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‘Brother Let’s Talk’ to Host Men’s Mental Health Awareness Program on June 17

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Birmingham Times
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Brother Let’s Talk a Birmingham-based grassroots mental health initiative will hold an open conversation about Black men’s well-being. (Adobe Stock)

By Don Rhodes II | The Birmingham Times

In recognition of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Brother Let’s Talk a Birmingham-based grassroots mental health initiative will unite professionals, community leaders, Divine Nine fraternity members, and residents on June 17 for an open conversation about Black men’s well-being, a movement that began nearly seven years ago.

A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. and the main program begins at 7 p.m.

“We are hosting this event specifically in the month of June to increase awareness about the importance of men’s mental health,” said Jacques Austin, co-founder of Brother Let’s Talk. “This is another opportunity to highlight the importance, to continue the conversation, and to provide the community with awareness and resources.”

Organizers say the program is designed to help men engage in open conversations about healing from past traumas, emotional struggles and challenges they face in today’s world.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Jay Barnett a former professional athlete, author, and licensed therapist known for his work Just Heal Bro, a mental health journal for men.

“Dr. Barnett is a perfect fit,” said Austin. “He’s a Black male therapist — something we don’t see often and he speaks from the perspective of a former athlete and a current counselor. His work helps men open up through journaling, which is a powerful therapeutic tool.”

Hosting this month’s event at the Birmingham Museum of Art was a deliberate choice to elevate the setting and bring mental health discussions into spaces of beauty and heritage, said Austin.

“We try to find locations that are spacious and highlight part of the beauty of Birmingham,” he said. “The museum represents history, culture, and is a great place for people to gather and have meaningful conversations.”

What began in 2017 as a one-time panel discussion among seven Black male mental health professionals has grown into a transformative movement. Yvas Witherspoon, assistant director and co-founder of Brother Let’s Talk, remembers its origin clearly:

“Seven of us working in mental health came together back in 2017, and all of us saw a need to reach out to Black men in a culturally relevant way,” Witherspoon said. “We saw firsthand how stigma and lack of culturally competent care were impacting our community.”

Jacques Austin, co-founder of Brother Let’s Talk: “This is another opportunity to highlight the importance, to continue the conversation, and to provide the community with awareness and resources.” (File)

Austin echoed that sentiment, adding: “We came together with the idea of having just one event. Our motto is to ‘stop the stigma and address the stress.’ We wanted to identify and dispel that stigma that Black men have regarding mental health.”

The first event drew over 100 attendees. “They were saying, ‘This was great. When can y’all do this again?’ That’s when our wheels started turning,” Austin said.

Since its inception, Brother Let’s Talk has evolved into more than just a one-time event. It now hosts Barbershop Talks — monthly men-only gatherings where participants discuss topics such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and grief in a judgment-free zone.

“The barbershop talks are held on the last Sunday of each month and focus on real-life issues,” said Austin. “We bring in licensed professionals, but we keep the space relaxed and familiar. The barbershop is a sacred space in Black culture.”

Witherspoon emphasized how important these casual spaces are for healing. “Barbershops, community centers, museums — these aren’t traditional therapy offices, but they are where Black men feel safe and seen,” he said.

For the first time members of the Divine Nine fraternities — Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta — historically Black Greek-letter organizations — will partner with Brothers Let’s Talk to strengthen the message and increase reach.

“We hadn’t done a community event specifically with the Divine Nine before,” Austin shared. “I’m a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and we have an initiative called Brother, You’re on My Mind, which also promotes mental health awareness.”

“This was a chance to bring the Divine Nine men together to talk about mental health awareness,” he continued. “Many of them are therapists, counselors, or simply passionate about mental wellness. It was the perfect collaboration.”

For both Austin and Witherspoon, the mission is personal.

“Some men come and just absorb the conversation. Others are eager to talk,” Austin said. “We’ve developed a small group of consistent attendees, and we hope that continues to grow.”

Witherspoon added: “If we can reach one man, that one man can impact a family. That family can impact a community. That’s how change happens — one man at a time.”

For more information, please visit www.brotherletstalk.com

Some of Alabama’s Most Notable Artists to Honor Black Music Month

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Birmingham Times
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Nat King Cole, born in Montgomery, Alabama, was a trailblazing jazz pianist and vocalist who became one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. (File)

 Compiled by Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

As we observe Black Music Month, here are a few of our favorite Alabama musicians who have produced hits and memories in nearly every genre over decades. If one of your favorites isn’t on the list, please email the name and bio info to sposey@birminghamtimes.com with “Black Music Month” in the subject line.

Arthur Alexander

Florence Alabama-born Alexander’s skills came as both a singer and a songwriter. His rural-soul songs have been covered by the likes of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, Tina Turner and Otis Redding. And teaming with FAME Studios mastermind Rick Hall, Alexander helped put Muscle Shoals music on the map in the early ’60’s.

Pynk Beard

Grammy-winning Pynk Beard, originally from Mobile, Alabama, has made a significant impact on the country music scene with his soulful and dynamic voice. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and captivating performances, Beard’s music resonates with fans from all walks of life. His tracks like “Southern Hearts” and “Road Less Traveled” showcase his ability to blend traditional country elements with modern influences, creating a unique sound that stands out in the industry. As his career progresses, Pynk Beard continues to gain recognition and build a loyal fan base, solidifying his status as one of the promising talents in country music today.

Clarence Carter

Carter, born in Montgomery, Alabama, is a legendary soul singer and musician known for his distinctive voice and emotive storytelling. Carter’s career began in the 1960s, and he quickly gained recognition for his hit songs such as “Slip Away” and “Patches.” His soulful ballads and rhythmic tracks have resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him a place among the greats of soul music. Carter’s unique ability to blend deep emotion with catchy melodies has made his music timeless, influencing generations of artists. His contributions to the musical heritage of Alabama reflect the state’s rich cultural tapestry and enduring impact on the world of music.

Nell Carter

Carter, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, was a multi-talented singer and actress who left a lasting mark on both Broadway and television. Her powerful, emotive voice and magnetic stage presence won her acclaim in the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” for which she received a Tony Award. The Parker High School grad’s versatility extended beyond the stage to her role on the hit TV show “Gimme a Break!,” where she charmed audiences with her comedic flair and heartfelt performances. Despite facing personal challenges, Nell Carter’s resilience and talent ensured her place as a beloved figure in American entertainment history.

Mattie Moss Clark

Clark, born in Alabama, was a pioneering gospel choir director, composer, and arranger whose work profoundly impacted the world of gospel music. Known for her innovative techniques and exceptional musical prowess, Clark transformed the traditional gospel choir into a powerful and cohesive entity. She was instrumental in shaping the sound and structure of modern gospel music, integrating complex harmonies, dynamic arrangements, and a deep spiritual fervor into her compositions. As the matriarch of the renowned Clark Sisters, she nurtured and guided their careers, ensuring that her musical legacy would endure through their success. Clark’s contributions to gospel music are celebrated worldwide, and her influence remains evident in the vibrant and soul-stirring performances of gospel choirs today.

Nat King Cole

Cole, born in Montgomery, Alabama, was a trailblazing jazz pianist and vocalist who became one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. His smooth, velvety voice and impeccable piano skills earned him international fame, with hits such as “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” and “The Christmas Song” becoming timeless classics. Cole’s charisma and talent not only captivated audiences worldwide but also paved the way for future Black artists in the entertainment industry. Despite facing racial barriers, he broke through them, leaving an indelible legacy with his versatile artistry and pioneering spirit.

Eddie Floyd

Floyd, born in Montgomery, Alabama, is a legendary soul and R&B singer-songwriter known for his timeless hit “Knock on Wood.” Floyd’s career blossomed in the vibrant music scene of the 1960s, where he became a crucial figure at Stax Records. His soulful voice and compelling songwriting captivated audiences, earning him a place among the greats of American music. Floyd’s influence extends beyond his own recordings, as he wrote songs for other artists, contributing significantly to the sound of Southern soul. His enduring legacy continues to resonate, reflecting the rich musical heritage of Alabama.

W.C. Handy

Handy, born in Florence, Alabama, is often hailed as the “Father of the Blues.” His pioneering work in the early 20th century laid the foundation for the genre, bringing the soulful sounds of the Mississippi Delta to mainstream audiences. Handy’s compositions, such as “St. Louis Blues” and “Memphis Blues,” were groundbreaking in their blend of folk traditions and formal structures, creating a new musical expression that resonated deeply with listeners. His ability to capture the essence of African American musical heritage and transform it into universally beloved melodies has left a lasting legacy on the world of music. Handy’s influence is evident in the countless blues and jazz musicians who followed in his footsteps, solidifying his place as one of Alabama’s most significant cultural icons.

Erskine Hawkins

Hawkins, born in Birmingham, Alabama, was an influential jazz trumpeter and bandleader. Known as “The 20th Century Gabriel,” Hawkins was celebrated for his exceptional trumpet playing and his role in popularizing big band swing music. His band, the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra, achieved great success during the swing era, with hits like “Tuxedo Junction” reaching the top of the charts and becoming an enduring classic. Hawkins’s contributions to jazz were significant, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and jazz enthusiasts alike.

Brittany Howard

Howard, born and raised in Athens, Alabama, is a renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as the lead vocalist of the Grammy-winning band Alabama Shakes. Howard’s distinctive voice and soulful, genre-blending music have earned her widespread acclaim. Her powerful performances and innovative sound have made her a standout figure in contemporary music. In addition to her work with Alabama Shakes, she has released solo material that showcases her versatility and depth as an artist. Howard’s contributions to music continue to influence and inspire, solidifying her place as one of Alabama’s most celebrated musicians.

Eddie Kendricks

Kendricks, born in Union Springs, Alabama, was a legendary soul singer and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the iconic Motown group, The Temptations. Kendricks’ smooth falsetto and impeccable vocal control set him apart and contributed to the band’s distinct sound. He co-led many of The Temptations’ most famous hits, including “My Girl,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” and “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me).” Beyond his success with The Temptations, Kendricks enjoyed a fruitful solo career, with hits like “Keep on Truckin'” and “Boogie Down,” which showcased his versatility and enduring appeal. His influence continues to resonate in the world of soul and R&B, earning him a place among Alabama’s most celebrated musical talents.

Tiera Kennedy

Kennedy, hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, is an emerging country music artist whose talent and charisma have quickly garnered attention in the music industry. With her distinctive voice and authentic storytelling, Kennedy has been making waves with hits such as “Found It in You” and “Shut It Down.” Her fresh approach to country music blends traditional sounds with modern influences, earning her a growing fan base and critical acclaim. Kennedy was also one of the featured country singers on Beyoncé Beatles remake of Blackbiird, included on her latest album, Cowboy Carter.

Eddie Levert

Levert, born in Bessemer, Alabama, is a legendary musician and lead vocalist of the iconic soul and R&B group The O’Jays. Levert’s powerful voice and passionate performances have captivated audiences for decades. His contributions to music have earned him numerous accolades and recognition, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Gucci Mane

Gucci Mane, born Radric Davis in Bessemer, Alabama, is a groundbreaking rapper and record executive who has significantly influenced the world of hip-hop. Known for his distinctive voice, charismatic presence, and prolific output, Gucci Mane emerged as a key figure in the development of the trap music genre. His career, marked by both commercial success and personal challenges, includes numerous hit albums and mixtapes that have shaped the sound and culture of modern rap. Gucci Mane’s entrepreneurial spirit also led him to establish his own record label, 1017 Records, fostering new talent and expanding his influence. His resilience and innovative style have cemented his status as one of Alabama’s most notable musical talents, continuing to inspire and impact the music industry.

Odetta

Odetta, born in Birmingham, Alabama, was a revered folk singer, actress, and activist whose powerful voice and poignant performances left an indelible mark on the music and civil rights landscapes. Often referred to as the “Voice of the Civil Rights Movement,” Odetta used her musical talents to advocate for social change, inspiring generations with her soulful renditions of folk, blues, and spiritual songs. Her influence extended beyond her recordings; she was a prominent figure in the 1960s civil rights protests, using music as a tool for unity and justice. Odetta’s contributions to music and her unwavering commitment to equality have made her a celebrated and enduring figure in American history.

Wilson Pickett

Pickett, born in Prattville, Alabama, was a dynamic soul singer and songwriter whose electrifying performances and gritty voice earned him the nickname “Wicked” Wilson Pickett. He was a pivotal figure in the development of American soul music, with a string of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, including “In the Midnight Hour,” “Mustang Sally,” and “Land of 1,000 Dances.” Pickett’s energetic style and powerful vocals made him a staple of the genre, influencing countless musicians and solidifying his status as one of Alabama’s most iconic musical exports. His contributions to soul music continue to resonate, reflecting the deep musical roots of his home state.

Sun Ra

“In my music I speak of unknown things, impossible things, ancient things, potential things,” Sun Ra said in a 1980 documentary. (File)

Sun Ra, born Herman Poole Blount in Birmingham, Alabama, was an avant-garde jazz composer, bandleader, and keyboardist known for his experimental music and cosmic philosophy. The Parker High School grad was a pioneer in the genre of free jazz, Sun Ra’s innovative approach to composition and performance challenged conventional boundaries and opened new avenues for musical expression. His work often incorporated elements of Afrofuturism, exploring themes of space, mythology, and the future of African culture. With his ensemble, the Arkestra, Sun Ra produced a prolific catalog of recordings that spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the jazz world. His unique vision and eccentric style have earned him a legacy as one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in music history.

Martha Reeves

Reeves, born in Eufaula, Alabama, is a celebrated R&B and soul singer, best known as the lead vocalist of the iconic Motown girl group Martha and the Vandellas. Reeves’ powerful and vibrant voice became synonymous with the group’s classic hits such as “Dancing in the Street,” “Nowhere to Run,” and “Heat Wave.” Her electrifying performances and dynamic stage presence captivated audiences and firmly established her as a leading figure in the Motown era. Reeves influence extends beyond her chart-topping successes; her music became anthems of the 1960s, resonating with the civil rights movement and capturing the spirit of the times. As a solo artist, she continued to enchant listeners with her heartfelt renditions and enduring passion for music. Martha Reeves’ contributions to the musical legacy of Alabama are profound, cementing her place in the annals of soul and R&B history.

Lionel Richie

Richie, born in Tuskegee, Alabama, is a renowned singer, songwriter, and record producer who gained fame as a member of the Commodores and later as a successful solo artist. Richie’s smooth voice and heartfelt ballads have made him a beloved figure in the music world. With hits like “Hello,” “All Night Long,” and “Endless Love,” his career spanned several decades, earning him numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Richie’s contributions to music have left an indelible mark on the industry, making him one of the most celebrated musicians of his time.

Percy Sledge

Sledge, born in Leighton, Alabama, was a soul singer whose heartfelt voice and emotive delivery made him a legend in the music world. He is best known for his iconic song “When a Man Loves a Woman,” released in 1966, which became an enduring anthem of love and heartbreak. Sledge’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music earned him widespread adoration and a lasting legacy. His contributions to soul music, marked by his passionate performances and timeless hits, solidified his place as one of Alabama’s most revered musical talents.

Candi Staton

Staton, born in Hanceville, Alabama, is an acclaimed soul and gospel singer whose powerful voice and emotional depth have made her a beloved figure in the music world. Staton’s career began in the late 1960s, and she quickly rose to prominence with hits like “Young Hearts Run Free” and “Stand By Your Man.” Her ability to convey profound emotion through her music has earned her numerous accolades and a loyal fan base. Staton has seamlessly blended gospel, soul, and disco influences, creating a unique and unforgettable sound. Her enduring contributions to music reflect not only her remarkable talent but also the rich musical heritage of Alabama. Staton’s legacy continues to influence and inspire new generations of artists and listeners.

Big Mama Thornton

Big Mama Thornton, whose real name was Willie Mae Thornton, hailed from Montgomery, Alabama, and made an indelible mark on the blues and rock and roll genres with her powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Known for her gritty, soulful performances, Thornton gained fame with her recording of “Hound Dog” in 1952, a song that would later be famously covered by Elvis Presley. Her hit “Ball and Chain” also became a classic, famously performed by Janis Joplin. Despite facing numerous challenges and experiencing limited commercial success compared to her male counterparts, Big Mama Thornton’s influence on music is undeniable. She paved the way for future generations of female artists, and her legacy endures through her groundbreaking contributions to the industry.

Dinah Washington

Dinah Washington, born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was a versatile and powerful singer who earned the title “Queen of the Blues.” Her unique ability to sing across various genres including blues, jazz, R&B, and pop earned her acclaim and respect in the music industry. Washington’s emotive voice and dynamic performances captivated audiences, making her one of the most influential vocalists of her time. She received a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance in 1959 for her hit “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes.” Despite her struggles and tragic early death, Dinah Washington’s legacy endures through her timeless recordings and her contribution to breaking racial barriers in music.

John T. “Fess” Whatley

John T.  “Fess” Whatley, born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was a prominent jazz musician, educator, and bandleader who played a crucial role in shaping the music scene in Birmingham and beyond. Known for his exceptional talent on the trombone and his dedication to teaching, Whatley mentored many young musicians who would go on to achieve national acclaim. His influence extended through his work as a bandleader, where he led the renowned “Fess Whatley Band,” which became a fixture in the jazz world during the early 20th century. Whatley’s contributions to music education and his ability to inspire and cultivate talent established him as a foundational figure in Alabama’s rich musical heritage.

Meet Dr. Prince E. Yelder: The Spirit of a Legendary Birmingham Choir Director

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Birmingham Times
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Dr. Prince E. Yelder serves as the minister of music at Mission Baptist Church in Gadsden, Alabama, and director of the Birmingham Community Mass Choir as well as minister of music at New Hope Baptist Church in Birmingham from 2001 to 2017. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

During choir rehearsal one afternoon while a student at Birmingham’s Ramsay High School, Prince Yelder was overcome with such emotion that no one could understand except his teacher.

“We sang this anthem. It was more classical material, and there should be no shouting in it because it is classical,” Yelder recalled. “The song was … ‘Out in the Fields with God.’ … When we finished it, it has a big ending to it. Our choir director would cut it off at the end of the song, and I’d go, ‘Hallelujah,’ and the other choir members started laughing at me.

“[They] were like, ‘You big dummy! You know you are not supposed to shout over a classical song.’ [Our choir director] told them to shut up and leave me alone and said, ‘[Yelder] gets it.’ And that is when I knew.”

Yelder knew then that he should pursue a career in music — and 45 years later, he’s still at it.

Few currently in Birmingham represent Black Music Month like Dr. Prince E. Yelder, 58, who serves as the minister of music at Mission Baptist Church in Gadsden, Alabama, and director of the Birmingham Community Mass Choir.

“I’ve been doing gospel for 45 years, and I’ve been the [Mass Choir’s] minister of music for 35 years,” he said. “Everybody you see can’t do that kind of work. There has to be some type of connection to God.”

Yelder recently celebrated his musical anniversary at two events in two Alabama cities: an Honors Banquet was held on May 29, in Birmingham at the Botanical Gardens, and an Honors Musical took place on June 1, at Mission Baptist Church in Gadsden, when he has served since 2017.

“Since I am [at Mission Baptist in Gadsden], I might as well, you know, do some celebrating,” he said.

Yelder has been associated with some of gospel’s most renowned figures dating back to his start with the Birmingham Community Mass Choir.

“I remember being at a program at Bethel Baptist, Pratt City, where the choir was on program,” he said. “I had not become a member, [but] Dr. John David Brown, … director [of the choir], walked up to me and threw me his keys to hold. He went up and directed the first song, then he turned and asked me if I remembered the song, ‘I’ll Be A Witness’ by Dr. Robert Fryson. I said ‘Yes,’ then he pulled me up, [and] we had church!”

The next night, Yelder joined the choir and remained part of it for 35 years.

“Since age 18, I haven’t had to wonder what I was going to do on Monday nights,” said Yelder, who served as the choir’s minister of music for 28 of the 35 years.

Dr. Prince E. Yelder has been singing most of hie life. He grew up in Woodlawn with two siblings. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

“Praise Into Worship”

Yelder also served as minister of music at New Hope Baptist Church in Birmingham from 2001 to 2017, taking helm of the music ministry following two of Birmingham’s gospel greats: Ruby Boyd and Dr. John David Brown.

The church choir’s first recording under Yelder’s direction was an independent release, “Praise Into Worship.” It was recorded in front of a standing-room-only crowd and featured singles like “I Still Remember” and “In Spirit and in Truth.”

Yelder also produced Bishop Leonard Scott’s “Hymns and Church Songs Live from Alabama,” released on Tyscot Records in 2006 as a DVD and CD, featuring the church’s music ministry. “Sing Unto the King,” a video from that project, was in rotation on Black Entertainment Television (BET) and listed on the Billboard Gospel chart.

Following a statewide tour and national exposure from the release, the New Hope Mass Choir won the Steve Harvey Neighborhood Award for Best Church Choir in America in 2007, beating nominees from cities like Chicago, Illinois. The choir has performed in concert with BET Sunday Best and Grammy Award-winner Le’Andria Johnson, the late great singer, songwriter, and pastor Walter Hawkins, and legendary gospel vocalist Dorothy Norwood, to name a few.

Also during Yelder’s tenure at New Hope, the church hosted several well-known gospel artists, including Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers, along with Karen Clark-Sheard, Kathy Taylor, VaShawn Mitchell, Wanda Nero Butler, LaShun Pace, DeWayne Woods, Ted Winn, Smokie Norful, RiZen, James Fortune and FIYA, Vickie Yohe, and Earnest Pugh.

“I never dreamed that I would do some of things God has let me do,” he said.

Dr. Prince Yelder recently celebrated his musical anniversary at two events in two Alabama cities: an Honors Banquet was held on May 29, in Birmingham at the Botanical Gardens, and an Honors Musical took place on June 1, at Mission Baptist Church in Gadsden. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

Mother’s Love

Yelder was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and his family moved to Alabama when he was a baby because his father was stationed in the Air Force. He grew up in Birmingham’s Woodlawn neighborhood, along with his two older siblings. Because he was the youngest, he was spoiled, he said, “but, in our family, we were poor. You did not have a whole lot of opportunities to be spoiled because we all had to do what we all had to do.”

Music has always been a part of Yelder’s life. He credits his mother, Annie Laura Macon, for introducing him to music and being his first teacher. As a singer herself, “she instilled music in me,” Yelder said.

“In our household, we listened to Walter Hawkins and Andraé Crouch all the time on the radio, on albums,” he added, noting that his mother was well known among gospel musicians.

“People would invite her to concerts and programs and stuff,” Yelder recalled. “That’s how [music] got in me.”

The first time he learned anything about a piano, it came from his mother.

“One day, I was listening to the stereo. We had one of those long wooden ones, and I would listen to gospel and do my fingers like I was playing the piano. My mom was like, ‘Do you want to play?’ And I said, ‘Yes ma’am.’ She took me over to our little broken down piano. My grandma just had it in the house for whatever reason. She prayed for my hands, then she got a black marker and wrote [letters of the musical alphabet—A, B, C, D, E, F, and G], on the piano keyboard, and said, ‘That is all mama knows. You’re going to learn the rest.’”

By age 13, Yelder was playing piano for Faith Mission Church, on Avenue D in Birmingham’s Ensley neighborhood. His mother also recognized his gift of song. In fact, Yelder’s first performance was during one of his mother’s concerts.

“She allowed me to sing, ‘Someday We’ll Meet Again’ by Walter Hawkins, and I was so nervous,” he recalled. “She just kept telling me to breathe.”

Directing Choirs

Dr. Prince E. Yelder serves as the minister of music at Mission Baptist Church in Gadsden, Alabama, and director of the Birmingham Community Mass Choir. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

While attending Ramsay High School, Yelder refined his vocal skills, spending all four years in the choir, under the direction of Dr. James Pruitt.

“[He] instilled something in my spirit that made me enjoy the teaching part of [singing],” said Yelder. “He was such a great teacher that I was like, ‘I want to teach people like that.’”

By the time Yelder graduated in 1985, he had already started directing church and community choirs. “My friends and I would go to [concerts and church programs] to sing, and they would always encourage me to direct. They’d say, ‘Let Prince direct. He knows what he is doing.’ I didn’t know, but it just began to build from there,” he said.

At 18, he became director of the Birmingham Mass Choir, after singing in the tenor section: “I was selected to be the minister of music by the founder of the organization.”

Yelder had planned to attend college to become a music educator, but he got a job offer he couldn’t resist. “At a concert, a radio owner asked me if I would start working for him at WAYE 1220 AM in Birmingham,” said Yelder, who went on to spend 35 years on air.

Dr. Prince E. Yelder has served as director of the Birmingham Community Mass Choir for the past 35 years. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

Traveled the World

The Birmingham Community Mass Choir began in 1968, when the late Rev. James Cleveland had a dream of organizing a chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), “a Christian organization convening annually with intergenerational global performances [that] include choirs, recording artists, composers, educators, dancers, and pastors,” according to the organization’s website. “The [GMWA] has been the launching platform for worldwide gospel artists.”

Cleveland asked Ed Smith of Detroit, Michigan, to travel to Birmingham and find someone who could lead the Alabama area for the GMWA. He went to WENN-AM/FM and spoke with the Rev. Erskine Faush, who had a daily morning gospel program. Faush recommended Mary K. Elsaw, who was serving as pianist and assistant director of the daycare at New Pilgrim Baptist Church.

“Mrs. Mary K. Elsaw , along with [the] Rev. James Cleveland, founded the Birmingham Mass Choir, and I joined in 1985 as a singer in the men’s section,” said Yelder, who has since traveled the world.

His most memorable trip was in 2013, when he traveled to Switzerland during the Voice of Gospel tour.

“[Event organizers] would pull from who they thought were hot gospel choirs in the [United] States and then bring them to Switzerland to sing. Me and 25 other people were flown to Switzerland, all expenses paid. They even paid us. We sang every night doing 14 concerts in Switzerland to packed houses, like [the size of downtown Birmingham’s] Alabama Theater. There were no empty seats, and the [audience] paid as much as $100 to see us. We felt like stars for real.”

Yelder has been signed to major labels, including Malaco Records, based in Jackson, Mississippi, and Tyscot Records, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and he has recorded with some of the big names in gospel, including Dorothy Norwood, James Bignon, and Beverly Crawford. Nonetheless, Yelder considers singing in Switzerland and performing at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards his most memorable performances.

“We sang on the 22nd annual Stellar Awards in 2007, when it was in Atlanta, Georgia,” said Yelder, adding that he never imagined music taking him this far.

“I remember specifically listening to an album by Andraé Crouch [that featured] live concerts at [New York City’s] Carnegie Hall. During the concert, they were singing, and you could hear the big, humongous crowds screaming and clapping. … I was like, ‘Wow! One day, you know, I’d love to do that’—and so, somehow it has happened,” he said.

With all that Yelder has accomplished, many in Birmingham’s music community refer to him as a legend, but he doesn’t see himself that way.

“While I do not consider myself a legend, I do want to leave a legacy,” said Yelder.

For more on Prince Yelder visit @prince_yelder1966 on Instagram

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

By
Birmingham Times
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Comedian Cedric the Entertainer will perform at the StarDome Comedy Club. (Provided)

By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times

CELEBRATE GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH! Enjoy!!!

TODAY, JUNE 12…

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

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

**ARTIFOCIAL GO at The Nick.

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

**GALACTIC ENGINEERS at The Nick.

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

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

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

**NO FILTER ADULT CABARET at Saturn.

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

**EVERY THURSDAY- THAT’S MY JAM THURSDAYS, 7 p.m. at Platinum of Birmingham with DJ Slugga.

**ALABAMA BLAZIN BINGO, 6 p.m. at Overtime Grill and Bar.

**FILM at Sidewalk Film.

**KARAOKE, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13…

IT IS Friday…the weekend starts…

**CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN at Iron City.

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

**MILK & HONEY – PRIDE 2025 presents BABY WEIGHT at Saturn.

**FLORENCIA & THE FEELING +DOLPHIN GROUP AND LOCAL MAN at the Nick.

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

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

**RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE at Avondale Brewing CO.

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 14…

**FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET, Every Saturday through August 2, located at

By the Tracks at Irondale City Hall, June 7 – Free Honey Samples & Bee Demo,

**DAZR with OXMOOR & MILLENNIAL JONES at The Nick.

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

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

**SATURN SUMMER MARKET, art, vintage and handmade goods, Noon – 4 p.m. at Saturn. FREE.

**LOUD & PROUD PRIDE PARADE AFTERPARTY at Saturn.

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 15…

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

**JOSE CARR performing at JAZZ IN THE GARDEN SUNDAYS, Every 1st and 3rd Sunday, 5-8 p.m. at Denim on 7th, 2808 7th Avenue Suite105

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

**SUNDAY NIGHT with KYLE KIMBRELL at The Nick.

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

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

**GINGER ROOT at Saturn.

MONDAY, JUNE 16…

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

**SUPERSTAR KARAOKE EVERY TUESDAY at The Nick

TUESDAY, JUNE 17…

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

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

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

**EDY MODICA LIVE with ALICE WHATLRY at Saturn.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18…

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

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

**PYLON REENACTMENT SOCIETY with RICHARD BARONE and GUTHRIE ECHOES at Saturn.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19…

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

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

**MUSCLE, DEATHEN, HUMANINSTINCT & D.R.E.A.D. at The Nick.

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

**LATE NIGHT with at The Nick.

**FREE SUBSTRATE BINGO with JACKIE LO at Saturn.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20….

**COCO JONES with LADY LONDON at Iron City.

**AN EVENING WITH HEART at the Legacy Arena/BJCC

**PERPETUAL GROOVE at Saturn.

**MARA NAGRA MUSI RELEASE NIGTH with HONEY, ME, MY KNIFE, BOLEE at the Nick.

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

**BEARS GONE PHISHIN at Avondale Brewing CO.

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

JUNE IS GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH… Have fun camping and fishing around the state.

**FORESTRY CAMP – The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund hosts the 28th Annual Forestry Camp annually at the historic Rural Training & Research Center in Epes, Alabama. Camp is open to male and female students ages 13-18 from the Southern Region.  Campers will explore the forest while learning about Conservation and natural resources, receive an introduction to careers in natural resources, build life and outdoor skills and create meaningful connections. Young people interested in the Forestry Camp must complete the application. Email student photo to events@federation.coop.  Put Forestry Camp photo & student name in subject line. Expect camp confirmation within 4-6 business days of the completing the application, submitting your payment, and providing a photo of the student. The $25 Camp Application fee is refundable if student is not admitted. Location is 573 Federation Road, Gainesville, AL 35464. Send mail to P.O. Box 95, Epes, AL 35460. For more: 205-652-9676 or email events@federation.coop.

**NEWLY RENOVATED MCCARTY’S FERRY BOAT RAMP – A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrated the recent renovations to McCarty’s Ferry Public Boat Ramp on the Tombigbee River (Choctaw County) about 14 miles south of Butler, Alabama. The reopening will benefit anglers, boaters and hunters. Other sites recently completes include: the J.E. Turner Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp in Mobile County, McIntosh Bluff Public Boat Ramp on the Tombigbee River in Washington County and Claiborne Public Boat Ramp in Monroe County. The McCarty’s Ferry renovation is part of a series of boat ramp improvement projects in progress throughout the state. There are more than 30 additional boating access projects currently in the works. The facility is FREE to use and is OPEN to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week year-round.

FOR THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM…

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

FOR MOVIE LOVERS…

AT SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL…

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

**TODAY throughout the weekend – EYES WIDE SHUT – Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman star in this provocative sex drama.

**TODAY – FRIENDSHIP.

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

**TODAY throughout the weekend – DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB.

**FRIDAY – BAD MOVIE NIGHT.

**SATURDAY AND SUNDAY – LUCA for the entire family (in your PJs) PJ PARTY. 

AT THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY…

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

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

FOR YOUTH…

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

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

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

COMING SOON …

MORE MUSIC COMING SOON IN JUNE…

IN DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM…

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

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

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

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

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

IN IRONDALE… 

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

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

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

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

JUST A FEW ‘SAVE THE DATES’ –

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

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

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

Jaeden Henderson: Recent Miles College Grad Nominated for Emerging Gospel Artist Award

By
Birmingham Times
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Recent Miles College graduate Jaeden Henderson, nominated for a Gospel Sound Music Award, serves as a Worship Leader at Unity Christian Center in Alabaster. (United Christian Center)

By Don Rhodes II | Birmingham Times

For Jaeden Henderson, gospel isn’t just a genre of music it’s an assignment from God. At just 22 years old, the recent Miles College graduate has been nominated for Emerging Artist of the Year by the Gospel Sound Music Awards, and he’s giving all credit to his faith.

“What inspired me to start making gospel music was purely my true love for God,” Henderson told The Birmingham Times. “Anybody that knows me knows that I have a love for God like none other. I love Him so much with all my heart and soul.”

Henderson initially hesitated to pursue gospel music because he was concerned it might limit him creatively, but God gave him clarity and confidence, he said. “I didn’t want to do gospel only because sometimes genres and people can box you in,” he explained. “But God really allowed me the freedom to understand that my worship is freeing, and my praise gives me access into different spaces and realms that only He could provide.”

Jaeden Henderson has been nominated for a Gospel Sound Music Award. (United Christian Center)

That spiritual freedom has translated into a music ministry that reaches beyond stage or studio. “I wanted to make sure that I was blessing Him at all times in anything that I do whether it be music, whether it be graphics, whether it be anything I wanted to make sure that that demonstration was out for the entire world,” he said.

Some of his songs include A New Thing, Blooming Season, and Only You.

The Gospel Sound Music Awards is a Birmingham-based organization that brings together artists, fans, and industry professionals to recognize and celebrate impactful and inspirational gospel music.

When Henderson found out he had been nominated, the feeling was overwhelming. “Oh my God, I was absolutely floored,” he said. “Some people will say, ‘Yo, whatever, I got nominated for an award.’ But I see it as a big deal anything that I’m nominated or awarded for I know that it was a blessing from God.”

“To know that people are blessed by my ministry, blessed and inspired by my music it just makes me grateful for this gift that is not my own. I’m a willing vessel to God.”

Music As Ministry

Henderson’s spiritual and creative growth was nurtured at Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama, where he earned his degree this year in Communications with a focus in Graphic Design. “Miles was really a great, great platform for me,” he said. “It was a great stepping stone for me to continue to grow and mature in the things I was already experienced in, but made sure that they were refined and ready to go out into the world.”

He credited Dr. Bobbie Knight, President of Miles College, for opening the door. “I sang at a (high school) graduation party for my friend Jordyn Hudson, and Dr. Knight was there,” he recalled. “Under my breath, I told God “that I wanted an HBCU experience and nobody else knew that but Him.’”

“[President Knight] came up to me and said, ‘It would be a full ride [scholarship] on her,’ and she felt led to do it … she kept her word.”

During his time at Miles, Henderson served as president of the college choir, produced a documentary in partnership with the Propel Center [is a global leadership hub that empowers HBCU students with training in technology, entrepreneurship, and social justice], and interned at the 2150 Center for Innovation and Growth [at Miles College is an innovation hub led by Chuck Faush that supports HBCU entrepreneurship and research.]

Still, music remained his ministry. “My life has always been based on obedience in God, faith in God, and following God’s will and God’s way,” Henderson said. “The Bible says in Proverbs: ‘A man writes his plans, but the Lord’s will prevails.’ Proverbs 19:21 NIV. That’s how I live my life and that’s what I hope people take from my music.”

“I don’t make music just for the comfort of it. I love music, but I make music that God specifically gives to me and sometimes God sings to me.”

That divine collaboration extends to his business, By Faith J. Designs Creative Agency. “God gives me designs we design based on faith-filled vision,” he said. “So whether it’s music or graphics, every piece of work is to give Him glory.”

Recent Miles College graduate Jaeden Henderson serves as a Worship Leader at Unity Christian Center in Alabaster. (United Christian Center)

“The Presence Of God”

Henderson, who was born in Birmingham and grew up in Brighton, Alabama, attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts, serves as a Worship Leader at Unity Christian Center on Alabaster where he is a member and has been on staff for the past year.

Asked what he hopes people feel when listening to his music, Henderson was clear: “I pray they feel God rising and boosting their faith. That they feel energized, motivated but most importantly, that they feel the presence of God.”

He credits artists like Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Fred Hammond, Mary Mary, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Gregory Porter for inspiring him not just musically, but emotionally and spiritually. “The way they’re able to deliver songs with so much conviction and passion really inspired me at an early age,” he said. “I said to myself, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna do that and I’m gonna make sure I sing with a passion like none other.’”

Looking ahead, Henderson hopes his sound will touch lives beyond the gospel music industry. “I hope to impact the people by helping them realize that God is the center of everything we do,” he said. “Whether you’re in the marketplace, entrepreneurship, corporate world in everything He is the center.”

“I pray that people will listen for God’s voice and not my own. My voice is a gift He gave me and I want to be a good steward over that gift. Not unto us, but to give God the glory and the honor.”

For more on Henderson visit www.jaedenhenderson.com

World Record-Breaking Quadruplets Delivered at UAB, Survive Against the Odds

By
Birmingham Times
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Lavareis Bryant holds Lainey and Koen; Becca Bryant holds Lennon and Kali. (Jeff Myers, University Of Alabama At Birmingham)

By Hannah Echols | UAB News

In the early morning hours of Friday, May 31, 2024, around 30 maternal-fetal and neonatology experts filled an operating room at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. They were called in for an emergency cesarean delivery of quadruplets who were only 23 weeks and four days’ gestation.

As the babies were quickly delivered, the interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists jumped into action, fighting to keep the babies alive.

Little did they know, they had delivered — and were going to save — the Guinness World Records title holders for the most premature quadruplets, breaking the record set back in 1997.

“When Lainey, Kali, Lennon and Koen were born, they were 115 days premature,” said Becca Bryant, the quads’ mom. “A year later, we were surrounded by family and friends to celebrate their first birthday. It was a moment we were not sure we’d ever see.”

Two Plus Two Equals Four

In February 2024, Becca and Lavareis Bryant attended a routine ultrasound appointment in their hometown of Auburn, Alabama. With three older children, the couple was excited to get their first glance at their fourth baby. They were also nervous as they had recently experienced a miscarriage.

An early ultrasound of the Bryant quadruplets. (Provided)

“The ultrasound tech started moving the machine around, and I started to notice one big spot and two smaller ones,” Lavareis said. “The next thing I know, she’s counting — 1 … 2 … 3 … 4!”

They stared at each other in disbelief. The final baby of the family was actually four babies. Becca’s pregnancy was now considered high-risk. Her obstetrician referred her to the UAB maternal-fetal medicine team, who specializes in high-risk obstetrics and unique pregnancies.

Multiple pregnancies are rare, with twins occurring in one in 80 and quadruplets occurring in one in 700,000. Becca had a trichorionic quadra-amniotic pregnancy, meaning there were four babies and four sacs but only three placentas.

“The odds of this specific type of quads are around one in 7 million,” said Ayodeji Sanusi, M.D., Becca’s maternal-fetal medicine physician at UAB. “Three eggs were fertilized; but one split, making two of the babies identical and two fraternal. It also added on to the complex and high-risk nature of her pregnancy.”

Carrying more babies means an increased risk of complications, including preterm birth. To minimize these risks, Becca alternated weekly scans at her local obstetrician and the UAB Women and Infants Center.

Minimizing Risk

Around 19 weeks, her cervix started to shorten, a potential sign of oncoming labor. When her cervix had shortened more by her next appointment, Becca was admitted to UAB Hospital for continual monitoring for the duration of the pregnancy.

“We didn’t want to take the chance that I would go into preterm labor, or a complication arise with the babies, and I be over two hours away,” Becca said. “It was hard to leave my other kids; but I knew how important it was for me to be at UAB, where they had the resources and expertise needed to care for us.”

The original goal was to get the babies to at least 32 weeks’ gestation, to balance the risks of prematurity and those of continuing pregnancy. Once Becca’s cervix shortened, the goal became 28 weeks.

A few weeks later, Lavareis arrived at UAB for a routine visit with Becca when her water suddenly broke. She was only 23 weeks and three days along, but did not experience additional signs of labor. Her care team was hopeful that they could delay delivery a little longer and adjust to a new plan.

That night, Becca developed a high fever and abdominal tenderness, and both her and the babies’ heart rates started racing. The signs pointed to an infection, most likely due to her water breaking. The more she waited, the higher the risk to her and the babies’ lives.

“After discussions with the Bryants and the neonatology team, it was mutually decided to proceed with an emergency c-section knowing the risks of severe prematurity,” said Sanusi, who is also an assistant professor in the UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “It was an all-hands-on-deck situation. We even had team members who were not working come in to assist.”

The Bryant quads made their entry into the world on May 31, 2024 — Lainey at 2:15, Kali at 2:16, Lennon at 2:17 and Koen at 2:20 a.m.

One of the Bryant quadruplets is seen in the NICU at UAB. (Provided)

Defeating The Odds

The neonatology team rushed the quads to the Level IV UAB Regional Newborn Intensive Care Unit, where they started UAB Golden Week protocols.

“The highest risk of complications and mortality for extremely preterm babies occurs during their first week of life,” said Colm Travers, M.D., neonatologist and director of the UAB Golden Week program. “The program focuses on minimizing complications in babies through that first critical week because it typically means a greater chance of survival and going home.”

Surviving the first week was only the beginning. Babies born severely premature can face complications including severe brain bleeds, chronic lung disease, bowel injury, infections and sepsis. Each of the quads required multiple forms of ventilation, medications and numerous central lines. All experienced their own medical challenges as well.

“There were so many times we were so close to losing one of them,” Becca said. “But I kept saying ‘We came in with four, and we’re taking four home.’ We were going to do whatever it took to get there.”

Becca Bryant holds her quadruplets in the NICU at UAB, where the babies stayed for five months after their birth. (Provided)

Over the next five months, the quads received 24/7 care and monitoring. Becca rarely left their side, while Lavareis juggled work and taking care of the older kids, Kendall, Laikyn and Kainen, and visits to Birmingham.

Little by little, the quads began to grow and improve. The numerous machines that kept them alive were slowly taken away as the quads’ own strength took over. In November, they were all stable enough to be transferred down to the UAB Continuing Care Nursery, a milestone for RNICU babies.

Shortly after, the Bryants received news they were unsure they would ever hear — the babies were ready to go home.

“In the span of a month, all four babies were discharged, right in time for Christmas at home,” Becca said. “It was surreal leaving a place that had become our second home and the staff who had become like family.”

UAB care team with the Guinness World Records certificate. (Jennifer Alsabrook Turner, UAB)

Guinness World Record Holders

When Travers first met the Bryants, he discussed the risk, complications and chances of survival for babies born at 23 weeks. He also realized he did not know of another instance where quads were born that early and all four babies survived.

As part of their delivery and care team, he and his colleagues in the UAB RNICU spent the next six months tirelessly working to help the babies survive and thrive. Travers, who is also an associate professor in the UAB Department of Pediatrics, secretly continued his research into the records of extremely premature babies.

Before the last baby was discharged, Travers had one more conversation with Becca and Lavareis.

“When my search came up empty, I realized there was a high chance the Bryant quads were the most premature quads to survive in the world,” Travers said. “Being able to tell them the exciting news, especially when our first conversation was not as optimistic, was a full-circle moment.”

The couple was, once again, in disbelief.

“Hearing our babies were the most premature quads put into perspective how lucky we were that all of them made it,” Becca said. “We had our family and friends, as well as the UAB team, there the whole way. Fighting for our babies, fighting for our family.”

The Bryant quadruplets play on the floor of their Auburn, Alabama, home. (Jeff Myers, University Of Alabama At Birmingham)

A year later, and the quads are happy 1-year-olds. Koen and Lainey still require a nasal cannula, and Lennon has a G tube to help supplement his feeding. The family continues making trips to the UAB Newborn Follow-Up Clinic and Children’s of Alabama to ensure the quads develop appropriately.

Overall, they continue to hit milestones and defy the odds they were given at birth.

“I think it is a testament to the quality and kind of care that we can provide to these families at UAB,” Sanusi said. “It shows how well trained and how closely we work with all specialties to make world records like this possible, even though that is not the intention going into it.”

“I don’t make music just for the comfort of it. I love music, but I make music that God specifically gives to me and sometimes God sings to me.”

By
Birmingham Times
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JAEDEN HENDERSON, 22-YEAR-OLD MILES COLLEGE GRAD, NOMINATED BY GOSPEL SOUND MUSIC AS EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR; THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES, JUNE 12.

Miles College Becoming School of Choice for Research and AI Innovation

By
Birmingham Times
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Miles College has been selected as the pilot site for the national rollout of the MentorPRO platform. (File)

miles.edu

Miles College has been selected as the pilot site for the national rollout of the MentorPRO platform across its student body. This partnership with Miles’ 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Growth will serve as the hub for integrating MentorPRO’s AI-driven tools with peer and alumni mentorship.

“By embedding rigorous research and AI innovation, we’re creating scalable solutions that uplift students historically underrepresented in tech and entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Jean Rhodes, Frank L. Boyden Professor and Director of the Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring at UMass Boston and MentorPRO’s co-founder:

Miles College, in Fairfield AL, just outside of Birmingham, will serve as the pilot institution for this collaboration, leveraging the platform’s NSF SBIR grant-funded AI tools to strengthen student success outcomes and enhance institutional support. The initiative will also engage a broader network of HBCUs, with students and alumni contributing to the design and testing of tools specifically tailored for historically Black institutions.

The partnership’s overarching goal is to curate a national network of at least 250 mentor-mentee relationships built to support innovation and commercialization through meaningful mentorship.

The 2150 Center will lead this effort by developing a scalable HBCU matchmaker framework of students, professors, and subject matter experts.

The 2150 Center was launched by Miles College last year as a business and innovation collaborative designed to expand to institutions around the country.

“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to blending tradition with transformation. By leveraging MentorPRO’s expertise in mentoring and AI, we’re equipping Miles students—and soon, students across the HBCU ecosystem—to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy while ensuring their entrepreneurial voices shape our future,” said Erskine “Chuck” Faush, CEO of the 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization & Growth,

The MentorPRO partnership not only enhances Miles College’s focus on experiential learning, but it also builds enduring, cross-generational relationships that provide tangible support beyond graduation. The program will identify and support student entrepreneurs in developing businesses that meet the unique needs of HBCUs, using MentorPRO’s platform to guide and accelerate growth.

Rooted in the proven Latimer.ai framework, now active at 11 colleges and universities, this initiative marks yet another milestone under the leadership of President Bobbie Knight. Her tenure has ushered in a wave of transformative partnerships that continue to elevate Miles College’s national standing among HBCUs.

Drawing on more than a decade of research-backed programming, MentorPRO has shown measurable success in increasing retention, academic achievement, and workforce readiness. By uniting innovation, mentorship, and enterprise, this collaboration aims to redefine how HBCUs equip and empower the next generation of leaders.

Leaders with the 2150 Center gathered recently at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. to announce another initiative — its Public Policy iLab.

“This iLab model convenes and curates the best and brightest minds to problem solve and build businesses,” said Faush.

The new iLab initiative includes students from Miles College, Florida A&M University, Johnson C. Smith University and Jackson State University. The goal is to engage institutions, students and professionals in the latest innovation to encourage entrepreneurship.

Rain Can’t Dampen Stellar Sets During Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival in Birmingham

By
Birmingham Times
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R&B and funk band Con Funk Shun, performs during the 11th annual Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival in downtown Birmingham. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

Written and Photographed by Marika N. Johnson | For the Birmingham Times

Despite a rainy interruption on Saturday, more than 20,000 fans enjoyed four days of line dances, exceptional performances and renowned artists during the 11th annual Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival June 5-8 in downtown Birmingham.

The four-day event kicked off Thursday with a free line dance party at Legion Field, featuring DJs Chris Coleman and Bad Boy Butch, alongside singers Logan the Entertainer and Cupid, famed for the “Cupid Shuffle.”

Leela James, known for her soul music, incorporating elements of blues and R&B, performs during the 11th annual Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival in downtown Birmingham. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

Friday’s sunny skies set the stage for James Wesley, followed by Birmingham drummer PJ Spraggins and his band. Jazz saxophonist Kyle Turner, 11-year-old Alabama singer London Koi, the Special EFX All Stars, and four-time Grammy nominee Eric Benét — all delivered captivating performances. Benét closed the evening with his signature falsetto and tenor vocals on songs like “Chocolate Legs” and “Georgy Porgy.”

A three-hour rain delay on Saturday tested the crowd’s patience, but attendees remained resilient. The wait was rewarded with performances by five-time Grammy-winning pianist Robert Glasper; R&B artist Leela James; jazz guitarist Norman Brown, and the 1980s funk band Con Funk Shun, which brought the crowd to its feet. R&B star Anthony Hamilton delivered a powerful set shortly after midnight.

Robert Glasper, known for blending jazz with hip-hop, R&B and neo-soul influences performs during the 11th annual Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival in downtown Birmingham. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

One of the headliners, musician Robert Glasper, described the festival as a “family reunion,” noting the personal significance of reconnecting with artists like Norman Brown, whose music his father once played for him, and fellow Texan Kyle Turner, whom he admired as a youth. “Birmingham’s Jazz Fest brought me back to my roots,” Glasper said with a warm smile.

Sunday featured performances by Birmingham choirs, including Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church; Allen Pruitt Jr. and Called II Worship, London Koi, and the Birmingham Community Mass Choir. Renowned gospel artist Marvin Sapp closed the festival with an inspiring performance Sunday evening.

Singer-songwriter Eric Benet performs during the 11th annual Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival in downtown Birmingham. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)

‘I Pulled Out the Ring, and Asked if She Loved Me … and [Then] I Told Her How Much I Loved Her’

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

VERLINDA & EDDIE WELLS JR.

Live: Bessemer

Married: June 9, 1990

Met: Spring 1988, while in traffic on 4th Avenue in Bessemer. “That’s where I finally got her to stop and talk to me,” Eddie said. “I recognized her from high school [McAdory High School in Bessemer], but I had never said a word to her… I observed her for two or three lights before I started making motions at her to try to get her attention, and when she finally looked at me and let down her window, I asked her if she was related to Morris Wilson, who happened to be her brother.

The mention of her brother did the job. “The light turned green, and I asked her if she would mind pulling over into a (nearby) parking lot and she did and we started talking and exchanged numbers,” Eddie said.

“He was driving a nice car and was a nice-looking guy, so of course, I was interested,” Verlinda laughed. “And the idea of him saying he knew my brother made [me comfortable], and I thought, ‘well, if he knows my brother, and this is a nice-looking guy, he’s a safe pick.’ I gave him my phone number and he called me the next day.”

Eddie set up a date for the following day.

First date: At Pizza Hut in Bessemer. Eddie said he wanted an opportunity to sit in each other’s presence and get to know one another.

“I went and picked her up from her home and that was my first encounter with her family. They were very inviting and asked me to come in and wait while she finished getting ready,” Eddie said, “and sure enough she came out looking good. It was supposed to be a casual night out, but I appeared to be underdressed once she walked out,” he laughed.

“Eddie is really tall, he’s 6 ‘5, and I’m tall too, I’m 6 feet, so the thought of being able to look up at my date sent me to the clouds,” Verlinda laughed. “Looking up at him was a dream. He was good looking, tall, and he drove a real nice car. Everything was on point.”

The turn: Six months later. “As time went on, the dates became more frequent. We agreed upon the fact that we were both tired of dating and it was time to [commit],” Eddie said. “I was working [at a no longer existing warehouse in the distribution department] reliable and dependable. And she was getting ready to graduate from UAB, and was going to be teaching. But there was a call that initiated [marriage talk]. Verlinda called me one day at work and she said I bought something and that she was really excited about it. And I said, ‘well what is it?’ and when she told me what it was, I was all in,” said Eddie.

Verlinda had bought some furniture with the money she had been saving to purchase a graduation gift to herself. Verlinda had her eye on a new car but instead bought something for their future.

For Verlinda, the turning point was her family’s approval. “My mom, dad, and siblings all fell in love with Eddie and knew he was the guy for me,” she said.

Verlinda and Eddie Wells Jr. met Spring 1988 in Bessemer traffic. The couple married less than two years later. (Provided Photos)

The proposal: Christmas 1989, at Verlinda’s parents’ home in Bessemer, during Christmas dinner.

“I was so nervous about proposing with all of them there that I was shaking. And after the food had been blessed they started passing the [dishes] around, and when I was passed the pitcher of sweet tea, I dropped it trying to pour myself a glass. After I did that, they had a little fun with me and that was part of my initiation into the family,” Eddie said.

After the laughter subsided, Eddie recovered and asked Verlinda’s parents for her hand in marriage, “and they were so overjoyed they started crying. Then, I turned to Verlinda and pulled out the ring, and I asked her if she loved me. She said ‘yes’, and then I told her how much I loved her and asked her if she would be my wife, and she said ‘yes’, said Eddie.

“When he started talking to my parents, I was so excited, I felt like ‘oh my, it’s about to happen’. My life was about to change, and it was changing for the betterment of both of us. I loved the ring. I had given him some different samples of what I liked, and he did not fall short of what I wanted. I happily said ‘yes’,” recalled Verlinda.

The wedding: At Verlinda’s home church, New Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bessemer, officiated by Pastor William H. Walker Sr. Their colors were purple and yellow.

Most memorable for the bride was the reception. “People were so happy. I enjoyed our first dance and being there with our loved ones,” Verlinda said.

Most memorable for the groom was a moment his memory failed him during the ceremony. “We both had a part that we had to say to each other and I couldn’t remember everything I was supposed to say. I had it written down on a piece of paper in my pocket, but my best man told me if I took that paper out he was leaving,” Eddie laughed. “So I struggled through it. I don’t think I said half of what I was supposed to say, but I didn’t pull out that paper.”

They honeymooned in Gatlinburg, Tenn. “That was Verlinda’s first time up in the mountains and she wasn’t thrilled about the high elevation,” Eddie recalled. “The chalet that we stayed in was very cozy, and romantic. And then when it was time to leave, she wasn’t too thrilled going down the mountain. She had her eyes closed coming up the mountain and going down.”

Words of wisdom: “Divorce is not an option. Learn how to work through your issues and keep God first. You have to have a prayerful life, and respect each other’s flaws, because no one is perfect,” Verlinda said.

“Figure out what your spouse’s love language is and cater to that to the best of your abilities. Try to manage their expectations the best you can. Always try to talk things out and be as proactive as you can in situations instead of reactive. And when special days and holidays come around, if it’s special to your spouse, make sure you [acknowledge/celebrate] because it means something to them,” Eddie said.

Happily ever after: The Wells attend New Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bessemer, where Eddie serves as the Chairman of the Deacon Ministry, and Verlinda, on the Marriage, Deacon’s Wives, and Future Teacher Foundation ministries. They have two children, Challis Morgan, 32, and Colin Wells, 29, and one granddaughter, Maya Morgan, 11 months.

Verlinda, 61, is a Bessemer native, and McAdory High School grad. She attended The University of Alabama at Birmingham [UAB], where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education, and a certification in school psychometry. Verlinda retired from Jefferson County Schools as an educator in 2020, after 31 years. She enjoys spending her time with her granddaughter and volunteer tutoring at the Bessemer Public Library.

Eddie, 63, is a Bessemer native, and McAdory High School grad. He’s worked in the warehouse industry in distribution for more than 40 years, and has worked for Patterson Logistics in Bessemer, for the last 10 years as a department manager.

“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.

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