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Broken Promises and Abandoned Buildings Frustrate Residents in One Birmingham Community

By
Birmingham Times
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Elyton Village community president Willine Body stands in front of the former community center building at Elyton Village. The building remains boarded at the complex after a more than a decade of stalled plans for renovation that never came to fruition. (Contributed)

By Joseph D. Bryant | jbryant@al.com

Frustrated Birmingham residents say an abandoned building in the center of their community stands as a deteriorating monument to years of unkept promises to their neighborhood.

Residents of Elyton Village, a public housing community just west of downtown, said their pleas for revitalization remain ignored by housing authority leaders.

“They just come saying the same things,” said Willine Body, longtime president of the Elyton Village residents’ council. Neighbors say the stench emitting from a long abandoned building increases during the hot summer days.

“We also know that every time it rains you can smell the mold inside the building,” said Sananka AY Yashara Ahla. “They say there’s no mold, but we can smell mold. You can smell it outside.”

Neighbors want leaders at the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District to either renovate or demolish the art deco building. Rusted doors to the shuttered brick building hint at the years it has been closed.

Residents also point to twin two-story vacant buildings that sit boarded up at the edge of the community.

Housing authority officials declined AL.com requests for an interview with CEO Dontrelle Foster. Instead, housing authority spokesperson Keaira Turner told AL.com that the agency is taking action on demolishing vacant buildings at the community.

“Recently, HUD approved our request to demolish the vacant residential buildings located at Elyton Village,” Turner said in a statement. “We anticipate that the demolition will take place in 2026. HABD does not currently have HUD permission to demolish the former community center and will seek that authorization in the future.”
However, Body said housing authority leaders told her that demolition is complicated because the community center building is historic. She remains skeptical.
“Now all of a sudden its ‘historic.’ You didn’t bring it up until we started talking about it,” she said.
The last major work at Elyton occurred in 2017 with new front porches and apartment renovations. But the overall project was not fully completed. The exterior of other units remain untouched with twisted and rusting metal awnings.

The housing authority’s 2025 draft annual plan included demolishing buildings at Elyton Village including the gym. Similar proposals for Elyton appeared in previous housing authority plans going back several years under previous housing authority administrations.

“We are asking for documentation to show HUD approved it and when they plan to tear them down,” Body said.

Residents said their community remains ignored, overlooked and undeveloped.

“Everything that they are saying is a repeat record,” Ahla said.

Turner noted that the housing authority held a series of meetings and surveys and received 192 household responses regarding redevelopment.

The data will help create a draft proposal for a redevelopment plan, she said.

“Once a strategy is created, we will have additional opportunities to engage with residents and provide them with opportunities to share feedback,” Turner said.

Body and others said the meetings occurred, but they were not specifically about Elyton. Meanwhile, plans are underway to transform a community just a few blocks away.

Birmingham in 2023 was awarded a federal Choice Neighborhoods grant to help redevelop Smithfield Court and nearby areas. The money is also intended to leverage $294 million in investment for the adjacent Graymont, Smithfield and College Hills neighborhoods.

Residents at Elyton Village are concerned that their community will become an island of blight surrounded by new development.

Elyton residents said they want more than vague statements about future plans. Instead, they’d rather see a demolition truck to finally rid the neighborhood of what they said are longstanding hazards.

“I think they feel like, ‘you can just tell them anything and shut them up,”’ Body said.

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

By
Birmingham Times
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BUILD UP is enrolling 9th- and 10th-Grade students for the 2025-26 school year. (Provided)

By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times

A LI’L FUN IN THE HOT SUN!!! ENJOY!!! STAY COOL!!! 

TODAY, JULY 17…

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

**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.

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

**JOMBI, ANNA GRACE ODOM and BRUH COLLECTIVE at the Nick.

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

**HAYLOFT at The Nick Late Night.

**SUBSTRATE BINGO with JACKIE Lo at Saturn.

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

**SUBSTRATE BINGO with JACKIE LO at Saturn.

**FILMMAKER NETWORKING NIGHTS, 5 p.m.  at 1821 2ndAvenue 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, JULY 18…

IT IS FRIDAY…the weekend starts…

**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.

**STUD FORD (Grandson of Legendary Delta-Blues artist T-Model Ford) & WILL COPPAGE at The Nick.

**CATCH YOUR BREATH – THE END OF THE PERFECT WORLD SUMMER RUN with KEITH WALLEN and NERV at Saturn.

**MYLES MORGAN with ALLI LEIGHANN & JT MCCAFFREY at Iron City.

**FRIDAY NIGHTS SCREEN SCENE MOVIES SERIES showing MUFASA: THE LION KING at Beacon Park, 5309 Beacon Drive. Fun and Games begin at 7 p.m. Movie begins at Dusk. There are FREE hot dogs, lemonade, train rides, popcorn, snow cones and more.

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

SATURDAY, JULY 19…

**CLASSIC CAR CRUISE -IN+ Live MUSIC By the Tracks at City Hall, 8 – 11 a.m.

**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.

**I LOVE IRONDALE DAY, 4-7 p.m. at Irondale City Hall with food trucks, Heidi’s Kids Zone, activities, live music, and dancing with DJ MAVERICK.

**I LOVE IRONDALE AFTER HOURS, 7- 9 p.m. with the Official Clutch Band, 4:45 p.m., the Emil Joseph Band, 6:15 p.m. and the Emerald Empire Band at 7:40 p.m.

**SATURDAY FREE SHOW WITH HAM BAGBY at The Nick.

**YES DEAR, GREAT JANE, BOOEE and PALLBEARER at The Nick.

**GIMME GIMME DISCO at Saturn.

SUNDAY, JULY 20…

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

**JOSE CARR performing at JAZZ IN THE GARDEN SUNDAYS, Every 1stand 3rdSunday, 5-8 p.m. at Denim on 7th, 2808 7thAvenue Suite105

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

**SUNDAY NIGHT at The Nick with KYLE KIMBRELL.

**2NDSUNDAY FREE SHOW with ZACH AUSTIN at The Nick.

**4thSUNDAY FREE SHOW with TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH at The Nick.

**LAKE STREET DIVE w/ RETT MADISON at Avondale Brewing Co.

MONDAY, JULY 21…

**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.

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

TUESDAY, JULY 22…

**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.

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

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

**FREE SATURN KARAOKE NIGHTS at Saturn.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23…

**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.

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

**LILY OF THE SEA, THE OFFICIAL BAR OF BALDWIN COUNTY, SUBHYMNAL at The Nick.

**FREE OSCILLATIONS – ELECTRONIC MUSIC OPEN MIC PEROFRMANCE at Saturn.

THURSDAY, JULY 24…

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

**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.

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

**SEBASTIAN BORDEAUZ’S “ HILLBILLY ROYALE’ w/ special guests REXACO at the Nick.

**FREE WE HAVE SIGNAL: UNRELEASED & B-SIDES at Saturn.

FRIDAY, JULY 25….

**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.

**DRAG NIGHT at The Nick.

**EMO NIGHT BROOKLYN with MORE WEIGHT at Saturn.

**EST GEE at Iron City.

**WINSTON RAMBLE – Sets Live at Avondale Brewing Co.

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

FOR MUSIC LOVERS…

**JULY 24 – DEAR SILAS “I AIN’T STRESSIN’ TODAY,” 7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre.

**JULY 26th – ROLAND BARBER of the Roland Barber Quintet featuring JOEL FRAHM, 7 p.m. at the Carver Theatre.

**JULY 27 – JAZZ ON 4thwith NEW JAZZ UNDERGROUND, 5 p.m. at the Carver Theatre.

**AUGUST 31 – LABOR DAY CONCERT– ONE NIGHT ONLY – A TRIBUTE TO LUTHER VANDROSS featuring JAY LAMBERT & THE BYRON THOMAS COLLECTIVE, August 31 – 7 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.  Look for more right here, soon.

FOR THE SENIORS…AGE IS JUST A NUMBER…

**JULY 22 – GAMES – CARDS & BINGO. Come out and join the seniors by shuffling some cards, playing some bingo and winning some prizes.

**JULY 29 – SENIOR GARTEN 101 & BINGO – Come on out and learn about Medicare and win some prizes. The West End Library is located at, 1348 Tuscaloosa Avenue, 205-226-4089. 

MORE…FOR THE YOUTH…

**BUILD UP is enrolling 9th- and 10th-Grade students for the 2025-26 school year. The Build Up Community School provides an innovative, hands-on learning environment that empowers students to gain career skills, paid internships and fulfilling careers. Apply at www.buildup/work, 205-847-4086, or admissions@buildup.work. Located at 222-6thAvenue SW.

**BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY – THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD by Jean Pierce, Saturdays through July19that Central Public Library, downtown.

**SPACE ONE ELEVEN SUMMER ART CAMPS, for 6th– 12th Grades, NOW through July 25. Whether your child is just discovering art or building a serious portfolio. There is Drawing, Portfolio Development, Digital Art, Printmaking, Clay, Sculpture and more. Register at: SpaceOneEleven.org.

**MDS SUMMER CAMP, NOW through August for ages 4-8 (Must be Potty Trained) with Lunch and Snacks. There is Outdoor Play, Water Play Days, Snow Cone Days, Arts and Crafts and more.  Call 205-957-6550 for more.

**SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS at Red Mountain Theatre for ages 4 – 18, NOW through August 15. Go to redmountaintheatre.org for more.

**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!

FOR LOVERS OF SPORTS…

**JULY 26 – MCALPINE FOOTBALL SKILLZ CAMP,10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, at 1115 Avenue F, 35218. Admission is FREE, for ages 8-18. The attire is t-shirt, shorts, sneakers, cleats, etc. Lunch and Camp t-shirt is provided. For more, call 205-520-6542.

FOR THE FAMILY…

AT CITY WALK (23rdStreet North and 9thAvenue North, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.)

**TODAY – BACK TO SCHOOL SOCKHOP– A 50s-themed night with Elvis vibes and old-school fun before the school bell rings.

**JULY 24 – LEGENDS COME TO CITY WALK BHAM– Another round of legendary performances to close out the summer series in style. There will be live music performances, food trucks, the Social Bar (Drinks for the grown-ups, and outdoor games: Ping Pong, Bocce, CornHole & more. NOTE: all guests 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

FOR COMMUNITY LOVERS INFO…

**FREE – ADVICE FROM VOLUNTEER LAWYERS IN BIRMINGHAM – ASK AN ATTORNEY on Tuesday, 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 LOVERS OF OUTDOORS… 

**SATURDAY DAY WALK, SWIM AND PICNIC, 9:45 a.m. at the McDonald’s Galleria with Southeastern Outings River Beach Walk, Swim and Picnic at Barton’s Beach in Perry County, Alabama – DETAILS: Barton’s Beach, the largest sand and gravel beach on the entire Cahaba River, is a property owned by the Alabama Nature Conservancy and is a beautiful sight to behold!  Enjoy a beach gathering on this scenic, fine-grained sand beach in Marion, Alabama where the scenery is spectacular, the floodplain broadens and creates areas of bottomland hardwood forests, oxbow lakes and extensive sand and gravel bars. Float on the river from the upper end of the beach to the lower end of the beach. Carry your float and walk on the beach back up to the upper end and repeat that real fun experience as many times as you like during the day.  Bring whatever flotation device you like. Bring with you your swimsuit, towel, picnic lunch and water, soft drink or fruit juice to drink.  Wading shoes with substantial soles are recommended.

Depending on the time there is an optional dinner after the outing is concluded. Meet 9:45 a.m. at the McDonald’s Galleria.  Depart at 10 a.m. Call Dan Frederick at 205/631-4680

**COMMUNITY CLEANUP – The Shadowlawn Memorial Garden needs volunteers on Saturday July 26 and August 2, 7 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Assembly Point, 1600 12thStreet SW, 35211.  For more, contact 205-253-0844. Bring your lawn equipment, a friend and wear bug repellent spray.  Needed: gloves, lawnmowers and weed eater machines.

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

My Plea During These Unprecedented Times

By
Birmingham Times
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I know this may be a little bit of a different tone for this column but it needs to be said: the city — our nation even — is at a major tipping point.

We’re just about a month away from an all-important mayoral election in Birmingham. My focus is not on the candidates because the candidates will do what the candidates will do, but my focus is on you, City of Birmingham.

We are facing unprecedented times in our country. And my question to you is: What will it take to get you to get up and move and cast your vote in the upcoming municipal elections on August 26? Because inevitably, what affects one in the city eventually affects all of us. This is no longer a time to keep turning our heads and keep ignoring things “just as long as it doesn’t affect me.”

And while I’m at it, let me go ahead and encourage you to make sure if you didn’t cast your ballot in this last presidential election, make sure that changes the next go round as well.

But locally, let’s make our voices known on August 26. We can do better than not showing up to vote. The numbers from the last mayoral election in 2021 are absolutely appalling — 36,791 of Birmingham’s 145,564 registered voters appeared at the polls, for a turnout of 25.3 percent. That meant almost 75 percent of all registered voters who live in the community didn’t show up to vote in the last municipal elections for mayor, city council and Board of Education.

I truly don’t understand how a city known as the cradle of the Civil Rights movement has become lulled into inaction, complacency and laziness. And listen, I haven’t always been this vigilant, but time has brought about a change to where I say now “just get up and go vote. The city needs you.”

Please, no more excuses; no more apathy; and no more indifference.  I know this column may be a little bit of a different tone, but at the end of the day, just know I’m always cheering for you as we face unprecedented times in our country.

Safety Transportation Tips for Back to School

By
Birmingham Times
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This time of the year can be both enjoyable and hectic for parents as they enjoy their summer vacation plans whether at home or away but must simultaneously prepare for the opening of another school year in just a matter of weeks.  Therefore, it is important that we begin the conversation of how best to safely prepare our students and/or child(ren) for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.

We will begin the safety conversation with key safety tips from the National Safety Council regarding how students are transported to school. This safety conversation includes walkers, bus riders, bike riders and teen drivers. Regardless of how your child(ren) travels to school, there are safety precautions which should be considered and practiced.

Let us begin the safety conversation with those who walk to school:

  • Review your family’s walking safety rules and practice walking to school with your child.
  • Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available, when on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic.
  • Before you cross the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and always cross the street at crosswalks or intersections.

Bike riders:

  • Teach your child the rules of the road and practice riding the bike route to school with your child.
  • Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file.
  • Come to a complete stop before crossing the street; walk bikes across the street.
  • Stay alert and avoid distracted riding (i.e. headphones, cell phones, etc.).
  • Make sure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing.

Bus Riders:

  • Teach your child school bus safety rules and practice with them.
  • Go to the bus stop with your child(ren) to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus.
  • Teach your child(ren) to stand 6 feet (or three/3 giant steps) away from the curb.
  • If your child(ren) must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other.
  • Obey school safety zone a speed limits and follow your school’s drop-off procedures.
  • Make eye contact with children crossing the street.
  • NEVER pass a bus loading or unloading children.
  • The area 20 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus.

 Teen Drivers:

  • Car crashes are the No.1 cause of death for teens. Fortunately, there is something we can do:
  • Teens crash because they are inexperienced; practice with new drivers every week, before and after they get their license.
  • Set a good example; drive the way you want your teen to drive.
  • Sign the New Driver Deal; an agreement that helps define expectations for parents and teen.

Keeping an Eye on Safety as the new school year begins is a prudent way to start and complete the school year.  Let us stay safe by abiding by the rules of the road.

“You may come in and hear Frank Sinatra, Usher or Beyonce. Or ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ could be playing. It will be a nice vibe. It will be a nice vibrant place.’’

By
Birmingham Times
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CHARLES LEWIS, WHO WITH SISTER BRENDA, OPENED THE TOASTED YOLK CAFE, A BREAKFAST, BRUNCH AND LUNCH SPOT IN DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM ON 20TH STREET SOUTH ON MONDAY; BIRMINGHAMTIMES.COM, JULY 14.

The Crime Reduction Strategy Some Credit with Birmingham’s 56% Drop in Homicides

By
Birmingham Times
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As of July 6, Birmingham had 37 homicides. This time last year, the city had 84 homicides. (File)

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

Under then-Interim Chief of Police Michael Pickett, the Birmingham Police Department (BPD) in February announced a crime reduction strategy aimed at tackling the surge in violent crime throughout the city. The plan is made up of eight components designed to reduce crime and enhance public safety.

Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett. (Provided)

As of July 6, Birmingham had 37 homicides. This time last year, the city had 84 homicides. The homicide decrease comes after Birmingham ended 2024 with 151 homicides, the highest number of killings in the city in more than nine decades.

Pickett, a 21-year BPD veteran, credited the drop in violent crime to a focused strategy, relentless teamwork, and growing trust between law enforcement and residents.

He had served as interim police chief since the Nov. 29, 2024, retirement of Chief Scott Thurmond, and was named permanent chief on March 31, 2025.

The crime reduction strategy’s eight components are:

  1. Specialized Enforcement Teams: Deployment of the Special Enforcement Team (SET) and the Tactical Division’s Crime Suppression Unit (BPD’s most elite tactical unit) will target the most dangerous criminals based on intelligence from multiple sources including BPD Intel, precinct commander reports, and ShotSpotter data.
  2. Swift Apprehension of Violent Offenders: Continuation of proactive efforts by the Crime Reduction Team to apprehend individuals with outstanding violent felony warrants.
  3. Strengthened Federal Partnerships: Led by Deputy Chief JaCorey Foster, this initiative will continue to work closely with our federal partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to secure more federal indictments, with ongoing support from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
  4. Stolen Vehicles Task Force: To combat the use of stolen vehicles in crimes, we have developed a joint initiative with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to tackle crimes associated with stolen vehicles.
  5. Crackdown on Illegal Firearms: Collaboration with the ATF to address illegal gun trafficking and straw purchases.
  6. Increased Command Presence: Introduction of Utility Captains during peak crime hours to enhance leadership and response during our most violent times.
  7. Proactive Discharging Team: Formation of a team dedicated to intercepting potential shooters before violent acts occur.
  8. Police Athletic Teams (PAT): The Birmingham Police Athletic Team (P.A.T.), in partnership with Birmingham Park and Recreation, launched a community-focused sports initiative. Designed to strengthen bonds between law enforcement and residents, this program promotes positive engagement, physical activity, and teamwork through the universal language of sports.

PAT Personal Experience

“I grew up participating in PAT and I know firsthand how powerful athletics can be in keeping our youth focused and out of trouble,” said Pickett, 41, a Birmingham native, and a graduate of Ramsay High School and Miles College.

Competition is more than just winning, he told The Birmingham Times in a recent interview. “Some people don’t know how to lose, and what I tell young men when I talk to them most of the time, a man that loses his life too early, or ends up in jail, it’s because of ego. You need to be able to understand how to process failure or disappointment. You have to be able to develop those coping skills.”

PAT is also important because it gives some children a chance to see officers as coaches when often “they only see police in a certain light, and that’s when something is going terribly wrong at the house,” the chief said. “Or they may see a police serving a warrant … and they might be two, three, four years old and the only time they see the police is when they’re coming to take somebody to jail, possibly their loved one.”

They interact with the officer “when it’s not a stressful situation, when it’s not a violent situation … it’s attached to a fun game that they’re enjoying,” Pickett said. “So it humanizes police officers, it gives us the environment to have that discussion with them and build that rapport and from there you build a relationship … and that really, really goes a long way.”

Chase to Host Back-to-School Family Event at AG Gaston Boys & Girls Club on July 26

By
Birmingham Times
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To help prepare for the year ahead, Chase is hosting a Back-to-School Family event that will feature fun activities, financial health workshops, and more for kids of all ages. (File)

By JPMorganChase | Sponsored Content

A new school year will be here before we know it, which represents more than just a return to the classroom. It presents an opportunity to instill essential life skills, like financial literacy. This season is an ideal time for parents to introduce their kids to the fundamentals of money management, including saving, budgeting, and responsible spending.

To help prepare for the year ahead, Chase is hosting a Back-to-School Family event that will feature fun activities, financial health workshops, and more for kids of all ages.

  • When—Saturday, July 26 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Where—AG Gaston Boys & Girls Club (4821 Avenue W, Birmingham, AL 35208)
  • What—Attendees will enjoy financial health activities designed for all ages to learn the importance of budgeting, smart spending, and the valuable resources available to them. Plus, while supplies last, students will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies.

In addition to joining Chase at the July 26 event, here are a few important lessons parents and kids can learn to help on the first day of school and beyond.

Start With Saving

Whether it’s allowance, gifts, or earnings from a summer job, teaching kids to track and save their money is essential in developing good financial habits. Saving toward specific goals and understanding the time it takes to reach those can help children grasp the true value of money.

Chase provides families with the tools and resources to make saving easy, like Autosave, by setting up automatic monthly transfers from your Chase checking account to your savings account. All managed through the Chase Mobile® App, parents can help their child set a savings goal to ensure they build a strong financial foundation.

Next, Begin Budgeting

As you approach the tween and teen years, financial needs and desires for independence will evolve. They might take on part-time jobs, save up for larger goals (like a car), and begin managing more of their own finances. This is a great opportunity for them to learn the basics of budgeting.

Chase’s Monthly Budgeting Worksheets help make this process simple. Start by entering monthly income and expenses to help your teen differentiate “needs” and “wants.” This helps them see where their money is going and is important as they begin cashing and spending their first paychecks.

Then, Grow Their Finances

Transitioning from high school to college or stepping into the real-world post-graduation comes with a new set of responsibilities. Amidst managing studies, jobs, and future planning, young adults need both guidance and practical tools to help.

The Chase Mobile app tracks earnings, savings, and expenses, and makes it easy to send and receive money with Zelle®.

Just as kids progress from one grade to the next, they can grow their understanding and management of money too. Opening their first bank account is a great complement to these financial lessons. Check out Chase First BankingSM, Chase High School CheckingSM, and Chase College CheckingSM, to see which account works best for your student or, learn more at chase.com/StudentBanking.

Chase First Banking

Designed for kids ages 6-12, the parent-owned account with a debit card for kids and no monthly service fee.

 

 High School Checking

For teens 13-17, the co-owned account allows students to set up direct deposit and automate savings.

 Chase College Checking

For college students 17-24, the account can be managed through the Chase Mobile app and allows users to send and receive money via Zelle.

 

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and prepare for the school year. We look forward to seeing you there.

‘I Got Down on One Knee and said, ‘Will You Marry Me?’ Everybody was Clapping and Checking Out the Ring’

By
Birmingham Times
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BY JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY

Special to the Birmingham Times

“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.

TIFFANIE AND WALTER ALEXANDER JR.

Live: Hoover

Married: Feb. 14, 2024 | Wedding Ceremony: May 3, 2025

Met: February 2023, online on Facebook Dating. “There used to be this function that I don’t even know if it’s still there, but a dating icon popped up one day, so I started a profile,” said Tiffanie, who had an active profile for about a month when they met, while Walter was fairly new to Facebook dating and had only been active for a week.

“Tiffanie popped up on my suggested matches, and when I went through her profile pictures they caught my eye because they were like fashion model pictures, and I was like ‘this is different’,” Walter laughed. “So, I messaged her and we started talking through messenger for a few days and then we exchanged numbers and started texting.”

“Honestly, I didn’t think talking to Walter would lead to dating or marriage, I thought it was going to be casual. But in a short period of time I started having feelings for him,“ Tiffanie said.

First date: Two weeks later, at the Fish Market in Hoover. Tiffanie and Walter decided to meet at the restaurant, and when Tiffanie got out of the car, Walter said, “The pictures on Facebook were accurate, she was very pretty.”

Tiffanie said they had typical first date chatter. “He was asking me questions about my family, and I asked about his. We talked about how we ended up on Facebook dating and how long we had both been on there… it was interesting, he wasn’t boring at all,” she said.

“What I liked about Tiffanie was her personality. She had a good sense of humor, she wasn’t stuck up and was real down to earth,” Walter said. “Her personality is what stuck out to me the most on that first date.”

The turn: April 23, 2023. “That day he asked me to be his girlfriend while we were hanging out at my apartment in Avondale,” Tiffanie recalled. “I said ‘yes’, and we made it Facebook official.”

“Prior to dating Tiffanie, I was dating other women, but after the first date, we talked to each other every single day, and all my attention [gravitated] to her and I wasn’t seeing nobody but her,” Walter said. “It was easy to make the decision to be with her. I enjoyed her company. We were doing things together several times a week, so it was a no brainer. The connection grew real fast and strong.”

The proposal: Sept. 23, 2023, the day before Tiffanie’s birthday, at The Cherokee Grill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  Walter had planned a birthday trip for her.

“I had been planning this since June, I knew she was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with so I bought the engagement ring in July. I talked to her mom and dad before we went on the trip and asked for her hand in marriage and both of them gave me their blessing,” Walter said.

“I did some research about restaurants down there and Cherokee Grill had excellent reviews, so I called and told them what I wanted to do and they were excited and said they’d have everything arranged for us. When we got there, they had a special table reserved with candles, the waitress knew about the plan, and everything went smooth.

“When I was ready to propose, I signaled to the waitress and she brought out a bowl of ice cream that had ‘Will You Marry Me’ written in caramel around the side. Tiffanie was in shock. I got down on one knee and I said ‘Bae, will you marry me?’ She said ‘yes’, we kissed and hugged, and everybody in the restaurant was clapping and checking out the ring and saying I did a good job.”

“It’s crazy because I was actually hoping he would propose to me on my birthday, but he told me ‘don’t be expecting a ring because I’m not proposing’,” Tiffanie laughed. “And when I saw the ring, I really could’ve just passed out, because it is not a small diamond at all. I was very excited.”

Tiffanie and Walter Alexander Jr. met in February 2023 online on Facebook. The couple married in Febrary 2024, and had a wedding ceremony in May 2025. (Provided Photos)

The wedding: The couple married on paper on Valentine’s Day, 2024, but had their wedding ceremony on May 3, 2025, at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham. It was officiated by pastor, Dr. John Cantelow III, and their colors were rose gold, cream and navy.

Most memorable for the bride was a moment during their ceremony, while saying their vows. “It was a surreal moment for me because all of our family and friends were there, and it was nice to see my husband in a suit. He looked really good in his cream suit and rose gold jewelry. It was just exciting, and a dream come true,” said Tiffanie.

Most memorable for the groom was watching his bride walk down the aisle. “She looked really beautiful and it got me teary eyed. Her walking down the aisle with her dad, shaking his hand and receiving her as mine and walking her up the steps to the altar was the most memorable part for me,” said Walter.

Honeymoon: The couple will honeymoon in September for Tiffanie’s birthday on a Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas for three days.

Words of wisdom: “Have open communication with your spouse, and always tell him what’s going on. Keep God first and keep other people out of your business, and if you think you need help with your marriage, don’t be afraid to seek professional counseling,” Tiffanie said.

“The biggest thing is communication,” Walter said. “Try not to go to bed angry with your spouse and always date. A lot of time when people get in marriages they stop doing the things they did to get the person. Don’t get complacent because you’re married. Go places, do things, and keep each other first,” Walter said.

Happily ever after: The Alexander’s attend Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham, and have twins Walter Alexander III, and the late Wesley James Alexander, who died in utero at 23 weeks.

Tiffanie, 37, is a Titusville native and Ramsay High School grad. She attended Jefferson State Community College, where she earned an associate’s degree in child development, the University of Alabama where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in fashion design, and LIM [Lavatory Institute of Merchandising in New York, New York] online, where she received a master’s degree in the business of fashion. Tiffanie works as a special education teacher for Jefferson County Schools.

Walter, 39, is a Pratt City native, and P.D. Jackson Olin High School grad. He attended Miles College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated. Walter is a truck driver for Publix.

“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.

Birmingham Personal Injury Attorney | Guster Law Firm, LLC

Alabama A&M University Makes History with its First Female Lead Football Announcer

By
Birmingham Times
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Thai Floyd as the first woman to serve as Alabama A&M's full-time play-by-play announcer. (AAMU)

By Tolly Carr | HBCU

Alabama A&M University has made history by naming Thai Floyd as the first woman to serve as the football team’s full-time play-by-play announcer. Alabama A&M is an HBCU in Huntsville, Alabama, and competes in the SWAC.

Floyd will call Bulldogs games throughout the 2025 season. A proud Florida A&M alumna, she brings years of experience as a broadcast journalist. Most recently, she worked as a digital media specialist for Alabama A&M athletics.

According to her biography, Floyd has covered sports at every level. That includes high school, college, and professional events. Her work has appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia, HBCU Legends on Sports Illustrated, and ESPN’s Andscape. She has also worked for ESPN+ and ESPNU as a sideline reporter and play-by-play commentator. Her assignments have included FBS bowl games and the Celebration Bowl.

Floyd expressed her deep appreciation and sense of purpose for the opportunity:

This opportunity is a dream realized, and I’m deeply grateful to be trusted with it. To be the first woman to serve as the full-time voice of Alabama A&M football — and possibly the first to hold this role at any HBCU — is bigger than me. It’s about legacy, representation, and reminding young Black girls that we belong in every room, every booth, every broadcast.

She went on to honor one of her biggest inspirations:

“I’ve looked up to Tiffany Greene for over a decade — she’s poured into me, inspired me, and paved the way. Now, I just hope to continue the work she started and be that same light for someone else.”

With this historic appointment, Floyd not only becomes a trailblazer for Alabama A&M in the SWAC, but also a powerful symbol of progress across the HBCU and sports media landscape.

Inside Birmingham’s Newly-Opened Toasted Yolk Cafe: Great Food, Wonderful Vibes

By
Birmingham Times
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Colette Lewis and her brother, Charles, recently held the grand opening for The Toasted Yolk Cafe, a breakfast, brunch and lunch spot in downtown Birmingham on 20th Street South. (Provided)

By Chanda Temple | For The Birmingham Times

Colette Lewis remembers how excited she was to get her first Easy-Bake Oven.

It was Christmas morning, and she was about 7 years old. She pulled out packets of cake mix as her father plugged in the toy oven. After the first layer was done, Colette’s brother, Charles, who was about 3 years old, couldn’t wait to try it.

“That was our first time cooking,’’ Charles recalled. “It was good.’’

Now, decades later, the siblings, who grew up in Flint, Michigan, are excited to be cooking up something together again, but on a much larger scale. On Monday July 14, they hosted the grand opening for The Toasted Yolk Cafe, a breakfast, brunch and lunch spot in downtown Birmingham on 20th Street South, between Synovus Bank and Panda Express. Their franchise is part of the Houston-based Toasted Yolk brand. Birmingham is the company’s 51st store.

“We are offering good food, good portions and a good vibe,’’ said Charles. “It’s what Birmingham needs.’’

Another way Toasted Yolk is connecting to the city is by being a part of the 15th annual Birmingham Restaurant Week, where participating eateries, bars and caterers offer special deals and unique dishes.

Ahead of this week’s opening the two talked about their new business as the restaurant buzzed with activity.

Near the bar, an employee rolled up silverware in crisp, white linen napkins while the sound of a drill cut through the air as a group of men worked on the entrance. Meanwhile, teams huddled at tables, talking strategy and smiling. A crew in the kitchen plated some of the restaurant’s popular entrees.

“Never Too Early to Get Toasted”

The restaurant has seating for 132 in booths, tables, high top tables and at the bar. (Provided)

The energy made Colette smile because she imagined what this type of activity would be like seven days a week. “It puts me in the mind of happy clients bonding over great food and wonderful conversations. That’s my dream for The Toasted Yolk,’’ she said.

The restaurant, which has seating for 132 in booths, tables, high top tables and at the bar, features the company colors of soft cream, tan, yellow and green. But Charles and Colette wanted to pull Birmingham into their décor, too. They recruited Glen Iris artist Dewon Moton, 33, to paint two large murals in the restaurant.

One mural shows the Toasted Yolk egg and toast dish blended into the company logo. The other mural has the tagline, “It’s Never Too Early to Get Toasted in Birmingham,” along with a piping cup of coffee, a stack of buttered pancakes, fruit, a mimosa, a Bloody Mary and caramel drizzled down the side of a tower of churro doughnuts.

Moton said that he used a company image to inspire his work, while also adding his own flair to set the mood.

“From the moment you walk in, you feel like you are going to have a great warm meal,’’ said Moton, who has done about 10 murals around Birmingham, including the one featuring five women across from the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex at 19th Street North and 10th Avenue North. “It’s an honor to be a part of what people experience in a place.’’

Colette and Charles plan to have a third mural installed over the bar. That one will pay homage to the city’s rich history and popular landmarks.

“The heart of our café will be Birmingham,’’ Colette said. “It’s important to bring to life what makes Birmingham and show whom we are becoming.

Besides the food and décor, soft music playing in the background will also contribute to the vision the Lewis siblings have for their cafe.

“You may come in and hear Frank Sinatra, Usher or Beyonce. Or ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ could be playing,” Charles said. “It will be a nice vibe. It will be a nice vibrant place.’’

Positive Feedback

For the last three years, Charles, who lives in Hoover and Colette, who lives in Birmingham, have worked to make their Toasted Yolk location a reality. It took them nine months to solidify a location. When they finally did, they built the space from the ground up. “There was just gravel here at first,” said Charles.

But it was in the floor where they planted their faith. Underneath the floorboards of the café’s front door are three scriptures they wrote into the concrete foundation: Deuteronomy 8:18 {“But thou shall remember the Lord thy God; for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which he sware unto the Fathers, as it is this day.” KJV]; Philippians 4:19 [“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.” KJV; and Proverbs 10:22 [“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich and He addeth no sorrow with it.” KJV]

“Every day, we walk over the scriptures, and it’s us agreeing for prosperity, community, development and expansion,’’ Colette said.

Even before they opened, they’d already received positive feedback from supporters. A soft opening they planned for July 11 and 12, booked up within two days of them announcing it. They were surprised at the quick response because they thought it would take longer to fill the reservations. But people sent them congratulations via social media, text messages and calls, thanking them for bringing another dining option to the Magic City.

The menu boasts sandwiches, pancakes, French toast, brunch bowls, salads and more. (Provided)

The Menu

The menu boasts sandwiches, pancakes, French toast, soups, shrimp and grits, omelets, egg specialties, five different types off Eggs Benedict, patty melts, churro doughnuts with a side of caramel dipping sauce, brunch bowls, cocktails, mimosas, coffee, espressos, cappuccinos, “Breakfast Shots,’’ and more.

There’s also cake-style blueberry doughnuts with blueberry compote; a hand-battered chicken breast paired with a tangy BBQ ranch dressing, fried onion strings and thinly cut dill pickle slices served on a soft, grilled pretzel bun with a side of seasoned fries; the Toasted Yolk, which consists of two slices of sourdough bread grilled with an egg in the middle and served with a choice of a breakfast meat; and a BLT made with two pieces of lightly grilled and buttered sourdough bread and slices of Toasted Yolk proprietary bacon, meaning that this kind of bacon can only be found at the restaurant.

Salads are available for those wanting lighter fare, including the grilled shrimp cilantro salad with a spring mix, cherry tomatoes, roasted corn, feta, seasoned in-house flour tortilla salad points and homemade lemon za’atar vinaigrette.

“I love that most of the sauces we make are fresh. We make our own honey mustard sauce, too,’’ said Colette.

Charles, who is a partner in a Birmingham-based engineering firm, said he believes it is God’s purpose to build, and that is why he feels that he and his sister were led to open The Toasted Yolk.

“It really hits different to see where we started and now, we will have a flourishing restaurant and business. We just want to do it in excellence and show other people that God’s purpose is for us to build,’’ he said. “The store was untouched soil. We planted a seed, and now it’s starting to grow into what God has a purpose for.’’

The Toasted Yolk is now open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and drinks. In the fall, they will start offering “Toasted Yolk After Dark,’’ which is when they will be open later hours on certain days and be available for private events. They will also do catering, have a rewards book club for children and special deals for adults.

Toasted Yolk is located at 231 – 20th Street South on the first floor of the 20 Midtown apartment building. Parking is available on the first and second floors. For more visit www.thetoastedyolk.com.

Updated at 8:30 a.m. on 7/16/2025 to add a line about Birmingham Restaurant Week

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