Any SNAP benefit recipients who still have benefits left from October, you must spend them before the week is over.
All of this comes as the government shutdown stretches into nearly a month. Lawmakers are working to keep SNAP funded, but in the meantime, families in our area are worried.
A mother with a newborn baby told WBRC that her SNAP benefits are already gone, and she doesn’t know how she’ll feed her child. Another man, 63, said that without these benefits, he’s not sure where his next meal will come from.
“The babies have to eat. Something has to be done. Something’s got to give. We got to eat,” said one SNAP recipient who didn’t want to show his face or share his name.
He said he’s worried about how the government shutdown will affect his SNAP benefits after the news of November’s benefits being suspended was shared.
“It’ll impact me because I won’t have enough money to get by every month. Social Security can only go so far,” he said.
Nicole Williams, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, said thegovernment shutdown is creating a crisis for families.
“Honestly, the government shutdown is a crisis for many families. We expect to see longer lines and more people needing food. Earlier this year, the USDA cut about three million pounds of food — that’s two and a half million meals we can’t provide in 2025. We’ll probably be feeding fewer people this year,” Williams said.
Adrian Anderson, SNAP coordinator for the Community Food Bank, echoed that concern.
“A lot more people will go hungry without those supplemental benefits to help them budget for food each month,” Anderson said.
Both women say the shutdown could create a crisis for thousands of Alabama families.
Today, Senator Katie Britt announced her support for the Keep SNAP Funded Act, a plan to keep benefits flowing during the shutdown. “My team and I will stay in touch with state officials as we work toward solutions that ease the pain countless Alabamians and Americans are feeling due to Democrats’ selfishness.”
Recipients say help can’t come soon enough.
“They’re playing games in Congress, from what I understand. One side wants one thing, and the other wants something different. I’m sure they’ll compromise, but when? Who’s going to start?” another recipient said.
Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell also weighed in on the suspension, “The bottom line is that the Trump Administration does not need to cut off benefits for November. They are choosing to do so instead of releasing the billions in SNAP contingency funding that Congress made available for situations like this. They are choosing to let families go hungry.”
Portia Lawson recently celebrated with her fellow survivors and sisters during the annual Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies Sistah Strut at Legion Field. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
Portia Lawson, who lives in Birmingham’s Ensley community, recalls the phone call last year from her doctor: “He told me that he found cancer cells in my urethra,” she said.
“It was quite a shock to me because I had just gotten over a quadruple bypass heart surgery that same year,” she continued. “I was back in the gym, and here comes the cancer bomb. I did the natural crying. I just had to suck it up and knew I had to be strong. … I had to accept it. It was hard, but I did accept it.”
There were a lot of tests, appointments, and a lot she didn’t understand when she was first diagnosed with urethral cancer in September 2024, Lawson said.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Urethral cancer is a rare cancer. … [It] is a condition in which cancerous (malignant) cells form tumors in the tissues of your urethra. … Your urethra is the tube that lets urine, a waste product, leave your body.”
“Although my mom died with ovarian cancer and two of my [seven] sisters had mastectomies, I knew a little [about cancer] but not enough,” she said. “[There was] so much to deal with. … I was told the cancer was rare and very aggressive,” Lawson said.
Lawson’s doctors informed her that they wanted to do cystectomy, “which consisted of the removal of my bladder, my urethra, my uterus, and everything,” she said.
Portia Lawson was first diagnosed with urethral cancer in September 2024. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
Ray of Hope
Though she was prepared to undergo a procedure, Lawson got a ray of hope.
“God made it so that I didn’t need the surgery. They decided to give me radiation and chemotherapy,” she said.
From there Lawson went through various treatments, including a suprapubic catheter that she had to wear for four months.
“A hole was in my lower stomach, a tube was placed there then run into my bladder, [and] a bag was wrapped around my leg,” she explained. “I was really uncomfortable, but I had to endure it. I went through with what I had to go through in order to get better.”
Last month, on Sept. 5, Lawson learned she was cancer free. Four weeks later, she celebrated with her fellow survivors and sisters during the annual Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies (BBBB) Sistah Strut at Legion Field.
“I called Mrs. Brenda [Hong, founder of BBBB] and asked her if it was fine if I participate because I have bladder cancer. I wanted to see if we could celebrate [a survivor of] bladder cancer while we celebrated breast cancer survivors,” said Lawson, 73.
Hong said her organization is designed specifically to improve health conditions for anyone in the wider community.
“We don’t block any awareness that’s going to help our community,” Hong told The Birmingham Times. “We know, first of all, that a lot of us in our community don’t like to go to the doctor. Number two, some of us don’t even have insurance. So, to be inclusive is our goal. … We don’t rule out anything or anybody because we know our community needs help.”
“Trusting In God Almighty”
Lawson credits the strength and support of family— especially her husband, Darryl Lawson — for helping her to make it through, she said.
The mother of four and retired Birmingham City Schools middle school teacher and custodian recalls the wonderful support.
“[My husband] was a huge supporter. He was so patient and kind,” Lawson said. “Even the technicians in the chemotherapy and the radiation center [at Baptist Princeton Medical Center] were a huge blessing. … From my church family at Lily Grove Missionary Baptist Church in North Birmingham, Druid Hills, to my four children — [Willie Copeland III, Valerie Copeland, Monica Copeland, and Kimberly Blue] — to my sister, Linda Alston, I had so much support.”
While the cancer fight was the “most difficult experience in my life thus far,” Lawson said, “trusting in God Almighty I was never worried, … nor was I afraid.”
After learning she was cancer free in September, Lawson quoted a Bible verse: Romans 8:37 — “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Lawson added, “God brought me through heart surgery and bladder cancer. … What God did for me can do for others.”
Alabama State University defeated in-state rival Alabama A&M 56–13 on Saturday afternoon in the 84th Magic City Classic. (ASU Photo)
From Wire Reports
Alabama State University football delivered a commanding performance in the 84th Magic City Classic, defeating in-state rival Alabama A&M 56–13 on Saturday afternoon at Legion Field in front of a crowd of 69,372 fans.
The win was the Hornets fourth straight win in the Magic City Classic. Jalil Lenore and Birmingham native Jalen Jones were named the MCC’s defensive and offensvie MVPs.
Quarterback Andrew Body led the way for the Hornets, putting together a near-perfect outing. The junior completed 19 of 24 passes for 304 yards and five touchdowns, while also adding a rushing score to pace an Alabama State offense that rolled up 616 total yards.
The Hornets’ offensive surge began early and never slowed. After Alabama A&M struck first with an 8-yard touchdown run, Alabama State answered with 21 unanswered points in the opening quarter, capped by a 17-yard touchdown run from Marcu Harris II to take a 21–6 lead.
Body threw four touchdowns in the first half, including two to Dylan Creech, one to Harris, and a 59-yard strike to Jones, who finished the day with seven receptions for 156 yards and a touchdown. Dylan Djete also added a score on an 18-yard reception in the second quarter as the Hornets built a 49–6 halftime lead.
Alabama State continued its dominance in the third quarter with a 13-yard touchdown run from Jahbari Kuykendall, who also led all rushers with 101 yards on seven carries. The Hornets’ rushing attack totaled 303 yards on 40 attempts, averaging 7.6 yards per carry.
Defensively, Alabama State stifled the Bulldogs, limiting them to just 143 total yards and forcing two interceptions while recording four sacks.
The Hornets converted on all seven red-zone opportunities and committed zero turnovers, controlling possession for more than 33 minutes of the game.
With the victory, Alabama State improved to 5–2 overall and 3–1 in SWAC play, while Alabama A&M dropped to 4–4 (1–3 SWAC).
Magic City Classic Parade
The Magic City Classic Parade, presented by Disney on the Yard, took over downtown Birmingham on Saturday morning. The event featured an array of bands, dance teams, and entertainment, including performances from Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University. Despite the weather, the parade proceeded rain or shine, starting at 18th Street N and 7th Avenue N.
Highlights included appearances by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Rep. Terri Sewell and Sen. Rodger Smitherman. The lineup also featured the ASU Mighty Marching Hornet Band, the Marching Maroon and White Band from Alabama A&M, and numerous local high school bands and community groups.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of floats, including those from Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Alabama Power, as well as performances by cheerleaders, dance teams, and other local organizations. The parade was a vibrant celebration of community spirit and talent.
Birmingham Police Response
The Birmingham Police Department expressed gratitude to visitors, fans and the local community for their support during the 84th Amazon Magic City Classic.
Chief Michael Pickett highlighted the event’s success, noting it remains the largest HBCU event in the nation. “Our officers truly felt the positive energy and spirit from everyone who attended and participated in this year’s events,” he said.
The collaboration with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County EMA was instrumental in ensuring a safe celebration. Pickett proudly reported no major incidents at Legion Field, emphasizing the city’s commitment to a secure and enjoyable weekend.
Sculptor Joe Minter was honored during tthe City of Birmingham’s AWAKEN event, held annually during Magic City Classic Week. (Sym Posey, The Birmingham Times)
By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
With a theme that included the words “art,” “justice” and “creativity” the Birmingham Museum of Art was the ideal place on Friday to honor renowned sculptor Joe Minter.
The City of Birmingham’s AWAKEN event, held annually during Magic City Classic Week, was themed “Art as Resistance — Awakening Justice Through Creativity” and drew artists, art lovers, and community members to celebrate Minter’s indelible impact on the arts and the enduring role of art as a force for justice and resistance.
“There is something powerful about Joe Minter. We celebrate him because he is authentically Birmingham,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin. “We also celebrate him because he’s not afraid to tell the truth about our journey. Joe Minter knows that with creativity, with perseverance, with those things, you can rewrite your story. You can build a new village from the ground up. You can find a home.”
Woodfin presented Minter with the Putting People First Award which recognizes the sculptor’s pursuit of equity and justice.
For his part, Minter had little to say but allowed others to speak of his achievements. “I’m just a cry in the wilderness.” Minter said in brief remarks. “This is all I’m gonna say.”
Minter earned international acclaim for his profound and moving sculptural works that chronicle African American history and the ongoing struggle for Civil Rights. His was lauded for his unique artistic vision, forged from the materials and memories of Birmingham itself and has resonated with those seeking to understand the city’s past and envision a more just future.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin presented Joe Minter with the Putting People First Award. (Sym Posey, The Birmingham Times)
His work is in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C., and others.
Friday’s event featured a discussion panel of local and national artists that included, storyteller and craftivist Wilhelmina Thomas, visual artist Willie E. Williams, Jr. and arts administrator John Fields, senior director of UAB Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts.
Each shared stories of how Minter’s work has inspired their own creative journeys.
Gina Mallisham, the executive director of the Jefferson County Memorial Project, moderated the conversation and ended by thanking Minter for “30 years of witness, for transforming scrap metal into a sacred memory, for insisting that recognition matters. Your work doesn’t just document our history. It demands that we reckon with, and learn from it, and carry it forward.”
The Birmingham School Board gave Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan a favorable review this week. (File)
dcwins.com
The Birmingham school board on Thursday gave Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan a favorable review in an evaluation that was heavily weighted to measure outcomes for students and the system overall.
School board member Mary Boehm, chair of the superintendent’s evaluation committee, said Sullivan met expectations when looking at measurable achievements in the district as well as more subjective criteria.
The board gave Sullivan an overall score of 3.3 on a 4-point scale.
Objective measurements, which accounted for 70 percent of the score, included progress tied to the system’s strategic plan, such as academic achievement, student well-being, staff effectiveness, customer service, and district accountability. More subjective measures in areas such as leadership and community relations accounted for the remaining 30 percent of the evaluation.
“This school board has a track record of focusing on results,” said Board President Jason Meadows. “There’s no denying that we have seen real progress in our schools under Dr. Sullivan’s leadership. Our students’ academic growth has been cited at the state and national level, and this evaluation reflects our confidence that we are absolutely moving in the right direction.”
Sullivan said he and the board share the same goals for Birmingham City Schools.
“We want to make sure all students can reach their full potential and achieve their dreams,” he said. “I appreciate the board’s confidence that we are heading in the right direction, and I am going to keep working as hard as I can to achieve the results we all want to see – not so that I can get good evaluations, but for the benefit of the students we serve.”
Sullivan is a product of Birmingham City Schools. He has served as superintendent since 2020 and has worked in the system for more than 25 years.
Ramsay High School Principal Carolyn Russell-Walker will be Miss Magic City Classic at this year’s game. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr., For The Birmingham Times)
By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. | For The Birmingham Times
Ramsay High School Principal Carolyn Russell-Walker can be found anywhere in Legion Field during the Amazon Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola on Saturday, Oct. 25. “I sit everywhere,” she said. “I’ll sit in the box. I’ll sit in the stands. I’ll walk on the field.”
This year, Russell-Walker plans to spend some time in the royal court as she will be Miss Magic City Classic, a title she carries after being elected by the Alabama A&M University (AAMU) Birmingham Alumni Association. She earned her doctorate at AAMU after beginning her collegiate journey at that institution.
Russell-Walker obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and began teaching from Miles College in 2000 after initially studying at A&M. She then earned a master’s degree at Alabama State and an education specialist (Ed.S) degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham.
“It’s dual,” she said of her loyalty. “I’m happy for [former students] and their family to be able to participate in collegiate athletics and to see their dream continue to unfold. I am excited because I had a chance to meet and know them personally.
“I will cheer for Alabama State when they’re not playing Alabama A&M, but I will cheer for my boys that play for Alabama State, if that makes sense,” Russell-Walker said. “I want to always have boys on both of those teams.”
Parker High School Principal Darrell Hudson is a proud alumnus of Alabama State University. (File)
“Representing Our Brand”
Parker High School Principal Darrell Hudson is a proud alumnus of Alabama State University Class of 1994. There is no question whether the ASU board member will be in attendance and who he supports. “But more importantly, I love to see not only the students on the football team, but in the band as well.”
Hudson joked that he’s supportive of former Parker students who wind up at rival Alabama A&M except on the last Saturday in October from 2:30 p.m. to about 6. “I’ll pick it back up after the game,” he mused. “I don’t care if they’re in the band, they’re cheerleaders, they’re the mascot. I don’t want to have anything to do with them until after that game.”
But a wry laugh revealed his deep Parker purple pride.
“I still support them, to be honest with you,” Hudson admitted. “Even when we (ASU) played UAB, we have several (former Parker) football players on the UAB football team. When those guys came over, even though I had all my Alabama State stuff on, and they hugged my neck.
“It’s a sense of joy but it’s bigger than that because, one, they’re able to go further their education and go to school free,” he added. “More importantly, they are not only students there, but they are representing our brand. It gives hope to other students, the underclassmen and the seniors here.”
Hudson hopes it’s easy for current Parker students to connect the dots. If someone who advanced from the school on Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard can make it to college, maybe they can envision the same future for themselves.
“I love to see them – cheerleaders, band, trainers,” he said. “It’s just a very special day that last Saturday in October … I always tell them when I look in the football catalog and see [sophomore athlete] ‘Eric Tarrant, Parker High School, Alabama State University.’ It’s a sense of joy, a sense of pride. It just really warms my heart to know that they’re carrying our brand at that particular level.”
Rich History
Henry Pope, athletic director of Birmingham City Schools, has no direct ties to ASU or AAMU since he received his college education at Miles College. But he’s proud of every Birmingham City Schools product who is in college.
Pope expects to be at Legion Field for the Classic.
“I don’t go every year but we try to go, especially when we have a lot of our kids that are playing,” he said. “We have a few guys from Ramsay on their teams and a couple of guys from Wenonah. We try to get out there and see our guys. We like to see Birmingham City School kids.”
The Birmingham school system has a rich history of sending football players to top football programs. Among them are Ensley High product Cornelius Bennett, Jackson-Olin High alumnus David Palmer and Sam Shade, the Alabama A&M coach who came out of Wenonah High.
“Throughout the years, Birmingham has had a lot of talent and everyone comes to get our kids,” Ramsay coach Ronnie Jackson said. “It makes sense for you to come through here and get our kids because we definitely have talent here.”
But Pope’s pride doesn’t stop at the big schools. “We take pride in our kids going anywhere they have an opportunity to continue their education and to play the sport they love. Me being an HBCU kid myself, I definitely take pride in that.”
ITU AbsorbTech, the largest Wisconsin-based supplier of environmentally friendly industrial absorbents, towels, mats, garments, will make a $24.5 million capital investment in JeffMet McCalla. (Provided)
By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times
The Jefferson County Commission on Thursday agreed to abate non-educational sales taxes for a Wisconsin-based industrial laundry business to locate in Jefferson Metropolitan Park McCalla (JeffMet McCalla).
ITU AbsorbTech, the largest Wisconsin-based supplier of environmentally friendly industrial absorbents, towels, mats, garments, will make a $24.5 million capital investment in JeffMet McCalla and create nearly 40 jobs paying an average of nearly $30 an hour, according to county officials.
The construction of a new 50,000-square facility could begin by early 2026 and would be the first location for the company in the state of Alabama. County officials say they won the project over three other states.
Jefferson County Commissioner Mike Bolin, the Commission liaison to Economic Development.
“We’re excited to welcome ITU AbsorbTech’s $24.5 million investment to Jefferson County,” said Commissioner Mike Bolin, the Commission liaison to Economic Development. “This project brings high-quality jobs averaging nearly $30 an hour and showcases the strength of our industrial assets like the JeffMet property.”
As for infrastructure, workforce readiness, and strategic site capacity, Bolin said the county is ready for future projects and the one approved Thursday “is precisely the type of investment we sought when we laid the groundwork for JeffMet and partnered with JCEIDA (Jefferson County Economic and Industrial Development Authority.”
JCEIDA was formed in 1995 by the Jefferson County Commission with a mission to provide an inventory of commercial sites for new and expanding businesses.
“[ITU AbsorbTech] is a new tenant to the state of Alabama so it’s a win for the state, the county and the local park,” said Othell Phillips, executive director of JCEIDA.
Supporting the project with 10-year sales and use tax abatement “is a smart investment in our workforce, our economy, and our future growth,” Bolin said.
He continued, “bringing this facility to the JeffMet property means we are leveraging one of our key industrial assets — strategically located and built to attract companies who are ready to hit the ground running. This kind of project not only creates direct employment, but generates meaningful ripple effects.”
Jeff Traywick, the Jefferson County Commission’s Economic Development Advisor, said the goal is “to assist companies that are going to move the needle when it comes to the local economy tax creation but most importantly job and wages.”
The average wage in Jefferson County runs about $27 an hour and ITU AbsorbTech pays nearly $30 and even that “moves that needle a little bit, and every time we do that it shifts things a little bit more,” he explained, “ … so as we recruit more of these companies those overall wages tend to pick up and we’ve seen good results with that.”
The estimated economic return over the life of the project would generate $522,000 to the county’s general fund and $1.4 million to education, Traywick said.
The agreement brings a number of benefits for the county, Bolin said. “We’re making a commitment to our residents: better jobs, stronger tax base over time, and a reaffirmation that Jefferson County remains open for business and is ready to compete for high‑value, job‑creating projects.”
Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University will face off in the 84th Magic City Classic on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Legion Field. The kickoff will be at 2:30 p.m. (File)
ASU (4-2, 2-1) leads the Southwestern Athletic Conference in offense. The Hornets are averaging 39.5 points a game. ASU is led by quarterback Andrew Body who has completed 111-of-161 passing attempts for 1,729 yards with 19 touchdowns and just one interception this season. Body leads the SWAC in passing.
He’s also the top rusher in the SWAC with 73 carries for 613 yards. Joining him in the backfield are running backs Jahbari Kuykendall (46 carries for 436 yards and 1 TD) and Jamarie Hostzclaw (73 rushes for 371 yards and 4TDs).
The Hornets have been able to move the ball through the air with wide receivers Jalen Jones, from Birmingham’s Ramsay High School (25 catches for 502 yards and 7 TDs) and Ajai Harrell (19 receptions for 365 yards and 3 TDs).
On the other side of the ledger, AAMU (4-3, 1-2) can score a lot of points as well. The Bulldogs averaging 31.9 points a game. AAMU has a talented signal caller with Cornelious Brown IV who has connected on 81-of-125 passes for 1,080 yards and seven TDs. The Bulldogs’ wide receivers Franck Pierre (22 catches for 421 yards and 4 TDs) and Daveon Walker (24 receptions for 345 yards and 4 TDs) are real playmakers.
This game has the potential to be a high scoring contest.
In the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), Miles College (2-6, 2-3) will visit Central State (2-4, 2-6) on Saturday, Oct. 25 with a two-game winning streak. The kickoff will be at 12 p.m. Miles College is coming off a 27-20 victory over Clark Atlanta. Running backs Edward Osley and Roderick Thomas should provide the Golden Bears with a solid ground attack against the Marauders.
In other SIAC action, Tuskegee University (2-5, 1-4) will host Allen University (2-5, 2-3) on Saturday, Oct. 25. The kickoff is set for 2 p.m. Tuskegee University suffered 7-3 loss to Albany State, which happens to be one of the best teams in the SIAC. The Golden Tigers’ defensive back Mikael King Jr. has been a real steady player. King has 25 total and 19 solo tackles along with two interceptions this season.
UAB celebrated the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building. (UAB Photo)
By Alicia Rohan | uabnews.com
The University of Alabama at Birmingham on Thursday celebrated the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building, a transformative facility that will accelerate breakthroughs in precision medicine, genomics, informatics and data sciences. It is the seventh new or renovated facility to open on campus in the past five months, underscoring UAB’s rapid growth and commitment to innovation.
Located at Seventh Avenue South between 19th and 20th streets, the 175,000-square-foot building features an iconic double-helix design and marks a new era for UAB, Birmingham and the state of Alabama in biomedical research and innovation — impact that will be felt locally, nationally and globally.
Serving as a physical and symbolic nexus for UAB Medicine, the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building unite the core missions of research, clinical care and education — with the research enterprise to the south, clinical operations to the north, and Volker Hall, the heart of the medical school, to the west. The striking double-helix design, prominently displayed through its glass curtain wall, reflects the code of life and UAB’s commitment to bridging biology and medicine — from bench to bedside — while embracing the future of AI-driven, personalized care and data-powered innovation.
The facility brings together researchers, equipment and staff from the Heersink School of Medicine, Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute, the Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Live HealthSmart Alabama, the Comprehensive Healthy Living Research Center, and the Marnix Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation, as well as translational scientists from many other disciplines.
It will serve as a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting leading scientists, clinicians and entrepreneurs to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges of our time and elevate UAB and Alabama’s competitiveness in research, innovation, commercialization and economic development.
“This building is more than bricks and mortar — it’s a launchpad for discovery,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts, M.D. “The people who work in this unique, world-class facility will drive innovations that improve lives locally and worldwide and position UAB and Alabama as global leaders in precision medicine and data sciences.”
Research initiatives will focus on preventing and managing such chronic diseases as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and addiction. New collaborations will bring together frontline clinicians and researchers to strengthen UAB’s translational health efforts. Cutting-edge disciplines — including data science, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, genomic engineering and laboratory science — will be leveraged alongside expert consultation to develop therapeutic strategies for genetic disorders. These include rare diseases, neurodevelopmental conditions, cancer and diabetes, to name a few.
Support from the Altec/Styslinger Foundation was the first major investment in the project. (UAB Photo)
Partnerships
The project was funded through a historic $50 million investment from the State of Alabama via the Public School and College Authority, the largest-ever investment from the state in a university facility. Jefferson County, the City of Birmingham, and generous donors including the Altec/Styslinger Foundation and Dr. Marnix and Mary Heersink also supported the project.
“This facility represents the power of public-private partnership among UAB, the University of Alabama System, individual and corporate donors, the local business community and city, and our county and state leadership — all in an effort to drive better health and prosperity for the people of Alabama and beyond,” said Sid J. Trant, chancellor of the UA System.
The new facility will empower UAB researchers to advance the full spectrum of biomedical innovation — from basic research to commercialization, drug discovery and the launch of startup companies. Purpose-built spaces designed for collaboration and innovation will enhance recruitment and retention efforts, drawing emerging businesses to Birmingham and Alabama and positioning the region as a thriving hub for biotech entrepreneurship.
“This facility will attract top-tier talent, generate high-paying jobs and stimulate economic development,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “It’s a wise investment with a lasting return for all Alabamians.”
UAB will have 90-plus talented and renowned researchers and their teams located in the new facility with space to recruit an additional 30-plus investigators.
“This really is a bold leap forward in our ability to translate scientific discovery into real-world impact,” said Anupam Agarwal, M.D., dean of UAB’s Heersink School of Medicine. “It’s also a catalyst for our region. This building will essentially house dozens of ‘small companies’ that would not be in Alabama if not for UAB and its research engine. We will be able to attract new talent, increase our competitive advantage in supporting researchers who will in turn bolster our economy and aid in the care of all Alabamians.”
Donor and public support
Support from the Altec/Styslinger Foundation was the first major investment in the project. Altec, Inc., is a global company headquartered in Birmingham with products and services in more than 100 countries focused on the electric utilities and telecommunications industries. The Altec/Styslinger Foundation “is a collective family effort,” noted Lee Styslinger III.
The Styslinger family worked closely with officials from UAB, the state, Jefferson County and the City of Birmingham to leverage the foundation’s initial investment to attract additional public dollars, with the idea of creating an economic driver for the state and a world-class facility for biomedical research, drug discovery and commercialization.
Leaders from Jefferson County and Birmingham also praised the collaboration that brought the project to fruition.
“This facility is a testament to what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together for the greater good,” said Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens. “It will have a lasting impact on the health and prosperity of our residents and position Jefferson County as a center for biomedical innovation.”
“UAB continues to be a cornerstone of Birmingham’s growth and success,” said City of Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “This investment will help attract world-class talent, create high-tech jobs, and strengthen our city’s reputation as a destination for innovation and opportunity.”
The Altec/Styslinger building also features space for computational research, research support, offices, administrative and scientific collaboration, and meeting areas tailored to the needs of genomics and precision medicine investigators. The new facility includes the renovation of the existing Lyons-Harrison Research Building, located at 701 19th Street South on the UAB campus.
Also opening as part of the new facility are the Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation Conference Center and the Kracke Plaza. The Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation Conference Center was made possible through a portion of the Heersinks’ transformational $95 million gift, which also named the Heersink School of Medicine. Adjacent to the Conference Center, Kracke Plaza — a newly created greenspace on the site of the former Kracke Building — honors Roy Kracke, M.D., the inaugural dean of what was then the Medical College of Alabama (1944-1950), now known as UAB’s Heersink School of Medicine.
The Altec/Styslinger building also features space for computational research, research support, offices, administrative and scientific collaboration, and meeting areas. (UAB Photos)
From left: Marquel Patterson, Jaylin Peterson and Jalen Wright, are Ramsay High School graduates who all play for AAMU. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times) From left: Eldridge Shelton, Wenonah High School; Jalen Jones, Ramsay High School; and Eric Tarrant, Arthur Harold Parker High School, are on the ASU team. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. | For The Birmingham Times
“We text like every other week,” said Wright, a redshirt sophomore. “[He and I] talked like last week. We had a little conversation.”
Jones, a redshirt freshman, said of Wright, “I know his story, the hard work he put in. I just want to see the results he’s getting from all his hard work. I see that he’s started making big plays on defense. I’m just really happy for him.”
“Yeah, I’ve been following him for a while, even though he plays for a rival school,” continued the 5-foot-9, 175-pound Hornets wide receiver. “We grew up together.”
That’s right. Jones and Wright may be on opposite sides at the Magic City Classic, but they share a bond: They were schoolmates and teammates going back to their middle school days at Birmingham’s Phillips Academy and then at Ramsay High School.
But they’re not the only former BCS students at Legion Field for the Classic. Alabama State features six players who played at Birmingham City Schools. Two of those are products of Ramsay High School – Jones and sophomore Ashton Ashford. The others are freshman Aydden Moody-Copeland of P. D. Jackson-Olin, sophomore Eric Tarrant of Arthur Harold Parker, freshman Eldridge Shelton of Wenonah and freshman Jakoby Smith of George Washington Carver.
On the other side of the field, Alabama A&M has four BCS grads. Three of those players – Wright, freshman Marquel Patterson and redshirt senior Jaylin Peterson – hail from Ramsay High. Nikolas Barnes, a junior, is a product of Jackson-Olin.
But the relationship between the Wright at AAMU and Jones at ASU is even deeper than being schoolmates or teammates, Jones said.
“Going to middle school and high school with Jalen Wright was actually a blessing,” he recalled. “He was like a big brother to me. He always wanted me to come out and play football when I first came to high school, but I never went until his last year [in 2022]. He used to play basketball, as well, until he stopped playing and just focused on football.
“We just built a bond all the way from middle school to high school, a big-brother-little-brother bond,” Jones continued. “Always around, always laughing, always talking to each other.”
Jalen Wright, a Ramsay High School graduate, plays for AAMU. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
Fans of the Classic
Jones grew up near Tarrant, Alabama. Wright, a 6-foot, 210-pound linebacker, grew up near Forestdale, Alabama, first playing youth football for the Adamsville Tigers. Each grew up a fan of the Magic City Classic, the largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football classic in America.
Jones remembered attending the game while younger: “I used to go out there with some friends from middle school. As I got older, I kept going. But, no, actually, I really never thought I’d be playing [in the Classic], to be honest,” he said.
Wright shared a similar experience: “I really never thought about playing in it [either], but I always went to the game in Birmingham,” the Bulldog said. “Everybody would come out and watch it.”
AAMU’s Wright is a biology major. He enjoys “learning how the body works, and [understanding] the different types of muscles and stuff you need to know that help a person out when they are injured,” he said, mentioning athletes, in particular.
Wright grew up playing shooting guard and small forward in basketball and played third base, pitcher, and first base in baseball. Of football, he said, “[It’s] my first love.”
ASU’s Jones is a physical education major, who would like to work with up-and-coming athletes “so I can give back to the next generation,” he said.
Jones had middle school flirtations with football, but his heart belonged to the hardwood: “Actually, before ASU offered me [a scholarship], I was committed to basketball at Montevallo [University].”
Jalen Jones, a redshirt freshman wide receiver is a Ramsay High School graduate. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
Big Plays
Wright, the former Ramsay Ram, chose to attend AAMU and joined the Bulldog football team as a walk-on in the fall of 2022. Jones, Ramsay Class of 2023, recalls Wright’s performance on the middle school football field for Phillips.
“I played [football] the year after he left middle school,” Jones recounted. “The year before that, [Wright] made a big play in a playoff game in middle school where he caught [the ball on offense] over like two, three people. I don’t remember if it won the game for us or tied it up — it was one or the other — but I remember that [play].
“In every high school game, [Wright] was making a lot of tackles, doing things the leaders should be doing, being the head of the defense, … a lot of stuff for defense.”
Wright remembers being taken aback by a play Jones made for the Ramsay Rams. “My senior year, which was like his junior year at Ramsay, [Jones] caught a screen [pass] and scored a 90-yard touchdown,” Wright said. “I was like, ‘Wow, this kid is really fast.’”
Pageantry and Fanfare
With Jones playing wide receiver and Wright lining up at linebacker, it’s unlikely that the two will square off directly during this year’s Magic City Classic. But if Jones gets behind his defender, Wright may have to chase him down, and he’s up for that challenge. “Oh, yeah,” Wright said. “Of course. Wright and Jones agree that they must keep the pageantry and fanfare of the Classic in perspective.
“We’ve got to stay level-headed and just play the game,” the AAMU linebacker said. “We have to treat it like a regular game.”
Said ASU’s Jones: “We all know it’s a big game, a big rivalry between the two teams, but our strength is in the routine. As our coach Eddie Robinson will say, ‘Just stick to the things we’ve been doing, our preparation, paying attention to the little details.
“We’re just going to keep executing all our plays,” Jones continued. “We’re just going to play it like any other game. We don’t want to make it too high or make it too low. We know the importance of the game, but we want to make sure we keep our same routine so we don’t get off track.”
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From left: Marquel Patterson, Jaylin Peterson and Jalen Wright, are Ramsay High School graduates who all play for AAMU. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
Eric Tarrant, an ASU sophomore athlete, is an Arthur Harold Parker High School graduate. (Marika N. Johnson photo)
Jaylin Peterson is a Ramsay High School graduate who plays for AAMU. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
Jalen Jones, a redshirt freshman wide receiver is a Ramsay High School graduate. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
Eldridge Shelton is a Wenonah High School graduate. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
AAMU’s Nikolas Barnes, junior, defensive tackle, is a P.D. Jackson-Olin High School grad. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
Jaylin Peterson is a Ramsay High School graduate who plays for AAMU. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
AAMU’s Marquel Patterson, freshman linebacker, is a Ramsay High School grad.uate. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
Ashton Ashford, an ASU sophomore running back, is a Ramsay High School graduate. (Marika N. Johnson photo)
Jalen Jones, a redshirt freshman wide receiver is a Ramsay High School graduate. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
Jalen Wright, a Ramsay High School graduate, plays for AAMU. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
“All Love”
And when the game is over?
“We’ve always been close friends,” Wright said. “It’s an honor to be able to play in a big rivalry game.”
Jones said, “At the end of the day, it’s all love. Once we step [on the field], we’re competing against each other. But after the after the clock says zero, it’s just all love. We’ll come up, take a picture, talk about the game, just talk about what [we’ve] been doing.”
The 84th Amazon Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola pits the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Bulldogs against the Alabama State University Hornets at 2:30 p.m. Central on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Birmingham’s historic Legion Field. The game is available via livestream on ESPN+ and will air via tape delay on ESPNU at 10 p.m. Central.
The win was the Hornets fourth straight win in the Magic City Classic. Jalil Lenore and Birmingham native Jalen Jones were named the MCC’s defensive and offensvie MVPs.
