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How Criminals Find Ways to Hack Your Phone Number Through SIM Swap Scam

By
Birmingham Times
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This month we have explored several of the most popular scams for 2024 that have added up to millions of dollars in the U.S. The scammer’s victims have been fleeced out of their hard-earned money by thieves that prey either on the good nature of people, some on people’s greed and/or those lonely people who simply desire an emotional connection with someone. For whatever the reason, the scammers have increased their financial fortunes where their victims have lost theirs.

This week’s article will mark the end of this month’s series. We will end with the SIM Swap Scam.

If your mobile phone suddenly stops working – no calls, texts, or data – criminals may have hijacked your phone number. The scammer takes it to a mobile phone store, and convinces a sales person they lost their phone so they can get a new one with your number assigned.

Afterwards, they start using your phone number to call your financial services providers and begin all kinds of fraudulent activities, exploiting the two-factor authentication texts many financial institutions now use. To prevent this, most banks offer customers a way to make unique “voiceprints” to identify themselves.

If your mobile phone suddenly stops working criminals may have hijacked your phone number. (Adobe Stock)

So, if your phone service is unexpectedly lost, make sure you notify your bank to prevent fraudulent activities. If your phone has been compromised in a SIM Swap Scam, “voiceprint” can help provide extra security for your financial accounts.

You may also wish to contact all financial institutions you currently transact business with and notify them you have been a victim of a scam. You may consider doing a police report, so you have a report on file.

If you want to know more about the most popular scams in 2024, visit the FBI’s website. Also, if you have been a victim of your personal information being misused in an investment scam, visit identityTheft.gov for steps you can use to deal with problems which may have arisen.

Where this month’s series could not share all the scams in 2024 because they are so numerous, it is certainly hopeful that the ones shared were helpful. Keeping an Eye on Safety regarding your finances is essential. Check your statements daily and so stay alert. Remember do not give out any personal information on the phone or online to people or businesses you are not familiar with. Follow your instincts if something feels wrong, stop and do not participate.

Olugbenga ‘Olu’ Ajala, Founder Ashipa Electric, Helps Homeowners Reduce Energy Costs

By
Birmingham Times
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Olugbenga “Olu” Ajala is the founder of Ashipa Electric, an energy company that helps to make sure people get reliable power and reduce energy costs and has 20 total employees. (Provided)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

Looking back, maybe it was destined for Olugbenga “Olu” Ajala to become founder of an energy company that delivers power supply.

“Growing up in Nigeria, seeing firsthand what it meant to have limited access to electricity, and I just wanted to be a part of that solution,” said Ajala. “For me all roads lead to how can we solve this energy problem. I wanted to grab everything I could on information about electricity.”

Ashipa Electric serves as an energy company that helps to make sure people get reliable power and reduce energy costs and has 20 total employees.

“Our objective is to help homeowners and businesses reduce energy costs, thereby stimulating economic activity and hopefully positively impacting millions of lives …” he said.

He launched during a time many people were closing or downsizing their businesses. “When everyone is running away from something that’s when I stick my head in it,” he said. “Our solution is to help people get power. 2020 is when everyone was staying at home. If you are home, you need power. It was a fantastic time to introduce creative approaches to insure that people have reliable and resilient power.”

Ajala was recently named one of the Birmingham’s Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 for 2024 an honor he considers to be “a good thing” to be recognized by an outlet that brings out the best and brightest in Birmingham. “It’s encouraging more people to become better, to bring back, and to contribute to Birmingham,” he said. “I think it’s a great opportunity and I look forward to being a part of it. It’s a blessing.”

Ajala,37, first embarked on the journey of working towards energy solutions in Africa.

“I did a lot of exploratory work. We (Ashipa) got a lot of customers, had a lot of great discussions, a lot of investors, and people excited about the initiative but unfortunately the polices were far behind promises or there was just not a good framework to implement our solutions at that point in time. We had to reduce our operation and I had to return to the U.S. to work in the utility space. That’s when I joined Southern Company (in Birmingham),” said Ajala.

SOCCER AND MARTIAL ARTS
He was born in Dallas but moved to Nigeria where his parents are from and spent much of his childhood in Nigeria.

“My childhood was amazing. I played a lot of street soccer and imaginary martial arts (in Nigeria), he said. “I spent a lot of time watching movies and practicing my [soccer and martial arts] skills as well. I lived in a middle-class neighborhood and there I had the opportunity to be exposed to all walks of life. All the way from the bottom to the top.”
Olu said when he was younger, he was very active in school extracurricular.

“When I moved back to the U.S. … It wasn’t a hard transition, it was normal. The first school I went to I joined the JROTC [Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps] and the soccer team. The second school I joined the National Society of Black Engineers, and that’s where I had the most fun. I did science fair competitions and math competitions. I had a blast.”

After moving back to the United States, Ajala and his family made a home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he found his love for electricity expand. While living in Nigeria, he encountered people from all walks of life.

Ajala said it gave him the opportunity to meet different people and experience different lifestyles.

Ajala graduated from Scotlandville Magnet High School in Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University (LSU) where he studied electrical engineering and graduated in 2008.

“Born in Texas, grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. Finished high school in Baton Rouge and then after I finished college, I moved to Mobile, Alabama, then to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and then to Birmingham” when he worked for Southern Company.
Ajala said he came back to the Magic City after completing his MBA from (Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business.)

“Looking around, I asked myself where a good place would be to work on renewable energy projects and Southern Company was a fantastic opportunity. They were employing huge renewable energy initiatives around that time, I chose Birmingham.

‘SIGNIFICANT IMPACT’
Ashipa was a part of the first class (2020) of TechStars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator that helps participants build and grow businesses across the energy industry. He’s also been a part of incubators and energy companies in Los Angeles, Boston, and Nigeria where he’s won a number of awards.

For him it’s not about the awards but,” continuing to have significant impact in the communities in which we operate,” he said.

Because Ashipa operates as a global company, Ajala is always on the move. If he’s not in Nigeria, he’s state side, anywhere between Texas and Alabama and when he finds free time he enjoys a plethora of hobbies.

“I have a lot of hobbies, but the question is do I have enough time to participate in those hobbies? When I do have the time, I have a lot of hobbies I like to. I like to paint; I like to play musical instruments that I know how to play. Not many of them do I know how to play, but I try to play. I like to dance and practice martial arts. If I can do some pickup games of soccer, I’ll indulge in that from time to time. I love to play with my kids and hang out with family and friends,”

The husband and father of a four- and two-year-old, that” keeps me busy,” said Ajala adding, “they keep me on my toes.”

Even though he currently resides in Houston, Texas, his business has headquarters in Birmingham and Nigeria. His favorite thing about the Magic City is “it is a place you can lay low. It’s where you can focus, and I like that about Birmingham,” he said.

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

By
Birmingham Times
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Vocalist Phillippia (Photo Credit: tasteofsoulatlanta.com)

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.

**PAUL CAUTHERN at Iron City.

**BRODY SCHENK & DANNY HAMMONS at the Nick.

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

**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…

**ALABAMA BALLET’s BONNIE AND CLYDE, 7:30 p.m. at Dorothy Jemison Day Theater.

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

**HANNAH’S DROP DEAD CABARET at The Nick.

**DASH RIP ROCK at The Nick.

**JAZZ SAXOPHONIST NELSON RANGELL at Perfect Note.

**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.

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

**ALABAMA BALLET’s BONNIE AND CLYDE, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Dorothy Jemison Day Theater.

**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.

**FORSAKEN PROFITS, PERSEUS ARM, TRIANGLE FIRE, SANITY SYNDROME and EYEZIN at The Nick.

**R&B VOCALIST PHILLIPPIA at Perfect Note.

**RUN IT BACK SATURDAYS at Platinum of Birmingham.

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.

**ALABAMA BALLET’s BONNIE AND CLYDE, 2:30 p.m. at Dorothy Jemison Day Theater.

**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.

**SUNDAY FREE SHOW with ZACH AUSTIN at The Nick.

**THE E TONY GAINES AND COLLECTIVE CHOIR THROWBACK at the Perfect Note.

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.

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.

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.

**WELCOME TO FUNKY TOWN featuring ZAY FOGLE at the Perfect Note.

**BAMA ROOTS RADIO presents: ZACH AUSTIN & ALEXA FONTAINE at the Nick.

**COLE WORLD presents the SECURITY TEAM hosted by COLE NALLS, with A.J. O’LEARY, CHASE MOTE and KENNY HENSON at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**THE WE’RE NOT BROTHERS TOUR with BANK SHOT and BURPIE featuring Special Guest DULO.

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

NEXT FRIDAY…

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

**40 Years of The Nick with CLAY CONNOR & KYLE KIMBRELL at The Nick.

**ALMA RUSS Free Show with 40 years of The Nick, 5- 7 p.m. at The Nick.

**TRIBUTE TO THE ISLANDS ALL WHITE PARTY featuring THE REVOLUTION BAND at Perfect Note.

NEWS TO USE…
**ANTHONY JACKSON, JR. SCHOLARSHIP – The Anthony Jackson, Jr. scholarship was recently founded by Dr. Douglas Jackson. The scholarship is in memory of Dr. Jackson’s godson, Anthony Jackson, Jr. who lost his life to violence. The recipient of the first Anthony Jackson, Jr. scholarship will be announced as Dr. Jackson celebrates his retirement and his birthday in June. Dr. Jackson attended Western Olin High School, received degrees in Criminal Justice and a doctorate in Computer Information Management. His professional tenure was with the Department of Justice and as a special investigator with the DEA and CID. Jackson found a charter school and later became superintendent of the Sierra Vista Charter school district. The scholarship is open to those families that have been affected by violence and to honor his legacy by supporting young individuals in their educational endeavors.

**ALABAMA NATIVE WINS ‘THE VOICE’ SEASON 25 – ASHER HAVON of Selma, Alabama is the first place winner of “The Voice” which makes him not only the first Alabamian to win, but also the first openly LGBTQ person to earn the title. Congresswoman Terri Sewell congratulated HaVon sharing that he got his start singing in the church and had performed for President Obama during his visit for the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March.

**GRANTS FOR ARTS PROJECTS: MEDIA ARTS – Interested in receiving grant information, the Second Grants for Arts project deadline Part 1- Submit to Grants.gov is July 11, 11:50 p.m. Eastern time. Part 2 – Submit to Applicant Portal is July 16-23, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Earliest Announcement of Grant Award or Rejection is April 2025. Earliest Start Date for Proposed Project is June 1, 2025. For more information, go to: arts.gov. For questions and help, contact Emma Bartley, bartleye@arts.gov, 202-682-5591 or Avril Claytor, claytora@arts.gov, 202-682-5028.

**LIFT YOUR SPIRITS: PERMISSION TO CELEBRATE – FLAMING WITH FRIENDS is the theme for a fundraiser for community grief support that will take place on July 28, Thursday, 6-9 p.m. at the Vestavia Country Club. The event gives people permission to celebrate life. There will be silent and live auctions with jewelry, pottery, artwork, kids and pet packages, entertainment, travel experiences, dining experiences and more. Enjoy live music, dancing, a buffet and cocktails at a summer evening party. For more info, cpsmith@communitygriefsupport.org or 205-492-3350.

THINGS TO DO…

…AT THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO…

**JUNE 8 – ZOO BREWS at the Birmingham Zoo, 6-9 p.m. Experience more than 20 breweries from all over Alabama and the southeast while you travel through the Zoo.

**JUNE 15 – PANCAKES AND PRINCESSES – Spend the morning at the Birmingham Zoo for an enchanted day with the magical court of characters during the Royal Pancakes and Princesses Breakfast on the Balcony and Terraces of the Zoo’s Administration Building, First Seating is 8:30 – 10 a.m. Second Seating it 10:30 a.m. -12.

**JULY 11 – 23 – JOURNEY TO ECUADOR AND THE ISLANDS OF THE GALAPAGOS – Join President CHRIS PFEFFERKORN on a classic journey to the Galapagos as he explores and experiences Ecuador and the Islands of the Galapagos. For more information, email blang@birminghamzoo.com.

…IN JUNE…

**JUNE 1 – FUNKY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL, at Cahaba Brewing Co. with food, music, dancing, vendors, and surprise performances. FREE ADMISSION.

**JUNE 1 – BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS vs MICHIGAN PANTHERS, 1 p.m. at the Protective Stadium.

**JUNE 1 – IRON CITY COMIC CON, Saturday 10 1.m. – 6 p.m. at the BJCC East Exhibition Halls with artists, vendors, and a list of diverse guests.

**JUNE 2 – IRON CITY COMIC CON, Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the BJCC East Exhibition Halls.

**JUNE 8 – THE MARVEL CITY CARIBBEAN FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, 11 a.m. at 1623 2nd Avenue North, Bessemer.

**JUNE 8 – USFL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP, 2 p.m. at the Protective Stadium.

**JUNE 8 – LAUREN DAIGLE, 7 p.m. at the Legacy Arena.

**JUNE 9 – BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC vs INDY ELEVEN, 6 p.m. at Protective Stadium.

**JUNE 10 – YWCA CREW 2024 TEEN ENRICHMENT PROGRAM, June 10 – July 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more: FRC@ywcabham.org or 205-949-5550.

**JUNE 15 – 26th MAGIC CITY SICKLE CELL WALK at Railroad Park, 8 a.m. – Noon. Bring your family and friends for an informative, health conscious friendly morning in the park. Join a team. Register at: sicklecellwalk.swell.gives. For more info, call, 205-780-2355 or walk@sicklecellbham.org.

**JUNE 16 – THE R&B MONEY TOUR featuring TANK with KERI HILSON and CARL THOMAS, 8 p.m. at the BJCC Concert Hall.

FOR BUSINESS LOVERS…

**APPLY FOR THE JEFFERSON COUNTY MICRO BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM – The Jefferson County Micro Business Accelerator was launched recently by the Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance (CARA) in an innovative initiative designed to propel small businesses towards growth and long-term-success. The program is set to revolutionize the trajectory of micro businesses across Jefferson County and is made available through the collaboration of local Chambers of Commerce and Economic Developments organizations. Application opens on June 3 with a closing date of July 26. Applicants must be active members of a local Chamber of Commerce, been in business for at least 36 months and employ 10 or fewer individuals. Apply at CARANow.Org.

**REGISTER FOR THE ENTREPRENEURS & INNOVATORS CONFERENCE – The registration is still open for the June 20 and 21st conference at the Tuxedo Ballroom in the Ensley Entertainment District. Registration is open until June 18th. The Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce is the host. For more and to register, go to www.AlBlackCC.org, OR info@ALBlackCC.org.

FOR GARDEN LOVERS…

AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS….
**CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMP is at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens now through July 26 with a Morning Camp and Afternoon Camp.

**SUPERHERO TRAINING ACADEMY, July 8 – July 12, 9 a.m. – Noon with a morning and afternoon camp.

**EVERY FRIDAY – STORYTIME AT THE GARDENS, Every Friday, 10 – 11 a.m. FREE with registration.

HAPPENINGS AT SIXTH AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH…
**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.

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

**SEPTEMBER 28 – MAXWELL: THE SERENADE 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.

“Rev. Shuttlesworth changed Birmingham forever — and when he did, he changed the world.”

By
Birmingham Times
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0

ASHBY PATE, SECRETARY OF THE BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD AND A MEMBER OF THE LEADERSHIP BIRMINGHAM CLASS THAT CHOSE A SHUTTLESWORTH MURAL FOR UNVEILING AT THE AIRPORT; BIRMINGHAMTIMES.COM, MAY 28.

 

Tourism Generates Record $2.52 Billion and 51,550 Jobs for Greater Birmingham Region

By
Birmingham Times
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0
By multiple measures, the Birmingham area has seen dramatic declines in unemployment since the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

inBirmingham

Tourism provided a record level of impact for Jefferson County last year, the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) announced today, at an event celebrating U.S. Travel Association’s National Travel & Tourism Week.

In 2023, the Greater Birmingham tourism industry provided $2.52 billion in economic impact, supported 51,550 jobs, and contributed $296 million in state and local taxes. These figures surpass all previous levels of impact generated by tourism in Jefferson County.

“Tourism is a leading contributor to our regional economy,” said John Oros, President and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It is the common thread that impacts and unites all of our 34 municipalities across Jefferson County.”

Greater Birmingham hosted 3.96 million overnight visitors in 2023, a 4.5% increase over 2022, and the highest count since 2017.

“2023 was a busy and exciting year for our region,” added Oros. “Major events like the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, annual meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, new Food + Culture festival, and 60th commemoration of the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement delivered significant new impact; and, visitor attendance at our acclaimed annual events like the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, SEC Baseball Tournament, Magic City Classic and Ticketsmarter Birmingham Bowl returned to pre-pandemic numbers.”

Key results of the 2023 economic impact study include:

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Visitor Spending $2.52 billion $2.4 billion $2.2 billion $1.4 billion $2.4 billion
Total Visitors 3.96 million 3.9 million 3.6 million 2.9 million 3.6 million
State Tax Revenue $191 million $183 million $163 million $105 million $109 million
Local Tax Revenue $105 million $100 million $90 million $58 million $61 million
Tourism Jobs 51,550 51,000 47,200 30,768 33,000

Taxes generated for the state by tourism in Jefferson County totaled more than $191 million, while local government received $105 million in 2023.

The Greater Birmingham tourism industry also supported 51,550 full-time jobs, generating $1.27 billion in resident income and representing 1-in-10 jobs in Jefferson County.

Visitor spending patterns remained consistent year-over-year, with transportation topping the list. Dining remained the second-highest expenditure, followed by lodging, recreation and retail.

The GBCVB’s annual economic impact report provides measurable impact data and insights that demonstrate the significance of the travel industry to the Jefferson County economy. The study is conducted by Dr. Keivan Deravi, president of Montgomery-based Economic Research Services, Inc.

According to the study, visitors to Jefferson County represent 14 percent of the total travelers to Alabama, ranking Greater Birmingham as the second-largest market for tourism in the state.

“Birmingham is more popular than ever as a destination for business, leisure and sports travel,” concluded Oros. “Visitors to our region enjoy first-class facilities, rich history, world-class dining and shopping, and a wide-range of entertainment options.”

In the United States, the travel and tourism industry created 18 million jobs and generated more than $2.36 trillion representing 9.1 percent of the American economy in 2023, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.

The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) is the official tourism and marketing organization for Birmingham and Jefferson County. Birmingham and its neighboring municipalities welcome more than 3.96 million visitors each year, generating $2.52 billion in economic impact. Learn more at inbirmingham.com.

‘The Way She Spoke … I Found Her Intriguing … And I Fell in Love Immediately’

By
Birmingham Times
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EDWARD & AVA BROWN

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

Live: Birmingham

Married: May 22, 1995

Met: In West End High School as 9th graders when they were on the rifle team between 1986 and 1987.

“It was the summer between 9th and 10th grade because we couldn’t be on the rifle team as freshman, so we had to wait until we were sophomores,” recalled Edward. “I don’t know how I ended up being team captain, but our instructor gave me a list of potential members and as the new team captain it was my job to contact them over the summer and ask them if they wanted to be members of the team and Ava was on that list.”

The two remained friends throughout high school and wouldn’t start dating until after they graduated in 1990.

First date: At Asian style restaurant in Crestwood at Shangri-La. Both are unsure of the year.

“We didn’t date until after we had graduated high school and after Edward had gone off to the Army to Fort Hood and returned home to Birmingham. Through my brother Anthony, we reconnected,” said Ava, adding, “he (Edward) was a pure gentleman. Even more respectful and chivalrous than I remembered in high school. He picked me up in his blue Buick Skylark. I was living in an apartment complex in Crestwood. We agreed upon the place. Had a wonderful dinner and we have been connected at the hip ever since. It was a wonderful first date.”

The turn: There were several “sparks” for Ava that indicated that Edward was the one. The first came from her mother.

“When Edward and I were in high school, he would come and pick me up for rifle team practice and my mother admired him greatly. She told me then, in the 10th grade, that he was going to be my husband. She adored him because he was very respectful, very proper, very intellectual.”

The second “spark” came through her appreciation for Edward.

“He was a kind human and I just loved him because he was a great guy. I liked him because he had a great appreciation for rules, routine, and structure. I always wanted to have him in my circle, always, especially with his intellect.”

The next “spark” came from her brother.

“We (Ava and Edward) had remained friends when he (Edward) went off to Texas and had gotten engaged. I thought he had gotten married until my baby brother called me and said he’s back in town. So, I called his mom, who I had kept in contact with the whole time he was gone, and she was like ‘oh no, hold on a second,’ and she called him to the phone and that’s when we reconnected,” said Ava.

The final “spark “came after an evening out with their high school friends.

“I was ready to go, and Edward was not. At the end, some kind of way we were leaving and I was just trying to move on, but Edward made it crystal clear to me that he valued our time together. That was a priority and whatever I needed, he would support me. That was the catalyst that let me know that this was my person. God sent him to me,” said Ava.

Edward said he knew there was something special about their first phone conversation.

“That summer that I was calling people for rifle team, I didn’t know anyone of the list. What surprised me was when I called Ava, and she answered, her voice was incredibly clear. The way that she spoke was very deliberate and I found her intriguing. I really liked that, and when I met her, her voice matched her personality. She was very precise, extremely knowledgeable. The smartest person I had ever met, and I fell in love immediately,” said Edward.

The proposal: “He actually proposed in the middle of an argument,” said Ava. “We were walking up the stairs (they were in living in her apartment in Crestwood) and there was a midpoint between the two flights.” The couple had just left a gathering at a close friend of Ava’s.

“We said we were only going to stay at the party for one hour. (which Edward said), so when I said, ‘dear it’s time to go,’ she offered him some [food].”

Edward said he was trying to be polite. “She [the friend] had gone through all that trouble to cook. I heard pots banging and I didn’t just want to leave. ”

“I looked at him and I said I tell you what, I’ll let you have that,” Ava said. “And then he looked at me and said I tell you what, ‘I would like to marry you.’”

Edward and Ava Brown met at West End High School in 1986 and began dating after they graduated in 1990. The couple married in 1995. (Provided Photos)

The wedding: The Browns didn’t have a formal wedding ceremony.

“We got married at the Jefferson County Courthouse because we didn’t have the resources for a wedding at the time. “

“When we got married, we were at peace with our decision, but we were running into people, family members, classmates, and the response was the same when I introduced my husband. After we got the 100th ‘I didn’t know you were married’ we realized we needed to have a reception to celebrate our union under God, so we did.”

About a month later, the Browns booked a room at a banquet hall in downtown Birmingham. “We invited all of our family members and our friends to come out. We did have traditional wedding cakes. I did have a semi-off-white dress that was formal. We were really pleased at our choice,” said Ava.

Words of wisdom: “Talk to God and then listen. Ask for what you need that will make you a better person. Ask God to send somebody that will compliment you. Ask God to send somebody who is willing or has a good relationship with Him so that you two can grow together in Christ. If you do that, you won’t go wrong, “said Ava.

“I asked God for Ava. Perhaps one of the first actually conversations that I ever had in my life with God, before I could count myself a practicing devout Christian, I actually asked God with the greatest sincerity that I can mustard to allow me the privilege to be married to her and to give me what I needed to be the best husband to her and father to Ashley (Ava’s daughter) and God granted that prayer. She’s (Ava) everything I’ve always wanted. She’s even what I inspire to be. Her intelligence is unmatched. Her ability to care not just for me but her entire family is unparalleled. She’s the most remarkable person. “

“When I reflect on our marriage, it has been the best journey ever. I would not dream of spending it with anybody else. I know that God picked my husband for me, he was truly a Godsend, a light that I needed to keep me on the right track. He inspires me, he motivates me, he supports me. So, when I just think of him, nobody compares to you. I only have eyes for him,” said Ava.

Happily ever after: The couple has three adult daughters, Ashley Russell, Brittany McCray, and Carmen Brown and is expecting their first grandson in September.

Edward is originally from Queens, New York and currently serves as an Adult Education Instructor at J.F. Ingram State Community College in Deatsville, AL. He attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) where he received his Bachelor of Arts in political science and military science and Master of Arts in International Security Studies from the University of Arizona. He served a total of seven tours overseas between Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Baghdad and has been stationed all over the United States until retirement in 2021. He spent a total of 29 years in the military.

Ava is from Birmingham and an educator at I3 Academy, a tuition free public charter school in Woodlawn. She received her bachelor’s and Master’s in elementary education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

They are members of Faith Chapel in 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

Civil Rights Icon Fred L. Shuttlesworth Honored with Mural at Birmingham Airport 

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Birmingham Times
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Family of The Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth traveled from Cincinnati to be present with friends and supporters for the unveiling of "Fred S." mural in the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

Millions of visitors to Birmingham can now be welcomed at the International Airport in the city by one of its most renowned Civil Rights icons.

On Thursday May 23, officials with the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport unveiled a new mural honoring The Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth in Concourse B. The airport was renamed in his honor in 2008.

Dozens of area leaders, activists and residents gathered for the unveiling which was attended by members of the Shuttlesworth family, including daughters, Dr. Ruby Shuttlesworth Bester and Patricia Shuttlesworth Massengill.

“[This mural] is absolutely beautiful. I am so pleased with everything that you’ve done to honor my father,” Massengill told attendees at the event. “It looks just like him — I always told him, ‘Dad, you need to smile’ and he would say, ‘I’m concentrating on the Lord’s work and what I can do for mankind.’”

Ruby Shuttlesworth Bester, daughter of the Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth, addresses crowd after the mural unveiling. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

Nearly 13 feet high and 66 feet wide, the mural created by artist Rico Gatson, titled “Fred S,” depicts Shuttlesworth surrounded by an array of colors. It was initially created for the Birmingham Museum of Art’s Wall to Wall series before finding its permanent home at BHM.

“I am eternally grateful and honored to bring this iteration of the mural portrait of the great Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth to the airport and to the city of Birmingham,” said Gatson.

The mural is a result of a community project from 2023 Leadership Birmingham spearheaded by Ashby Pate, secretary of the Birmingham Airport Authority Board.

“The mural’s placement in the terminal ensures that more than three million visitors to the airport each year will be able to draw inspiration from this incredible artistic interpretation of his legacy,” said Pate, a member of the Leadership Birmingham class that chose this collaboration as their community project. “ … Rev. Shuttlesworth changed Birmingham forever — and when he did, he changed the world.”

Social Justice Activist and Shuttlesworth documentarian, T. Marie King. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

Social justice activist T. Marie King, who delivered remarks during the unveiling and co-produced a documentary on Shuttlesworth said “… His legacy is a testament to the power of activism and the enduring fight for equality, equity and justice.”

Shuttlesworth, who died in 2011, devoted himself to challenging segregation, establishing the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights, as well as joined Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to form the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

“Knowing about Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth helps illuminate the history of the Civil Rights Movement, showcases the importance of courage and resilience in the face of oppression, and underscores the collective efforts required to drive social change,” King said. “… For our city, it’s important to remember the work that was done here and to recognize that the work continues.”

She added, “The brilliant James Baldwin said, “Our crown has already been bought and paid for. All we have to do is wear it. I hope that through this remarkable work that will live in this terminal, reminds each of us to wear our crowns as Shuttlesworth did.”

Daughters of The Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth, from left, Ruby Shuttlesworth Bester and Patricia Shuttlesworth Massengill with artist Rico Gaston (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

In addition to the Shuttlesworth family, those in attendance included former Mayor Richard Arrington; The Rev. Thomas Wilder, Senior Pastor, Bethel Baptist Church, Shuttlesworth’s former church; Bishop Calvin Woods, former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Alabama poet laureate Ashley Jones; Birmingham City Councilor Crystal Smitherman, DeJuana Thompson, CEO, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; former gov. Don Siegelman; activist Helen Rivas; and many others.

Updated at 10:01 a.m. on 5/28/2024 to correct Shuttlesworth family in attendance and a correct a caption.

From left: Former Alabama governor Don Siegelman; Social Justice Activist and Shuttlesworth documentarian, T. Marie King and First African American Mayor of Birmingham, Richard Arrington. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

UAB Study: Brushing Well Can Reduce Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis

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Birmingham Times
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Gingivitis increases in severity and prevalence during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. (UAB)

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry has shown that nurse-led oral hygiene education has been proved to reduce gingival inflammation in pregnant women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60 percent to 75 percent of pregnant women have gingivitis due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Periodontal diseases can represent an inflammatory and microbial burden to the body that has been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight.

“Through our study, we found that treatment of gingivitis during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preterm birth,” said Nicolaas Geurs, DDS, dean of the UAB School of Dentistry. “The main takeaway from this study is that those who are pregnant should keep plaque off their teeth, which can easily be done through good oral hygiene, or brushing and flossing.”

The study was conducted among 750 pregnant women between eight and 24 weeks of pregnancy with moderate to severe gingivitis. Black women made up two-thirds of participants. Each participant received oral hygiene instructions and the items needed to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen, including a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. Both groups of participants showed significant improvement of oral health, which was shown by a decrease of bleeding sites compared to baseline levels.

In addition to the at-home oral health care regimen, Geurs and his team also focused on a model of care that combines both oral and prenatal care. They conducted the study at obstetrics clinics located at two medical centers. At those clinics, Geurs and his team trained the nurse-led staff on providing oral hygiene instructions to patients. They found that the integration of oral health and medicine also played a role in improving the oral health of pregnant women.

Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life may negatively impact oral health. Learn more about how to minimize the risks of problems here.

“Oral health is critical for overall health,” Geurs said. “By working with the nursing staff and training them on how to provide oral hygiene instructions when a patient comes in for prenatal care, we found that we can make an impact on a patient’s overall health.”

To read the full study, titled “A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Prenatal Oral Hygiene Education in Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis,” click here.

Birmingham High School Graduation Honors Students Who Were Shot and Killed

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Birmingham Times
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Gabriell White stands with her daughter after the Jackson-Olin High School graduation ceremony Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Birmingham. Her 16-year-old, Jada White, with photo in chair, was shot and killed in 2023, and was honored during the graduation. (Alaina Bookman, AL.com)

By Alaina Bookman | abookman@al.com

This is another installment in Birmingham Times/AL.com/CBS42 joint series “Beyond the Violence: what can be done to address Birmingham’s rising homicide rate.” Sign up for the newsletter here.

As P.D. Jackson Olin High School graduates walked across the stage in their green gowns and gold stoles, proud parents and loved ones cheered them on. And when the names of the students’ former classmates were called, the Birmingham arena erupted into cheers.

Since January 2022, 14 Birmingham City School students have been shot and killed. Gun violence, currently the leading cause of death among Alabama’s youth, is an epidemic in the city. On Thursday, parents walked the stage in place of five children who died before graduation.

“That’s what my daughter wanted. Before she died she told me that night ‘when spring break is over mommy you’ll have senior,’ so that’s what she wanted. She wanted to graduate and she wanted to go to school. That’s why it was important,” Gabriell White said. Her 16-year-old, Jada, died in 2023.

While on stage, Nichole Davis Williams, the principal of Jackson Olin, shook hands with her graduates and fixed their stoles and graduation caps before they posed for photos with diplomas.

Before the ceremony, Williams also made time to set up chairs and carefully place photos on the seats of the five former students: Kavas Jemison, Jonathan Thomas, Le’Breil Davis, Jada White and Caleb Whitt.

She balanced the green graduation caps on top of the photos, draped multicolored cords behind them and placed a small candle in front of their plaques, honoring the five children.

“This was a really important rite of passage for them and for them not to be able to make it, it just kept pulling on my heart to do something. So we came up with the idea to decorate the chair as if the child was sitting there,” Williams said.

“Now on the way in here I had the crate with all the pictures and everything and I didn’t realize the students were watching and going through my crate and asking, ‘can we please just look at them one more time.’ And I was moved to tears because I didn’t know they were watching and they said, ‘we thought you forgot about them.’ I’m so glad I did it because it’s important for them to know we didn’t forget. And the parents are very, very happy to see this and I’m happy to have been able to provide this opportunity.”

Birmingham City Schools is working on multiple programs to help students impacted by violence and to teach conflict resolution skills. Data shows that those programs are making a difference. And simple gestures also help students feel known and appreciated, educators say.

Three white and green graduation cords sat wrapped around Jada White’s photo. During her time at Jackson Olin, White was a member of the Key Club, a cheerleader and a soccer player.

Loved ones said White was studious, outgoing and free spirited.

“She wanted to be a nurse. She wanted to work with the babies so she wanted to be in the NICU. She loved babies, she loved pets,” White said.

She said she wants anyone who knew her daughter to keep Jada in their memories.

Lekeitha Davis holds a photo of her son, Le’Breil Davis, 15, who was shot and killed in 2021. Davis was honored during the Jackson-Olin High School graduation ceremony. (Alaina Bookman, AL.com)

Lekeitha Davis, Le’Breil Davis’ mother, shared the same hope.

“To know him was to love him…He’s 18 now, but at the time he was 15. If I would have known back when I had him in 2005, I probably wouldn’t have had a child, because why would I have a child for someone to take him away from me,” Davis said with tears in her eyes. “They should have been here. He was just an innocent child riding in the car. I never thought I would be burying my own child.”

Williams said she hopes her newly minted high school graduates will begin changing their community for the better and honor friends who are no longer alive.

“I hope they become members of the community who really care about the forward movement of the community. Who care about reaching back and helping others. Who care about education. Who care about stopping the violence. Who care about just making the community a better place to live. I hope they remember that. I hope they work toward that and know that they are really, really important components of this and they can make a difference. I want them to stand up and use their voices and make a difference,” Williams said.

Birmingham Ex-Offender Works to Redeem Himself and Others

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Birmingham Times
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Ronald McKeithen is the Re-entry Coordinator and Advocate for Alabama Appleseed. He mentors ex-offenders, advocates for them, and travels the country speaking about his experience. (City of Birmingham)

By Marie Sutton | City of Birmingham

Living on welfare and with little else, 11-year-old Ronald  McKeithen only really wanted one thing: for his mother to stay home.

A single parent raising four kids in Birmingham’s Titusville community, the woman had long since stopped cooking warm meals. She ceased the thumb wrestling contests and her eyes no longer lit up at the sight of her babies. Instead, she remained in a drunken stupor with eyes turned toward bottles and beer.

Ronald had to quickly learn the domestic art of washing clothing in the bathtub and braiding his baby sister’s hair. Because of home duties he missed a lot of school though he loved being in the classroom.

Not even his begging could move his mother, who would rather be in the neighborhood shot houses drinking her fill. When Ronald tried to physically block her from leaving out of the door, the woman would do anything to get past him, even whip out a knife.

“She stabbed me twice,” he remembered.

A young Ronald couldn’t control anything in his life, it seemed. Not his mother. Not the school being unwilling to give him grace for missed days. Not his circumstances.

He was kicked out of high school and “then the streets started calling.” He sank into drugs and perpetual crime, racking up felonies. At age 19, because of Alabama’s Habitual Offenders Act, he found himself facing a judge and being sentenced to life without parole.

Prison was hard, he said. “After so many decades of the same thing every single day, I saw guys fade away; losing their minds.”

For a brief moment, Ronald considered suicide. But then, something clicked.

“I am not about to do this,” he told himself. “I did not want to give up. I took classes and got involved in everything.”

Ronald got his GED, became a barber, a leather craftsman, an artist, a poet, and a teacher. He even helped to launch a newsletter and a prison podcast called “Corrections” on Spotify.

Because of all of his work, he got the attention of the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice and journalist Beth Shelburne. With their advocacy work and news stories, Ronald’s life without parole sentence was overturned; deemed excessive and unconstitutional.

“I feel so fortunate to know him as a person,” said Carla Crowder, executive director of Alabama Appleseed. “If all I do with my law degree is having freed Ronald McKeithen, then I have done what I need to do. My soul is rested.”

On Friday, December 18, 2020, after being imprisoned for 37 birthdays, 37 Christmases, and 37 New Years, Ronald became a free man. He left to the roarous applause of the inmates — those he helped to teach, mentor, and encourage. He vowed not to forget them.

Today, he is the Re-entry Coordinator and Advocate for Alabama Appleseed. He mentors ex-offenders, advocates for them, and travels the country speaking about his experience.

Recently, he stood alongside Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin for an announcement about a one-year pilot program led by The City of Birmingham and local organizations to support the needs of those reentering the community after incarceration. The Birmingham Re-entry Alliance will be a coordinated, holistic approach to transform how the city serves people released from state prisons with a focus on ensuring that justice-impacted families in Birmingham thrive.

“To have all these organizations at one table, each specializing in different things, that is beautiful to me,” he said.

Recently, Ronald McKeithen stood alongside Mayor Randall Woodfin for an announcement about a program to support those reentering the community after incarceration. (City of Birmingham)

Ronald believes the alliance is critical for those who come out of prison with no assistance. He has worked with ex-offenders who have never had a social security card and even one who had a birth certificate with no name on it. Those roadblocks stall their proper re-entry but Ronald’s motto is “We figure it out and find a way.”

Ronald said he is grateful for his freedom and works to be an example for fellow ex-offenders and those who advocate for them. “I am trying to be an example because I need Alabama to see that. I am showing them that I can do it.”

It is weighty, he said. He feels responsible for not messing up and perhaps giving others what he did not get.

Just one more embrace,
Drunk as a skunk,
Or glowing like an angel.
God please grant me
This one last
Favor.

He wrote about his mother, in the poem named “Jessie.” Unfortunately, she died while he was in prison. Six months after the news of her death, he learned she had been murdered.

“It was like she had died twice,” he said.

Ronald often thinks about the 11-year-old boy who needed his mom. He often thinks of the broken woman who was his mother and who needed grace. Perhaps, in part, they are his motivation for walking alongside the newly released prisoners. He is committed to being there, to offer grace, to mentor, to support, and to allow his eyes to light up for them.

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