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Coca-Cola UNITED Named Among America’s Best Places to Work

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Birmingham Times
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Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Birmingham. (Coca-Cola United)

By Cassandra Mickens | CassandraMickens@ccbcu.com

Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED) has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group recognized companies through a comprehensive assessment involving employee interviews, company reviews, publicly accessible data and an analysis of over 120 key performance indicators.

“Being named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group is a great honor and reflection of the core values we live every day,” said Coca-Cola UNITED Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer Gianetta Jones. “We are proud of the ‘Associates First’ culture we’ve built, and we remain dedicated to evolving it with purpose and care.”

“Companies that emphasize building a strong workplace environment see higher levels of employee engagement. And with higher employee engagement comes a range of benefits. That’s why Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group are partnering for the third-annual ranking of America’s Greatest Workplaces, recognizing the companies where employee engagement comes naturally,” said Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham.

In addition to being named one of the nation’s best workplaces overall, Coca-Cola UNITED has also been recognized with the following accolades:

“We are invested in creating an environment where all individuals can thrive – personally and professionally,” Jones said. “We celebrate this achievement with pride, knowing it reflects the strength of our Coca-Cola UNITED family.”

Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED), founded in 1902 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is among the largest bottlers and distributors of Coke products in the U.S

Leaders, Educators and Students Focus on Tech’s Future at Ed Farm’s Learning Summit

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Birmingham Times
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From left: Ed Farm President Waymond Jackson; Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, Warner Robins, Georgia Mayor LaRhonda Patrick and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. (Sym Posey, The Birmingham Times)

By Sym Posey and Don Rhodes II | The Birmingham Times

From students to teachers to communities, Ed Farm, a tech and education startup nonprofit based in Birmingham, has been life changing.

That was on display this week during this year’s Future of Learning Summit (FOLS), a professional development experience in Birmingham that brings Ed Farm’s community of educators together to reimagine learning through technology and future-focused curriculum.

Opening day included a mayor’s panel hosted by Ed Farm President Waymond Jackson with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin; Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, and Warner Robins, Georgia, Mayor LaRhonda Patrick.

Those in attendance were teachers like South Hampton K-8 School Media Specialist Tambra Clark, who said, “Ed Farm has changed my life. It has transformed my life. From the very beginning the support, the resources that they poured into [at South Hampton] was always a phone call away. They are truly my tribe. They are truly my cheerleader … because they want us to strive in that tech world by embracing technology and showing us how to enhance education with technology.”

Also in attendance was Khari Pope, a rising 8th grader at Huffman Middle School. “Ed Farm has changed everything by inspiring me to be more creative,” she said.

Pope, who serves as secretary in her student government, credited the program for boosting her confidence and pushing him into leadership roles. “It can’t always be the teachers. We have to step up as students … So who’s going to be the leader and lead the good?”

South Hampton K-8 School Media Specialist Tambra Clark. (Sym Posey, The Birmingham Times)

Innovative Digital Skills

Launched in February 2020 with founding support from Apple and Alabama Power, Ed Farm creates programs designed to engage students, educators and adult learners in innovative digital skills experiences that better prepare them for the 21st century workforce.

At South Hampton, Clark said when she started her journey with Ed Farm she only had “one computer cart to code with to have a coding club. I had 20,000 books, I had two computer labs with about 40 Dell computers, and that was it.”

Today, Clark says her library not only includes a 3D printing lab, but students have access to “Oculus and we have equipment for students to make music with. I have robots, Legos, and drones. They have access to Kindle Nooks as well as our podcast set up,” where the students record their podcast, Bulldog Talk: On the Edge, is live streamed on Apple and Spotify.

Ed Farm in partnership with Birmingham City Schools introduced the South Hampton Innovation Library, the organization’s first learning space designed through its “Spaces” initiative.

“My library of innovation just really flipped the script on their education. It became more of a tech and stem-based library. My students have been able to compete on a national level because of that space, because of the resources,” said Clark.

Candyce Monroe, Head of Learning Programs at Ed Farm, said the group’s instructors are committed to education and innovation. “I’ve always believed that students should have tools, skills, and strategies that enable them to feel and create the jobs of the future,” she said.

Starting out as a science teacher, Monroe stepped up to teach computer science when no one else volunteered, she said. “From there, I saw how important it was to integrate tech with real-world learning.”

Monroe joined Ed Farm after a colleague noticed her work with student programs. “I came on as a consultant for computer science curriculum, then moved into coaching teachers and building out our fellowships,” she said.

Saniyah Horn, 7th grader, at W.J. Christian. (Don Rhodes II, The Birmingham Times)

The Student Takeovers

The Student Takeovers — a key part of the summit— were born out of a desire to let students showcase real solutions to real problems. “Today, we saw students from Birmingham City Schools such as Huffman Middle School & W. J. Christian, use a rap to encourage peers for state testing, and others build an app to save lives,” said Monroe. “These weren’t just school projects. They were personal missions.”

When asked about a viral rap she created, Huffman students Pope smiled and said, “They were hype! I can still walk through the halls today and hear people say lines from it. It’s just part of it now.”

And another student, Saniyah Horn, a 7th grader at W.J. Christian, presented her team’s app designed to address rising teen suicide rates.

“The most exciting part was the team collaboration,” Horn said. “I got to view a lot of different perspectives and opinions.”

Horn, who said she has created apps since the fourth grade, emphasized the importance of using tech for good. “Tech is a blessing and a curse. But I think we should use it to help students and encourage them to learn more,” she said.

Horn’s most memorable moment came after returning from a competition where they came away with a win, regardless of where they placed.

“Even though we got third place, my classmates were jumping up and down,” she said. “Some schools didn’t even place. We were just happy we got to experience that.”

Updated at 10:42 a.m. on 6/6/2025 to correct name of student in photo.

A Look Inside Birmingham’s East Lake Library, Reopened After 4 Years With New Upgrades

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Birmingham Times
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The renovated East Lake Library features a new elevator and foyer, updated restrooms, and more. (City of Birmingham)

birminghamal.gov

After four years, East Lake Library has reopened its doors—and it’s more welcoming than ever. The renovated space now features a new elevator and foyer, updated restrooms, and a refreshed auditorium and stage.

“East Lake Library is reopening its doors — and I couldn’t be prouder,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said. “Not just because it’s another win for our neighborhoods, but because it reflects what we believe: access to knowledge should never be up for debate.”

As Mayor Woodfin shared, this reopening isn’t just about a building—it’s about what libraries represent: access, opportunity, and community.

From helping kids explore new worlds to connecting job seekers and seniors, libraries remain a vital part of life in Birmingham.

The East Lake Branch of the Birmingham Public Library began its life in a 25×50 foot room on the second floor of the East Lake Fire Station in 1914. In 1926, the land was purchased at #5 Oporto Madrid Boulevard from Sidney P. King at a cost of $10,000 for a new library building.

The Miller and Martin Architectural Firm was chosen to design a building along the same lines as the “new” Linn-Henley Research Library which opened in 1927. The completed East Lake Branch Library was a two-story, Georgian Revival structure with 8,000 square feet of usable space. It was built using the same stone and buff bricks as the current East Lake Fire Station next door. It opened its doors in 1928 close to three elementary schools (Barrett, Robinson and Kirby), Woodlawn High School and Howard College (now Samford University located in Homewood).

In the mid 1970’s, fire and water damaged the 1937 mural located in the Children’s Reading Room. John Bertalan, a Birmingham art conservator, restored the mural in 1993.

The most recent renovation of the East Lake Branch includes the installation of an elevator and foyer, additional storage space, new restrooms, an exterior emergency stairwell, as well as a much anticipated revamped auditorium and stage which have both been unused for 30 years.

2025 Pride Month: Inside Birmingham’s Underground LGBTQ+ Ballroom Extravaganza

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Birmingham Times
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The Innovative Chapter of The Iconic House of Juicy Couture from left: Poiz Juicy Couture; Alabama Prince Yoshi Juicy Couture; NV Juicy Couture; Alabama Princess Talia Juicy Couture, and North Carolina Father D Juicy Couture at the Code Red Ribbon Kiki Ball at Bosses Private Lounge in Birmingham. (Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times

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

At the Code Red Ribbon KiKi Ball held recently at Bosses Private Lounge in downtown Birmingham, The Birmingham Times had a front-row seat to observe the Ballroom scene, or just Ballroom.

A Black and Latino underground LGBTQ+ subculture, “Ballroom consists of two primary features: anchoring family-like structures, called Houses, and … flamboyant competitive Balls,” according to a 2009 article in the Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services.

Houses, often named after famous fashion brands and retail brands —Balenciaga, Gucci, Von Dutch, Old Navy, and others — offer social support, a network of friends, and a social setting that allows free … expression. Balls have been described as “extravagant competitions … where house members vie for trophies and cash prizes in a series of runway competitions and performance-art battles.”

Karina “Ashanti Von Dutch” Harris, left, known to many as ” the Alabama Face Doll” Raymond ” with Raymond “Scorpio Von Dutch” Billingsley also known as “Father Alabama” at the Code Red Ribbon Kiki Ball at Bosses Private Lounge. (Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times.)

Outside the Birmingham venue, AIDS Alabama, which helped sponsor the event, had set up its mobile testing unit in the parking lot, serving as a reminder that beneath the glamour and excitement, health and community care remain central.

Inside, love, support, and showmanship filled the air as competing Houses settled into their corners. A key component of Ballroom is the “chosen family” — nonbiological kinship bonds, whether legally recognized or not, deliberately chosen for mutual support and love — due to some being disowned or ostracized from their biological ones, or as a refuge or respite from a world where they feel misunderstood and underrepresented.

These families, or Houses, are led by “mothers” and “fathers,” usually older members of the Ballroom scene, who provide guidance and support for their House “children.” There are even godparents, who gladly fill the role of mother or father when needed.

“As a founding mother, anytime anybody calls, I try my best to always be there and help them in any way I can,” said Za’Niya “Von Dutch” Blanco, a founding mother of The Captivating House of Von Dutch, which was established in Birmingham in May 2021. “They need to feel that I’m there, that they’re loved, that they’re heard.”

Ballroom Roots

“Since its beginnings in Harlem, New York, … Ballroom culture has expanded rapidly to every major city in the United States …,” the Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services explained. Events are held year-round all over the country, including almost every weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, and on planned occasions in Birmingham.

Emerging in the 1920s, Ballroom evolved into a dynamic realm of performance, blending fashion, dance, artistry, and the concept of chosen family. Black and Latino LGBTQ+ individuals were excluded from white-dominated drag pageants.

Trouble Old Navy sports an all red-couture ensemble — the suggested color for the Code Red Ribbon Ball at Bosses Private Lounge in Birmingham. (Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times)

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ballroom had grown into a thriving subculture with its own rules, hierarchies, and traditions. Dancers competing in categories like “Realness,” “Face,” and “Runway” were judged by their peers on how convincingly they embodied the roles they portrayed.

A Night at The Ball

During The Times’s visit, which came six weeks ahead of Pride Month which began June 1, we found that the emcee, known in Ballroom as the “commentator,” is the voice of the night, cutting through blaring bass to call categories, cue dancers, and keep the energy high with sharp commentary and clever remarks. Phrases like “Tens! Tens across the board!” or “This queen is serving realness” could be heard at any given moment.

Category participants are required to ‘walk’ one by one to receive full approval from all judges, known as ‘receiving your 10s’ — which isn’t guaranteed.

The Code Red Ribbon KiKi Ball attracted performers far and wide, such as Texans Brian Dunnam and Jacoby Brisbon, who are part of the Texas/Gulf Coast chapter of the House of Von Dutch.

Dunnam, who performs under the moniker “Nizhoni Von Dutch,” and Brisbon, who goes by “B-Moore Von Dutch,” drove from the Lone Star State to attend the Magic City event.

Family members with the House of Von Dutch gather before the Code Red Ribbon ball at Bosses Private Lounge in Birmingham. (Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times)

Dunnam, 32, who identifies as a queer male, said, “Ballroom itself is like a chosen family because you spend a lot of time together. We’re always hanging out, grabbing dinner, practicing, and doing different things. It’s your family, so you’re going to talk, argue, kiki, laugh, … and that’s what makes it so beautiful.” (Kiki, according to Merriam-Webster.com, is an informal gathering among close friends, typically involving laughter and gossip.)

Dunnam has been doing drag for about 10 years, “but I’ve been following the Ballroom scene for about three years,” he said.

“I stepped into Ballroom and started being a drag face girl. It’s for [drag] girls who have really pretty structure, skin, teeth, all of that. I just do the drag version of it. I’m a boy who dresses up as a woman for art.”

“A Safe Haven”

Baltimore, Maryland, native Brisbon, 38, a transgender male, who’s been part of the House of Von Dutch for the past three years, said, “Ballroom is a safe haven, an outlet where we can let our hair down. … We live in a world that doesn’t accept us. … Here, there’s no judgment, and we get to live out our fantasies.”

Asked why he chose the House of Von Dutch, Brisbon summed up what the culture is about: “My first time meeting the Texas chapter, I knew Von Dutch was the house for me. I experienced a family dynamic I had been missing ever since I moved to Texas 14 years ago. They made me feel welcomed and comfortable to be myself. … We shared so much in that short weekend that I knew I had found my family.”

The Code Red Ribbon KiKi Ball, which started around 7:30 p.m., wrapped up around 2 a.m. With the competition behind them, participants mixed and mingled in the parking lot outside while the venue cleared.

“Even though people are part of different Houses, at the end of the day we are still part of a family,” said Karina “Ashanti Von Dutch” Harris — the Von Dutch family’s newly appointed Alabama Godmother.

Meet the Architect of Alabama’s Underground Ballroom LGBTQ+ Scene

By
Birmingham Times
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Clint Adams (seated front right), who heads the Alabama chapter of the House of Old Navy with from left: Kenzie Old Navy; Trouble Old Navy; Infinity Old Navy; Psyaint Old Navy, and Lala Old Navy at Bosses Private Lounge in Birmingham. Adams is known as “Father Alabama.” (Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times)

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

June is Pride Month, a time for parades, celebrations, and other events to honor the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for equal rights, but there’s another little-known celebration, that few get to see, or even know about that touches the lives of thousands — the Ballroom scene, or just Ballroom.

A Black and Latino underground LGBTQ+ subculture, Ballroom consists of two primary features: anchoring family-like structures, called Houses, and … flamboyant competitive Balls. Houses, often named after famous fashion brands and retail brands—like Balenciaga, Gucci, Von Dutch, Old Navy, and others—offer “social support, a network of friends, and a social setting that allows free … expression.”

A key component of Ballroom is the “chosen family” due to some being disowned or ostracized from their biological ones, or as a refuge or respite from a world where they feel misunderstood and underrepresented. These families, or Houses, are led by “mothers” and “fathers,” usually older members of the Ballroom scene, who provide guidance and support for their House “children.” There are even godparents, who gladly fill the role of mother or father when needed.

In the Ballroom community, terms like ‘Legend’ and ‘Icon’ … have specific meanings”— and they are earned, not claimed. “Legend” status honors those who have achieved consistent excellence and recognition in a specific category over time. “Icon” is a higher distinction, reserved for individuals whose influence has helped shape, expand, or preserve the culture on a broader scale. Both titles reflect deep community respect and lasting impact.

Clint Adams, who heads the Alabama chapter of the House of Old Navy, poses with hardware at Paper Doll Pop cocktail bar in Birmingham. As a founding father of Birmingham ballroom scene, Adams has snagged more than his share of ballroom competition trophies over the years. (Reginald Allen, For the Birmingham Times)

And one of the Magic City’s icons is Bessemer, Alabama, native Clinton Adams, known as “Father Alabama.”

“The chosen family is the safety net for a lot of people,” Adams explained to The Birmingham Times. “Their biological family doesn’t accept them, but [as part of a Ballroom House] they fall into a family that will. My biological family has always supported me, but I know that’s not true for everyone. Ballroom becomes the place where they find that love.

Adams heads the Alabama chapter of the House of Old Navy. Known on both the mainstream and kiki scenes — the latter of which “originated from social gatherings, or ‘kikis,’ at health outreach organizations” — he is credited for bringing Ballroom to Birmingham in the late 2000s and nurturing it from the ground up.

Adams helped launch Alabama’s first kiki Houses, a youth-focused social cousin to the more competitive mainstream Ballroom scene, providing a platform for young people to grow their talent while finding safety and structure.

Becoming “Father Alabama”

Adams was first exposed to Ballroom in 2005 during a trip to Atlanta, Georgia.

“I was young and didn’t even know that many gay people at that time, so to see a bunch of people walking runway, spinning on their heads, and doing all these stunts, I was truly amazed at it,” he said. “I left in awe, … and all my trips from then on were centered around going back to Atlanta to learn more about the culture to bring back everything I learned.”

Adams, 42, not only brought what he learned back to Birmingham but also participated in the culture.

“I started vogueing and teaching myself by watching YouTube videos,” he said of “the highly stylized form of dance created by black and Latino LGBTQ communities,” as described by the website of the National Museum of African American its History and Culture.

“At first, people thought I was crazy. They were like ‘Is he on drugs?’ because Alabama is conservative, and they didn’t know what [Ballroom culture] was. But, eventually, they started asking questions and wanting to learn, and it blossomed from there,” Adams said.

By late 2008, Friday nights at Club 21—a venue in downtown Birmingham that catered to a young, mostly Black LGBTQ+ clientele—were jam-packed.

Clint Adams, who heads the Alabama chapter of the House of Old Navy, is known as “Father Alabama.” (Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times)

“Tool for Empowerment”

As father of the Alabama chapter of the House of Old Navy and one of the driving forces behind the kiki Ballroom scene, Adams’ influence extended well beyond the runway. For him, Ballroom became a tool for empowerment, health awareness, and life coaching.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how many lives I’ve saved from [HIV and AIDS] and how many kids I’ve helped graduate from high school all because [of their involvement in Ballroom],” Adams said. “It’s not just about walking a Ball. I’ve literally been in their lives every step of the way.”

When Club 21 closed in the early 2010s, Birmingham’s kiki scene paused. And then Adams was contacted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB’s) 1917 Clinic, one of the nation’s leading HIV and AIDS outreach clinics, with an opportunity.

“I threw a major Ball [with partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the UAB 1917 Clinic, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), and others]. The 1917 Clinic reached out and wanted to throw a really big Ball and to give away $60,000. It was at [a downtown Birmingham hotel]. I bought the trophies myself, and we gave away hotel rooms, gas cards, and [big dollar] category prizes. That event cost about $100,000 by the time it was over,” he said.

Continuing to Evolve

Adams’ commitment to his Ballroom House children stretches into everyday life.

“One of my kids who didn’t know anything about Ballroom is a legend now,” he said. “I met him when he was in a rough situation with an older man, and he wasn’t even going to school anymore. I showed him how to take care of his sexual health, paid for his prom and his graduation, and even drove him to prom myself.”

Though being Father Alabama is at the heart of Adams’ work, at times, his support has meant offering help that many take for granted.

“I’ve had kids who I let drop me off at work just so they could have the car to go to school,” he said. “But I will teach you what you need to do to be great—not just in Ballroom but in real life.”

The goal for Adams has always been bigger than the scene itself.

“I don’t want followers. I want to create leaders, people who can carry the legacy forward,” he said. “I won’t be here forever, but I want what I’ve built to keep going long after I’m gone.”

As the Birmingham Ballroom scene continues to evolve, Adams has stepped away from the spotlight to watch others carry the torch.

“It’s an honor to see it now. There was a time when it was only me throwing Balls, and now there are so many others,” he said. “I tell people all the time, I’m not just a father of Old Navy—I’m a father of the scene.”

Birmingham’s Ballroom community is excited about an upcoming summer ball, called “The Wicked Summer Pride Kiki Ball,” set to take place on Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Tuxedo Ballroom, 2001 Avenue D, Birmingham, AL 35218. For more info, visit: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-wicked-summer-pride-kiki-b/1855391028629481/.

How Kai Frazier Engages Students Through Virtual Reality

By
Birmingham Times
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After connecting with gener8tor and other resources, Kai Frazier brought her company to Alabama in 2023. (Provided)

By Mark Kelly | Alabama News Center

Growing up near Virginia’s Atlantic Coast, in what she describes as “a challenging environment” that included being homeless for a time at the age of 15, Kai Frazier developed an interest in history.

Over time, she also came to understand that her future, as well as those of her classmates and millions of other children across the country, was limited by a lack of access to learning opportunities, such as field trips and other hands-on experiences, due to disparities in funding and material support.

“I didn’t have many resources,” Frazier recalled about her childhood in the 1990s and early 2000s. “There was no tech that I used. I never saw a college campus until I was actually enrolled in college. I thought about what life could be like if I’d had more opportunities to learn about different places, explore the world.”

Those thoughts planted a seed that grew eventually into Kai XR, a promising startup that is part of the thriving innovation community in Birmingham. Frazier founded the company in 2018, motivated by the desire to expose students to learning opportunities she missed — and to help ensure their ability to take advantage of them.

Kai XR is an education platform that uses virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) to provide engaging lessons and experiences for students. Focused on children in third through fifth grades, the platform includes virtual field trips to locations across the globe and 3D building projects designed around the knowledge and skills needed to improve educational outcomes and future job prospects.

“It’s about making learning apply to students’ everyday lives, exploring careers and solving real-world problems,” Frazier explained. “We focus on STEM skills (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and use VR/XR to encourage creativity, collaboration and problem solving.

“This platform gets kids excited about learning.”

Studying history and education at Virginia Commonwealth University in the mid-2000s, Frazier had remained intrigued by the idea of improving educational outcomes in underserved schools. Her interest — and her determination to do something about it — grew after she earned her degree and entered the teaching profession.

Closing Gaps

As a seventh and eighth grade history teacher in northern Virginia, Frazier repeatedly encountered the same lack of resources she remembered in the schools she grew up in. There was little to no money to afford buses for field trips or fund in-school extracurricular programs and activities. Access to equipment and materials to enhance instruction and learning was limited. These circumstances caused frustration for students and teachers alike, Frazier said, recalling as an example how few of the videos available to her history classes were up to date.

“A lot of black-and-white historical footage, black-and-white photos and textbooks,” Frazier recounted. “Kids just fell asleep in class all the time. We did not have the tools to keep them engaged and excited.

“Imagine,” Frazier added, “You’re in northern Virginia, 20 minutes away from D.C. and all the free federal museums, and you don’t have the money to pay for a bus to get schoolkids there. As a history teacher, it was a little insulting to me that I could not take my students to the National Museum of American History.”

Technology helped close some of the gaps, but accessibility was a huge obstacle, one that Frazier said was dealt with mostly by improvising. Her school adopted a bring-your-own-device policy, encouraging students who had laptops, tablets or smartphones to bring their own to class.

“That was in the days before everyone had their own device,” Frazier said. “So, we would have two or three kids sharing a device. We ran class on 5G signals and smartphones. Any tool we had to find ways of bringing history to life and making those connections that help students understand and relate to what they’re learning.”

Enlarging Her Toolbox

Looking to enlarge her toolbox, Frazier took on extra work with jobs at the same museums her students were unable to visit. Working at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, she was exposed to VR for the first time — the point at which her long-simmering ideas about technology and learning came together in the idea that became Kai XR.

Deciding to make developing her business concept a full-time job, she sold her house, car and most of her possessions, moving across the country to Oakland, California, and the fertile startup climate of Silicon Valley. There, she would spend six years “learning everything I could about technology, the trade of business, the necessities of starting a successful business.” She also saw the power of innovation and ideas, receiving encouragement from others who had followed the entrepreneurial path.

And she became a founder.

“In D.C., when I told people I was moving to the Bay Area to start a company, they told me I was crazy,” Frazier said. “In the Bay, people told me I wasn’t dreaming big enough.”

Frazier visited Alabama initially in 2022, when she was invited to speak at the inaugural Future of Learning Summit produced by Ed Farm, the Birmingham-based digital resource for community education. Both the event and the city struck a chord.

“It was beautiful,” Frazier said. “I met a roomful of engaged and ready-to-learn educators who wanted to know all they could about tech and using technology in the classroom.”

Traveling To Birmingham

For more than a year afterward, Frazier traveled back and forth to Birmingham several times, building relationships with fellow educators using her tools — Birmingham City Schools began using the platform, along with I3 Academy, the K-5 charter school in the city’s Woodlawn neighborhood — and interacting with prospective investors and accelerators for Kai XR. After connecting with gener8tor and other resources — including partnerships with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Regions and Alabama Power — she brought the company to Alabama in 2023.

Asked for stories about how the Kai XR lesson platform works, Frazier shared two recent examples from Birmingham’s W.J. Christian K-8 School. One was a “learning adventure” about the differences between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources that included a virtual field trip to a wind farm across the globe in Jordan and a 3D maker space where students built their own wind-powered community.

Frazier’s other example was a virtual visit to Huntsville’s Marshall Space Flight Center, where students learned how STEM skills are applied in careers at NASA. They also heard from an aerospace engineer working on the rocket launcher that eventually will take people, equipment and supplies to Mars.

A special focus for Kai XR has been in Alabama’s historically underserved Black Belt region. In the platform’s first year of use in numerous schools across the region, notable improvements in STEM skills were achieved. Frazier wants to build on that success by expanding into other rural areas of the state, noting that 50 of Alabama’s 67 counties fall under that definition.

“We want to be where we can make the biggest impact in education, especially in Alabama,” Frazier said. “We knew we wanted to be in Birmingham and Montgomery, but we’ve seen that the need is greatest in a lot of rural communities.”

“Time To Scale”

Being in position to address more of that need is part of the growth plan for Kai XR, said Frazier, who added emphatically, “It is time to scale.” Filling workforce gaps is both a need and an opportunity for Alabama, she said, noting the “bigger conversations” taking place in the public and private sectors about making the investments necessary to increase the competitiveness of students from rural areas. Through its growth, Kai XR wants to continue to be part of that solution.

Meanwhile, Frazier and the company continue to expand their presence. Currently, Frazier is at work on a VR film project in Birmingham, with students as storytellers using VR/XR technology. Kai XR is also working on a project with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, with BCRI assisting with guidance and research for a VR project focused on the 1963 Children’s Crusade that was a pivotal episode in the civil rights movement. The immersive experience will debut on June 26 as part of Birmingham’s upcoming Sloss.Tech conference, with Frazier participating in a panel discussion to follow.

Frazier believes that Kai XR is positioned to grow as a company while expanding its impact on education in both rural and urban settings in Alabama and beyond. In addition to seeing her idea for helping students and teachers become a reality, she said, the real reward is seeing the impact of Kai XR on the classroom experience.

“It’s great seeing the kids grow deeper in the platform, seeing learning come to life for them,” Frazier said. “And as an educator, the greatest compliment I can receive is seeing teachers use it in a daily way and hearing what it is meaning to them.

“That keeps me inspired.”

Some Things Deserve a Second Look

By
Birmingham Times
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Some things deserve a second look. As time moves on, we mature; we learn from our mistakes; and we change and think differently. For instance, some relationships deserve a second look.

Maybe immaturity was the defining characteristic that prevented love from developing and growing at one point. But is it worth giving it another look?

In business, perhaps lack of understanding regarding how to create consistent income caused massive failure. But now that you understand the work ethic needed, and more specifically the value you bring, maybe it’s time to consider another look at that business again.

Listen, we all start from various places and sometimes we don’t get it right on the first time around. Welcome to life 101. But that failure doesn’t always mean you can’t go back and take another look. I think about people with failed marriages. Does that mean they should never get married again because a previous one didn’t work?

What if it were as simple as doing a deep dive into what caused the marriage to fail, and committing to learn the lessons it produced?

Now let me be very clear when I say take another look. That doesn’t necessarily mean go down the same road with the same person, but what it means is that perhaps you should look and see if a similar path is worth exploring again. Count the cost of it and factor in all scenarios. Very distinct difference there – thinking whether to go down that path again or actually doing it. Those are two different things.

So it’s okay if you want to take a second look. You’re smarter, wiser and more mature now.  When you look at it again, you’re going to be looking at it from a different set of lens. I get that time and maturity don’t necessarily equate to the same thing, but still you’ll see it differently because you have had more experiences.

So don’t be afraid to take a second look. It doesn’t imply that you’ll even go down that path. It simply means that you’re looking to see that you aren’t missing out on an opportunity, and I call that wisdom.

As always, I’m cheering for you and am just an email away at keisasharpe@yahoo.com. And check out my coaching courses on www.keisasharpe.info.

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

By
Birmingham Times
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Marvin Sapp performs at the Steel City Jazz Festival in Birmingham, this weekend. (Photo Credit: ar.inspiredpencil.com)

By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times

TODAY, JUNE 5…

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

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

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

**PENNYROYAL, OXMOOR & ORANGE MUDD at The Nick.

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

**LATE NIGHT with SPLASH, DUTCH PIGEON and LILUNA at The Nick.

**NO FILTER ADULT CABARET at Saturn.

**S’MORES & POURS benefitting BRIDGEWAYS at Avondale Brewing CO.

**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.

FRIDAY, JUNE 6…

IT IS Friday…the weekend starts…

**ELECTRIC AVENUE – THE 80’S MTV EXPERIENCE at Iron City.

**BROADWAY RAVE at Saturn.

**DRAG NIGHT at the Nick.

**FRIDAY NIGHT LATE NIGHTS WITH SUNDROP at The Nick.

**MAYDAY PARADE w/ MICROWAVE, GRAYSCALE & LIKE ROSES at Avondale Brewing CO.

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 7…

**FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET, Every Saturday through August 2, located at By the Tracks at Irondale City Hall, June 7 – Free Honey Samples & Bee Demo.

**MINORCAN, AVIAN BRAINS AND SICK FUCKS at The Nick.

**LATE NIGHT at The Nick with GENTRY BLUE WITH JAYNE and THE HUNTSMEN.

**GAGA NIGHTS at Saturn.

**ABBY ROAD LIVE – CELEBRATING THE MUSIC FO THE BEATLES at Avondale Brewing Co.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8…

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

**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.

**SUNDAY NIGHT with KYLE KIMBRELL at The Nick.

**2ND SUNDAY FREE with ZACH AUSTIN, 5-7 p.m. at The Nick.

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

**HUNTLEY with LAUREN-MICHAEL SELLERS at Saturn.

MONDAY, JUNE 9…

**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND (Open Mic) at the Nick.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10…

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

**SONGWRITER’S NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY, 7 p.m. at The Nick.

**SUPERSTAR KARAOKE EVERY TUESDAY, 10 p.m. at The Nick.

**THE WORD ALIVE/ THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT with MELROSE AVENUE at Saturn.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11…

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

**EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT with SUNDROP AND RARE SEED WITH OXMOOR at The Nick.

**(FREE) PRIDE IDOL at Saturn.

THURSDAY, JUNE 12…

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

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

**ARTIFOCIAL GO at The Nick.

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

**LATE NIGHT with SPLASH, DUTCH PIGEON and LILUNA at The Nick.

**(FREE) CASH LANGDON MEADOW DUST “DOGS” Album Release with STYROFOAM WINOS, TIMBER at Saturn.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13….

**CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN at Iron City.

**COMEDIAN CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**MILK & HONEY – PRIDE 20025 BABY WEIGHT at Saturn.

**FLORENCIA & THE FEELING at the Nick.

**FRIDAY NIGHT LATE NIGHTS WITH SUNDROP at The Nick.

**INSANE CLOWN POSSE – ON TOUR 2025 at Avondale Brewing CO.

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

 FOR BOOK LOVERS…

**FUNDRAISER FOR CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA – New York Times Best-Selling AUTHOR JOHN GREEN is holding a book discussion and fundraiser for Children’s of Alabama, JUNE 12, 7 p.m. at UAB Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall. AUTHOR JOHN GREEN is discussing his BOOK- “EVERYTHING IS TUBERCULOSIS.” DR. DAVID KIMBERLIN, co-director of pediatric infectious diseases at Children’s of Alabama will join the discussion and both will answer questions from the audience. Green is author of books including “LOOKING FOR ALASKA,” “THE FAULT IN OUR STARS,” “TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN” and “THE ANTHROPOCENE.” Thank You Books, Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center and Children’s of Alabama are co-hosting this Children’s of Alabama fundraiser.  Portions of each ticket sold will be donated to Children’s of Alabama.

Book of the Month:

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Legendborn is a young adult fantasy novel that reimagines Arthurian legend through the lens of contemporary issues. The story follows Bree Matthews, a 16-year-old girl who enrolls in a residential program at the University of North Carolina after the tragic loss of her mother. While navigating her grief, Bree stumbles upon a secret society known as the Legendborn, descendants of King Arthur’s knights, who protect the world from dark magical forces.

As Bree uncovers her own connection to this ancient legacy, she learns that her mother’s death may not have been accidental and begins to explore her heritage, which ties together magic, history, and her identity as a Black teenager in a predominantly white space. The novel blends themes of empowerment, systemic inequality, and the complexities of grief, offering readers a richly woven tale of courage, self-discovery, and the fight for justice. Legendborn is a thrilling mix of action, romance, and profound emotional depth that resonates with readers of all ages.

Show of the month:

Forever Streaming on Netflix

Judy Blume’s most famous works have been remade into something that feels a little closer to home. Forever…, her controversial 1975 novel, is now a Netflix series —specifically, a modern Black teen show. Adapted by Mara Brock Akil (the creator of the popular Black sitcoms Girlfriends and The Game), Forever captures the essence of adolescence with a heartfelt and engaging story that resonates across generations.

Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the series introduces viewers to a group of teenagers navigating the complexities of young love, evolving friendships, and the quest for self-identity while being a visual love letter to LA. Forever follows the life of a spirited protagonist, Keisha (portrayed by Lovie Simone from Greenleaf) and her close-knit group of friends as they navigate pivotal moments of teenage life. Themes of loyalty, ambition, and heartbreak are interwoven into a narrative that balances humor with emotional depth. What makes Forever unique is its ability to intertwine universal themes with moments of introspection and growth that are distinctly teen-oriented. The writing is sharp, the characters are authentic, and the emotional arc keeps viewers invested from start to finish.

Whether you’re a teenager experiencing these milestones firsthand or an adult reminiscing about your own youthful adventures, Forever offers something for everyone.

It’s a poignant reminder that some moments, no matter how fleeting, stay with us forever.

FOR THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM…

**BIRMINGHAM’S FIRST SUSTAINABILITY PLAN – Visioning Workshops will be held TODAY, at the North Birmingham Library, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., JUNE 12, 6-8 p.m. at the Birmingham CrossPlex and JUNE 17, 6-8 p.m. at Social Venture on First Avenue South. Workshops are interactive sessions that will provide attendees the opportunity to offer input on key priorities and review draft goals related to environment, social and economic sustainability. The public will learn more about the plan, share their ideas and help shape a sustainable future in Birmingham.  FREE. Bring your ideas, voice and your vision.  Register at http://bit.ly/BSPWorkshop. For more, go to www.bhamsustainabilityplan.com.

FOR MOVIE LOVERS…

AT SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL…

**THURSDAY – FRIENDSHIP, 2 p.m.

**THURSDSAY BLACK PANTHER, 7 p.m. with ‘Knit Bham’ for a special screening.

**FRIDAY THROUGH JUNE 19 – THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME. Wealthy businessman Zsa-Zsa Korda appoints his only daughter, a nun, as sole heir to his estate.  As Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins. Check for show times.

**FRIDAY THROUGH JUNE 12 – PAVEMENTS. Pavements tells the story of the American indie band Pavement, combining scripts with documentary images of the band and a musical mise-en-scene composed of songs from their discography.  Check for show times.

**FRIDAY AND SATURDAY – THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW.

**SUNDAY – TONY AWARDS WATCH PARTY, 7 p.m. FREE. There is aRed Carpet Happy Hour at 6 p.m.

 AT THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY…

**COLOR OUR WORLD – 2025 SUMMER READING is at BPL Locations. Register for summer reading by visiting any BPL location to check out books or download books online. All participants who complete a B-I-N-G-O Card win a prize and a chance for a grand prize.  For more info, visit www.cobpl.org.

**FREE – ADVICE FROM VOLUNTEER LAWYERS IN BIRMINGHAM – ASK AN ATTORNEY on June 17 at Avondale Library, July 1 at Salvation Army on 26th Avenue North, July 15 at Smithfield Library and August 5 at Homewood Library. Volunteer attorneys will be on hand 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. to answer your legal questions and provide direction, FREE. No appointment necessary. VLB assists with civil legal matters.  For more 205-250-5198 and www.vlbham.org.

FOR YOUTH…

**TODAY – STOP THE VIOLENCE, STAY IN SCHOOL WITH TRAVELING SHOES SKATE NIGHT, 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the Roller Motion Skate Center, on Morgan Rd in Bessemer. Certified Roller Skate Instructor is ACTIVIST COACH HARRY ‘TRAVELING SHOES’ TURNER, who accidentally shoot himself at 11 years old while playing with his parents loaded gun. Traveling Shoes wants to prevent accidental shooting by youth during the summer school break. This event is the Third Annual 100 Gun Safety Giveaway hosted by COAACH JAYNIE ‘PRINCESS SHOESTRING’ TURNER who will present and giveaway safety locks.  For more info, contact 205-835-9133.

**KIDS BOWL FREE ALL SUMMER LONG! – Every Day, All Summer Long, Kids Bowl FREE at Spare Time in Trussville! No Cost! Two Free Games Every Day! Family- Friendly Activity!

JUNE IS MUSIC MONTH… with more good music, this weekend.

**THIS WEEKEND – STEEL CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL in Linn Park. It starts on Thursday (June 5) in Legion Field with the Line Dance Soiree Party followed by 3 days of non-stop music and entertainment at the Historic Linn Park featuring Anthony Hamilton, Eric Benet, Robert Glasper, Marvin Sapp, Norman Brown, Leela James, Cupid, PLUS Con Funk Shun, Chieli Minucci, Karen Briggs, Lao Tizer, Lin Rountree, Elliott Yamin, Munyungo Jackson, Brian Bromberg, Cheikh N’Dove, Paul Brown, Joel Rosenblatt, ElanTrotman, Eric Marienthal, Kyle Turner, The Ton3S, James “PJ” Spraggins, John “Sax’ Williams and Non Secular, London Koi, James Wesley, Viereck Johann, Allen Pruitt, Jr., and Called II worship, Logan The Entertainer, Michael Alexander Sutton, Tony McNeal and Prodigy featuring Deirdre Gaddis, The Connection Band, DJ Chris Coleman, DJ Bad Boy Butch, The Birmingham Community Mass Choir, Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Choir and more. For more, www.SteelCityJazzfest.org.

**MAGIC CITY COWBOY AND COWGIRL BOOGIE LINE DANCE FEST, 5- 11p.m.at the Tuxedo Ballroom, 2001 Avenue D with Live Performance by DAE SINGZ, a Best Dressed Contest, the fitness Queen Bodied by BRIA, a Trail Ride Line Dancing Class. It is hosted by Styled By Ladonna, Kris Campbell, and Dr. Fluent, with DJ Magic Mike as the official DJ.

**SATURDAY – FUNKY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL at Cahaba Brewing Co, FREE with food, music, dancing, vendors, surprise performances. Benefitting AIDS Alabama.

**SATURDAY – 12th ANNUAL CARIBBEAN FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL Parade, Music, Food and Fun, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. at DeBardeleben Park in Bessemer, 9 a.m. 4 p.m.

**JUNE 9 – 13 – 12TH ANNUAL DANCE & MUSIC WORKSHOP AND SHOWCASE is having the Dance Workshop at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. with Dance Level I: 6-9, Level II: 10-13 and Level III: 14 plus.  The Music Workshop is at the Boutwell Auditorium, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. with music by Middle & High School Woodwinds and Brass Focus. Featured are Dr. Boyce Files (LA), Kat Files (NYC), Christian Files (MKE), Eryn Cade (Birmingham), Alisa Gregory (NYC), Rivkins Christopher (Miami/NYC), Dr. Faith Caldwell (Birmingham), Christopher Steward (Birmingham), Aundrenee Jemison (Birmingham) and Dwight Houston (Birmingham).  For more, go to: www.thefilesartproject.com.

COMING SOON …

MORE MUSIC COMING SOON IN JUNE…

IN DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM…

**JUNE 20 – COCO JONES at Iron City.

**JUNE 20 – AN EVENING WITH HEART at the Legacy Arena/BJCC.

**JUNE 22 – 5th ANNUAL JAZZ ESSENCE EXPERIENCE, 5 p.m. at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church with Dee Lucas, Jolanda Green, Between 9&7 Band plus financial literacy, real estate and voter registration.

**JUNE 24 – DAVE MATTHEWS at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater.

**JUNE 25 – DEF LEPPARD with special guest BRET MICHAELS at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater.

**JUNE 27 – THOMAS RHETT “Better in Boots Tour 2025” with TUCKER WETMORE & THE CASTELLOWS at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater.

**JUNE 28 – JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT with special guest BAND OF HORSES at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater.

IN IRONDALE… 

**FRIDAY NIGHTS SCREEN SCENE MOVIES SERIES at Beacon Park. Fun and Games begin at 7 p.m. Movie begins at Dusk. June 20 is the next night with THE WILD ROBOT playing.  There are FREE hot dogs, lemonade, train rides, popcorn, snow cones and more.

**SATURDAY – FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET, 8 – 11 a.m., Every Saturday through August 2, located at By the Tracks at Irondale City Hall -Free Honey Samples & Bee Demo. There will be fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, baked goods, honey and handcrafted items.

**SATURDAY – TAILS BY THE RAIL AT ELLARD PARK DOG PARK -Frisbee Fest Field Day, 9 a.m.

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

JUST A FEW ‘SAVE THE DATES’

**JULY 10 – 5TH ANNUAL I LOVE IRONDALE DAY, 3- 6 p.m. with food trucks, FREE for First 500 Attendees, Live Music, Train Rides, Children’s Activities and meet local non-profit partners while building the community with the neighbors!

**JULY 12 – LT. MARK MEADOWS DAY at City Hall.

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

“This honor means that everyone here will forever see the value and importance of STEM throughout their curriculum. They will see school as more relevant because it’s not just words on a page — they’re living it.”

By
Birmingham Times
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DR. ANTONIA ISHMAN, PRINCIPAL, BOOKER T. WASHINGTON K-8 SCHOOL, AFTER THE SCHOOL RECEIVED A NATIONAL CERTIFICATE FOR STEM EXCELLENCE; BIRMINGHAMTIMES.COM, JUNE 3.

The Best Swimsuit for Water Safety

By
Birmingham Times
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With school bells silent as the 2024-2025 school year has ended most people will begin summer fun.  And with water playing a major part from boating to swimming, I believe it is important to review some of the water safety tips. This week’s review will share the perfect swimsuit to wear.

Surprisingly, it has nothing to do with style, design or your child’s favorite cartoon character. What’s most important is the color and visibility of your swimsuit when underwater. That’s right, the color swimsuit could actually save yours as well as your child’s life. Remember drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 years old and the second leading cause of injury death for children ages 5-9 years.

Drowning is quick and silent, unlike the Hollywood version. Some colors can actually look like a cluster of leaves or debris versus a child in destress. Taking the necessary precautions makes drowning one of the most preventable childhood injuries.

There is a science behind how light underwater behavior impacts visibility making certain color stand out more:

  • Absorption – water absorbs different light wavelengths at different depths. Red disappears first, usually within 15-20 feet of the surface. Orange and yellow follow, while blue and green travel deepest. This phenomenon causes open water to appear blue or green. Neon colors such as orange and green perform the best and are the top choice for safety conscious swimmers.
  • Scattering – water molecules and suspended particle disperse light, reducing the clarity and definition of submerged objects.
  • Refraction — light bends as it moves from air to water, causing underwater objects to seem closer or slightly distorted. Bright, fluorescent colors offer high visibility. They reflect more light and contrast strongly against blue-green underwater backgrounds.
  • Swimwear with contrasting combinations — swimsuits that combine bright colors with high contrast patterns can enhance visibility underwater. The contrasting elements help break up the swimmer’s outline, making them more noticeable.

The colors with reduced visibility are dark blues & black because they absorb light and fade into the background. These colors present particular challenges in low-light conditions or murky water. Dark green blend with algae-rich water or areas with abundant underwater vegetation. Gray is neutral and lacks contrast underwater. Earth tones fade quickly and blend with sediment in sandy and silty environments. Lastly camouflage patterns, where popular for style, do not do well underwater, so swimmers are difficult to notice.

Keeping an Eye on Safety regarding your swimsuit color is an important factor when having fun boating or swimming.

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