Home Blog Page 75

Birmingham Leaders Speak Out After Weekend City Walk Fight Between Minors in Downtown

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
A violent altercation between young people in Birmingham has prompted parents and officials to call for stricter supervision of minors at public spaces/events. (City Walk File)

By Bryce Oselen | WVTM

An altercation between young people in Birmingham has prompted parents and officials to call for stricter supervision of minors at public spaces/events.

Video obtained by WVTM 13 shows the aftermath of a fight at City Walk over the weekend following the city’s Spring festival at nearby Railroad Park.

One local mother shared her relief at not allowing her daughter to attend the event.

“First she asked could I bring her out to Railroad Park, then she asked could I take her to City Walk and something in my spirit just told me no like don’t take her, don’t let her go,” stated Birmingham parent Kamedra Palmore.

“I’m very happy, but I’m also sad about the other kids who were there that were affected by the violence that took place,” she continued.

Signs in and around City Walk encourage parents and guardians to accompany minors.

Randall Woodfin. (File)

On Facebook, Mayor Woodfin released a statement saying, “If children are not accompanied by an adult, they will be asked to leave. If they refuse, Birmingham police will pick them up then you and your child will have to appear before a judge.”

The mayor continued, “Let’s make it plain, BPD and BJCC are not baby-sitters and they’re not here to raise your kids or teach them home training. Parents, know where your children are at all times and keep them accountable.”

Residents believe preventing fights among the youth is a community-wide responsibility.

“If someone applies to the Birmingham Police Department, I’m pretty sure babysitting is not in the description,” said Shante Wolfe, a Birmingham resident.

“Let’s figure out, you know, what’s the root of the problem, and fix it. I think that’s everybody’s responsibility, parents, BPD, and the mayor alike,” she continued.

Leaders of the BJCC said they are working on doing more to keep incidents like this from happening again.

“This is where I will kind of lean on something Mayor Woodfin said: City Walk is not the place to babysit,” said BJCC executive director Tad Snider.

Law enforcement responded to the scene within minutes and signs in and around the area state minors must be accompanied by adults.

Snider says more than 100 kids hung out at City Walk even after the fight was over.

“Obviously 11 o’clock on a Sunday night when most of those children had school the next day is not something that seems to make a lot of sense,” said Snider.

Snider says as the summer approaches, the BJCC will strictly enforce the polices at City Walk.

“Our rules are that children under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and that’s what we’re going to continue to work towards enforcing, especially when we see a large gathering of kids just to make sure we can make sure the environment is enjoyed by everyone,” said Snider.

Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau Welcomes Dan Williams as New President & CEO

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
The Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau has appointed Dan Williams as its new president and CEO. (Adobe Stock)
Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau

Following an extensive national search, the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) has appointed Dan Williams as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Williams will officially assume the role in June.

Dan Williams (Provided, Greater Birmingham) Convention and Visitors Bureau

Williams joins the GBCVB from Experience Columbus, where he currently serves as Chief Sales Officer. With more than 27 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, he brings a strong track record of driving visitation, strengthening destination branding, and leading high-performing teams.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dan as the next President and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau,” said Bill Murray, Chair of the GBCVB Board of Directors. “After a comprehensive national search, it was clear that his energy, strategic vision, and deep understanding of destination marketing make him the right leader at the right time. We’re confident that, under his leadership, Birmingham will continue to grow as a premier destination for meetings, events and tourism. The future is bright for the tourism industry in the Greater Birmingham Region.”

As Chief Sales Officer of Experience Columbus since 2015, Williams has led the organization’s convention sales and services teams, spearheading initiatives that produced record-setting growth in meetings and conventions. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Sales at Destination Cleveland, helping drive significant gains in group business and citywide engagement.

“I am extremely excited for this new endeavor and honored to lead the tourism efforts for Birmingham and Jefferson County,” said Williams. “The momentum here is tangible, and I look forward to building on the outstanding foundation and impact that John and the GBCVB team have established.”

Williams is an active member of Destinations International, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners (NCBMP).

As President and CEO, he will oversee all strategic operations of the GBCVB, with a focus on positioning Birmingham as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings, conventions and sporting events.

Williams succeeds John Oros, who is retiring after leading the GBCVB since 2015. Under Oros’s leadership, the Greater Birmingham Region experienced unprecedented growth as a visitor destination, with the tourism industry generating a record $2.52 billion in economic impact and supporting 51,550 jobs in 2023 — representing a 48% increase in economic impact and 24% increase in jobs since 2015.

The three-month national search was led by the GBCVB Board of Directors in partnership with Searchwide Global, an executive search firm specializing in travel, tourism and hospitality.

Williams will become the seventh leader of the organization since its founding in 1969, following Oros (2015-2025), Jim Smither (1992-2015), Ed Hall (1986-1992), Eddie Webster (1977-1986), David Tester (1971-1977), and Sam Tannahill (1969-1971).impact. Learn more at inbirmingham.com.

From Mary J. Blige to Chris Brown, Growing Number of Stars are Shining at Birmingham’s BJCC

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
Mary J. Blige, The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, wowed the crowd at the BJCC Legacy Arena in February. Her strong voice and emotional delivery had the audience singing along and waving their hands. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

From comedy shows to R&B concerts, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) has attracted some of the biggest artists in the entertainment industry including R&B legend Mary J Blige and music superstar Chris Brown with Lil Wayne and Patti LaBelle and Chaka Khan on the way.

Fairfield’s Jordan Garrison has been in attendance for many of the shows including this month’s Millennium Tour 2025 featuring Trey Songz, Rick Ross, Omarion among others and plans to attend many more coming to the Legacy Arena at the BJCC not to mention the BJCC Concert Hall, she said.

“The shows were convenient because they’re so close to home,” Garrison said. “Being able to attend a concert that’s closer to home and doesn’t require me to pay for travel or book a hotel is a huge plus.”

Garrison added that the food and beverages at the arena were amazing and “it was easy to find parking in the deck or even on the street at some shows. Entry into the BJCC is also easy and quick to navigate.”

Nicole Klein, Sr. Director of Sales and Marketing for the BJCC, said a lot has gone into the Legacy Arena and as well as attracting artists as diverse as the Birmingham metro area.

She credits “the investment in Legacy arena” as one selling point.

The arena underwent a $175 million renovation in 2020 and reopened in late 2021 with about 15,000 new seats, a new lighting system, a new sound system, new club levels for socializing, new audience suites, new artist suites, and new concessions outlets.

“They were really pivotal,” said Klein of the upgrades. “When the arena was modernized in 2021 that really put it (BJCC) back on the map. Coming out of COVID there was a hiring and of a lot of different people, me included. “

Birmingham also has “an affluent African American population and that’s something that is very important,” Klein continued. “We’ve been able to become a major stop especially for” many top African American artists.”

Case in point: “Success breeds success,” Klein said. “When we sell out a Chris Brown show in 10 minutes, that promoter wants to bring more of their artists, and that manager wants to bring more of their artists to Birmingham because they know we have a market to sustain it.”

Brown, R&B singer/songwriter entertainer, brought his 11:11 Tour to Legacy Arena last July. (He is set to perform again on Oct. 11 at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium as part of his “Breezy Bowl XX” world tour, the BJCC and Live Nation announced on Tuesday).

Omarion captivated the crowd with smooth vocals, choreography, and a talented group of dancers, performing solo hits and classics from his B2K days. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

Gabby Anderson, who lives on Birmingham’s Southside, said she is a fan of many of the shows. “It would be awesome to see more Black artists doing shows here … The more we have artists that come and have well attended shows it will generate more interest for more concerts and events to be held in the city,” she said. “Birmingham is growing, and it would be nice to see the sector of entertainment expand more as well, specifically with Black entertainers that would diversify the entertainment offerings for events here in the city for locals and tourists.”

Klein, a Birmingham native, who spent six years working at Madison Square Garden before returning to the Magic City, said she learned a lot working in one of the world’s busiest arenas. She understands that fans like Garrison want to see artists that don’t require a long drive.

“I was excited to come back and bring that New York-attitude to Birmingham,” Klein said. “I think for a longtime people in Birmingham have felt like, since we’re in Birmingham, that just what we get, and we have to go to Atlanta, Nashville, or New Orleans to see the biggest acts in the world.

“I’m very excited and very proud of what we’ve been able to do over the past three years in attracting the top talent … when I started it was a lot of me reaching out to my contacts and making sure that they were aware of everything going on in Birmingham. About how much the entertainment district has boomed. “

The Uptown Entertainment District anchors the northern end of downtown and boasts attractions like The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Topgolf, Protective Stadium and City Walk BHAM not to mention the $50 million Coca-Cola Amphitheater which opens this summer.

As for what’s next at the BJCC Klein said, “it runs the run the gamut from comedy to R&B to gospel and really everything between. We have a Lil Wayne show (May 3) — that was a really big get for Birmingham — and another show that we’re excited about is our Four Legends show, featuring Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Stephanie Mills (May 17). The show is selling so well. We’re expecting a lot of families to come to that show together.”

UPCOMING SHOWS AT The BJCC

Sat. May 3

Lil Wayne

Legacy Arena at the BJCC

Sat. May 17

Queens 4 Legends. 1 Stage

Legacy Arena at the BJCC

Sun. June 1

When A Women’s Fed Up

BJCC Concert Hall

Fri. June 13

Southern Soul Blues

Father’s Day Weekend

BJCC Concert Hall

Sat. June 14

Ali Siddiq

In The Shadows Tour

BJCC Concert Hall

Tues. June 24-Sun. June 29

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

BJCC Concert Hall

Sat. July 12

Joe

BJCC Concert Hall

Sun. July 13

Dreamgirlz StagePlay

BJCC Theatre

Inaugural Selma Cinema Festival Draws Global Attention  

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
The Selma Cinema Festival, organized by Foot Soldiers Park, held their inaugural, three-day film festival in downtown Selma, Alabama at the Foot Soldiers Park Auditorium found in the newly renovated Selma Times-Journal building, the old Walton Theatre. (Provided)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

One Alabama-based nonprofit is bringing diversity through film to the state with a very familiar Birmingham resident assisting in its efforts.

The uber-talented Carey Fountain, Director of Programs and Partnership with Foot Soldiers Park, an organization dedicated to honoring unsung heroes of Selma, recently hosted an inaugural Selma Cinema Festival.

Fountain served as director of the three-day film festival and competition earlier this month that was sponsored by Foot Soldiers Park, a Selma-based nonprofit, which helps nurture future generations to fight social injustice

“We had film makers from all over the world to participate,” he said. “It was definitely a team effort to get it off the ground. Overall, I think it set a great precedent to keep building on. The goal is to create film culture.”

But the objective is to be about more than film, he said.

“Art is a tool that can transform and alchemize any situation. We also do an event called ‘Photographic Nights of Selma’ that’s a three-day photography festival showcasing Selma. The winner of that festival of goes to a French Photography Festival. The film festival was like an evolution of what started with that. Through these programs we hope to create a culture of the arts and … hopefully it can help to transform and build Selma.”

The festival was created to shine a light on the voices, stories and truths that define Selma’s ongoing legacy, he said.

“Selma is internationally known [and] has already changed the world. We’ve had people in the film festival and in this photography, festival come and want to make change.”

Selma for its role in the Civil Rights Movement, specifically the Selma to Montgomery Marches in 1965. These marches, which culminated in the Voting Rights Act of 1965, were a pivotal moment in the fight for African American voting rights.

Winners of the film competition announced at a ceremony included: Best International Short (Film), Khasak (Iran), by Director Javad Gholamnejad Jaberi; Best Social Justice Short, 51st State, by Director Hannah Rosenzweig; Best Alabama Short Film, Revolution of Joy), by Director McKinnon Maddox; Best Feature Film, A Walk Along the Borne (Spain), by Director Nick Igea; and Best U.S. Short Room For Dessert, by New Orleans director Pamela Davis-Noland.

Founded by Jo Anna Bland and Kimberly Smitherman, The Foot Soldiers Park works to improve the overall wellbeing of Selma’s underprivileged residents through economic opportunities, developing amenities, resources, and programs.

For more information on the Selma Cinema Festival series of events, visit www.footsoldierspark.org

When Healing From Hurt, Here’s Where Not to Turn

By
Birmingham Times
-
0

I want to start by posing a tough question: Why do we expect to go to the people who hurt us to heal? Especially since some of us are really reinjuring ourselves by doing so.

It’s something many of us may not want to hear but it’s best to look for help elsewhere.

You can be in any relationship and experience hurt whether it’s a family relationship, a marital relationship, a sibling relationship or a friendship. Sometimes it just goes with the territory.

I’m not even saying that all people do this maliciously. We all make mistakes and that means that sometimes we hurt people.

Yes, at times we inflict pain intentionally, but a lot of times we do so unintentionally, or maybe unaware is a better word. The residue of that hurt – emotional pain – is real but here’s what we need to know: Oftentimes we reinjure ourselves, or we hurt ourselves again, because we’re going to the people who hurt us in order to get the help we think we need. Or sometimes we want to hear an apology. And let me tell you (I’ll scream it 10 times if I have to), that won’t work.

The people who have hurt you are often not capable of providing the healing that you need. They may be unaware or even uncensored about the pain that they have caused.

So here’s what you do. Acknowledge where you are and how it made you feel. Develop a process to create an environment of healing and you do the work associated with the healing.

And then determine if you will either go back and let that person know about their actions or if you’ll just choose to make an adjustment in how you deal with them. The choice belongs to you.

But I just want to remind you again that the people who often hurt us are often incapable of providing healing for us. It’s not an easy saying, but it’s one that if you receive it, it will surely make your life easier and, quite frankly, a little bit happier too.

As always…..  this is Keisa Coach K and know that I am rooting for you in your health, healing and happiness and remember I’m always just an email or a phone call away.

Keisa Sharpe is a life coach, author and speaker. Her column appears each month online and in The Birmingham Times. You can contact Keisa at keisasharpe@yahoo.com and visit http://www.allsheanaturals.com for natural hair and body products

“Why not create something that can grow HBCU baseball in the state of Alabama?”

By
Birmingham Times
-
0

PRENTISS HILL, CREATOR OF MAGIC CITY DIAMOND CLASSIC WHICH FEATURED ALABAMA A&M AND MILES COLLEGE; ALABAMA NEWS CENTER, APRIL 11.

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
Alabama Ballet (File)

By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times

TODAY, APRIL 17…

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

**REGIONAL WELLNESS DAY 2025, 3-7 p.m. at the Birmingham CrossPlex with Wellness Screenings offered including Breast Mammograms (FREE) for uninsured, Cervical Exam, Prostate Exam, Primary Care Referrals, Biometric Screenings – Weight,, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, Cancer screening, giveaways, informative sessions, lunch and more. Register at coeinfo@uab.edu or call 205-975-0003

**SUPPORT THE ALABAMA BALLET, TODAY, at the SHINE BRIGHT, DO GOOD, a Kendra Gives Back event, 2 – 5 p.m. at the Summit Blvd, #101, Birmingham, Al 35243. Join others at the Kendra Scott at the Summit for this special presale event that gives back proceeds to Alabama Ballet for supporting the Alabama Ballet. Giveback code: GIVEBACK-JERFR.

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

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

**RYAN BALTHROP, ANNA HOPE & JIMMY DIXON at The Nick.

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

**FRUITION with JUSTIN CROSS at Saturn.

**IRON & WINE – LIGHT VERSE TOUR 2020 with JOBI RICCIO at Iron City.

**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, APRIL 18…

IT IS Friday…the weekend starts…

**GAZER, 2:15 p.m. at 1821 2nd Avenue North

**NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH – ONE NIGHT ONLY, 8 p.m. at 1821 2nd Avenue North.

**ANNIE DIRUSSO – BACK IN TOWN TOUR with RAFFAELA at Saturn.

**CUT TROAT FREAK SHOW at the Nick.

**BARON VAUGHN at the Upstairs Comedy Series at Avondale.

**EAT A PEACH – AN ALLMAN BROS TRIBUTE at Avondale Brewing Co.

**PROJECT PAT at Iron City.

**LATE NIGHT FRIDAYS with ZEN FORCE at The Nick Rocks.

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 19…

**MAGIC CITY TEQUILA FESTIVAL 2025, 5 p.m. at The Frank.

**A LIVE TRIBUTE TO ODETTA- The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement performed by MISTY BLUES at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in the Historic Carver Theatre, 7 p.m. Join the Magic City Blues Society for an unforgettable evening for a tribute to Odetta, the iconic voice of the civil rights movement and Queen of American Folk. GINA COLEMAN will share stories about Odetta’s legacy.  There will be a short Q & A session with a Meet and Greet with the performers after the performance.

**EARTHBOUND’S EARTHFEST, 2 – 8 p.m. at the Avondale Brewing Co.  This is a family-friendly outdoor event that is open to pets and people of all ages. A parent or guardian must accompany guests under 21. $5 Donations at the door. There will be Riverkeeper merchandise; local artists and food vendors include Good Time Food Co, miracle Pizza Co and Smokey Sam’s BBQ.

**KARAOKE SATURDAYS, 3 p.m. at 3605 Gray Avenue, Adamsville, with the ALL-EN ONE BBQ with Chef Randy ”Dee” Allen and The Lovely LaToria at the 7 Angels Coffee & Smoothie Café.

**BAND at The Nick.

**LATE NIGHT at The Nick with R.1Y.T.

**HOT IN HERE: 2000s DANCE PARTY at Saturn.

**BROTHER CANE at Iron City.

SUNDAY, APRIL 20…

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

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

**CHAYSE PORTER, SLACK TIMES, WILL STEWART & BEERSIPPERS at Saturn.

** at Avondale Brewing CO.

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

**CHARLES GRAY AND FRIENDS at The Nick.

MONDAY, APRIL 21

**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND (Open Mic) with Special Guest NEW AGE PHOTOGRAPH at the Nick.

**LA LUZ with COLOR GREEN, EVRYTHINGISWRNG at Saturn.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22…

**JUBILEE JOE’S CRAWFISH FEST through Sunday at 5190 Medford Dr., Suite 114 Hoover.

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

**NADA SURF: MOON MIRROR TOUR with THE CLE ELAM at Saturn.

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

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23…

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

**THE SMOKE SHOWS with BRUNCH with ROSE & SUBHYNAL at The Nick.

**EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT with SUNDROP at The Nick.

NEXT THURSDAY, APRIL 24…

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

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

***COMEDIAN CHRIS IVEY’S COMEDY JAM featuring BRENT REED, JAY FLAKE, SCOTT EASOEN, and hosted by SCOOT LAMAR

**PARROTFISH at The Nick.

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

**GRACE BOWERS & THE HODGE PODGE at Saturn.

NEXT FRIDAY, APRIL 25….

**MICHIGAN RATTLERS with SAM FILLATREUS at Saturn.

**JOMBI, THOMAS SARTOR AND SAM & THE BIG BOYS at the Nick.

**YACHT ROCK REVUE – YACHT ROCK FOREVER TOUR at Avondale Brewing Co.

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

 FOR MOTORSPORTS, CAR AND COUNTRY MUSIC LOVERS…

**What’s happening at Talladega Superspeedway and in the motorsports Industry? Racing, cars galore, plenty of action and people from around the world, right here in Alabama!! Fast Action! AND, Well, MUSIC for sure, TOO!.  It is always a good thing at Talladega Superspeedway (no doubt, especially if you love country music…and, of course, I do) in addition to some of the best racing in the world at the biggest, baddest, and most competitive racing at any track.  Multi-platinum artist ACM Award winner JUSTIN MOORE is headlining the Saturday Night Concert, this Spring, Justin has sung about ‘Sunday chicken and NASCAR’ in his music and BRIAN CRICHTON, President of Talladega Superspeedway has said that they can handle both of those for him after his honky-tonk performance in Talladega.  The Spring race weekend action kicks off on Saturday with a doubleheader.  The ARCA MENARDS SERIES at 12:30 p.m. ET followed by the NASCAR XFINITY SERIES AG-PRO 300 at 4 p.m. ET.  Then, on Sunday the racing stars will battle for the finish during the JACK LINKS 500 at 3 p.m.  Get your friends and head to the track at Talladega Superspeedway! Don’t Miss BUBBA WALLACE, KYLE LARSON or CHASE ELLIOTT and some History in the Making!!! This is more than a race!  This is Talladega Superspeedway!!  For more, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com

FOR MUSIC LOVERS…

**THE BIRMINGHAM MUSIC CLUB and THE CITY OF HOOVER are presenting THE MICHAEL J. AND MARY ANNE FREEMAN PARLOR CONCERT featuring BIRMINGHAM BAROQUE, with Harpsichord, Violin, Cello and Recorder. This is an intimate afternoon of Baroque music on May 3, Saturday, 2:30 p.m. at the Historic Hoover-Randle House, 2255 Tyler Road in Hoover.  Visit: BhamMusicClub.org for more Or contact 205-253-1313.  This includes a wine and cheese reception with ID required.

**SARAH AND THE SUNDAYS at Saturn on May 20.  They have taken their indie and alternative rock roots and amplified them with a keen sense of empathy. With guitar riffs, organic rhythms and lyrical commentary, there is LIAM YORGENSEN (lead vocals, guitar) BRENDAN WHYBURN (vocals, guitar), QUINN LANE (drums), MILES REYNOLDS (keyboard, guitar) and DECLAN CHILL (bass)

FOR BUSINESS LOVERS…

**OMBE BUSINESS CERTIFICATION starts May 8 – June 12 (every Thursday) from 4-5 p.m. facilitated by Autumn Sanders at 310 18th Street North, Suite 3031 in Birmingham. For more, go to: createbirmingham.org.

**NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS PLACEMAKING GRANT – These grants are for transforming underused spaces into vibrant outdoor public gathering spaces. They help REALTORS strengthen ties with their communities, collaborate with public officials and stimulate economic growth through placemaking initiatives. The projects include: the creation of new public spaces and enhancements to existing ones, such as adding benches, playground equipment, or way finding signs.  Applications are open now and will be accepted until October 15 or until funds are fully committed. LEVEL 1 Placemaking Grants offer up to $3,000 for outdoor demonstration and temporary projects designed to test ideas and inspire long-tern community improvements. LEVEL 2 Placemaking Grants provide up to $7,500 for creating new, permanent outdoor public spaces such as parks, Plazas, trails and community gardens. For questions, contact PlacemakingGrants@nar.realator or Hannah Dannenfelser.

AROUND TOWN…

FOR FILM LOVERS…

**THIS SATURDAY…MATILDA is featured at the “Movies on the Mountain” by Vulcan Park & Museum for a four outdoor movie series. Other dates/movies include: June 21 – Monsters, Inc., August 16 – Toy Story and October 11 – Hocus-Pocus. Guests can enjoy concessions including popcorn, cotton candy, treats form local food vendors and adults can purchase wine and beer on -site.  There will be a Special Appearance by V, the Vulcan Park & Museum mascot.  For more info, go to: visitvulcan.com.

 MAY EVENTS…

**MAY 3 – MAGIC CITY WINE FEST, 6 p.m. at 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway

**MAY 4 – TACOS ABD TEQUILA FIESTA, 3 p.m. at 518 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.

**MAY 6-11 – BEETLE JUICE at the BJCC Concert Hall Stage.

**MAY 8 – PEPPER PLACE SPRING BAZAAR 5 p.m. at Pepper Place.

**AFRICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL, 1 p.m. at 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.

**MAY 13 – SHINEDOWN “Dance, Kid, Dance Tour with special guests BEARTOOTH & MORGAN WADE at the Legacy Arena/BJCC.

**MAY 14 -18 – REGIONS TRADITION at Greystone Golf & Country Club.

**MAY 16 – FROM STEEL TO STAGE: BIRMINGHAM’S THEATRE HISTORY at Vulcan Park and Museum.

**MAY 17 – GRITS FESTIVAL in Childersburg.

**MAY 17 – THE QUEENS: 4 Legends, One Stage at the BJCC

**MAY 18 – 4TH ANNUAL MELANIN MALA COMMUNITY YOGA Project at the East Lake Park. For more, visit: theblkyogitribe.org.

**MAY 18 – ROCK FOR YOUR RIGHTS, 4 p.m. at 200 41st Street South.

**MAY 24 – THE ORIGINAL CIGARS AND SUNDRESSES at Sloss Furnaces National historic Landmark.

COMING SOON IN JUNE…

**JUNE 20 – COCO JONES at Iron City.

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

**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.

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. 

City of Birmingham Approves Additional $250,000 to Expand Kindergarten Readiness Program

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
The Birmingham City Council approved an agreement with Small Magic to provide early childhood education services. (File)

citycouncil@birminghamal.gov

The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved an agreement with Small Magic to provide early childhood education services to children up to five years old.

The agreement, an additional $250,000 in funding, will allow Small Magic to expand the reach of its flagship program to impact kindergarten readiness.

Small Magic (originally called Birmingham Talks) was founded in 2019 by the City of Birmingham, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and The Overton Project. Over the past five years, the organization has scaled up to become one of the largest implementers of “early literacy edtech” in the nation. Small Magic previously received an investment of $1 million from the City, with an additional $500k in ARPA funds and the $250k that was approved today.

Since 2019, over 400 children in Birmingham have taken part in this program which utilizes technology similar to a “Fitbit” that counts words and translates this data into a user friendly report. A trained coach then works with the caregiver to increase interactive talk and early literacy.

Children need to hear 21,000 words a day for optimal brain development, however 92 percent of children in this program were hearing less than that when they started. Research has shown that the more words and “conversational turns” children are exposed to, the more ready they are for kindergarten, college, and the workforce.

“This is really important to help our children be ready to succeed in the classroom because reading always starts at home,” Councilor Crystal Smitherman told reporters following the meeting. “This is another tool for parents to be able to get their children reading at grade level. They’ve been able to serve families in 70 of our 99 neighborhoods, which is really great to see.”

AIDS Alabama to Host 16th Annual Dining Out For Life® Event on April 24

By
Birmingham Times
-
0
YoMama's freshly made Belgian waffles are topped with crispy fried chicken wings, fresh fruit and homemade syrup. The restaurant is part of AIDS Alabama's 16th Annual Dining Out For Life® fundraiser on Thursday, April 24. (File)

aidsalabama.org

AIDS Alabama will host its 16th Annual Dining Out For Life® community-wide fundraiser on Thursday, April 24 and invites Birmingham residents to turn their meals into meaningful support for individuals affected by HIV.

When diners visit any participating restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on April 24, a portion of their bill will directly fund AIDS Alabama’s vital HIV services, prevention programs, and housing initiatives.

“This event is essential to our mission — it helps fill the funding gaps where federal support falls short,” said Adarris May, Director of State Policy. “Every dollar raised goes directly toward providing housing, healthcare, education, prevention, and outreach for individuals affected by HIV across Alabama.”

New restaurants joining this year’s event include:

• Michael’s Steak and Seafood, offering lobster and steaks with skyline views

• Alicia’s Coffee in the Historic A.G. Gaston Motel, featuring unique coffee blends and baked goods

• The mayor, serving craft cocktails and comfort food

They join returning favorites such as Rojo, Big Bad Breakfast, Yo’ Mama’s, Bottega Café, Chez Fonfon, El Barrio Restaurante Y Bar, and Slice’s Crestline location. Ocean Restaurant will host a special Asian-inspired pop-up dinner from 5:30-9 p.m. on their newly renovated courtyard (reservations required: 205-933-0999).

Diners can also win gift cards to participating restaurants by donating any amount to AIDS Alabama this month at bit.ly/DOFL2025.

This event thrives thanks to amazing volunteers. Folks can sign up as an Ambassador to greet guests, share info about HIV, collect donations, and proudly wear a Dining Out For Life® apron — or become a Table Captain by just rallying their friends to dine at a participating restaurant and encouraging them to give back. It’s fun, easy, and makes a real impact!

With rising HIV rates in the South and ongoing healthcare disparities among marginalized communities, support for this event directly funds critical services in a high-need area. For the complete restaurant listing and volunteer information, visit aidsalabama.org/diningoutforlife.

AIDS Alabama is the only statewide organization providing vital services to individuals living with HIV in Alabama. We offer comprehensive support, including housing, healthcare, insurance assistance, and empowerment-driven support groups. Our prevention programs provide HIV and STI testing, treatment, and outreach to at-risk communities. Serving over 10,000 people across the state, the work is made possible by the generosity of those who believe in the power of community to make a difference.

‘I Was Looking at Rings and said, ‘Give Her That One.’ She said, ‘What Does this Mean?’ … ‘It Means We Getting Married’

By
Birmingham Times
-
0

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

RODERICK AND ARLENE HENDERSON

Live: Alabaster

Married: Aug. 18, 2001. Remarried, Aug. 18, 2016

Met: February 1997, in Montgomery, at Roderick’s father’s nightclub called ‘The Underground’. Roderick was working as a bartender when Arlene walked in with a mutual friend of theirs who told him Arlene was interested in who he was.

“The club had kinda slowed down and they came and sat at the bar, and I went to the end of the bar where Arlene was sitting and started talking to her,” Roderick said. “Come to find out that we knew a lot of the same people but had never bumped into each other and at the end of the night I got her number.”

Arlene does not remember telling their friend that she was interested in Roderick. “I went to the restroom and when I came back he was looking at me, and I was wondering what that was about. Then he came down there and started talking to me, and it turns out [we did have commonalities], but [our mutual friend] played matchmaker] on her own. I did not ask her to, but we are both glad that she did,” said Arlene.

First date: The following weekend, which happened to be Valentine’s Day weekend. Arlene and Roderick went to see a movie at a theater in Montgomery that they can’t recall. But Arlene does remember that “Roderick brought his two cousins with him on our first date,” she laughed. “I don’t think we went out to dinner after that either… and I paid for the movie; I think I paid for everybody.”

Roderick begs to differ, “how does that look?” he asked Arlene.

Arlene responded, “that’s how I remember it. And afterwards, I went home, and he and his cousins went home, but at the time, Mr. Roderick was dating several other ladies. So who knows? He probably went on to his next date after me,” she laughed. “And now that I’m thinking about it, that’s probably why he brought his cousins with him to [use them as a buffer] in case he ran into any of his other ladies while we were at the movies.”

“It’s been so long I don’t remember, so I’m gonna let her have it,” Roderick said.

The turn: “I knew I started falling for Arlene when I stopped messing around and started being exclusive,” Roderick said. “I started putting everybody off and was focused on her and that made me realize this was the one right here. That was probably two months into meeting each other.”

For Arlene, “I was always out and about with my friends and I wasn’t really looking for a relationship, but [Roderick and I] started doing everything together and hanging out all the time and it was just a progression that happened organically. One day I looked up and realized ‘ok, this is my dude’,” she said.

The couple dated for four years before Roderick proposed.

Roderick and Arlene Henderson met in 1997 at a nightclub in Montgomery. The couple married in 2001, divorced in 2008, and remarried three years later. (Provided Photos)

The proposal: Summer 2000. Roderick proposed to Arlene in an impromptu manner while cruising the Eastdale Mall in Montgomery.

“We were in the mall and we just so happened to stop in a jewelry store and I was looking at rings and said, ‘ooh, I like that one’, and he said, ‘You like that one? Give her that one’ and I said, ‘what does this mean?’ Arlene said. “And he said, ‘it means we getting married’,” she laughed. “It was not traditional it was very unromantic. Roderick has never been romantic; he has always been straight forward and to the point. When he makes up his mind to do something he just does it.”

“We had been discussing getting married. We were living together and we always said we’d live together for a year before we got married. And it was coming up on a year, so I knew what time it was. So, when she said, ‘she liked that ring’ I was like ‘bet, let’s lock it down’,” Roderick remembered. But in hindsight, “I hate I did it like that and that I wasn’t more romantic and traditional.”

The wedding: In Tallassee, Alabama, at Arlene’s home church, Rehoboth Baptist Church, [near Montgomery], officiated by Rev Kenneth L. Bozeman. Their colors were mauve, pink, and cream.

Most memorable for the bride was watching her groom become teary eyed at the sight of her.  “Aside from Roderick cutting up at the reception, it was when they opened the doors to the sanctuary and he saw me for the first time and he had tears in his eyes. That was so beautiful to me, and it let me know that we were going to be ok, and that I had found my soulmate,” Arlene remembered.

Most memorable for the groom was becoming so intoxicated he had to be carried up to his and his bride’s apartment. “ … I’m not a drinker. So, we’re at the reception, and [our mutual friend] was the bartender, you know, the one that put us together. And by me not being a drinker it’s easy for me to get drunk. And I’m just drinking, and before I knew it, it just hit me, bam, I’m drunk,” Roderick said. “And I was just walking around telling everybody I loved them and asking them if they loved me back. And Arlene had to drive us home, and my cousins had to follow us home because they had get me up the stairs to our apartment. And when I woke up the next day, I didn’t remember none of it. I had never been that drunk in my life and I’ve never been that drunk again since then. That hangover was so bad, and everybody was calling trying to check on me and tell me stories and I didn’t want to hear none of it,” Roderick said.

They honeymooned in Atlanta and went to Six Flags over Georgia, restaurants, and then Biloxi, Mississippi, and went to the casinos. “He tricked me into getting on a roller coaster and I was biting him the whole ride,” Arlene laughed.

The detour: The couple said the trials and turbulence of life pulled them apart over the course of their seven-year marriage. “We had a child before our first anniversary [in 2002], my dad passed away the following year [2003], and Roderick also got deployed in 2003. We were a young couple who had just gotten married, and it felt like we were thrown together and then pulled apart,” Arlene said.

“We didn’t have a model for marriage to structure ours after… and then we found out our daughter had some health issues that took precedence over the health of our marriage,” Roderick said.

Arlene and Roderick divorced in 2008, but reconnected three years later. Arlene said she was moved to reach out to her ex-husband after a nudge from a sermon in church.

“Bishop [Vanable H. Moody II][of the Worship Center Christian Church] said ‘divorce does not mean final’ and I sat with that for two weeks and pondered on it and finally called him and told him that the Lord is telling me that he is my husband and that we need to try again. He was actually seeing someone and he said he wanted to see where things went. I was disappointed, but I left it alone and told God that I had done what he told me to do,” Arlene said.

A week later, Roderick called and said, ‘I’m coming home’, and the pair began dating again. Roderick was living in Montgomery at the time, and Arlene was living in Hoover. He would “come home” on the weekends when he would visit with their daughter, who was primarily living with him at the time in Montgomery.

“We dated for some time before we got back together. I told him he would have to date me again, we were not just going to get back together. We had both changed and we needed to make sure we liked the new people that we were,’ Arlene said.

In 2015, he relocated back to Birmingham, they purchased a home, and re-wed on their original anniversary, August 18 in 2016, at the Birmingham courthouse.

Words of wisdom: “Putting God first in our marriage the second time and being able to grow together in God’s word and [learning] about the ups and downs in marriage. Bishop Moody really teaches us about the ins and outs. And it’s being in a church with other couple friends that can pray with us and cover us when times are hard and be of good counsel, all of that is important,” Arlene said.

“I had to learn to share more,” Roderick said. “At first, we didn’t have a joint account, so I learned to share more and be quiet. Some things don’t have to be addressed,” Roderick said. “And definitely learning to put God first and going to church and reading the word together. Those were things we didn’t do the first time around.”

Happily ever after: The Henderson’s attend the Worship Center Christian Church at the Derby Campus, where Arlene serves on the Ministry Leadership and Online Campus teams, and Roderick on the Technical Arts Media team. They have one daughter, Ariel, 22.

Arlene, 49, is a Montgomery native, and Wetumpka High School grad. She attended Troy University where she studied psychology and is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Troy University’s online campus. Arlene works as an administrative assistant with Viva Healthcare in Birmingham.

Roderick, 49, is a Montgomery native, and Robert E. Lee High School grad. He is a U.S. Army Veteran, and worked in the 781st Transportation unit, where he served 8 years. He then re-enlisted into the US National Guard where he served in Iraq. Roderick has worked for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Automotive, as a team member in the engine shop for the last 20 years.

“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.

Updated on 4/16/2025 at 2:47 p.m. to reflect that the couple divorced in 2008 and reconnected, not remarried, three years later.

Birmingham Personal Injury Attorney | Guster Law Firm, LLC

1...747576...1,706Page 75 of 1,706
©