Women’s History Special: Demi Johnson, Teenage Oyster Farmer

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March 5, 2025

March is Women’s History Month, a time when we honor and celebrate the extraordinary contributions women have made and continue to make toward making our society safer and better — women like Demi Johnson.

Over the past 20 years, the oyster population in Mississippi’s Gulf waters has been devastated by natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina as well as manmade disasters like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. These tragic events devasted the oyster environment in Mississippi. One of the key contributing factors helping to restore the oyster population is the work of Demi Johnson, an African American teenager who resides in Mississippi.

Demi Johnson’s oyster conservation efforts have had a major significant ecological impact on Mississippi’s Gulf waters. (Facebook)

Demi’s conservation efforts started when she was a mere seventh grader. Her initial interest started when she was searching for a project to earn her Girl Scout badge. Demi stated in an interview with reporter John Yang, “So I found out about this from my Girl Scout leader. So, there’s a thing called a Silver Award, and you have to do a project for your community, something community based, and she kind of put it up in the air. She was like, ‘hey you can do oyster gardening at my pier.’ And I was like, okay, ‘I’ll do it. Like, it doesn’t sound too bad. And you know, it’s something easy for me to do.’”

No one could imagine at the time this would become a life changing endeavor for all involved – Demi, Mississippi and the greater community.

Demi’s oyster conservation efforts have had a major significant ecological impact on Mississippi’s Gulf waters. Her project, centered on the cultivation of oysters at Schooner Pier in Biloxi, has contributed to the restoration of oyster reefs, which play an essential role in the marine ecosystem.

The restoration of oyster reefs is vital as they serve as natural water filters, removing pollutants from the water, and as protective barriers against storm surges. Moreover, oyster reefs provide habitat for a variety of marine life, thus supporting biodiversity. Demi’s project has directly contributed to these ecological benefits by producing 1,000 oysters which are expected to spawn millions more, enhancing the sustainability and health of the local marine environment.

Demi is now a ninth grader. She recently traveled to Washington, D.C. as one of the top 15 finalists for the Slingshot Challenge for her Mississippi Oyster Gardening Project. She became one of the award recipients. The top 15 were selected out of 2,100 submissions. Demi created a video titled “Off Bottom Oysters” and was up for the People’s Choice Award. She won the 2025 Significant Achievement Award for “Off Bottom Oysters” and won a $1,000 scholarship. She donated her winnings back to the Mississippi Oyster Gardening Program.

Demi says she plans to attend the University of Michigan and major in environmental law. She desires a career as a lawyer to represent environmental groups. This is how Demi plans to Keep an Eye on Safety for the community. Note, she did earn her Girl Scout Silver badge.

We Are All Part of Women’s History

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Birmingham Times

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March 5, 2025

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As we celebrate Women’s History Month and contemplate all the historical achievements women have made, let me encourage you with this. There’s no need for you to look outside of you for history. Sister, you are history.

Your life, your setbacks, your comebacks, your lessons and your wins – detail one of the greatest stories ever told. And let’s be honest. No one knows what it really takes to be you – what it takes to rise daily and summon your greatness despite personal challenges. Or even what it takes to display a smile, when inwardly, you want to cry. Sister, I feel you. And if we’re being transparent, I’ve been you.

Sometimes we can feel our accomplishments don’t amount too much if it’s not being recognized on a higher plane, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. For your children, family, friends, co-workers and other loved ones, you matter. They’re watching you and waiting on you to deliver a daily dose of all that is you – that humor you bring to the moment; that smile you interject in the heaviness; and the calm you display in the chaos.

And because of you, they are better. They are lighter. They are inspired. No man (nor woman) is an island. Your life is impacting someone at this very moment, and it’s being recorded as your history. You may be surprised to know that people are thinking of you; perhaps even laughing at you (or something you said); or just being mindful of you.

One of the most powerful gifts a woman possesses isn’t her money, her physical beauty or career accomplishments. Each woman – regardless of social status and achievements – has the gift of influence, or the ability to impact other people. That influence ladies is a hallmark of leadership and can have positive or negative consequences.

So, rather than contemplate what you don’t have, why not remember the amazing gift that you already possess, and choose to use it wisely? While you’re still here, you still have an opportunity to edit and re-write your story. Let your real feminine power – your influence – be one for the record books. And your mouth can be a mighty instrument for that influence as well – mighty enough to build up kingdoms, as well as tear them down.

The choice belongs to you. You determine which side of history your influence (and legacy) will stand. My prayer is that you decide to build and use the influence you already have to create in yourself and others the stuff legends are made of.

Know that I’m cheering an extra cheer for you this month sister, and as always, I’m just an email away if you need me.

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

“Your story is as unique as your fingerprint, and the world needs your story. We live in a world where people want to project and assume, but you have the power to give voice to your experience.”

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Birmingham Times

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March 5, 2025

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MARIE SUTTON, LOCAL AUTHOR WHO RECENTLY LANDED A BOOK DEAL
WITH STOREHOUSE VOICES, AN IMPRINT OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
DEDICATED TO ELEVATED BLACK WRITERS; WWW.BIRMINGHAMTIMES.COM, MARCH 5.

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

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Birmingham Times

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March 5, 2025

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PPT0306 1 — Michael Yeung Percussion Artist at UAB. (Provided)

By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times

TODAY…

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

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

**LADY COUCH with KYLE KIMBRELL at The Nick.

**HOVVDY with VIDEO AGE at Saturn.

**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…IT IS Friday…the weekend starts…

**TERNION SOUND: FAREWELL TOUR with VCTRE LYKWID and LYKWID at Saturn.

**EDGE OF DESTINY & DEAD EMPIRE at The Nick.

**DEBI TIRAR MAS FIESTAS/THE BAD BUNNY PARTY at Iron City.

**The 2025 AMERICAN ADVERTISING AWARDS 6 p.m. at the Theodore. For more, addys@aafbirmingham.com.

**LATE NIGHT FRIDAYS with DJ JACK BAMA at The Nick Rocks.

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

**TRAP KARAOKE – PREMIER ADD ONS at Iron City.

**TRAP KARAOKE at Iron City.

SATURDAY…

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

**THE DREADED LARAMIE, BITTER ROUTE AND BEAU CHEVAL at the Nick.

**FUTURE JOY LATE NIGHT at The Nick.

**BOOT SCOOTIN’ BOOGIE NIGHTS at Saturn.

SUNDAY…

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

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

**2^nd SUNDAY WITH ZAXH AUSTIN at The Nick.

**CRUMBSNATCHERS with TAYLOR HOLLINGWORTH at The Nick Rocks.

**WEIRDO: THE STORY OF FIVE EIGHT at Saturn. FREE

**THE DAY PLAYERS at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**THE AMITY AFFLICATION at Iron City.

MONDAY…

**BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND at the Nick.

TUESDAY…

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

**SUBSTRATE BINGO with JACKIE LO at Saturn. FREE

**SUPERSTAR KARAOKE EVERY TUESDAY at The Nick.

**SONGWRITER’S NIGHT at The Nick.

**INHALER at Iron City.

WEDNESDAY…

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

**BRIAN ENO’S FOREVERANDEVERNOMORE & OSCILLATIONS at The Nick.

**EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT with SUNDROP at The Nick.

NEXT THURSDAY…

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

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

**THE ALMAS at The Nick.

**YOT CLUB + VUNDABAR at Saturn.

NEXT FRIDAY….

**DERAU DAVIS at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**ROBYN HITCHCOCK at Saturn.

**DAN SPNECER WITH ZACH AUSTIN at The Nick.

**JUST A GIRL – NO DOUBT & GWEN STEFANI TRIBUTE WITH SUBLIMINAL DOUBT at Iron City.

BT PICKS

In Honor of Women’s History Month, BT has chosen Insecure as Show of the Month.

Available to stream on: MAX and Netflix

Insecure is a groundbreaking television series that has made a significant impact on contemporary culture. Created by and starring Issa Rae, the show first premiered in 2016 and has since garnered critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of the modern Black female experience. The series centers around the character Issa Dee, a young Black woman navigating the complexities of professional life, relationships, and personal growth in Los Angeles.

One of the reasons “Insecure” holds such importance, especially during Women’s History Month, is its focus on the multifaceted lives of Black women, a group that has historically been underrepresented in mainstream media. The show delves into themes such as friendship, love, ambition, and identity, providing a rich and relatable narrative that resonates with many viewers.

Issa Rae’s portrayal of Issa Dee, along with the diverse cast, sheds light on the unique challenges and triumphs faced by Black women in today’s society. The series also addresses issues of race, gender, and social justice, contributing to broader conversations about equality and representation.

“Insecure” has not only entertained audiences but has also empowered and inspired many by celebrating the strength, resilience, and complexity of women, particularly women of color. This makes it a fitting and powerful choice to honor and highlight on Women’s History Month.

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

is a contemporary novel that provides an intimate portrait of a young black woman navigating her tumultuous life in London. The protagonist, Queenie Jenkins, is a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman working as a journalist for a national newspaper. Her life, both personal and professional, is in a state of disarray as she struggles to find her place in the world.

The novel begins with Queenie experiencing a painful breakup with her long-term boyfriend, Tom, which serves as a catalyst for her downward spiral. In the aftermath of the breakup, Queenie engages in a series of unhealthy relationships and sexual encounters, often finding herself in situations that compromise her self-worth and mental stability.

Her professional life is equally challenging, as she faces subtle and overt forms of racism and sexism in the workplace. Despite her talent and dedication, Queenie has to navigate a predominantly white and male-dominated environment that frequently undermines her contributions.

As Queenie grapples with her identity and self-esteem, she turns to her close-knit group of friends, affectionately known as “The Corgis,” for support. Each friend offers a unique perspective and plays a crucial role in Queenie’s journey toward self-discovery and healing. Additionally, Queenie’s relationship with her family, particularly her traditional Jamaican grandparents, adds another layer to her complex identity and the cultural pressures she faces.

Throughout the novel, Queenie’s mental health battles are poignantly depicted, shedding light on the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness within the Black community. Her journey to recovery is marked by therapy sessions, self-reflection, and the gradual rebuilding of her self-worth.

“Queenie” delves into themes of race, identity, mental health, and the complexities of modern womanhood. Carty-Williams masterfully captures the experiences of a young black woman in contemporary society, addressing issues such as systemic racism, microaggressions, and the struggle for self-acceptance.

The novel is a powerful commentary on the importance of self-care, resilience, and the support of a strong community. It challenges readers to confront their own prejudices and to empathize with the multifaceted experiences of those who are often marginalized.

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

**LAWSON STATE ANNUAL CAREER AND COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR – The Lawson Career & Community Resource Fair is Wednesday, March 12 at the Bessemer Civic Center, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. located at 1130 Ninth Avenue S.W. Bessemer. There will be more than 50 employers and nonprofit organizations. For more, visit lawsonstate.edu or email ahaley@lawsonstate.edu.

IN SELMA AND MONTGOMERY…

**SELMA JUBILEE 2025 – The Selma 56^th Anniversary Jubilee Celebrations get started Monday, March 3 – Friday, March 9 in Selma, Alabama. This is a very full week of activities and more into the next week, Set your clocks and your days. For more email training@selmacntr.org.

NEXT WEEK…AND FOLLOWING WEEK…

**TODAY -Voting Rights History Bowl, Revisiting the ‘Negro Problem”, Ministers of Justice Roundtable and Mass meeting.

**FRIDAY – Jubilee Golf Tournament at the Ocmulgee Golf Course in Valley Grande, AL. For more, register at kappaselma.com or call 334-327-5640; Education Summit, Children’s Sojourn/ Youth Freedom March Is Black Achievement Under Attack?, 50 Mile Peace Rally and Walk.*Mock Trial and Public Conversation.

**SATURDAY – *Foot Soldiers Breakfast, *Jubilee Parade, *The Formerly Incarcerated People Movement: Backwards March”, *Battle of the Bands, *Wellness & Empowerment Village, *Fighting Forward: Gen Z & Young Millennial Our Future, Our Vote!, *Women’s Roundtable: No Vote, No Voice, Moving Forward Luncheon. For more, 205-249-8559 0r 224-791-9385, *Moving Through Time with Art and Fashion, Fighting Forward: Unifying & Organizing to Face the challenges of 2025, The Blackbelt Cultural Village, Jubilee Street Festival at Water Avenue foot of Pettus Bridge, *Ministers of Justice Roundtable: Movement Building: Education and Activation, *Intergenerational Hip Hop Political Summit, *The Future of Non-Profits: Understanding the Proposed Legislation on 501-3C status, Fighting Forward: Voter Restoration Correction Now, *Induction into the Hall of Resistance, Induction into the Women’s Hall of Fame, *Meet, Mingle & Discuss Networking Reception, *Mr. & Ms. Jubilee Pageant. For more info, call 843-816-6283 OR 470-884-3032. *Induction into the Legal Hall of Fame, *Steppin’ Out on the Vote Step show, Freedom Flame Awards Gala, * Be Heard, World Theatre Troupe & Selma Students with Spoken Word, song, Hip Hop and Modern Dance. For more info, 617-513-9314.

**SUNDAY – Martin & Coretta King Unity Breakfast, *Sunday Morning Services, * re March Rally, * Bridge Program, * March to Restore Voting rights,*Post March Rally and Benefit Concert for the National Voting Rights Museum, *Blues Concert and Gospel Concert.

**STARTING MONDAY, March 10 – FRIDAY, March 14 – The SELMA TO MONTGOMERY MARCH starting at the Foot of the Pettus Bridge on Water Avenue Selma, AL and ending Friday at the State Capital Building in Montgomery, AL (IN CASE OF RAIN, Festival will be moved to the former Concordia College Campus. For full schedule, updated information, or tickets visit www.selmajubilee.com.

FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS…

TODAY…Leisurely Weekday Hike at Tannehill State Historical Park- Details: Enjoy an easy 3 or so-mile hike on trails in an especially lovely Alabama Historical State Park. The site is very near Birmingham! The walking pace for this hike will be moderately easy…stop often to catch our breath and note views, trees, birdsongs and the trail and woods around us. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park has more than 1,500 acres in three counties set aside for hiking, camping and outdoor recreation. A miniature railroad chugs through the pines. From spring through fall, the blacksmith, miller and craftsmen demonstrate their trades. Craft shops occupy restored pioneer cabins and artisans chat with visitors from their front porches. Steeped in history, Tannehill feels timeless. The cotton gin, pioneer farm and working gristmill preserve a long-gone way of life. Hiking trails retrace historic roadways. Artifacts of Alabama’s 19th century iron industry displayed in the Iron and Steel Museum put in perspective the massive stone furnaces, Tannehill’s awe-inspiring centerpiece. This is a guided tour of easily walkable trails. Bring a picnic lunch, water and wear good walking shoes or boots. Dress appropriately for the weather. Meet at 10 a.m. at the parking lot behind the McDonald’s Galleria on U.S. Highway 31 in Hoover. Plan to depart from there at 10:15 a.m. Day-Use Park Admission: $5 Adults (12 years and older); $4 Seniors (Ages 62 and older) Information and Hike Leader: Christine Heckemeyer, 205-979-5730

**SATURDAY DAYHIKE at Upper Quillan Creek, Sipsey Wilderness, Bankhead National Forest – Details: Moderately strenuous, 4-mile dayhike in a highly scenic location, Upper Quillan Creek Forest Area. Most of the hike is off trail, there are lots of ups and downs, and several rock-hopping crossings are required across small creeks. Walk along two creeks and on an old road. At a beautiful waterfall,visit the site of an old mill. See several small waterfalls on side creeks and tributaries to Quillan Creek. Visit at least three very pretty waterfalls on Quillan Creek itself along the way. Expect to see a minimum of a total of twelve lovely waterfalls on this trip. Bring picnic lunch and water for the day. Expect to finish hiking about 4 p.m. Optional dinner afterwards. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 9 and over able to walk 4 miles off trail without complaining are welcome.

Reservations Required: You are required to call Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680 or email your reservation to southeasternoutings@gmail.com by 5 p.m. Leave your phone number and/or email address. This outing is limited to 10 people in order to comply with U.S. Forest Service regulations. If you make a reservation don’t be a no-show, notify Dan. Information and Trip Leader: Dan Frederick, southeasternoutings@gmail.com, or phone 205/631-4680.

**SUNDAY DAYHIKE, Meet 1:45 p.m. in Oak Mountain State Park – Details: Enjoy a moderate 4-mile walk in the woodlands near Birmingham on a Sunday afternoon. This is an excellent outing for introducing your friends to Southeastern Outings and for making new friends who enjoy the outdoors. Parts of this hike may be off the color-coded trails. There will be some ups and downs. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age eight and up able to walk the distance of about 4 miles without complaining and complete the hike are welcome. Share an adventure! Bring a friend. Meet at 1:45 p.m. in the Oak Mountain Park office parking lot. Depart from there at 2 p.m. Bring $5/person ($2. seniors) park admission fee plus your drink. Info. and Trip Leader: Randall Adkins, 205/317-6969

AT VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM…

**FROM STEEL TO STAGE: THE HISTORY OF THEATRE IN BIRMINGHAM – This exhibition features artifacts, photos and stories from various sources in and around Birmingham. It will reflect how creativity and vision of the past continue to inspire the thriving arts and cultural scene through January, 2026.

AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS…

**MARCH 21-22 – 2025 – Native Plant Conference with Keynote Speaker Benjamin Vogt.

AT UAB…

**MARCH 18 – MICHAEL YEUNG, percussion artist, 7 p.m. at the Alys Stephens Center. Yeung is a versatile percussion artist celebrated worldwide for hi dynamic performances and a diverse repertoire from classics to contemporary masterpieces.

**MARCH 20 – VELOITY IRISH DACNE, 7 p.m. at the Alys Stephens Center.

**MARH 22 – ALABAMA SPELLING BEE,

**MARCH 30 – THE DRIFERS and CORNELL GUNTERS COASTERS, 7 p.m..

**APRIL 12 – SCHOLARSHIP RUN, starts at 8 a.m.

(For more info and details on events, call 205-975-8858 or go to: AlysStephens.org.)

MENTAL HEALTH MONDAYS…

**MARCH 17 – “Disability Arts Festival: Spotlight on Jessica Blinkhorn and Victoria Dugger.

**APRIL 21 – STORIES FROM THE STAGE – Creating Community and Connection through Artistic Expression with “FROM WHERE I SIT by Suzanne Costello

**MAY 19 – MENTAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING: A CONVERSATION WITH DONNA DUKE-POPE

(For more and to register go to, AlysStephens.org and questions, email: artsinmedicine@uab.edu.)

AT BCRI…

**THROUGH MARCH 22 – BLACK HISTORY MONTH ON VIEW… one exhibit is FORGED IN LIBERATION at the Odessa Gallery about the Black Workers in the Struggle for Equality, another one is, FIND A WAY OR MAKE ONE: THE LIFE OF RUTH J. JACKSON.

COMING…

**MARCH 30 – THE DRIFTERS AND CORNELL GUNTER’S COASTERS at the UAB Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.

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

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

Birmingham Approves $6M to Complete Long-Delayed Construction at Historic Building in Ensley

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Birmingham Times

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March 5, 2025

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Ramsay-McCormack-NEW-scaled-e1682543559331-1200x627 — The building at Avenue E and 19th Street was named after investment partners Erskine Ramsay and Carr McCormack of the Ramsay-McCormack Development Co. (File)

The developer is expected to commence vertical construction within 120 days of the new amended and restated redevelopment agreement.

The city will lease approximately 6,000 square feet in the new building — five stories as opposed to 10 for the demolished edifice — for a police sub-station and city services related to economic and community development.

Still, not everyone was in favor. Ensley business owner Brian Rice said he strongly opposes the agreement.

‘That Chemistry was There Between Us, and I Instantly Knew She May Be the One’

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Birmingham Times

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March 5, 2025

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

JAMESHA ‘JOI MINER’ HENDERSON AND TAMESHA CURRY

Live: Downtown Birmingham and Roebuck

Married: Feb. 29, 2024

Met: October 2018, on Facebook. They have Joi’s ex to thank for bringing their algorithms together. Tamesha said she wasn’t Facebook friends with Joi initially, but that she used to follow their mutual ex, who would often share Joi’s posts.

“I was dating a girl [their mutual ex] who also used to date Joi, and I would see things about Joi through her page,” Tamesha said. Eventually, Tamesha started following Joi herself, “because she was posting a lot of positive things and I needed that in my life at that time.”

Joi said she pays close attention to who interacts with her posts and that was how Tamesha caught her attention. “For six months this woman [Tamesha], was hearting [liking] all my posts, but never said a word to me,” Joi laughed, “and finally, I in-boxed her and said ‘stop liking all my [expletive] and let’s go to dinner.’”

Tamesha was shocked. “I thought she was playing. I never thought she would reach out to me because I’d never said anything to her,” she recalled.

Once mutual interest was confirmed, Joi had an important question — “How do you know my ex?” Joi asked, “because I didn’t need any more crazy in my life.” Tamesha was honest, “and that’s what I love about T, she’s going to be honest even if it’s going to get her feelings hurt or get her cussed out,” Joi said.

The pair exchanged numbers and talked on the phone for two weeks before arranging to meet in person.

First date: Mid-October at East Lake Park. Joi recalls heading back into town from an obligation but wanted to surprise Tamesha with a gift.

“I stopped at the Walmart on Roebuck Parkway and got her a dozen roses,” Joi said. “And when she saw them she smiled because most masculine-presenting lesbians don’t receive roses. I opened doors and everything for her. Looks can be deceiving [in same sex relationships] because although I present as feminine, I’m more dominant, and she’s actually more submissive. I make her blush. Our love gives her permission to exist in her femininity,” Joi said.

The pair recalled talking underneath a pavilion for a significant amount of time, when another couple approached, noticed their chemistry and asked us how long they’d been together.

“We told them it was our first date, and what’s funny is, Joi didn’t want a relationship [at the time], but that chemistry was there between us, and I instantly knew she may be the one,” said Tamesha.

Joi remembers walking away from the date feeling like she wanted more. “I was not looking for a relationship, but after we [parted ways], I didn’t like how I felt. I didn’t like not [sharing space] with her and it was going against everything I was telling myself that I wanted,” Joi said.

Jamesha ‘Joi Miner’ Henderson and Tamesha Curry met in October 2018 on Facebook. The couple married in 2024. (Provided)

The turn: Nov. 1, 2018. At Joi’s house in Ensley. “I attempted to ask her to be my girlfriend on her birthday, which was the 31st of October, but she said no, ask me tomorrow,” Tamesha said.

“I told her she was not going to get a two for one with me! I said you are not going to be able to get me a present for my birthday and think it counts as an anniversary gift,” Joi laughed. “So, no, ask me tomorrow. And it’s crazy, because I was dating other people, I wasn’t trying to be in a relationship, but [Tamesha] broke all my rules. I had a 4-20 rule: I used to date people for four months or 20 weeks, whichever is longer, and from there I would decide if I wanted to be with them.”

Joi explained having to slow down courtship intentionally because, “lesbians live in dog years,” she laughed. “We get together, fall in love and bring a U-Haul on the second date, and I was trying to be a crockpot lesbian and slow-cook this thing. But here I was agreeing to a relationship in less than 30 days.”

The proposal: While Joi had proposed to Tamesha several times over the course of their four-year relationship, and kept “taking them back,” it wasn’t until the last time she popped the question that it stuck.

On April 16, 2021, at Joi’s apartment in downtown Birmingham, while making the spread for Tamesha’s birthday party, Joi proposed. She even asked Tamesha’s father for her hand in marriage.

“Tamesha had just gotten to my place and was standing in the living room talking to my daughter, Phoenix, [then 9] who knew all about [her mom’s plan to propose] and was more excited than me,” said Joi. “I had all the food going and went into my bedroom to get the ring and came back and got down on one knee behind her. And when Tamesha turned around, she saw me down there and her whole face said, ‘what the hell are you doing?’” Joi laughed, “but I asked her to marry me.”

“I’m pretty sure I asked Joi if she was sure, because I’m [a big proponent] of not rushing things and making sure this is what she wants,” Tamesha said. After all, Joi did “take back her proposal four times,” she laughed. “After Joi said she was sure, I said ‘yeah.’”

Although the ring was on Tamesha’s finger and the commitment to wed was solid, before Joi could follow through with her new marriage, she had to first dissolve her last one.

“I had been trying to divorce Phoenix’s father for seven years, and finally on my birthday, Oct. 31, 2023, a judge in Montgomery signed off on my divorce and that was the best birthday present ever,” Joi said. “And in the state of Alabama you have to wait 61 days to marry again; they call it the cooling off period.”

During the “cooling off period,” the couple played with a lot of dates, but eventually settled on Feb. 29, 2024, a nod at keeping their union light and fun. “It was a joke,” Joi said, “we said we’d only have to celebrate our anniversary every four years.”

The wedding: Joi and Tamesha had planned to wed at the Birmingham courthouse but could not because marriage ceremonies were no longer being held there. “You just print out the paperwork, take it to UPS and get it notarized, and then you take it to the courthouse and file it. There is no magistrate, no vows, nothing, and this was my third marriage, and the first and only one I did not get to exchange vows for,” Joi said. But, “third time’s the charm.”

Most memorable for Joi was, “the fact that we were actually married. Tamesha was the first person I married that I wanted to be married to. The first two times I got married for my kids. I was pregnant and wanted my children to be raised in a two-parent household, so when my children’s fathers proposed, I said, ‘yes.’ But this time my marriage is for me,” Joi said.

Most memorable for Tamesha was also the reality of being married. “It was the fact that it actually happened, and she was my wife now. That was a big thing for me because this is my first marriage,” Tamesha said.

Words of wisdom: The Henderson-Currys believe that healthy marriages are built on doing what works best for you, not following society’s traditions.

“We decided not to live together because Phoenix [now 13] has a life that’s already set, and so is mine,” Joi said. “[Living apart] gives us time to face-check [a term they use that refers to checking their emotions] ourselves, because when you’re in the same space it can aggravate things, but [living apart] feels like it’s new all the time. We still hang on the phone all the time. We are constantly dating. It works for us,” Joi said.

Tamesha said it’s all about “maintaining our individuality and respecting each other’s individuality. Having respect and understanding for each other and wanting what’s best for each other is what is best. You have to take yourself out of it and be unselfish in marriage,” she said.

Happily ever after: The Henderson-Currys are a blended family with two children from Joi’s previous marriages: Qadara Miner, 23, Phoenix Henderson, 13, and Tamesha’s fur babies, Rocket, Crimson, and Negan.

Joi, 43, is a Montgomery native who attended Booker T. Washington Magnet High School [Montgomery]. She is an ‘Author-prenuer, writer, and teaches writing classes for Intoto Creative Arts and the Alabama Prison Arts & Education Program.

Tamesha, 41, is a Talladega native, by way of Roebuck in Birmingham. She is a Huffman High School grad and works for the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Birmingham in laundry facility services.

“You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them. If you would like to be considered for a future “Hello’’ column, or know someone, please send nominations to Barnett Wright bwright@birminghamtimes.com. Include the couple’s name, contact number(s) and what makes their love story unique.

Birmingham Personal Injury Attorney | Guster Law Firm, LLC

Hollis R. Towns Resigns as Vice President of Content, Top Editor of Alabama Media Group: ‘It Wasn’t The Right Fit’

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Birmingham Times

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March 4, 2025

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HollisTowns 1 — Hollis R. Towns has decided to pursue other opportunities after 11 months as vice president of content and editor in chief of Alabama Media Group.

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

After 11 months on the job, Hollis R. Towns on Tuesday announced his resignation as vice president of content and editor in chief of Alabama Media Group effective March 28.

In an email to staff obtained by The Birmingham Times, Towns wrote in part, “I’m leaving as editor and will be pursuing other opportunities. I will take time off but will be around through the end of the month.”

Reached by phone Tuesday evening, Towns did not elaborate beyond what he wrote in his email but said, “it wasn’t the right fit. I had a fantastic team that does exceptional journalism but … it was time to pursue other opportunities.”

Those opportunities could include consulting work in the Birmingham metro area for the near future, said Towns, the first Black editor in chief in AMG’s history and the shortest tenured top editor.

The resignation comes at a time when many of his initiatives were beginning to take hold. In November, Towns announced two high level promotions in the newsroom, Ben Flanagan as director of content for AL.com, overseeing breaking news, features and sports and Ruth Serven Smith as senior managing producer, leading a team to cover the Birmingham metro, the Beyond the Violence initiative, which was expected to launched this week (with The Birmingham Times as a partner).

A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Towns came to AMG from Gannett, where he oversaw 160 daily newspapers and news websites across the country as Gannett’s vice president for local news and regional editor.

Under his leadership, newsroom teams won multiple Emmy awards for investigative journalism, were Pulitzer Prize finalists for public service in 2010 and were honored with the National Association of Black Journalists’ Public Service Award in 2018.

After announcing his hiring in February 2024, AMG President Natalie Pruitt said, “It’s a testament to our journalists and our work that we were able to attract someone with the talent and experience Hollis brings.”

He replaced Kelly Ann Scott, who left in October 2023 to become editor in chief of the Houston Chronicle. Towns’ hiring led to the departure of at least two newsroom leaders who had applied for the job, according to sources who asked not to be named for fear of retribution.

Towns’ first day at AMG was March 25, 2024. He will leave almost to the day that he became editor of AMG.

Retired Judge Carole Smitherman on What’s Next After Nearly 50 Years of Law and Politics in Birmingham, AL

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Birmingham Times

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March 4, 2025

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smitherman_7 (1) — Carole Smitherman retired in January after a distinguished career that included being the first Black woman hired as a deputy district attorney in Jefferson County. (Marika N. Johnson, The Birmingham Times)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

Surveying a crowded courtroom in the downtown Jefferson County Courthouse recently, retired judge Carole Smitherman said she saw more than the family, friends, judges — Democrats and Republicans — and others who gathered in her honor.

“I look at the heart when I look at people,” she told the Birmingham Times. “I’ve always thought that labels interfere with who people really are. I don’t look at labels, if one person is a Republican or a Democrat … “

The courtroom was packed as Jefferson County presented Smitherman with a proclamation recognizing her lifetime of service to the County and dedicated a plaque highlighting her 49 years of legal work in the Birmingham metro area.

Smitherman retired in January after a distinguished career that included being the first Black woman hired as a deputy district attorney in Jefferson County and becoming Birmingham’s first Black woman municipal and circuit court judge. She was also the first female African American President of the Birmingham City Council and first female mayor of the City of Birmingham.

“I could feel the love in the room,” said Smitherman, about the courtroom crowd gathered in her honor. “People came from California and New York and Atlanta … no matter how dim it ever gets we have to remember the goodness in people and I’ve tried to see the positive and use my position to help people. We tend to see all the negative in the world. That showed me there is still a lot of positive, still a lot of love.”

Judges and elected officials from both sides of the aisle were in the room including Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarah Stewart and Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens, both Republicans.

“I think it is really important to recognize the icon that Judge Smitherman is to the entire judiciary,” Stewart said. “Borrowing a little bit from the [Bible] book of Esther ‘every now and then someone comes for times such as this’ and she has been that person. She has been a trailblazer in all of the forms when you think about that word. She has set the path for women, female lawyers, or female judges.”

Smitherman has been about relationships and not about politics, Stephens said.

“Carole Smitherman’s legacy has been about public service representing the citizens of Jefferson County – white, Black, Democrats, Republicans,” said Stephens.

He added that Smitherman and her husband Rodger came to Bessemer with worship at his church’s 200th commemorative anniversary. “They didn’t do that because they had to or needed to they did that because they wanted to,” said Stephens, who attends Canaan Baptist Church in Bessemer. “They sat with us and on the second pew and worshipped with us.”

Retired Judge Carole Smitherman first stepped into the Jefferson County Courthouse in 1976 when she was hired as a legal clerk in the Circuit Civil Clerk’s Office. (Sym Posey, The Birmingham Times)

Balance

While many know Smitherman for her public life, there is a balance, she said.

“I enjoy music and dancing. I’m always going to have a good dance partner too because [husband] Rodger is always ready to dance especially on that music that we grew up on fell in love with — [R&B icons] Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston. There should always be two parts of everyone. One, your professional life which is my robe. And my personal life which is other things I like to do. I’ve always liked to dance … I think it’s a real celebration when you can dance and sing and be happy.

“[And] I like to read … those things make me whole,” she continued. “And I use those experiences to guide my professional life as well. Dancing makes you feel good. I even go to a church [Rock City Church] where we dance. It’s always been a part of me and I enjoy it.”

Smitherman said she also likes to garden.

“My mother was President of the Alabama Colored Teachers and Parents Association (the PTA when it was segregated) and I used to watch her and wanted to mimic her and be like her; she loved plants and I grew that love from her. She used to say, ‘he who plants a seed and waits to see, believes in God.’ I’ve always liked to plant things: watermelons, potatoes, greens, … and if for any reason at all we have to survive on the land then we know how to do that.”

For her daughter, Birmingham City Councilor Crystal Smitherman, the judge’s greatest role has always been that of a mother.

“No matter what accomplishment she’s had, she’s always been a mom first,” said Crystal Smitherman. “Cooking breakfast in the morning, showing up for every honor roll ceremony, golf tournament, basketball tournament—it really inspires me to know that you can be a mom and have it all.”

What’s Next

The retired judge first stepped into the Jefferson County Courthouse in 1976 when she was hired as a legal clerk in the Circuit Civil Clerk’s Office. In 1979, she began her legal career as a Deputy District Attorney becoming the first Black woman to serve in this capacity in the history of Jefferson County and remained with the DA’s office until 1987.

In 1991, Republican Governor Guy Hunt appointed Smitherman to the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court Criminal Division Court where she served until 1992 and was the first Black woman to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in Alabama.

In 1997, she began teaching Constitutional Law at Miles Law School and continued for almost 30 years. In 2001, she was elected to the Birmingham City Council for District 6 where she served until 2013, and as President of the Birmingham City Council from November 2005 to November 2009.

In 2012, Carole Smitherman won successful election as a Circuit Judge to the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court, she was re-elected in 2018, and has served continuously, with distinction, until her recent retirement from the bench in January 2025.

Her influence has left a lasting mark on Alabama’s legal and political landscape. For those following in her footsteps, her leadership has been invaluable.

“She is the only female African American to serve in every single area of the branches of government,” Javan Patton Crayton, Civil Circuit Judge for Alabama’s 10th Judicial Circuit, told WBRC Fox 6 “She’s been a part of the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive branch as well. She’s done it all. She created the opportunities for all of us to be who and where we are.”

Looking back on her career, Smitherman said, “I’ve only wanted to help people. When you help people for real you kinda forget about what you do and you go to the next person … It’s been a wonderful journey and I thank the people of Birmingham for always for believing in me and trusting what I had to say as being one of the right things to do.”

As for what’s next, Smitherman said, “I’ll still be practicing law. I’m going to write a book about all of this. I’m going to work in my community because that’s important.”

A LIFE IN FOCUS

Early Years:

Born September 25,1952 in Birmingham, AL to parents Willie & Rochelle Davis.
Adopted and raised by her grandparents Jerry & Thelma Catlin – Thelma Catlin was a professor at Lawson State Community College and Jerry Catlin was a Porter for the Louisville & Nashville (L&N) Railroad.
Growing up, Carole attended Westminster Presbyterian Church where Rev. John Wesley Rice, Condoleezza Rice’s father, served as Pastor.
Graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA in 1973.
Graduated from Miles Law School in 1979 finishing #1 in her law school class and the only women.

Professional Career:

In 1976, Carole first stepped into the Jefferson County Courthouse when she was hired by Polly Conradi as a legal clerk in the Circuit Civil Clerk’s Office.
In 1979, Carole began her legal career as a Deputy District Attorney for Jefferson County District Attorney Earl Morgan becoming the First Woman of Color to serve in this capacity in the history of Jefferson County, and remained with the DA’s office until 1987.
She led the effort to open the very First Victim Assistance Program in the DA’ s office providing additional care and support for victims of crime and their families.
Served as a Birmingham Municipal Judge for seven years and the First Woman to serve on the Birmingham Municipal Court.
In 1991, Republican Governor Guy Hunt appointed Carole to the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court Criminal Division Court where she served until 1992. Carole was the First Woman of Color to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in Alabama.
In 1992, she joined her husband Rodger in private practice forming Smitherman & Smitherman Law Firm.
In 1995, began serving as the City of Irondale Municipal Court Prosecutor for the next two decades.
In 1997, began teaching Constitutional Law at Miles Law School and continued to teach at the law school for almost 30 years.
In 2001, the voters of Birmingham elected Carole to the Birmingham City Council for District 6 where she served until 2013, and as President of the Birmingham City Council from November 2005 to November 2009.
In 2009, Carole Smitherman was sworn in as the 31^st Mayor of the City of Birmingham becoming the First Female to Serve as Mayor of Birmingham and the First Woman of Color to serve as Mayor of Birmingham.
In 2012, Carole Smitherman won successful election as a Circuit Judge to the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court, she was re-elected in 2018, and has served continuously, with distinction, until her recent retirement from the bench in January 2025.

Family:

Carole’s greatest love and proudest accomplishment is her family.
In 1980, she married the love of her life, an intelligent and handsome up and coming fellow attorney, Rodger Mell Smitherman, who was elected in 1994 to the Alabama State Senate representing District 18. Rodger also served as President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate.
In 2025, Carole will be celebrating 45 wonderful and happy years of marriage to Alabama State Senator, Attorney and Coach Rodger Smitherman, the man she lovingly describes as “the air beneath my wings”.
Carole is the proud mother of four children: Rodger Mell II, Tonya Renee, Mary Elaine, and Crystal Nicole, and grandmother of six grandchildren: Naomi, Justin, Tony, Leah, Jaden, Noah and one granddog her Yorkie, Charlie.
Some of her fondest memories were as a chaperone on her children’s field trips, she never missed a game, field trip, recital, or school activity.
In 2018, daughter Crystal was appointed to serve as the Birmingham City Councilor for District 6, the same Council District once represented by her mother. Crystal successfully won election in 2019 to a full term and served as President Pro Temp of the Council continuing the Smitherman family legacy of leadership and service in the City of Birmingham.

Impactful Events:

On Sept. 16, 1963, Carole was invited to attend Youth Day at the 16^th Street Baptist Church by her best friend Denise McNair. Carole was unable to attend that day which cost the lives of her friend Denise along with Addie Mae Collins, Cynthis Wesley, and Carole Robertson.
The 16^th Street Baptist Church Bombing in 1963 set Carole on her path to pursue a lifelong interest in the law guided by an unwavering commitment to fairness and justice.
Grew up across the street from childhood friend Condoleezza Rice who went on to become the First Woman to serve as National Security Advisor from 2001-2005 and the First Female African-American U.S. Secretary of State from 2005-2009. Carole and Secretary Rice remain close, personal friends to this day.
Heartbreaking loss of her first-born son Roderick Smitherman at eight months of age.

Professional Organizations and Community Involvement:

Alabama State Bar Association
Alabama Lawyers Association
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
American Bar Association
Birmingham Bar Association serving as Chair of the Birmingham Bar Association Awards Committee and Member of the Entertainment, Law Day and Executive Committees
Birmingham Bar Fellow
Board of Directors, Delta Inc.
Board of Directors, Girls, Inc.
Chair, Jefferson County Judicial Commission
Member, Jefferson County Judicial Commission Judicial Nominating Committee.
Magic City Bar Association
National Bar Association
Board of Directors & Coach, Birmingham Police Athletic Team
Longtime advisor to the “Youth in Government” Club at the former West End High School, the only all African American City Youth team winning several state championships over the years.

A Life of “Firsts”:

Graduated First in her Miles Law School Class
First Female and First Female African American Deputy District Attorney in Jefferson County.
Started the First Victim Assistance Program while serving in the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.
The First Woman to serve on the Birmingham Municipal Court Bench.
The First African American Woman to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in Alabama, appointed by a Republican Governor.
First African American Female President of the Birmingham City Council.
First African American Female Mayor of the City of Birmingham

Faith & Principle:

Member of The Rock City Church led by Pastor Michael McClure.
Carole firmly believes that the Lord blessed her with a servant’s heart and that He sent her to serve and that her faith sustains and propels her.
Carole Smitherman opened the door for woman and woman of color to enter the legal profession.
Judge Smitherman Courtroom decorum for practicing attorneys is “Don’t get ready, Stay Ready, Be Prepared when you show up, be cordial and respectful to the opposing counsel, be on time and be humble”.
Although a lifelong dedicated and loyal Democrat, Judge Smitherman treats everyone with respect and has effectively cultivated relationships and the respect and admiration of both Republicans and Democrats in her successful serve to Jefferson County and the state of Alabama.

Accolades:

Awarded the Alabama Bar Association Maude McLure Kelly Award in June 2022.
Inducted into the Magic City Bar Association Hall of Fame in 2024
Inducted into the Birmingham Bar Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.
Jefferson County Commission dedicating a courtroom in her honor in February 2025.

Hobbies and Interests:

Born with a green thumb, Carole loves gardening, she is a lover of art and enjoys painting and creating art, she is a voracious reader, particularly historic non-fiction and romance novels, has a real passion for high school and college sports, loves music and movies of all genres, is proficient on the piano, delights in travel and experiencing new places, and can often be found at parties and receptions with her friends learning the latest line dance. Source: Jefferson County

Journalist Javacia Harris Bowser Will Serve as Guest Editor of The Times’s Women’s History Month Issue

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Birmingham Times

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March 4, 2025

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Journalist Javacia Harris Bowser will be guest editor of The Times’s Women’s History Edition, available March 6, 2025, around Birmingham. (Provided)

Editor’s Note

Recently on Instagram – perhaps on TikTok too but this elder millennial doesn’t spend much time there – content creators have been posting Reels in which they imagine what it would be like to have lunch with their younger selves. Inspired, I hopped on this trend and made a Reel of my own.

But even after my post, I couldn’t stop thinking about this concept. I couldn’t stop thinking about how my younger self would be so excited to know that I’ve had the honor of serving as the guest editor of this week’s 2025 Women’s History Month issue of The Birmingham Times. I had my first byline 25 years ago at the age of 19 in The Birmingham Times. So what a full-circle moment this has been! When Executive Editor Barnett Wright approached me about the opportunity, I cried tears of joy.

While we may not actually be able to have lunch with our younger selves, we can sometimes find ourselves seated across from a person who gives us a glimpse of our future self, a reminder of our past self, or the courage to be confident in the person we are right now. The women who are a part of the Momentum Works leadership development program, the focus of this week’s centerpiece story, have had the opportunity to sit with other women who show them what’s possible.

Melanie Bridgeforth, who’s profiled in this issue, has spent the last six years doing work that could help women make their younger selves proud. As CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Alabama, Bridgeforth grew the organization from the former Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham to a philanthropic powerhouse and statewide influencer advancing women’s economic power. As she steps down from this role, she vows to continue to be a catalyst for change and, as you’ll see in her profile, still has the excitement of a girl dreaming of who she wants to be when she grows up.

If Marie Sutton could have lunch with her younger self, they certainly would have a lot to discuss – starting with her recent book deal. Sutton was one of six writers chosen for the debut roster of authors for Storehouse Voices, a new imprint of Penguin Random House dedicated to elevating Black authors. Sutton, whose book is about her grandmother Jimmie Lee Elliott, is making history by sharing the history of the family that made her the woman she is today. I hope you enjoy reading more of Sutton’s and Jimmie Lee’s stories.

This issue celebrates several women of Birmingham who are making history today whether that be through economic development, entrepreneurship, servant leadership or storytelling. I’m certain if any of these women could have lunch with their younger selves, those girls would be so proud of the women they’ve become.

So please grab your copy of the March 6, 2025, edition of the Birmingham Times and celebrate with me the past, present and future work of women. May this issue be a reminder to honor who you are, who you were, and who you have the potential to become.

Javacia Harris Bowser,

Guest Editor, The Birmingham Times

Founder of See Jane Write

Alabama State Becomes One of the 1st HBCUs to Offer Cannabis Certification Programs

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Birmingham Times

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March 4, 2025

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hbcubuzz.com

Alabama State University (ASU) is making history as one of the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to offer cannabis certification programs. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to innovation, workforce development, and expanding opportunities in emerging industries.

ASU’s new cannabis education program, developed in partnership with Green Flower, provides students with specialized knowledge and credentials that can open doors in the rapidly growing cannabis industry.

The university is offering five online certification programs in key areas: healthcare and medicine, horticulture and cultivation, business and entrepreneurship, compliance and risk management, and product development and sales. Each course is designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in different sectors of the cannabis market, whether they are interested in patient care, legal compliance, cultivation, or launching a cannabis-related business.

The launch of these programs aligns with Alabama’s recent steps toward medical cannabis legalization. In 2021, Alabama became the 36th state to legalize medical marijuana, though products have yet to be available for legal purchase. As the state continues to develop its regulatory framework, ASU’s certification programs can help prepare students and professionals for careers in this evolving industry.

“Cannabis is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and it is essential that HBCUs take part in providing educational pathways into this space,” said a representative from ASU’s administration. “These programs will give our students and community members the knowledge they need to navigate the industry and build successful careers.”

ASU’s partnership with Green Flower, a leader in cannabis education, ensures that students receive industry-recognized training from experts. The online format allows for flexibility, making the certifications accessible to a broad range of learners, including working professionals looking to transition into the cannabis sector.

HBCUs have long been at the forefront of advancing education and economic empowerment in Black communities. By introducing cannabis certification programs, ASU is positioning itself as a trailblazer in preparing students for opportunities in a rapidly expanding field. As discussions around cannabis equity and inclusion continue nationwide, programs like these can play a critical role in ensuring that communities historically affected by cannabis prohibition have a stake in the industry’s future.

For more information about ASU’s cannabis certification programs, visit ASU’s website.