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Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies to Host ‘Sistah Strut’ for Breast Cancer on Sept. 27

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Birmingham Times
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Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies will host its 14th annual “Sistah Strut” this weekend. (File)

dcwins.com

Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies will host its 14th annual “Sistah Strut” walk/run/ride/stroll on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Legion Field, from 7-11 a.m.

“To be clear, ‘sistahs’ are not defined by race or even gender,” said Brenda Phillips-Hong, who founded Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies. “It’s about a shared spirit, attitude and intent to celebrate breast cancer survivors and to raise awareness and money to promote breast cancer screening and early detection.”

Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting people with breast cancer, as well as providing education and promoting early detection of breast cancer in minority, low-income and underserved communities. Among other things, the organization works with local healthcare providers to cover mammogram costs for uninsured, low-income women and men, and it offers free transportation to local treatment centers for those recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

Participants can register online at RaceEntry.com; at our website, wearebbbb.org; through Cash App at $BBBBuddies; by mail to P.O. Box 310532, Birmingham, AL 35231; or in person at WJLD radio station, Yolaine’s Enhancing Skincare in Five Points South; Bistro on 19th in Bessemer, Brown’s Electrical in Forestdale or JJ’s T-Shirts.

Individual adult tickets are $40 in advance or $50 on site the day of the event. Tickets for children are $20, and there is no cost for toddlers. Other packages and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please contact Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies at 205-588-0703 or email: brendasbrnbosbuddies@gmail.com.

WHO: Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies

WHAT: Sistah Strut walk/run/ride/stroll

WHEN: Sept. 27, from 7-11 a.m.

WHERE: Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave. West, Birmingham, AL 35204

Fiesta Birmingham 2025 Planned for Saturday, Sept. 27 in Linn Park

By
Birmingham Times
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The state’s largest celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month will be held Saturday September 27. (File)

www.bhamnow.com

The state’s largest celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month will be held Saturday September 27 featuring a Cultural Village with over 20 Caribbean, Latin and European nations to explore.

Know before you go:

  • What: Fiesta Birmingham 2025
  • Why: Fiesta’s mission is to educate the mainstream public about the many different Hispanic countries and cultures through the best of art, music, dance and food. Donations support the festival’s scholarship program and other community initiatives.
  • When: Saturday, September 27 | Noon-8 p.m.
  • Where: Linn Park, 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Cost: FREE for the first time! (Donations of usual $15 ticket price encouraged)
  • Instagram | Facebook | Website

Thousands of people will gather in Birmingham to immerse themselves in cultures of over 20 Hispanic nations. Just as Epcot has several “countries” to visit, Fiesta features several hubs for diverse cultural experiences and entertainment.

Check out all the villages at Fiesta:

  • Cultural Village: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of 20+ Caribbean, Latin + European nations.
  • Food Village: Indulge in an array of Latin + Hispanic cuisine.
  • Health & Wellness Village: Learn about various health organizations serving Alabama residents.
  • Community Village: Discover nonprofits that support the local Hispanic community through educational programs + more.
  • Sponsor Village: Meet the sponsors that make Fiesta Birmingham possible.

This annual tradition is popular not just for its villages and activities, but for the community and connection.

Teresa Zuniga Odom, “Southern Señora” Hispanic lifestyle blogger + volunteer for Fiesta Birmingham, wrote, “I really love that over 23 years, people come to Fiesta and they make friends here. And that’s what’s so important — we are like a big family. I’ve seen where someone comes to the Cultural Village, sees someone from their country booth, and they become friends immediately. Sometimes, you see people once a year at Fiesta, but it’s like coming home. There’re hugs, tears and laughter, and I just love all of that. The education part is just as important, too. You come here for a party, and you learn something in the process.”

Usually a ticketed event, Fiesta is opening the festival up to everyone at no cost as a gesture of unity.

“Our culture, traditions and shared joy should be experienced everyone. At a time when the world can feel divided, Fiesta is choosing to open its gates so that all can come together in celebration,” said Dulce Riversa, Fiesta Media Representative

Here’s what to look forward to:

  • 170+ vendors + booths
  • Latin American live music including La Original Banda el Limón
  • Folkloric dance in the park
  • Children’s activities including an appearance from Lucha Libre
  • Storytelling sessions + visual arts
  • Soccer games + wrestling

The best way to learn is through having fun and gaining real-life experience, which is how Fiesta Birmingham hopes to spread knowledge of the rich Hispanic heritage in Birmingham. Since 2003, Fiesta has created space for the public to take part in a variety of Hispanic traditions.

Their mission extends beyond the day of celebration to their scholarship fund. The Fiesta Scholars program provides annual scholarships for Hispanic students attending school in Alabama, and has raised over $150,000 since its start two decades ago. Fiesta attendees are encouraged to donate at the festival in place of ticket price (usually $15) to continue investing in the future of the Hispanic community in Birmingham.

Get your tickets now for Fiesta Birmingham at Linn Park on Saturday, September 27.

Birmingham’s Railroad Park Celebrates 15th Anniversary on Sept. 28

By
Birmingham Times
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Known as “Birmingham’s Front Lawn,” Railroad Park has brought the community together and helped catalyze Birmingham’s revitalization. (File)

Times staff Report

Railroad Park is set to celebrate its 15th anniversary on Sunday, September 28, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with entertainment, food, a kids zone, and a new design activation sponsored by the Philip Morris Fund for the Design Arts at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.

Located at 1600 1st Ave S, Railroad Park is a 19-acre urban greenspace in the heart of downtown Birmingham. Often called Birmingham’s “Front Lawn,” Railroad Park features wide-open greenspaces, water features, playgrounds, exercise equipment, a shaded pavilion, walking trails and more

“Everyone is invited to join us on Birmingham’s ‘Front Lawn’ to enjoy the music, food, games, and community atmosphere,” said Ronda Robinson, Railroad Park Foundation’s director of events and community engagement. “We’ve purposely designed this event to be free for the community and we look forward to showcasing the many diverse creative talents of Birmingham – from food to music to art and more.”

Live music and performing arts groups, sponsored by Vulcan Materials, will entertain attendees throughout the day on Railroad Park’s 17th Street Plaza. Birmingham’s Grammy award-winning Pynk Beard will headline the festivities, and The Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir, who earned a Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent, will also perform.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic lunches, but glass and outside alcohol are prohibited. Security will conduct cooler checks at entry and throughout the event.

A lawn game section, sponsored by Regions Bank, will include Giant Connect Four, Checkers, and a beanbag toss. At 3 p.m., Railroad Park will host a 99 Neighborhood Celebration sponsored by PNC Bank to honor Birmingham’s neighborhood officers.

The Birmingham Showcase will feature local artists, makers, merchants, and arts and cultural organizations along 1st Avenue South, highlighting the variety of talents in Birmingham.

For more visit here

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

By
Birmingham Times
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Shaboozey (Photo Credit: pretessencias.com.br. - Daniel Prakopcyk)

By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times

TODAY, SEPTEMBER 25…

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

**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.

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

**KATE HOLLINGSWORTH with PRESTON LOVINGGOOD, and HENRY DUNKLEat Saturn.

**THE HALFZIES at The Nick.

**THE OCHO with LOCAL BRAND + GOOD DIEHL in the Upstairs at Avondale.

**ZOSO THE ULTIMATE LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE at Iron City.

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

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

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

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

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

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

**FILM at Sidewalk Film.

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

**BIRMINGHAM BEVY KARAOKE at Saturn.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26…

IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…

**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.

**MIND MATTERS: A Conversation on Mental Health Substance Use & the Workplace, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Jefferson State Community College, 4600 Valleydale Road.  For more, www.eventbrite.com/e/1618500641989?  Get 5CE Credits.

**THE TAPE CASSETTES, CARDBOARD GIANTS (Birmingham), MILKY WHITE (Tupelo), and FROG PATROL (Birmingham) at The Nick.

**LIGHTNING BOLT with KILL ALTERS at Saturn.

**PEACH PIT at Iron City.

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27…

**FALL COMMUNITY HARVEST at 10-11 a.m. in the vegetable garden. Gather sweet potatoes, peppers, and more guided by Specialty Garden horticulturist KATELYN BAHR at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. FREE with Registration.

**TAYLORVILLE FRIENDSHIP BRACELET PARTY, 11 a.m. at House Plant Collective, 3621 5th Avenue S.

**DOUG FEST featuring DOUG DAUGHETEE’s 70th BIRTHDAY BASH, DEXATEENS, BOHANNONS, with TERRY OHMS, PEOPLE YEARS, SARAH LEE LANGFORD, JANET SIMPSON and WILL STEWART at Saturn.

**DRAG NIGHT at the Nick.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28…

**MIND MATTERS: A Conversation on Mental Health, Substance Use & the Workplace. Sign up. SUNDAY FUNDAY, 2-5 p.m. at Alchemy, 1024 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35205 FREE.  Join for pilates, zero proof pours, games, shopping from local vendors and more for your Sunday reset. Learn healthy ways to spend your time while learning more about the mission and resources of Addiction Prevention Coalition.

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

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

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

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

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

**THE AMAZING HAM BAGBY at The Nick.

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

**SHINYRIBS with WRONGBIRD at Saturn.

**RILO KILEY with THE FAINT at Avondale Brewing Co.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29…

**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.

**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND at The Nick.

**THE MOTH BIRMINGHAM STORYSLAM: THEMELESS at Saturn.

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

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30…

**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.

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

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

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

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

**SUPERSTAR KARAOKE LATE NIGHT TUESDAYS at The Nick.

**WILDERADO with ILLITERATE LIGHT at Saturn.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1…

**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.

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

**PETUNIA AND THE VIPERS with RAMBLIN’ RICKY TATE, DYLAN GROVE at The Nick.

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

**HOUSE OF HARM with SCULPTURE CLUB, DJ BLESSES DREGS, and DJ UPDOG at Saturn.

**FREE FUNERAL PARTY: VAMPIRE RAVE at Saturn.

**SHABOOZEY – THE GREAT AMERICAN ROADSHOW at Avondale Brewing Co.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2…

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

**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.

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

**DEAD TOOTH with SNACKS at Saturn.

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

**THURSDAY NIGHT LAUGHS hosted by BENNIE MAC featuring SEAN JACKSON, AJA CYMONE, CAM 2 STUPID and AJ O’LEARY

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3….

**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.

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

**DANIEL DONATO’S COSMIC COUNTRY at Saturn.

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

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

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

 CELEBRATING OLD ENSLEY…THIS FRIDAY…

**MOVIE SCREENING – TUXEDO JUNCTION: The Almost Lost Story, 7 p.m. at the Greenhouse, 602 19th Street, Ensley.

**JAZZ PARTY, Community Connection, conversation, celebration with music, networking and more, 8:30 – 10 p.m. at The Greenhouse.

 FOR BOOK LOVERS…

**BOOK – AGING WHILE BLACK – A Radical Reimagining of Aging and Race in America by RAYMOND A. JETSON is a book about the realities of aging and racial inequalities. It focuses on Black people in America that are facing aging. Growing older is something that every human will do regardless of what he or she is learning, going through or searching for at any time. They each have a story to tell. It brings into perspectives and connections between generations of family members, young to old that will and should bring talks and conversations for change and understanding while giving direction for the future. It speaks to and asks questions about Black elders and what they have faced. It speaks of possibilities of a reimagined future where Black elders are remembered, respected, celebrated and looked up to ‘more’ for many reasons.

 THINGS TO DO IN OCTOBER...

 FOR LOVERS OF MOTORSPORTS…

**TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY YELLAWOOD 500 is where you will see the best drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series battle it out on the iconic 2.66-mile speedway SUNDAY, October 19 at 1 p.m. This unforgettable weekend of high-octane action will also include the LOVE’S RV STOP 225 on FRIDAY, October 17 at 3 p.m. with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. AND …on SATURDAY, October 18, feel the roar of the engines when the UNITED RENTALS 250 at 3 p.m. is where you will get very excited looking for the thrill of victory with the NASACAR Xfinity Series in action.  So, get your gear and JOIN FANS for the weekend that you have been waiting – OCTOBER 17-20 at Talladega Superspeedway.  For more, visit  www.talladegsuperspeedway.com.

 FOR FOOTBALL LOVERS…

**OCTOBER 25 – The 2025 MAGIC CITY CLASSIC GAME between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University.

**MAGIC CITY CLASSIC PARADE REGISTRATION NOW. AND…Don’t Miss the Battle of the Bands at the Magic City Classic and so much more.

 AT VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM…

**OCTOBER 10 – MOVIES ON THE MOUNTAIN with the movie HOCUSPOCUS, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Free Popcorn.

**OCTOBER 31 – VULCAN’S SPOOKTACULAR, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. with trick or treat stations, photo opportunities, face painting, refreshments and complimentary popcorn.

**OCTOBER 31 – HALLOWEEN PARTY (Adult 21 +), 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. in doors with a DJ, costume contest, catered food, cash bar, Halloween-themed mixology and more.

 AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS…

**OCTOBER 2-5 – ANTIQUES IN THE GARDENS. There are four days of finds from 25 top dealers, plus inspiring talks on interior design, architecture, garden design and floral artistry.

**OCTOBER 25 – FLICKS AMONG THE FLOWERS at 5:30 – 8 p.m. Get your blanket or low profile chair, go early for he costume contest and enjoy a cozy night outdoors at the Gardens.

SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY…

**OCTOBER 9 – THE FIREHOUSE OF HOPE GALA, 5:30 p.m. at the Grand Bohemian Hotel will feature four International Travel Packages, one specifically is the TUSCANY ITALY adventure including 7-night villa stay for 4 guests, private 2-bedroom villa in the heart of Manciano, the region’s renowned natural thermal spas, world-class wines among the rolling Tuscan vineyards and day trip opportunities to Florence and Siena for art, culture and history. This retreat is the first of three more adventure packages to bid on at the Gala.  Support Firehouse Ministries of Hope as you can.

NEAR…on the way to Atlanta, GA…

**OCTOBER 12- 13 – WIRE & WOOD SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL, in downtown Alpharetta, GA. FRIDAY, 6-11 p.m. – Featuring WANG CHUNG, Ansley and the Holf, Brooke Livingstone, Derrick Chapman, Elby Faser, FRUTE, Gareth Asher, Mattie Taylor, Mooklark, Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves, The Pussywillows, Ryan Boss, Stormfolk.

SATURDAY, 12, Noon – 11 p.m. – Featuring GAELIC STORM, Boy Named Banjo, Amanda Belair, Anita Aysola, Arkose, Chris Canterbury, Craig Gleason, Chuck Treece, Crane, Heidi Huelskoetter, Josh Joplin Group, Kristopher James, Lizzie Np, Lydia Hamby, ROCCO, Soup, Sweet Megg, Rosey, Sarah Mootz, Tyler Ramsey, Wim Tapley & The Cannons. There is a Live Art Lounge on Canton Street and a Music Makers Market on Commerce Street near City Hall.

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

The Quiet after the Storm

By
Birmingham Times
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Call it the quiet after the storm. Normally when municipal elections are over the city, members of the community endeavor to move forward and work together – setting ideological differences aside.

That means coming together, perhaps even melding strategies to determine some of the things that the community can do and will do to build. That’s how it’s supposed to work.

But in some cases what I’ve seen has been as much disheartening as it has been shocking — petty acts, tough words and lack of conciliatory tone that have followed races. Insert deep sigh here because Birmingham, we can do better.

In Part One of this Four Part Series I wrote this is not the time to turn your back on the community and that I’m betting on my city, even as I get frustrated with some of the things I see. But rather than give up, I choose to step back, take a deep breath and with a new perspective, see what I can add to help bring forward movement.

It’s almost mind blowing to remember our history of voting rights and what our ancestors not only went through but fought through for the opportunity to get to the polls to have their voices heard, laying the groundwork for you and I to take advantage of this privilege. And some of us won’t even attempt to go vote and have no shame in doing so.

Whoa, the apathy speaks loudly friends.

The question is, when you look back five to 10 years, what will time show that you did with your opportunity to move Birmingham forward? (Adobe Stock)

I keep wondering, what lesson was missed from the days of Civil Rights legends like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth? How we can come from such a great struggle for freedom, to not even exercising one of our greatest freedoms? And that’s not all. Some of us have determined that we’re just not going to work together.

When I came to this community 30 years ago from Montgomery, I envisioned several things for my home here in Birmingham. This unspoken (but loudly demonstrated) rift among some in my community wasn’t one of them. At least not in this way and at this time when unity is arguably one of the more precious gifts we can give ourselves and our home city.

I proudly call this my home because when I’m connected to something, I’m going to throw my full support behind it. So, know that I stand with Birmingham. I’m not saying I’m always pleased about the way some things happen, but whether it’s the mayor’s office, the police department or a person or any community organization involved instead of complaining or behaving petty over someone’s personality or position — I choose to do what I can as a citizen to positively contribute to my colleague or community.

And all I’m asking is that you do the same to make Birmingham the beautiful, diverse and thriving city it was meant to be. It’s time to lay the differences aside and get to work friends.

We’ve heard all the arguments about what would, should and could be in Birmingham. Our new reality is here. And let me also say this. I’m not dismissing calls for greater accountability and/or visibility from our city leaders.

This is your home, too, and the intel that you provide can be the step that’s needed to pivot Birmingham into its greatest reinvention. But it’s all in how it’s done and how it’s presented — no further explanation needed.

The question is, when you look back five to 10 years from now, what will time show that you did with your opportunity to move this community forward?

As the saying goes, let’s not just talk about it friends, but let’s be about it — the profound work of making our community better.

I’m cheering for you while encouraging you to make Birmingham better. Now, it’s your move.

As always, I’m Keisa, Coach K and I am cheering for you (and my community).

(This is Part 2 of a 4-week series on how we can collectively make Birmingham a better place.)

“Birmingham, Alabama, is an amazing city. These young people are amazing. We are here and we are showing that Birmingham, Alabama, has something to say.”

By
Birmingham Times
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0

AHKEEM LEE, DIRECTOR OF THE BIRMINGHAM YOUTH CHOIR AFTER THE GROUP WAS ELIMINATED DURING THE SEMIFINALS OF AMERICA’S GOT TALENT; BIRMINGHAMTIMES.COM, SEPT. 18.

BJCTA to Manage City of Birmingham’s Rideshare Program Under $2.5 Million Contract

By
Birmingham Times
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BJCTA CEO and Executive Director Charlotte Shaw said the $2.5 million will go to VIA to continue providing services while BJCTA oversees the program in alignment with the city’s 7030 transit plan. (File)

Times Staff Report  

The Birmingham City Council has approved $2.5 million for the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) to manage the city’s microtransit program, which provides on-demand rides to areas not covered by regular bus routes.

This move essentially transfers the contractual obligation from the City of Birmingham to BJCTA to oversee and manage. The funding will support microtransit (rideshare) services that have expanded to much of the city since first being launched in 2019.

City officials believe this will also lead to better coordination of services for riders between fixed routes and microtransit services. Roughly 13.5 percent of households in Birmingham do not own a car, so continued investments in alternative transportation is crucial for the city’s economic growth.

It is expected that the BJCTA will launch their own platform for riders to request pickup in January.

“Having a consolidated system for both fixed routes and microtransit is really going to help alleviate a problem for some of our riders,” Council President Darrell O’Quinn said. “Public transportation is a lifeline for a lot of people in Birmingham.”

O’Quinn said public surveys have consistently shown that public transportation is the number one thing people want to the city to invest in. “We’re committed to that, and we’re committed to building out a more inclusive system that works for everyone despite the challenges we face in the state of Alabama in terms of public funding from the state,” he said.

This funding is part of the city’s transportation budget and comes in addition to the $14 million allocated for the city’s transit system two weeks ago.

The microtransit program, operated in partnership with Via, a private company, charges $1.50 per ride.

BJCTA CEO and Executive Director Charlotte Shaw said the $2.5 million will go to Via to continue providing services while BJCTA oversees the program in alignment with the city’s 70/30 transit plan.

“We are now going to be managing the subcontract with the city of Birmingham to work congruent with our 70/30 plan, which is the whole plan that we’ve been rolling out for the past year,” Shaw said. “Continuing to roll out as part of that plan will help move things along a lot faster.”

As rides are tracked, the data will feed into the national transportation database, O’Quinn added.

“It will eventually take a couple of years for that money to start coming back from that activity, but we’ll eventually start getting some additional federal support for those services,” he said.

While riders will not see changes in their day-to-day trips, Shaw said BJCTA oversight will make microtransit more convenient and reliable for users.

WIAT-TV contributed to this post 

Birmingham’s Ramsay IB High School Celebrates 95th Anniversary

By
Birmingham Times
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On Sept. 15, 2023, Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, visited Ramsay High School and spoke to students in school’s Academy of Law. (Birmingham City Schools)

bhm.k12.al.us

Birmingham’s Ramsay International Baccalaureate High School will host a 95th Anniversary Breakfast Celebration on Friday, September 26 at 9:30 a.m.in Ramsay’s Willie Scoggins Gymnasium.

The affair will unite alums, community members, dignitaries, faculty, staff, and others in an event dedicated to celebrating the excellence of the school on the city’s southern border.

Special presentations from students and supporters are planned.

Tickets can be purchased from the school office located at: 1800 13th Avenue South. The celebration is the culmination of homecoming week where Ramsay will face Minor High School at Legion Field on Friday. The anniversary celebration also falls during Ramsay Alumni Week. Forty classes from the Class of 1973 through 2020 will gather in Birmingham to celebrate the school.

For more information contact Jennifer Gilbert at jgilbert@bhm.k12.al.us or 205-231-9616.

Birmingham’s Well-Dressed: Dewon Moton, ‘Judgment is Inevitable, so be Aware’

By
Birmingham Times
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Muralist Dewon Moton photographed outside of La Fête on Morris Ave. in downtown Birmingham. (Reginald Allen, For The Birmingham Times)

By Ameera Steward | For The Birmingham Times

Thirty-three-year-old Dewon Moton was born in Buffalo, New York, and grew up in Pinson, Alabama. His life often didn’t have much structure, so he “needed a coping skill,” he said.

“I got a pencil and paper and found out I could draw, [which gave me] the ability to re-create different worlds,” he said. “I could literally draw myself into my new existence. … I’m a big believer in if I could draw it, I create it, and I live it. I feel like that’s the key: to be able to visualize something and bring it into existence.”

Moton has been using art to express himself ever since.

As for his style, his mom, Shonda Moton, was a fashionable diva, and she sparked his interest in fashion.

“As a straight male, it was … conflicting,” he said. “I could be more like her because that was my role model at the time. Or, [I could be more like] what a man [traditionally] looks like. I feel like I’m a blend of the two, still being able to dress out and [be] comfortable. … [I’m] comfortable in myself no matter what I’m wearing.”

For the past three months, The Birmingham Times interviewed some of the area’s leading fashion designers and tastemakers about the cultural and historical examination of Black style.

Moton is a “very avid thrift shopper,” he said.

“I just simply found out that all the great stuff is in the women’s section,” he explained. “It has everything—all the patterns, all the lace, all the colors, all the textures. Things from the women’s section fit really well; they are just tailored way better.”

Moton believes wearing women’s clothes is a physical interpretation of how clothes can be art because of their fit, flow, patterns, and colors. His favorite women’s pieces are lace shirts and bell-bottom pants.

“Sensory wise, people love to feel, to touch, to see how things are made. … I feel like textured clothes make you more interesting. … And, I mean, it kind of works for me because I’m an artist and I can get away with that. [People] expect me to be weird anyway, so I kind of use it to my advantage—without a doubt.”

Moton graduated from E.B. Erwin High School (now Center Point High School) in Birmingham in 2010 and went on to earn a degree in graphic design from the Art Institute of Pennsylvania in 2013.

Despite having a degree and a passion for his craft, Moton didn’t realize that being an artist could be a lucrative career. In 2010, he was commissioned to paint his first mural on Commerce Street in Dallas, Texas—and then he brought his talents back to Birmingham.

“I got my first opportunity to do a mural downtown and realized the money was 10 times better [than anything else I had done], so I’ve been a full-time muralist for the past seven to eight years,” said Moton, who works under the name Dewon Moton Arts.

You can follow Dewon Moton on Instagram: @dewonmotonart.

Q&A

The Birmingham Times (BT): Why is dressing well important as a Black man?

Dewon Moton (DM): “Because it’s having a platform to be able to show that we are not exactly what people think we are. … I am a straight Black male, but some of my clothes, people don’t consider them clothing a straight man would wear. … But [fashion allows] you to be what you want.”

BT: What is your process when getting dressed for the day?

DM: “Color matching. … My pants have to match my shoes. And I’m crazy about a crop top. … Color theory is a thing [for me], for sure. I just graduated from a business class [in which] they were talking about [elevating your business], and one of the topics was colors and how emotions are tied to [them]. I thought that was cool because it’s like science.

[Moton along with other artists applied for the City of Birmingham Community Arts Grant Program through Create Birmingham. As part of the grant, the artists received business development training, including classes held at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).]

“You can make people react with just what you wear. It could be a loud red that [attracts] very sharp attention. Wear soft blues, and it’ll seem like more of a calm vibe. … The demeanor changes with the outfit. … [For instance], when you see a businessman, his attire is set to [appeal to] a specific demographic.”

BT: Any advice for young Black men who wish to dress well?

DM: “Judgment is inevitable, so be aware. … Know how to carry yourself and speak for yourself, so you can be comfortable regardless of what people see … or what people say.”

 

“I Couldn’t Resist Any Longer … He Told Me, ‘You’re Gonna Fall in Love with Me”

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

MALINDA T. AND ERIC WHITE

Live: Fultondale

Married: Oct. 24, 2009

Met: January 2009, at Faith Chapel in Wylam. Malinda, a minister, caught Eric’s eye when she first entered the sanctuary, but it was her moving prayer before the congregation that led him to ask a friend who she was.

“She was very attractive, and once she got up and started praying it piqued my curiosity even more because I saw that she had a deep relationship with God,” Eric said. “My friend, Tony Hearns, said if you’re going to approach her you’re going to have to be right in your walk with God, and I said, ‘I’m ok with that.’ So, I walked up to her after service and began talking to her and that day we got familiar with one another. I shared some things [about myself] and she shared things [about herself]…”

The pair did not exchange numbers that day, as Malinda was in a hurry. “I really wasn’t into the conversation at that point, but only because I was trying to leave. [In the weeks to follow] we had a couple of events at the church, and we had a singles conference, and I saw him worshiping God and I had never seen a man worship and freely express his love for God the way that he did,” said Malinda. “I saw tears rolling down his eyes, he’d get on his knees, and it seemed to me like he saw no one else there, like it was just him and God. That’s how attuned his worship was.  … and every Sunday after church, he would come up and talk to me and one of my friends noticed he’d [taken an interest in me], and she said I needed to pay special attention to him. So from that moment, I had been waiting quietly for him to ask for my number, and one month went by and he hadn’t asked, and at six weeks, he still hadn’t asked, so I took out a sheet of paper and wrote my number down on it and just gave it to him, Malinda laughed.”

First date: March 2009. The pair met for coffee at a Starbucks in Hoover. “We spent a lot of time talking, laughing, and enjoying one another. From my end, I thought it was a fantastic date. I got to know more about her, her family, and her relationship with her parents. I learned she had a sibling who’d passed…. I got to know a lot more about her outside the church and it caused me to look at her in a deeper way,” Eric said.

“I thought the date was very refreshing. It was nice to be able to talk about my life. For instance, I had a daughter that was killed in a car accident… and he had the right words and actions. He didn’t say much, he just held my hand. He understood and was able to empathize with where I was in my life, and how strong I was to have overcome so many things and said that I had the victory,” Malinda said. “And for the first time in a long time I felt alive. I was able to express myself authentically without reservation. I am a person that likes to talk, and he just listened and he listened so intently that he could spit back everything I said and he made me feel special and like he was interested. I had a smile plastered across my face and it didn’t leave when the date was over, I [wore that smile all day].”

The turn: May 2009, over the phone. Malinda was home in Fultondale, and Eric was home in Pelham.

“I brought the conversation up,” Eric said. “I really felt a connection with her after we had been talking for a while and knew there was more to it than a friendship. I felt like we should be exclusive to see where the relationship could go, and I wanted it to go to the next stage so I called her and told her what was on my heart and mind to see where she was, and what her thoughts were.”

“I couldn’t resist any longer,” said Malinda. “From the time we met, he told me ‘you’re gonna fall in love with me’, and I thought this guy sure is confident. And when he asked me [to be exclusive], that thought came to mind. Little did he know that I had already fallen in love with him. It was something that I had been anticipating and the answer was ‘yes’. It was like a prophecy had come to pass and by that time I was deeply in love with him.”

Malinda T. and Eric White met in 2009 at Faith Chapel. They married within the year at the same church. (Provided)

The proposal: July 4, 2009, at Malinda’s mother’s home in Irondale for a holiday barbecue.

“I called her mom to see if they were going to have anything for the 4th, and to let them know what my plans were. I had already asked for [her hand in marriage]. So I called her friend, Marcella Roberts, to help me get everyone there,” said Eric.

With the additional help, Eric made it seem as though all of Malinda’s friends and extended family were present to celebrate Marcella’s birthday.

“After we finished cooking, I asked everyone to come in so we could pray over the food and sing Happy birthday to Marcella and I said ‘I know we are here for Marcella’s birthday, but I have something to say’. I got down on one knee and took the ring out and asked Malinda if she would marry me, and she was shocked,” Eric said. “Everybody started jumping up and down, and Malinda accepted my proposal.”

“I was thinking he sure is smart [because] how did he know this was exactly what I wanted? I didn’t want anything elaborate, I didn’t want him to take me on a trip, I wanted it to be intimate and with my family present because my family is important to me… I was overwhelmed with him and God because I felt like God had answered my prayers and I was so full of gratitude I just fell to my knees…”

Although grateful, Malinda said she didn’t respond right away. “First I wanted to see the ring,” she laughed, “and the ring was bling blinging. Sometimes love is love at first sight, but sometimes love evolves. And the thing that I loved most about Eric was that he was patient.”

The wedding: At Faith Chapel in Wylam, at 11 AM, officiated by Minister Connie Blaylock, of Faith Chapel. Their colors were peach, teal, and brown.

Memorable for the bride was when Eric read the vows that he wrote to her. “He took out a sheet of paper and he read his vows to me, and the last thing he said was ‘you are my wife for life’ and that is a mantra that we say all the time,” said Malida. “His vows were so personal, intimate, and soulful that when he finished, everybody in the sanctuary got up and started clapping.”

Memorable for the groom was their exit from the sanctuary at the end of the ceremony. “We kinda danced our way out. It was the music and the excitement… it was a rap song, and all the bridesmaids and groomsmen danced out, it was a big celebration of a new beginning,” said Eric.

They honeymooned in Nashville. “It wasn’t really a honeymoon, we just got away for the weekend,” Malinda said. “…. during the drive we reminisced about the wedding, our courtship, it just gave us an opportunity to [reflect] because everything [their courtship] went so fast, and finally we could be together as man and wife in the same bed,” she laughed.

Words of wisdom: “Communication, but I want to make it known that it’s more than talking. One is talking and the other is listening to actually hear the heart of what the other is saying so that you are listening to act upon, and change to make the marriage better,” Eric said.

“Make space for fun. Remember the moments and why you fell in love and keep yourself grounded in that because life will life, and storms will come. But if you keep laughing and make space for fun, you’ll always keep your marriage alive and fresh.”

Happily ever after: The White’s attend Faith Chapel in Wylam, where Malinda serves as the senior director of growth and development (staff), and Eric as a lay minister. They’re a blended family with one adult daughter from Eric’s previous relationship, Taketa Nelson, and five grandchildren.

Malinda 62, is a Birmingham native and West End High School grad. She attended Tuskegee University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in k-12 education, and Samford University, where she received a master’s degree in educational leadership. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and runs a speaking and consulting business called the Forward Company LLC., and is a part of the Momentum Executive Leadership, class of 2025.

Eric, 62, is a Montgomery native, and Carver High School grad [Montgomery]. He attended Rhema Bible College online, where he obtained a diploma in biblical studies, and Jefferson State Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in bio-med equipment technology. Eric is retired from Birmingham Logistics as a truck driver. He spends his retirement volunteering in ministry at Faith Chapel, and mentors and coaches young men in spiritual development.

“You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them. If you would like to be considered for a future “Hello’’ column, or know someone, please send nominations to Barnett Wright bwright@birminghamtimes.com. Include the couple’s name, contact number(s) and what makes their love story unique.

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