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PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

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Birmingham Times
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Saxophonist Kimberlye McKinney performs at the Sneaker Ball event at City Club, May 31. (Photo Credit: wclk.com)

By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times

THIS IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH! (Listen and help when or how you can!)

TODAY, THURSDAY MAY 15…

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

**MOLTEN MOMENTS – FROM STEEL TO STAGE: THE HISTORY OF THEATRE IN BIRMINGHAM with Guest Speaker JENNIFER JACQUESS (Red Mountain Theatre), 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Vulcan Park & Museum. FREE.  Register to reserve tickets. This is an after-hours series featuring engaging curatorial talks with artifacts and historical themes tied to Birmingham’s past. Call 205-933-1409 for more.

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

**SNAKE AND THE RABBIT, SCOTT IVEY AND NOAH MAC at The Nick.

**CAMGIRL WITH DRAG NIGHT at The Nick.

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

**2025 TOI ANNUAL CONCERT FUNDRAISER at Saturn.

**BILLY WAYNE DAVIS at the Upstairs Comedy Series at Avondale Brewing Co.

**HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD at Iron City.

**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…MAY 16

IT IS Friday…the weekend starts…

**YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE, 6 p.m. at Legion Field Stadium for boys and girls ages 5-12.  It is a 6-week season with games played on Fridays for regular season and playoff games. For more information call 205-254-2391.

**ZOMBIE: FRIZZI 2 FULCI – COMPOSER’S CUT LIVE at Saturn.

**FREE: ZOMBIE RAVE With RADISH & BLUPRINT at Saturn.

**BO LEE & FOXHOUND STRING BAND at the Nick.

**LATE NIGHT FRIDAYS with ZEN FORCE at The Nick Rocks.

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

SATURDAY, MAY 17…

**HARMONY & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Arlington Historic House. FREE, with food, massages, fitness classes, wellness activities and games for the family.  There will be vendors, health and beauty giveaways and a farmer’s market in District 6.

**BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS TOURS FOR MEMBERS ONLY in the Japanese Garden with Julia Adams at 10 a.m., Bruno Vegetable Garden with Katelyn Bahr at 11 a.m. and Kaul Wildflower Garden with Keith Turney at Noon.

**TK3 FOUNDATION 2nd ANNUAL YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP, registration at 8:45 p.m., event is from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for ages 6-14.  Must bring cleats and running shoes. FREE.

**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.

**PYNK BEARD at Avondale Park, 5-6 p.m. FREE

**Q DOT, JAXXON & FRIENDS at The Nick.

**LATE NIGHT at The Nick with R.1Y.T.

**THE MIDNIGHT EFFECT: PROM OF DOOM at Saturn.

**THE MOLLY RINGWALDS at the Avondale Brewing Co.

SUNDAY, MAY 18…

**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.

**SAM FRAMPTON with SKYLER DAVIS at The Nick.

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

**ROCK FOR your RIGHTS benefitting BIRMINGHAM INDIVISIBLE with JASON GRUBBS, THE AMAZING LIVE SEA MONKEYS, EARTH TO ALICE, ABUSEMENTS and BLOOD MOON RIOT at Saturn.

MONDAY, MAY 19…

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

**THE MOTH BIRMINGHAM STORYSLAM: ONLY IN BIRMINGHAM.

TUESDAY, MAY 20…

**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.

**SARAH AND THE SUNDAYS with RAT TALLY at Saturn.

WEDNESDAY…, MAY 21

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

**EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT with SUNDROP at The Nick.

**ENEMY OF FATE, BITTER ROUTE, SLXCK SHEEP and COLD PROMISE at The Nick

**TVS OF TERROR presents STAFF PICKS 2025 (FREE) ‘TREMORS’ at Saturn.

NEXT THURSDAY, MAY 22…

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

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

**SEVERED SUN, THE JAKE DIAL BAND, ZERO DARK THIRTY & KARKAZA at The Nick.

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

**(FREE) OFFICIAL SUN RA DAY AFTERPARTY at Saturn.

NEXT FRIDAY, MAY 23….

**(FREE) SUN RA IN THE MAGIC CITY at Saturn.

**PARTY ICONIC presents: HOT TO GO at Saturn.

**SUN RA FEST featuring THE SUN RA ARKESTRA at the Nick.

**MINI KISS at Iron City.

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

SUN RA FESTIVAL May 21 – 24 is where you want to be Wednesday through Saturday.

**WEDNESDAY – Sidewalk Cinema and Southern Music Center presents: SPACE IS THE PLACE + SUN RA Film, 7 p.m. ALSO, House of Found Objects After Party at 10 p.m.

**THURSDAY – Seasick Records Albums + Poster signing at 12 p.m., Educational Program at Saturn, Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame presents: SUN RA DAY CELEBRATION featuring Sun Ra’s Arkestra Lie at the Carver Theatre + Cassandra Griffen Photo Exhibit, and the Saturn After Party featuring Vishnu, Davis and Haleigh at 10:30 p.m.

**FRIDAY – Educational Program, The Nick presents: AN EVENING WITH THE ARKESTRA and the Elysian Gardens After Party, 9:30 p.m.

**SATURDAY – East Village Arts Presents: Craig Legg’s ARK IN TOWN: PAINTINGS OF SUN RA ARKESTRA PAST AND PRESENT Exhibit + Sun Ra Art Collective + Moon Stew Pot Luck Lunch + DJ sets by The Audiovore and The Shire Shot ( DJ SUAZE and DJ RAHDU) (NOTE: Things may change due to weather, etc.)  For more, contact 205-880-7381 Ext 3. At the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

FOR LOVERS OF GOLF…

**TODAY through SUNDAY – REGIONS TRADITION is one of the Top Golf destinations in Alabama at the Greystone Golf & Country Club.. Gates Open TODAY and Friday at 9 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. Free admission for kids 15 and under with a ticketed adult as well as all active/retired military personnel with ID. (Courtesy of Alabama Power). The Coca-Cola Spectator Village (Driving Range): Coca-Cola Pavilion, UAB Medicine Family Comfort Station and the Merchandise Shop are open to the public. White Claw Watering Hole at Hole 10: Meiomi Wine Lounge, White Claw Wave Bar and Cutter’s Cigar Courtyard are open to the public. And of course there will be a variety of concessions and food trucks. When it comes to parking visit regionstradition.com/parking get shuttle times, etc.

**TODAY – COCA-COLA LADIES LONG DRIVE CONTEST, 5 – 6:15 p.m.

**FRIDAY – FOLDS OF HONOR FRIDAY presented by Alabama Power at the #1 tee for the Folds of Honor Friday. Sing the National Anthem before the pros tee off.

SATURDAY – MONSTERS OF YACHT is performing at t4 p.m. inside the Coca-Cola Pavilion in the Coca-Cola Spectator Village.

**SUNDAY – AWARDS CEREMONY on the 18th Green immediately following the play. 

MUSIC AND MORE IN MAY…

**THIS SATURDAY – BIRMINGHAM FOLK FESTIVAL at Avondale Park with a great lineup including: – Jackson-Olin HS Band (11-11:30 a.m.), SAHION KO DJONY (11:30-Noon), THE CHAD FISHER GROUP (Noon – 1 p.m.), CURLEY TAYLOR and ZYDECO TROUBLE (1-2 p.m.), KYSHONA (2-3 p.m.), FIRETOWN BLUEGRASS (3-4 p.m.), ALBERT WHITE with SUGAR HARP BURROUGHS (4-5 p.m.), PYNK BEARD (5-6 p.m.) and THE SECRET SISTERS (6-7 p.m.)   FREE!!!

**MAY 24 – CIQUARS AND SUNDRESSES, 4- 9 p.m.

**MAY 30 – STEVIE WONDER TRIBUTE at Jazzi’s on 3rd Music Gallery – The Listening Room…Unplugged with the captivating artistry of BYRON THOMAS and the smooth sultry sounds of ECLECTIC SOUL.

**MAY 30 – ONE NIGHT LIVE with ELLIE WILLIAMS, SOFIA LAFUENTE and FARAYI MAKEK at the Woodlawn Theatre.

**MAY 31 – ANITA BAKER TRIBUTE at Jazzi’s on 3rd Music Gallery – The Listening Room…Unplugged with the captivating artistry of BYRON THOMAS and the smooth sultry sounds of ECLECTIC SOUL.

**MAY 31 – SNEAKER BALL, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. at City Club, with SAXOPHONIST KIMBERLYE MCKINNEY and DJ CHRIS COLEMAN at 9 p.m. For more: cityclubsneakerball25.eventbrite.com. This is a “S.A.V.O.I.R F.A.I.R.E” Event!!

THINGS TO DO FOR AND WITH OUR YOUTH… IF YOU LOVE SPORTS plus, then here you go SPORTS LOVERS. Read on…

FOR SPORTS AND FISHING FUN FOR ALL…

**JUNE 7 – FISHING RODEO at East Lake Park, 8101 4th Avenue North, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. for all ages with tons of giveaways, food trucks & vendors and family friendly fun. Catch the Big One. There will be live bait. Get out and cast your line and reel. Spend the day with Councilor Hunter Williams and the Birmingham Park & Recreation.

**JUNE 7 – STARLING THOMAS FREE COMMUNITY FUN DAY at Ramsay High School, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. with drills, food, music, haircuts, games and more. FREE All ages are welcome so bring your folding chairs. Pre-register for free shirt and to participate in football drills. Dunk Starling and Win a Prize!

**KIDS SUMMER CAMP has two sessions – Session 1 – June 9-27 and Session 2 – July 7-25. Cost is $150 per session. Registration fee is $50. The ages are 5-12. The hours are 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Aftercare is $50 from 3 – 6 p.m.  The Drop Off time is 7:30 a.m. There will be learning programs, arts, crafts, sports & adventure with indoor and outdoor activities. Camps are in Central Park, Ensley, East Pinson Valley, Fountain Heights, Don Hawkins, Inglenook, M.L. King, McAlpine and Memorial Parks. Call Birmingham Park and Recreation Facilities at 205-254-2391 for more.

**JUNE 9 – AUGUST 1 – CAMP BRILLIANCE, 7:15 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. for ages 3-13 at Metropolitan Zion AME Church, 1530 4th Avenue North. There with be math & reading tutoring, arts & crafts, character development, science experiments and weekly field trips. For registration, contact Ms. Bolden at 205-587-5183 or 205-305-1719, or email brilliant.kids@aol.com.

FOR THE YOUNG MEN…

THE MAN PROJECTS MENTORING PROGRAM is mentoring young males…Here are two things to consider…

FOR OUTDOORS SURVIVAL SKILLS AND TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES…

**JUNE 20-22 – ALL MALE MENTORING CAMPING TRIP at Oak Mountain State Park with archery, canoeing, tug of war, swimming, fishing and hiking. $10

FOR FILM LOVERS…

AT SIDEWALK CINEMA…

COMING IN JUNE…

**JUNE 21 – DOMINIQUE POSEY at the Encore Theatre and Gallery.  Dominique will bring the smooth sounds of Soulful Standards to Birmingham. 

GRADUATION NEWS…

**LAWSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE had its graduation recently and shared a few of the graduates and the programs with a few success stories. Here is just a little…

*ZOIE HALL (Center Point HS) and MIRIAN MARGARITO-BIBIANO (Pinson Valley HS) are dual enrollment students earning a Lawson State associate degree before receiving the HS diploma.

*CERITA TYSON earned a degree in computer science 50+ years after starting her college journey.

*KADIATOU DIALLO earned a computer science degree while looking ahead to the fall semester where she will continue her software mutation testing.

*DEIRDRE JONES is pursuing her passion of helping others with cardiac nursing after years of work in accounting and finance.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE GRADUATES EVERYWHERE!!! CONGRATULATIONS TAMIA BRYANT ON YOUR GRADUATE DEGREE ‘AND’ CERTIFICATE!  WISHING YOU THE VERY BEST!!!

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.

 

An Uncomfortable Truth

By
Birmingham Times
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Mother’s Day is set aside to celebrate the women who knew us first – our mothers. They brought us into this world, and for that, they deserve the highest honor and gratitude (and our fathers too).

But what about those who don’t have the warm and fuzzies surrounding their mothers, parents, families? What about those who cringe at the thought of having to “spend time” with their parents during the holidays? And I don’t need to write a thesis for you to understand why some feel this way.

We know that not all children have good relationships with their mothers. And like it or not, we know that not all mothers (or fathers) respectfully, or properly, nurtured their children. We don’t like to speak about it in our communities, but we see the fruit of it everywhere – children who were abandoned, abused, neglected and degraded verbally or physically. Those children grow up and carry the sting of that rejection, hurt and anger.

And that seed grows and transmutes in a number of ways into their relationships and experiences, unless counseling or coaching is sought to stop the negative spiral. For those who identify with this experience, then this column is dedicated to you.

Not everyone had the perfect parental guidance or upbringing. And you should know that you are by no means alone. Statistics show up to 80-percent of families in America are dysfunctional. That’s right — 80 percent.

So most people you know had some type of “crazy” going on at home (maybe you can’t say it, but I will). So if you’re in that percentage, then you’re in a group with many others. But rather than allow your negative maternal or paternal experience of yesterday or today to hold you hostage, I want to share three ways to properly grieve that loss and usher in healing for a brighter day.

First, stop denying your mother (or father for that matter) abused, mistreated, mishandled or neglected you. I seriously believe truth is the root of all healing. It may hurt to see the truth, but I can assure you if you don’t acknowledge it, it will continue to hinder your current relationships.

Second, after you accept your reality, make a plan to heal. Your plan will not look like anyone else’s. That would look like talking to a counselor or coach, taking an online course or attending classes on the subject matter. Healing requires more than lip service, it requires intentional action on your part.

Third, purpose to forgive them for past deeds. Yes, I know it’s hard, but forgiveness gives grace for misdeeds. And I’ve determined that we all need this type of grace. And let me also say, my heart goes out to you if you didn’t have the nurturing support of your parents.

But the beautiful thing is, they gave you and I the best gift that we’ll ever receive — life.

As always, I’m cheering for you and you can reach out directly to me at keisasharpe@yahoo.com. And make sure you visit our website www.keisasharpe.info for current events like our Upscale Single Mixer coming up on May 30.

Riding Lawnmowers Safely

By
Birmingham Times
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As we continue our lawn care safety series, the ever-popular riding lawnmowers must be included. Last week we reviewed overall lawnmower safety and in addition we focused on safety tips for walk-behind rotary mowers.

From 2008 to 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimate that 35,000 consumers injuries related to riding mower incidents were treated annually in hospital emergency rooms (CPSC,2012). Most fatalities involved a machine rolling over or running over someone or a person being thrown from or falling off the mower.

Therefore, one of the first safety rules is do not leave the keys in your mower. It seems obvious, but leaving the keys in your lawnmower, if it has a key start, is asking for trouble. It is like a personal invitation for a child because what child does not love to sit on a mower and pretend, they are driving it. By leaving the key in it, you are inviting them too actually do just that.

One of the first safety rules is do not leave the keys in your mower. (Adobe Stock)

Another safety rule is to remove the spark plug before working on the blade. It too may sound a little obvious, but always remove the lawnmower spark plug when working on the blade. If the piston happens to be at the top of the compression stroke, a little bump might force the piston over the “hump” and into the power stroke. This could potentially cause the blade to lurch forward, possible whacking your hand in the process.

Know which way to mow when you are mowing on an incline is another important safety rule. If you are mowing with a riding lawnmower, mow up and down the slope to reduce the risk of a rollover incident. A rollover incident refers to the type of occurrence that happens when the operator does not look behind the mower when backing up on a riding lawnmower and accidentally runs over a child or a pet.

Other safety rules for riding lawnmowers are:

  • Do not allow extra riders on a mower (even if you are not mowing).
  • Never leave a running mower unattended.
  • Start the mower outside or in a well-ventilated garage area to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide gas buildup.
  • Always allow the mower to cool before refueling it to reduce the risk of a flash fire. Most mowers are fueled by gasoline, which is highly explosive and flammable. If you accidentally spill gasoline when refueling, quickly and carefully wipe up the fuel. Burns may occur if one carelessly refuels when an engine is hot.
  • Beautiful lawns enhance any home or building, but achieving this beautiful lawn does have some safety risks so Keeping an Eye on Safety is always crucial.

“This bill does not protect our communities. It destroys jobs and hurts local businesses. This is economic sabotage.”

By
Birmingham Times
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0

BIRMINGHAM MAYOR RANDALL WOODFIN ON HOUSE BILL445 THAT GIVES THE ALABAMA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) BOARD AUTHORITY OVER CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS; WBRC, MAY 10.

Birmingham Mayor, City Council Add Familiar Names to Newly Formed Regional Water Board

By
Birmingham Times
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The Birmingham Water Works Board. (File photo)

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

Sheila Tyson, Jefferson County Commissioner and Jarvis Patton, aide to former Birmingham Mayor William Bell, were named to Birmingham Water Works Board on Tuesday as the utility enters a future that could be determined in a courtroom.

Jefferson County Commissioner Shelia Tyson (File)

The City of Birmingham is still legally challenging a state law that took effect May 7 that regionalizes the BWWB, but that has not stopped new members from being named by various appointing authorities.

The City Council named Tyson as its representative to the board while Mayor Randall Woodfin named Patton, a former aide to previous Birmingham Mayor William Bell, as his pick.

Tyson said in a statement late Tuesday that, “I have always fought for the citizens and this time will be no different. With this appointment, ratepayers can rest assured, I will be your voice and make decisions with you in mind. Just as I have in the past.”

Jarvis Patton

Meanwhile Patton told AL.com that it would be “an honor” to serve on the board.

“To me it is both and honor and privilege to be asked to serve, and that the system has enabled me to turn to the political arena when I can be of benefit to the citizens of Birmingham,” said Patton, who worked for former Birmingham Mayor William Bell.

Last week, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law legislation that re-shapes the Birmingham Water Works Board and takes it out of majority control of the City of Birmingham.

The new law regionalizes the BWWB and would give more power to suburban areas, creating a seven-member authority dominated by appointees from outside the city of Birmingham and reducing the city’s seats to two.

Birmingham had controlled six of the nine seats on the former board.

The city filed a lawsuit against Ivey on May 6 asking her not to sign the bill into law. She did anyway, but City Council President Darrell O’Quinn said he still expects a hearing in federal court on Thursday.

Chief U.S. District Judge Emily C. Marks set a hearing for May 15 on the request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.

With appointing authorities naming their representatives the new regional BWWB is now fully assembled a day before its first planned meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

In addition to Tyson and Patton, the seven-member board will include:

  • Jeffery Brumlow, an attorney and former county commissioner, appointed by The Shelby County Commission
  • Thomas C. Hudson Jr. of Mountain Brook, appointed by Ivey
  • Bill Morris, general manager of Leeds Water Works, appointed by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth
  • State Rep. David Standridge, a retired police captain, appointed by Blount County
  • Phillip R. Wiedmeyer, a retired Alabama Power engineer, appointed by Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens

Breaking Down Barriers to Help More Black Men Achieve Home Ownership

By
Birmingham Times
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Realtor Justin Williams, co-team leader at Keller Williams Vestavia, speaks during a panel discussion. (Keisa Sharpe, For The Birmingham Times)

By Keisa Sharpe | For The Birmingham Times

It’s not only a slogan, it’s a movement.

The Black Men Buy Houses tour came to Birmingham Saturday, May 10, hosted at Innovation Depot and their goal is simple — help Black men purchase homes.

Kevan Shelton, Black Men Buy Houses. (Keisa Sharpe, For The Birmingham Times)

Kevan and Ayesha Shelton launched Black Men Buy Houses to help lessen the gap between women and men in Black home ownership.

“Black men often face challenges when purchasing homes, stemming from limited information about the process and financial resources, which can hinder their ability to secure funds for down payments, credit, and closing costs. Our initiative’s objective is to break down these barriers, enabling more Black men to achieve the dream of home ownership,” the Sheltons have said.

As part of Birmingham Small Business Week on Saturday, Kevan shared a personal experience in real estate fueled his desire to help other men. At age19, he had the chance to buy a home at an affordable price, he said.

“In the neighborhood that I grew up in in Houston, I had the opportunity to buy a house (a fixer-upper) for $9,000, and, even with that opportunity I couldn’t figure it out (how to purchase the home),” he recalled.

And because he “couldn’t figure it out” (Shelton said he didn’t know where he’d get the money nor did he understand how to fix up the home) and he “didn’t know what to ask” he lost out on that investment.

“My aunt told me that my uncle was willing to loan me the $1,000 down payment and he was just waiting for me to ask, but I never did,” said Shelton.

It’s a memory that haunts him to this day, he said, especially since that $9,000 house has increased significantly in value. “The dirt alone is now worth $2,000,” he said.

It’s an opportunity he’d gladly take advantage of if he ever sees it again, he said.

Realtor Justin Williams, co-team leader at Keller Williams Vestavia, who served as a guest for one of the panel discussions, said buying a home can be part of anyone’s wealth-building puzzle and the necessity of real estate makes it an easy asset to add to anyone’s portfolio.

“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need a place to lay their head, so (owning) real estate gives us something that we need on a day-to-day basis,” he said.

Darrell Forte, 26, a Birmingham resident, who was a guest at the workshop, grew up on the West side of Birmingham, and said he hopes to make a major investment in buying his first home soon.

“It’s a unique opportunity for Black men to look at purchasing homes,” he said. “Statistically Black men are not always at the top of the list for buying homes. Attending this workshop was an opportunity to gain some knowledge and take my first step toward buying a home.”

The Black Men Buy Houses tour — with a goal of helping more Black men own homes — has also included stops in Atlanta and Houston, which is where the tour originated and where the Sheltons reside.

Follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/blackmenbuyhouses/.

‘I Should Have Known Something … [He] Got on One Knee, Pulled Out a Ring and Asked Me to Marry Him’

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

ANITA AND FLOYD PATTON

Live: Trussville

Married: Aug. 6, 1988

Met: Summer 1983, at Floyd’s grandmother’s home in Norwood. Their church was holding a tent meeting outside the apartment building, which is where Anita’s sister lived. Anita was also best friends with Floyd’s aunt, Susan.

“I was young. I might’ve been about 16, and my parents were very strict so I couldn’t have boyfriends, but I called myself sneaking and dating Floyd,” Anita said. “And my sister lived in the same apartments as Floyd’s grandmother and aunt, so I would ask to spend the night over there so I could see him because we called ourselves going together.” Despite Anita’s efforts to see Floyd they were too few and far in between for him.

“He broke up with me because I could never see him…,” recalled Anita. “I was raised Apostolic Pentecostal, and my daddy did not play. Anytime we would be on the phone my daddy would unplug it,” she said, “so, he broke up with me and that broke my heart, but my sister said, ‘if you love something, set it free and if it comes back it’s yours, and it it doesn’t it never was.’”

A few years passed but Anita, who was now allowed to date, had a grudge against Floyd for breaking her heart. Around the same time, his family survived a house fire, and Susan, Floyd’s aunt and her best friend, encouraged Anita to offer support. “I didn’t, I was still mad, and a few weeks later I saw him broken down on the side of the highway [and didn’t stop to help]. I slowed down enough to make sure he saw me, but I passed him right on by,” she said.

“I used to buy or pick up busted cars and flip them and sell them, and I was test driving a car I was working on and it broke down, so when I saw her pass me by, I wasn’t thinking about it, I was trying to get that car off the highway,” Floyd said.

After that, Floyd started calling Anita’s house hoping to reconcile. “I was ignoring his calls, but afterwhile, my mom said I need to call him back and see what he was talking about. I did, and I told him if he really wanted to see me, he had to come to church,” said Anita.

“When she said I had to come to church [at Greater Emmanuel Temple Holiness Church], it wasn’t a problem; I told her I would come and I did,” said Floyd.

First date: At Anita’s parents’ home in Bush Hills Ensley. Although Anita was 18, her parents were still strict.

“Her mama had left and went to a missionary meeting at the church, and when she came in the house and saw my arm around Anita’s shoulders, she snatched my arm down so hard she [nearly] broke it; I should have called the police right then,” Floyd said. “I went through a lot to date Anita.”

Before her mother came home, Anita said the night was going well. “We sat there and looked at movies, and I had three brothers under me and they weren’t used to me having company so they kept on [patrolling] but I didn’t pay them any mind, I was just happy Floyd was there,” Anita said.

The turn: In 1986 after Floyd got baptized at Anita’s home church, Greater Emmanuel Temple Holiness Church in Birmingham. That step made her parents more comfortable with them dating. “My daddy asked him what his intentions were, and he told him that he knew he was going to marry me. And that’s when I started taking him more seriously too,” Anita said.

For Floyd, it was once he joined the church. “She started inviting me over to their house to eat dinner, and she fixed me a plate, and her daddy came home and asked me if I bought any groceries,” said Floyd. “But I’ve always been the type of person to go after what I want. I had my mind set on it and I was going to marry her no matter what.”

The proposal: Christmas 1986, at Anita’s parents’ home in Bush Hills, Ensley. Anita recalls her gifts from him: “He bought me a flat screen TV, and I thought that was it, but I should have known something because my daddy was standing around watching. And then, Floyd got on one knee and pulled out a ring and asked me to marry him, and before I could say ‘yes,’ my brothers came in the room hollering ‘yes’, because they were ready for me to go,” Anita laughed.

“It [the proposal] went pretty smoothly, but I kind of felt a little funny because [my brothers] were peeping around the corner and everybody was jumping up and down excited because she was [going to be] leaving the house and that made me wonder what I had gotten myself into,” Floyd said. “But I couldn’t back out, I gave her the ring, but I didn’t know what to think. And when we went out to eat to celebrate, her mama said, ‘you don’t know what you got yourself into, are you sure?’ and that’s the one time I think I lied because I said ‘yes’ … But, I was ready to get out the streets and raise a family.”

Anita and Floyd Patton met in 1983 at Floyd’s grandmother’s home. The couple married in 1988. (Provided Photos)

The wedding: At Greater Emmanuel, officiated by its pastor, Bishop Jose Perry. Their colors were fuchsia and white.

Most memorable for the bride was, “the amount of people that were there, it was almost standing room only … at the time, I was working for UAB and I had invited a lot of people but you never really know if they’re going to show, and we ended up having a nice big crowd.”

Most memorable for the groom was cutting the cake at the reception. “…that was the best part, and it was also a nice picture,” he said.

For the honeymoon, they spent a few nights at a hotel on U.S. 31 in Vestavia Hills. “It was an amazing consummation, that night was everything that I dreamed it would be,” Anita said.

Words of wisdom: “Take pictures, travel, and do things together, it helps keep the marriage strong. And when you can look back at the pictures and relive those memories it’s a wonderful thing,” said Floyd.

“Stay in the fight. We’re in a society now where people don’t want to fight for marriages anymore. Even if you gotta go to another room, don’t leave your home. My parents told me and all my siblings when we got married. ‘We have an open door, but not a revolving door. Don’t come running back here every time you get mad, you stay home and you talk and work it out.’,” Anita said. “So, stay in the fight and communicate, your spouse can’t read your mind and you can’t read theirs. Be each other’s best friend and confidant and be there to protect each other.”

Happily ever after: The Pattons have three adult daughters, Jameria, Jamecia, and Jamiyah Patton ages 32-23, and three grandchildren: Journee, K’ior, and Kenzo.

Anita, 57, is a Bush Hills [Ensley] native, and Ensley Magnet High School grad. She attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham [UAB] where she earned a certification in Data Entry Clerical. Anita works for the Birmingham Police Department as a latent fingerprint examiner.

Floyd, 60, is a Norwood native, a Phillips High School grad, and retired after 27 years from Birmingham Water Works in 2019 as a utility truck driver.

“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

City of Birmingham Invites Community to Help Shape Climate Action Plan

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Birmingham Times
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The City of Birmingham has released the draft Central Alabama Climate Action Plan (CACAP), marking Alabama’s first regional plan focused on reducing climate pollution. (City of Birmingham)
birminghamal.gov

The City of Birmingham is inviting residents and community members from across central Alabama to make their voices heard in addressing climate and environmental challenges affecting our region.

Spanning Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties, this initiative aims to identify priorities for mitigating the impacts of climate change and guiding local governments in their efforts to reduce pollution and enhance resilience.

The first of several community engagement meetings will take place today, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Homewood Public Library, located at 1721 Oxmoor Road.

“With floods, droughts, extreme heat, tornadoes, and wildfires, the Central Alabama region is witnessing the undeniable impacts of climate change,” said Sherry-Lea Bloodworth Botop, the city’s Chief Resilience and Sustainability Officer. “These changes directly affect our quality of life, economic prosperity, and public health. Recognizing the urgency of action, we are committed to preparing for and responding to these evolving conditions to safeguard our communities for generations to come.”

The city’s Central Alabama Climate Action Plan team is spearheading the development of a comprehensive Plan to address both current and future climate challenges. This Plan serves as a strategic roadmap with the goal of achieving significant greenhouse gas reductions by 2050. Our vision is to ensure the region continues to thrive as a vibrant and sustainable area for all.

Community engagement is at the heart of this initiative. To ensure that the voices of Central Alabama residents are heard and integrated, the public is invited to participate in upcoming Community Engagement Meetings this May. These meetings are a vital opportunity for community members to contribute to the Climate Action Plan, share their thoughts, and help shape the future of our region.

The team is also conducting a survey to gather community feedback. The survey serves as a critical opportunity for residents across Central Alabama to share their perspectives on the strategies and actions needed to combat climate change. To show appreciation for participation, those who complete the survey will have the chance to enter their email address for a $50 gift card drawing.

Join in this critical effort to combat climate change and build a legacy of sustainability for ourselves and future generations. For additional details about the Plan, meeting information, and the survey, please visit the Central Alabama Climate Action Plan website at https://centralalabamaclimate.com/.

NBA Hall of Famer Shows Love for Alabama State; Announces Plans To Become College Professor

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Birmingham Times
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NBA Hall of Famer and “Inside The NBA” television personality Shaquille O’Neal recently showed love to Alabama State University. (File)

By Daniel Johnson | blackenterprise.com

NBA Hall of Famer and “Inside The NBA” television personality Shaquille O’Neal showed love to Alabama State University through a wardrobe choice and an announcement of his future plans on the May 8 broadcast of the show.

According to Sports Illustrated, in addition to wearing the bold black and gold of Alabama State University and flashing a “Que Dawg” salute, O’Neal hinted that he would leave the studio in two years after he becomes a college professor after concluding his studies at Alabama State University.

Shaq shows some love to Alabama State University. (Shaq, X)

After Ernie Johnson asked O’Neal why he was wearing the ASU gear, he replied, “From now (on) I would like to be addressed as Professor O’Neal, because when I graduate in two years, I will leave you and become a college professor on mentorship and business administration. I love you.”

O’Neal recently opened up about his connection to HBCUs more broadly during an episode of his podcast, “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” after an HBCU student asked him what he does to support HBCUs.

“I always supported. It was an HBCU that helped me graduate from LSU. A lot of people don’t know the story, but I had to transfer to Southern for summer school. So it, I mean, I’ve always been a big supporter,” O’Neal said.

He continued, “Going there, the flavor, the feeling—like, sometimes I sit and I say, ‘Man, I wish I would’ve went to an HBCU. Because I went to the HBCU tournament when it was in Atlanta a couple weeks ago. And the DJs, the culture, the band, the cheerleaders—it’s just fun. And I’m a really big supporter of HBCUs.”

O’Neal’s son, Shaqir, has been intentional about playing at HBCUs, first enrolling at Texas Southern University out of high school in 2021, intending to “change the narrative” regarding the basketball programs at HBCUs.

Shaqir would later transfer to Florida A&M University for the 2024-2025 basketball season, where he recorded his first double-double as a collegiate athlete. Shaqir recently transferred to Sacramento State, where he will join a basketball program that employs former Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby as its head coach and his father as its general manager.

According to The Athletic, O’Neal’s position is on a voluntary, unpaid basis, and he follows other NBA luminaries like Stephen Curry and Trae Young into the position, albeit the latter pair have a more personal connection to their positions, Davidson and the University of Oklahoma are the alma maters of Curry and Young, respectively.

The Bibby/O’Neal era is already paying dividends. Just one day after O’Neal was officially announced as the general manager, the program signed former four-star prospect Mikey Williams. Despite Williams’ troubled past, which included nine felony gun charges stemming from a 2023 shooting near his home in San Diego, he is still a big splash for the university.

As O’Neal said in a statement to The Athletic, he sees his job as preparing young men to face life more than he sees it as raising championship banners and trophies. “This is about more than banners and trophies, but preparing these student-athletes for life on and off the court,” O’Neal said.

‘It’s Going to be Beautiful’: Residents Get Peek Inside Birmingham’s New Coca-Cola Amphitheater

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Birmingham Times
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The construction of the Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Birmingham is nearing completion ahead of the June 22, 2025 opening. (Tamika Moore, AL.com)

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

Edward Eaton can’t wait to welcome his new neighbor “with open arms,” he said.

Eaton, vice-president of the Druid Hills Neighborhood Association along with residents, got their first look at the $46 million Coca-Cola Amphitheater, which is nearing completion and opens next month not far from where they live.

“It’s going to be beautiful,” said Eaton, who got a walk-through last Thursday. “[Developers] seem to have a real good plan. So far, so good.”

The amphitheater, in the Druid Hills community, will have a capacity of 9,380 for its festivals, concerts and community events and is slated to have its first show June 22.

The project is a joint effort between the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), the city of Birmingham, Jefferson County and Live Nation.

Eaton said he is pleased with how project organizers worked with residents. There was concern about how parking would impact streets and personal yards as well as the noise and acoustics when the concerts begin, he said.

The construction of the Coca-Cola Amphitheater is nearing completion. (Tamika Moore, AL.com)

“Anything we’re brought up they’ve addressed it so far,” he said. “Lighting, parking, we don’t want anybody blocking driveways — and getting sidewalks repaired. They seem to have a real good plan.”

Shuttles will run from the Uptown Entertainment District, so BJCC parking decks can be used for amphitheater parking. Two other parking decks near the amphitheater on the former Carraway campus could be ready next year.

On show days, one of the streets bordering the Coca Cola Amphitheater, 25th Street, will close to provide pedestrian safety at the main entrance. A free trolley service will run several blocks from popular hotels and restaurant destinations to the venue. The on-site parking plan is still being finalized, construction staff said.

The amphitheater, which is a short walk from Eaton’s Druid Hills neighborhood, is part of the Star Uptown redevelopment of the Carraway hospital site, which has been idle for 15 years.

The new entertainment venue has 31 planned shows for 2025, which could bring 220,000 visitors to the venue throughout the year, according to some estimates.

Jay Wilson, who oversees concerts for Live Nation in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, pointed out that the amphitheater is on the former campus of the demolished former Carraway Methodist Medical Center.

“It used to be the state’s No. 1 trauma center,” said Wilson. “Now it’s going to be the state’s No. 1 place to rock and roll.”

The Dave Matthews Band is scheduled to play on June 24, after a June 22 show by comedian Matt Rife.

The Coca-Cola Amphitheater will open June 22. (Tamika Moore, AL.com)
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