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‘I Was Grateful [She] Came Into My Life … I Got on One Knee and Proposed’

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

MAURICE AND SALISIA VALENTINE

Live: Pelham

Married: June 3, 2006

Met: Fall 2001 at Jacksonville State University at a Gospel party hosted on their college campus. However, the two reconnected and became better acquainted in early 2004 at the New Life Apostolic Center in Anniston. Salisia said they were set up by their Apostle, Andra Cunningham.

“Maurice was getting his resume together to apply for the Boys and Girls Club and he had Apostle Andra looking over it when [Apostle Andra] said ‘Hey, you need to ask CiCi to take a look at this’… I was in my art room and fixing to go home when Maurice came in and said, ‘Apostle told me to come and have you take a look at my resume.’ I was [annoyed]  because I was tired and ready to go home, but I did say I’d take a look at it,” Salisa recalled.

Maurice was not met with warmth, “I went up there and she was mean,” he laughed, “but [after we sat down together] her whole countenance changed. I love working with youth, I was a youth pastor at the church at the time as well, and the conversation shifted,” Maurice said.

“He pulled out his little raggedy CD collection that didn’t have a front or back cover [on the album] and proceeded to talk to me about Gospel rap,” Salisia laughed.

Over the following months, Salisa said began to admire Maurice as they worked together on projects at church and became friends.

First date: Spring 2004, at a mutual friend’s apartment in Anniston. Maurice was renovating his new home but wanted to cook for Salisia, so their friend allowed them to use her apartment for their first date.

“It was awesome, we had a great time. I didn’t know how to cook for real so I went and got a box of Alfredo pasta and hooked it up,” Maurice laughed. “And that was the first time we sat down and had a true conversation and it felt like I was talking to my best friend.”

“My contribution to the dinner was a red velvet cake, so I baked one. I do remember being so nervous I don’t even think I ate, and Maurice read me like a book. He said, ‘I know you’ve been hurt before, but all I want you to do is let me earn your trust.’ And that was different because I had never had anyone tell me that before,” Salisia recalled.

The turn:  Fall 2004. “We started dating but I didn’t want anyone from the church to know and be in our business, and [despite that boundary] one night after service, Maurice made a point to walk out of the church and yell my name. He said ‘CiCi! You not gonna give me a hug and say bye to me?’ and I was so embarrassed I ran to my car… [soon after] he told me I was going to be his wife and scared me to death, but after that we progressively [got closer],” Salisia laughed.

“About six months in I told her ‘You’re going to be my wife’, and she looked me dead in the eye and told me we had to establish a friendship first so that was my focus. But I knew in the back of my mind she was already mine,” Maurice said.

The proposal: At New Life Apostolic Center in Anniston on New Year’s Eve 2004, at watch night service. Maurice served on the praise and worship team, and Salisia on the dance ministry, and with permission from their pastor, he proposed during a song he was leading.

“Everyone was in on it except for her, the whole church, her parents, everyone,” Maurice said. “The dance team came out, and I took the lead on the song [Blessed, by Fred Hammond so that I could work my plan], and at a point, I stopped singing and told [the pianist] ‘Hold up, hold up’ and that was his cue to play softer music and I started walking down the stage towards Salisia, and I just started talking directly to her. I told her how grateful I was for her to come into my life and I got on one knee and I proposed to her.”

“I was in such shock, I don’t even think I hugged him. He put the ring on my finger and I went back to my seat. I was the girl who didn’t think she would ever get married and was in a relationship with this man of God who loved me enough to think of me as his wife; I was literally in shock. I think I shook my head ‘yes’,” Salisia said.

The wedding: At Friendship Baptist Church in Anniston, officiated by their pastor, Apostle Andra Cunningham of New Life Apostolic Center, in Anniston. Their colors were burnt orange and yellow.

Most memorable for the bride was a moment of reflection as she walked down the aisle. “Even though I didn’t want to get married, during my prayer time the desire was initiated and two of the things I prayed for was that my husband would be tall and that he could sing, and Maurice sang me down the aisle. [He sang ‘Still in Love’, by Brian McKnight] and I realized as I was walking down the aisle that the Lord had answered my prayer,” Salisia said. “Also, when I think about our wedding day I think of how much love and support we had. Everybody was so excited about our coming together…”

Most memorable for the groom was serenading his bride. “Having the opportunity to sing to my wife and seeing her walk down the aisle, it honestly did feel like we were the only two people in the room and it was such a special moment to me,” Maurice said.

They honeymooned in Gatlinburg, Tenn. “We just enjoyed the time together and setting up the foundation of the future,” Maurice said.

Words of wisdom: “Marriage is a sacred covenant, not merely a contract. My advice is that whatever reason brought you together and to the altar, that should be the reason that supports you beyond it,” said Salisia. “We went through a lot together, sickness, finances, and regardless of the ups and downs that you encounter with your spouse, you have to continuously see your spouse as your partner despite the circumstances you face. Keep the vows.”

“It sounds very cliche, but it’s true, ‘keep God first and never stop dating.’ Develop the ability to not only communicate with your mouth but communicate with your ear by having an ear to hear,” Maurice said.

Happily ever after: Maurice pastors Life Changing Christian Center in Pelham, and Salisia serves as the First Lady and stewards the prophetic ministry. The Valentines don’t have any biological children but have been long-time stand-in parents for a young man they consider a son, Isaiah Chapple, 23.

Salisia, 43, is an Anniston native, and Saks High School [Anniston] grad. She attended Jacksonville State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she obtained a master’s degree in nursing and a certification as a family nurse practitioner. Salisia is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and currently pursuing a doctorate and psych mental health certification from Samford University and works as the vice president of provider services at American Family Care, where she also operates as a nurse practitioner.

Maurice, 42, is a Montevallo native, and Montevallo High School grad. He attended Jacksonville State University where he took general courses before transferring to North Carolina Bible Institute where he earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in Biblical Studies.  He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and is currently enrolled at World of Life Counseling Center [Wichita KS, online] in pursuit of a certification in Pastoral Faith Therapy Counseling. Maurice is a full-time pastor and youth coordinator for the City of Montevallo.

“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.

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UAB Shares Mental Health Tips During Graduation Season

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Birmingham Times
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As graduation season closes, many recent graduates battle with the mental health challenges that arise from entering adulthood. (Provided)

By Micah Hardge | UAB News

As we come to the end of graduation season, UAB’s director of Student Counseling Services shares several ways for recent college graduates to improve and maintain their mental health. Graduating from college is one of the biggest milestones in a young adult’s life. While a time for celebration, the postgraduation buzz is sometimes short-lived for many due to the realities of what comes next: finding employment, getting into graduate school, relocating to a new city, fighting imposter syndrome in a new career, comparison to others or simply trying to figure out what the best next move may be.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As graduation season closes, many recent graduates battle with the mental health challenges that arise from entering adulthood and dealing with the first period of their life that does not have a blueprint.

How can a recent graduate maintain their mental health in an already uncertain season? Angela Stowe, Ph.D., director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Student Counseling Services, offers several useful tips for recent college graduates to keep in mind as they work to maintain their mental health and the next round of life’s transitions.

Remember The Basics

Not having a strict schedule or people to answer to can make figuring out a new day-to-day routine challenging for new graduates. Set a daily schedule and routine of simple tasks to complete to help transcend the major changes a graduate experiences and ground them to a sense of normalcy.

“Build a daily schedule where you maintain a succinct routine of simple tasks, such as making your bed, getting dressed, walking your dog. Find the things that ground you,” Stowe said.

She also recommends setting out time out to do things that one loves to do, such as a hobby, exercise or activity. Doing something that brings joy is a great form of mental health support.

Utilize Your Network

Whether graduating with a specific plan or without, relying on family, friends, and undergraduate connections and mentors for guidance, emotional support and financial advice is often a major tool in maintaining good mental health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, connecting with family and friends can help decrease stress and support a person’s overall mental health. Stowe suggests reaching out to people who are supportive and good advocates for that graduate and their future.

“Having a support system and a network of connections can help combat those feelings of being alone and lost,” she said. “You are not the first nor the last person to experience the things you are dealing with.”

Set Healthy Social Boundaries

Establishing healthy boundaries with family, friends and most importantly on social media outlets is essential to taking care of one’s mental health, Stowe adds.

Every college graduate feels the pressure of the question “So what are you doing now” or “What’s next after graduation?” While many postgraduation questions come from a place of genuine curiosity and hold a positive intent, these questions can have a negative impact on a recent graduate who is still figuring things out. Setting conversational boundaries with family and friends in a respectful manner can offer a form of protection to one’s mental health.

“For example, you can say something along the lines of “Thank you for asking; however, I am currently keeping my next steps to myself at this moment in time until I am ready to disclose,” Stowe said.

Setting boundaries with social media usage and expectations is also important. Social platforms like LinkedIn, a prominent professional networking and social communication website, can be a useful tool to build a professional brand, network and discover career opportunities. However, considering many posts on LinkedIn showcase the extravagance of the various career opportunities people are receiving, some students and recent graduates have found that LinkedIn can have a negative impact on their mental health.

As on every other social media platform, negative thoughts associated with the postgraduation journey can form from watching others post about their successes.

“Remind yourself that no one is posting their failures,” Stowe said. “Monitor your feelings and limit your usage if it becomes too much. Managing that relationship between yourself and social media is crucial to taking control of your mental health.”

Manage Expectations

Graduates must set realistic goals and expectations while giving themselves grace when faced with adversity. Realistic expectations can look like understanding that applying for a job does not guarantee employment, or that rejection may very well happen. Accepting that not every opportunity will favor a specific person can be hard to acknowledge but is critical to protecting one’s mental health.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out to your mentors for advice and even coaching. Know that they can be a resource on resume tips, interview skills and even job opportunities as you navigate finding the job or opportunity that best fits you,” Stowe said.

For those who enter their first role postgraduation, many young professionals find themselves battling imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is linked to internal feelings of self-doubt in one’s knowledge and abilities regarding being in a position or a team environment. Stowe encourages graduates to remember that they are not going to have all the answers — expect that, even with a degree, there is still a learning curve to any job, and trust in your skills.

Celebrate Successes

Do not shortchange accomplishments. Stowe believes that celebrating how much has been accomplished thus far is warranted.

“Remember to be kind to yourself,” she said. “We are often our own biggest critic. Trust the process, and be proud of how far you have come.”

Jefferson County DA Says Death Sentence for Alabama Inmate Toforest Johnson ‘Cannot Be Justified’

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Birmingham Times
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Toforest Johnson's family members Tony Green (cousin), left, and Shanaye Poole (daughter) hold photos of Johnson, who is on Alabama's death row. (FILE)

By Ivana Hrynkiw | ihrynkiw@al.com

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After Lawsuit By Alabama Inmates’ Families, UAB Ends Contract to Conduct State Prison Autopsies

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Birmingham Times
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All three University of Alabama System campuses will be closing their diversity, equity and inclusion offices and opening new offices under different names. (File)
ByBy Howard Koplowitz | hkoplowitz@al.com

UAB Hospital’s pathology department will no longer be conducting the autopsies of dead state inmates after UAB severed its contract with the Alabama Department of Corrections, the hospital said Monday.

UAB’s decision comes after the hospital was sued last month by the families of five dead state prison inmates who accused the state’s biggest hospital of stealing organs from inmates after conducting autopsies.

“While the UAB Department of Pathology has been in compliance with laws governing autopsies to determine the cause of death of incarcerated individuals under the appropriate clinical standard – and a panel of medical ethicists reviewed and endorsed our protocols regarding autopsies conducted for incarcerated persons – we have terminated our contract with the Alabama Department of Corrections and no longer perform autopsies for ADOC,” the hospital said in a statement Monday to AL.com. “UAB has one of the highest ranked pathology programs in the country, is accredited by the College of American Pathologists and is staffed by credentialed physicians who are certified by the American Board of Pathology.”

The hospital declined to comment beyond its statement.

UAB’s decision comes after the hospital was sued last month by the families of five dead state prison inmates who accused the state’s biggest hospital of stealing organs from inmates after conducting autopsies. (Adobe Stock)

Lauren Faraino, an attorney representing several families suing the hospital, said the termination of the contract has no bearing on the pending litigation.

“The termination of the UAB/ADOC contract does not change anything concerning the lawsuits that have been filed. The damage to those families has already been done,” she said. “The law clearly required medical examiners to get proper consent for organ removal  during autopsies, and UAB did not.”

The families say their loved ones were serving time at either Limestone Correctional Facility or The Hamilton Aged and Infirmed Center when they died. The inmates each died within the past several years, and each had their autopsies conducted by UAB. Following their autopsies, the separate lawsuits allege, the inmates’ bodies were sent to funeral homes, where funeral directors discovered they were missing their organs. One inmate was sent directly for a private autopsy, where a pathologist made the same discovery.

The lawsuits each allege that the university took, and kept, inmates’ organs without consent of next-of-kin.

All people who die in custody have an autopsy, multiple prison officials testified in a federal court hearing earlier this year. Some of those autopsies are done at UAB, while the rest are conducted at the state level by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

None of the five families gave UAB permission to keep the organs, the lawsuits state.

The families of Arthur Olen Stapler, Jim William Kennedy, Anthony Perez Brackins, Kelvin Lamar Moore, and Charles Singleton are each suing the Alabama Department of Corrections, the University of Alabama system which operates the University of Alabama at Birmingham and its medical school, and other various people associated with those institutions.

All families say they tried contacting UAB’s Pathology Department after they realized the organs were missing, but were met with different answers as to why the organs were retained.

Two of the families got their loved ones’ organs back from UAB.

The family of Kelvin Moore, who died last summer, said they picked up a “sealed red bag with a container inside that (UAB) claimed contained Kelvin’s organs.” That happened after a supervisor in the pathology department told them, according to the lawsuit, it was the UAB policy “not to return organs to families after an autopsy.”

A private pathologist, who was hired by the family of Arthur Olen Stapler, got back some of Stapler’s organs from UAB—but not all.

According to the lawsuit from the Kennedy family, a representative from UAB told them: “UAB Defendants’ Department of Pathology takes organs ‘all the time.’” The family also said they were told by someone in the pathology department that “UAB is a teaching institution. And every teaching institution that does autopsies keeps their organs.”

The flurry of lawsuits were filed after another former prisoner’s family sued in federal court to say their loved one, Brandon Clay Dotson, was returned missing his heart. No one has said where the heart is.

Late last month, the Doston family’s lawsuit was dismissed without the family ever learning where the missing heart was.

U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama Madeline Hughes Haikala dismissed the case after the family and the state “filed a joint stipulation of dismissal.”

Birmingham Mayor Woodfin on MSNBC: The ‘Cost’ of Gun Violence and Mass Shootings

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Birmingham Times
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Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin (PoliticsNation screengrab)

By Birmingham Times

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Reinvest Birmingham Grant Proposal Could Inject $24.5M in Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development

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Birmingham Times
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City of Birmingham officials and the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District have announced several job openings. (Adobe Stock)

www.birminghamal.gov

The City of Birmingham has submitted the next phase of an application for a highly-competitive federal investment grant. Led by the Department of Innovation & Economic Opportunity, the $24.5 million proposal — named “Reinvest Birmingham” — could mean new centers for workforce training, childcare, entrepreneurship development, and more: impacting tens of thousands of residents across the North Birmingham, Northside, Smithfield, and Pratt communities.

The City is one of only 22 finalists invited to compete for the Phase 2 Implementation Grant funding by the U.S. Department of Commerce — Economic Development Administration (EDA)’s Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program. This is one of the most competitive grant programs in agency history and it seeks to invest in economically distressed communities by creating and connecting people to good jobs.

“We are thrilled to compete as a Recompete Phase 2 finalist,” said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “This would not only give us a mechanism to support our home-grown talent but provide an opportunity to fill critical gaps within our workforce by taking a people-centered approach to economic development and growth.”

The “Reinvest Birmingham” proposal is requesting federal funding to support and create good jobs through five strategic component projects:

  • Development of a workforce training center that is centrally located within community
  • Expansion of micro-transit options that ensure residents have affordable means of transportation to access training, employment and essential services
  • Development of a Child Care Center of Excellence that not only provides full-day, early learning programming for children and families, but increases support for childcare workers and providers
  • Creation of a Black Business Entrepreneurship Center that serves as a physical front door for Birmingham Black businesses to launch and scale operations
  • Development of a governance model that ensures long-term sustainability for Reinvest Birmingham programming.

“Our charge is to make Birmingham the model of an inclusive and resilient economy,” said Coreata’ Houser, Deputy Director of the Department of Innovation & Economic Opportunity and the Interim Recompete Plan Coordinator. “Creating an economy where everyone can thrive focuses not only on job creation and talent preparation, but also considers strategies that truly dismantle barriers holding back Birmingham residents from fully participating in our workforce.”

The potential impact of the “Reinvest Birmingham” proposal includes 2,500 residents completing training, 158 children receiving high quality early learning programming, expanded micro-transit serving over 25,000 residents, and additional measures that increase Black business revenue, contract sizes, and job growth within local Black firms.

“This application was a win for Birmingham,” said Sarah McMillan, Manager of Workforce & Talent Development. “The City of Birmingham led this application alongside a committed coalition of partners from Lawson State Community College, EdFarm, AIDT, Central Six AlabamaWorks!, the Birmingham Public Library, the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority, the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, Childcare Resources, the Women’s Foundation of Alabama, Prosper, Regions Bank, and the Birmingham Business Alliance.”

The EDA expects to make 4-8 Implementation awards with awards ranging between $20-50 million. Phase 2 winners will be announced late summer. For more information, you can visit https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/recompete-pilot-program/2023. 

Birmingham City Schools to Livestream Each High School’s Graduation

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Birmingham Times
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Birmingham City Schools has announced that each high school graduation within the system will be livestreamed. (Adobe Stock)

Birmingham City Schools

Birmingham City Schools has announced that each high school graduation within the system will be livestreamed.

For friends and family who cannot attend in person, each ceremony will be streamed live via Vimeo. Links for each school are listed below.

Archived broadcasts will also be available via YouTube after the events have concluded.

Local Theatre Arts Student Named Among 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars

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Birmingham Times
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Nalin Reed in a performance of "Urinetown." Reed was recognized as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. (Courtesy of Alabama School of Fine Arts)

Times Staff Report

Nalin Reed is a senior at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. (ASFA, Provided)

Nalin Reed, a senior theatre arts student from Trussville who attends the Alabama School of Fine Arts in downtown Birmingham, was chosen as one of just 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts for 2024.

The award, presented on behalf of the President of the United States, is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

“The 161 high school seniors selected for the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars represent the best of our nation’s schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

“On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others, and embrace opportunities to lead.”

The other two students are from North Alabama. Manav Aggarwal, Randolph School, Huntsville, Alabama and Samantha Si-Wai Chan, Bob Jones High School, Madison, Alabama.

Book Vending Machine Installed at Bessemer Family Court

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Birmingham Times
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This endeavor will help to build in-home libraries while increasing reading engagement and fighting summer learning loss. (Cora Causey, Ph.D. Photo)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Education has partnered with the Children’s Policy Council of Jefferson County to provide the CPC’s second children’s book vending machine at Bessemer Family Court.

The children’s book vending machine is located on the second-floor family waiting area and provides age-appropriate books at no cost to families. UAB professors and teacher candidates provide guidance on the selection of book titles along with additional family resources to support reading.

“Bessemer was the natural choice for a second vending machine since the Bessemer division is the only other Family Court in Jefferson County,” said Cora Causey, Ph.D., assistant professor of early childhood education in the UAB School of Education and Human Sciences. “We are grateful Commissioner Sheila Tyson was generous in providing the support and that Bessemer Family Court Judge Lorraine Pringle is helping get books in children’s hands. Ensuring that the first children’s book vending machine project launched smoothly was important.”

To date, the first book vending machine at Jefferson County Family Court has provided just shy of 2,000 books to children. The funds were pledged at the initial ribbon-cutting a year ago by Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson. Jeanine Hunt Hilliard, Family Court presiding judge continues to champion this project. CPC Executive Director Shelly Mize, Ph.D., and her office secured book grant funding and create effective processes.

“Since the ribbon-cutting for the first children’s book vending machine, our fundraising efforts have been building momentum,” Mize said. “Public and private donations and grants have been awarded. This has forged new partnerships and provided us with the necessary resources to help sustain both machines.”

According to the United States Department of Education, many children from under-resourced settings enter school behind their peers in reading. This gap only widens over the summer, as these children are less likely to have access to books and other reading materials at home. As a result, they fall behind by an average of two months each summer.

“The children’s book vending machine is an excellent example of community collaboration to support grade-level reading,” Mize said. “Caregivers at Family Court can sign up for a free token, and children can use the token to select a book from the vending machine to take home.”

This endeavor will help to build in-home libraries while increasing reading engagement and fighting summer learning loss.

“It has been exciting to see family members reading to their young children and older children reading to younger children,” Causey said. “The initial project was aimed at toddlers through third-grade children, focusing on helping children read at grade level by the end of third grade. However, court staff have not turned away any child who has asked for a token. Therefore, Dr. Mize has purchased a wider variety of books, branching into chapter books and graphic novels to interest older readers.”

“It is our desire that as a result the children and families will reap the benefits, which include lowered anxiety, a desire to read on their own and, most of all, overall enjoyment of reading,” Causey said. “When a child can select a new book independently, it holds significant importance.”

Tuskegee University Students Redesign Birmingham’s Legion Field, Through NFL Partnership

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Birmingham Times
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Tuskegee University students from different majors worked together to complete a reimagined design of Legion Field Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. (Provided)

www.tuskegee.edu

Tuskegee University students from different majors worked together to complete a reimagined design of Legion Field Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.

The project is part of a partnership with the Alabama HBCU, the NFL, and the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science that was announced last fall.

The Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) students participated in this multi-disciplinary initiative that created opportunities for students to focus on design, leadership, and collaboration. The students designed the stadium with a focus on the fan and player experience, architectural design, engineering, and construction.

Students worked to complete the project throughout the semester and their experience culminated in a presentation of their proposed plan at the NFL league office in New York with league executives and members of the American Institute of Architects.

The students presented a proposal of renovations to Legion Field Stadium that included 65,000 seats, 100 luxury suites, a retractable roof, retractable fields, and seats to accommodate soccer, and track and field events.

The stadium is designed with solar panels, modern water harvesting and cooling systems, a community village, and a garden for high-end concessions contributing to the stadium’s sustainability. A hotel has been incorporated into the design as a destination location.

This NFL pilot program is a multi-disciplinary initiative creating opportunities for students across several schools and a part of the league’s larger goal to engage with HBCU campuses through its Campus Connection program.

“This is exactly the kind of experience we want our students to enjoy,” said President Charlotte P. Morris. “Giving them real-world experience in an industry they are working to join, gives them invaluable insight into what they should expect and the success they can ultimately accomplish.”

TU student design team (top row, from left): Marco Aubin, Jordan Pettway, Chanse Huff, and Journi Goodman. (bottom row, from left): Jordan Lamar, Arielle McElroy, Justin Scott, and Koby Bush. (Tuskegee University)

Professor Roderick Fluker, associate professor of the Tuskegee University School of Architecture and Construction Science and a faculty advisor, was impressed with how well the students worked together.

“We were really impressed with the knowledge and professionalism they exhibited throughout the process and certainly the final results,” he said. “Through the design process, the team was able to research and implement stadium design innovations while also being sensitive to an urban neighborhood context.”

In addition to architecture, the disciplines they represent include construction science, mechanical engineering, sales and marketing, and supply chain management.

Jordan Pettway, a senior sales and marketing major from Mobile, appreciated the exposure.

“The NFL Case Study opened my eyes in so many ways,” she said. “I was able to work alongside the team learning about different aspects of their fields of study. The stadium design came to life piece by piece and I honestly could not believe my eyes when I saw what we created together in the end. This is an experience I’ll never forget.”

Senior architecture major Chanse Huff agrees. “This project has broadened our perspectives far beyond our individual majors. My greatest takeaway is the power of true teamwork.”

Walter P. Cooper Sr., who leads the university career center, said interacting with NFL leaders gave the students an experience that exceeded expectations. “Students engaged with NFL representatives working in a variety of capacities affording each student invaluable exposure to various career pathways within the NFL. We look forward to growing this partnership to expand to other special projects with the NFL.”

The objective of the NFL’s HBCU Campus Connection program is to form relationships with students year-round through collaborative initiatives including lectures, speaking opportunities, case studies, and various events promoting career development. Since 2018, the program has reached over 2,000 students.

“We are proud of the innovation and creativity the students displayed while suggesting solutions to a real issue within the NFL,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Football Operations Arthur McAfee III. “Through the Campus Connection program and our partnership with Tuskegee, the NFL’s commitment to HBCUs extends beyond the field by driving awareness around career opportunities and providing access to the business of sports.”

The students presented a proposal of renovations to Legion Field Stadium that included 65,000 seats, 100 luxury suites, a retractable roof, retractable fields, and seats to accommodate soccer, and track and field events. (Tuskegee)

 

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