Newly named head coach Harold Ingram coaches from the sideline as a Stillman College women's basketball assistant during the 2024-25 season. (Trent Spruell, Stillman College)
Special to The Times
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — Stillman College has announced the appointment of Harold Ingram Jr. as the 12th head coach of its women’s basketball program, elevating a familiar and respected presence within the program to lead the Tigers.
He succeeds Jamarra Robinson, who recently resigned from Stillman following one season as head coach to become an NCAA Division I associate head coach.
Harold Ingram
“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my alma mater as the next women’s basketball head coach. It’s time to get to work and keep the winning tradition alive,” Ingram said.
A native of Monticello, Florida, Ingram brings a blend of institutional knowledge, playing experience, and nearly a decade of coaching continuity to the role. He has served as an assistant coach with the Stillman women’s basketball program for seven seasons, helping guide the Tigers to sustained success, including an HBCU Athletic Conference Championship and an appearance in the NAIA National Championship Tournament in 2025. During his time as a Stillman women’s basketball assistant coach, the Tigers have won 99 games since 2019-2020, including five-straight seasons without a losing record, a first in program history.
“Coach Ingram brings a wealth of program experience, leadership and a deep commitment to student-athlete development both on and off the court,” said Terrance Whittle, Stillman College Director of Athletics. “His passion for the game, his alignment with the core values of athletics, his proven ability to recruit talented players in a competitive program and dedication to academic excellence make him an outstanding fit for the mission and vision of Stillman College Athletics.
“As we continue to elevate our women’s basketball program Coach Ingram’s leadership will play a vital role in shaping a culture of excellence, discipline, and championship expectations. His focus on player development, recruiting and creating a strong family atmosphere within the program aligns perfectly with our commitment to success in competition, in the classroom and in the community.”
After graduating from Jefferson County Middle/High School in 2010, Ingram began his collegiate playing career at Chattahoochee Valley Community College, where he earned an Associate of Science degree. His success there led to an opportunity at Stillman, where he continued his playing career while majoring in physical education.
As a student-athlete from 2013 to 2015, Ingram appeared in 55 games with 16 starts, totaling 261 points, 213 rebounds, and 44 blocks across 940 minutes. He recorded two double-doubles during his career and competed under head coaches Michael Grant and Donte Jackson. He also served as a student assistant on Stillman’s 2015–16 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championship team that advanced to national postseason play, while also playing on the men’s tennis team that finished third in the SIAC in 2016.
Ingram graduated from Stillman in 2016 and continued his academic journey at the University of Alabama, earning a master’s degree in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Sports Business Management in 2020. He completed his graduate studies with a 4.0 GPA.
Beyond the court, Ingram is a dedicated mentor and leader, serving Stillman as Upward Bound coordinator and counselor since 2021. He has served as a member of Stillman’s game day management team for the last decade, and also helped the men’s basketball program from 2016-2019. He is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., having joined the Gamma Chi Chapter at Stillman in Spring 2015 and remaining active through the Eta Mu Sigma graduate chapter. He is also the father of his son, Ashton.
ABOUT STILLMAN COLLEGE: Stillman College, an accredited, four-year liberal arts institution in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs and is committed to providing a transformative educational experience. A historically black college and university (HBCU) founded in 1876 by the Presbyterian Church, Stillman has a rich history of educating students from various backgrounds and promoting academic excellence. The college is dedicated to developing critical thinkers and leaders who will make significant contributions to their communities. For more information about Stillman College, visit www.stillman.edu.
Judge Andra Sparks celebrated his retirement Saturday night after decades of serving as Birmingham’s presiding judge.
Dozens of friends, family, and colleagues packed the Birmingham Crossplex to honor Sparks, who spent 30 years on the bench and 37 years practicing law.
“I’ve always said that I’m an ambassador for Birmingham, and I hope I’ve left everything better than when I started,” Sparks said.
During his tenure, Sparks helped lead what he described as a renaissance in Birmingham’s criminal justice system.
“I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of what I call a renaissance in the criminal justice system,” Sparks said. “I’ve done my best to try to integrate our operations at the court to include these changes in criminal justice. We think we’ve been successful in doing that. We think we’ve helped a lot of people with some of the issues in life and helped them resolve their criminal justice matters.”
Sparks also founded Common Ground, a conflict resolution program now in every Birmingham city school and served as senior pastor of a local church for more than two decades while presiding over the court.
“Dreams do come true. I only ever wanted to be an attorney, and the Lord gave me much more than I anticipated ever having,” Sparks said. “I tell kids, dream the dream, and then watch the Lord do what he does.”
Sparks said he plans to continue serving as senior pastor at Forty-Fifth Street Baptist Church.
“Judge Sparks has served the people of Birmingham with integrity, fairness, and a deep respect for the rule of law,” said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin upon Sparks’ announcement to retire. “On behalf of our entire city, I want to thank him for his steady leadership and unwavering commitment to justice. His work has strengthened our municipal court system and left a lasting impact on our community.”
During his tenure as Presiding Judge of the Birmingham Municipal Court, Judge Andra Sparks transformed the court into a nationally recognized model of innovation, accountability, and compassion. He modernized operations by converting the court from a paper-based mainframe system to a fully paperless and virtual platform, saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Under his leadership, the court established groundbreaking specialty dockets — including Drug Court, Gun Court, Mental Health (HOPE) Court, Homeless Court (Turning Point), Community Court, Bilingual Court, and Alabama’s first-ever Veterans Court — securing more than $7.2 million in federal funding to support treatment and accountability initiatives.
Christian Robinson will be sharing his new book “Dad” on Saturday, May 16, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, at the downtown central branch of the Birmingham Public Library. (Provided)
By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times
Birmingham families are in for a special story time and book signing as renowned author and illustrator Christian Robinson visits the Magic City.
Robinson will be sharing his new book “Dad” on Saturday, May 16, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, at the downtown central branch of the Birmingham Public Library in collaboration with Thank You Books.
Christian Robinson. (Provided)
“Chances are, if you have children or know children, you may be familiar with Robinson’s lively, heartfelt storytelling and awe-inspiring artwork,” said Thank You Books co-owner Kristen Iskandrian.
Robinson’s new book, “Dad,” is described as a big-hearted love letter to all kinds of dads, animal and human, and the special bonds they all share.
“Dad is a picture book I didn’t know I had in me,” Robinson said. “Not being raised by a father, and not yet being a dad myself, I wasn’t sure I had the tools to tell this story. However, I wanted this book to be not only about fathers, but caregivers in general, and hopefully give everyone an entry point to see their experience reflected. So, I hope this tour will create space for folks to connect and share.”
Robinson says he’s looking forward to spending time in the Magic City.
“It will be my first time in Birmingham,” he said. “I’ve wanted to visit for a long time, and glad I finally have the opportunity to see this historic city.”
Robinson’s published works include the #1 The New York Times bestseller “Last Stop on Market Street,” written by Matt de la Peña, which earned a Caldecott Honor, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, and the Newbery Medal. He also illustrated the #1 New York Times bestseller “The Bench,” written by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Other notable collaborations include his work with poet Amanda Gorman for “Something, Someday,” also a #1 New York Times bestseller. His illustrations for “Nina: A Story of Nina Simone,” written by Traci Todd, were recognized with a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor in 2022.
His solo projects include “Another,” a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2019, and the New York Times bestseller “You Matter.”
The Christian Robinson for Target collection, released in August 2021, includes more than 70 items across home and apparel for kids and babies.
Currently based in Oakland, Robinson was born in Los Angeles, where he grew up sharing a small one-bedroom apartment with his brother, two cousins, his aunt, and grandmother. Drawing became his way of carving out space for himself and imagining the kind of world he wanted to live in.
He studied animation at the California Institute of the Arts and later worked with Sesame Workshop and Pixar Animation Studios before building his career as a children’s book illustrator.
“It’s not every day that such a decorated artist and author comes to town to share their work, answer questions, and sign books,” Iskandrian said. “No better way to spend a Saturday morning as a family than at the library, in the presence of greatness!”
For tickets and more information, visit thankyoubookshop.com/events.
Tracey Morant Adams, South Eastern Regional Director for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority discusses the group's conference in Birmingham. (Melissa Denae Photography)
Downtown Birmingham will be filled with the colors of pink and green this week as more than 6,000 women gather for days of camaraderie, celebration and community service.
Members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority began their southeastern regional conference on Wednesday. The gathering brings together 122 college and graduate chapters from Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi from April 29 to May 2.
“They worked hard to get us here and we are here in record numbers from the southeast,” said Tracey Morant Adams, AKA South Eastern Regional Director, noting collaboration with several partners, including the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex and the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“Events like this offer guests a great introduction to our city, and they generate significant impact for our local hotels, restaurants and other businesses,” Tad Snider, BJCC executive director told AL.com. “Our goal at the BJCC is to support our guests, provide them an excellent experience, and do our part to ensure they have a great time in Birmingham.”
The visitors’ bureau estimates that the event could generate $10 million in economic impact.
Adams also outlined activities that included community service and a public meeting featuring Stacey Abrams, a former Georgia gubernatorial candidate turned national Democratic political activist. The Abrams event was free and open to the public.
Adams said service activities for the group included partnering with Birmingham City Schools, Kings Home and Children’s Village to donate and distribute non-perishable food items to area children in need for the Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack. Members also planted trees at Ensley Park.
“We are here to serve. We are here to give back. We are here to uplift our communities to make things better and brighter for others,” she said.
Adams, who has served as the group’s regional director since 2022, called the conference especially special to her, because it is hosted in her hometown. Birmingham last hosted the event six years ago.
“I am completing my second term, so it means so very much to come home for my final conference as the southeastern regional director and to bring the largest crowd in the history of the southern region to a regional conference, 6,250 to be exact,” she said to cheers and applause.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the first Greek-lettered organization organized by college-educated African American women. It was founded in 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Gov. Kay Ivey issued a proclamation Friday calling the Alabama Legislature into a special session starting May 4. (File)
Compiled From Online Reports
On Friday, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a proclamation calling the Alabama Legislature into a special session starting May 4 at 4 p.m. The focus of the session is strictly on setting up special primary elections if the state’s ongoing legal battle over voting maps shifts in its favor.
In a statement, Ivey pointed to a recent Supreme Court decision in a Louisiana redistricting case (Louisiana v. Callais) as a source of optimism. Following that ruling, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed emergency motions with the high court regarding the state’s own redistricting fight.
“I remain hopeful Alabama will receive a favorable outcome from the U.S. Supreme Court, which is why I am now calling a special session of the Alabama Legislature,” Ivey said.
The governor noted that if the court-ordered injunction is lifted, the state would immediately revert to using the congressional map drawn by the Legislature in 2023, along with the state Senate map drawn in 2021.
“By calling the Legislature into a special session, I am ensuring Alabama is prepared should the courts act quickly enough to allow Alabama’s previously drawn congressional and state Senate maps to be used during this election cycle,” she said.
Rep. Terri Sewell
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement regarding Governor Kay Ivey’s announcement of a special session of the Alabama Legislature to dilute the voting power of African American voters:
“Alabama Republicans are wasting no time eliminating representation for African Americans in our state. Despite Black voters making up nearly one-third of Alabama’s electorate, Republican state leaders are desperate to revert us back to a map that silences our voices, dilutes our power, and denies us a fair seat at the table.
“This corrupt move runs counter to everything John Lewis and civil rights leaders marched, fought, and bled for. It threatens to roll back centuries of hard-fought progress and demonstrates exactly why the protections of the Voting Rights Act were needed in the first place.
“The court order barring Alabama from redrawing its map still stands, and our litigating partners are ready to vigorously defend it. We will not take this sitting down. Our communities are prepared to organize, mobilize, and demand the fair representation that we as Alabama voters deserve.
Javon Tatum teachers the kids about different herbs and spices present in the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club garden. (Amarr Croskey, The Birmingham Times)
By Mia Watkins | For the Birmingham Times
The Walter Howlett Club of the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club may be a place for recreation for local children, but it is also on the cutting edge of science and technology education.
As the club celebrates its 60th anniversary, CEO Andre McFadden said it is looking to its future and how it can equip its members to thrive.
“What can we do now that could open up possibilities for them later?” he said. “Or just encourage and stimulate the imagination, something that you never thought that you might want to do, and it turns into something.”
The first step into STEM for the club includes being an AT&T Connected Learning Center, one of the first in the state of Alabama. AT&T, in partnership with Dell Technologies and the national Boys & Girls Clubs of America, aims to address the digital divide through the centers and a $50,000 contribution.
McFadden said AT&T upgraded the technology in the Howlett building that had been there since the facility opened in 2020.
“We know how fast technology changes,” he said. “We had desktop computers with the towers and smaller screens. AT&T took all of that out and replaced it with all-in-one computers, so it’s just the monitor there. Members can log in and do different things. Kids like new.”
He said that because of the rapid pace of artificial intelligence, the club is looking beyond archaic skills like coding and into purchasing drones for children and teens.
These skills can translate into jobs for older club members.
“You can get a drone license when you’re 16,” McFadden said. “If you’re a teenager here and we have drones as part of our STEM program, and you can get a drone certificate, that opens up a whole lot of job possibilities for you.”
Javon Tatum, the agricultural specialist, is seen in the center’s gym. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
Real-World Experiences
Other real-world experiences that McFadden is looking forward to providing at the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club include Esports.
“You sort of have to understand technology and STEM in order to participate in Esports. We’re hoping that will encourage some of our kids to want to design games. Don’t just play the game, how do you design the game?”
He hopes to have the program up by late 2026.
These opportunities aren’t just on a screen. The club is also home to a Freight Farm in partnership with Major League Baseball. The farm, located on the back side of the campus, is an extension of the raised bed garden that houses fruits like strawberries and flowers.
The Freight Farm gets its name from the freight box, similar to the ones on the back of 18-wheelers. On the outside, it’s decorated with a colorful mural highlighting the partnership. On the inside and up a few stairs, are three movable walls where students plug in seedlings that grow into vegetables that they can take home to their families.
The farm, located on the back side of the campus, is comprised of a raised bed garden and a Freight Farm, where produce is grown hydroponically. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
Javon Tatum has been tending the hydroponic garden since September 2025. In the afternoons, you can find him giving younger students lessons on growing plants.
“I came in with open arms,” he said. “It’s given me a lot of freedom and free range to put on the program and full creative control regarding it.”
He said the staff at the club have one mission: to give back to the kids who spend their time there in a way that teaches them something.
“It’s always tricky trying to be creative to make sure that you are doing programming that’s both educational and engaging to keep the kids together,” he said. “As we are trying to teach them about the technicalities and the science behind it, we want to make sure that we are using different things so it can be fun.”
Jevon Tatum teaching the students of A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club how to add nutrients and fertilizer to the grow tower. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
One afternoon in April, Tatum is surrounded by a group of first through third graders who are learning about fertilizer.
“That looks like pee!” one kid yells out.
Tatum keeps going, explaining that the yellowish liquid will help seeds sprout and get ready to be placed in the Freight Farm. After the lesson, he calls on each child to tell him what they’ve learned. They all reply enthusiastically.
Tatum explains that the kids’ knowledge of gardening has grown tremendously.
“A lot of them didn’t know that food at the grocery store was actually grown,” he said. “Seeing the kids’ excitement and seeing the kids come by, they’ve planted a lot of stuff in the hydroponic garden. Every day they come in and are like, ‘How are my plants?’ They get to see the benefits of something they did a couple of weeks ago and the fruition coming out of it.”
Lora Campbell shows students the strawberries in the garden. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
Learning for Years to Come
Tatum said that the STEM programs are essential.
“If it wasn’t for this Boys & Girls Club, they might not have the opportunity through their school,” he said. I’m just giving them other resources to access STEM. This may be the only time a lot of kids might see a hydroponic or freight farm system.”
McFadden said that he’s always looking for experiences that keep the kids at the club learning for years to come.
“Always look at what’s relevant and be where the kids are,” he said. “Actually, I try to be a little ahead of them. As long as I set up the foundation so it can grow for another 60 years, that’ll be gratifying.”
Not content with just being a place for kids to hang out, the Walter Howlett Club of the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club is on the cutting edge of science and technology. (Amarr Croskey Photos, For The Birmingham Times)
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Alex Brandon, AP, File)
The Birmingham Times
U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) will be coming to Birmingham on Monday, May 4, for a rescheduled town hall with Blueprint Alabama.
“I’m excited to return to Alabama, because the people of Alabama are no strangers to confronting the kind of moral moment America is in right now,” said Senator Booker.
“In every part of our country, Americans are facing the same kinds of hardships: struggling to get by, disgusted by the corruption in our political system, and yearning for bold change,” he added. “That’s why I’m looking forward to joining Alabamians for a conversation about the challenges we’re facing, the importance of organizing everywhere to create change in our communities, and how we stand up together to chart a better path forward for our country.”
The town hall is free and open to the public, but space is limited. The location will be shared with confirmed attendees 48 hours prior to the program. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
The event, which had been postponed earlier this year, returns amid strong public interest. Organizers report hundreds of prior RSVPs and high turnout at similar recent gatherings, signaling continued demand for in-person civic discussions.
Booker, a Democrat who has represented New Jersey in the U.S. Senate since 2013, said he looks forward to engaging directly with Alabama residents on the issues they face.
Josh Coleman, co-founder of Blueprint Alabama, said the visit reflects both the urgency of the moment and the strength of local civic engagement.
“This moment demands more than politics as usual , it demands leadership, courage, and real connection with people on the ground. Senator Booker brings all of that, and the fact that he’s coming to Birmingham speaks volumes about the importance of this moment and the power of our community,” Coleman said.
Blueprint Alabama, a statewide group focused on civic participation and policy advocacy, has hosted a series of town halls and community forums aimed at increasing voter engagement and public dialogue.
“At a time when so many feel unheard and overlooked, this town hall is about reigniting hope, building power, and reminding people that their voices still have the ability to shape the future. Birmingham is ready for that conversation,” Coleman added.
Event Details
What: Town Hall with U.S. Senator Cory Booker When:Monday, May 4, 2026 | Doors 5:30 PM | Program 6 PM
Where: Location shared 48 hours prior to confirmed attendees Admission: Free (RSVP required) RSVP:https://www.blueprintalabama.com/events
A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club CEO Andre McFadden in front of the A.G. Gaston mural in the Walter J. Howlett Clubhouse. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
By Mia Watkins | For the Birmingham Times
A 60-year-old legacy began with a simple observation.
Business titan and Birmingham’s first Black millionaire, Dr. Arthur George “A.G.” Gaston, was in downtown Birmingham one day during the height of the Civil Rights Movement and noticed a group of young, Black men idling. Not necessarily doing anything nefarious, but they were what we would refer to today as hanging out.
“He looked at them and said, ‘Idle hands…maybe we need to find something for them to do,’” according to A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club CEO Andre McFadden.
Now, 20,000 young people later, the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club is celebrating its 60th anniversary. An amazing feat, according to McFadden.
The anniversary continues one of Gaston’s most popular tenets: Find a need and fill it. That principle, found on the second-floor wall of the club in a breathtaking mural that showcases prominent photos and news articles about Gaston, is the basis of everything the club does for young people in the Birmingham metro area.
The club will celebrate this momentous achievement with a celebration dinner on May 14 at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa featuring Super Bowl champion Jalen Hurts in a fireside chat.
“For him to come here and do something here, I take it as saying a lot about how he feels about our organization,” McFadden said of Hurts’ participation.
He said the celebration will galvanize the community around the club’s mission.
“I think it’s a proper celebration for 60 years,” he said. “If you’re a nonprofit and you’re around for 60 years, that says a lot. If you are thriving and accelerating 60 years later instead of limping to the end, that says a lot. If you can do it in a big way, that says a lot.”
Since its inception, the club has provided academic and recreational services for boys and, eventually, girls.
In 1966, Gaston gathered Black and white businessmen who enthusiastically supported his idea for a new facility for an existing Boys Club in the city, according to the Gaston biography, “Black Titan: A.G Gaston and the Making of a Black American Millionaire,” by his niece Carol Jenkins. He donated a building on Fourteenth Street and Seventh Avenue for its original headquarters and began a fundraising campaign for renovation.
By 1967, Gaston and his cohorts had raised $350,000. He personally donated $50,000.
When the renovated space opened its doors in 1967, it was a state-of-the-art facility with athletic fields, libraries, game rooms and a gym.
Not content with just being a place for kids to hang out, the Walter Howlett Club of the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club is on the cutting edge of science and technology. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
A Marker of Progress
Today, the club’s headquarters is located on Avenue W in the Walter Howlett Jr. Building, a 25,000 square-foot, two-story structure named after the former A.G. Gaston Enterprises, LLC president and CEO, who died in 2017. The $7 million space opened in 2020 and won the People’s Choice Award from the Birmingham Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
It serves as a marker of progress in the area, nestled in Crossplex Village behind the Bill Harris Arena.
Much like the original clubhouse, it is a modern outfit. Bright blues, yellows and greens play on the walls inside and outside of the building. The first floor is dedicated to programming for club members ages 7-12 and opens up to a large set of steps that serves as both a gathering point and a timeout area for kids. It also, surprisingly, serves as a space to connect with students, according to McFadden.
He recalled a time when a young man was put on the stairs for a confrontation with another club member. McFadden said that he was able to talk to the student about why he did what he did and how he could have handled things differently.
“Basically, he got a lesson one-on-one on how to de-escalate situations,” he recalled. “There’s one kid in front of me and I teach that one kid. Hopefully, when he goes home, he might teach his brother or sister, or he goes to school and he might teach them, and they might teach other people. It’s just a mushroom of stuff. The things that our members learn here, we don’t know where they go and take them. There’s a multiplier, so we are helping people who we’ve never seen and will never meet.”
The stairs overlook the basketball court that is also used as a meeting and performance space. There is a game room, a teaching kitchen and a cafe. Upstairs, there is a dedicated area for teen members.
After school, the building comes alive with children of all ages, they’re in classrooms asking staff questions, grabbing snacks from the cafe and playing games. There’s laughter, children sharing what they’ve learned and others ready to check on plants that they’re helping grow in the campus garden.
The AT&T Connected Learning Center at the A.G. Gaston Boys &Girls Club. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
Focus on the Future
The club includes a first-of-its-kind in the state Connected Learning Center, sponsored by AT&T. The center features access to up-to-date computers, Wi-Fi and other technology aimed at closing the internet access gap. There is access on the second floor for teens and access on the main floor for younger members.
“We are very, very proud of that,” McFadden said. “Out of all of the schools and all the other organizations in the state, for AT&T to choose us and to put the Connected Learning Center here.”
The partnership started with a call from AT&T, according to him. Thanks to a $50,000 contribution from the communications giant, the club was able to switch out its outdated equipment. The collaboration also became the impetus for a focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) at the club.
“We’re trying to get beyond the club,” he said. “The club is from first grade to 12th grade, and what happens after that? We’re looking at doing something with workforce development in the future. If we’re going to do something with workforce development, then we’ll have some certificate programs.”
The club in Ensley is also home to the Freight Farm, a hydroponic gardening initiative in partnership with Major League Baseball that originated during the league’s celebration of the historic Negro Leagues in 2024. The farm teaches members how to grow their own vegetables, and a staff member is dedicated to its maintenance.
The league was looking for a way to leave a lasting impression in the city that once housed the Birmingham Black Barons, according to McFadden. The call came out of the blue
“After a series of meetings we had with them, we stumbled across the fact that one of the things we’re interested in is food insecurity,” he said. “All of these kids come here every day, some of them are not going to eat dinner when they get home. You can’t look at them and know which one. We told MLB that we wanted to do something that focuses on food insecurity and they said that’s one of their primary objectives, too. How can we do this together? I told them about this hydroponic system that we’re looking at, and they said, “Can we work with you on that?’ We said, ‘100-percent.’”
The farm grows fresh greens such as kale and bok choy that club members can take home and share with their families.
The club is also home to a Freight Farm in partnership with Major League Baseball. The farm, located on the back side of the campus, is an extension of the raised bed garden. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
A Shift in Mindset
The club’s new facility isn’t just a renovation; it marks a shift in mindset for the organization. The club has expanded to six campuses — the Walter Howlett Club, a site at Legacy Prep School, the Freedom Prep School Site, a new Irondale Club, the Vacca Campus Club and The Club at the Magic City Acceptance Academy (MCAA).
“Probably for 55 years, we looked at ourselves as a Birmingham organization, and we’re serving Birmingham kids,” McFadden said. “But, over the last several years, we realized that the issues that are going on for the young people in Birmingham are the same ones that are going on for the young people in Irondale, Hoover and Fairfield and on and on and on.”
The newest club in Irondale marks an exciting chapter for the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club. It’s located in the old Irondale Public Library space.
“It’s a totally different vibe over there because you seem so much like you’re a part of the community,” McFadden said. “Across the street is a church, across the street is the police department. And, then there are homes behind you, and there’s a restaurant across the street. You’re really in the middle of everything. And the community just keeps coming asking how they can help.”
Alice Moore has worked at the club for about a year and has not only seen the difference she’s making at the Howlett Club, but also the difference the club is making in her son’s life. Her 10-year-old son, Oin, is thriving at the Irondale club.
“He has made some wonderful friends over there,” she said. “He’s very much come out of his shell and is very outgoing. He likes to sort of show people around and show people what is going on there. He steps up into that role.”
CEO Andre McFadden listen with A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club member Jayleon, who talks about his love for collard greens, that grew from his grandmother’s cooking. Jayleon’s grandmother is no longer able to make the greens, so Jayleon stepped up to begin making them. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
Unique Clubs
Vacca and The Club at MCAA are unique clubs. The club at MCAA has a mental health focus in its programming, while the Vacca Campus Club is on-site at a juvenile correctional facility.
“Our objective is to serve as many kids as we can, and that doesn’t exclude people who are temporarily in juvenile detention centers,” said McFadden.
The Vacca club looks nothing like what most people imagine, according to him.
“The campus reminds you of an HBCU with a fence around it,” he said. “I was totally shocked when I got there. I was expecting something totally different.”
The Vacca site uses the club curriculum and provides extracurricular activities to serve the whole young man, according to Alecia Allen, Deputy Director of Institutional Services at the Alabama Department of Youth Services. There, members participate in programs such as Money Matters, Career Launch, Diploma to Degree and Passport to Manhood.
“The curriculums are really working on helping young men to be forward-focused and to look at bettering themselves by having involvement with other positive, pro-social men, but also getting to social skills development through training and to look at increasing their understanding and knowledge of how they can use things such as education, career, finances and what manhood is about to focus on how they can be better young men,” she said.
McFadden said that there’s no fundamental difference between members at Vacca and members at other clubhouses.
“We don’t look at them any differently than the kids here,” he said. “Once you’re in Vacca, whether you’re behind the fence or not, you are a member of this club.”
Once club members are out of custody, they retain their memberships and can attend any club near them.
Lives Changed
The lives changed by the club extend past circumstance and generations. Just ask former member Maxwell Hawkins. He said the mentoring he received from his basketball and baseball coaches there affected his life trajectory.
“They taught me a lot about competition and that you can always get better at your craft,” he said. “Whatever your craft may be, you can always be better because when you’re not working, there’s somebody that is. The lessons that I learned relate a lot to my real life.”
Hawkins, who currently works for the Social Security Administration, said his coaches were not only mentors, they were family.
“Overall, for me, the coaches at Boys Club were second parents,” he said. “I was raised by my grandfather. He was older and couldn’t always get around. I didn’t have a car, so they would come pick me up and take me home. They treated me like another son.”
His coaches influenced his decision to further his education.
“With the Boys Club, they showed me there was a different way of life,” he said. “I didn’t have to hang out with the guys on the street who didn’t want to go to school. They showed me another way. In this time, it’s very important to have those role models to look up to. I thank God for the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club because they had people in place that actually cared.”
His time at the club also garnered him lifelong friends like well-known comedian, actor, writer and Birmingham native Roy Wood Jr. He started with the Alabama Boys & Girls Club and attended briefly when the A.G. Gaston club took over at the location. His father, Roy Wood Sr., also worked for Gaston.
“He was always lobbying me to play football at A.G. Gaston, I just didn’t like football,” Wood Jr. said.
“In terms of its worth to the community and building up young men and keeping them off the streets, I can definitely say that they did exactly that,” Wood Jr. added. “One thing that they always did that I appreciated was focus on the character and development of a man. It wasn’t always about coming after school and shooting baskets. It was about remaining cognizant of the decisions you’re making out in the world and whether or not you’re being an upstanding individual.”
McFadden said the club’s work is about providing a third space for children and teens where they feel seen and cared for.
“You come here, you know that you’re going to get that nurturing and caring,” he said. “Somebody’s going to give you a hug, somebody’s going to give you a smile and ask how did school go and hold you accountable.
A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club is a 25,000 square-foot structure on Avenue W. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
Honoring Gaston’s Legacy
Area Director Dominic McCoy has been at the club for eight years. He said his work excites him.
His work, he said, is about honoring Gaston’s legacy.
“I’m learning a lot about the rich history that A.G. Gaston has in the community,” he said. “Everybody doesn’t understand that he’s a big pillar financially and through entrepreneurship.”
Spreading Gaston’s message also includes partnering with Birmingham City Councilor Clinton Woods to reprint Gaston’s autobiography, “Green Power: The Successful Way of A.G. Gaston.”
After reading “Black Titan,” Woods wanted to learn even more about Gaston’s secrets to success but found that Gaston’s memoir was out of print and the copies available cost upwards of $3,000.
He approached McFadden about getting the book in circulation. He and McFadden worked with a local printer in Birmingham that receives orders, processes them and triggers reprinting automatically.
The reprint also serves as a fundraiser for the club, just like the first edition did. Woods calls the book a story of inspiration and importance to Birmingham.
“His story is something that everybody can benefit from,” Woods said of the autobiography. “It truly is a story of determination and how solving problems for other people can really take you places that you maybe never dreamed of. I was just thoroughly impressed and inspired.”
To take the story a step further, they recently worked with Dr. Henry Panion, a composer, arranger and music educator, to produce an audiobook version of Gaston’s story.
“We reviewed several voice actors and people who wanted to be considered for that,” he said about the process. “I think we selected a very good choice. Victor [Thomas] really harkens back to the time period.”
The next phase of the project is getting the book in schools via the national Boys & Girls Clubs. Woods said that Gaston’s story could be a source of inspiration for young people.
“Being able to hear this story early on in your journey kind of gives you an ease around your own future and what you can achieve at a high level and go after big goals,” he said. “It’s really focused on finding a need and filling it. It was the basic tenet that he lived by that really guided his decision-making. I think that’s key to making sure you know your history and to be inspired to achieve and fulfill your purpose. We want to capture that for the new generation and not let that fly away.”
McFadden said he often thinks about what Gaston would think and say as he leads the club.
“Sometimes, when I think of the 60th anniversary, I think what if he was sitting at the table right in the front row, how would he feel about that,” he said. “I’d like to think that he would be happy and he would be proud.”
A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club is a 25,000 square-foot structure on Avenue W. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
The A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club will celebrate its 60th anniversary with the help of Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback and Super Bowl Champion Jalen Hurts in a fireside chat.
When: Thursday, May 14th
Where: Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Comedian Bill Bellamy will be at the StarDome Comedy Club next Friday May 8. (seatgeek.ca)
By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**IRONDALE CELEBRITY BASKETBALL SHOWDOWN ON THE COURT, 1:30 – 3 p.m. Team Mayor Stewart vs Team Councilor London at Shades Valley High School.
**JAZZ HAPPY HOUR with JOSE CARR AND HIS BAND, 5 p.m. at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
**BYRON THOMAS at the Carver Theatre.
**KARAOKE KICKBACK EVERY THURSDAY, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd.
**BLUES JAM EVERY 3rd THURSDAY, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS KARAOKE & MINGLE at Platinum with music by DEVYBE BAND and hosted by Jirus Horton. Line Dance with DESI KEITH & D2 at 6 p.m.
**ADAM MEASEL’S MUSIC TRIVIA at Saturn.
**SAUCE FURNACE -The Upstairs at Avondale Brewing Co.
**RnB POETICALLY LIT, 5-7 p.m. at Lit on 8th, 518 Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. with HUNCHO ZAVY, KD MCQWEEN, CAROL HOOD, DKMODE, BRIANNE SHARDAW and hosted by HEMP THE ARTIST. Every Thursday.
**3rd THURSDAY at the Nick with RAMBLIN’ RICKY TATE at The Nick.
**FILMMAKER NETWORKING NIGHTS, 5 p.m. at 1821 2nd Avenue North
**THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS, 7 p.m. at Platinum of Birmingham with DJ Slugga.
**ALABAMA BLAZIN BINGO, 6 p.m. at Overtime Grill and Bar.
**KARAOKE, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
FRIDAY, MAY 1
IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…
**FISH FRY FRIDAY at Lil Mama’s, 1200 Hall Avenue EVERY FRIDAY, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and music with Chef Dwayne “BIG DADDY” Thompson.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIENNE TACARRA WILLIAMS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN UNCLE LAZER at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**MAN OR ASTRO-MAN? with TWISTED TEENS at Saturn.
**GO GO GORILLA DANCE NIGHT at Saturn.
**DISINCENTIVE, HOT POSSUM, STVLER at The Nick.
** at Iron City.
**FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, 5 p.m. at Howard’s Unlimited Lounge & Cocktail Bar at 4010 Avenue I with food by 1918 Catering Food Truck. Happy Hour at 5 p.m. Call 205-213-9097 for more.
**GOOD PEOPLE & GOOD MUSIC WITH GOOD PEOPLE BREWING at Dave’s, 6 p.m. at Dave’s Pub.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN TACARRA WILLIAMS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**COMEDIAN UNCLE LAZER at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**CAN’T FEEL MY FACE: 2010s DANCE PARTY at Saturn.
**ZAK LOY LIVE AND TROY MILLETTE at The Nick.
**LATE NIGHT with MINDSHAFT + THE REVEREND EARL SNATCH + KARAKZA
**FUTURE ELEVATORS – at the Upstairs at Avondale.
SUNDAY, MAY 3
**THE MAYOR’S DESK – A Podcast with Mayor James D. Stewart and Special Guest ADAM HICKMAN, Foxhound Bee Company during National Small Business Month.
**HOWARD’S UNLIMITED LOUNGE & COCKTAIL BAR, 4010 Avenue I, in Belview Heights with our own favorite son radio personality D.J. CHRIS COLEMAN. Check it out for Sunday Brunch with food by 1918 Catering, music and more!! For more, call 205-213-9097. 1918 Catering is the best food for lunch, dinner or your special event. (Take my word.)
**JOSE CARR performing at JAZZ IN THE GARDEN SUNDAYS, Every 1st and 3rd Sunday, 5-8 p.m. at Denim on 7th, 2808 7th Avenue Suite105.
**EASE BACK 4th SUNDAYS, 5 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**2ND SUNDAY FREE SHOW with ZACH AUSTIN at The Nick.
**4th SUNDAY FREE SHOW with our favorite TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH at The Nick.
**MOTION SUNDAYS at Platinum, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. with DJ CUZZO X DJ A1 Controlling the Vibes.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN TACARRA WILLIAMS at the StarDome Comedy Club.
**MAGOO with DAVIS & HALEIGH at Saturn.
MONDAY, MAY 4
**WEEKDAYS – IRONDALE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER has activities starting at 8 a.m. with a Hot Lunch served for Seniors Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Call 205-951-1418 for details about the FREE program.
**MONDAYS – THURSDAYS – CFJS CARES RESPITE PROGRAM, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call 205-278-7113 for more info.
**MONDAYS – GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP, 10-11:30 a.m. at CJFS Conference Room. Open to survivors who have experienced loss within the past 2 years. Call 205-278-7101 to sign up.
**MONDAYS – ENVISION RADIO, 1 p.m. ‘Where Praise Meets Talk’ with a Special Guest each Monday. For more: www.envision-radio.com.
**MONDAYS – DEMENTIA CAREGIVER VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP, 3 p.m. and/or
Tuesday at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Call 205-278-7113 for more info.
**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND at the Nick with Special Guest IV.
**THE MOTH OPEN MIC STORY SLAM: I GOT IT FROM MY MAMA at Saturn.
TUESDAY, May 5
**IRONDALE CELEBRATING JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 6 p.m. at Irondale City Hall with Mayoral Proclamation & Shehekyanu Prayer.
**TACO TUESDAY R & B NIGHT, EVERY TUESDAY at Hemings on 2ND Avenue.
**PODCASTING 101 at CREED63, EVERY TUESDAY at 5:45 p.m. Learn how to launch and create your own podcast at 1601 5th Avenue North, Birmingham 35203.
**JOSE CARR EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT at True Story Brewing.
**SONGWRITER’S NIGHT EVERY 2ND TUESDAY at The Nick.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
**THE MAYOR’S DESK – A Podcast with Mayor James D. Stewart, City of Irondale and Special Guest ADAM HICKMAN, Foxhound Bee Company during National Small Business Month at 12:30 p.m.
**REAL FUNNY COMEDY WEDNESDAYS at True Story Brewing. Sign up at 7:30 p.m.
**OPEN MIC NIGHT at StarDome Comedy Club.
**FREE SUBSTRATE BINGO with JACKIE LO at Saturn.
**UNDER BLACK SKY with MY OWN TRADEGY + DRIFTSEEKER at The Nick.
NEXT THURSDAY, MAY 7
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!!!
**IRONDALE MAYOR’S PRAYER BREAKFAST, 6:30 a.m. doors open and program starts at 7:45 a.m. at the Church of the Highlands. Hosted by Mayor James D. Stewart with DR. HENRY PANION, III, Grammy Award Winning Composer, Conductor and Educator as Guest Speaker.
**JAZZ HAPPY HOUR with JOSE CARR AND HIS BAND, 5 p.m. at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
**KARAOKE KICKBACK EVERY THURSDAY, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jazzi’s on 3rd.
**BLUES JAM EVERY 3rd THURSDAY, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing.
**THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS KARAOKE & MINGLE at Platinum with music by DEVYBE BAND and hosted by Jirus Horton. Line Dance with DESI KEITH & D2 at 6 p.m.
**SING ANYTHING: 80s KARAOKE with TRISTEN KLAVENGA at Saturn.
** YACHT ROCK REVUE – PRINETIME – by CANN at Avondale Brewing Co.
**ARCHITECTS at Iron City.
NEXT FRIDAY, MAY 8
**FISH FRY FRIDAY at Lil Mama’s, 1200 Hall Avenue EVERY FRIDAY, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and music with Chef Dwayne “BIG DADDY” Thompson.
**COMEDIAN SPECIAL EVENT: COMEDIAN BILL BELLAMY at the StarDome Comedy
**HOUSE OF HEAVY at Saturn.
**SUNDROP + FRIENDS at The Nick.
THE LACS & GIOVANNIE AND THE HIRED GUNS at Iron City.
NEWS TO KNOW AND USE
**FOOT SOLDIERS’ 63rd ANNIVERSARY –Civil Rights Street Celebration, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.in the Historic 4th Avenue District. This is a powerful day of Remembrance, Unity and Inspiration, Honoring the Legacy, Uniting the Neighborhoods, Inspiring the Nation, Celebrate the courage and impact of the Foot Solders who helped shape the Civil Rights Movement. Enjoy Tribute Ceremonies honoring the Foot Soldiers, Live music and performances, Community Unity Village, Youth Legacy Zone and Evening Candlelight Tribute and Unity Walk. This is a call to remember, reconnect and rise together. Be A Part of History In Motion!!!
FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS
**SATURDAY AFTERNOON MOUNTAIN LAUREL WALK, at 1:45 p.m., Dunnavant Valley Greenway Walking Trail (DVGWT)
Details: The trail winds along a bubbling stream, Yellow Leaf Creek, overhung with majestic American beech, oak, and hickory trees. The stream expands to 15-feet wide at its widest point along the trail. Hike off the trail to view a pretty waterfall nearby. There are footbridges over the streams, and a steep patch over a ridge, walking on the trail itself is easy. Bring water with you. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 7 and older able to walk 4 miles without complaining are welcome to participate. Meet at 1:45 p.m. in the ‘small’ DVGWT trail head parking lot on the edge of Yellow Leaf Creek on the very back far edge of the soccer fields on AL Highway 41. Depart at 2 p.m. If you don’t park in the proper lot, you will not find our hiking group. Use the restrooms before you begin the hike, in a building next to the large pavilion at the end of the very first driveway from County Road 41 before the first right turn going around the soccer fields to the trailhead.
Information and Trip Leader: Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680.
** WEDNESDAY KAYAK AND CANOE TRIP at 8:45 a.m. at Terrapin Creek near Piedmont, Alabama with dinner after. -DETAILS: This trip is in Cherokee County, near Piedmont, Alabama. The paddle is relatively easy with one class I classified rapid (which you can portage around if you prefer). This is a scenic stretch of creek located in a very rural area. You may rent one person sit-upon plastic kayaks for $25 each from Terrapin Outdoor Center that include shuttle service, paddles and life jackets. Call the Center at 256/447-6666 to reserve your boat. Let them know you are boating with Southeastern Outings. OR Dan Frederick’s daughter, Aree, currently has canoes for $40 per boat. Southeastern Outings will pay the $10 per boat shuttle service fee for people renting canoes from Aree. Please notify Dan Frederick, southeasternoutings@gmail.com OR 205/631- Participants must be able to swim on this outing! After the trip, plan to eat at a restaurant in Piedmont for an optional dinner. Bring a change of clothes and a towel to wash up and/or have dinner. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED: Email southeasternoutings@gmail.com or call Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680 if you plan to come on this outing. Do not just show up!! Meet 8:45 a.m. at Applebee’s Restaurant Trussville. Depart at 9 a.m.
IN BIRMINGHAM AND AROUND TOWN
**CARA TECH COMING TO MAIN STREET – MEET YOUR FACILITATORS NONPROFIT UNIVERSITY, MAY 6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Auburn University Birmingham Campus with Myeisha Hutchinson- Board Development, Claire Cole -Nonprofits are a Business, Trinity Hummons, -Funding Readiness, Emory Mauldin – Compliance for nonprofits and Jeremy Duckworth – Projects to progress.
**LAWSON STATE COLLEGE Customer Service Professionals (CSP) Program -DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS is FRIDAY.This program is about bolstering a company’s brand and its bottom line – very critical elements for any business that wants to thrive in the competitive marketplace. The eight-week program is open for applications through Friday. The CSP Program is perfect for people looking to switch careers and those who would benefit from short term, career-focused training. Skills include communication, problem-solving, engagement and professionalism which are teachable and needed in today’s workforce . Those chosen to participate receive training in call center operations, business communication, sales, customer relationship management software and product promotion. For more, call 205-929-3485.Session begins June 1 and running from June 6 – August 6, Tuesday and Thursday evening at Lawson’s Birmingham campus.
**MAY 6 AND MAY 13 – GIRL SCOUTS COMMUNITY BOUQUET GIVEAWAY at East Ensley Library, 3:30 -5 p.m. Girl Scouts Troop 27019 will design and assemble more than 150 handcrafted flower bouquets to give to neighbors, library visitors and community supporters. This helps the girls understand how simple acts of kindness can brighten an entire community as it reflects the focus on leadership, creativity and service. The girls will practice floral design, teamwork and community engagement. FREE and Open to the public.
AT THE BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE
**COURAGE UNDER FIRE EXHIBITION through May 16 in the Woolfolk Gallery at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. It will feature images that documented the violence perpetuated against the Freedom Riders. The black and white photographs allow visitors to reflect on the roles of violence, law, enforcement and press during the Freedom Rides. This is the 65th Anniversary of the Anniston Bus Bombing.
AT UAB
**NOW through SATURDAY – 2026 BFA EXHIBITION – UAB Student Art will be featured in BFA exhibition at UAB’s AEiVA. The 2026 BFA exhibition at UAB’s Abroms-Engel institute for the Visual Arts (AEIVA) will have a free closing reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday May1. Admission is always FREE and AEVIA is open to the public from Noon – 5 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturday. Students whose work is featured are Ty Bell, Karah Gohn, Martinee Hill, Gracie Hollington, Jaymie Hornsby, Landon Krail, Nadia Johnson, Kana Luecke and Angeline Robinson.
**SUNDAY – YELLOW BIRD CHASE show starts at 6 p.m. It is a world of imagination and adventure with masks, puppets and improvisation. This is about a maintenance crew that finds a magical yellow bird and a mad chase begins, racing over land across the sea and through the air, battling pirates and monsters. For more, call 205-975-2787.
IN THE CITY OF IRONDALE
**MAY 23 – AUGUST 1 – FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET, Every Saturday, 8 – 11 a.m., at the Irondale City Hall, 101 20th Street South. Seeking Vendors NOW. Any Questions: contact etolbert@cityofiriondaleal.gov or madelynjayne02@gmail.com
Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time. People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send your questions, contact info with your events, your things of interest and more to: gwenderu@yahoo.com and thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com.
