ingredients to create a special treat and continues to the Bruno Vegetable Garden where they will dig into the wonders of cool-weather gardening. The camp is for K-5th Grade children and offers hands-on learning, culinary fun and outdoor exploration at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

TUESDAY –
**COUNTDOWN ‘TILL CHRISTMAS with Hattie’s Toyland + Sister Shirts, 4:30 p.m. at 165 Morrow Avenue, Suite 101 in Grayson Valley.

DECEMBER 1 –
**DECEMBER PUNK ROCK YARD SALE, 12 p.m. at 1034 23rd Street South.
**PHOTOS WITH SANTA at FERUS 12 p.m. at the Ferus Artisan Ales in Grayson Valley.
**MINI COW SNUGGLES, 2 p.m. at 1441 Hwy 277 in Helena.

DECEMBER 2 –
**SANTA’S WORKSHOP, 5 p.m. at Trussville Public Library.

DECEMBER 5 –
**HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT ARTPLAY, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at 1006 19th Street S. It will feature the big summer camp show announcement and it is Free where youth can have a jolly good time. Register at: www.alysstephens.org/events/home-for-the-holidays-at-artplay.
**ALL IS BRIGHT, 6 p.m. at Vestavia City Center in Vestavia Hills.
**JEFFERSON COUNTY SENIOR HOLIDAY CHEER CELEBRATION, 9 a.m. at 2340 Crossplex Blvd.

DECEMBER 6 –
**PICTURES WITH SANTA, 6 p.m. at Deerfoot Church of Christ in Clay.
**ROSS BRIDGE HOLIDAY MARKET, 4 p.m. at 2101 Grand Avenue in Hoover.
**CHRISTMAS PARADE, 6:30 p.m. at Pinson Bicentennial Park in Pinson.
**GROOVE INTO THE HOLIDAYS, 6:30 p.m. at the Woodlawn Theatre.
**HOLIDAY ‘SPLOSION, 8 p.m. at Theatre Downtown.

DECEMBER 6 and 7 –
**ANNUAL HOLIDAY ARTIST MARKET, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 105 West College Street in Columbiana by the Shelby County Arts Council.

FOR FILM LOVERS…

At Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema…
TODAY…
**BLITZ starring Elliott Heffernan, Saoirse Ronan, Harris Dickinson and directed by  Sir Steven McQueen.
**ANORA starring Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov and directed by Sean Baker.
**NETWORKING NIGHT, FREE.
**MOVIE TRIVIA at 8 p.m.

 TODAY and SUNDAY …
**SIDEWALK FILM 101: THE TREE OF LIFE

FRIDAY…
**DOUBLE INDEMNITY 80th ANNIVERSARY starring Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson and directed by Billy Wilder.

FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY…
**A REAL PAIN starring Jesse Eiseneberg, Kieran Culkin, Jennifer Grey and directed by Jesse Eisenberg.

FRIDAY AND SUNDAY…
**MILDRED PIERCE starring Joan Crawford, Jack Carson, Zachary Scott and directed by Michael Curtiz.

SATURDAY…
**CHINATOWN 50th ANNIVERSARY starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston and directed by Roman Polanski.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY…
**SPIRITED AWAY directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time. People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send your contact info with your events, your things of interest and more to: gwenderu@yahoo.com and thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com.

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