Birmingham Native Jessica Hayes Returns on Feb. 11 with Couture-Style Prom Fashions

February 9, 2024

JessicaHayes 1 — Jessica’s Eighth Annual Prom Queen Tour pop-up shop will be held at Brianna Janae Glam Studio, 1861 Center Point Parkway, on Sunday, Feb. 9 from 12 to 6 p.m. (House of Avid Photo)

jedon.co

Luxury special occasions fashion designer Jessica Hayes will debut her latest collection at her 7th annual ‘Prom Queen Tour’ pop-up shop, at the Brianna Janae Glam Studio, in Center Point [1861 Center Point Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35215], on Sunday, February 11 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The House of Avid Showroom is in Atlanta, but the celebrity designer ensures her hometown girls get the opportunity to wear haute-couture, one-of-a-kind looks every year with her Birmingham tour stop. The pop-up shops are “a vibe,” said Hayes.

“I was born and raised in Birmingham, so I have to make sure my hometown prom queens get to wear glamourous and elegant garments and feel like they’re on their very own red carpet,” she said.

The A.H. Parker High School grad is also a Tuskegee University alumnus who utilizes skills she learned in architectural classes to design her pieces.

“It’s the architecture of fashion,” she said, “it’s wearable art. I design and create custom gowns that give my clients a unique signature look that makes them feel like a Queen. Whether it be bridal, prom, birthday dresses, galas, or red carpets, House of Avid always understands the assignment.”

House of Avid has provided garments for FOX TV show’s Black Lighting, and Star, and the OWN network’s series, Ambitions. Celebrity clients have included R&B singers K. Michelle, and Dondria, and reality TV star, Dr. Heavenly Kimes of Married to Medicine.

“I’ve worked with clients in the UK, and just recently, one of my Atlanta clients wore a House of Avid design on the red carpet at BET’s Black Soiree, and Fashion Bomb Daily posted her look,” the fashion architect said.

The local pop-up shop gives prom queens the opportunity to purchase their looks at a special rate, and have on-the-spot custom design consultations. (House of Avid Photo)

The pop-up shop gives prom queens the opportunity to purchase their looks at a special rate, and have on-the-spot custom design consultations. “Prom season is approaching fast, and custom garments spend 8 weeks in production,” Hayes said.

Another perk of the pop-up shop is the freebies. “I love giving back, and that’s why one lucky girl will be the recipient of a free prom dress. It’s not only about the dress, you have to get the right accessories, the perfect shoes, and of course, you have to glam. That’s why I’m providing complimentary hair and makeup for all the girls who buy dresses at the pop-up shop. They’ll get their makeup slayed by Janae for their prom, and they’ll get to choose between three bundles, or wig for their hair install,” said Hayes.

To RSVP for the event, follow the link: Prom Queen Pop-Up EventBrite.

House of Avid is a luxury special occasions design house. Established in 2016, House of Avid has three base collections: PROM | BRIDAL | BIRTHDAY. Visit HouseofAvid.com for the latest updates and collection drops. Follow on Instagram @HouseofAvid | @JessicaHayesDesigns. For bookings and info, email contactsupport@thehouseofavid.com.

House of Avid is a luxury special occasions design house. (House of Avid Photo)

“It is not my desire to be here, but we are. We didn’t get here in haste. I didn’t run down a hill to sue the county [nor am I] having some hissy fit. We are here, honestly, because the county is not obeying what the state law says.”

Birmingham Times

February 8, 2024

BIRMINGHAM MAYOR, RANDALL WOODFIN AFTER SUING JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF MARK PETTWAY FOR NOT ACCEPTING CITY INMATES; WWW.BIRMINGHAMTIMES.COM, FEB. 2.

How Birmingham-Area Women Celebrate Their Love Through Galentine’s Day

Birmingham Times

February 8, 2024

LocalWomen 1 — From left: LeAnn Barfield, friend; Jaketta Harris and Sheena Moore, Galentine's Day co-planners; Alaina Ullman, friend. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

By Keisa Sharpe-Jefferson | The Birmingham Times

While many will observe Valentine’s Day on February 14, one Birmingham salon owner plans to bring together nearly two dozen female friends and clients to remind them of how special they are, regardless of their relationship status, for Galentine’s Day—a celebration of love that women share among all the women in their lives.

Natural hair stylist Sheena Moore, 45, owner of The Loc Oasis, will host the event on Saturday, February 10, at her newly opened salon in Adamsville, Alabama.

The goal for Moore’s first Galentine’s Day Party “is to remind women to always remember to treat themselves well,” she said. “Never expect anyone to love on you more than you love on yourself.”

Galentine’s Day is gaining popularity. The “unofficial holiday” is typically recognized on February 13, though events can be hosted anytime between February 1 and 14, with traditional Valentine’s Day on February 14.

The origins of this girls-only celebration are attributed to actress Amy Poehler, whose character on the television series “Parks and Recreation” coined the term in a 2010 episode.

While romantic couples celebrate Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day stands complementary to the traditional day of love. No harm meant guys, but this celebration is created for women by women—exclusively.

Jaketta Harris, an esthetician in Moore’s shop, is also helping to plan the February 10 event, which is all about genuine connections, she said: “Galentine’s Day is about expressing love for self, and it also sets the tone for a firm foundation on sisterhood.”

Moore sees Galentine’s Day as an opportunity for women to love on themselves first.

“So many times, moms and wives completely put all their energy into everyone else,” she said. “We want to remind them to save some of that energy for themselves.”

In other words, Moore wants to encourage women to be a little more selfish in celebrating and honoring who they are.

New Beginnings

For Harris and Moore, both of whom have been married to their spouses for well over a decade, the attention has turned from self to how they can help other women in this season. And for both, this Galentine’s Day event represents the dawning of a new chapter.

Moore, a career hairstylist, “just recently moved into the new shop and held ribbon-cutting ceremonies January 11,” she said.

Formerly, she ran her business out of a rented suite, but now she owns her own building.

Harris, who rents a suite in Moore’s shop, said she is also “at the beginning of her success story.”

Harris, who recently left a 25-year career in the medical field in January, worked “as a medication technician distributing medicine to patients in a nursing home.” Now a solo esthetician, Harris is excited about celebrating Galentine’s Day at the salon and feels like the event represents somewhat of a “coming out” party for her, she said.

Moore and Harris expect 20 to 25 women to attend their first Galentine’s Day event.

Jaketta Harris, left, and Sheena Moore, are the Galentine’s Day co-planners at The Loc Oasis. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

No Limits on How to Celebrate

Galentine’s Day is an opportunity for women to show their female friends, moms, grandmoms, sisters, aunts, cousins—single, married, or otherwise—just how much they mean. And there are no limits on how to celebrate. Some mark the occasion with brunch, lunch, or dinner; some host sleepovers or get together for a day of pampering.

For Moore and Harris, there is no theme to their celebration, but there will be an atmosphere of fun, food, and festivities, with adult games, dancing, and shopping sprinkled throughout the evening. The duo said they were both thinking about ideas for bringing women together, and Galentine’s Day was the natural hook. The idea evolved for them to host the event at The Loc Oasis very naturally, plus, Harris had “attended a similar event one year before,” she said.

“A friend of mine did a Galentine’s Day event last year, and the setup was so nice,” Harris said. “It was just the girls and us serving each other. There are different types of intimacy that feed our soul, and that sisterhood was so special for all of us.”

LeAnn Barfield, Jaketta Harris and Sheena Moore share a laugh inside Moore’s newly opened salon. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

Good Fellowship

That friend is Leann Barfield. Barfield plans to return the favor by attending attend Harris’ February 10 event at the Adamsville salon.

“I actually hosted the Galentine’s Day event on Valentine’s Day at my home for five of my friends, [including Harris], last year, in 2023, because my husband was deployed,” said Barfield. “We took pictures, ate dinner, and had some good fellowship among each other.”

A client and friend of Harris, Barfield, 38, who got married on Sept. 1, 2022, lives in Warrior, Alabama, with her husband and 12-year-old son. A former cosmetologist, Barfield is now a stay-at-home mom.

Barfield was one of the inspirations behind this year’s Galentine’s Day event at The Loc Oasis. Even more special for Barfield is the fact that not only will she be celebrating Galentine’s Day with her friend but she also will be celebrating her first Valentine’s Day with her husband, Ronnie, a master sergeant in the U.S. Army that just celebrated 31 years in the armed forces.

“He was deployed to Kuwait 20 days after we married in 2022, and he returned home in July 2023. So, 2024 will be special for us celebrating our first Valentine’s Day,” said Barfield.

For Moore, this year’s Galentine’s Day event is part of a much larger vision: “God encouraged me to reopen my salon this year so that I can offer events for the community and have a space for women to come, relax, and chill,” she said.

Tickets for The Lock Oasis Galentine’s Day Party can be purchased in advance at https://booksheena.as.me/Galentines or at the door on the day of the event. To book natural hair services with Sheena Moore, visit https://booksheena.as.me/schedule.php. To book esthetician services with Jaketta Harris, visit www.estheticelements.skin.

Natural Hair Stylist Sheena Moore Offers Dating Advice to Friends and Clients

Birmingham Times

February 8, 2024

SheenaMoore 1 — Galentine's Day co-planner Sheena Moore. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

By Keisa Sharpe-Jefferson | The Birmingham Times

Natural hair stylist Sheena Moore, 45, an Ensley High School graduate, has been married to her husband, Carlos, for 14 years. They have two sons, ages 17 and 6, and reside in Adamsville, Alabama.

Moore also is the owner of The Loc Oasis and will host her first Galentine’s Day Party on Saturday, February 10, at her newly opened Adamsville salon—where dating and relationships are a hot topic among the clients she serves and the friends she loves.

While sitting in her chair, many women share their dating and relationship challenges, Moore said.

“My advice for women [who want a relationship] in 2024 is don’t sell yourself short,” she said. “Get to know yourself and know that happiness starts with self. Once you have mastered making yourself happy, you now know what someone else can do to enhance that.”

For those who are currently dating, Moore draws on her own relationship experience.

“Remember that [dating] is about learning that person beyond the physical,” she said. “Do things together that stimulate conversation, things that merge your hobbies and interests. This is the time to truly make sure you have multiple things in common.”

Dating is also often a topic of discussion among the friends and clients of Jaketta Harris, 40, an esthetician in Moore’s shop and a life coach. She is helping to plan this year’s Galentine’s Day Party at The Loc Oasis.

The dating scene is “interesting, to say the least,” said Harris, who is from Colony, Alabama, has been married for 20 years, and has a 23-year-old son who lives in Gardendale, Alabama.

“Even watching the debates on social media, like which restaurants to take someone to, [referring to a viral post in which women shared first date restaurant etiquette], or what is the standard of what you’ll accept, is very difficult,” said Harris.

She added, “I think the forefront of dating has become a show and not a connection. I’m really concerned people aren’t looking for genuine connections anymore.”

Still, Harris offers advice to those who are dating and shares what she believes the conversation should include for prospective life partners.

“Ask yourself questions like, ‘Do I like him? Is he a protector? Is he a provider? Can he teach me? Can I teach him something?’”

For Harris, this isn’t just a passion, this is personal.

“I started out with a child at 15, so my needs were different,” she said. “My thought process was, ‘You’ll have an automatic family, and you’ll have to pay bills. So, how are we supporting each other?’”

Those were tough issues she had to deal with because she’d had a child when she was so young, she said. That forced mature relationship conversations, that, in turn, produced genuine connections.

“I know some really great women, and I know some really dope men, but they are all just cautious about connecting with one another. We’ve lost the genuine connections to people and the genuine desire to get to know people,” said Harris.

‘The Color Purple’ Brings Jazz, Gospel, Blues to Red Mountain Theatre

Birmingham Times

February 8, 2024

CoPur-HarpoJuke Joint — The Color Purple, which opens Friday, February 9 and runs through Sunday, March 3 at Birmingham’s Red Mountain Theatre, will be highlighted with singing performances featuring notes of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues. (Red Mountain Theatre/Mary Fehr)

By Keisa Sharpe-Jefferson | The Birmingham Times

Directing The Tony award-winning stage play “The Color Purple” is an honor for the multi-talented Monet who joins an elite company of few Black women who’ve had the opportunity to direct a musical of this magnitude.

The musical, which opens Friday, February 9 and runs through Sunday, March 3 at Birmingham’s Red Mountain Theatre, will be highlighted with singing performances featuring notes of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues.

Monet told The Birmingham Times she does not take lightly the opportunity to direct this critically acclaimed play.

“Directing this production means a lot to me,” said Monet, a graduate of A.R.T/Harvard. “Not only is it so wonderful to be directing ‘The Color Purple’ in the South so close to the geographical areas that it is set in and references, but also to be able to do the show for a community that really understands these (characters) in a more intimate way. These characters are based on people that would resemble their grandmothers, their great grandmothers …”

The play is based on Alice-Walker’s Pulitzer-Prize winning book of the same name, which follows the life of lead character Celie – who rises from a dramatic childhood of abuse, oppression and trauma to become a strong and vibrant woman and community figure, complete with supporting female characters including Sofia, Squeak and Shug Avery.

‘The Color Purple’ debuted to box office, big movie screen success in 1985 under the direction of famed movie producer and screenwriter Steven Spielberg (known for such movie blockbusters such as ‘E.T.,’ ‘Jaws,’ ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,’ ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘Back to the Future’).

The movie starred iconic entertainment figures Whoopi Goldberg as Celie; Oprah Winfrey as Sofia; Margaret Avery as Shug Avery; Rae Dawn Chong as Squeak; Lawrence Fishburne as Swain; and Danny Glover as Mister.

The musical opened on Broadway at the Broadway Theatre on Dec. 1, 2005 and the latest iteration theaters in 2023 starred “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino as Celie and the film isn’t a strict re-creation of the stage show, which was almost entirely sung-through.

Monet is not only working as director and choreographer for The Color Purple but she is also an actor and consultant who’s worked with distinguished playwrights, directors and organizations.

Her work spans theatre, film, commercials, music videos and live events and she’s served as a consultant for the likes of Black Thought (The Roots), John Leguizamo and she’s associate director of the highly anticipated Alicia Keys musical, Hell’s Kitchen that will be headed to Broadway spring of this year.

The diversity of work is common for those who lean toward a professional career in the arts, she said.

The Color Purple is directed by Monet, left, and features local actors Myiesha Duff and Naomi Brown. (PROVIDED)

Monet said her greatest work right now is telling this story “through the lens of this community and this cast” and “watching the actors grow and explore these characters along the way and getting to watch them all come to life on stage.”

One of those actors is Birmingham-native Myiesha Duff, who cast as Celie in the musical.

“Having a director who identifies as Black and has lived, breathed, and been a part of our culture brings a relatability and understanding that is a breath of fresh air,” said Duff, who considers Red Mountain Theatre home.

This is Duff’s third time playing this role at RMT (she also performed it in 2012 and 2019).

“I am honored to bring Celie to life again on the stage,” said Duff. “Working with this group – from my castmates, directorial team, production team – has been a joy.”

Duff, a graduate of E.B. Erwin High School’s class of 2004, describes Celie as “a simple and complex character and I get to play the many nuances that make her a beloved character.”

To prepare for this role, she “reread the book (‘The Color Purple’) and increased my gym and exercise time in efforts to increase my stamina because Celie spends the majority of the play on stage,” Duff said.

She admits that there are times, due to the emotional nature of the role, that she has had to “pull away and regroup.”

Aside from her stage performance, Duff enjoys family time with her husband of 14 years and their three children, ages 9, 6, and 4.

And in addition to being a full-time wife, mom and actress, she’s also a children’s book author, educator and administrator.

Getting Into The Swing

Local entertainer Naomi Brown was on a cruise with her husband Ron and their children when she got the call.

“They told me that I’d missed the email, so they called me and told me I had the role as a swing actor for The Color Purple,” she said.

A month later in December, she was invited to be cast as a swing actress in the upcoming stage production.

While Brown is one of the background singers in the production she is also a swing actor which carries an “incredible responsibility” in a production, she said. Swing actors study multiple roles and must be ready to step in if one of the principal actors is unable to perform.

“This is my first experience doing the swing position (in The Color Purple),” she said. “I’m covering all ensemble (on-stage performers other than the main actors) and all the (lead) singing church ladies,” she said. “That’s a total of eight women.”

Brown said there’s slightly less pressure in being part of the ensemble, but there is more heavy lifting with the lead singing roles (church ladies) she is covering as well.

“With the church ladies I have to be on point because that (role) is specific – the notes they’re hitting and the reason they’re hitting it at a certain time, because they’re telling a story and you have to be accurate,” said Brown.

And that’s not all.

“I’m breaking down staging, where they’re standing, when they’re coming in, when they’re going out, who’s standing where, why are they getting up on this part, what are the cues. There are a lot of intricate pieces to being a swing actor,” said Brown.

And even though the main roles – Celie, Shug, Sofia and Squeak – have understudies (those who will fill in if the lead actress is out), Brown says she still has to learn their roles as well to fill in for the understudy, should they need backup.

“If anyone is injured or if anything happens where they can’t be in the play, I would have to step into that role,” said Brown. “There are a lot of intricacies to being a swing.”

She is the only female swing actress. There is one other male swing actor for The Color Purple at RMT.

Brown says it is “definitely challenging” learning all the roles, but also the fact that the director of the play makes “consistent adjustments going on with different people (during rehearsal).”

Showtimes

Performances for The Color Purple will begin Friday, February 9, with the last performance on Sunday, March 3. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday and will also feature Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Community Conversations will be held following each Thursday performance where members of the cast and crew will be available to talk about the show and what it means to host the musical in this community.

For more information on the stage play and actors, or to purchase tickets, visit https://redmountaintheatre.org/color-purple-2024.

Celebrating Garrett Morgan, ‘The Black Edison,’ for Black History Month

Birmingham Times

February 7, 2024

By Samuetta Hill Drew | The Birmingham Times

February is Black History Month. Therefore, all the safety articles will spotlight African American inventors and their inventions. Many do not realize that African Americans have always been pioneers when it came to finding solutions to address societal problems. They were visionaries from the beginning of world civilization to their Middle Passage, to their first steps on the land known as America to the present day. Their inventions in rail and traffic safety, chemical and electrical safety, aerospace safety, communication and health greatly improved how we work and live today.

We will focus this week’s article on man who has gained a great deal of attention in recent years – Garrett Morgan. Many students have learned that Morgan patented the directional traffic signal, later changed to three colors, which now directs traffic on most roads and highways around the world. He also invented a safety protective hood that was used by the allied forces in World War I. It served as the prototype for the modern respirator.
We know about his safety inventions, but let’s find out more about the man who was an American entrepreneur, inventor and activist. He was born on March 4, 1877, in Paris, Kentucky to Eliza and Sydney Morgan. His parents had been slaves, but they were freed before his birth. He dropped out of school after the sixth grade, and at age 14 he left his family’s farm and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. He got a job as a handyman and hired a tutor to continue his education.

In 1895 he moved to Cleveland, where he began repairing sewing machines. In 1907 Morgan opened his own sewing equipment and repair shop. After his brief marriage to Madge Nelson, he married a second time to a white woman, Mary Hasek, from Bavaria. The couple started a clothing business that grew to employ more than 30 people.

Morgan’s first notable invention addressed a common problem then with sewing machines. The needles moved up and down so quickly that they often became hot and scorched some fabrics. After experimenting with different liquids, he developed a chemical solution to reduce friction. He later discovered the solution was safe to use for straightening hair and patented the formula. In 1913, Morgan founded the G.A. Morgan Hair Refining Company to sell the product. The business became very profitable, allowing him time to explore other inventions.

In the early 1910s Morgan shifted his attention to a breathing device that would prevent smoke inhalation. His interest was piqued after a devastating factory fire that killed 146 workers. In 1914 Morgan patented his creation – a hood that went over the head and had a tube attached to it. While the device proved effective, racism negatively impacted its sale, so Morgan hired some white actors to sell the hoods for him.

His traffic light invention was inspired unfortunately by another tragic incident. In the early 1920s, Morgan observed a collision between an automobile and a horse-drawn carriage carrying a young child. This type of accident was very common. Looking to solve another societal problem, Morgan invented a traffic light featuring movable arms that directed the traffic to stop, go, or stop in all directions. His invention was not the first, but it controlled traffic better than the others. He patented his traffic light in 1923 and eventually sold the rights to the device to the General Electric Corporation for $40,000. He earned the nickname “the Black Edison.”

He was a longtime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and started a weekly newspaper that addressed the social issues that faced African Americans.

Morgan was just one African American inventor whose intellect, vision, tenacity and inventions helped save lives then and became the prototype for inventions which continue to save lives today. His efforts really help us to Keep an Eye on Safety for decades to come.

PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS

Birmingham Times

February 7, 2024

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH! READ A GOOD BOOK!

TODAY…

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

**TINY MAKERS SERIES 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

**THE JOE LOCKETT SHOW Live Podcast with NEPHEW CLIFF and MS. DENISE, Monday-Friday at 4 p.m.

**OPERA SHOTS, 6 p.m. at Cahaba Brewing Company, an annual series casual pop-up concerts throughout the community, held in unexpected places and designed to break down the stereotypes of opera. It features members of the Opera Birmingham Chorus and surprise guest artists.

**FILM – 7 p.m. at the Sidewalk Film.

**WOODY & SUNSHINE at the Nick.

**PREMIERE: DEFENDING FREEDOM: THE ARTHUR D. SHORES STORY, 7 p.m. at The Carver Theatre.

**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.

**MOVIES EVERY THURSDAY at Sidewalk Fest.

**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…

**EVERY FRIDAY DURING LUNCH – FRIDAY COUPON CHEAT DAY WITH HOT 107 at 1918 Catering. (Use the coupon ANY DAY.)

**THE JOE LOCKETT SHOW Live Podcast with NEPHEW CLIFF and MS. DENISE, Monday-Friday at 4 p.m.

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

**ALIENATED TOUR: GREY MATTER, DIRECT MUSIC, SWEETZ, COLT MONTGOMERY, ROB DEE, KAPABLE, and DIXIE TRIX at The Nick.

**LOVE SESSIONS WITH SHARRON COLLINS at Perfect Note.

**PHOENIX BALL at Iron City.

**EVERY FRIDAY – R&B FRIDAY, 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.

**FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY at City Hall, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the short 20th Street North.

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

**QUE’S BAR & GRILL GROOVIN’ on 19th Street in Ensley.

**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, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m., 2824 5th Avenue South at Automatic Seafood,.

**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.

**TRIBUTE TO MARVIN GAYE featuring CHAE STEPHEN at Perfect Note.

**DRAG NIGHT at The Nick.

**GRACE POTTER at Iron City

SUNDAY…

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

**SUPERBOWL SUNDAY, 1 p.m. until, at 1918 Catering, 197 Vulcan Road.

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

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

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

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

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

**AT SIDEWALK Film Fest…2024 GRAMMY AWARDS WATCH PARTY, 7- 10 p.m. FREE.

**EVERY 4th SUNDAY – TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH at The Nick.

**SUNDAY FREE TUNES with KYLE KIMBRELL at The Nick.

**SOULFUL SUNDAY with SAXOPHONIST DELON CHARLEY at Perfect Note.

MONDAY…

**THE JOE LOCKETT SHOW Live Podcast with NEPHEW CLIFF and MS. DENISE, Monday-Friday at 4 p.m.

**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.

**THE JOE LOCKETT SHOW Live Podcast with NEPHEW CLIFF and MS. DENISE, Monday-Friday at 4 p.m.

**FAT TUESDAY, 5-8 p.m. at 1918 Catering, 197 Vulcan Park Road.

**BIRMINGHAM MARDI GRAS, 6 – 10 p.m. at the Boutwell Auditorium.

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

**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.

**TITO’S TUESDAY at Dirty Ash’s 8 p.m. with DAVID TALLEY IV.

**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.

**EVERY TUESDAY – TRUE STORY BREWING JAZZ SESSIONS, 7- 10 p.m., 5510 Crestwood Blvd.

**TASTY TUESDAYS at Platinum of Birmingham.

**PORTUGAL THE MAN at Iron City.

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

WEDNESDAY…

**INTERFAITH NOONDAY PRAYER SERVICES every Wednesday, Noon 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.

**GALENTINE’S GIRLS NIGHT, 4-6 p.m. with Special Guest JOE LOCKETT at 1918 Catering, 197 Vulcan Road, Homewood, 35209. Call 205-518-5711 for more.

**THE JOE LOCKETT SHOW Live Podcast with NEPHEW CLIFF and MS. DENISE, Monday-Friday at 4 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

**A-MENAGE-A TROIS NIGHT OF MUSIC-CHEYLOE’S SLEEPLESS KNIGHTS, MEGAN LEA and THE DIRTY MIRRORS LOVE RAT at the Nick.

**VALENTINE’S DAY WITH CAMERON SANKEY-LOVE FACTOR 2 at Perfect Note.

NEXT THURSDAY…

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

**TINY MAKERS SERIES 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

**THE JOE LOCKETT SHOW Live Podcast with NEPHEW CLIFF and MS. DENISE, Monday-Friday at 4 p.m.

**FILM – 7 p.m. at the Sidewalk Film.

**BOOF, OVER SEASONS & POWERSINK at the Nick.

**MARC RABY’S STAGE PLAY “I’M IN LOVE WITH A COUGAR” at Perfect Note.

NEXT FRIDAY…

**EVERY FRIDAY DURING LUNCH – FRIDAY COUPON CHEAT DAY WITH HOT 107 at 1918 Catering. (Use the coupon ANY DAY.)

**THE JOE LOCKETT SHOW Live Podcast with NEPHEW CLIFF and MS. DENISE, Monday-Friday at 4 p.m.

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

**BURLESQUE NIGHT AT THE NICK HOSTED BY BELLA DONNA at The Nick.

**50 AND FABULOUS with R&B DIVA DEIRDRE GADDIS at Perfect Note.

NEWS TO USE…

IT’S 2024! NEWS TO USE…CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH…

GWEN’S SPOTLIGHT – FOR BOOK LOVERS…

**BOOKS: RITA COLLINS is author of several children’s books: T MATTIE’S MANNERS, illustrated by BREN RIDDLE, and books in the Eensy Weensy Series that includes: THE EENSY WEENSY CATERPILLAR, THE EENSY WEENSY LIZARD, THE EENSY WEENSY PENGUIN, THE EENSY WEENSY ACORN, AND THE EENSY WEENSY KITTEN illustrated by MICHAEL ALLEN. The books can be read to young children or actually read by the youth themselves. They are ‘must have’ in your library for young readers. Rita is a retired Reading Recovery Teacher and ballet teacher focused on literacy and early childhood.

FOR ART LOVERS…

**FEBRUARY 11 THROUGH MAY 10 – ROOTS & RENAISSANCE, an African American Journey Through Art, at C.A. Kirkendoll Learning Resource Center, 5500 Myron Massey Blvd., Fairfield, Miles College. The Roots And Renaissance Art Exhibition at Miles College LRC is open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 5p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday 2 – p.m. www.fairfieldblackartcollective.com.

AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS…

**FEBRUARY 22 -CELEBRATING ANNE SPENCER HOUSE AND GARDEN, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The BBG is honoring the rich legacy of African-American Heritage during Black History Month and will welcome Shuan Spencer-Hester, the executive director of the Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum in Lynchburg, Va. as the guest for the evening.

IN FEBRUARY… LET’S CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY, CULTURE & EXCELLENCE…

**FEBRUARY 17 – NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY!

**FEBRUARY 17 – A CALL FOR VENDORS at A Day of Black Excellence, 1-4 p.m. For more, text 205-645-8308.

**FEBRUARY 17 – CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH, 1-4 p.m. at the Crescent Cultural Community Center for a day of family, fun and education with drum performance by SAHI ONKP DJONY, music, food and Vendors. Speakers are CLARENCE MUHAMMAD, KUNDAIYI BAJIJIKI and KOBINA BANTUSHANGO. 1121 Tuscaloosa Avenue, Birmingham, Ala.

**FEBRUARY 17 – ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER at The BJCC, 7 p.m..

**FEBRUARY 20 – 25 – BLACK LENS FILM WEEK at Sidewalk Film.

**FEBRUARY 21 – FEBRUARY BOOK + FILM CLUB, 6 p.m. at Sidewalk Film.

**FEBRUARY 24 – BIG MACHINES DAY 2024 at the McWane Science Center.

**FEBRUARY 24 – KATT WILLIAMS, 8 p.m. at The BJCC.

**FEBRUARY 29 – BIRMINGHAM BLACK ECONOMIC ALLIANCE – Bi-Monthly Business Mixer, 6-8 p.m. at Sienna, 1025 20th Street South. Guest Speakers are EVAN JEFFERSON, Virtual Dispensary Owner and NIECKO GLOVER, Community Organizer/Advocate.

AROUND TOWN…

**FEBRUARY – YOGA IS FOR EVERYBODY, Every 1st and 3rd THURSDAYS at Crescent Culture Community Center, 1121 Tuscaloosa Avenue, S.W. with OPTION 1 – 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Flexible) and OPTION 2 – 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. (Work Tension Relief and Relaxation). These self care yoga classes are with YAMALA MA’ATMAN, Trauma Informed Yoga for all ages and genders. Suggested Donation is $5. Light snacks available.

INTERESTED IN POLITICS, CANDIDATES AND ELECTIONS…

**FEBRUARY 29 – PARTY WITH THE CANDIDATES, 5-8 p.m. at The Dannon Project, hosted by Jeh Jeh Pruitt. Vendors and food trucks wanted. For registration, call 205-873-4572. Tell them Gwen sent you.

FOR COMMUNITY LOVERS…

**CHIEF DONALD LEWIS JONES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $500 SCHOLARSHIP FOR ONE BIRMINGHAM AREA GRADUATING SENIOR, Deadline is March 1. For more: www.magiccitypoetryfestival.org.

**MONTHLY POP-UP – BE KIND BIRMINGHAM (with you name it), EVERY First Wednesday, 10 a.m. at Titusville Library; Second Wednesday 10 a.m. at West End Library; Third Wednesday, 10 a.m. at Smithfield Library; Fourth Wednesday, 10 a.m. OR 3 p.m. at Five Points Library, and Fourth Wednesday, 4 p.m. at Harrison Park Rec Center.

…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).

TIPS TO USE…

**TIPS BY TUTOR NATION – Tutor Nation is sharing tips that can be used during holiday breaks, school days, as needed or whenever. They help students and families with college and career readiness through tutoring and ACT Prep. Here is ANOTHER TIP – BREAK DOWN TASKS – Divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable parts. This makes it easier to stay focused and track progress. (Look for more tips, right here, each week for advice or assistance from Tutor Nation. If you are a parent and your kids need tutoring or if you need more information, contact Tutor Nation at: tutor-nation.com/Home/.)

**THROUGH APRIL 2024 – YWCA GIRLS MENTORING, in partnership with Girls, Inc. of Central Alabama will provide girls mentoring to equip participants with practical tools for positive personal development. Accepting young ladies in grades 8th- 12th. These in-person sessions will be held on the 2nd Saturday each month from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Registration is required. For more, call 205-594-4475.

AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS…

**CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMP is May 28-July 26 for ages 4-12. There will be fun themes including Nature’s Kitchen, Art in the Gardens, Water Wonders and more. The half-day camps are designed to promote creativity and the joy of discovery through fun learning experiences. Each camp includes daily explorations of the Gardens, STEM and literacy activities and learning in the garden lab.

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.

Mayor Woodfin’s ‘Uncomfortable’ State of the City Address to The Kiwanis Club of Birmingham

Birmingham Times

February 7, 2024

Woodfin 1 — Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin on Tuesday delivered his State of the City address to The Kiwanis Club of Birmingham and took direct aim at the city’s economic direction. (BARNETT WRIGHT, THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES)

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

Saying the City needs to be “comfortable with being uncomfortable” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin on Tuesday delivered his State of the City address to The Kiwanis Club of Birmingham and took direct aim at the city’s economic direction.

In his 35-minute speech in the downtown Harbert Center filled with business leaders, elected officials and heads of agencies, the mayor made clear he believed some economic developments efforts in the city were lacking because of what he called “fragmentation.”

“I have believed that economic development functions have not been effective for the city, the county, or the region. Among other things, there are too many organizations working in silos—some doing good work—but the fragmentation is both unproductive and expensive,” he said.

To drive home his point, the mayor repeated: “The fragmentation is both unproductive and expensive. I have made it clear that things need to change for everyone’s benefit, and I am committed to playing a leadership role in that.”

The mayor didn’t stop there. “Some of you have heard me say, or heard that I’ve said, ‘we need to blow up the structures we have,’” he said. “But we also have to be smart about it. And where there are opportunities to build on what we already have it makes sense to do that. So that’s what we are in the process of exploring.”

After the speech, the mayor declined to elaborate on what he meant by “blowing up” the structures in place but he has expressed frustration at the number of jobs being created especially with the myriad of economic development organizations in place.

Woodfin did say “serious and frank conversations” were underway over the last several months about what needs to happen “in order for our community to build a vibrant economy that serves all our region’s citizens well and also addresses concerns I have for our city.” “There has been a lot of progress and I now believe that there are opportunities to make significant progress and there can be a clear path forward if we work together, gather other leaders, and respect the interests and needs of all,” he said.

“Make no mistake – let me be very clear when I say this – Birmingham is the economic center of the state of Alabama,” he said. “Let us do what’s necessary, and be comfortable being uncomfortable as we continue to secure our role as the key player in this region.”

The rest of the mayor’s speech focused on many of his accomplishments he shared in December when he unveiled his “The Blueprint: The Woodfin Way” which can be found here.

Birmingham’s Luke Crowder Found Out He Won a Grammy While Inside Gas Station

Birmingham Times

February 7, 2024

By Je’Don Holloway-Talley | For The Birmingham Times

Birmingham’s Luke Crowder was in a Homewood gas station with his longtime girlfriend, Arnisha Jordan, on Sunday when he found out he won a Grammy Award for production on mega rapper Killer Mike’s album, ‘Micheal’ in the category of Best Rap Album.

“We were just leaving my studio in Homewood [a small city just outside of Birmingham] and about to head home when one of my friends hit me up and said, ‘congratulations’… we started checking online, and Google said that Killer Mike had won for Best Rap album,” Crowder said. “I called my family and friends, and [numerous] close producer friends and told them this was not a win just for me, but for all of us.”

If you think a huge celebration ensued, think again. Crowder said he kept it “low-key”, bought a bottle of champagne, ordered a take-out meal turned celebratory feast and went home.

“We (Crowder, Jordan and his 8-year-old bonus daughter) went to Creole Connection next to Legion Field and ordered oxtails and grits, lamb chops and dirty rice, and cat fish sliders. We kept it low key, but indulged guilty pleasure foods,” he said. “I had a conversation with my mom [Robbie] she was pleased about it. She told me to continue to ‘keep God first and my ego in check…’”

Crowder, 35, longed to share the moment with his father, Kenneth Crowder Sr., who he lost to a fatal car wreck Thanksgiving weekend in 2018. Instead of being able to share the phone call he’d made to his mother with his father by her side, Crowder spent a moment in solitude with his late father.

“I said, ‘Hey, Dad, I finally won one. …I’ve [received] one of the most prestigious music awards there is, and I attribute that you pulling strings in heaven for me …’,” Crowder said.

The Roebuck native reflected on his journey and recalled past conversations with his dad about why it was taking the son so long to succeed…

“I started questioning what I was doing wrong, why is this not working for me? …and I remembered the verse in Habakkuk [2:2-3], it said, ‘Write the vision, and make it plain’ and I wrote my plan.… and it was so good I said, ‘I’m gonna show this to my father. I showed him and he said, ‘This is good, son, let’s talk more about it when I get back’ and he never made it back.” Crowder recalled.

Also injured in the car wreck were Crowder’s younger brother, Gabriel, and his mother, Robbie who survived the collision. Losing Kenneth Sr., “energized my efforts,” said Crowder, who was 30 at the time of his father’s death. “It was a hard time, but it let me know I needed to go harder on my goals.”

One of those goals was realized Sunday.

‘That’d Be a Good Wife For You … There’s Something About Her’

Birmingham Times

February 7, 2024

Fishers 1 — Lameka and Derrick Fisher met in high school in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and married in 2003. (PROVIDED)

BY KEISA SHARPE-JEFFERSON | The Birmingham Times

LAMEKA AND DERRICK FISHER

Live: Margaret, AL

Married: Aug. 23, 2003

Met: Lameka and Derrick “first met in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in high school at an event known as Junior Leadership, sponsored by the Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce in 1995,” said Lameka. Both were sophomores in high school. Derrick attended Vicksburg High School and Lameka attended Warren Central High School. Derrick knew he had to make his move when he first saw her. “She was real quiet and shy and I said to myself, ‘That girl is kinda cute. I’m going to go and talk a little noise to her.’”

Her reaction was less than promising initially, remembered Derrick. “She was ignoring me. That’s how the first time went,” he said laughing. Lameka, admittedly a woman of few words, said her first impression of Derrick was very pleasant, even though she didn’t say much to him. “I thought to myself, ‘He’s friendly and doesn’t meet any strangers,” she said. But not one to be deterred, Derrick’s persistence eventually paid off and their paths crossed again while in high school. While they’ve known each other for well over 30 years it feels as though they were connected even longer.

“I actually looked back at one of my scrapbooks and we were in a piano recital together in 3rd grade, but we didn’t know each other,” said Lameka. “We had the same piano teacher.

First date: A few months after their first chance meeting at Junior Leadership they went on a first date which, according to Lameka, was a meal at Red Lobster in Vicksburg and then they went to a movie afterward. Both enjoyed their meal and time together, but Derrick ended up with chicken pox the day after their first date.

After that they were together pretty much from then on.

But while dating, both prioritized their education and went on to graduate from their respective high schools and enrolled in college. Lameka graduated in 1997 and went on to attend Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, and then “transferred to Ole Miss (graduated in 2001 with a psychology degree and went to Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, Texas (on the outskirts of Houston. Derrick graduated high school in 1997 and went on to attend Jackson State University (JSU) in Jackson, Mississippi.

The turn: “I loved her compassion,” said Derrick. But that was not the only sign that led him to propose. “My father, when I was 16, he met Lameka …. and before he died, he said, ‘I like that girl.’”

Time nor distance could stop their blooming relationship. While Lameka continued her education in another state, Derrick was finishing up his college education in Jackson, MS. “I think when I went off to chiropractic school (in Texas), after dating a few years, is when we realized the next step would be marriage,” said Lameka.

Derrick said his father helped him seal the deal. “My dad said she (Lameka) was sweet a girl. He was dying of cancer then and he said, ‘That’d be a good wife for you … There’s something about her. That really kind of help me escalate that (proposal).”

The proposal: 2001. While attending Jackson State, Derrick drove to Houston while Lameka was in chiropractor school. He was in his senior year in college.

Lameka said she knew the proposal was coming. She just didn’t know how and when. But an evening dinner at Harrah’s Casino Gulf Coast, in Biloxi, would change her life.

“I was expecting it, but I thought it was going to be for Christmas,” she said. Derrick went down on one knee and asked for Lameka’s hand in marriage on Dec. 23, 2001.

They were joined by a few of their friends. “I was wondering why so many people kept staring at us (at Harrah’s),” Lameka added laughing.

And Derrick’s plan didn’t end there; part two of the celebration continued as he “had an engagement party after the dinner at his house.”

Their engagement lasted over a year and a half while both completed their studies “because I had to finish,” said Derrick, who was under the watchful eye of his mother as he completed school at Jackson State. And as student in chiropractor school, Lameka had to remain focused because “I had lots of classes,” she said.

Derrick graduated in 2002 in mass communications and went back to work in Vicksburg.

The wedding: 2003. The couple had a large wedding at Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church in their hometown of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

They had eight bridesmaids, a maid and matron of honor and eight groomsmen and two best men. Their colors were purple, yellow and silver. The reception was at the city auditorium.

“My dad walked me down the aisle,” said Lameka. “Most memorable for me at the wedding was actually seeing my husband cry as I walked down the aisle,” she said.

Derrick recalls not only being captivated by his beautiful bride, but cherished “my vows as the most memorable part of our wedding.”

“We got married … and I moved to Houston (while Lameka finished up chiropractor school),” said Derrick.

Then, they moved to Birmingham in April 2006 as Lameka received a job offer. The Magic City has been home ever since – for 17 years and counting.

Words of wisdom: Marriage is most successful when “working together and being compassionate – being able to support each other in ups and downs,” Derrick said.

He added, “when you find that person that really has your corner when you’re down or when you’re up or you’re at your lowest, that’s what it’s really about … It’s cool when everybody’s up or when we got money, we do what we wanna do. But what’s really going to happen when money’s not flowing? Are you going to be there with that love and support each other through the good and the bad,” said Derrick.

For anyone going through a rough patch in their marriage, Derrick said “… don’t give up so easy. We wouldn’t still be together if we gave up easily.”

Lameka, admittedly an introvert and a woman of few words, simply added “a true relationship is two imperfect people refusing to give up on each other.”

Happily ever after: The Fishers celebrated 20 years of marriage in 2023 “through the joys and the pain and the sunshine and the rain,” said Derrick. They have a son Kameron was born in October 2013, ten years after they were married.

Both Derrick and Lameka are Vicksburg, Mississippi, natives. They currently live in Margaret, Alabama.

He graduated from “Jackson State University, in Jackson, Mississippi, ‘Thee I love,’ ” said Derrick citing the school’s famed expression and works as a banker.

Lameka completed undergraduate studies at Ole Miss, in Oxford, Mississippi, then completed studies at Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, Texas. She operates Fisher Chiropractic in the Trussville community.

“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.

https://www.gusterlawfirm.com/

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