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

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July 16, 2025

BhamPolice-1 — 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:

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.
Swift Apprehension of Violent Offenders: Continuation of proactive efforts by the Crime Reduction Team to apprehend individuals with outstanding violent felony warrants.
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.
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.
Crackdown on Illegal Firearms: Collaboration with the ATF to address illegal gun trafficking and straw purchases.
Increased Command Presence: Introduction of Utility Captains during peak crime hours to enhance leadership and response during our most violent times.
Proactive Discharging Team: Formation of a team dedicated to intercepting potential shooters before violent acts occur.
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

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Birmingham Times

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July 16, 2025

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bookbag-3 — 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’

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Birmingham Times

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July 16, 2025

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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

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Birmingham Times

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July 15, 2025

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Thai-Floyd-HBCU — 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

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Birmingham Times

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July 15, 2025

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ToastedYolk_siblings — 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 20^th Street South, between Synovus Bank and Panda Express. Their franchise is part of the Houston-based Toasted Yolk brand. Birmingham is the company’s 51^ststore.

“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 15^th 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

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

KultureCity Purchases Historic Birmingham Steam Plant for $11M; Plans to Transform it into a Sensory-Inclusive Hub

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Birmingham Times

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July 15, 2025

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powell-steam-plant-65b05d7adfa16 — KultureCity has purchased the historic Powell Avenue Steam Plant. (WVTM)

KultureCity, a Birmingham-born nonprofit, has purchased the historic Powell Avenue Steam Plant for $11 million, with plans to transform it into a sensory-inclusive hub by 2027.

Walking past the Powell Avenue Steam Plant today, one hears echoes rather than engines, with rusted steel beams stretching high and soot-stained brick walls whispering stories of smoke, power, and time.

“Just imagine the stories…in this building that the walls will tell. I mean, it quite literally powered the city for so many years and decades,” said Michele Kong, M.D., co-founder of KultureCity.

KultureCity, which has transformed more than 6,000 venues worldwide, including NFL stadiums and airports, aims to create a sensory-inclusive hub in Birmingham.

“I think this is a beautiful space that we just fell in love with when we saw it,” Kong said.

The Powell Avenue Steam Plant, built in 1895, was once the electric engine of Birmingham, lighting streetcars and fueling industry during the steel boom. After years of silence and failed redevelopment, new life begins.

“For Alabama Power to see the vision with us, be on this journey, and trust us enough to take it to the next step and chapter (there’s potential),” Kong said.

KultureCity plans to redefine the building with an exhibit hall telling the stories of individuals’ journeys, a sensory play area, a green space gathering area, and an amphitheater.

City of Birmingham, being at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement and cultural developments, is also recognized as the birthplace and birth year of leaders in the disability movement and accessibility, highlighting the connection between the two.

KultureCity aims to break ground by the end of this year, with plans to open in early 2027. Kong said, “It’s going to transform our city, our community, and the world.”

Every Candidate Who Qualified to Run for Birmingham Mayor, City Council in Aug. 26 Elections

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Birmingham Times

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July 14, 2025

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CityHall — Voters in Birmingham head to the polls on Tuesday, October 7, in runoff elections for City Council and Birmingham Board of Education. (File)

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

Nearly 40 candidates officially qualified to run for Mayor and City Council seats in Birmingham’s municipal elections, set for Aug. 26, after qualifying ended at 5 p.m. Friday, July 11.

A total of 38 hopefuls filed papers at the Jefferson County Probate Court Office for the election, including nine for mayor and nine for the open District 8 seat.

Councilors Hunter Williams (District 2) and Darrell O’Quinn (District 5) qualified without challengers. Districts 3 (Valerie Abbott) and 8 (Carol Clark) are open seats after the incumbents decided not to run for re-election.

Here are the mayor and city council candidates who qualified for the Aug. 26 municipal elections:

MAYOR

Kamau “Marlon” Afrika
Juandalynn Givan
Marilyn James-Johnson
Jerimy Littlepage
Brian K. Rice
David Russell
Lashunda Scales
*Randall Woodfin
Frank Woodson

CITY COUNCIL

District 1

Tara Nix
*Clinton Woods
Willie C. Goldsmith
Priscilla Edwards

District 2

Hunter Williams

District 3

Josh Vasa
Ryan Jones

District 4

Darryl T. Williams
Brian Gunn
Joseph Jordan Holt
*J.T. Moore

District 5

Darrell O’Quinn

District 6

Keith O. Williams
*Crystal N. Smitherman

District 7

Lonnie Franklin Malone
*Wardine Towers Alexander

District 8

Eric Delk
David Rivers
Susan Palmer
April Myers Williams
Adlai M. Trone
Jonathan Hatten
Sonja Q. Smith
Justin M. Smith
Joe May

District 9

Richard E. Franklin Jr.
Beatrice Collins
*LaTonya Tate
John Hilliard

*Incumbent

Source: City of Birmingham City Clerk’s Office

Popular Vegan Eatery to Help Kick Off Birmingham Restaurant Week

By

Birmingham Times

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July 14, 2025

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SolcialVegan 1 — Fatimah Jackson's Solcial Veg will be featured during Birmingham Restaurant Week's Preview Party at Haven on Tuesday, July 15. (Barnett Wright, The Birmingham Times)

By Chanda Temple | For The Birmingham Times

One month after deciding to leave her banking job of 16 years to start a new career in information technology (IT), Fatimah Jackson was diagnosed with breast cancer.

In denial, thinking the doctors had gotten it wrong, she sought second, third, and fourth opinions. Six months later, she was in treatment. It was the summer of 2020.

For the next year and a half, Jackson underwent chemotherapy and radiation and later had a mastectomy. During treatment, she looked for things to keep her busy. Because she was vegan — a lifestyle that excludes the use and/or consumption of animal products — she started doing vegan meal prep for others to make money. As she posted photos of vegan lasagna, curry bowls, and salads to Facebook, she gained a following.

“People said the [food] looked good but they wanted to know where the meat was,” Jackson said of her meals. “I told them, ‘You don’t need meat.’”

A few friends decided to take Jackson up on her “no meat” comment and started using her meal prep plans, too. Then, those friends posted their own pictures of Jackson’s food. Her following continued to grow, and people booked her for pop-up events which led to her selling vegan food through her new company, Solcial Veg, in August 2022.

“I felt like I could actually make a business from it. That was going to be my hustle,” said Jackson, who lives in Birmingham’s West End neighborhood.

Then one day in 2022, a former George Washington Carver High School classmate of Jackson saw one of her food posts and inboxed her with: “Is this a hobby or is this a career?”

When Jackson told him it was a career, he offered an opportunity that changed her life.

“He wanted me to bring healthy food to Bessemer, [Alabama],” said Jackson. “[He] said I could make and sell the meals from his commissary kitchen,” a licensed commercial kitchen space where food-service operators can prepare and store their food.

She jumped at the chance because she had been wondering how she could expand her business and be in a commissary kitchen.

Birmingham Restaurant Week

On Tuesday, July 15, Jackson will present her vegan spinach artichoke dip with chips during the Birmingham Restaurant Week (BRW) Preview Party at Haven in downtown Birmingham. The dish is made with vegan cheese, vegan mayonnaise, fresh spinach, chopped artichoke, vegan cream cheese, fresh garlic, and smoked paprika.

“It tastes like the real thing, [which includes dairy ingredients]. You can’t tell the difference,” said Jackson, 47. “If there is a potluck, I’m bringing spinach artichoke dip every time.”

The goal of BRW, which takes place July 17–26, is to promote special deals offered by Birmingham area restaurants, bars, food trucks, and caterers.

Jackson participated in BRW in 2024, but this is the first time she’ll be a presenter at the Preview Party, which will feature a variety of non-vegan, vegetable, savory, and sweet bites from culinary creators like Ivory Leshore, Corazon food truck, A’s Kitchen food truck, Sol Y Luna, Taj India, Michael’s Restaurant, 1918 Catering, Magnolia Point, Slutty Vegan and Adored Sweets.

BRW’s Ashley Gooden said, “We always kick things off with our Preview Party. It’s one of the best ways to get a taste of what [BRW] is all about. You get to sample dishes from more than a dozen of our incredible participating restaurants, and it’s the perfect night for foodies to explore what’s to come.”

Foodie With Goodies

By August 2022, Jackson was selling her vegan food through Solcial Veg, the name a nod to how much vegans want to be included in social settings where vegan food may not always be available. The “sol” in Solcial Veg is the Spanish word for sun, and Jackson added sol to her company name because she liked the sun character she already had from a previous lotion company she used to run.

“When I first went vegan in 2017, it changed my social life because there were no good [food] options when I went out with my friends,” said Jackson. “My options were fries and a salad, and that got boring to me. I ended up not going.”

“I love to eat. I’m a foodie,” she added. “But being limited to those two items was not fun to me. I wanted to be social.”

Because vegans or transitioning vegans can feel excluded during the holidays or at big family events where traditional foods are on the table, Jackson sells meals for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Super Bowl. This year, she added the Fourth of July, for which she sold vegan burgers, vegan baked beans, vegan macaroni and cheese, vegan potato salad, vegan coleslaw, and even vegan ribs made with jackfruit and wheat gluten.

“The same things that I want as a vegan, other vegans want, too,” she said. “I want to cater to them and everybody else in between.”

For the Fourth of July Solcial Veg sold vegan burgers, vegan baked beans, vegan macaroni and cheese, vegan potato salad, vegan coleslaw, and even vegan ribs made with jackfruit and wheat gluten. (Provided)

An Open Mind

Today, Jackson offers a long list of vegan menu options to help vegans and non-vegans stay connected over good food and good conversation. She hopes the dip she serves at the upcoming BRW Preview Party will show people what’s possible from Solcial Veg.

On Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jackson serves lunch. On Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., she prepares a vegan brunch with a rotating menu that has included pancakes and vegan sausage, vegan chicken and waffles, loaded grits and/or loaded “fysh” and grits, vegan buffalo chicken wraps, jackfruit quesadillas, and vegan Reuben sandwiches.

Both events take place at her Bessemer location, 830 22nd Street, in a building with the sign EK Suites outside. On Mondays and Thursdays, from 4 to 7 p.m., she’s at the boxcar at Birmingham’s Railroad Park, where she has a rotating vegan menu that has featured vegan burgers, vegan hot dogs, loaded grits, and nachos. She also does catering, which has included her vegan lasagna and peach cobbler.

“I always tell people that you have to have an open mind with vegan food because you never know if you will like it or not until you try it,” she said. “You don’t want to judge a book by its cover. You have to open it up and read it.”

For Birmingham Restaurant Week, she will have meal deals on Friday, July 18; Sunday, July 20 and Friday July 25 at her Bessemer location.

The Sun Comes Out

As Jackson looks back, sharing her positivity in her lavender-colored company shirt that features a happy-looking sun behind two leaves, she reflects on everything she’s done since her breast cancer diagnosis in 2020.

Her voice starts to break because she sees what she calls a “silver lining” in her journey. She survived cancer, a divorce, and the pandemic, all of which could make anyone stop and reevaluate things. But she didn’t sit and sulk about what had happened to her — she stood up and took charge.

“I just wanted to live my dream. I wanted to be an entrepreneur,” said Jackson. “When an opportunity came, I went for it. And when I started, everything else just fell into place.”

“My message to people would be that you have to stay optimistic, even when things seem like they are at their lowest,” she added. “You’ve gotta know … rain won’t last forever. At some point the sun has got to come out. You’ve just got to get through it.”

In addition to the Preview Party at Haven in downtown Birmingham, BRW also feature a scavenger hunt (Saturday, July 19, from 2 to 8 p.m., at City Walk), a Sipology brunch (Sunday, July 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at City Walk), and a food truck and vendor market (Saturday, July 26, from 2 to 7 p.m., at City Walk).

To learn more about Solcial Veg, visit www.Solcialveg.com. For more information about Birmingham Restaurant Week, visit www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

Negro Southern League Museum, City of Birmingham to Unveil New Exhibit on July 16 Honoring Willie Mays

By

Birmingham Times

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July 12, 2025

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Willie with kids — A new exhibit honoring the life and legacy of Alabama native and baseball legend Willie Mays will open on Wednesday, July 16. (File)

birminghamal.gov

The Negro Southern League Museum (NSLM), in partnership with the City of Birmingham and the Center for Negro League Baseball Research (CNLBR), proudly announces the unveiling of a new exhibit honoring the life and legacy of Alabama native and baseball legend Willie Mays. The exhibit unveiling will take place during a special ceremony at Noon, Wednesday, July 16, in the City Council Chambers at Birmingham City Hall.

The event is sponsored by Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson and curated by Dr. Layton Revel, Executive Director of the CNLBR whose ongoing advocacy has helped bring renewed attention to the legacy of one of America’s greatest athletes.

Timely Tribute to a National Icon

This exhibit comes at a time of renewed national interest in Willie Mays and the legacy of Black baseball in America. Most recently, it was announced that some of Willie Mays’s most treasured memorabilia—including items from his playing days and personal collection—will be auctioned off to collectors around the country, placing his story once again at the center of the national consciousness.

In June 2024, Major League Baseball returned to Rickwood Field — where Mays began his professional career as a teenage phenom with the Birmingham Black Barons — for a nationally televised tribute to the Negro Leagues. That historic moment ignited widespread appreciation for Mays’s roots and Birmingham’s pivotal role in baseball history.

Momentum continued this year with the East-West All-Star Classic at Rickwood Field on Juneteenth, reaffirming the cultural and historical significance of Birmingham and the Negro Leagues on a national stage.

In addition, Willie Mays Park in Fairfield—a long-standing symbol of both community pride and disrepair—has undergone a meaningful renovation. The effort, led in part by Michael Mays, Willie’s son, represents a renewed local commitment to honoring Mays’ legacy and creating vibrant spaces for youth and community development. Although travel constraints will prevent Michael Mays from attending the unveiling, he has sent a letter of support for the City’s efforts and reiterating his late father’s enduring message to him: “Take care of Fairfield.”

Part I: Birmingham-Born, Negro League Raised

Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born in 1931 in Westfield, Alabama, a mining town just outside Birmingham. Raised in the Fairfield community, Mays grew up during segregation, but baseball was already in his blood—his father played for on local semi-pro industrial league teams, and young Willie would often tag along. By the age of 16, he was suiting up on weekend to play minor Negro League baseball for the Chattanooga Choo-Choos of the Negro Southern League. Soon after, he made his way up to play as a pro for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League.

As the Negro League’s young promising star, Mays dazzled crowds with his five-tool talent, drawing scouts’ attention with a maturity and skill far beyond his years. Jackie Robinson had just broken major league baseball’s color barrier opening the door for integrated pro sports in America — scouts clamored to be the first to sign the young baseball prodigy from Fairfield Industrial High School.

Part II: A Giant in Every Way

Mays signed with the New York Giants in 1950, breaking into the Major Leagues the following year. What followed was one of the most decorated careers in sports history:

660 home runs
24 All-Star selections
12 Gold Gloves
1954 World Series champion
Hall of Fame inductee in 1979

Mays’s impact transcended the game. He became the highest-paid athlete in America, a trailblazer not just on the field but in business. He was one of the first African American athletes to land national endorsement deals, representing brands like AlaGa Syrup, Coca-Cola, Wheaties, and Chevrolet. His smile and spirit became synonymous with charm, charisma and greatness shrouded with humility, and his influence stretched from Harlem to Hollywood.

Yet despite his growing legend and Hall of Fame Status, his relationship with his hometown remained complex. No parades, no keys to the city, no formal recognition of one of the world’s biggest stars until decades later, when recognition finally arrived under the leadership of the city’s first Black mayor, Dr. Richard Arrington, Jr. Arrington declared an official Willie Mays Day in Birmingham and made him Grand Marshall of the city’s Magic City Classic. Mays’s later years included the nation’s highest honors -the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal.

About the Negro Southern League Museum

Founded in 2015, the NSLM is a nationally recognized cultural institution dedicated to preserving the history of Black baseball in America, with a special emphasis on the Negro Southern League and Birmingham’s foundational role in that legacy. It houses one of the largest collections of Negro League memorabilia in the United States.

About Dr. Layton Revel

Dr. Layton Revel is the Executive Director of the Center for Negro League Baseball Research and co-founder of the Negro Southern League Museum. Over the last four decades, he has worked tirelessly to preserve the stories of Black baseball and reclaim forgotten chapters of American sports history.

Freedom Preparatory Academy Hosts Community Tour Beginning July 17

By

Birmingham Times

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July 12, 2025

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Freedom prep Graduation 2025-023 — Freedom Preparatory Academy will host an upcoming Freedom West Community Tour, Thursday, July 17 through Saturday, July 19. (Provided)

freedomprep.org

Freedom Preparatory Academy, a public charter school located in Birmingham’s historic Titusville community will host an upcoming Freedom West Community Tour, Thursday, July 17 through Saturday, July 19.

This three-day initiative supports area businesses in the western section of Greater Birmingham, engages local families, and promotes the power of public education. The tour also provides an opportunity for parents of children in grades K–5 to learn more about Freedom Preparatory Academy, which is now accepting students for the upcoming academic year.

“We want to be more than a school — we want to be a partner to families and a pillar in the community,” said Dr. Genesis Player, Managing Director of Freedom Preparatory Academy Alabama. “This tour allows us to support area businesses, connect with families, and educate the community about the opportunities that Freedom Prep has to offer.”

FREEDOM WEST COMMUNITY TOUR SCHEDULE:

Thursday, July 17 – Applebee’s | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Friday, July 18 – J Wings at the CrossPlex | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Live broadcast by The Joe Lockett Show | 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 19 – Carver Jones Market | Noon – 3 p.m.

Each stop will feature appearances by on-air talent from V94.9, entertainment, giveaways, and enrollment support for families interested in joining the Freedom Preparatory Academy community. The Freedom West Community Tour is the first of four regional tours planned, with future community engagement events coming to the Southern, Eastern, and Northern parts of Birmingham later this year.

Rooted in the legacy of the civil rights movement, Freedom Preparatory Academy (FPA) is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in grades K-5 in Birmingham, Alabama. FPA is committed to preparing all students to excel in college and in life through a rigorous and nurturing academic environment grounded in excellence, integrity, responsibility, respect, and community.

For more information about The Freedom West Community Tour or to enroll your child at Freedom Preparatory Academy, please call 205-983-3174 or visit freedomprep.org.