‘No Fear of Law Enforcement’ in Birmingham Leading to Carnage, Says Retired Asst. Police Chief
By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times
After a stunning mass shooting in Birmingham’s Five Points South entertainment district that left four people dead and 17 others wounded on Saturday, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin again called on state lawmakers to take action and outlaw Glock switches, devices that turn semi-automatic handguns into automatic weapons, or machine guns.
However, one current state lawmaker and a former Birmingham assistant police chief, said the solution to reducing gun violence in the city does not solely rest with the Legislature.
Allen Treadaway, who has served in the Alabama House of Representatives since 2006 and is a former BPD Assistant Chief who retired in 2020 after 31 years, said, “the real issue is staffing [and with fewer officers on the streets] there is no fear of law enforcement right now. There was no presence [in Five Points South] of law enforcement to the degree that we used to have.”
Just after 11 p.m. on Saturday, Birmingham Police received a call of a shooting in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue. Officials arrived on scene and saw two men and one woman lying unresponsive on the sidewalk. Police say the victims died at the scene. They are identified as Anitra Holloman, 21, from Bessemer, Tahj Booker, 27, and Carlos McCain, 27, both from Birmingham.
A fourth victim, Roderick Lynn Paterson Jr., 26, from Birmingham, was pronounced dead at UAB Hospital.
Police say a gun with a Glock switch was among the weapons fired, resulting in the carnage left behind. “This is not the first occasion, unfortunately, in 2024, where we’ve seen the style of weapons, the number of bullets on the scene possibly converted automatic weapons being used in our streets,’’ Woodfin said Sunday
Three of the nation’s 23 mass shootings this year were in Birmingham, including two earlier quadruple homicides.
Woodfin has previously called Glock switches “the number one public safety issue in Birmingham and the state … Ban Glock switches. This shouldn’t be up for debate … We need our legislators to pass laws that save lives and give local authorities the tools (laws) to arrest those who just drive around and walk around with these weapons.”
Treadaway said the focus shouldn’t be as much on lawmakers as it should on a “robust, recruitment and retention policy” in the police department.
In August, wbhm.org reported that the Birmingham police department has 250 fewer officers than what its budget calls for. As recently as June, the department was down 320 officers and by some estimates, that’s about half of a fully staffed BPD, the site reported.
With fewer officers “we’re emboldening the criminal,” Treadaway said, “they are committing more and more homicides, more and more crimes — and these aren’t all new murderers. These are folks who have been around we haven’t caught … this is not the first rodeo for people who would be so brazen to step outside of their vehicle and shoot up a crowd; it’s because there is no fear of law enforcement right now. There was no presence of law enforcement to the degree we used to have.”
While police officials said it’s no secret that law enforcement agencies everywhere have struggled with recruiting in recent years, Birmingham was encouraged last month when 18 new police officers graduated in the largest rookie class in four years.
After more than three decades with BPD, Treadaway said he’s familiar with the Five Points South area where the mass shooting occurred on Saturday.
“We always had officers walking the beat and we had patrolmen in the area because we had a congregation of people … if you are down several hundred police officers from a few years back [how can you adequately patrol that area]? Tell me why [the shooters] felt so confident that can drive up, spot the intended target, look around and see no presence of law enforcement, step out of a car and spray all of these people with bullets?”
Treadaway said he’s surprised to hear a call for legislative action when “we have laws on the books … we don’t have law enforcement officers to stop it or go after [perpetrators] and hold them accountable.”
Woodfin said, “I don’t care about Democratic politics, Republican politics. What is my top priority, along with the Birmingham Police Department, is public safety.”
Treadaway, who is chairman of the Alabama House Public Safety Homeland Security Committee, said the Glock switch is currently in violation of federal law and legislators expect to take up and pass legislation to outlaw Glock switches in the next legislative session.
He pointed to a bill filed by State Rep. Philip Ensler, D-Montgomery, during the last session banning the Glock switch devices at the state level. It passed in the House but was not read in the Senate before the session ended. Ensler has since pre-filed the bill, HB26 for next year’s session and Treadaway, R-Morris, said it has bipartisan support.
On Saturday, police believe multiple suspects arrived at the Five Points South location in a vehicle, exited the vehicle and fired multiple shots at a group on Magnolia Avenue before getting back in and fleeing the scene.
Detectives say the shooting was not random and stemmed from an isolated incident where multiple victims were caught in the crossfire. As of Sunday evening, no one is in custody and a manhunt is underway for the killers, police said.
The ATF and FBI are helping the Birmingham Police Department in the investigation. Those with information on the case are urged to call the BPD at 205-254-1764 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Crime Stoppers could award tipsters up to $5,000.
Additionally, the BPD has created an evidence submission portal for anyone with information regarding the quadruple homicide.
Updated at 10:52 a.m. on 9/23/2024 to include name of the fourth victim.
Birmingham’s CaTonya Scott Makes Time to Balance Family, Law School, and a Small Business
By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
CaTonya Scott grew up in North Birmingham as the oldest of six and now as the mother of six she makes clear who the baby is. “My baby is D5 Tax Services, LLC,” she said.
Scott founded D5 Tax Services in March of 2018 following her 12 years of professional experience. The business was established to address the growing needs of individuals and small businesses seeking reliable and personalized tax solutions.
“I saw a great need [for the services],” said Scott, the CEO. “At the end of the day, you do want to make a profit, but I find joy in preparing taxes because I’m educating and giving [clients] understanding,” said Scott, who works year-round. “I’m not just a tax preparer, I’m a tax professional.”
She’s often asked how she came up with the name of the business — D5. “I immediately smile and mention that at my time of planning, my five children all have the letter ‘D” in their names and that I wanted to find a way to include them in my business, Scott said.
Scott now has six with the oldest 27 and the youngest 5.
“It’s not the easiest but they are my strength, and they are my life. They are my why. All of them are my heart. When I talk to people I’m like ‘there’s my baby,’ and they instantly think I’m talking about my youngest, but I call all of them my baby,” she said.
She does more than run her tax business. She is also owner of a yoni store, Pamper My Yoni , dedicated not only to women but men’s health and wellness and an independent licensed life and health insurance agent.
And that’s not all: Scott is now in her third year at Birmingham School of Law. “Two weeks into starting law school, I lost my mom [Jacquelyne Holmes]. She passed in 2021, and I started law school that same year,” Scott said.
She credits her mother with instilling a go-getter mentally. “I was [my mother’s] first child. She had me at [age 16]. My mom was a hustler and grinder.
“I have always had this hustle mentally, this grind mentally, and wanting more. I knew that I was sent here to lead, not follow. I have always created my own path and people normally gravitated to me,” Scott told the Times.
Path To Ownership
Scott attended Birmingham City Schools where she attended Lewis Elementary, Wilkerson Middle and Phillips High but ended up finishing high school after she “obtained my GED in 2001,” after she became pregnant with her first child.
“After that I started my path at Miles College where I obtained my B.A. in criminal justice Once I graduated from Miles, I immediately enrolled in law school,” Scott said.
For Scott, college was not a linear path. She began her undergrad career in 2007 and graduated in 2021 Magna Cum Lauda from Miles College with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. “I started, stopped, and started again. I was determined not to give up,” she said.
“After my GED, I put my goals on hold because I started having kids. I wanted to give them my time and not take it away from them. So, I worked a normal nine to five job,” at a high demanding call center.
After she grew tired of working for other people she decided to start a business of her own.
“Being a single mom and working for corporate America came with its challenges. After leaving such a demanding job, while working there, I started doing taxes,” she said. “I used to do my own, and I had somebody say I was rather good and inquired if I did [taxes] for others. [They] said why don’t you do this to make money for a living, so I was like I’ll give it a try. It was never an interest to me.”
In March, Scott celebrated 12 years of being in business with D5 and enjoys the flexibility. As her own boss, Scott sets the pace for her day.
“With my flexibility I’m free to do whatever I please. I make my own hours, I work at my own pace,” said Scott.
ReBoot
Scott is also part of Rebirth Community Corporation’s ReBoot where she has been immersed in technical assistance and resources to help support and advance both professionally and personally.
“Participating in Rebirth Community Corporation’s ReBoot program has equipped us with valuable strategies that will significantly contribute to the success of D5 Tax Services,” she said. “We plan to use this valuable knowledge to implement best practices, expand our community outreach, better our strategic marketing and branding, enhance our team skills, scale our operations, and strengthen our financial management.
“We’ll do all this also knowing that ReBoot is equally as concerned with the health of business owners as they are the health of their businesses,” said Scott.
Rebirth Community Corporation’s ReBoot Cohort Training program is part of Prosper’s Operation: Backing Black Businesses and focuses on helping entrepreneurs attain emotional and economic resources to establish financial and personal success.
Prosper Birmingham focuses on building an inclusive and thriving economy through job creation, job preparation and job access.
“My vision for the future includes expanding D5 Tax Services by opening more locations and building a reliable team so I can use all I’ve learned over the course of my current career path to pursue other professional goals,” said Scott.
For more information on CaTonya Scott and D5 Tax Services, email d5taxservicesllc@yahoo.com or visit www.d5tax.com. Find them also on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
Prince Hall Masons of Alabama Donate $10,000 to Miles College for Scholarships
By Marika N. Johnson | For The Birmingham Times
Hundreds of Prince Hall Masons from across Alabama on Saturday gathered at halftime of the Miles College and Lane College football game to make a $10,000 donation to the Historically Black College and University in Fairfield Alabama.
The organization sponsors the Prince Hall Americanism Classic game annually, an event returning this year after a hiatus due to COVID-19.
Miles College President Bobbie Knight and Dr. Steven Hairston, Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Development Miles College, were presented with a ceremonial check for $10,000 by Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., Esq, Grand Master, Most Worshipful, Prince Hall Grand Lodge F&AM of Alabama and Shirley W. Pratt – Grand Worthy Matron, Mizpah Grand Chapter and other esteemed members of the Masons.
The donation is part of a longstanding partnership between the Prince Hall Masons and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through the Prince Hall Legacy Foundation, the Masons have now contributed a total of $60,000 to Miles College in support of student scholarships and academic initiatives.
“The Grand Lodge is located here in Birmingham, and with many brothers and sisters on staff at Miles College, we are proud to continue our partnership with them,” said Gerald Beal, Worshipful Master of New Beginnings #970 of the Prince Hall Masons. This donation reinforces the organization’s commitment to empowering students through education and supporting HBCUs across Alabama.
Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., Esq, Grand Master, Most Worshipful of Alabama said the “that Masons are still here promoting brotherhood, working in the community and providing scholarships.”
Birmingham Housing Authority Welcomes Residents to New $17 Million Development on City’s Southside
By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times
Inside the air-conditioned and soon to be occupied Edgehill at Southtown development on Birmingham’s Southside, Thomas Clark, a future resident, spoke passionately about his new home.
“I’m very excited. It’s an honor and a blessing to be a part of history…I think this is a good change for the community,” said Clark, who’s lived in the previous Southtown Court for three years. “It’s amazing and fascinating. I thank God for putting a roof over my head.”
Meanwhile, outside the facility on a warm morning, Jaquice Reynolds, president of the Southtown Resident Council, spoke just as passionately about the $17 million facility that consists of 60 units which include 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartment homes that are equipped with major appliances.
“This means a lot to us,” Reynolds told a crowd filled with city leaders, developers and fellow residents on Friday. “We are very thankful and we’re very grateful that HABD chose us to go along this journey. We’d like to thank our developers for providing such a remarkable residence.”
Reynolds spoke during a ribbon cutting ceremony that attracted not only the soon to be occupants like Clark but also Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin; City Council President Darrell O’Quinn and Councilors Valerie Abbott and Carol Clarke; Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson; Dontrelle Young Foster, president and CEO of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, (HABD) and other housing officials.
“Southtown represents hope…this is what putting people first looks like,” Woodfin said. “This is what putting people first feels like. We build new homes, we build new opportunities, and most importantly, we build hope.”
Foster said, “Today marks a significant milestone in the journey of the Edgehill at Southtown, a journey that speaks to the power of vision; collaboration and a shared commitment to creating not just buildings but a future filled with opportunities.”
The new development is located on the footprint of Southtown Court, a 455-unit public housing community that was built in 1941. The new Southtown is equipped with business centers, computers and flat screen TVs, a fitness center, community rooms, a game room with a Pac-Man video arcade machine and pool table. It also includes charging stations for electric vehicles, new appliances, in-unit washer and dryers and balconies. The 60 units will be full when residents begin moving in October 1.
HABD, the City of Birmingham, Southside Development Company and other contractors began construction of the facility in April 2023. It is part of a larger development that includes affordable housing, retail, hospitality, entertainment and office space.
“We’re not done yet,” Woodfin said. “Southtown Senior [Living Facility] and our second occupancy of 143 looks to be online next spring …”
Several times officials spoke of residents displaced during the rebuild. “As it’s been stated, and will be shared many times, and I’m glad to be a part of the chorus, ‘to the residents of Southtown, welcome home,’” said the mayor.
Birmingham’s Bush Hills Neighborhood Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
birminghamal.gov
Birmingham’s Bush Hills neighborhood has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The distinction completes a nearly 10 year effort by the Bush Hills Neighborhood Association to be added to the list. The designation recognizes the Bush Hills District for its architectural styles, historical significance and cultural heritage.
The neighborhood association voted in 2015 to begin the process to be listed on the national register. The city’s Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits (PEP) assisted the association. The process included securing funding from the Alabama Historical Commission through a certified local government grant to conduct an architectural survey and prepare a nomination.
Established in the 1920s, Bush Hills is a charming neighborhood nestled on the outskirts of Birmingham’s city center and known for its winding boulevards and historic homes. The national register identifies the district as roughly bounded by Princeton Parkway, 3rd Avenue West, Bush Boulevard, I-20/59, 8th Court West and 8th Avenue West.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
PEP will take part in a historic preservation workshop on Tuesday, September 24 during the neighborhood associations monthly meeting. The workshop will take place at 5:30 p.m. at 1030 4th Terrace West.
Unsung Legends of Birmingham Industrial League Baseball Receive Their Due
By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. | Alabama NewsCenter
Birmingham’s Negro Southern League Museum saluted Napoleon Williams and Charles Harris on Sunday afternoon as unsung legends of the Birmingham Industrial League. The pair got to share the honor with dozens of other former ballplayers who worked and played for industrial companies in the Magic City.
The event was a sort of reunion for the former players and their families as they exchanged stories from their playing days. For many, their play in the Industrial League was a precursor to them becoming household names in the Negro Leagues.
“You’ve got to realize that pretty much every Negro League player that came out of Birmingham started in the Birmingham Industrial League,” said Dr. Layton Revel, who supplied the artifacts in the museum. “And a large percentage of those players from Birmingham after their playing careers were over, played in the Industrial League, post professional.”
Generations ago, Birmingham Industrial League was a proving ground for a young ballplayer who wanted to assertively answer the question, can you really play? Did he have the skill set that would let him play at the next level?
At the other end of the spectrum were former Negro League players who came back to play with the industrial squads like American Cast Iron Pipe (ACIPCO), Stockham Valves & Fittings, the Alden Cardinals, the Edgewater Blue Sox, Sloss Furnaces and U.S. Steel. It gave those former pro players an opportunity to play competitive baseball.
“The Birmingham Industrial League is part of the fabric of Birmingham itself,” Revel said. “It was here in the early days with the first plants that started teams up, and they’re still playing today. Teams have changed. The league’s changed names, but it’s still industrial league baseball.”
Harris, who was absent Sunday, and Williams were honored because of their advanced age and the skill each displayed in his playing days. Harris played for Stockham Valve and Fitting while Williams played for Ensley Steel.
Revel described Harris as a quiet, unassuming man.
“He’s not braggadocious,” the baseball historian said. “But … for his career with Stockham, Charlie Harris had a career batting average of .346. That’s good at any level. They were both very good ballplayers. Napoleon Williams played centerfield for Ensley for 15 years.”
During the ceremony, Revel introduced Williams as a player who for at least a decade and a half covered centerfield for Ensley Steel. The honoree was quick to correct him.
“I owned centerfield,” Williams said as laughter filled the room.
“If you came out thinking you were a ballplayer, you weren’t playing centerfield,” Revel said.
“Not for Ensley,” Williams said. “Not in my time.”
Following the ceremony, Williams and Harris threw out ceremonial first pitches prior to the Birmingham Barons playing the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at neighboring Regions Field. In a skybox during the game, Williams reflected on what might have been. The 91-year-old recalled playing for a manager who took advantage of his speed on the basepaths by having him bunt to set the table for teammates to drive him home.
“Because of my speed and my ability to bunt, we were able to score a lot of runs,” Williams said. “My coach was hung up on winning ball games, not developing Major League ballplayers. There were times when I had to bunt with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs. I still had to bunt.”
The centerfielder remembered one game when a scout was on hand and he was told to swing away. He struck out four times. But the scouts missed seeing Williams’ ownership of centerfield when the Stockham shortstop sent a ball deep to centerfield with the bases loaded and two outs.
“When the ball left the bat, I started running toward the centerfield fence,” Williams recounted. “Just before I got to the fence with my hands up over my head and running away from home plate, the ball fell in my glove. I do believe that if those scouts had been there that night, they’d have signed me.”
Revel said he hopes to keep the memory of the Birmingham Industrial League alive.
“What we’re trying to do is to preserve the history of these different teams and the artifacts and the legacy,” he said. “I met last (Saturday) night with a gentleman that his father had played, Oscar Butler Williams. He had a bunch of his father’s stuff and we’re going to create an exhibit at City Hall on it.”
Birmingham’s Cornell Wesley Selected to International Board of Economic Developers
birminghamal.gov
Cornell Wesley, director of Innovation and Economic Opportunity for the City of Birmingham, has been selected to serve a two-year term on the board of directors for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Wesley is the first economic development leader from Birmingham to hold this position and only the second in the state of Alabama to achieve this honor. IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to supporting economic developers, boasting over 4,500 members and standing as the largest organization of its kind.
“Director Wesley’s leadership has greatly expanded the visibility of the City of Birmingham, which has yielded a tremendous economic impact that will be felt for generations,” said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “From Paris, France to Pratt City, Wesley and his team consistently work to find pathways to stimulate our economy. We are thrilled that he has been tapped to have a seat at this international table.”
Wesley has played a significant role in bringing events such as the 2021 World Games, the 2023 National Association of Black Journalists conference, the upcoming 2025 World Police and Fire Games, the Congressional Black Caucus Institute, Sloss Tech, and many other important meetings and conventions. He has worked to address the city’s food deserts with innovative initiatives, including helping to facilitate the opening of a grocery store in a building that had been vacant for over 10 years. Wesley also oversaw the sale and development of the Green Meadow real estate initiative, an all African American team. With over $2 billion, this is the largest transaction led by African Americans in the city’s history.
“This achievement is not only significant for me personally but also a tremendous opportunity for Birmingham and the state of Alabama,” Wesley said of his board appointment. “It brings with it greater visibility and enhanced access to resources that will aid us in our mission of prioritizing our community.”
Wesley, a native of the Titusville neighborhood and graduate of A.H. Parker High School, previously served as the Economic Development Representative for Oklahoma and North Texas for the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. In that role, he managed more than $20 million in federal investment, yielding a $1.5 billion impact in private investment and creation of more than 4,000 jobs.
Wesley is a Morehouse College graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Wesley holds certifications in management, economic development, and entrepreneurship from several universities and economic development institutions across the country. He also has been recognized as “Top 40 Under 40” by Oklahoma Magazine and Oklahoma Journal Record and is a past fellow of the Delta Entrepreneur Network.
HBCU Football This Weekend: Miles College Returns to Action
By Donald Hunt | For The Birmingham Times
Following a bye week, Miles College (0-2, 0-0) returns to action this week to host Lane College (1-1, 1-0) on Saturday, Sept. 21 in the Prince Hall Americanism Football Classic. The kickoff will be at 4 p.m.
Miles College needs to be steady on both sides of the football. Offensively, the Golden Bears will rely on quarterback Kamren Ivory and wide receivers Jaih Andrews and Franck Pierre and tight end Travaunta Abner to move the ball through the air. Miles College running back Jonero Scott should give the team a solid ground attack. His running ability will help the Golden Bears maintain a balance offense.
On defense, Miles College has a terrific player up front with defensive end Jamichael Rogers who can get pressure on the quarterback and play the run too. The team has two standout defensive players with linebacker William Hardy and defense back Jeremiah Hudson-Davis.
This contest will open league play in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) for Miles College.
Speaking of the SIAC, Tuskegee University (0-2, 0-0) will host Savannah State (0-2, 0-0) on Saturday at 1 p.m. The Golden Tigers like Miles College is coming off a bye week and will open conference play.
On offense, running back Johnny Morris can get to the outside with his quickness. Defensively, cornerbacks Rossie Grimes and linebackers Malik Moore and Charles Davis Jr. have been real great playmakers.
In the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Alabama State (1-2, 0-0) will have a bye week after dropping a 12-7 decision to Samford University. The Hornets will return to play with a road game against Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, Sept. 28.
In other games around the SWAC, Alabama A&M (2-1, 0-0) will visit Austin (0-3, 0-1) on Saturday, Sept. 21. The kickoff is set for 6 p.m. AAMU is coming off a 24-16 win over Georgetown (KY). The Bulldogs’ running back Donovan Eaglin who leads the SWAC with 193 yards on 37 carries and averages 5.2 yards a carry. He should be a player to watch in this matchup.
