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FBI Birmingham Equips Miles College Police With Tactical Vests

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Birmingham Times
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From left: Miles Police Sgt. Myford Little; Janice Blackwell, Miles College Chief of Police; Carlton Peeples, FBI Special Agent in Charge Birmingham Field Office; Miles College President Bobbie Knight; Miles Police Lt. Mario White. Little and White wear the tactical vests supplied by the FBI. (Mya Jolly, Miles College)

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

On Wednesday, FBI Birmingham equipped Miles College police officers with legacy body armor designed to provide underfunded departments with effective equipment as another level of protection.

Carlton Peeples, FBI Special Agent in Charge, Birmingham Field Office, said Miles College law enforcement officers are “now equipped with one more tool to keep them safe as they work to keep the students, faculty, and members of the Birmingham community safe.”

Miles College President Bobbie Knight said the equipment “will greatly enhance our ability to ensure the safety and well- being of our students, faculty, and staff … the tactical vests will be a key resource in our efforts to protect our campus community.”

Peeples said, the partnership with Miles was established through the FBI’s Beacon Project, an initiative to increase inclusion for underrepresented communities within the FBI, as well as to improve community outreach and recruiting strategies for minorities, utilizing partnerships with collegiate institutions and private/public organizations.

The pilot program originated with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and has become the “blueprint” to facilitate proactive recruitment and engagement, he said.

Author Lisa Craig Taylor Embraced Her Pain to Show Others Their Purpose

By
Birmingham Times
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Lisa Craig Taylor’s “My Voice is Dope,” which was published on February 29 at www.mahogany.com links Taylor with an esteemed group of other Black, female writers as part of the Hallmark Mahogany Published Writers. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

By Keisa Sharpe-Jefferson | For The Birmingham Times

Last year, Lisa Craig Taylor found that, even with all her accomplishments, she was engulfed in a sea of depression.

She had learned to “embrace that there’s purpose in your pain” when her first husband was shot and killed during daylight hours in Ensley in 2003, in a case that still has not been solved.

Taylor said she looked at her three children at the time and it motivated her to keep pushing, even when she wanted to give up.

Then, last year, after watching an encouraging video on social media, she found the courage and grit to put pen to paper. She wrote about her journey of overcoming fear of speaking up for herself, and shared her battle with depression.

The result is “My Voice is Dope,” which was published on February 29 at www.mahogany.com linking Taylor with an esteemed group of other Black, female writers as part of the Hallmark Mahogany Published Writers.

Taylor a fan of hip hop remembered that the word “dope” was used to declare that the music was praiseworthy, cool and great. She tapped into memories that brought her joy and hip hop was a source of joy for her, Taylor said. That’s how she wants her work to be remembered and that’s how the title came about for her published written work.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, she said.

“I consider it an honor; it’s a dream come true. When I browsed the website, I wanted to be among this caliber of authors. So, for it happen, it helps me to believe anything is possible. It boosted my faith.”

With each word in “My Voice is Dope,” and with each encouraging inspirational video she watched (Taylor loves TED Talks) to gain her confidence back, she could feel purpose rise within her, said Taylor, 49.

Taylor is a technology data manager and has been in the field for more than 20 years. She actually manages a team of technology advisers for mobile device support and the devices include tablets and computers.

“Even though I work in the technology field, it’s my heart’s desire to truly create a movement – a community – for people to understand that there is purpose in your pain for people to reveal the pieces of them that help them identify as well as embrace who they are,” she said. “So, with ‘My Voice is Dope,’ I truly desire for this to be a movement.”

How It All Began

Taylor was born in Jersey City, New Jersey and moved to Birmingham in 1987 while in the seventh grade and grew up in the West End community, graduating from West End High School.

Her father lived in New York but being from Birmingham originally, Taylor said he wanted her to grow up in a slower-paced environment in Alabama with his family the Magic City in particular.

While at West End High School, Taylor excelled in basketball, playing the position of forward. But she recognized the gift years earlier at Arrington Middle School near West End in Birmingham. Because of my height, basketball piqued my interest. I’ve always been the tallest one in my class.”

Taylor, who stands six feet tall, also played volleyball in middle and high school, but basketball prevailed. She attended Lawson State Community College on a basketball scholarship.

“I gave birth to my first child – my son at 17 while in high school. I received multiple scholarship offers to play basketball, but I didn’t desire to go to a major university that would have required me, as a freshman, to live away from my son in a dorm. So that’s why I accepted the scholarship offer to play at Lawson State, in order to care for my son,” said Taylor.

When Pain Hits Home

Overcoming challenges is nothing new for the published author. She’s now married to her husband Dexter (married in 2021), but an unexpected event ended her first marriage in 2003.

“My first husband was the victim of a violent crime in Birmingham, and that was the beginning of me learning to embrace that there’s purpose in your pain,” she said.

Warren Sims was shot and killed during daylight hours in Ensley in 2003. The case currently is in the cold case unit with the Birmingham Police Department,” she said.

Taylor said as she looked at her young children’s faces at the time – two daughters and one son – it motivated her to keep pushing, even when she wanted to give up after the tragic death of her husband.

“I didn’t want them to suffer based off what I was going through, so it’s almost like you have to deny how you feel and what you’re feeling to push forward for these other people. But it becomes rewarding to see the benefits of your labor,” said Taylor.

Seeing Her Reward

Taylor now has three grandchildren.

Her youngest daughter, Jemaiya Lee, 27, graduated from Spain Park High School and Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) in Montgomery in 2020 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, where she also played basketball (a forward and a guard). Lee has two daughters.

Taylor’s second daughter, Darnesha Benson, 29, graduated from Oak Mountain High School and University of Alabama in 2021 with a degree in Public Relations. She also has a daughter.

Taylor’s three granddaughters are Carsyn, 5; Camryn, 3; and Jordyn, who’s also 3.

Darnell Craig is Taylor’s son, her oldest child at age 33. He was born and raised in Birmingham, graduating from Hoover High; now lives in Detroit and is a licensed minister.

While Taylor attended college, but did not graduate, she said “I’m very proud to see my children obtain things I did not achieve. Basically, they’ve broken generational curses.”

And that’s not all that’s rewarding.

“With my adult children, now seeing their accomplishments and with my grandchildren … I can remember the days that I did want to give up; the times where I didn’t feel like I would make it.”

She wants people to understand that pain, or a painful life experience, is simply a vehicle that can push them forward, she said.

“You cannot stay there (in a painful place); you cannot stop there; you cannot give up.  Anytime you start feeling those feelings, it’s a must to push forward and that’s my gifting. My gift is motivation. My gift is to help people. No matter where you are, what you’re facing, or what you’re dealing with, I want to help you push forward,” said Taylor.

For more on Taylor at Mahogany.com visit My Voice is Dope

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

By
Birmingham Times
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Earl "Guitar" Williams (Provided)

BY GWEN DERU | THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES

TODAY…

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

**MAYORS’ PRAYER BREAKFAST, 6:30 a.m. at The Harbert Center. Keynote Speaker is James Spann.

**ANNUAL CHILDREN’S MARCH REENACTMENT, 10:30 – 1:30 p.m. at 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park.

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

**FILM – 7 p.m. at the Sidewalk Film.

**FUSION INVITE NIGHT at the Nick.

**PALACE at Iron City.

**LIVE BAND KARAOKE with DOMINIQUE at Perfect Note.

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

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

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

**KIKSTART at WaterMark 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…

**MAHLER’s FOURTH SYMPHONY, 7 p.m. at UAB Alys Stephens Center.

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

**DRAG NIGHT at The Nick.

**MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE with SAXOPHONIST DALEN MINNIFIELD at Perfect Note.

**PALACE at Iron City.

**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, W.

SATURDAY…

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

**PRE MOTHER’S DAY DINNER SHOW ON THE PATIO featuring JILLIAN GRAY AND BAND, 8 p.m. at Cabo Coastal Grill, 100 Frankfurt Circle, Suite A 35211. For more: 205-862-4723.

**ASO YOUTH ORCHESTRA, 2 p.m. at Alys Stephens Center.

**MAHLER’S FOURTH SYMPHONY 7 p.m. at Alys Stephens Center

**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

**QDOT DAVIS, JAXXXON & FRIENDS The Nick.

**TRIBUTE TO FREDDIE JACKSON and JEFFREY OSBORN featuring JAY LAMBERT at Perfect Note.

**RUN IT BACK SATURDAYS at Platinum of Birmingham.

**ALEXANDRA KAY at Iron City.

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.

**EARL WILLIAMS BAND, 4 p.m. at ELYSIAN GARDENS.

**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.

**DERBY BRUNCH, 12 p.m. in Calera at 800 Highway 87.

**BEYONCE’S HOEDOWN DRAG BRUNCH at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**BUCKETS N BOARDS, 3 p.m. at Alys Stephens Center.

**DVORAK’S CELLO CONCERTO & BRAHMS FIRST SYMPHONY, 7 p.m. at UAB Alys Stephens Center.

**CINCO DE MAYO with MORTALUS & SINEMA at The Nick.

**CINCO DE MAYO SOULFUL SUNDAY with DEDEE FRAZIER at the Perfect Note.

MONDAY…

**ENVISION RADIO THE ENTREPRENEUR’S EDGE hosted by Jerry Mitchell. For more, jamblack06@gmail.com. www.envision-radio.com.

**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND 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 Songwriters 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.

**BHAM BLUES EXPLOSION (GARY TAYLOR, LEIF & RYAN at The Nick.

**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!

**JOB FAIR with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, 9 a.m. – Noon at the Jefferson County Department of Human Resources, 2001 12th Avenue North. Dress professionally. No children. Take your resume. Visit www.personnel.alabama.gov to complete an online application.

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

**FILM – 7 p.m. at the Sidewalk Film.

**FUSION INVITE Night at the Nick.

**BRAHMS’ BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, 7:30 p.m. at Brock Recital Hall.

**SECOND CHANCE Jefferson County Hiring Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Boutwell Auditorium.

NEXT FRIDAY…

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

**JOHNNY MANCHILD WITH HOLDFAST & CALL ME SPINSTER at The Nick.

**FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE WITH SHARRON COLLINS at Perfect Note.

**JAZZNET MOTHER’S DAY POP UP SHOP with 35 vendors, live jazz and a DJ at the Dannon Project, 5:30- 9 p.m., hosted by AAJENE ROBINSON and BRIA CHATMAN WBRA FOX 6. For more 205-873-4572 or hatcherdonnie@gmail.com.

FOR MOTORSPORTS LOVERS…

**HISTORY MAKING AT CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA INDY GRAND PRIX – With fans from 17 countries, 48 states and an economic impact of $27 million dollars, the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix was a success. A little “History in the Making’ happened when SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN became the Champion back-to-back at the 14th Indy Grand Prix races. Country music star RILEY GREEN was Grand Marshal. Some more history made at the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix was LINDSAY BREWER, the first American Female to drive in the Indy/NXT since Leilani Hunter in 2007. AND, then there were young drivers that you should keep your eyes on: JOSH MASON, 22, (Maresfield, UK) getting his first look at the 17-turn, 2.3 mile road course, YUVEN SUNDARAMOORTHY, 21, (OCONOMOWOC, WIS) the first Indian American driver to score a win in the IndyCar series and JACOB ABEL, 23, (Louisville, KY) the ABEL Motorsports trio that is poised for success in the industry.  Keep your eyes on them all. They are focused and good at what they do.

AROUND TOWN AND IN TOWN…

**SATURDAY- BIRMINGHAM FOLK FESTIVAL, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Avondale Park is a FREE family-friendly day of music, art and community with live performances featuring bluegrass, gospel, blues, Americana, West African drumming and dance, mariachi, hip-hop, Sacred Harp, brass band and more. There will be food, arts and crafts, vendors, and other activities for the whole family. Line-up: Ramsay High School Band. Main Stage performances include PREMIER DE AMERICA, SAHI ON KO DJONY, THE BYRD FAMILY, EARL ”GUITAR” WILLIAMS, THE YELLOW DANDIES, THE UNDERWOOD SPIRITUALS and EARLY JAMES. YOU ARE INVITED!! For more: birminghamfolkfest.org.

**THE MAN PROJECT is an all male mentoring program with a mission to empower, encourage and enlighten young males. It will teach them how to have productive lives, develop coping skills and take responsibility for the choices they make. The program wants to challenge them to be positive decision makers and shape them into successful young men. Register at: tmanproject.org.

**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.

IN MAY…

**NEXT SATURDAY – BOND AND BEYOND, 7 p.m. at UAB Alys Stephens Center.

**NEXT SUNDAY – MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. with full brunch menu by CHEF HICKS of Infinit Eats and Live entertainment by ABRAHAM THE VOICE at Jazzi’s on 3rd. Seating is limited.

**NEXT SUNDAY – MOTHER’S DAY 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Enjoy Mother’s Day and treat your mom to a delicious meal at The Margaret.

**MAY 16 – 3RD THURSDAY BLUES JAM, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**MAY 18 – BLUES STAGES CONCERT, 7 p.m. with MICJ KOLASSA.

**CANDYLAND, 2 p.m. at the Carver Theatre with the students of Wykeria’s Dance Studio and Major Performing Arts.

**MAY 24-26 – SYMPHONY IN THE SUMMER at Railroad Park.

**MAY 25 – SEED FEST is a MUSIC FESTIVAL, Saturday, 2-7 p.m., featuring the Grammy Nominated THE WALLS GROUP that will perform at 6 p.m. and with live music and inspiration by Birmingham’s Best Local Artists, food trucks. Free UAB Health Screenings, Free Wills and Power of Attorney. FREE ENTRY. Donate men, women and children clothing on site. It will be in the downtown Birmingham Theater District between Alabama and Lyric Theaters. Bring your lawn chairs.

**MAY 25 – MEN’S DREAM CONFERENCE, 2-4 p.m. at 525 Bradley Road in Gardendale, Alabama, 35071 with DAVID CRAIG, JUSTIN EVANS and ALEX JONES hosted by JAJUAN WIGGINS and AHMAD COLLINS. Call 205 515-0441 for more or email: jajuan_Wiggins@ymail.com.

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

FOR BUSINESS LOVERS…

** ENTREPRENEURS & INNOVATORS CONFERENCE is June 20 and 21st at the Tuxedo Ballroom in the Ensley Entertainment District. Registration is $159 before April 19 and $170 afterward until June 18th. The Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce is the host. To register, and for more, visit www.AlBlackCC.org, OR info@ALBlackCC.org.

AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS….

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

**MAY 4 – FILM PREMIERE for A GARDEN IN CONVERSATION with Louise Agee Wrinkle, 3-5 p.m.

**MAY 7 – THYME TO READ, 4 p.m. PARADISE LOT by Eric Toesmeier. FREE.

**MAY 7 – ROSE’ IN THE ROSES, 5:30 – p.m. in the Dunn Formal Rose Gardens.

**MAY 8 – BIRMINGHAM FERN SOCIETY TURKEY CREEK FIELD TRIP, 10 a.m. with Charles Yeager. Reservations are required: mlcbillings@yahoo.com.

**MAY 9 – ORGANIC GARDENING METHODS, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. with William Cureton and his practical approach to gardening and the variety of ways to use compost.

**MAY 14 – HERBAL TEA MAKING, 11 a.m. – Noon in the East Room with Alexis Kimbrough.

**MAY 16 – THE ART OF KOKEDAMA, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. wit h ASTRID JEREZ

**JULY 12 – SUPERHERO TRAINING ACADEMY, July 8 – July 12, 9 a.m. – Noon.

HAPPENINGS AT SIXTH AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH

…SEE YOU AT THE SIXTH…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. A one-hour service with children’s service and complimentary coffee and tea. For more: info@thegiftpad.org.

COMING SOON…

**OCTOBER 3rd- “AN EVENING OF ICONS with THE COMMODORES, THE POINTER SISTERS & THE SPINNERS” at Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater.

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 my emails: gwenderu@yahoo.com and thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com.

 

Looking Backward to See What May Be Ahead of You

By
Birmingham Times
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One of the challenges with living is the ability to be able to look back upon our lives. For some of us, it’s an enjoyable activity. But for others, that glance in the rearview mirror of life can be a challenge because of a word we don’t often like to think about, but it can show up in sneaky ways.

Regret tries to sneak in and rob us of the joy of today; attempts to discourage our future dreams because of past mistakes; and attempts to seize our hearts with fear from moving forward and dreaming again. But, I want to offer a different perspective.

I am a life coach, right?

I don’t believe that you should downplay or aim to not feel regret or negative emotions associated with your past. I’m the coach who says feel what you feel and utilize the feeling, utilize the past, utilize the memory to move yourself forward and to make better decisions.

Here’s an example: For some, you may regret that you have not married and had a traditional family because you’re a certain age. Here’s how we reframe that experience.

Rather than regretting or lamenting about what we do not have, we can still feel the feelings – even if we feel discouraged by it – but here’s what I want you to do and here’s where the shift occurs.

Ask yourself a simple question.

What can I start now to either change that situation in my life or what can I do to choose differently to produce a better outcome?

As a coach, my job is to take you from the place of challenge, from the place of change, and from the place of being stuck, to move you forward and choose better in the future. It’s something that we don’t really like to talk about, but we all deal with the pain of regret.

We all deal with the pain of looking back and wondering, wishing even, we could have chosen better. But I think about the example of a scrambled egg. Once it’s scrambled, it cannot go back to the liquid yolk. So it is in life – you can’t go back and change your past, but you can sure purpose beginning now to make your future better.

I would say my message is simply for you to be encouraged. You still have time to rewrite your future, even though you cannot change your past. Use that regret as fuel to choose better.

Keisa Sharpe-Jefferson is a life coach, author and speaker. Her column appears each month online and in The Birmingham Times. You can contact Keisa at keisasharpe@yahoo.com and visit http://www.allsheanaturals.com for natural hair and body products.

How Scammers Can Use Your Own Voice Against You

By
Birmingham Times
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As we continue to explore some of the fastest growing scams in 2024, this week’s safety article will review how your own voice can become a weapon to steal your money.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has given scammers a tool to perfectly clone your voice. This cloning has opened up avenues to cheat you out of your money. The two more popular ones are Voiceprinting and a new multistage grandparent scam.

VoicePrinting is on the rise in 2024. Thieves take advantage of new technologies and capture a recording of your voice. They in turn use a software program to generate an imitation “deepfake” version that allows them to impersonate you. This voiceprint can now be used to access many of your accounts from your insurance and financial institutions. The scammers use your clone voice to contact your bank and transfer funds into an account they control.

Organized thieves use criminal call centers that they staff with young people and pay them for every older person they deceive. (Adobe Stock)

The first step into safeguarding this scam is to realize that conversations with anyone other than family or close friends are coming to an end. Even calls from familiar numbers may actually be coming from a stolen phone or one whose SIM card has been cloned. It’s best for those outside your inner circle to text you.

Another fast-growing scam is the old grandparents’ scam where the grandchild reaches out to the grandparent saying, “I need help.” The 2024 scam has added another twist. The new version of the classic grandparent scam, in which an imposter pretends to be a grandchild in trouble who needs quick money for bail, a car repair, tires, cell phone bill payment or something else uses fraud call centers. These more organized thieves use criminal call centers that they staff with young people and pay them for every older person they deceive.

Part of the gimmick is for the imposter grandchild to provide a case number. When the grandparent calls the supposed authority, the thieves say, “Oh, do you have a case number?” It’s a subtle psychological trick to make the fraud seem more credible. Some scammers go as far as having a co-conspirator pose as a courier and go to a grandparent’s home to pick up the money in person.

If you ever receive this type of call from an unfamiliar number claiming a family member is in trouble, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends that you hang up immediately, then call or text the family member’s number to see if the person is actually in trouble. If they do not answer and you are afraid the call may be real, contact other family members and/or friends.

Remember with the continuous advancements in technology it is increasingly important that you Keep an Eye on Safety.

Ramsay High School’s Valedictorian Has Admission to Over 25 Colleges, More Than $2.5 million in Scholarships

By
Birmingham Times
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Ramsay IB High School senior Jacari Dillard, the valedictorian for the Class of 2024 has earned admission to more than 25 colleges, and has decided to go to Harvard University. (BCS)

Birmingham City Schools

While it has become customary for star scholar-athletes to schedule press events to announce their college destinations, Ramsay IB High School senior Jacari Dillard is not an ordinary case.

The valedictorian for the Class of 2024 has earned admission to more than 25 colleges, including three prestigious Ivy League universities, namely Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. He has four full rides and more than $2.5 million in scholarship monies on the table.

If the media covered academics in the same manner as athletics, Dillard would be rated a five-star scholar.

“I am humbled and beyond thankful for the amount of support I have received across my high school journey,” said Dillard in a Facebook post. “The past four years have been a life changing experience, and the college admissions process has been nothing short of a whirlwind.

In addition to valedictorian, Dillard earned the title of Mr. Ramsay and served as Class President on the Student Council. He became the youngest STEM Ambassador at Southern Research, a role usually reserved for college students. And he’s an award-winning filmmaker!

According to his mentor, Carl J. Thomas, MPA, retired college admissions director and current board member of the College Choice Foundation, Dillard is among the top one percent of students he has evaluated.

After “much thought and prayer,” Dillard made his official decision regarding his post-secondary destination on April 29. And he’ll be taking his from Birmingham to Boston, where he’ll attend Harvard University!

A Blueprint for Improving Underserved Communities

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Birmingham Times
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The number of murders in the Ensley community has dropped 19 percent since 2022. (Wikipedia)

By Brian K. Rice | Special to The Times

(This is a guest opinion)

As a native son of Birmingham, a mechanical engineer, real estate investor and economic rights advocate volunteering, living and investing in underserved communities, I have picked up an extensive understanding of government policies related to residential and commercial real estate financing practices.

Brian K. Rice

I’ve witnessed firsthand the persistent challenges facing our inner-city neighborhoods while investing in the Ensley neighborhood. My hometown has tragically endured countless murders in the past 45 years — nearly my entire life — while the super majority affect Black Americans. My hometown has witnessed a vast divide in resources and opportunities for the have and have-not that is compounding the challenges experienced by our most underserved.

Reflecting on my experiences, I am compelled to question what we are not adequately addressing. I believe the systematic denial of economic resources for successive generations is far more harmful than most acknowledge as it is source of provision for all families and communities. Accepting the unfortunate conditions as the way they are and always will be is a challenge. The greatest challenge in my opinion is improving the mind of someone who has immersed themselves in the worst of the conditions.

In 2013, I moved back home with the intention of creating needed programs in underserved communities. However, I soon realized that programming resources seemed committed elsewhere. As a result, I decided to invest in commercial real estate. My goal was clear: create a sustainable source of income to foster an environment that supports entrepreneurs and promotes personal growth and self-sufficiency among residents. However, I soon encountered challenging financial hurdles when my properties were appraised to me at an unjust valuation of $0.00. The economic barrier not only prevented me from providing for myself but also prevented me from helping others. However, the dream in me could not be smothered, and I became laser-focused on breaking through economic barriers.

I embarked on a journey of economic justice, and along the way, uncovered that downtown Ensley boasts the highest concentration of Black commercial property owners in Alabama, yet it is trapped in time between its decaying historic buildings and hope. I asked myself many questions about Ensley’s community history. For nearly 20 years, I have studied the economic conditions of Black communities nationally as a pastime. Investing and living in an under-resourced community caused me to become the case study. I never heard of an ethnographic researcher before coming here, but that is what I became.

I learned the Ensley business community was faced with what I believed were silent barriers related to banking, property taxes, insurance, federal programming, and other local planning initiatives.  Generations of barriers have perpetuated a cycle of under-resourcing, underfunding, and underinvestment. For the first time in my life, I could see and define systemic injustice.

It has been common to hear people complain about the system being the reason for their conditions without diving deeper into a specific action. Systemic injustice occurs when an unjust or unequal act is placed in a system, and the unjust or unequal act is embedded in laws, policies, practices, or customs. The act can be a pure custom that could come from your neighbor, or it could be through a policy so well written that the average eye can’t see it, so it can be challenged in our legal system and changed in our political system.

It’s time to dispel the myth of “underserved” communities. These areas are starved of economic resources, making them vulnerable and malnourished. Where there is economic starvation, property owners cannot secure resources to renovate spaces for the next business owner. Where the business owner is locked out, the local families can never be supported with jobs.

When the family cannot be supported, the entire family and community become vulnerable, but that vulnerability is for numerous generations. For me, I can’t access the potential earning power to support the needed programs I wanted to bring to the underserved. We cannot continue to blame these communities for their plight and blight, without addressing the structural barriers that have perpetuated their distress.

Ensley is not an isolated case. Similar narratives of economic challenges plague the United States. We must break our silence and demand equitable opportunities. Together, we can unleash the untapped potential in our most underserved communities.

I urge every citizen to familiarize themselves with local, state, and federal laws pertaining to property rights and economic development. Knowledge empowers us to stand for our rights and effect needed change.

It’s time to end the era of economic injustice. America deserves better. We must dismantle the economic barriers that have hindered progress and restore the promise of opportunity to every corner of our country. Let us move forward with unwavering resolve, knowing that our actions today will pave the way for a better tomorrow. Our most challenged and underserved communities are worth fighting for.

Brian K. Rice, a real estate investor and economic rights advocate, can be reached at brice@briankrice.com or through www.briankrice.com.

‘He Had Been Throwing Out Hints, Asking Me ‘What Kind of Rings I Liked?’

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

GENITA & ARMON MATTHEWS

Live: McCalla, AL

Married: Sept. 22, 2012

Met: In 1991 at Wenonah High School. Armon was a senior, a popular athlete, and well-liked by the ladies. Genita was a freshman.

“He was very arrogant, I didn’t have any interest in him, and he didn’t have any interest in me,” Genita said. “He didn’t even know I existed.”

Armon said he insists he was not arrogant, just preoccupied. “I was a senior trying to graduate, it was a hectic time in 1991…,” he said.

Fast forward 20 years and the two would meet again at their high school alma mater in January 2011. Genita was the assistant principal at Wenonah High School, and Armon was a part-time coach for the football team (as well as the director of T.R. McCoy, a company the Housing Authority Birmingham District hired to run the community centers in the City of Birmingham).

During football season that year, Armon was fundraising and selling tickets for the class of 1991’s 20th-year reunion and invited Genita to the festivities. “… I told him I would support him and bought two tickets, one for me and one for one of my girlfriends, and he [also] gave me his number,” Genita recalled.

Genita and her friend went to the reunion for a stay so short that Armon reimbursed her for the tickets.

“I appreciated her coming and supporting the class of 91, and I felt like the admirable thing to do was give Genita her money back …,” Armon said.”

Armon walked Genita and her friend to her car and “said let me know when you make it home tonight, and I told my girlfriend he was ‘acting like he was my man,’” Genita laughed.

“She had on a black turtleneck and black jeans, she looked nice that night. “…we talked on the phone through my drive home, but I think [what really connected us] is we had a mutual interest in the community and ministry,” Armon said.

“We were talking about my past marriage experiences and life in general and he said, ‘let’s become prayer partners and that’s what lit me up’… I still wasn’t [interested romantically], but I did enjoy the conversation,” Genita said.

First date: February 2011, at Ruby Tuesday at The Riverchase Galleria in Hoover.

“I still wasn’t feeling him,” Genita laughed, “but I thought he was nice. On the date, he was a gentleman, and I enjoyed his company.”

“We were having a good conversation talking about the Lord, mentorship, about kids and how they can get better and how we can do more. She was the Vice Principal at Wenonah High and I was the director of T.R. McCoy, so most of our conversations were around mentorship and ministry,” Armon said. “We had a lot of common friends because we went to the same high school… I had been coaching at Wenonah, and we had a lot of things in common when it came to the kids.”

The turn: April 2011, “that’s when the tornado went through Pleasant Grove, Pratt City, and Hueytown… And what made Armon special was that he was trying his best to locate me after the tornado hit. He didn’t even know where I stayed in Hueytown but was trying to find me… And once my power came back on and he told me that story [about trying to find me] I was touched. The tornado went past my house but it did hit my friend’s house, and Armon was such a huge help to my friend… His concern for me made me realize he really liked me. He just kept popping up [in my time of need] … every time I looked up he was there and it made me ask what was going on with us, are we in a relationship or what? And he said ‘yes, we’re in a relationship’. …after the tornado, I was sold,” Genita said.

Armon replied, “I concur.”

The proposal: February 2012, in Genita’s office at Wenonah High School.

“I didn’t want to make a fuss, but I did want to surprise her, so I went to her office at the school. I had the ring and I got on my knee and asked her ‘Will you marry me?’ I was happy to know that [the ring] she got was what she wanted and, I tried to get it as close to the right ring size as I could,” Armon said.

“He had been throwing out hints, asking me what kind of rings I liked and getting my ring size, I just didn’t know when it was going to happen,” Genita said. “It was a very intimate moment behind closed doors in my office. There was actually too much going on at work that day,” she laughed, “there were a couple of fights and an office proposal in the middle of it was not something I was expecting… I said ‘yes’, and then Armon said now let’s go talk to your dad because we need your parents to bless it before we announce it.”

The wedding: At Faith Apostolic Church in Birmingham, officiated by its pastor, Bishop Michael Bender. The couple’s colors were chocolate, fuchsia, and cream.

Most memorable for the bride was “when I walked down the aisle and saw Armon, my family, our friends. It was so surreal to me at the moment, like ‘wow, this is really happening.’ I was given another opportunity to love and do marriage again but this time with my true soul mate,” Genita said. “That was a good moment walking down the aisle to someone who truly loves me, accepts me, and wants to be with me.”

Most memorable for the groom was, “Watching Genita walk down the aisle and seeing what my future is and will be was a true blessing,” Armon said. “I was thanking God for allowing us to be together. There were a lot of people there, and being able to focus on just her in that moment was a surprise and a blessing.”

The couple honeymooned in Atlanta, Georgia. “We had fun eating great food and exploring Atlanta, and the malls, we had a great time. It was a short trip,” Armon said.

Words of wisdom: “Put God first. We wake up praying and go to bed praying. We try to make sure we don’t go to bed mad with each other and continue to have that common goal of putting God first and fulfilling the things He has for us to do,” Armon said.

“Whatever you did when you met the person, continue to do the same after the marriage. God first, husband second, and family third, in that order. Your soul mate can be right in your presence, and you don’t even know it. We were in each other’s presence all these years and never knew that we were going to be together as soul mates. So stay focused and keep God first and he’ll lead you and direct you,” Genita said.

Happily ever after: The Matthews are a blended family with 3 children: Dondreus, 34, Kylah, 25, and Jasmine, 25, and one grandchild, Alani, 5. Genita attends Faith Apostolic Church in Birmingham, where she serves as a greeter and runs the education ministry, and Armon attends the Worship Center Christian Church in Bessemer.

Genita, 48, is a Wenonah native, and a Wenonah High School grad. She attended Miles College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in math education, and Samford University where she earned a master’s degree in education administration, and an Ed. S in Instructional Leadership. Genita is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the Principal at Huffman Middle School.

Armon, 51, is a Birmingham native, and a Wenonah High School grad. He attended The University of Southern Mississippi where he earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and business and works as the Director of Client Services for the Housing Authority Birmingham District.

“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

 

Alabama A&M Inquires About Purchasing Campus of Soon-To-Close Birmingham-Southern College

By
Birmingham Times
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Alabama A&M University is planning to extend an offer to purchase the campus of Birmingham-Southern College and operate it as the Birmingham branch of the university, which is based in Huntsville. (Birmingham Southern-College)

By Mike Cason | mcason@al.com

Alabama A&M University is planning to extend an offer to purchase the campus of Birmingham-Southern College and operate it as the Birmingham branch of the university, which is based in Huntsville.

Shannon Reaves, vice president of governmental affairs and external relations at Alabama A&M, said the university is conducting due diligence to prepare to extend an offer.

BSC, a private, liberal arts college with roots reaching back 168 years, announced in March that it would close May 31 after efforts to obtain a loan from the state Legislature failed.

BSC issued a brief statement Monday in response to a request for comment about Alabama A&M’s plans.

“Birmingham-Southern College is having conversations with several interested parties about the sale of the campus,” said Virginia Loftin, BSC vice president for advancement and communications.

Reaves said Alabama A&M began conversations with BSC President Daniel Coleman immediately after BSC announced it was closing. Reaves said that if things fall into place and an offer is accepted by the BSC Board of Trustees and approved by the A&M Board, the campus would become Alabama A&M University at Birmingham.

Reaves said Alabama A&M sent a team of leaders in academics, student affairs, facilities, and finance to the BSC campus a few weeks ago for due diligence.

“In the coming weeks we’re looking to make a formal offer to the board at Birmingham-Southern for consideration,” Reaves said.

Reaves said the goal would be to retain some of the BSC faculty and academic programs along with academic programs that A&M would bring.

Alabama A&M is seeking some state funding to help with the purchase, Reaves said. The Legislature is still working on the state education budget and related spending bills for the upcoming fiscal year.
Reaves said Alabama A&M is growing, with an all-time high enrollment of 6,600 and its largest ever freshman class of more than 2,100.

“Our numbers are up,” Reaves said. “Our concern is trying to house these students. We’re projected to go over 7,000 in the fall. So the demand for our academic offerings and what we’re doing at Alabama A&M, the demand for students is there.”

Reeves said the university has a strong relationship with Birmingham, home of the annual Magic City Classic football game between A&M and Alabama State University. Ten percent of A&M’s students are from Birmingham, he said, and Jefferson County has more A&M alumni than any other county, Reaves said.

An Alabama A&M campus would be important as the first public HBCU in Birmingham, Reaves said. Jefferson County is home to Miles College, a private HBCU located in Fairfield.

Miles College adjusted its application deadlines to accommodate BSC students after BSC announced it was closing. Miles College President Bobbie Knight said in late March the college had no formal plan to pursue that BSC campus but did not rule it out.
If Alabama A&M buys BSC, Reaves said the plan is to maintain ties to the alumni and long history of the college.

“We’re not going to come in and wipe away the legacy of Birmingham-Southern,” Reaves said “It will be well recognized. It is a part of the fabric of that community. So you want alums of Birmingham Southern to still come back annually and have class reunions and the like.”

BSC’s enrollment dropped below 700 this year amid doubts about the college being able to continue to operate. Reaves said he believes Alabama A&M could boost enrollment to 1,000 in a year and 3,500 after five years. He said he believes Alabama A&M could reinvigorate the surrounding neighborhoods as well as the 192-acre campus.

“Our plan is for it to be a full-service, robust opportunity where students can have a great four-year education and benefit from graduate programs that we have in Huntsville as well,” Reaves said.

Coca-Cola UNITED Appoints Norman H. Ross Jr. as VP of Public Affairs and Communications

By
Birmingham Times
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Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Birmingham. (Coca-Cola United)

ccbcu.com

The Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED) Board of Directors has appointed Norman H. Ross Jr. as its next Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, effective April 29.

Norman H. Ross Jr.

Ross brings more than 25 years of experience in public affairs, corporate communications and government relations. He succeeds Linda Sewell, who will retire at the end of May after more than 40 years working for some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz.

Sewell joined Coca-Cola UNITED in 2016 as the company more than tripled in size and scope, and over those years she built one of the strongest public affairs and communications teams in the Coca-Cola North American bottling system.

“Selecting Linda’s replacement was not an easy task, as she was responsible for building our Public Affairs and Communications team from the ground up,” said President and CEO Mike Suco. “The board and I are delighted that Norman has agreed to return to the Coca-Cola family to help us continue the momentum and grow our relationships with the communities we serve.”

In his new role, Ross is responsible for the strategic direction of Coca-Cola UNITED’s public affairs, government relations, external and internal communications, community engagement and charitable giving. He has contributed more than 20 years of service to the Coca-Cola System, working for two bottlers and The Coca-Cola Company.

He began his career as an intern at Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) in 1994 while pursuing his undergraduate education at Morehouse College in Atlanta. He went on to spend 11 years at the CCE, ultimately becoming Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications for the company’s Atlanta and Alabama markets and later the South and North Florida Markets.

Ross then joined The Coca-Cola Company’s Washington, D.C. office as Director of Government Relations, serving on the Federal Government Relations team and managing transportation, labor and other bottler related issues for the company and more than 70 Coca-Cola bottlers in North America. He has also served as Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications for Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, which serves Kansas, Missouri and Southern Illinois.

Most recently, Ross served as Vice President of Government Affairs for PIM Brands, Inc., the world’s largest maker of Real Fruit Snacks and one of the largest makers of chocolate and non-chocolate confections and sweets. He also previously served as Vice President of Federal Government Relations for MGM Resorts International, whose portfolio includes the world-famous Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage.

In addition to earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Morehouse College, Ross also holds a Masters of Public Administration degree from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He is a graduate of Leadership Atlanta and Leadership Georgia. His past civic involvement includes roles with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Corporate Advisory Council and the Negro League Baseball Museum Board of Directors.

“I’m honored and humbled to join the talented team at Coca-Cola UNITED to build on the excellent work they have done to position UNITED as an elite bottler,” Ross said. “I look forward to helping shape the story of our organization’s impact and forging lasting relationships with the communities we serve.”

Ross and his family will reside in the Birmingham area.

Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., founded in 1902 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is the second largest privately held Coca-Cola bottler in North America and the third largest bottler of Coca-Cola products in the U.S.

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