Simon Cowell gave the Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir the Golden Buzzer on "America's Got Talent" after thanking them for performing on the show. (Trae Patton, NBC)
In a truly joyful performance, the Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir won a Golden Buzzer during Tuesday’s episode of “America’s Got Talent.”
Terry Crews, host of “America’s Got Talent,” posted the choir’s performance on X and congratulated the group.
The Birmingham group performed a rendition of “Joyful, Joyful Lord We Adore Thee” infused with elements of hip-hop.
The performance received tremendous applause from the audience and all of the judges gave a standing ovation.
Simon Cowell gave the Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir the Golden Buzzer after thanking them for performing on the show.
”I can see and hear how much work went into this,” Cowell said.
“Every single one of you played the perfect part we had lead vocals, we had emotion. I’m so honored that you would come here on our 20th anniversary and in return I want to give you something.”
The choir’s director, Akheem Lee, said the group was started in 2015 as a way to give back to the community, but it continued to grow after youth kept requesting to join.
Lee told Cowell that the youth choir decided to audition for the show this year to demonstrate that Birmingham has talented individuals despite often being “last on the list when you think about cities in America.“
Lee said that the city has a tragic yet rich history and said that he grew up at the 16th Street Baptist Church, the church that was bombed in a 1963 white supremacy attack resulting in the death of four Black children.
Family, friends and supporters of Jabari Peoples, shot by a Homewood police officer, hold a protest outside Homewood City Hall on Tuesday. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
HOMEWOOD, Alabama — Lawyers representing the family of a Black teenager shot and killed by police in Homewood, just outside Birmingham, said the state’s refusal to release body-camera video during an investigation is fueling mistrust over the shooting.
“All this family wants is transparency plus accountability. And that’s how we get back to trust. We’re not asking for anything else that you wouldn’t want if it was your child,” Ben Crump, a civil rights attorney, said during a Tuesday press conference with family members.
Family members of Jabari Peoples and lawyers representing the family held a press conference Tuesday as they continue to seek access to the body-camera footage of the fatal shooting.
Jabari Peoples
Peoples, 18, was shot June 23 by a police officer in the parking lot of a soccer field in Homewood, an affluent suburb near the central city of Birmingham.
The Homewood Police Department said the officer fired his weapon after Peoples grabbed at a gun from a car door during a scuffle as the officer was trying to arrest him for marijuana possession. The family is disputing the police version of events and said Peoples did not have a gun when he was approached, according to an eyewitness. Leroy Maxwell Jr., an attorney representing the family, said Peoples was shot in the back.
The Homewood Police Department said the details surrounding the incident are “clearly captured” on the officer’s body camera. The department has not released the identity of the officer.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which is reviewing the use of force, has possession of the video but has declined to release it during the investigation. A 2023 state law that governs release of police recordings says an agency may choose to not disclose the recording if it would impact an active law enforcement investigation
“ALEA’s investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred in Homewood remains ongoing,” Amanda Wasden, a spokesperson for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, wrote in a Tuesday email.
Activists have staged regular protests in Homewood since the shooting.
Crump said Tuesday that police could “shut us up” by releasing the video.
“Just release the video. Show us the officer did nothing wrong, Show us that it was justified. It’s a matter of trust, because too often we see our children get killed and they try to justify unnecessary, unjustifiable killings,” Crump said.
People’s parents held portraits of their son. He had dreams of finishing multiple degrees and wanted to be a police detective and a pilot in the future, they said.
Protests outside Homewood City Hall on Tuesday. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
“He had a lot of dreams, and he was willing to work for his dreams,” Vivian Sterling, his mother said.
Hundreds of people attended a vigil for Peoples last week at the soccer complex where he was shot. The family released doves and white balloons and brought in a large photo of Peoples with angel wings. Candles spelled out “Jabari” at the spot where he was killed.
The shooting unfolded about 9:30 p.m. when a police officer approached a car at the Homewood Soccer Complex where Peoples and a female friend were parked.
The Homewood Police Department posted a statement on social media that the officer smelled marijuana and noticed a handgun in the pocket of the driver’s side door. The officer attempted to put Peoples in handcuffs to arrest him for marijuana possession and a struggle ensued, according to the statement. Police have not released the name of the officer.
Peoples is a 2024 graduate of Aliceville High School in the city of the same name, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Homewood.
“Give this family what they so deserve, and that’s to know exactly what was happening in their son’s and their brother’s last moments,” Maxwell said.
Met: The pair first met at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta. “I remember hearing continued laughter behind me and turning around, thinking, ‘Wait… who is that?’ I was drawn to his calm energy from the beginning,’ she remembered.
“We were both involved in campus ministry and leadership. I admired her brilliance, her faith, and how she carried herself with both strength and grace. I made sure to ‘just happen’ to be in the same spaces frequently,” Leon said.
First Date: Not a “typical” first date Nathalie recalled. They spent it serving the unhoused at Hugs Ministry, which was a 501(c)3 non-profit faith-based ministry in the Metro Atlanta whose mission was to assist those in need with food, clothing, toiletries and agency referrals. “It was unfiltered and significant. That’s when I knew this wasn’t going to be a surface-level connection,” Nathalie said.
That experience showed who Nathalie was, Leon said. “… her compassion, her courage, her faith in action. She didn’t need a fancy dinner to be impressed. I knew there was something real here.”
The turn: Nathalie said she knew Leon was the one when she first went visit to visit his family in Chicago. “Watching how tenderly he cared for his grandparents, his patience, attention, and quiet dedication were moving.”
Originally from Queens, N.Y., she is first-generation Jamaican American.
“As a Caribbean woman, family is everything. We’re raised to honor our elders and support one another. Seeing that same value lived out in him, without pretense, was deeply affirming. That’s when I knew his love would be rooted, not just in words, but in action,” said Nathalie.
For Leon, it was during a “personal season of transition”, that turned his heart. “Nathalie prayed for me with a depth that moved my spirit. It wasn’t about fixing anything it was about covering, seeing me, and standing with me. That’s when I knew she was my person.”
The couple first met at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta and married in 2015. (Provided Photos)
The proposal: Leon popped the question while the two were in Times Square at a steakhouse in November 2014.
“I was nervous, but sure. I told her what she meant to me and where I saw our life going, and then I dropped to one knee. She said “yes.” “The whole restaurant joined in our celebration,” he said.
Nathalie said, ”it was so us — unpredictable, heartfelt, and full of joy. I’ll never forget the look in his eyes or the peace I felt when I said ‘yes.’ It just felt right.”
The wedding: The Parkers eloped privately first, then held a formal wedding “and public celebration at Carter Temple CME Church in Chicago where I’m from,” Leon said. Their colors were deep plum and ivory. Nathalie’s most memorable moment from that day: “Seeing friends, family, and church members from across our lives in one space—celebrating our love like it was their own. It felt sacred.” Most Memorable Moment for Leon was “watching Nathalie come down the aisle. Time stopped. That moment is etched in my heart.”
Words of Wisdom: “Love starts with knowing and caring for yourself,” Nathalie said. “The better you know your rhythms, values, and needs, the better you can love and honor someone else. Also, stick together in the hardships. When I was in the thick of caregiving for my dad — navigating memory loss, health care red tape, and daily stress — Leon didn’t run. He stood beside me, quietly present and deeply supportive. That kind of steady love is rare.”
Leon said, “Talk often, listen fully, forgive fast, and don’t stop praying together. God’s presence in your marriage isn’t just a bonus — it’s the foundation.”
Happily Ever After: The Parkers founded Civitas Consulting Group on Valentine’s Day in 2018 “as a bold expression of purpose and partnership.” Today, Nathalie serves as CEO and Principal Consultant, leading the firm’s national growth in strategic planning, small business development, impact marketing, event management, and organizational change for cities and mission-driven organizations across the country.
Nathalie is from Queens, NY. She has a B.A. from Adelphi University; M.A. from Columbia University Teachers College; Master of Divinity from ITC. She is the author of I Love My Future HBCU: Teaching Children About Historically Black Colleges and Universities. https://www.nathalienelsonparker.com/hbcu
Originally, from Chicago, Leon is Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Chapel at Miles College and Lead Pastor of Unity CME Church. He received his B.A. from Miles College; and his Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) and Phillips School of Theology.
They have one son, Leon Parker IV, 8, his interests include soccer, golf, Legos, science, and math. “He’s curious, creative, and constantly keeping us on our toes,” the Parkers said. Their Fur-baby Polo Parker is a small Cavapoo who enjoys naps, walks, and traveling in his mom’s purse.
“You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them. If you would like to be considered for a future “Hello’’ column, or know someone, please send nominations to Barnett Wright bwright@birminghamtimes.com. Include the couple’s name, contact number(s) and what makes their love story unique.
Updated at 4:02 p.m. on 7/9/2025 for clarify Mr. Parker’s educational credentials.
A new agreement allows the City to use Alabama Power poles and electricity to power public safety cameras. Those cameras are connected to Birmingham’s Real Time Crime Center for use by the Birmingham Police Department. (File)
The Birmingham Times
The Birmingham City Council unanimously approved a contract with Alabama Power Company for the installation of public safety video equipment to be used by the Birmingham Police Department across the city.
The cameras will be placed on existing APC infrastructure and will provide live feeds to the BPD’s Real Time Crime Center. The contract is for an additional 20 months of service, an extension of the original agreement, totaling $9.7 million, with $4.1 million of that coming from the U.S. Department of Justice. The funding from the city will be paid in regular installments over the course of the contract extension.
“We have to be intentional with how we’re approaching public safety and at a certain point it has to become personal for the people who live in our communities,” Councilor LaTonya Tate said. “If people feel like they can go out in broad daylight and start shooting, at what point does that become personal for everyone else who lives here? We have to sit down and have these hard conversations and get to a point of healing and reconciliation. That’s how we move forward because we all want the same thing.”
Tuesday’s vote comes one week after the amendment was proposed to the council by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. The council delayed voting at the July 1 meeting, with many council members concerned about the cost increase the amendment would bring.
To alleviate those concerns, the city council held a special called Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, July 7. Representatives from Alabama Power, along with Woodfin and Chief Michael Pickett with the Birmingham Police Department, fielded questions from the committee about the need for more cameras.
A persistent question from city councilors was how the city would pay for the increased cost of the contract once the current federal grant money runs out.
Woodfin indicated that the city would apply for more federal grants. If the city is not awarded more federal funds the city would budget for the rest of the contract to be paid out of the city’s general fund through the rest of the contract term, Woodfin said. The increase would require about $2 million per year, according to Birmingham City Council President Darell O’Quinn.
“I think a lot of the concerns were related to the cost and trying to understand, ‘Okay, what it is that we’re actually getting?’” said O’Quinn, after the special called meeting.
“In terms of public safety, it gets into the realm of, well, can you place a value on public safety?” said O’Quinn. “And when you talk about preventing violent crime, and that sort of thing, I think that’s kind of priceless. But, again, we have to live within our means.”
The mayor celebrated the amendment’s passing Tuesday.
“The truth is, one homicide is too many,” Woodfin said. “But it’s important that we made this issue a priority of public safety, particularly around decreasing gun violence. And especially around decreasing homicides, and we’ve done that with over 50% decrease in homicides.”
This past Tuesday night, about 150 residents took advantage of a warming station at the Boutwell Auditorium. (City of Birmingham)
By Jeff Shearer | Auburn University
AUBURN, Ala. – After winning the SEC regular season championship and advancing to the Final Four last season, Auburn men’s basketball will tune up for the 2025-26 season with a preseason game against Oklahoma State Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. in Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium.
“Basketball is alive and well in the state,“ associate head coach Steven Pearl said. “The facility is unbelievable. We’re excited to be a part of such a great event. Excited about the matchup with Oklahoma State. They’re in a very similar position to us. They return one person from last year.”
“We’re excited to build off the momentum from the inaugural event last year and expand the event to feature more games and teams,” said Hibbett president Jared Briskin. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our 80th anniversary of calling Birmingham home than growing this event and celebrating basketball in our city alongside Nike. We’re committed to investing in Birmingham and the loyal Nike and Hibbett customers. This year’s event will offer fans even more unique experiences only available at the Ballin in Boutwell games.”
Ballin in Boutwell puts fans at the center, offering a perfect view of the on-court action from every seat and immersive experiences throughout Boutwell Auditorium.
The Ballin’ in Boutwell lineup is set for October. It starts with Alabama A&M vs. Samford on Oct. 13, followed by Auburn vs. Oklahoma State on Oct. 15 and Alabama vs. Florida State on Oct. 16. UA and FSU’s women’s teams will face off earlier in the day.
“On behalf of the city of Birmingham, we’re thrilled to host the second edition of Ballin in Boutwell and these exclusive exhibition games in Boutwell Auditorium,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin, City of Birmingham Mayor. “Birmingham is a true basketball city, home to passionate fans and a community deeply rooted in the game. Ballin in Boutwell brings a new level of premium college basketball to the Magic City. For 80 years, Hibbett has proudly called Birmingham home, and we’re grateful for their continued commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences like this one to our city.”
This October will be the first time the Auburn men’s basketball team takes the court as a Nike school with new Nike jerseys and equipment.
“To be partnered with Nike is something our players are more excited about than anybody,” Pearl said. “They’ve been walking around with a level of swagger with the shoes they’re able to wear. That will be the first time we get to see our new warmups in person. I know our fans are excited about it.”
Under Bruce Pearl, Auburn has played five games in Birmingham, most recently last season’s 87-69 win over No. 15 Purdue at Legacy Arena.
“This might be the best basketball state in the country, collectively, when you look at the strength of the programs we have in this state,” said Steven Pearl, noting the combined nine SEC season and tournament championships won by Auburn and Alabama since 2018. “The Southeastern Conference has run through this state since 2018. That speaks to the competitiveness of the rivalry and the fans we have in the state who are hungry for basketball.”
Over the last seven years, BOLD has directly contributed $5.4 million to 57 local organizations. (Adobe Stock)
birminghamal.gov
The City of Birmingham on Monday began inviting proposals for its 2026-2027 Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) funding program. Established in 2018, BOLD provides financial support to organizations dedicated to advancing economic development within the city through initiatives focused on five key focus areas, small businesses, workforce development, eliminating barriers, creative placemaking, and high-growth industries.
“Birmingham’s local organizations are essential allies in delivering transformative outcomes for our city,” said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “We are committed to investing in initiatives that strengthen economic opportunity and community well-being. Continued support for BOLD awardees is a strategic decision, one that fuels resident empowerment, sparks neighborhood revitalization, and fosters stronger, more connected communities.
Over the last seven years, BOLD has directly contributed $5.4 million to 57 local organizations. The program was recently allocated up to $1.5 million in the city’s FY26 budget.
“The BOLD program stands as a beacon of community-driven progress,” said Coreata’ Houser, Interim Director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. “Its influence reaches deep into Birmingham’s neighborhoods, uplifting residents, energizing local businesses, and strengthening our collective future. For seven years, BOLD awardees have been at the heart of grassroots impact, fueling economic mobility and shaping a more vibrant, inclusive city.
The BOLD program is devoted to aiding local businesses and organizations in crafting effective proposals by providing technical assistance workshops and support during office hours. Projects are evaluated and selected by a committee consisting of members from both the mayor’s office and the city council administration.
For those interested in learning more, a public meeting will be held via Webex on Thursday, July 10 at 2 p.m. Please visit https://www.birminghamal.gov/bold for additional information. Questions and feedback can be directed to BOLD@birminghamal.gov.
Kenya Buchanan continues her eye-catching fashion work with clients across the country and a special program designed to give back to her roots in Fairfield. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
By Jordyn Davis | For The Birmingham Times
If you were to visit local fashion designer Kenya Buchanan’s website or Instagram, you’d be immediately greeted with adjectives like “custom,” “luxury,” “elegant,” and “intricate.” But if you were to strike up a 10-minute conversation with the visionary behind the wording, you would find more than just beautifully sculpted dresses and designs — you would see a creative pioneer with a passion for giving back.
Reflecting on how she’s able to pour into young talent, Buchanan said: “My motto and business have always been about more than just a gown. After we’ve designed their gown, they still have access to me and always will. I used my talent of being Kenya B. to give them Kenya — someone able to mentor young girls.”
Buchanan didn’t have the typical beginnings in fashion: After graduating from Fairfield High School in 1998, she believed the mortuary was where she belonged.
“It makes absolutely no sense because I’m too bright and vibrant for such a dark career,” Buchanan added, laughing. “So I got into Jefferson State Community College and went into the apprenticeship program and realized I hate it. I went from wanting to be a police officer to accounting and then to management, finally ending up working corporate for 14 years.”
To Buchanan, she felt as if she had been put in a box and tucked away. Long corporate hours dulled the bright light that would eventually shine again — with help from her committed family.
Rise Of A Thriving Artist
Born and raised in Fairfield, Alabama, Buchanan, 44, saw firsthand the power of dressing for the eye. Her grandmother had a special love for big, beautiful hats and suits with embellishments. According to Buchanan, she surprisingly didn’t have the “artsy” upbringing people would expect.
“While my grandmother wore these exquisite designs, I wouldn’t consider her fashion-forward. I was able to cultivate my artistic side via art and fashion classes at the University of Alabama,” Buchanan said.
During her time at Alabama 2013-2016, Buchanan was able to design her own collection and watch her designs come to life as they waltzed down the runway, sporting Buchanan’s signature colorful palette. Additionally, she developed her love of creation and turned it into elaborate, handmade designs. After countless hours of studying design and combining styles, she honed in on the specific skills that would lead her to become known as Birmingham’s exclusive “Southern designer.”
“At Bama, I was able to clearly distinguish myself from a seamstress to a designer. I learned trend forecasting, sketching, sewing, draping, flat pattern—everything you would see on Project Runway—a reality TV show aimed at contestants crafting fashion under a time constraint.”
After a successful tenure at the University of Alabama, graduating magna cum laude, Buchanan was ready to return to Birmingham.
Kenya B. in The Magic City
Fast forward to 2017: Buchanan has now spent her post-grad years fostering and creating an outlet for her creative mind that, according to her, never stops running. That year, Buchanan was awarded the title of Emerging Designer at Magic City Fashion Week.
A shocked yet extremely proud Buchanan was seeing stars.
“I didn’t have any prior experience based off of the fashion, just that senior collection at Bama. So winning that title in 2017 opened my eyes. I said to myself, ‘Man, I can really do runway shows.’ In that moment, I realized this is what I quit a corporate job for. This is what Kenya B. was meant to do.”
A few years later, Buchanan received the offer of a lifetime: to collaborate on a gown for Kendra Woodfin, the wife of Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. Esteemed photographer Tony Minifield reached out to Buchanan and offered her the opportunity to help design a stunning gown for Woodfin’s maternity photo shoot.
“It was absolutely incredible. It was a collaboration between several creatives in the city. She [Woodfin] wanted a Bridgerton vibe, so I was able to create a gown where multiple pieces came into play,” Buchanan said.
Now, Buchanan continues her eye-catching work with clients across the country and a special program designed to give back to her roots in Fairfield. Not only does she hire high school students interested in design as interns in her shop, but each year she also selects a standout student from the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program at Fairfield High School to receive a custom dress and the “full Kenya B. experience.”
According to Buchanan, the best part of her work is being able to mentor young women in the community. After her clients receive their gown, the lifelong mentorship begins.
Buchanan periodically hosts skating nights, painting sessions, and other events to grow relationships with her clients. Her mentorship program allows her to continue to inspire young Black women to chase their goals — no matter what obstacles they may face.
Buchanan’s advice to young creators: “Staying true to yourself is what has gotten me to where I am. I see so many other designers creating fashion that conforms to what society wants and how they view the female body. Wear blinders and don’t worry about what the next person is doing.”
Kenya can be found on Instagram @iamkenyab and on Facebook at Kenya B.
The Restore Games will be held July 11 at the Birmingham CrossPlex from Noon to 4 p.m. (Provided)
The Birmingham Times
The City of Birmingham and the law enforcement community are gearing up for the Restore Games July 11 at the Birmingham CrossPlex from Noon to 4 p.m. which will include a youth-focused resource fair, gaming zones led by business leaders, and a conflict resolution panel featuring Jefferson County Judge Kechia Davis, District Attorney Danny Carr, and members of BPD.
“BPD will provide security, participate in games, mentor youth, and join the panel discussion,” said Reva L. Palmer, a lieutenant with BPD. “These events allow kids to see the human side of officers and help break stereotypical barriers.”
Organizers say The Restore Games wouldn’t be possible without broad community partnerships. Organizations like Step by Step Foundation, Triple Threat Volleyball, Leaders of Excellence, Holy Family High School, and churches like 6th Avenue Baptist are all pitching in. Even Max Transit is helping to ensure transportation access for kids across Birmingham.
Councilman Darryl O’Quinn and Senator Rodger Smitherman are sponsoring food, while the AG Gaston Boys and Girls Club will help lead a youth block party with music, anime, and dancing.
Both Palmer and Bean emphasize the shared responsibility of keeping Birmingham’s youth safe, inspired, and connected. “We hope young people see that police officers are not only around when bad things happen,” said Palmer. “We enjoy interacting with the community during the good times, too.”’
The 2025 Birmingham Police and Fire World Games was a family affair for First Responders from across the country. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
The Birmingham Times
The 2025 Birmingham Police and Fire World Games concluded Sunday with the United States capturing a total of 1,181 medals, 496 in Gold; followed by Brazil 688, 244 and India 560, 273.
The 2025 Games began June 27 and ran through Sunday with more than 8,000 police officers and firefighters from over 70 countries in town for the event known more for its camaraderie than competition.
Birmingham Police Officer George Sampson displays his silver and bronze medals from the cycling competitions in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
The Birmingham Police Department recognized some of its own on social media with a Facebook post.
“The Birmingham Police Department has truly enjoyed every moment—competing, supporting and most importantly, connecting. From early morning events to late-night conversations, our officers have had the chance to meet amazing individuals from across the globe who share the same commitment to service and excellence.”
The 2025 World Police and Fire Games concluded July 6 with a Closing Ceremony at CityWalk in downtown Birmingham. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)
“We’re excited to build off the momentum from the inaugural event last year and expand the event to feature more games and teams,” said Hibbett president Jared Briskin. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our 80th anniversary of calling Birmingham home than growing this event and celebrating basketball in our city alongside Nike. We’re committed to investing in Birmingham and the loyal Nike and Hibbett customers. This year’s event will offer fans even more unique experiences only available at the Ballin in Boutwell games.”
