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Anything But Ordinary Fest, Coming to Birmingham for First Time, Combines Indie Musicians and Local Artists

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Birmingham Times
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Birmingham’s lively month of activities continue on Friday with the Anything But Ordinary Fest also known as ABOFest at WorkPlay from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Provided)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

Birmingham’s lively month of activities – Pride Festivities, MLB at Rickwood – continue on Friday with the Anything But Ordinary Fest also known as ABOFest at WorkPlay from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The festival in collaboration with Sloss Tech – coming to Birmingham for the first time – aims to be a catalyst for community engagement and cultural celebration with a focus on indie musicians and local artistry.

Performances will be held across two stages – the Main Theatre Stage and the Canteen Stage – featuring a lineup including Domani, son of legendary rapper T.I., and Nickelus F, known not only for his solo work but also for his collaborations with major artists and contributing to some of Drake’s early hits.

The inspiration for the festival came last year after the success of “Something In The Water,” a three-day, Virgina-based music festival spearheaded by music superstar Pharrell Williams.

“So last year we threw a festival … and put 50 different Virginia artists on stage. We kind of wanted to evolve and separate and build the brand on our own,” said Will Keck, one of the organizers and owner of theMSQshop, a Virginia-based group launched in 2021 that specializes in creative project management, branding, graphic design, videography, and events. ​

​Keck said he kept asking, “How do we make the [festival] more impactful? How do we make it more community driven and how do we combine the best of indy and local talent with national talent? That’s where we are now, and this is just a part of our long-term plan to grow it even bigger.“

The festival will have a twist thanks to the multi-talented Carey Fountain, creator of Vibes and Virtue, an interactive conversation-based puzzle game for families, couples on date nights, and guests.

After entering, participants will receive a puzzle piece card and tokens. Throughout the evening, they’ll interact with fellow attendees to guess their answers to questions, earning puzzle pieces along the way. Those who successfully complete their puzzle pieces and aid in revealing the final image, can win up to $100 in redeemable credits at the Vibes & Virtues store. This encourages festival-goers to connect, explore, and dive into conversations, enhancing the overall festival experience.

ABOFest will celebrate the city’s creative spirit and highlight local talent aim to enrich Birmingham’s cultural landscape. Performers include Gina Tollese, DJ New Era, Chaz French, and others.

For tickets visit seetickets.us/abofest and follow ABO’s Facebook event page for regular updates and exclusive content.

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

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Birmingham Times
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The Queens of R&B. (Provided)

BY GWEN DERU | The Birmingham Times

TODAY…

**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!

**ALABAMA BLAZIN BINGO, 6 p.m. at Overtime Grill and Bar.

**FILM – 7 p.m. at the Sidewalk Film.

**JOMBI with GOOD DIEHL & TERRY OHMS at the Nick.

**EUNICE ELLIOTT with OPEN-MIC THURSDAYS at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**3RD THURSDAY BLUES JAM, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**SUBSTRATE BINGO at Saturn.

**THIRST TRAP THURSDAY, 5 p.m. at 2400 7th Avenue South.

**LIVE BAND KARAOKE hosted by ELLE JAI at Perfect Note.

**KIKSTART at Water Mark in Bessemer with Free Food Boxes, 9 a.m.

**COMPUTER CLASSES AT THE FIVE POINTS WEST LIBRARY every Tuesday and
Thursday.

**EACH AND EVERY THURSDAY HAPPY HOUR, 5-8 p.m. at D’ZIRE with SPECIALS.

**THIRSTY THURSDAYS at D’ZIRE Bar and Lounge.

**KARAOKE, 5-9 p.m. at Courtyard Alabaster Bar and Grill.

**THIRD THURSDAY BLUES JAM, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**TASTEMAKER THURSDAY – Every Thursday at Blaze Ultra Lounge, 228 Roebuck Plaza Drive, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. with DJ Ace Twon (95.7 JAMZ) in the mix hosted by Audio Life and GMC Promo.

**THIRSTY THURSDAY at Hookah 114 17th Street No.

**TEQUILA THURSDAY at the Vibe Bar & Lounge.

**THROW BACK THURSDAY at Tha Vibe Bar & Lounge, 3801 Richard Arrington, Jr., Blvd.

**FILMMAKER HAPPY HOUR- Every 3rd Thursday, at Sidewalk Film Fest. Meet with other filmmakers and discuss your newest projects.

**EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT KARAOKE, 6:30 at Ruth’s Place hosted by LADY WOO and with DJ SHAY.

FRIDAY…
**GARDENDALE SUMMER JAM FAMILY RESOURCE FAIR, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center, 857 Main St.

**EVERY FRIDAY – STORYTIME AT THE GARDENS, Every Friday, 10 – 11 a.m. FREE at BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS.

**BOB MARLEY DAY CELEBRATION – A CARIBBEAN JERK FESTIVAL, Noon – 6 p.m. at Linn Park. For more, 205-834-6938.

**FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES, 8 – 11 p.m. at 7611 1st Avenue North.

**LADIES SOIRAVE at The Nick.

**SUBSTRATE BINGO at Saturn.

**EVERY FRIDAY, R&B at The Chandelier, 212 Cahaba Valley Road in Pelham with DJ MANISH mixing live. FREE Entry.

**EACH AND EVERY FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR, 5-8 p.m. at D’ZIRE with SPECIALS.

**LIT FRIDAYS WITH RIPCORD, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. at 4501 Gary Avenue in Fairfield.

**AFRO CARIBBEAN NIGHTS (Every Friday Night) at Ash’s on 2nd, 7 p.m. until with Reggae, Afro Beats, Dancehall and Top 40 Hits.

**FIREBALL FRIDAY at Tha Vibe Bar & Lounge.

**FRIDAY NIGHT RAP, Every 1st and 3rd Friday at Crescent Cultural Center, 1121 Tuscaloosa Avenue, SW.

**SOUTHERN SOUL BLUES, 7:30 p.m. featuring KING GEORGE, POKEY BEAR, RONNIE BELL, J-WONN and host MC LIGHTFOOT at the BJCC CONCERT HALL.

SATURDAY…
**AUTISM + NEURODIVERSE, a friendly skateboard event at City Walk Bham State Park, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. by the Askate Foundation with skateboarding, sensory games, stations, art, music, music, food. Roller skates are welcome. For ages 4 and up. Registration is required.

**EVERY SATURDAY at BIRDSONG FARMERS MARKET, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 2824 5th Avenue South, at Automatic Seafood.

**BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED, 3-5 p.m. at the 5 Points West Library on Avenue W. This is a National hook-up of Black Women Founder’s Day Celebration. For more, contact 204-516-6277 and vernessabarnes54@gmail.com.

**WINE DOWN HAPPY HOUR, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Saferoom Lounge Bar.

**EACH AND EVERY SATURDAY HAPPY HOUR, 5-8 p.m. at D’ZIRE with SPECIALS.

**EVERY SATURDAY SOLD OUT – THE SATURDAYS JUMP OFF, 10 p.m. at Onyx of Bham, 615 8th Avenue West.

**LADIES SOIRAVE at The Nick.

**RUN IT BACK SATURDAYS at Platinum of Birmingham.

**DIVAS TO THE DANCEFLOOR featuring TONY RODIO at the Saturn.

SUNDAY…   
**WORSHIP AT THE SIXTH, 9:30 a.m. at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church.

**EVERY SUNDAY – SOUL FOOD SUNDAYS, 1-5 p.m. (Every Sunday) at 1918 Catering, 197 Vulcan Road.

**SUNDAY FUN DAY at DZIRE BAR AND LOUNGE, 4120 3rd Avenue South. Call 205-266-2594 for more.

**SUNDAY FUNDAY for the grown Folks Kickback at Tha Vibe Bar & Lounge.

**EVERY 3rd SUNDAY JAZZ JAM SESSION, 4-8 p.m. at the Ferus on 41st.

**CITY WIDE PRAYER MEETING, Every 4th Sunday, 4 p.m. for one hour at Birmingham Easonian Baptist Bible College. The Lord’s Supper will be served and hosted by the Knights of Pythias & Court of Calanthe.

**GW HENDERSON, LOWER HYBRID, AND SOUL DESERT at The Nick.

**JENNY LEWIS at Iron City.

MONDAY…

**BIRMINGHAM BAND STAND at The Nick.

**RNB MONDAYS, 10 p.m. at Onyx of Bham, 615 Eighth Avenue West.

TUESDAY…
**KIKSTART at Water Mark in Bessemer, 9 a.m. with Free Food Boxes…until all gone.

**COMPUTER CLASSES AT THE FIVE POINTS WEST LIBRARY every Tuesday and
Thursday.

**DIAPER GIVEAWAY every Tuesday, 10 a.m. at the Titusville Library.

**EVERY TUESDAY SPECIAL TUESDAYS with Food, Drinks Specials at 1918 Catering, 197 Vulcan Road.

**EVERY TUESDAY – TUESDAY NIGHT TRAILS 5:45 p.m. at Red Mountain Park.

**EVERY TUESDAY is SOUL CAFÉ Happy Hour introducing the Soul Café Happy Hour, 5:30-9:30 p.m. with Soul Goodies, Soul Spirits and Soul Music including $5 Titos and Redmont, at The Vault.

**JOSE CARR’S JAZZ JAM, 7:30 p.m. at True Story Brewing Company 5510 Crestwood Blvd.

**CARIBBEAN NIGHTS with Reggae, Caribbean and Island Vibes, 9 p.m. – until… with DJ Serious Mixing and hosted by KJ and MANNY at The Vault, downtown.

**TASTY TUESDAYS at Platinum of Birmingham.

**BIRMINGHAM SONGWRITER’S ROUND with Host SUSANNAH SEALES at the Nick.

**KAN KAN, OLDSTAR, CASH LANGDON and GAWSHOCK at Saturn.

WEDNESDAY…
**INTERFAITH NOONDAY PRAYER SERVICES, every Wednesday, at Linn Park, in Downtown Birmingham.

**WORKOUT WEDNESDAY at Five Points West Library at 10:30 a.m. for chair yoga and other chair exercises.

**WEDNESDAY NIGHT POOL TOURNAMENT AND KARAOKE NIGHT, 5 p.m. at
Carter’s Hookah Lounge and Grill, hosted by Jo Sweetz with the Pool Tournament, at 7 p.m. and Karaoke at 8 p.m.

**EVERY WEDNESDAY, YOU, ME & RNB, 6 p.m. at 2206 Bar & Lounge, 2206 31st Street, with DJ You, Me & Playlist.

**D’ZIRE WEDNESDAYS, EACH AND EVERY WEDNESDAY with Free Mimosas, 8- 10 p.m. with DJ GORGEOUS in the Mix at 4120 Third Avenue South.

**WEDNESDAYS WEEKLY JAZZ JAM, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing Company, 5510 Crestwood Blvd. Food until 9 p.m., Music until 10 p.m. and Drink until 11 p.m.

**EVERY 4th WEDNESDAY at FACE’S LOUNGE KARAOKE hosted by ARETTA, 6:30 p.m. at 7070 Aaron Aronov Dr. in Fairfield.

**BOOZEE, BREELY & SOUNDS IN MY HEAD at The Nick.

**BLAQUE HOUSE at The Nick, House Music EVERY WEDNESDAY with DJSteve BLAQUE at The Nick.

**CASHIER & STAB at Saturn.

NEXT THURSDAY…
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!

**ALABAMA BLAZIN BINGO, 6 p.m. at Overtime Grill and Bar.

**FILM – 7 p.m. at the Sidewalk Film.

**MR. ACTION AND THE PSYCHOACTIVE ATTRACTION at the Nick.

**3RD THURSDAY BLUES JAM, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

NEXT FRIDAY…
**EVERY FRIDAY – STORYTIME AT THE GARDENS, Every Friday, 10 – 11 a.m. FREE at BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS.

**JAMMIN’ DJAY LAMONT + FRIENDS at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**TRIBUTO A VICENTE FERNANDEZ CON EL KECHECHENTE at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES, 8 – 11 p.m. at 7611 1st Avenue North.

**OXMOOR at The Nick.

**POP PLANET: CHARLI XCX RAVE at Saturn.

FOR MUSIC LOVERS…

**THE QUEENS OF R&B CONCERT IN BIRMINGHAM – The Legendary groups XSCAPE and SWV with Special Guests MYA, TOTAL and 702 have reunited for a tour that will be an unforgettable experience filled with R&B music and stellar performances in 30 cities across the country. Birmingham will host the QUEENS OF R&B on Wednesday, July 10 at the BJCC Legacy Arena. MONAMI ENTERTAINMENT and LIVE NATION will bring the fans an incredible performance by the QUEENS OF R&B after 702, Total, Mya, SWV and Xscape have all weathered storms. Founder and CEO of Monami Entertainment, MONA SCOTT-YOUNG spoke to the power of women to overcome adversity and emerge triumphant. The tour kicks off today in Concord, California at the Toyota Pavilion and will continue across the country with stops in New York City at Madison Square Garden and in Los Angeles at Kia Forum.

**TASTY TUESDAYS – ALUMNI S2N JULY LINEUP at Platinum of Birmingham on
July 9 – Woodlawn, July 16 – Huffman, July 23 – West End, July 25 – Jess Lanier and July 30 – McAdory.

**JULY 13 – MAGIC CITY RISING STARS – Birmingham’s talent event of the year at the Boutwell Auditorium.

FOR SPORTS LOVERS…AND MORE…

**HOOP FEST 3 ON 3 SHERIFF MARK PETTWAY’S COMMUNITY TOUR, next Saturday, at Westwood Baptist Church, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and July 13 at City Walk, 4 – 8 p.m. Teams should be 18-35 years of age/men and women. The winning team at each tournament will win $2,000. One team cannot win more than one tournament. For more, go to jeffcohoopfest.com.

**SHOES & BREWS CORNHOLE TOURNEY by the Firehouse Ministries, Saturday, 1- 5 p.m. at Ghost Train Brewing on First Avenue South is hosting its 7th Annual event of fun with a little competition to raise money for the Firehouse Shelter and refill the shoe closet. There will be food trucks, raffle prizes and a silent auction with great items.

AROUND THE STATE…

**JULY 3 – FIRE ON The WATER, 5 p.m. in Pelham at 200 Terrace Drive.

**JULY 4 – SAND MOUNTAIN POTATO FESTIVAL, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. in Henager, Ala. celebrates the Fourth of July kicking the day off with an exciting parade. Activities throughout the day include a cornhole tournament, an antique car and tractor show and games for the whole family at Henagar Park… FREE.

FOR OUTDOORS LOVERS…

**JULY 4 – JULY 4th CONCERT, at Legion Field featuring MOSE STOVALL, CHUBB ROCK and DANA DANE starting at 5 p.m. with food trucks, voter registration/Census education. FREE ENTRY. Bring your lawn chairs for FREE Family Fun.

**JULY 4 – A picnic celebrating the 4th of July with the Southeastern Outings, 6:30 p.m. at Bartow Arena Park. Take your chairs, blankets, picnic supplies and meet to enjoy it all. Call 205-631-4680 for more.

**JULY 4 – 4th of July Band Concert followed by City of Birmingham Fireworks, 7 p.m. at Bartow Arena Park. The UAB Summer Band auditioned and was selected to be musicians in the concert band.

AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS…

**JULY 2 – THYME TO READ, 4 p.m. reading from “The Woods of Fannin County” by Janisse Ray. FREE and open to the public.

**JULY 6 – TANABATA FESTIVAL, 9 a.m. – Noon is a Japanese festival celebrating the alignment of two stars normally separated by the Milky Way. FREE and Open to the public.

**JULY 9 – THE EVOLUTION OF STONE HOLLOW

**JULY AND AUGUST – Enjoy the artwork of WILLIAM DARBY on display in the gallery outside the Library.

FOR SPORTS LOVERS…AND MORE…

**HOOP FEST 3 ON 3 SHERIFF MARK PETTWAY’S COMMUNITY TOUR, next Saturday, at Westwood Baptist Church, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and July 13 at City Walk, 4 – 8 p.m. Teams should be 18-35 years of age/men and women. The winning team at each tournament will win $2,000. One team cannot win more than one tournament. For more, go to jeffcohoopfest.com.

**SHOES & BREWS CORNHOLE TOURNEY by the Firehouse Ministries, Saturday, 1- 5 p.m. at Ghost Train Brewing on First Avenue South is hosting its 7th Annual event of fun with a little competition to raise money for the Firehouse Shelter and refill the shoe closet.  There will be food trucks, raffle prizes and a silent auction with great items.

HAPPENINGS AT SIXTH AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH…

**SUMMER AT THE SIXTH, now through July 26, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. for Rising K – 6th grades with field trips, film gardening, dance, sports, business, fitness, friends and more. For more, go to: www.sixthavebaptist.com/childrensministries.

**WORSHIP SERVICE every Sunday.

**EVERY MONDAY MORNING MEDITATION WITH PASTOR CANTELOW, 7:15 a.m. Contact the church at (205) 321-1136 or (205) 321-1137.

**CHILDREN’S CHURCH & COLLISION CHURCH, each First Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for K-5th (Children’s Church), 6-12th (Collision).

AT GIFTED CITY CHURCH… EVERY SUNDAY!
**GIFTED CITY CHURCH, Sunday Worship is 10 a.m. at 228 Second Avenue North in the Downtown, City Center. Join the one-hour service with children’s service and complimentary coffee and tea. For more: info@thegiftpad.org.

COMING SOON…
**JULY 10 – THE QUEENS OF R&B: XSCAPE & SWV at the BJCC.

**JULY 11 – CHRIS BROWN – THE 11:11 TOUR at Legacy Arena.

**SEPTEMBER 28 – MAXWELL: THE SERENADE TOUR at the Legacy Arena.

**OCTOBER 5 – THE REUNION TOUR 2024 with KIRK FRANKLIN, YOLANDA ADAMS, FRED HAMMOND, MARVIN SAPP & THE CLARK SISTERS with special guest KIERRA SHEARD-KELLY at the Legacy Arena.

**OCTOBER 13 – 85 SOUTH: BIG BUSINESS COMEDY TOUR at the Legacy Arena.

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

UAB Health System Authority to Acquire Ascension St. Vincent Health System

By
Birmingham Times
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The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved an agreement with Ascension for UAB Health System Authority to assume ownership of Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System. (Adobe Stock)

By Tyler Greer | UAB News

After thorough study and due diligence, the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved an agreement with Ascension for UAB Health System Authority to assume 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.

Under the agreement, UAB Health System Authority will assume 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 will include current Ascension St. Vincent’s services, facilities, caregivers and associates, including a robust network of providers serving the region.

“Patients will continue to have access to the healthcare services and providers they’ve come to trust, and ultimately gain access to a larger care network,” said UAB Health System CEO Dawn Bulgarella, who also serves as CEO of the UAB/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance. “UAB and St. Vincent’s exist to improve lives, and that purpose will drive our actions in the coming months and beyond.”

The UAB/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance launched in 2020 to increase Alabamians’ access to high-quality, innovative medical care and help patients receive the right care at the right time and place. UAB and Ascension St. Vincent’s leadership view this agreement as the natural next step to continue to expand access to sustainable care in Alabama.

Ascension St. Vincent’s CEO and Ascension Senior Vice President Jason Alexander says UAB Health System – with a statewide network of 17 hospitals, both owned and affiliated, and with its integrated care delivery system and proven record of promoting patient-centric, sustainable care across Birmingham and Alabama – is best positioned to extend opportunities for patients to access a larger care network into the future.

“As part of our shared commitment to our patients, caregivers, associates and community, we have continued to discuss options to better deliver on our missions in an increasingly complex environment,” Alexander said. “It became clear that adding Ascension St. Vincent’s to UAB Health System’s network of owned hospitals – and combining and optimizing our collective strengths – is the solution to ensure that our community retains access to sustainable, high-quality healthcare. Among other benefits, patients will gain access to a larger network of local services through UAB.”

“Even as our structure is changing, Ascension’s dedication to health equity and to serving the most vulnerable in Alabama remains steadfast,” added Alexander. “The Ascension Foundation for Health Equity will continue its presence in the market and expand grantmaking beyond the transition period, investing in nonprofit organizations that accelerate positive change for generations of Alabamians.”

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 healthcare ecosystem.

“Our mission and vision to provide life-changing care and be the leader in improving the health and lives of all we serve aligns with the outstanding St. Vincent’s caregivers and associates who have served these communities for years,” Bulgarella said. “We look forward to supporting continued operations and providing opportunities for Ascension St. Vincent’s caregivers and associates to essentially remain in their current positions; our goal is to support fulfilling and meaningful careers in service to our patients and communities.”

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The transaction will include current Ascension St. Vincent’s services, facilities, caregivers and associates, including a robust network of providers serving the region and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. (UAB)

The transaction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024, subject to standard regulatory approvals and pending satisfaction of closing conditions and approval by the Catholic Church. Until that time, UAB Health System and Ascension St. Vincent’s will continue normal operations while their teams collaborate to plan the transition.

Both entities are committed to working and communicating diligently with patients, employees, caregivers, associates and community partners.

“UAB Health System and Ascension are committed to our patients and employees, caregivers and associates and will work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition in the short term, and that we enhance the overall patient and employee experience in the long-term,” Bulgarella said.

Ray Watts, M.D., who chairs the UAB Health System 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 healthcare,” 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.”

Bulgarella says Ascension St. Vincent’s central Alabama operations also has a proud history on which UAB Health System plans to build with Ascension caregivers and associates.

“Since 1898, Ascension St. Vincent’s caregivers and associates have served our community well,” Bulgarella said. “We are excited to honor and continue their culture and legacy, and make sure they feel secure and appreciated in this transition. I look forward to integrating our talented, mission-focused teams as we work together toward continuity and positive results for those we serve.”

During a special called meeting of the UA System Board of Trustees at which the membership interest purchase agreement passed with unanimous support, Bulgarella and UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant recommended the resolution for approval.

“As you all know, the University of Alabama System and the UAB Health System exist to improve the lives of Alabamians and beyond,” he said. “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.”

Miles College Announces Several New Studies Ahead of 2024-25 Academic Year

By
Birmingham Times
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Miles College on Tuesday announced several new initiatives to prepare students for leadership through graduate studies, new degree programs, modernized curricula, and innovative course offerings. (File)

miles.edu

In preparation for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year, Miles College on Tuesday announced several new initiatives to prepare students for leadership through graduate studies, new degree programs, modernized curricula, and innovative course offerings.

The college has a new program and two minor offerings for fall 2024 and master’s programs in two disciplines planned for the near future.

Miles College President Bobbie Knight

President Bobbie Knight said the offerings mark a new chapter of growth and innovation. “As President, I, the Provost, the Miles College Board of Trustees, along with the college’s faculty and staff, remain dedicated to continuing our legacy of excellence and providing our students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed,” said the president.

Part of the process to expand the course offerings was to think about the demands of the market and the career goals of each student, she said. “After researching the jobs for the future, the needed skills, and the interests of our students, we realized there were several areas that we could expand to maximize their education,” Knight added. “Embedding certificates into the coursework is one way that we will prepare our students for the future. Students can attend class, learn from their professors, and acquire a certification–all at the same time.”

Among the undergraduate programs is a new major in interdisciplinary studies, which integrates multiple disciplines to provide a comprehensive, interconnected learning experience, fostering a broad understanding and versatile skill set for students. This will be implemented beginning in the fall.

The minors in sports management and artificial intelligence (AI) will also be implemented the fall semester.

The sports management minor offers an interdisciplinary education in the business, operational, and administrative aspects of the sports industry. This program is particularly beneficial for scholar-athletes who wish to continue their careers in the sports field, even if they do not advance to professional league play. The option to pursue a minor in sports management and immediately apply for a master’s degree in the same field is a significant recruitment and retention tool for the college.

Through the artificial intelligence (AI) minor, students will gain an understanding of what generative AI is and how it works. It will equip students with the knowledge and confidence they need to assist in transforming organizations into innovative, efficient, and sustainable companies of the future.

And for the first time in the school’s history, Miles is planning:

The master of science in management (MSM) with a concentration in sports management that will prepare scholars for managerial roles in the sports industry. This program combines core management curriculum with specialized sports-related coursework, equipping students with the skills needed for leadership positions.

Master of Arts in religious studies. The MA in Religion offers students exposure to theoretical approaches to the study of religion while deepening their knowledge of a specific religious tradition or pursuing in-depth engagement of religion with another related discipline or a professional field.

The introduction of these new programs is a testament to providing relevant, high-quality education that prepares our students for success in their chosen fields, said school officials.

“As I step into my first full term school year as Provost, I couldn’t be more optimistic about the future here at the Home of Southern Beauty,” said Dr. Tonya Perry, Provost. “The students have a desire to be their best selves and came to this college trusting us faculty and staff to aid them in that effort, and we are. Miles College continues to be a leading visionary in the academic space, and we will not slow down anytime soon.”

Perspective students should contact admissions@miles.edu or (205) 929-1656.

This post was updated at 9:57 a.m. on 6/26/2024 to add quotes. 

‘I Was Telling Her How Much I Loved Her and Wanted to Spend the Rest of my Life with Her … And I Proposed’

By
Birmingham Times
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BY JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY | Special to the Birmingham Times

JACQUELYN AND ANTWAN HARRIS

Live: McCalla

Married:  March 20, 2015

Met: Early September 2012, via Instagram. Both lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee and shared a mutual friend who worked in media and introduced the two. Jacquelyn worked in sales, and Antwan was a news reporter.

“…[the mutual friend was a radio personality] and she and I worked out together and she knew I was single, and one day we got together for lunch and she said, ‘I have the perfect guy for you,’” Jacquelyn recalled. “She mentioned his name and I immediately went looking for him through her followers… First I found him on Twitter, then I looked him up on Instagram and we started following each other… The first interaction came about because I had just picked up a new hobby running 5k races… I posted footage of my first race, which was the Black Girls Run race in Atlanta and he commented ‘good job.’”

“Instagram was brand new back then, and I had like 50 follower requests and I just accepted all of them, and that’s when my feed changed up a bit and I saw her photo running a race with the #blackgirlsrun. And her profile said nothing about Chattanooga, nothing about New Orleans [which is where she’s from] so I was like who is this mystery woman? I commented on it with no expectation of a response, and then she responded asking, ‘if I was going to do the upcoming [Susan G. Komen race for breast cancer awareness] and I said, ‘are you here in Chattanooga? Because if so, I might have to,” Antwan laughed. “And after that, we kicked off. She ran the race, and I was there working.”

“After chatting a few times back and forth online, we started talking offline,” Jacquelyn said.

The pair deepened their rapport over the following weeks and had arranged their first date. To get the first date jitters out of the way, Antwan invited Jacquelyn to hang out with him and some friends ahead of their first date plans.

First date: Sept. 21, 2012, At Big River Grill, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Antwan picked Jacquelyn up from her apartment and remembered her beauty as she walked to his car.

“She didn’t let me through her gate, I had to park in the visitor’s parking lot and watch her walk down,” he laughed, “and when I saw Jacq, I was thinking ‘wow, this girl’s got some nice legs on her, very toned, very nice and shiny, she was very athletic,” Antwan reminisced.

Jacquelyn remembers “he was dressed super well and he was very funny. We were non-stop talking, we had great conversation, and he had a bright infectious smile,” she said.

“I remember we just talked all night. We closed down the restaurant and were the last people to leave. She was such a lady. She was very mature, I could tell from the conversation she came from a very good family and had a good upbringing, and those were some of the things I was looking for…,” said Antwan.

Jacquelyn and Antwan Harris met in 2012 via Instagram, sharing a mutual friend, and married in 2015. (Provided)

The turn: Feb. 14, 2013, at Antwan’s home in Chattanooga. “He set out the whole thing for me, tea light candles, rose petals, he had music playing, he made grilled asparagus and fish, and he had gifts, that’s when he bought me my first pair of red bottoms [Christian Louboutin heels]. They were the pink/nude color and were perfect for my wardrobe. He went hard for me,” Jacquelyn said. “It was so sweet.”

“I was obviously trying to impress her, and of course, we would talk about some of the past guys she’s dated and I prided myself on being a fun guy [that gave her new experiences]. “…I hadn’t dated anybody in two years, and I was 32, I knew what I was doing, and I knew what I wanted. I wanted her to have a Valentine’s Day she could remember, and it was our first one,” Antwan said.

“He kinda gave me the ultimatum and told me ‘I ain’t playing with you’,” Jacquelyn laughed.

Antwan clarified, “A week or two before Valentine’s Day I had asked, ‘Where are we at?’ and she was like ‘we cool’, and I was like ‘I ain’t trying to spend all this time with you and just be cool’ … I said ‘I’ve done all that I can do to let you know that I want to be with you. You let me know when you make up your mind; I’ve told you more than once I’m ready to do this’ … I guess she needed time to get her head in the game,” Antwan said.

“And he wasn’t sweating me [behind my indecisiveness], and that was attractive, so then on Valentine’s Day, we made it official,’ Jaquelyn said.

From there, the couple said they had a whirlwind romance, and shortly after Antwan took a job in her hometown, New Orleans she quit her job and found a new one in New Orleans and moved with him. “That was pivotal for us,” Jacquelyn said, “and two months later he proposed.”

The proposal: Dec. 7, 2013, in New Orleans. “I knew I wanted to marry her when we moved, it was just a matter of getting the ring. I went with a moment we were sharing in our dining room. I had her sit on my lap and I was whispering all these sweet nothings in her ear and telling her how much I loved her and wanted to spend the rest of my life with her, and I pulled out the ring and proposed to her. Then we went out to dinner at the Ritz Carlton and Jeremy Davenport [a New Orleans renowned jazz musician with a residency at the Ritz Carlton] serenaded us…,” Antwan said.

“The best part of the proposal was when he got down on one knee, the first thing I did was hop out of my heels,” she laughed, “for some reason, I had to get flat-footed and grounded. “His eyes got glossy and red. He got emotional and I thought it was so romantic and simple and sweet. There was no ego, it wasn’t obnoxious, it was so intimate, and I loved it. I was totally surprised.”

The wedding: Ocho Rios Jamaica, officiated by a resort-provided Jamaican priest. Their colors were off-white, light purple/lavender, and oatmeal.

Most memorable for the bride was the reception “because it never ended. It was ongoing, and it ended with us in the pool. Everyone went back to their rooms and got their bathing suits, and we bar-hopped around the resort and ended the night in the pool. It was so much fun,” Jacquelyn said.

Most memorable for the groom: “When we signed the paper work it was absolutely official. I was like this is for real, the paper work sealed the deal, she followed through [with signing] and we are in this for life,” Antwan said. “…and having all of our loved ones there and taking our vows before our family; the culmination of that moment really stuck out for me. And by the end of the night, I remember me and my frat brothers were bar hopping and ended up at the pool… it went on till 4 in the morning.”

The couple stayed behind and honeymooned in Jamaica for a week.

Words of wisdom: “Be honest and communicate. Talk often, and be open about everything, you cannot hide things from your spouse. It will come out… communication is key,” Antwan said.

“Having the fundamentals of friendship present in your marriage is so important. Even though people evolve and change over time, you can always find a way to reconnect through the fundamentals of friendship. And something new for us that we are trying ourselves is the ‘six-second kiss’ rule. Every morning when [one of us leaves] we kiss for 6 seconds, you count the kiss. People can look it up, there’s a science to support it. A six-second kiss releases oxytocin and it’s the same hormone that’s released during intimacy,” Jacquelyn said.

Happily ever after: The Harris’s attend Church of The Highlands Southwest campus in Bessemer, and have one daughter, Anya, 7.

Jacquelyn, 42, is a New Orleans, Louisiana native, and Saint Mary’s Academy grad [New Orleans]. She attended The University of New Orleans where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in business administration [MBA]. Jacquelyn and her husband Antwan relocated to Birmingham from Atlanta in 2022, for a job promotion, and she works as a sales executive for the Telco industry.

Antwan, 44, is a Flint Michigan native, and Flint Southwestern Academy grad [Flint, MI]. He attended Eastern Michigan University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Antwan works as the marketing communications director for the McWane Science Center, in downtown Birmingham.

“You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them. If you would like to be considered for a future “Hello’’ column, or know someone, please send nominations to Barnett Wright bwright@birminghamtimes.com. Include the couple’s name, contact number(s) and what makes their love story unique.

Birmingham Personal Injury Attorney | Guster Law Firm, LLC

Mayor Woodfin Announces Changes to Birmingham Police Department Command Staff

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Birmingham Times
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The largest Birmingham Police Department class since 2019 is underway at the academy. (File)

City of Birmingham

Lt. Rodarius Mauldin is Birmingham’s new Deputy Chief of Administration. (Provided)

Mayor Randall L. Woodfin has announced a reorganization of the Birmingham Police Department Command Staff. Woodfin has appointed Lt. Rodarius Mauldin as Deputy Chief of Administration.

The appointment takes effect immediately.

Mauldin began his law enforcement career in 2005 with the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole, where he served as a probation officer and investigator. He joined the Birmingham Police Department in 2010, serving in various capacities over the years including as a patrol officer, community project coordinator, dignitary protection, detective and public information officer. He played a significant role while assigned to the Hiring and Recruiting Unit. Most recently he has served as Executive Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Police.

The Deputy Chief of Administration is a newly created role in the department’s command staff. Mauldin will join Chief of Police Scott Thurmond, Deputy Chief of Special Operations Michael Pickett, and Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations Onree Pruitt.

Both the positions of Assistant Chief of Police and Deputy Chief of Investigative Operations have been vacated. The mayor wishes to thank Assistant Chief La’Quaylin Parhm Mack and Deputy Chief Shelia Frazier-Finney for their dedicated service in these positions.

The Deputy Chief of Investigative Operations will be announced at a later date.

EXCLUSIVE — Miles College Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Birmingham-Southern College

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Birmingham Times
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By Barnett Wright

The Birmingham Times

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Birmingham Business Alliance Exec Nan Baldwin Named New CEO for the Hoover Chamber

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Birmingham Times
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Newly appointed Hoover Chamber of Commerce CEO Nan Baldwin and Interim President & CEO Tom Micelotta. (Hoover Sun, Je'Don Holloway Talley)

The Hoover Sun 

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday announced it has chosen an executive from the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) as the new CEO for the Hoover chamber.

The board of directors chose Nan Baldwin, who currently is the Birmingham Business Alliance’s vice president for chamber operations, a position she has held since 2022. Baldwin has been a member of the BBA team since 2009 and in April of this year was named the 2024 Alabama Chamber Professional of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama.

“Nan has the passion, drive and extensive knowledge to move the Hoover Area Chamber to a new level of service for our members and the community,” said Tyler Lipe, chairman of the chamber’s search committee and a consumer banking manager and senior vice president at Regions Bank, in a press release. “Her grasp of the issues facing businesses today is incredible. Nan has proven herself as a leader in the industry and someone who clearly can build teams and collaborate with other groups.”

Baldwin currently leads all initiatives relating to the “chamber of commerce” side of the BBA. She previously served as partner and vice president of regional development.

Other organizations for which she has worked include the Birmingham Metropolitan Development Board, University of Alabama, Samford University, BellSouth Telecommunications and Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp.

She has a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in marketing from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree in public and private management from Birmingham-Southern College. He also is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organization Management.

In the chamber press release, Baldwin said she is more than excited to be part of the Hoover chamber team.

“The infrastructure for a solid business organization is already present,” she said. “Along with the current internal team of professionals, the board of directors and many other stakeholders in the community, I look forward to evaluating the existing initiatives the chamber has in place as well as building upon some new ideas that have been presented in the Elevate Hoover capital campaign strategic plan.”

Baldwin on Thursday said she plans to grow the Hoover chamber with more programming. “A chamber’s role is not only networking, but also educating members, advocating on public policy issues and providing ongoing programs to help businesses grow and scale,” she said.

She also emphasized the vital role of nonprofit organizations in community change.

“Nonprofits are integral to the community and need donors, board members and business support,” she said. “By involving nonprofits in the chamber and having them speak, we help them grow their causes and find supporters who believe in what they do.”

Rohen Porbanderwala, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors, said in the news release that the board’s goal is to refocus the chamber and its energies.

“Nan is the right leader to provide us the framework to do just that,” Porbanderwala said. “She understands how to partner with other organizations and build relationships that benefit both parties.”

Je’Don Holloway-Talley contributed to this story.

African Heritage Fest at Birmingham Museum of Art Unites Through Music, Dance and Paintings

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Birmingham Times
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The African Heritage Festival at the Birmingham Museum of Art attracted more than 1,000 people of all backgrounds for the afternoon. (Provided)

The Birmingham Times

Kim Harper was in downtown Birmingham on Saturday, three days after the national celebration of Juneteenth, and said she was happy to see African culture observed throughout the year.

“We don’t just think about our history in February, and so to bring all this together at this time I think is a great thing,” she said.

Harper was talking about the African Heritage Festival at the Birmingham Museum of Art which attracted more than 1,000 people of all backgrounds for an afternoon of drum making classes, traditional African food samples, storytelling, fabric exploration and a panel discussion about the evolution of Black hair.

The auditorium inside the BMA was packed for a performance by Sahi On Ko Djony, which means “The time is now.”

“We try and celebrate our culture, the richness of our music, dance and the creativity of the arts that we contribute to this country and all over the world,” drummer Barry Johnson, founder of the group.

Ronique Carter another drummer with Sahi On Ko Djony said he other members look to educate as well as entertain.

“This is American history,” he said. “We’re here in America … It’s important that we don’t forget where we’ve come, and then also, when you know where you come, you know where you’re at, and then you can project, then know where you’re going.”

Sponsors included Medical Properties Trust and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.

WVTM-13 contributed to this post.

Subsidized Quality Child Care Could Be a Boost to Alabama Families

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Birmingham Times
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Women's participation in the American workforce has reached a high point, but challenges around child care are holding back many working class parents. (Adobe Stock)

By Alaina Bookman | abookman@al.com

Just a fraction of Alabama families eligible for discounts to child care expenses actually get them.

Across the state, 102,820 children, ages 5 and under, from lower-income families are eligible for subsidized child care through the Child Care and Development Block Grant, but only 24% are actually served, according to new research from the First Five Years Fund.

Amanda Guarino, the managing director of policy and national partnerships of First Five Years Fund, a child care advocacy group that works with federal lawmakers to help make child care more affordable and accessible, said the Child Care and Development Block Grant is critical, especially for low income families. She is advocating for a higher level of funding from Congress.

“We work with the administration and Congress to try to educate them on the best courses of action for kids and families,” Guarino said. “Everything we do is in service to educating Congress about the importance of early learning programs.”

In 2022, almost 85,000 Alabama families needed access to child care but had no affordable, quality options in their communities, according to the Women’s Foundation of Alabama. Legislators and advocates continue to work toward possible solutions.

Researchers found that only 24,282 eligible Alabama children, ages 5 and under, are being served through the country’s primary federal grant program allowing states to provide child care assistance to low-income working families.

A lower-income working family of three would pay $72-$156 per month for center-based infant care with support from the grant, compared to $440-$908 per month, the price range a family that does not receive subsidies could pay, according to First Five Years Fund.

For some, that can mean the difference in affording rent, or gas or staying in the workforce.

“It’s so important, because we all know that the cost of care is so high right now, and it’s just hard to find as well, so it’s a lifeline for so many working parents,” Guarino said.

“It’s also wonderful because we know that parents need the support in finding and paying for care so that they can work or attend school and progress in their lives. For some, it’s really the only outlet that families have.”

How the grant works and how you can apply

The Child Care and Development Block Grant is the largest federal funding grant that is dedicated to providing assistance to mostly lower income families.

The grant is a pool of money divided up by the federal government at the Administration for Children and Families into block grants that go to every state, territory and tribal organization to offset the cost of care for low income families.

Families can apply for the subsidy through their state’s Department of Human Resources by providing proof of income. In Alabama, a family of three is eligible if they make $3,258 or less per month, with a cap at $39,096 per year. If there’s availability, which is currently limited in Alabama, the family is accepted into the program.

The subsidies can take one of two forms. In Alabama participating child care providers, who choose to opt in, are paid directly from the state. There are 1,838 child care providers accepting Child Care and Development Block Grant subsidies in Alabama.

A family can also receive a voucher from the state and take that to any participating provider as payment for their monthly child care. The provider would then take the voucher and cash it in with the state to get reimbursed for those child care costs.

A House subcommittee, led by Representative Robert Aderholt, R-AL, will soon be making decisions about the 2025 funding for the block grant.

Under the current funding levels, the subsidies only reach a fraction of the families who may need it.

“It could be helping so many more if it was funded to the level of the need that exists,” Guarino said. “It helps kids get the care they need in safe, supportive environments and families go to work. It helps our economy. When employers have a reliable workforce, it benefits society as a whole.”

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