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PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

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Birmingham Times
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Antiques in the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. (Provided)

By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times

ENJOY THIS WEATHER!!!

 TODAY, OCTOBER 2…

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

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**BLUES JAM EVERY 3rd THURSDAY, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**DEAD TOOTH with SNACKS at Saturn.

**TIGERS EYE with THE BAND SILHOUETTE & KYLE KIMBRELL + BRAD at The Nick.

**THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS KARAOKE MINGLE, each week with Karaoke at 8 p.m., Spin to Win ‘til 9 p.m. and Happy Hour ‘til 9 p.m. with Sounds by DJ SLUGGA and hosted by JIRUS HORTON at Tee’s on 2nd.  FREE Entry all night.

**3rd THURSDAY at the Nick with RAMBLIN’ RICKY TATE at The Nick.

**JOSE CARR EVERY THURSDAY, 5-7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre, Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, at 1631 4th Avenue North.

**FILMMAKER NETWORKING NIGHTS, 5 p.m. at 1821 2nd Avenue North

**EVERY THURSDAY- THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS, 7 p.m. at Platinum of Birmingham with DJ Slugga.

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

**FILM at Sidewalk Film.

**KARAOKE, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**BIRMINGHAM BEVY KARAOKE at Saturn.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3…

IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**CREATURE COMFORT with WANDA from the WANDA BAND + SPEAK EASY at The Nick.

**DANIEL DONATO’S COSMIC COUNTRY at Saturn.

**TAYLORVILLE – A TRIBUTE TO TAYLOR SWIFT at Iron City.

**ABBEY ROAD LIVE – CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES at Avondale Brewing Co.

**GOOD PEOPLE & GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4…

**TAYLOR SWIFT ENGAGEMENT PARTY at Saturn.

**SECRET FORMULA & KIRKOS at the Nick.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5…

**SINGO BINGO EVERY SUNDAY, 1 p.m. at Cahaba Brewing Company.

**AVONDALE VINTAGE MARKET, Noon – 6 p.m. at Avondale Brewing Co.

**JOSE CARR performing at JAZZ IN THE GARDEN SUNDAYS, Every 1st and 3rd Sunday, 5-8 p.m. at Denim on 7th, 2808 7th Avenue Suite105

**EASE BACK 4th SUNDAYS, 5 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**2ND SUNDAY FREE SHOW with KYLE KIMBRELL at The Nick.

**POCKET VINYL with KAI AND THE HERETICS & LOWER HYBRID at The Nick.

**4th SUNDAY FREE SHOW with TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH at The Nick.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 6…

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND with Guest Appearance by EDGE OF DESTINY AND QUEENS HORIZON at The Nick.

**JENSEN MCRAE – THE PRAYING FOR YOUR DOWNFALL TOUR with ANDRE CORNELOUS at Saturn.

**ELEVATION RHYTHM – GOODBYE YESTERDAY TOUR at Iron City.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7…

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**TACO TUESDAY R & B NIGHT, EVERY THURSDAY at Hemings on 2ND Avenue.

**PODCASTING 101 at CREED63, EVERY TUESDAY at 5:45 p.m. Learn how to launch and create your own podcast at 1601 5th Avenue North, Birmingham 35203.

**JOSE CARR EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT at True Story Brewing.

**SONGWRITER’S NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY at The Nick.

**SUPERSTAR KARAOKE LATE NIGHT TUESDAYS at The Nick.

**FREE – A BENEFIT SHOW for K.P. at Saturn.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8…

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.

**LATE NIGHT WEDNESDAYS OPEN DECK with SUNDROP at The Nick.

**FREE – OSCILLATIONS -ELECTRONIC MUSIC OPEN MIC PERFORMANCE at Saturn.

**SLEEPING WITH SIRENS: DON’T LET THE PARTY DIE TOUR at Iron City.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9…

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

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**BLUES JAM EVERY 3rd THURSDAY, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**KOLTON MOORE & THE CLEVER FEW at Saturn.

**GOAT AND YOUR MOM with BOLEE & JUSTIFY THESE SCARS at The Nick.

**VISHNU, DAVIS & HALEIGH – LIVE at Avondale Brewing Co.

 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10….

**WEEK DAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.

**BEAUTY IS THE ENEMY with GO GO KILLERS and PLEASANT VALLEY at The Nick.

**FELLY with JOHN-ROBERT at Saturn.

**ALESTORM: FALL 2025 TOUR at Iron City.

**RUNAWAY GIN – A TRIBUTE TO PHISH at Avondale Brewing Co.

Book of the Month

Between Lovers and Friends: A Novel

By Shirlene Obuobi

Shirlene Obuobi’s novel Between Lovers and Friends invites readers into a heartfelt exploration of modern romance and the complexities of friendship. Set against a vibrant backdrop of Chicago, the story follows two longtime friends as they navigate the transition from platonic companionship to something deeper, grappling with vulnerability, trust, and the courage to redefine their relationship. Obuobi’s writing is both witty and emotionally resonant, making this book a captivating choice for anyone who appreciates love stories that balance real-life challenges with hope and authenticity.

Movie of the Month

Ruth and Boaz

Streaming on Netflix

The new Netflix release, Ruth and Boaz, reimagines the timeless biblical tale with a fresh, contemporary lens. Set in modern-day America, the film follows Ruth (played by Serayah McNeill from Empire), a resilient young woman facing personal loss, and Boaz (played by Tyler Lepley from Halem), a compassionate community leader, as their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. With stunning visuals and heartfelt performances, Ruth and Boaz explore themes of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of kindness, making it a standout choice for viewers seeking inspiration and meaningful storytelling.

NEWS TO KNOW AND USE – PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS TO WATCH…

 **MS. SENIOR JEFFERSON COUNTY – 2025 Winners are LANGTRY EARL, as Ms. Senior Jefferson County and LILLIE BURROUGHS, as Ms. Super Senior Jefferson County. The organization is recruiting ladies 60 – 79 years of age to compete in the following: Interview, Active Lifestyle, Fashion Runway Model, Evening Gown/Impromptu Question. The Mandatory Orientation is Thursday, February 26, 2026, 10 a.m. at St. Mark C.M.E. Church, 316 Iota Avenue, South, Birmingham, 35205. For more, go to www.jccal.org or call 205-325-5572. Submit applications to williamsja@jccal.org by Friday, January 30, 2026.

 THINGS TO DO IN OCTOBER...

AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS…

**TODAY THROUGH SUNDAY – ANTIQUES IN THE GARDENS is where you can join others for an inspiring weekend of curated antiques and antiques dealers from across the nation offering furniture, fine art, vintage and fine jewelry, silver, rugs and textiles, home décor and garden accessories.  There will be internationally acclaimed guest speakers, book signings, experts in interior design, architecture, floral artistry and gardens design with workshops and so much more. The weekend starts: TODAY – GALA IN THE GARDENS, 6 – 11 p.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.  FRIDAY – *Shop the Show with RUDY SAUNDERS, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. *Red Diamond Lecture: Designing with the Stars: Keynote Speaker is MARTYN LAWRENCE BULLARD, 11 a.m. – Noon and *Red Diamond Lecture: An English Vision– Designer is BEN PENTREATH, 2 – 3 p.m. SATURDAY – *Stitch with RUDY SAUNDERS: Needlepoint with Friends, 9-10 a.m., *Antiques at the Gardens, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., *Glorious Gardens with DARA CAPONIGRO panel includes THOMAS O’BRIEN and KATIE RIDDLER, *Hospitality: Then and Now with REBECCA GARDNER, ELAINE GRIFFIN, JANE SCOTT and MARGOT SHAW, *Sip and Clip: A Lesson with  Floral Design, a Floral Workshop with JIMMIE HENSLEE. SUNDAY – *Antiques at the Gardens, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., *Defining Elegance, 11 a.m. – Noon with MARSHALL WATSON, and Creating A Livable Home: Inside and Out with designer RAY BOOTH. For more, go to:  bbgardens.org.

FOR LOVERS OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS…

**SATURDAY – The Community Wellness Experience is 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Wenonah High School Gym providing valuable interactive workshop tracks and community resources to enhance learning, and fostering community well-being.  There will be taste-test foods, movement sessions, nutrition education, goal setting, mindfulness session and integrative approach. The three tracks of wellness include nutrition, fitness and mental health. Passport navigation starts at 1:15 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.  Attendees can rotate through community resources tables and there are passport prizes and raffles at the end of the event worth over $300. For more, go to: info@bamawellnessadvocacy.org.

**OCTOBER 11 – COLORS OF CANCER 5K FUN RUN & WALK 10th Annual event, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Spring Street Park, 419 Spring Street in Adamsville, AL.  Participants will receive health and wellness information. For more, 205-789-6280, info@cancerawarenessnetwork.com OR www.cancerawarenessnetwork.com.

**OCTOBER 18 – BETHEL’S MEN’S HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Pratt City.  Topics include: Violence Reduction by Sheriff Mark Pettway, Jefferson County, Physical Health by Dr. Brian A. Stone, Urologist and Mental Health by Dr. Larry McCree, Jr., Pastor. Lunch will be provided with blood pressure checks, door prizes and swag bags.  Free Admission.

**OCTOBER 20-DECEMBER 15 – GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP, 12-11:30 a.m. at Collat Jewish Family Services and Community Grief Support.  Available to survivors who have experienced loss within the past two years.  The support group meets for 9 weekly sessions. The sessions are curriculum

based. There is a minimum of 6 participants needed to start group. New members are accepted through 3rd session (Nov. 3). Drinks and snacks are provided.  For more info and to register, coleigh@cfsbham.org OR call 205-278-7101.

**NEAR APP – REMEMBERING YOUR LOVED ONE – Moving Forward Without Moving On offers a gentle space to preserve and celebrate the lives of those we hold dear, ensuring their stories continue to inspire us. For more, nearapp.org or info@hearapp.org.

FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER LOVERS…

**OCTOBER 14 – COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR, for Birmingham City school students and parents, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Bill Harris Arena in CrossPlex.  Resources available include career opportunities, job training programs, education, family, housing, legal services, parenting, short certificates, caregiver/daycare services and food services. Students will be bused from their school to this event.

SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY…

**OCTOBER 9 – THE FIREHOUSE OF HOPE GALA, 5:30 p.m. at the Grand Bohemian Hotel will feature four International Travel Packages (plus). ONE is the SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA featuring 4 nights for 4 guests in the Darling Point neighborhood, a guided food tour, private balcony and access to iconic landmarks including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. ANOTHER: ST. MARTIN featuring 4 nights for 4 guests in a beachfront apartment at Mullet Bay, a 2-hour sunset sail across the turquoise waters, private balcony with panoramic ocean views and stroll to the golden sands of Mullet Bay Beach. TWO MORE: A Get Away to NEW ORLEANS, and the TUSCANY ITALY (I shared the Tuscany, last week.  PLUS there is a Passport to Europe – where you can choose your dream destination from Paris, Rome, Vienna, Prague or Madrid.  Support Firehouse Ministries of Hope.

FOR FILM LOVERS…

AT SIDEWALK FILM FEST…

**TODAY – THE MATRIX, 2 p.m. and LOVE, BROOKLYN, 4:45 p.m.

**TODAY – BODIES BODIES, BODIES for Shout Movie Night.

**FRIDAY – A LITTLE PRAYER is a film where David Strathaim plays a man trying to protect his daughter-in-law when he finds out his son is having an affair.

**THROUGH OCTOBER 9 – ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER is a film where Leonardo DiCaprio is a former member of a revolutionary group seeking help from other revolutionaries to find his missing daughter.

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

JPMorganChase: End of Year Tips to Purchase Your Dream Vehicle

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Birmingham Times
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Sponsored by JPMorganChase

As we near the holiday season, you may be looking to treat yourself to those set of wheels you’ve been eyeing, or perhaps it’s time to purchase your loved one their dream car. In today’s financial climate, managing your vehicle costs efficiently is key, as it could help you save money and limit potential headaches down the road. Here are some helpful tips to finally make that purchase for your (or a loved one’s) dream vehicle this holiday season:

  1. Set your holiday budget and stick to it. There are a variety of different expenses that come with getting a car – the purchase cost, insurance, maintenance and fuel being a few of them. Knowing how much you can afford, especially if you plan to pay for it over time, is key to avoiding a car bill that stretches your finances. Look for access to different budgeting tools and tips that can help you save for your purchase.
  2. Look for the best holiday deals. Like many other items, vehicles have a price cycle; the end of the year tends to be when you can find a better deal, as dealers may need to meet quotas or clear out inventory. Generally, make sure you are considering multiple vehicles and shopping around at several dealerships to get the best price.
  3. Test drive the vehicle to make sure it fits your needs. This is your time to see how the vehicle looks and feels, try out the interior systems and figure out if the vehicle fits your needs. Schedule test drive appointments to ensure the car you want is still available, ideally a few in the same day or week to keep your impressions fresh in your mind. It’s also helpful to simulate your daily driving conditions as much as possible, such as bringing any car seats or equipment you may have in your car daily. After your test drive, you can ask about the car’s warranty and fuel and maintenance requirements, as well as the possibility of getting an extended test drive or bringing the car to your own mechanic for a second opinion.
  4. Determine whether you are financing or leasing. There are benefits of both a lease and a loan. With a loan, there is no milage limit and you are free to customize and change the car as you see fit. After completing your finance payments, you own it. Leases typically have lower upfront costs than loan payments, and at the end of the term you can return, purchase or trade the vehicle in. But keep in mind that most leases have a mileage limit, so it might not be the best option if you travel often.
  5. How to know if an electric vehicle is right for you. With so many major manufacturers building EVs, there are more options than ever before. However, cost, maintenance, range and charging logistics are all key factors to consider. For maintenance, EVs typically require less maintenance than traditional cars. EV batteries tend to be covered by 8-10 year warranties (outlasting the amount of time most people own their cars) but EV tires degrade faster due to the weight of the battery. And just as gas prices vary, so do electricity costs – based on your location, your driving style and the size of your battery.

The median range of an EV with a fully charged battery is roughly 250 miles, but that number depends on the make and model as well as other factors like weather, traffic conditions and driving style. And when it comes to charging infrastructure, some cities and states may have more charging stations than others. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and map your route.

Be sure to do your homework first before making that big purchase. There are many tools available that can help you plan for costs in addition to the vehicle loan or lease payments, such as sales taxes, registration fees, and insurance—which can vary depending on the car make, model and even the color. For instance, using a car payment calculator can help estimate your monthly car payment for different scenarios, by inputting the ballpark amount you’d like to finance along with some other basic info.

For more auto budgeting tools and tips, visit autofinance.chase.com.

 © 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

“Everything that I’ve done has led back to my foundation here, from the way I love people and embrace people, from all walks of life, to my leadership style, my career …”

By
Birmingham Times
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ANGELA ABDUR-RASHEED, GRADUATE AND PUBLIC RELATIONS LEADER OF THE RAMSAY HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AT 95TH ANNIVERSARY BREAKFAST CELEBRATION; BIRMINGHAMTIMES.COM, SEPT. 27.

As Government Shuts Down, Rep. Sewell Says Trump, GOP Won’t Protect Health Care

By
Birmingham Times
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Times Staff Report

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) late Tuesday night blamed President Donald Trump and Republicans for the government shutdown.

Sewell said the Republican-led Congress and the Trump Administration failed to pass a single appropriations bill before the September 30 funding deadline and refused to negotiate with Democrats on an extension.

Rep. Terri Sewell

“Trump and Republicans are responsible for this government shutdown,” said Sewell. “They are so hellbent on kicking Americans off their health care that they are willing to shut down the government in order to achieve it. Now, not only will Americans face skyrocketing health care premiums, but they will also have to pay for this reckless Republican shutdown. It is outrageous.”

The government shut down on Wednesday morning at 12:01 a.m., amid a deadlock between Trump and Democrats in Congress that will  leave many federal workers furloughed. It was the first federal shutdown since 2019

“As Democrats, our position has not changed,” said Sewell. “We are willing to work with Republicans on a bill to end this shutdown and protect the health care of the American people. However, we will not vote to rubber-stamp the Republican assault on our health care system. It’s time for Republicans to come to their senses and meet us at the negotiating table.”

In July, President Trump and Congressional Republicans passed the largest cut to health care in American history in order to give tax breaks to the wealthy, said Sewell.

“Their so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ makes nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and more than $500 billion in cuts to Medicare in the next ten years,” she said in a statement. “An analysis from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that Republicans’ so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ would result in more than 15 million Americans losing health care coverage. More than 330 rural hospitals could be forced to close.”

Without action by Republicans in Congress, Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits will expire in December, sending health care premiums soaring for American families, Sewell said.

To help constituents understand the impacts of the shutdown, Sewell’s office has compiled answers to frequently asked questions here.

Bipartisan Landmark Maternal Health Law in Alabama Takes Effect Oct. 1

By
Birmingham Times
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Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison speaks in support of Alabama’s new maternal healthcare law, which goes into effect Oct. 1. (Photo credit: Jeff Emerson)

dcwins.com

Bipartisan legislators and Alabama physicians gathered in Birmingham on Tuesday to celebrate a landmark new maternal health care law that takes effect Oct. 1.

The new law, known as “presumptive Medicaid eligibility,” speeds access to prenatal care for low-income pregnant women by allowing Medicaid to pay for outpatient medical care for up to 60 days while a woman’s application for Medicaid is being reviewed.

Alabama’s maternal mortality and infant mortality rates are above the national average.  Under the new law, pregnant women may receive outpatient care for up to 60 days while their Medicaid application is processed.

The law will help save lives by reducing delays in care and improving Alabama’s troubling rates of maternal and infant mortality, supporters say.

“Every mother deserves the chance for a healthy pregnancy, but far too many women in Alabama go without the care they need in the early weeks of pregnancy,” said Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. “With presumptive eligibility, mothers will be able to see a doctor sooner, giving them and their babies a healthier and safer start. Presumptive eligibility is an ounce of prevention that saves tax dollars in the long run.”

Rep. Marilyn Lands, D-Huntsville, who carried the bill in the House, highlighted the bipartisan effort that made the law possible. “This was about doing what’s right for Alabama families,” she said. “By working together across party lines, we put mothers and babies first. I look forward to building on this momentum to continue improving healthcare in our state.”

Rep. Susan DuBose speaks about Alabama’s new presumptive Medicaid eligibility law. (Photo credit: Jeff Emerson)

Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, who co-sponsored the bill, said the law represents a strong commitment to both life and health. “This is a strong pro-life measure that ensures expecting mothers have access to the care they need,” DuBose said. “By expanding coverage at the very start of pregnancy, we’re giving more Alabama moms and babies a healthier future.”

Physicians stressed how meaningful the change will be for both patients and providers.

“Every week matters in a pregnancy,” said Dr. Janeen Arbuckle, an obstetrician-gynecologist, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “The earlier a mother receives prenatal care, the more we can do to prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome for both mom and baby.”

Dr. Jamie Routman, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Brookwood Baptist Health, added, “This law removes a major barrier to care. It gives doctors the ability to provide the right care at the right time without waiting weeks or months for paperwork to catch up. It’s a victory for public health in our state.”

The Medical Association of the State of Alabama, which has long advocated for measures to address the state’s high maternal mortality rate, praised the law as an important step forward.

“This is about partnership and progress,” said Dr. Arbuckle. “With this new law, Alabama is making it clear: Healthy moms and healthy babies mean a healthier Alabama.”

The law is currently authorized through Oct. 1, 2028.

Tiffany White Grew up in Foster Care. Now She’s a Leader on the Miles College Campus 

By
Birmingham Times
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Tiffany White's leadership role on the Miles College campus includes the title of Miss Freshman 2025-2026. (Provided)

By Don Rhodes II | The Birmingham Times

Tiffany Nicole White lives by a simple philosophy “delay doesn’t mean deny.”

At just 23 years old, the Birmingham native would know. She has already overcome more obstacles that many face in a lifetime. From growing up in foster care and dropping out of high school at 16, to becoming a mother at age 18, and as well as a first-generation college student, White has turned her trials into testimony.

Now a freshman at Miles College, White is stepping into leadership as the newly elected Miss Freshman 2025-2026.

“I’m a resilient woman of faith, a proud mom to my five-year-old daughter Amaya, and I’m determined to rewrite my family’s story,” she told The Birmingham Times.

Her journey has been shaped by hardship, but also by the guiding influence of her late grandmother, Vicki Mayse, a librarian and English teacher. “My grandmother modeled grace and determination,” White said. “Her legacy fuels my desire to lead and to leave a lasting mark through education and service.”

Growing up in Birmingham in the Warrior/Kimberly, Alabama, area just north of Birmingham, White says her upbringing instilled in her perseverance and a passion for justice.

“Being in foster care and facing those tough transitions gave me a heart for others,” she said. “It made me want to create opportunities and advocate for people who feel unseen.”

She was born on July 1, 2002, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham. Just eight days after birth, she was placed in foster care because she was born addicted to cocaine and remained in the system until she was about six years old. While her older siblings were placed with family, she was placed in a foster home, which meant she didn’t get the chance to grow up alongside them.

Tiffany White with daughter Amaya, who provided the inspiration for Tiffany to earn her GED. (Provided)

After dropping out of Mortimer Jordan High School in Kimberly, she was in no rush to get her GED because she never saw herself having a career in anything. It wasn’t until May 15, 2025, at her daughter Amaya’s Pre-K graduation that she saw her child in a cap and gown, and that made her want to get her GED. Over the next few days, White put in work online and obtained her GED on May 20 just five days after her daughter’s graduation.

At the time, White was working in the law offices of Attorney Bobby L. Davis, a Miles Law School graduate. The two met Miles College President Bobbie Knight at a networking event, and then Miles Vice President of Student Affairs Rev. Leon F. Parker III, who offered White a scholarship after hearing her story of perseverance.

White said she didn’t have a plan to work in law but there was an opening as a legal assistant for her older sister’s attorney where White got valuable experience in criminal defense and juvenile delinquency law which went hand and hand with her passion for advocacy.

As a business administration major with a pre-law focus at the Fairfield Historically Black College and University (HBCU), White has her sights set on the future. “At Miles, I plan to excel academically while building my PLACE platform, Purpose, Leadership, Advocacy, Community, and Education,” she explained. “It’s about creating a space where others can grow, too.”

PLACE was her campaign-winning proposal for Miss Freshman.

Her ambitions extend beyond campus. After graduation “I want to attend law school and specialize in criminal defense and juvenile justice,” she said. “Every step I take now, from campus leadership to organizing conferences like Flourish | Galantines, is preparing me to advocate for others and transform lives.”

Flourish | Galantines began as a pizza and pajamas meetup that sold out in 36 hours with over 300 attendees. It’s now increased to a two-day conference with 1,000 women from all over the world in Birmingham.

Outside of her schoolwork, White enjoys a balance of fun and self-care. “I love traveling to places such as Chicago, New York City, and Nice France, shopping, and taking Pilates classes,” she said. “But I also value quiet time, where I can refill my cup so I can pour into others. Whether I’m exploring new places with Amaya or practicing mindfulness, I need experiences that keep me grounded and inspired.”

With her story of resilience and vision for leadership, White, who attends Love City Church under the leadership of Bishop Jonathan L. Woods, Sr. and  Pastor Lady Nicole Woods in Forestdale, Alabama, embodies the spirit of perseverance. Or, as she puts it: “I’m proof that no matter what life throws at you, delay does not mean deny.”

For more on Tiffany visit her Facebook page here

Birmingham, Community Partners Meet to Develop Strategy for $20 Million Job Training Grant

By
Birmingham Times
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Archie Stewart, Reinvest Plan Officer, talks with community partners about the Workforce Strategy plan. (City of Birmingham)
birminghamal.gov

The City of Birmingham, in partnership with the Community Funding Accelerator (CFA), convened 30 employer and community partners in K-12 education, community college, workforce training, transportation, entrepreneurship, and childcare to confirm and release their Workforce Strategy.

The strategy outlines how $20.2 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant will be used to advance the Reinvest Birmingham workforce revitalization initiative. With this funding, the City of Birmingham aims to engage 5,000 residents in North Birmingham, Northside, Pratt, and Smithfield in information sessions and career and job fairs with a goal of enrolling over 3,000 residents into Career Pathway Training.

Partnering with workforce training and apprenticeship programs, Reinvest Birmingham will revitalize the local economy in these neighborhoods, ultimately creating 1,500 new jobs.

“Our partnership with CFA has been instrumental for not only in shaping the implementation planning for Reinvest Birmingham but also in Birmingham’s selection as an awardee of this historic investment. From research to accountability to relationship-building, the CFA team has consistently made the process seamless,” said Archie Stewart, Reinvest Plan Officer. “The foundation of success for this initiative rests on the care, intentionality, and standard of excellence first established by CFA.”

Created in partnership with CFA, the Workforce Strategy is a city-level plan that maps the current workforce landscape, identifies opportunities for jobs in high-demand construction, advanced manufacturing, childcare, and healthcare sectors. The launch brought together multi-stakeholder partners to guide decisions about workforce training and fill job market gaps in the coming years.

“We know the City of Birmingham is committed to developing a comprehensive workforce pathway to train residents for good jobs and keep them, starting as early as K-12. CFA is proud to partner with the City on this forward-thinking strategy that prepares residents for the jobs of today and the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Mara Eala, Project Leader at CFA.

In collaboration with Lightcast, the strategy is grounded in labor market and service area data to inform and serve as a guidepost for the next four years of the grant and other city-level workforce investments. CFA provided strategic technical assistance in developing effective structures, processes, and tracking key metrics for implementation in the six to twelve-month pilot phase of the grant. While initially impacting Reinvest Birmingham, the Workforce Strategy will also inform other regional investments throughout the city.

To learn more about this partnership, visit the CFA website at communityfundingaccelerator.org and the City of Birmingham’s website at birminghamal.gov.

‘I Was Caught Completely Off Guard, I Did Not Know He Was Going to Propose’

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

JOYCELYN ‘JOY’ AND CHRIS WHITE

Live: Hoover

Married: Dec. 6, 2014

Met: Spring 2012, at The Plum Bar in downtown Birmingham. Joy was a regular patron and friends with the establishment’s sound tech, who was also friends with Chris. Chris, also a musician who plays bass guitar, was invited by their mutual friend to the bar’s open mic night when he and Joy first crossed paths.

“I was just chilling up there in the sound booth with our friend and Chris was standing in the corner wearing a black batman jacket…,” Joy laughed. “He was smiling at me and then came up to me and asked me if I had the time, and I was thinking ‘don’t you have a watch on?’, but I told him it was 9:30, and he smiled, said ‘thank you’ and walked away.”

The pair did not make a connection that night, but began running into to each other every week at open mic night. Eventually, Joy said she began to let her guard down and started conversing with Chris and realized she liked him.

“I would go up there and sing a little something, and he would go up there and play a little something, and then one night he was already playing when I got on the stage, and he played and sang with me [Anita Baker’s ‘Caught up in The Rapture of Love’] … It was a nice groove, and then after that we [hit it off] because we enjoyed singing together,” recalled Joy.

“Of all the women in the room, Joy stood out to me. I like her style, she was a classy girl, and she could sing and I’m a sucker for women who can sing because I’m a musician,” Chris said. “And when I heard her sing, I was hooked– a beautiful girl who could sing? That was it for me. She was educated and everybody seemed to know her, she was respected, and that sat with me. I really enjoyed being around her.” So much so, Chris told their mutual friend, “that girl is going to be my wife one day.”

Although Chris and Joy made an initial connection, the two did not immediately go on a date. For months, they nurtured a friendship over the phone and weekly meetups at open mic night before Chris asked Joy out for a date.

First date: Fall 2012, at Stix, a Japanese Hibachi restaurant, in Hoover. Chris picked Joy up from her job at Target in Brookwood and they headed out. “I put a little extra effort into my outfit for work that day,” Joy laughed. “I tried to touch up my makeup before I walked out because I wanted to look perfect.”

“I was nervous,” said Chris. “I had never been [to Stix] before and I didn’t eat any Japanese or Chinese food… That wasn’t my vibe, but that was the first step in building trust because I didn’t know what I was getting myself into at this place,” he laughed. “I’m a gentleman, and I followed the old school rules. I made sure I got her home at a decent time and was very respectful.”

“I was nervous at first too because I wanted to make sure I didn’t say or do the wrong things,” Joy said. “…I didn’t even really eat my food because I didn’t want him to think I was greedy,’ she laughed, “and I even practiced the questions I was gonna ask before the date because I wanted the conversation to flow. But all of that went out the window because it became so natural and everything just flowed. The date was so good I didn’t want the night to end.”

The turn: October 2012, when they were leaving the Plum Bar. Joy and Chris were parked in different directions, but talked on the phone on the way to their cars.

“He said he wanted to kiss me tonight, and by this time we were both in our cars, and I asked him why he didn’t do it, and he said ‘how about we do it now?’ So we pulled over into a parking lot and got out and kissed. And after the kiss, I asked him ‘so what are we doing?’” Joy said.

“We sat in that parking lot and we talked for a while, and that conversation led to us becoming exclusive. It was an organic conversation, and I don’t remember all the details, but I know we drove away boyfriend and girlfriend,” Chris said.

The proposal: Dec. 13, 2013, at Olive Garden in Hoover. This was the day after Joy’s 28th birthday, and she recalls being upset with him because he didn’t take her out on her “actual birthday”.

“[On my birthday] he took me to Moe’s [a Tex Mex restaurant] to eat and I was sitting there pissed,” Joy said. “And he said, ‘trust me, you’re going to love what I have planned for you tomorrow’, and I wasn’t hearing that. I wanted to celebrate on my birthday, not tomorrow,” she laughed.

The cause for the delayed celebration was because Chris wanted to reserve a private room to host 50 of their family and friends to celebrate Joy’s birthday and witness the proposal, and the restaurant only had availability for the day after her birthday.

“It was a surprise, but she still thought it was just a birthday dinner, and as the night went on the family was distracting her with opening presents until I was ready. And when I was, I got everybody’s attention and got down on one knee and asked her to marry me,” Chris said.

“He got down on his knee and said in the most country way ‘Joy, I would like to know if you want to be my wife?’” Joy laughed. “He said it so slow and country that everybody laughed, and my sister, still mocks him to this day. But I was caught completely off guard, I did not know he was going to propose. I started crying, and then everybody was like ‘yes or no?’ and I said ‘yes’.”

Jocelyn and Chris White met in 2012 at a downtown Birmingham bar. The couple married in 2014. (Provided)

The wedding: At Grants Chapel AME Church, in East Lake, officiated by Bishop L. Spencer Smith of Impact Church in Tuscaloosa, and Pastor Eric Nathan of Grants Chapel AME Church. Their colors were purple, turquoise and grey.

Most memorable for the bride was the reception at the Boutwell Auditorium in downtown Birmingham. “The theme of our wedding was “The White Tour’, and we had it at the Boutwell because we wanted the reception to feel like it was at a concert hall … We did a full playlist in front of a full band, and singing all the songs we’ve ever played together at the Plum Bar. And the song that touched me the most was when we sang ‘Caught Up In The Rapture of Love’ by Anita Baker because that was the first song we ever did together,” Joy said. “It felt so good because he had my hand, and in that moment it was just me and him doing what we love to do in front of all of our friends and family and everybody could see why our love was what it is.”

Most memorable for the groom was his bride’s delayed walk down the aisle. “When it was time for her to walk down the aisle I felt like it took two days and she was standing me up. All the beginning ceremony stuff was done, and they started playing ‘Here Comes the Bride’, and I’m up there with the pastors and my best man, and we’re just waiting and waiting and waiting, and it was like she never came,” Chris laughed. “She says it was only five minutes, but it wasn’t, and it feels like an hour when you’re standing in front of a church full of people thinking your bride ran away.”

Joy chimed in: “It was only like five or six minutes, I had had a malfunction with my makeup, it was doing something real crazy and I was like ‘uh uh, I can’t go’, and then my dad came in there trying to calm me down, and I didn’t care that they were waiting, I felt like it’s my day, they’ll wait. And when I was ready, I came down.”

“Meanwhile, I’m up there suffering, sweating bullets,” Chris said. “I guess I was just happy she showed up,” he laughed.

They honeymooned in Destin, Florida and said they had fun consummating their marriage over and over again.

Words of wisdom: “Communication is number one. That’s really the answer,” Chris said. “Never go to be angry. Try to fix it in the moment to continue to grow,” said Joy.

Happily ever after: The White’s attend Unity Christian Center, in Alabaster, where they both serve in the music ministry, and have a yorkie terrier, named Bella-Rose, 10-years-old.

Joy, 39, is a Midfield native, and Ensley High School grad. She attended Alabama State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in theater arts and is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity for women, and Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Joy works as a third & fifth grade teacher at Calvary Resurrection Christian Literacy School in Roebuck, and also owns a home-based business named Jookin and Juicing, an organic health juicing company.

Chris, 38, is a Roebuck native, and Huffman High School grad. He attended Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music business, and is a Free Mason [a community-based fraternity] and is a music teacher for Birmingham City Schools.

“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

Lt. Col. George E. Hardy, Youngest Tuskegee Airman, Dies at 100

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Birmingham Times
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Lt. Col. George Hardy, the youngest fighter pilot of the Tuskegee Airmen. (Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield / U.S. Air Force)

BY CHARLOTTE KRAMON | Associated Press

Lt. Col. George Hardy, the youngest fighter pilot of the Tuskegee Airmen, the nation’s first Black military pilots, has died. He was 100.

Hardy was the last surviving combat pilot of the Tuskegee Airmen who went overseas. He died last week, according to Tuskegee Airmen Inc.

“His legacy is one of courage, resilience, tremendous skill and dogged perseverance against racism, prejudice and other evils,” Tuskegee Airmen Inc. said in a Facebook post.

Born in Philadelphia, Hardy was a dedicated student who dreamed of becoming an engineer and never planned on joining the military. He was intrigued after his brother joined the U.S. Navy, but still pursued a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in systems engineering from the U.S. Air Force Institute, according to the National WWII museum.

“It wasn’t until 1941 when the Army started opening the door for us to be pilots and whatnot. And we walked through the door and had a great opportunity, and we took advantage of it,” Hardy told AVI-8, an “aviation-inspired” watch manufacturer, in an interview.

Several white leaders in the U.S. Army Air Forces tried to prevent Black pilots from combat duty and banned them from using their club spaces, spurring civil disobedience from Tuskegee Airmen.

Hardy was commissioned as a second lieutenant at 19 and flew his first combat mission before he had ever driven a car, he told AVI. He ultimately completed 21 World War II missions and also served in the Korean War and Vietnam War.

Brian Smith, president and CEO of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum, described Hardy as a “humble man” with a passion for aviation. He was passionate about encouraging young people to become pilots and up until recent years he often attended air shows, Smith said.

“We always talked about the racism in World War II, but we also celebrated the progress America and the world has made in accepting people of color,” Smith added.

The Tuskegee Airmen were spotlighted in a 1995 HBO film “The Tuskegee Airmen” and 2012 feature film “Red Tails.”

The men are commemorated in several states year each year as a part of Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, usually on the fourth Thursday of March.

Amid President Donald Trump’s attempts to purge federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the Air Force removed training courses with videos of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, in January. They later restored them after bipartisan criticism.

 

UAB Student in Breakout Role as Lead in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ at the Carver Theatre

By
Birmingham Times
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Trinity Anderson will star as Akeelah in ‘Akeelah and The Bee – The Play’ at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in the Carver Theatre, October 2-4 by the Encore Theatre and Gallery. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

In a breakout role, Birmingham’s Trinity Anderson is taking on a character that mirrors her own passion for perseverance and growth as an artist.

Trinity, 20, will star as Akeelah in ‘Akeelah and The Bee – The Play’ at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in the Carver Theatre, October 2-4 by the Encore Theatre and Gallery. The production is not just about spelling words but also the courage, community and determination that changes lives.

Even more impressive is that the theatre student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham got the part through cold read auditions at Encore Theatre ahead of the current season.

“Trinity is one of the hardest-working young artists I’ve seen,” said Marc Raby, artistic director and owner of Encore Theatre. “She really shows discipline, focus, and a genuine love for the craft.”

On stage, she’s known for her ability to bring raw honesty and emotion to her characters, including during a recent performance in ‘Everybody and The Revolutionists.’

Trinity said there are similarities and differences between her and the title character.

“Me and Akeelah are alike because of our independence, and we always are standing ten toes down when it comes to a project or goal that we know will affect us greatly in the long run, especially if it’s something we love,” Trinity said. “However, me and Akeelah are complete opposites because of our age, difference in insecurities and her tendency to give up so quickly.”

“What stands out about Trinity is her balance of humility and drive,” Raby said. “She’s constantly sharpening her skills, but she never loses sight of why she’s telling the story… to reflect voices and experiences that deserve to be seen.”

In taking on the role of Akeelah, he added that “Trinity has stepped into something much bigger than a performance, she’s carrying a story that speaks to perseverance, intelligence, and representation. She’s passionate about honoring that responsibility.”

The play centers on Akeelah, a young girl attending a tough school in Los Angeles, who sees the finals of the National Spelling Bee. She decides to enter the competition, despite her classmates’ derision and the antipathy of her mother Tanya. Thanks to the efforts of her teacher Dr Joshua Larabee, she reaches the final. When she meets her fellow competitors, she realizes that coming first isn’t everything in life.

Without giving away spoilers, Trinity said her favorite moment in the show is “seeing the father-daughter like chemistry between Akeelah and Dr. Larabee. You can tell that they need each other, even if they are both are in denial about it.”

Trinity Anderson will star as Akeelah in “Akeelah and The Bee – The Play.” (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

Audiences will love the “show for its message, the relatability for some audience members,” she said. “It’s family-friendly environment for all ages, and because it’s a timeless classic, and who doesn’t love those?

There are a number of reasons to come out “to not only witness the different personalities from the cast bring every character to life on stage, but to also support Black-owned theatre companies so shows like these can happen more often,” she said.

Trinity, 20, grew up in Center Point, Alabama, but moved to Meadowbrook, Alabama, after 7th grade. She has one sister who is four years younger. Trinity is a general theatre major at (UAB), “which helps me adjust between being onstage and being offstage,” she said.

Asked about a message that she hopes from Akeelah and the Bee that people take home, Trinity said, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”

Akeelah in Akeelah and The Bee – The Play at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in the Carver Theatre, October 2-4 by the Encore Theatre and Gallery. For tickets click here.

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