Home Blog Page 97

February 6, 2025

0
By multiple measures, the Birmingham area has seen dramatic declines in unemployment since the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

_____________________________

 

Employment

____________________________

 

 

Lead Painter

 

BJCC, is recruiting for a 1) 1. Lead Painter for information & to apply visit https://www.bjcc.org/jobs/ or send resume to careers@bjcc.org /fax resume 205-458-8530.

 

BT02/6/2025

 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

 

______________________________

 

LEGAL

 

______________________________

 

 

 

CASE NO. CV-2024-905112.00

 

THE BIRMINGHAM LAND BANK AUTHORITY, a Public Corporation,

 

NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING BY PUBLICATION

TO:      LEONARD HUTCHINSON, individually and as heir of TERESA M. HUTCHINSON; REGIONS BANK, as successor to UNION PLANTERS BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; J.T. SMALLWOOD, JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR; JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA; CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; and any and all other unknown heirs, claimants or interested parties claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described herein,

TAKE NOTICE that on December 16, 2024, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority filed the above-styled Complaint, and the Land Bank asserts that it has recorded notice of a pending quiet title and foreclosure action in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama concerning the rights and/or interests in the following real property:

 

Property Address:       7332 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35206

 

Tax Parcel ID No.:      01-23-00-15-1-025-008.000

 

Legal Description:      Lot 9, Block 54, map and survey of East Lake, Map Book 1, Page 217, in the Probate Office of Jefferson County, Alabama, situated in Jefferson County, Alabama (It appears said legal is the same as that certain legal described in Instrument No. 2020086391 as follows: LOT 9 BLK 54 EAST LAKE)

 

ANY PERSON WITH A PROPERTY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE PROPERTY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEY MAY LOSE SUCH INTEREST, IF ANY, AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED QUIET TITLE AND FORECLOSURE ACTION. The final hearing on this quiet title and foreclosure action is hereby set for March 21, 2025, in Room 340, Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama at 9:00 A.M. The judgment of the Court may result in title to the property vesting in the Birmingham Land Bank Authority. Any person who proves to the Court’s satisfaction a right to redeem the property pursuant to Alabama Code §§ 40-10-73 (1975) et seq. or Alabama Code §§ 40-10-83 (1975) et seq. may redeem the property pursuant to those statutes within five (5) days after the appropriate Order on Final Hearing is issued. FAILURE TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY AND PRESENT PROOF OF REDEMPTION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN THE 5-DAY PERIOD MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.

 

The address of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority is City Hall, 710 North 20th St., Birmingham, AL 35203. The Birmingham Land Bank Authority may be contacted care of Cherokee W. Wooley, Law Offices of Thomas J. Skinner, IV, LLC, at (205) 802-2545.

 

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the undersigned Clerk of Court that publication of this notice be made once a week for three consecutive weeks in the Birmingham Times, a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Alabama, and that all persons to whom this notice is addressed and any and all persons claiming any title to, interest in, or lien or encumbrance on the above-described land or any part thereof are hereby directed to plead, answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint in this cause before the hearing date or a judgment by default may be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

 

 

BT02/6/2025

 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

 

CASE NO. CV-2024-905115.00

 

THE BIRMINGHAM LAND BANK AUTHORITY, a Public Corporation,

 

NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING BY PUBLICATION

TO:      GERALD L. TUCKER, MARLON L. TUCKER, and MARSETTA DEWITT TUCKER, as heirs of LLOYD TUCKER and EMMA TUCKER; BRIGHTON FUNERAL HOME SERVICES, INC. a/k/a BRIGHTON FUNERAL HOME, INC.; ALABAMA MEDICAID AGENCY; BATESVILLE CASKET COMPANY, LLC f/k/a BATESVILLE CASKET COMPANY, INC.; DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; U.S. ATTORNEY FOR NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA; STATE OF ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; J.T. SMALLWOOD, JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR; JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA; CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; and any and all other unknown heirs, claimants or interested parties claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described herein,

TAKE NOTICE that on December 16, 2024, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority filed the above-styled Complaint, and the Land Bank asserts that it has recorded notice of a pending quiet title and foreclosure action in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama concerning the rights and/or interests in the following real property:

 

Property Address:       408 Gamma Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35205

 

Tax Parcel ID No.:      01-29-00-02-3-020-017.000

 

Legal Description:      Lot 12, in Block 4, according to the survey of Elyton Highlands, as recorded in Map Book 8, Page 94, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Jefferson County, Alabama, situated in Jefferson County, Alabama (It appears said legal is the same as that certain legal described in Instrument No. 2017095426 as follows: LOT 12 BLK 4 ELYTON HGLDS)

 

ANY PERSON WITH A PROPERTY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE PROPERTY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEY MAY LOSE SUCH INTEREST, IF ANY, AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED QUIET TITLE AND FORECLOSURE ACTION. The final hearing on this quiet title and foreclosure action is hereby set for March 21, 2025, in Room 340, Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama at 9:00 A.M. The judgment of the Court may result in title to the property vesting in the Birmingham Land Bank Authority. Any person who proves to the Court’s satisfaction a right to redeem the property pursuant to Alabama Code §§ 40-10-73 (1975) et seq. or Alabama Code §§ 40-10-83 (1975) et seq. may redeem the property pursuant to those statutes within five (5) days after the appropriate Order on Final Hearing is issued. FAILURE TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY AND PRESENT PROOF OF REDEMPTION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN THE 5-DAY PERIOD MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.

 

The address of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority is City Hall, 710 North 20th St., Birmingham, AL 35203. The Birmingham Land Bank Authority may be contacted care of Cherokee W. Wooley, Law Offices of Thomas J. Skinner, IV, LLC, at (205) 802-2545.

 

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the undersigned Clerk of Court that publication of this notice be made once a week for three consecutive weeks in the Birmingham Times, a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Alabama, and that all persons to whom this notice is addressed and any and all persons claiming any title to, interest in, or lien or encumbrance on the above-described land or any part thereof are hereby directed to plead, answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint in this cause before the hearing date or a judgment by default may be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

 

 

 

BT02/6/2025

 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

CASE NO. CV-2024-905009

THE BIRMINGHAM LAND BANK AUTHORITY, a Public Corporation,

NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING BY PUBLICATION

TO:     VINCENT WASHINGTON; CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; J.T. SMALLWOOD, JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR; AND JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA, and any and all other unknown heirs, claimants or interested parties claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described herein,

 

TAKE NOTICE that on December 9, 2024, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority filed the above-styled Complaint and the Land Bank asserts that it has recorded notice of a pending quiet title and foreclosure action in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama concerning the rights and/or interests in the following real property:

 

Lot 18, in Block 2, according to the Resurvey of St. Marks Village, as recorded in Map Book 30, Page 30, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Jefferson County, Alabama, being situated in Jefferson County, Alabama.

 

It appears said legal is the same as that certain legal described in Instrument Number 2021124268 as follows: LOT 18 BLK 2 RESUBDIVISION OF BLKS 1 THRU 6 ST. MARK VILLAGE

 

and assigned Parcel ID No. 22-00-27-4-010-015.000

 

ANY PERSON WITH A PROPERTY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE PROPERTY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEY MAY LOSE SUCH INTEREST, IF ANY, AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED QUIET TITLE AND FORECLOSURE ACTION.  The final hearing on this quiet title and foreclosure action is hereby set for March 21, 2025, in Room 340, Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama at 9:00 a.m. The judgment of the Court may result in title to the property vesting in the Birmingham Land Bank Authority.  Any person who proves to the Court’s satisfaction a right to redeem the property pursuant to Alabama Code §§ 40-10-73 (1975) et seq. or Alabama Code §§ 40-10-83 (1975) et seq. may redeem the property pursuant to those statutes within five (5) days after the appropriate Order on Final Hearing is issued.  FAILURE TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY AND PRESENT PROOF OF REDEMPTION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN THE 5-DAY PERIOD MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.

 

The address of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority is City Hall, 710 North 20th St, Birmingham, AL 35203.  The Birmingham Land Bank Authority may be contacted care of Jake A. Kiser at (205) 918-5037.

 

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the undersigned Clerk of Court that publication of this notice be made once a week for three consecutive weeks in the Birmingham Times, a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Alabama, and that all persons to whom this notice is addressed and any and all persons claiming any title to, interest in, or lien or encumbrance on the above-described land or any part thereof are hereby directed to plead, answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint in this case before the hearing date or a judgment by default may be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

 

 

 

BT02/6/2025

 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

CASE NO. CV-2024-904175

THE BIRMINGHAM LAND BANK AUTHORITY, a Public Corporation,

NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING BY PUBLICATION

TO:     MILTON SHARPE; LISA YOUNG-SHARPE; CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; J.T. SMALLWOOD, JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR; AND JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA, and any and all other unknown heirs, claimants or interested parties claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described herein,

 

TAKE NOTICE that on October 18, 2024, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority filed the above-styled Complaint and the Land Bank asserts that it has recorded notice of a pending quiet title and foreclosure action in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama concerning the rights and/or interests in the following real property:

 

Lot 3, in Block C, according to Gallagher’s Map of West Highland-Addition to Pratt City, as recorded at Map Book 4, Page 74 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Jefferson County, Alabama (Birmingham Division).

 

It appears said legal is the same as that certain legal described in Instrument Number 2024057629 as follows: LOT 3 BLK C MARY E GALLAGHERS MAP OF WEST HIGHLAND ADD TO PRATT CITY

 

and assigned Parcel ID No. 22-00-19-3-001-100.000

 

ANY PERSON WITH A PROPERTY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE PROPERTY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEY MAY LOSE SUCH INTEREST, IF ANY, AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED QUIET TITLE AND FORECLOSURE ACTION.  The final hearing on this quiet title and foreclosure action is hereby set for March 21, 2025, in Room 340, Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama at 9:00 a.m. The judgment of the Court may result in title to the property vesting in the Birmingham Land Bank Authority.  Any person who proves to the Court’s satisfaction a right to redeem the property pursuant to Alabama Code §§ 40-10-73 (1975) et seq. or Alabama Code §§ 40-10-83 (1975) et seq. may redeem the property pursuant to those statutes within five (5) days after the appropriate Order on Final Hearing is issued.  FAILURE TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY AND PRESENT PROOF OF REDEMPTION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN THE 5-DAY PERIOD MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.

 

The address of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority is City Hall, 710 North 20th St, Birmingham, AL 35203.  The Birmingham Land Bank Authority may be contacted care of Jake A. Kiser at (205) 918-5037.

 

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the undersigned Clerk of Court that publication of this notice be made once a week for three consecutive weeks in the Birmingham Times, a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Alabama, and that all persons to whom this notice is addressed and any and all persons claiming any title to, interest in, or lien or encumbrance on the above-described land or any part thereof are hereby directed to plead, answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint in this case before the hearing date or a judgment by default may be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

 

 

 

BT02/6/2025

 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

CASE NO. CV-2024-904655

THE BIRMINGHAM LAND BANK AUTHORITY, a Public Corporation,

NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING BY PUBLICATION

 

TO:     ESTATE OF JAMES WALTON; REGINA B. WALTON; CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; J.T. SMALLWOOD, JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR; AND JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA, and any and all other unknown heirs, claimants or interested parties claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described herein,

 

TAKE NOTICE that on November 18, 2024, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority filed the above-styled Complaint and the Land Bank asserts that it has recorded notice of a pending quiet title and foreclosure action in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama concerning the rights and/or interests in the following real property:

 

Lots 3, 4 and 5, in Block E, according to Gallagher’s Map of West Highland Addition to Pratt City, as recorded in Map Book 4, Page 74 in the Probate Office of Jefferson County, Alabama.

 

It appears said legal is the same as that certain legal described in Instrument Number 2024057635 as follows: LOTS 3 & 4 & 5 BLK E MARY E GALLAGHERS MAP OF WEST HIGHLAND ADD TO PRATT CITY

 

and assigned Parcel ID No. 22-00-19-3-001-092.000

 

ANY PERSON WITH A PROPERTY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE PROPERTY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEY MAY LOSE SUCH INTEREST, IF ANY, AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED QUIET TITLE AND FORECLOSURE ACTION.  The final hearing on this quiet title and foreclosure action is hereby set for March 21, 2025, in Room 340, Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama at 9:00 a.m. The judgment of the Court may result in title to the property vesting in the Birmingham Land Bank Authority.  Any person who proves to the Court’s satisfaction a right to redeem the property pursuant to Alabama Code §§ 40-10-73 (1975) et seq. or Alabama Code §§ 40-10-83 (1975) et seq. may redeem the property pursuant to those statutes within five (5) days after the appropriate Order on Final Hearing is issued.  FAILURE TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY AND PRESENT PROOF OF REDEMPTION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN THE 5-DAY PERIOD MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.

 

The address of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority is City Hall, 710 North 20th St, Birmingham, AL 35203.  The Birmingham Land Bank Authority may be contacted care of Jake A. Kiser at (205) 918-5037.

 

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the undersigned Clerk of Court that publication of this notice be made once a week for three consecutive weeks in the Birmingham Times, a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Alabama, and that all persons to whom this notice is addressed and any and all persons claiming any title to, interest in, or lien or encumbrance on the above-described land or any part thereof are hereby directed to plead, answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint in this case before the hearing date or a judgment by default may be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

 

 

BT02/6/2025

 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

CASE NO. CV-2024-904563

THE BIRMINGHAM LAND BANK AUTHORITY, a Public Corporation,

NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING BY PUBLICATION

TO:     WAYNE HAWKINS; WA PROPERTIES I, LLC; VELOCITY INVESTMENTS, LLC; CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; J.T. SMALLWOOD, JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR; AND JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA, and any and all other unknown heirs, claimants or interested parties claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described herein,

 

TAKE NOTICE that on November 12, 2024, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority filed the above-styled Complaint and the Land Bank asserts that it has recorded notice of a pending quiet title and foreclosure action in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama concerning the rights and/or interests in the following real property:

 

Lots 22 and 23, in Block 1, according to the Map of Lucy E. Smith’s Resurvey of Block 7 of The Walker Land Company Addition as said map of said Resurvey is recorded in Map Book 10, at Page 117, in the Probate Office of Jefferson County, Alabama.

 

It appears said legal is the same as that certain legal described in Instrument Number 2021106006 as follows: LOTS 22 & 23 BLK 1 LUCY E SMITH SUB OF BLK 7 WALKER LD CO

 

and assigned Parcel ID No. 29-00-03-4-026-001.000

 

ANY PERSON WITH A PROPERTY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE PROPERTY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEY MAY LOSE SUCH INTEREST, IF ANY, AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED QUIET TITLE AND FORECLOSURE ACTION.  The final hearing on this quiet title and foreclosure action is hereby set for March 21, 2025, in Room 340, Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama at 9:00 a.m. The judgment of the Court may result in title to the property vesting in the Birmingham Land Bank Authority.  Any person who proves to the Court’s satisfaction a right to redeem the property pursuant to Alabama Code §§ 40-10-73 (1975) et seq. or Alabama Code §§ 40-10-83 (1975) et seq. may redeem the property pursuant to those statutes within five (5) days after the appropriate Order on Final Hearing is issued.  FAILURE TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY AND PRESENT PROOF OF REDEMPTION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN THE 5-DAY PERIOD MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.

 

The address of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority is City Hall, 710 North 20th St, Birmingham, AL 35203.  The Birmingham Land Bank Authority may be contacted care of Jake A. Kiser at (205) 918-5037.

 

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the undersigned Clerk of Court that publication of this notice be made once a week for three consecutive weeks in the Birmingham Times, a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Alabama, and that all persons to whom this notice is addressed and any and all persons claiming any title to, interest in, or lien or encumbrance on the above-described land or any part thereof are hereby directed to plead, answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint in this case before the hearing date or a judgment by default may be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

 

 

 

 

BT02/6/2025

 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

THE WATER WORKS BOARD OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM

 

 

 

WESTERN FILTER PLANT SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE CONVERSION, LIQUID LIME AND ELECTRICAL UPGRADES

 

Project Number: P.03696 Capital Budget Number: BP-658-20

 

 

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

 

Sealed Bids for the construction of the Western Filter Plant Sodium Hypochlorite Conversion, Liquid Lime and Electrical Upgrades will be received by The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham Engineering Department, Attn: Hattye McCarroll. P.E.; Chief Engineer, 3600 First Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35222 until 10:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday February 11, 2025. Bids received after said time will be rejected and returned unopened.

 

Construction of a new sodium hypochlorite

  1. New Bulk Sodium Hypochlorite Building
  2. Sodium Hypochlorite Storage Area with grated access platforms above containment area.
  3. Bulk sodium hypochlorite storage tanks, day tanks and access platforms.
  4. Removable skylight access panels for tank removal.
  5. Sodium Hypochlorite metering, transfer, and sump pumps.
  6. Chemical Piping and valves.
  7. Electrical Room.
  8. Mechanical Room with HVAC equipment for the building.
  9. New interior and exterior sodium hypochlorite piping and inject points. Containment piping with carrier tubing extends from new building to existing chemical injection points throughout the site. Chemical vaults are to be installed along piping runs to facilitate installation and replacement of chemical tubing.
  10. New Liquid Lime Storage and Feed system in new outdoor concrete containment area
  11. Liquid Lime storage tanks.
  12. Liquid Lime pump enclosure with transfer pumps, feed pumps, power and control panels, safety shower, and sump pumps.
  13. New Liquid Lime Truck Unloading Station with LCS, remote from new outdoor containment area.
  14. New interior and exterior liquid lime piping, tubing, injection points, and junction boxes. Containment piping with carrier tubing extends from new containment area to existing chemical injection points at the rapid mix and clearwells. Chemical junction boxes are to be installed along piping runs to facilitate installation and replacement of chemical tubing.
  15. New MCC equipment in the Electrical Room to replace existing MCC equipment in existing plant’s Chemical Building. New power feed from Filter Building to New Sodium

Hypochlorite Building.

  1. New potable water line feeding the new Sodium Hypochlorite Building and additional fire hydrant connections.
  2. Replacement of existing water heater beneath alum storage tank, installation of new tempered water valve, and new interior and exterior piping for hot and tempered water.
  3. Demolition of old chlorine feed equipment, piping, scales, and scrubber system.
  4. Demolition of old MCC’s in Chemical Building.
  5. Demolition of old lime storage and feed equipment in the Chemical Building. Repair of Chemical Building roof after removal of old lime silo.
  6. New DCS equipment in Sodium Hypochlorite Building and in Chemical Buildings.
  7. Temporary power requirements for Carbon Building and new permanent power.
  8. Modifications to electrical distribution at field motors, including disconnects, local control stations, and motor terminations.
  9. Electrical improvements including video cameras, back boxes, and access control system.
  10. Miscellaneous site improvements, electrical duct banks, conduits, and site piping as required.
  11. Other miscellaneous associated items as necessary to complete the work.

 

Bids shall be based on a lump sum plus additional unit price items as indicated in the Bid Form.

 

Bidding Documents may be examined at the office of the Chief Engineer of The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham, 3600 First Avenue North, Birmingham, AL; and the office of Arcadis U.S., Inc., 1143 1st Ave. South, Birmingham, AL.

 

Prime Contractor bidders may obtain one complete set of Bidding Documents on or after January 8, 2025, from the office of the Chief Engineer of The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham upon payment of $300.00 deposit by company check or by certified check and signing a nondisclosure statement. No personal checks or any other form of payment except as noted will be accepted. This deposit shall be refunded in full to each prime contractor bidder upon the return of the Bidding Documents in a reusable condition within 10 days after the bid opening. Additional sets of Bidding Documents for prime contractor bidders, subcontractors, vendors or dealers may be obtained upon payment of said $300.00 deposit and signing a nondisclosure statement. This deposit shall be refunded less the costs of printing, reproduction, handling, and distribution, upon return of the documents in reusable condition within 10 days after the bid opening. Company check or Certified check for documents shall be made payable to The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham, 3600 First Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama, 35222 and mailed to the Attn: Hattye McCarroll P.E.; Chief Engineer. No additional charge will be made for delivery via UPS ground. Those requesting shipment of documents via carriers other than UPS ground will be made at the requesting firm’s expense. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available to any Bidder. Prime Contractor bidders who have paid for Contract Documents as described above may also request electronic copies (PDFs) of the Contract Documents by sending request to the Owner & the Engineer in writing. Neither the OWNER nor the ENGINEER will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including any addenda, obtained from other sources. No Bidder may withdraw or alter a bid within 60 calendar days after the actual date of the bid opening.

 

A mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit, will be held at 9:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at the OWNER’s Western Filter Plant, located at 1400 Bankhead Highway, Birmingham, Alabama 35214. All prospective Bidders and interested parties are required to attend the pre-bid conference and the pre-bid site visit. The purpose of the pre-bid conference and site visit is to raise questions pertaining to the Bidding and Contract documents and for the OWNER or its representatives to clarify any points. Bids will NOT BE ACCEPTED from any Prospective Bidder who does not attend the mandatory Pre-Bid Conference.

 

This project includes a Preconstruction Planning Period that begins when the Contract Times commence. Construction Work onsite will not be allowed until completion of the Preconstruction Planning Period. The Preconstruction Planning Period is the first five months of the Contract Times set forth in the Agreement.

 

Each bid shall be accompanied by a cashier’s check, drawn on an Alabama Bank, or bid Bond in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid not to exceed $50,000.00 in the form and subject to conditions provided for in the Specifications.

 

The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond each in an amount equal to 100 percent of the Contract Award.

 

Bidders shall comply with all statutory requirements in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bids will only be received from Contractors who are licensed by the State of Alabama.

 

Contract time of commencement and completion will be in accordance with the Agreement.

 

The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham (“BWWB”) has adopted a voluntary Historically Underutilized Business (“HUB”) Program designed to encourage the participation of HUB firms in construction projects. To that end, the BWWB will never exclude any firm from participation in, deny any person benefits of, or otherwise discriminate in connection with the award and performance of BWWB contracts based on racial, gender, social, or economic status.

 

It is the intent of the BWWB to foster competition among contractors, suppliers and vendors that will result in better quality and more economical services for the BWWB. Under this program, the BWWB has established a goal of 30% participation of HUB firms for services required for BWWB construction projects. The BWWB’s stated goal will not be the determining factor in construction contract awards; rather bidders must demonstrate compliance with the Good Faith Efforts, more particularly outlined in the HUB Program, toward meeting said goal.

 

Failure on the part of a bidder to fully submit the information required herein may be considered by the BWWB in evaluating whether the bidder is responsive to bid requirements.

 

Alabama Code §31-13-9 (1975) provides that as a condition for the award of any contract by The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham, a business entity or employer that employs one

or more employees within the state of Alabama shall provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program.

Each Prospective Bidder must complete, as a condition for the award of any Contract by The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham, the Certification Regarding Debarment in Section 00201. The Certification must be complete in its entirety and must be included with the Prospective Bidder’s Bid (NO EXCEPTIONS).

 

Legislature of Alabama Act 2013-205 grants the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) the authority to issue certificates of exemption from sales and use taxes for construction projects for certain governmental agencies. Pursuant to Act 2013-205, Section 1(g) the Contractor accounts for the sales tax not included in the Bid Form by submitting an Accounting of Sales Tax- Attachment to BWWB Bid Form. Failure to provide an accounting of sales tax shall render the bid non-responsive. Other than determining responsiveness, sales tax accounting shall not affect the bid pricing nor be considered in the determination of the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. After Notice of Award, Contractor and Subcontractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must comply with ADOR requirements for making application for qualification of the exemption and are responsible for ADOR reporting requirements for the duration of the project.

 

If a Contract is to be awarded, it will be awarded to the Bidder with the best price on the best terms for the OWNER, who has neither been disqualified nor rejected pursuant to these Contract Documents, and whose Bid based on an evaluation by the OWNER indicates that the award will be in the best interest of the Project and will result in the lowest overall cost to the OWNER for completion of the project. If a Contract is to be awarded, it will be awarded within 90 calendar days after the day of the opening of bids.

 

The OWNER reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, the right to waive irregularities or to accept any proposal deemed to be in the best interest of the OWNER.

 

 

Owner:

The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham 3600 First Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35222 Hattye McCarroll, P.E

Telephone number (205) 244-4182

 

 

Engineer:

ARCADIS, U.S., Inc.

1143 1st Ave South, Suite 109

Birmingham, Alabama 35233 Mr. Dhiraj Parekh, P.E

Telephone number (205) 930-5956

 

 

 

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

 

NOTICE

 

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

OF JEFFERSON COUNTY ALABAMA

)

)

Plaintiff,                                                   )     CASE NO. 01-CV-2024-902848.00

  1. )

)

Diane Moore                                                        )

Defendant(s)                                            )

) PUBLICATION NOTICE

 

To: Diane Moore
Last Known Address 2700 30TH ENSLEY, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35208

 

You are hereby notified that REO 2023-NR1 LLC filed a Complaint for Ejectment on July 19, 2024 in the Jefferson County Circuit Court against Diane Moore (“Defendant”). Numerous attempts to locate the Defendant for service of process have been unsuccessful.

This notice is to run for four consecutive weeks. You are hereby notified that you must answer the complaint by the. 8th day of March, 2025, which is 30 days from the last date of publication or default judgment may be entered against you for not answering.

 

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

 

 

 

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

 

The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority will be accepting sealed bids from pre-qualified contractors for:

 

Birmingham Sheraton – Presidential Suites/ Adjoining Rooms

 

Prequalification information, bid information, requirements, plans and specifications may be downloaded at https://www.bjcc.org/vendor-opportunities/.  There is no charge for downloading bid documents.  They may also be examined, and an electronic copy obtained at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Purchasing Office, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, North Exhibition Hall, 3rd Floor, Birmingham, AL 35203.

 

The scope consists of 4 Presidential Suites, 2 large (approximately 1700SF each), 2 small (approximately 1100SF each), and 4 adjoining guestrooms (approximately 380SF each).  The Presidential Suites each consists of one master guestroom, with full bath and new soaking tub plus tiled shower: one large open living space with kitchenette, dining area, office area, and living/television space.  The suites include an entry foyer and a powder bath, as well as a millwork storage niche.  Each suite has one adjoining guest room.  Currently Engineering is limited to electrical and plumbing.

 

Plumbing:  Existing metal garden tubs to be removed; tile deck and stairs to be demolished as well as empty surrounding chases.  All kitchen and baths to be fully updated including new fixtures and piping.

Electrical:  Each suite to get trenched floor power to feed three locations.  New lighting and relocated boxes for dining chandelier.  All new light fixtures.  Lighting to be evaluated for compliance and to provide adequate entry suite lighting and overhead lighting in the smaller suites.  Emergency fixtures or lighting as required by code.  Installation of new appliances where applicable in kitchenettes and closets for min-refrigerators.

Finishes:  All new finishes:  paint, drapery, sheers, paint, ceilings at vestibules (replace ACT).  All new flooring, LVT flooring and inset carpet tile flooring at beds, dining and living, new tile at full baths.

Partitions and doors:  new full-size doors at adjoining rooms; partition work at tub (see above), large suite foyer (demo empty chases and redo walls and ceiling, include glass wall panels).  New hardware except entry door hardware.

Millwork:  Wood panel walls at master bedroom, dining and living area.  Wall mounted television monitors at living, master bedroom and adjoining suite.  All new millwork in bathrooms, kitchenette, and storage. New shelving in closets.

Furniture:  all new; not in GC scope.

 

NOTES:

  1. BJCC is a tax-free entity.
  2. Bonds – must extend 3 months after contract completion.
  3. Permits – handled by the contractor.
  4. Materials may be stored on BJCC property.
  5. Daytime work hours from 6AM – 6PM 7 days a week. No phasing.
  6. One parking permit allotted to job superintendent. Lot parking for workers 2 blocks from site.  Street parking at GC cost is available.

Prequalification submissions must be received by 4:00 pm local time Friday, February 14, 2025.  Applications may be emailed to Sharon.Proctor@bjcc.org, mailed or hand delivered to BJCC, Attn:  Sharon Proctor, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203.

 

 

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Forum Building, 2nd Floor, Meeting Room “E”, located at 950 22nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 

 

Bids will only be accepted from prequalified bidders.  Bids must be received for public opening on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in the Forum Building, 2nd Floor, Meeting Room “E”, located at 950 22nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203.  All bids received after 1:00 p.m. on the bid date will be retained in the file unopened.

 

Prequalified Bidders will be required to make a good faith effort to include MBE and DBE companies in the execution of this project.

 

Questions should be emailed to Jerry.Reece@bjcc.org and Sharon.Proctor@bjcc.org.  Telephone inquiries are not accepted.

 

Sharon Proctor

Purchasing Manager

Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority

 

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

 

 

 

 

Project-Based Section 8: Southtown Senior Waitlist

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) will be accepting applications for the project-based waiting list, Southtown Senior, located at 920 24th Street S, Birmingham, AL 35205. This building is for seniors age 62 or older.

 

DATE & TIME OPENS:      Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

 

DATE & TIME CLOSES: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.

 

All interested applicants should go to the website www.habdportals.org during the time period above to apply online.

 

HABD will provide a paper application to seniors who need them. Paper applications can only be obtained in person for the individual who will apply for housing and a government photo ID will be required in order to receive the paper application. Paper applications will only be available during business hours within the timeframe the waitlist is open. Paper applications should be obtained at the below address and once the application is completed it should be returned to the same address via U.S. postal mail only. Applications have to be post marked by 02/18/2025 in order to be added to the waitlist. No paper applications can be hand delivered or dropped off.

 

McCoy Building 1301 25th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35204

Attention: Section 8 PBV: Southtown Senior

 

 

How does the Project-Based Section 8 Voucher Program work?

 

Under the Project-Based Section 8 Voucher Program, the rental assistance is tied to the unit and is not transferable to another unit. Since the assistance is tied to the unit, a family who moves from the project-based unit may not have any right to continued housing assistance. The HABD will refer families from the project-based waiting list to the Southtown Senior “owner” to fill their vacancies.

 

Application Process to Be Placed on The Project-Based Waiting List:

 

Applications are available electronically online at www.habdportals.org/ All applications received between Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. will be accepted onto the waiting list based on the date and the time of the application.

Additional eligibility requirements will have to be met once your name reaches the top of the waiting list. Mailed paper applications will be entered into the electronic system.

 

 

How can I check my status on the waiting list?

 

Everyone that applies for the waiting list will be required to register for the applicant portal. Through the applicant portal, you will be able to update your contact information (including address and phone number), view what income is being used, and what household members you added to your application. You will also be able to view where your place is on the waiting list.

 

Special preference points will be given to applicants who fall under the below listed criteria:

 

Southtown Senior will have the following preferences:

 

– Returning Southtown Resident 10 points

– Public Housing Resident 10 points

 

Public housing residents in good standing who reside at developments targeted for redevelopment, demolition, or other repositioning activity which may require displacement and/or relocation are eligible for this preference. Verification of claimed preference will be required when your name reaches the top of the waiting list.

 

Income Limits

 

Applicants must be within the applicable income limits based on family size (see chart below).

 

1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5 Person 6 Person 7 Person 8 Person
$39,660 $45,360 $51,000 $56,640 $61,200 $65,760 $70,760 $74,820

 

Unit Size Mix

 

The following lists the available unit sizes for Southtown Senior: 118 – 1-bedroom units           25 –2-bedroom units

Subsidy Standards

 

Depending on the family composition (number, age, and gender of persons in the household), applicants will qualify for a specific bedroom size, also known as the subsidy standard. The following chart lists the subsidy standards for Southtown Senior.

 

Number of Bedrooms Number of Persons

Minimum                                    Maximum

   
1 BR 1 2
2 BR 2 4

 

When will I be contacted from the waiting list?

 

HABD will contact applicants that made the waiting list based on preference points and date/time of receipt of application when there is unit availability based on your household composition.

 

Project-based waiting list applicants will be notified through email (if applied electronically) and

U.S. Postal Service (if paper application) once they are placed on the waiting list.

 

 

IMPORTANT:

 

If you have an address change throughout the application process, it is your responsibility to change your address in the Housing Choice Voucher applicant portal at www.habdportals.org/. We always recommend updating your address with the Post Office, but you must also update your address with our office, as forwarding mail has an expiration date and may prohibit you from receiving important information and/or an appointment regarding housing.

 

HABD does not discriminate based on sex, race, color, religion, natural origin, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, age, or marital status.

 

 

Duplicate applications will not be accepted! Hand delivered applications to any HABD location will not be accepted!

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

 

 

Notice of Completion

8.H. Craig Construction, LLC hereby gives notice of the completion of the contract with Jefferson County Environmental Services  Dept.  for Jefferson County 2019 Pump Station Upgrades and has requested final payment. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning 0/00/0000 and ending on 0/00/000. All claims against  this  work  should be filed immediately with Garver at 2111Parkway Office Circle, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35244 and B.H. Craig Construction, LLC at 835 Wall Street, Florence, AL 35630.

 

 

B.H. Craig Construction, LLC

 

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

 

 

Notice of Completion

 

B.H. Craig Construction, LLC hereby gives notice of the completion of the contract with Jefferson County Environmental Services Dept. for Newfound Creek No.1 & No.2 Pump Station Improvements and has requested final payment. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning 0/00/0000 and ending on 0/00/000. All claims against this work should be filed immediately with Garver at 2111Parkway Office Circle, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35244 and B.H. Craig Construction, LLC at 835 Wall Street, Florence, AL 35630.

 

 

B.H. Craig Construction, LLC

 

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

 

 

Notice of Completion

 

B.H. Craig Construction, LLC hereby gives notice of the completion of the contract with Jefferson County Environmental Services Dept.  for  Five Mile Creek WRF Influent Pump Station & Automation Improvements and has requested final payment. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning 0/00/0000 and ending on 0/00/000. All claims against this work should be filed immediately with Jacobs  Engineering  Group, Inc. at 2112 Eleventh Avenue South, Suite 320, Birmingham AL 35205 and

B.H. Craig Construction, LLC at 835 Wall Street, Florence, AL 35630.

 

 

B.H. Craig Construction, LLC

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

 

 

Notice of Completion

 

 

B.H . Craig Construction, LLC hereby gives notice of the completion of the contract with Jefferson County Environmental Services Dept. for Jefferson County UV Replacement & Miscellaneous Improvements at Turkey, Prudes Creek &Warrior WRF and has requested final payment. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning 0/00/0000 and ending on 0/00/000. All claims against this work should be filed immediately with Krebs Engineering 2100 River Haven Drive, Suite 100,Birmingham, AL 35244 and B.H. Craig Construction, LLC at 835 Wall Street, Florence, AL 35630.

 

 

B.H. Craig Construction, LLC

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

 

 

VEHICLE AUCTION

 

INDEPENDENT SALE

VEHICLE – 1CB6SRFFT1LN309848 (2020 Dodge Ram)

AUCTION DATE March 11, 2025 at 10am

AUCTION ADDRESS – 111 4th St Birmingham AL 35217

Seller reserved the right to reject any bid and the right bid.

 

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals will be received by Hoover City Schools, at their office at 1070 Buccaneer Drive, Hoover, AL  35244, at 2:00 PM, CDT Thursday, March 20th, 2025, for

PROJECT: Green Valley Elementary School Parking Lot Expansion

LOCATION: Hoover, Alabama

HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS

at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.  General Contractor’s License number and type must be on the envelope.

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Hoover City Schools, in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00, must accompany the bidder’s proposal.  Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Drawings and specifications may be examined at the office of the Engineer after February 10th, 2025.

Name of Engineer: MBA Engineers, Inc.

Name of Contact: Tom Callison, P.E.; Vicki Owens

Address: 300 20th Street North, Suite 100, Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Phone Number: (205) 323-6385; Fax Number: (205) 324-0698

 

General Contractor Bidders may obtain sets of drawings and specifications electronically through the Engineer. PDF copies of the plans and project manual may also be available upon request to the Engineer.  Addenda and other bidding information will be issued via email only to holders of drawings and specifications distributed by the Engineer electronically.  Release of the Bid Documents to the bidder does not imply acceptance of the bidder’s qualifications by the Owner or Engineer.

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Engineer or copies thereof.  All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama 1975,  and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Engineer; the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered.  The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgment, the best interest of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

Nonresident bidders must accompany any written Bid Documents with a written opinion of an attorney at law licensed to practice law in such nonresident bidder’s state or domicile, as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of that state to its own business entities whose principal places of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts.

Engineer’s Contact Information:

For inquiries regarding the Construction Documents, drawing distribution, administrative requirements, or deposits, contact MBA: Tom Callison– tcallison@mbasei.com; Zach Fricks- zfricks@mbasei.com ; Vicki Owens– vowens@mbasei.com (205)-323-6385

 

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at the Hoover City Schools Offices located at 1070 Buccaneer Drive, Hoover, AL  35244, at 2:00 PM, CDT Thursday, March 6th, 2025. Attendance by the General Contractor Bidders is MANDATORY.

 

 

 

Awarding Authority:

Hoover City Schools

Matthew Wilson

 

Engineer:

MBA Engineers, Inc.

Tom Callison, P.E.

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

 

 

 

HOUSING AUTHORITY BIRMINGHAM DISTRICT NOTICE OF

INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) No. B25014

Court Ordered Evictions

 
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON Kozette Todd, Procurement Analyst Telephone: (205)521-0762

E-mail: ktodd@habd.net

TDD/TTY: 800-548-2546

HOW TO OBTAIN THE RFP DOCUMENTS ON THE E-PROCUREMENT MARKETPLACE 1.  Access ha.internationaleprocurement.com (no “www”).

2.  Click on the “Login” button in the upper left side.

3.  Follow the listed directions.

4.  If you have any problems accessing or registering on the Marketplace, please call

customer support at (866)526-9266.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE January 28, 2025, 3:00 PM CT
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS February 10, 2025, 3:00 PM CT
BID SUBMITTAL RETURN DEADLINE February 18, 2025, 3:00 PM CT 1826 3rd

Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233

[Section 3, Minority- and/or women-owned businesses are encouraged to respond]  

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

CASE NO. CV-2024-904033

NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING BY PUBLICATION

TO:     ESTATE OF JAMES R. WALTON; REGINA B. WALTON; CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA; J.T. SMALLWOOD, JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR; AND JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA, and any and all other unknown heirs, claimants or interested parties claiming any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate described herein,

 

TAKE NOTICE that on October 9, 2024, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority filed the above-styled Complaint and the Land Bank asserts that it has recorded notice of a pending quiet title and foreclosure action in the Probate Court of Jefferson County, Alabama concerning the rights and/or interests in the following real property:

 

Lots 1 and 2, Block E, according to the Survey of Mary E. Gallagher’s Subdivision, Birmingham, as recorded in Map Book 4 Page 74 in the Probate Office of Jefferson County, Alabama; being situated in Jefferson County, Alabama.

 

It appears said legal is the same as that certain legal described in Instrument Number 2024057632 as follows: LOTS 1 & 2 BLK 3 MARY E GALLAGHER MAP OF WEST HIGHLAND ADD TO PRATT CITY

 

and assigned Parcel ID No. 22-00-19-3-001-091.000

 

ANY PERSON WITH A PROPERTY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE PROPERTY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THEY MAY LOSE SUCH INTEREST, IF ANY, AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE-REFERENCED QUIET TITLE AND FORECLOSURE ACTION. The final hearing on this quiet title and foreclosure action is hereby set for April 11, 2025, in Room 340, Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama at 10:00 a.m. The judgment of the Court may result in title to the property vesting in the Birmingham Land Bank Authority.  Any person who proves to the Court’s satisfaction a right to redeem the property pursuant to Alabama Code §§ 40-10-73 (1975) et seq. or Alabama Code §§ 40-10-83 (1975) et seq. may redeem the property pursuant to those statutes within five (5) days after the appropriate Order on Final Hearing is issued.  FAILURE TO REDEEM THE PROPERTY AND PRESENT PROOF OF REDEMPTION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN THE 5-DAY PERIOD MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION.

 

The address of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority is City Hall, 710 North 20th St, Birmingham, AL 35203.  The Birmingham Land Bank Authority may be contacted care of Jake A. Kiser at (205) 918-5037.

 

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the undersigned Clerk of Court that publication of this notice be made once a week for three consecutive weeks in the Birmingham Times, a newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Alabama, and that all persons to whom this notice is addressed and any and all persons claiming any title to, interest in, or lien or encumbrance on the above-described land or any part thereof are hereby directed to plead, answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint in this case before the hearing date or a judgment by default may be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

 

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

 

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

 

Sealed Bid Proposals will be received by the Environmental Services Department, Jefferson County, Alabama, online at QuestCDN (eBidDoc #9519481), until 2:00 P.M. local time on Wednesday, MARCH 12, 2025 and then publicly opened and read via virtual video conference using Microsoft Teams for the SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM – ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM – CONTRACT NO. 2022 PS 02 – BIRMINGHAM RACECOURSE (PS 148), GADSDEN HIGHWAY (PS 053), KMART (PS 082), AND WYLAM (PS 077) PUMP

STATION IMPROVEMENTS. Microsoft Teams can be accessed using a direct invitation link sent via email (request this link from Tad Powell, Hazen and Sawyer, at email tpowell@hazenandsawyer.com).

 

The scope of work includes the rehabilitation of four pump station sites including installation of new pumps, piping, valves, electrical equipment, concrete pavement, fencing, and other required improvements specific to each pump station site. In addition, approximately 1,450 linear feet of 8-inch ductile iron force main will be required at the Wylam site, with force main easement clearing, site restoration and asphalt paving restoration.

 

Bidding Documents are on file for inspection, by appointment only, at the following location:

 

Jefferson County Environmental Services Department 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Suite A-300 Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Contact for Appointment: Doug Warnat at (205) 791-3094

 

Complete sets of electronic Bidding Documents (Specifications and Drawings) are available at https://www.jccal.org/Default.asp?ID=2226&pg=Environmental+Services (navigate to “BUSINESS” to “NOTICE TO BIDDERS” to “Asset Management Program – Project Bid Information” for a listing of projects. Prior to downloading the Bidding Documents, Bidders will be required to set up a QuestCDN.com account and pay a $42.00 fee. Hard copies  of the  Bidding Documents are the responsibility of the Bidders. Contact QuestCDN at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance with navigating the website and digital project information.

 

Bids will only be accepted from pre-qualified contractors who are listed on the Plan Holders List, signifying that they have purchased a set of documents from the Engineer, and who attend the MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference.

 

NO BID PROPOSAL SHALL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE TIME STATED FOR RECEIVING BID PROPOSALS IN THIS NOTICE. A FORM CONTAINING THE CONTRACTOR’S NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE FIRM AND THE CONTRACTOR’S ALABAMA LICENSE NUMBER WITH THE DATE OF EXPIRATION IS REQUIRED WITH THE SUBMISSION OF THE BID. THESE REQUIREMENTS SHALL NOT BE WAIVED.

The Contractor is hereby advised that TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE on this project. The  Contract Time for this project is seven hundred and twenty-five day (725) consecutive calendar days. The first 270 days will be an administrative period followed by a 455-day construction period from the effective date of the written Notice to Proceed to achieve Final Acceptance. If mutually agreed upon between the Owner and Contractor, the construction period may commence prior to the end of the administrative period. Upon such agreement the contract end date will be modified based on the date of termination of the administrative period. Liquidated damages will be assessed if this time limit is exceeded. The Contractor may apply for an extension of time in accordance with the provisions of the Contract; however, such an extension must be approved prior to the Contract Completion Date to avoid the imposition of liquidated damages.

 

The Contractor is hereby advised that a Pre-Bid Conference will be held via a virtual video conference on Wednesday, FEBRUARY 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m . This Pre-Bid Conference is MANDATORY for all contractors planning to submit a Bid Proposal on this project. The conference call will be held using Microsoft Teams and can be accessed using a direct invitation link sent via email (request this link from Tad Powell, Hazen and Sawyer, at email tpowell@hazenandsawyer.com). If you are unable to join the call due to technical difficulties, call Tad Powell (Hazen and Sawyer) at 205-957-4151 or Doug Warnat (Jefferson County) at (205) 791-3094 for assistance.

 

Questions concerning meaning or intent of Bidding Documents shall be submitted to Tad Powell, PE, Senior Associate, Hazen and Sawyer, at email tpowell@hazenandsawyer.com no later than 5:00 p.m. local time on FEBRUARY 28, 2025. All questions must be in writing on Bidder’s company’s letterhead.

 

THE ATTENTION OF ALL BIDDERS IS CALLED TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE STATE LAW GOVERNING GENERAL CONTRACTORS, AS SET FORTH IN ALABAMA CODE SECTIONS 34-8-1 THROUGH SECTION 34-8-28 (1975), AS AMENDED, CHAPTER 4, SECTION 65 TO 82 (INCLUSIVE) OF TITLE 46 OF THE CODE OF ALABAMA OF 1940, AS AMENDED; AND BIDDERS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY SAID LAW INSOFAR AS IT IS APPLICABLE. THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROVISIONS OF THE CODE MAKE IT ILLEGAL FOR THE OWNER TO CONSIDER A BID PROPOSAL FROM ANYONE WHO IS NOT PROPERLY LICENSED UNDER SUCH CODE PROVISIONS.

 

THE ATTENTION OF BIDDERS IS CALLED TO THE PROVISIONS OF ALABAMA CODE SECTION 39-2-14 (1975) AS AMENDED, REQUIRING A NONRESIDENT CONTRACTOR TO REGISTER WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE PRIOR TO ENGAGING IN THE PERFORMANCE OF A CONTRACT IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

 

THE ATTENTION OF BIDDERS IS CALLED TO THE PROVISIONS OF ALABAMA CODE SECTION 39-3-5 (1975) AS AMENDED, REGARDING PREFERENCE TO RESIDENT CONTRACTORS.

 

THE ATTENTION OF BIDDERS IS CALLED TO THE PROVISIONS OF ALABAMA ACT 2016-312 AS AMENDED, REGARDING NOT ENGAGING IN THE BOYCOTT OF A

PERSON OR ENTITY BASED IN OR DOING BUSINESS WITH A JURISDICTION WITH WHICH THIS STATE ENJOYS OPEN TRADE.

 

THE ATTENTION OF THE BIDDERS IS CALLED TO THE PROVISIONS OF ALABAMA CODE SECTION 41-16-161 AS AMENDED, REGARDING NOT ENGAGING IN ECONOMIC BOYCOTTS.

 

THIS PROJECT IS CLASSIFIED AS A CLASS “D-1” (SMALL PRE-CAST PUMPING STATIONS AND RELATED FACILITIES) SEWER PROJECT. ALL PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS MUST BE PRE-QUALIFIED WITH THE JEFFERSON COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO BID CLASS “D-1” PROJECTS IN ORDER TO BID ON THIS PROJECT. THE PROSPECTIVE BIDDER OR ITS SUBCONTRACTOR MUST ALSO BE PREQUALIFIED TO CONSTRUCT AT A MINIMUM CLASS “A” SEWER PROJECTS. TO PRE-QUALIFY WITH THE DEPARTMENT AND TO CONSTRUCT CLASS “D-1” PROJCTS AND/OR CLASS “A: SEWER, EACH PROSPECTIVE BIDDER MUST FURNISH WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF COMPETENCY AND EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COUNTY.

 

ACCORDINGLY, THE COUNTY WILL NOT ACCEPT PRE-QUALIFICATIONS AFTER FEBRUARY 21, 2025. BID PROPOSAL FORMS WILL NOT BE ISSUED TO PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS WHO DO NOT PRE-QUALIFY.

 

CONTRACTORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT THE JEFFERSON COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 716 RICHARD ARRINGTON JR. BOULEVARD NORTH, SUITE A300, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, (205) 325-5496 IN ADVANCE OF THE DEADLINE TO DETERMINE IF THE CONTRACTOR IS PRE- QUALIFIED TO CONSTRUCT CLASS “D-1” AND/OR CLASS “A” SEWER LINE PROJECTS, OR FOR OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION.

 

 

 

 

 

BY:                                                                             

Daniel A. White, P.E.

Deputy Director of Environmental Services Jefferson County, Alabama

 

 

 

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

PRE-QUALIFICATIONS PROPOSALS

 

PRE-QUALIFICATIONS PROPOSALS will be received via mail or email, on behalf of the Owner, the Jefferson County Commission, by BDG Architects at 2308 1st Ave S, Suite 304, Birmingham, AL 35233 for the below referenced project until noon Central Standard Time on Monday February 24, 2025, after which no further applications will be considered.  The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent bidders relative to the requirements of the Project.  Pre-qualification proposal requirements may be obtained from the Architect by request via email to bids@bdgllp.com.  The Owner will be prequalifying the following categories of trades: General Contractors, Electrical Sub-Contractors, Mechanical Sub-Contractors, and Fire-Protection Sub-Contractors.

JEFFERSON COUNTY 2121 BUILDING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FOR INTERIOR RENOVATIONS

The scope of Work is renovations to two Group B, Type IA buildings.  The project will occur in one phase.  The scope of Work for one building is an approximately 2,500sf interior office renovation of an existing occupied office space within the Jefferson County Downtown Courthouse – Ground Floor.  The scope of Work for the other building is, first, an approximately 4,635sf interior office renovation of a cold dark shell within the 2121 Building, 2121 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203 – 6th Floor.  Second is exterior window replacement and RACM perimeter wall abatement on the 8th, 9th, and 10th floors, which are currently occupied but will be unoccupied during construction.  Required trades under General Contractor’s Work will include but not be limited to electrical, mechanical, interior and exterior glazing, abatement, structured cabling, non-load bearing framing, and millwork.

Within the bounds of good faith, the Jefferson County Commission retains the right to determine whether a Contractor or Sub-Contractor has met pre-qualification procedures and criteria.  Only General Contractors who have been approved to bid pursuant to pre-qualification procedures and criteria established by the Owner will be eligible to bid for the Project.  Only Sub-Contractors for the above listed trades who have been approved pursuant to pre-qualification procedures and criteria established by the Owner will be eligible to provide General Contractors with bids for their applicable trade.  Written pre-qualification procedures and criteria are available for review at the office of the Architect or by email listed above.  All bidders must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975.

 

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION

 

 

 

 

 

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Southeastern Sealcoating, Inc ( Contractor), has completed the Contract for (Construction) (Renovation) (Alteration) (Equipment) (Improvement) of (Name of Project) Zone G2 Parking Lot at UAB for the State of Alabama (County ) ( City) of Birmingham Owners), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor,  materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify UAB (Architect) Southeastern Sealcoating (Contractor) 1330 Adamsville Industrial Parkway (Business Address).

 

 

BT2/6/2024

 

______________________________

 

 

 

 

 

The Enduring Legacy of A.H. Parker: Birmingham’s Pioneer of Black Education

0
Principal A.H. Parker surrounded by his Industrial High School students. The school, founded in 1900, was renamed in 1939 to A.H. Parker High School. (Birmingham, Ala., Public Library Archives.)

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

(A closer look during Black History Month at educator Arthur Harold Parker and the school named in his honor. The school, in Birmingham’s historic Smithfield community, celebrates 125 this year.) 

Arthur Harold Parker was born on May 7, 1870, in Springfield, Ohio to former slaves of white, Black, and Chickasaw Indian descent. Arthur was one of five children.

Under slavery many states prohibited slaves from learning to read and write, so like other freed slaves, Parker’s parents stressed the importance of education to their children.

During high school, Parker’s mother fell ill from childbirth. He worked in his father’s barber shop, while continuing to attend high school classes. He also studied law for two summers under the tutelage of one of his barbering clients.

A young A.H. Parker.

After graduating from high school with the honor of being chosen as the graduation speaker, Parker planned to attend Oberlin College. An injury suffered by his father, however, ended this dream. Instead, he packed up his barbering tools and went “prospecting” in the South.

Arrival In Birmingham

Parker arrived in Birmingham, Alabama on Aug. 17, 1887, where two of his uncles lived, Arthur Sensabaugh, a Methodist pastor, and James Clayton, a schoolteacher. Parker’s Uncle Clayton recognized Parker’s teaching talents and encouraged him to take the teacher’s examination. After successfully passing the exam, Parker was offered a teaching position and became the 13th African American teacher in the Birmingham school system.

Parker was assigned to the second graders of the new Slater School which opened in January 1888. He advanced to the third and fourth graders the next fall. As a sign of things to come, the Slater School had recently purchased an organ, so Parker spent his spare time there learning to play. He became such an accomplished organist he would play for school programs, as well as side jobs, and teach music classes. He also began working as private secretary for William Pettiford, pastor of the 16th Street Baptist Church.

During the summer of 1889, Parker returned home to Ohio to visit family. Before returning to Birmingham—and at the insistence of his mother—became engaged to and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Anderson.

Parker’s mother passed away in November 1890, and Mary died in July 1891. In the wake of his loss, he became determined to pass the principals examination. He did so in September 1892 and was transferred to the Cameron Elementary School. In addition to heading that growing school, Parker was superintendent of the Sunday school at 16th Street Baptist Church.

On June 5, 1895, Parker married Bessie D. Pettiford. She died of childbirth complications in 1896. Despondent over his loss, he stopped teaching and took a position with the Internal Revenue Service.

In 1898, Parker met and married Anna B. Gilbert, who encouraged him to return to teaching. He did so as the 7th grade teacher and assistant principal at Lane School in the fall of 1899.

In 1899, the Birmingham Board of Education agreed to create a high school for African American students. Superintendent Dr. John Herbert Phillips selected Parker to become the sole teacher for the Industrial High School when it opened, on the second floor of the Cameron School, in September 1900.

Birth of a School

In September 1900, Industrial High School—dedicated to Black students—opened on the second floor of the Cameron School. The number of students rose from 18 to 45 by the end of the school year. Parker emphasized practical instruction in woodworking, sewing, cooking, laundry work, mortis, hand carving, and drawing. His students also learned grammar, literature, and mathematics. He presided over the school’s first graduation ceremony, held June 3, 1904 at 16th Street Baptist Church.

In 1905, Parker was elected president of the Alabama State Teacher’s Association. He delivered an address to the assembled body at their next annual meeting in Mobile in April 1906. He also completed construction of a new home, which he helped finance by working as the head of the book-keeping department in the Alabama Penny Savings Bank between 1900 and 1912.

In September 1910, Industrial High moved to the Lane’s Auditorium building at 11th Street and 8th Avenue North. Specialized instructors were added to the faculty to teach cooking, sewing, and manual training. The next year a night school for adults started, and then a summer school for teachers. Parker also participated in the first of a series of state-wide summer institutes for teachers in each county.

A.H. Parker retired as principal of Industrial High School in 1939.

In 1914, the school building was condemned by the city and a deal was struck to purchase the former United Presbyterian School at 8th Avenue and 9th Street North. Soon after a cluster of 14 cottages on an adjacent lot was purchased and converted for classroom use.

In 1915, Parker began teaching summer classes at the Tuskegee Institute. “Education is life and I can conceive of no finer thing than doing efficiently one’s daily work,” he said.

Influenza Epidemic

In 1918, Industrial High School began setting up and printing a student newspaper. Days later, the school was temporarily closed and converted to a hospital to tend to victims of an influenza epidemic. Students served as nurses.

In 1924, at 8th Avenue North and 3rd Street, a brand new Industrial High School building opened. This well-equipped, modern facility was considered the result of Birmingham’s progressive stance on race.

Parker was also awarded the Negro Citizens’ Loving Cup for “that citizen who had done the most for his race in 1924.”

In 1933 Miles College conferred upon Parker an honorary degree, the Doctor of Letters.

The Industrial High School Printing Department published A Dream That Came True: Autobiography of Arthur Harold Parker during the 1932-1933 school year.

Parker retired as principal of Industrial High School in 1939. In his honor, the school was renamed A. H. Parker High School.

Parker died on August 17, 1939. Funeral services were held in the Parker High School Auditorium. He was interred in historic Oak Hill Cemetery where a number of other notable Birmingham citizens are buried

Birmingham’s A.H. Parker High Has Produced a Wealth of Famous Alums. Here Are Some

0
Notable Parker High School alum have made significant contributions in their respective fields, including actress and singer Nell Carter and Erskine Hawkins Hawkins, a renowned trumpeter and big band leader, who was a pioneering African American musician who made significant contributions to the jazz genre. (File)

Compiled by Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

A.H. Parker, Birmingham’s oldest Black High School, was established in 1900 as Industrial High School, and has since stood as a pillar of excellence that has produced and instilled a strong sense of pride in Black students that has spanned generations.

Notable Parker High School alum have made significant contributions in their respective fields, showcasing the diverse talents from the realms of science and technology to the world of sports and the arts while exemplifying the school’s long-standing tradition of excellence and leadership. Their achievements continue to inspire current and future generations, underscoring the profound impact of the school’s supportive and enriching educational environment. Here are a few of the notable graduates.

Oscar W. Adams Jr.

Adams was an esteemed Alabama Supreme Court justice. As the first African American to serve on Alabama’s highest court, Adams broke significant racial barriers and paved the way for future generations of legal professionals. His tenure on the bench was marked by his unwavering commitment to justice, civil rights, and the fair application of the law. Adams’ legal acumen and dedication to public service left an indelible mark on the judicial landscape of Alabama.

Rufus Billups

Billups, Major General in the United States Army, distinguished himself through his leadership and service. His military career was marked by numerous commendations and achievements, reflecting his dedication to his country and his exemplary conduct in various capacities. Billups’ strategic acumen and commitment to excellence earned him a respected place in the military community. His legacy continues to inspire those who serve and protect the nation.

Eric Bledsoe

Bledsoe, a notable NBA basketball player, has made a significant impact in the world of professional sports with his dynamic playing style and exceptional skills. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Bledsoe attended Parker High School where he honed his basketball talents and became a standout player. He later played college basketball at the University of Kentucky, where he continued to showcase his prowess on the court. Bledsoe was drafted into the NBA in 2010 and has since played for several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans.

Bill Bruton

Bruton, a distinguished MLB player, carved out an impressive career in Major League Baseball as a swift and skillful center fielder for the Milwaukee Braves and Detroit Tigers. Known for his speed and agility, Bruton led the league in stolen bases during his early years, making a name for himself as a formidable leadoff hitter. His tenacity and athleticism on the field earned him a lasting reputation and contributed significantly to the success of his teams. Bruton’s accomplishments in baseball stand as a testament to the talent and dedication fostered at Parker High School.

Buck Buchanan

Buchanan, an iconic figure in American football, was a standout defensive tackle who earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, Buchanan was a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he made significant contributions to the team’s success. His career was marked by numerous accolades, including multiple All-Pro selections and a Super Bowl IV victory. Buchanan’s legacy as a dominant force in professional football continues to be celebrated, and his impact on the sport remains influential.

Nell Carter

Carter was an accomplished singer and actress known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, she began her career in the entertainment industry in the 1970s and quickly rose to fame. Carter is best known for her role as Nell Harper on the popular television sitcom “Gimme a Break!” which ran from 1981 to 1987. Her performance earned her a Primetime Emmy Award and multiple Golden Globe nominations. In addition to her television work, Carter had a successful career on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for her role in the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” Her contributions to the arts have left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of performers.

J. Mason Davis

Davis is a celebrated attorney and civil rights activist. Known for his significant contributions to the legal profession and his unwavering commitment to social justice, Davis has been a prominent figure in advocating for Civil Rights and equality. He has played an integral role in various landmark cases and has been a mentor to many young lawyers. His dedication to his community and his profession has earned him numerous accolades and a lasting legacy in the fight for justice.

Clyde Foster

As a scientist and mathematician, Foster has worked for the Army Ballistic Missile Agency. He also served as NASA’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) director. He is credited with setting up training programs that allowed hundreds of African Americans to get the training necessary for positions and promotions at NASA in Huntsville, when Alabama was segregated, and African Americans were denied those opportunities.

Erskine Hawkins

Hawkins, a renowned trumpeter and big band leader, was a pioneering musician who made significant contributions to the jazz genre. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he began his musical journey at an early age and later attended Alabama State Teachers College where he formed his own band. “Tuxedo Junction,” his most famous composition, became a major hit and an enduring jazz standard, reflecting the vibrant nightlife of Birmingham’s Tuxedo Junction neighborhood.

Wendell Hudson

In 1969, Hudson signed for Alabama coach C.M. Newton and thus became the first African American scholarship athlete in any sport at the University of Alabama. In 2020, Hudson’s number 20 jersey was retired by the Alabama men’s basketball team, becoming the first and only player to have their jersey number retired by the program. Hudson is also the former women’s basketball program head coach of Alabama Crimson Tide women’s basketball.

Emory O. Jackson

During his 35-year career in Alabama, Birmingham World editor Emory O. Jackson waged numerous sustained Civil Rights campaigns for equal educational opportunities, and justice for the victims of police brutality and bombings. Jackson wrote editorials and columns that documented injustices and urged legislative and legal action in an effort to secure Civil Rights for Black Alabamians. His body of work, grounded in protest and passion, was part of the long tradition of the Black Press as an instrument to agitate for social and political change. Jackson also was a frequent speaker at NAACP branches, colleges, and churches.

Larry Langford

Langford was a charismatic and influential political figure who served as the mayor of Fairfield and Birmingham, Alabama as well as a Jefferson County Commissioner. Known for his dynamic and sometimes controversial approach to governance, Langford’s tenure was marked by ambitious projects and a drive to revitalize the city. His career in public service spanned several decades, during which he held various positions, including president of the Birmingham City Council. Although his career was later overshadowed by legal troubles his impact on Birmingham’s urban landscape remains a part of his complex legacy.

Carlos May

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Carlos May showcased his exceptional talent on the baseball diamond from a young age. He went on to play professionally, making a name for himself as an outfielder with a strong batting average and exceptional fielding skills. Throughout his career, he played for several teams, including the Chicago White Sox, where he became an All-Star. His dedication and prowess on the field earned him respect and admiration from fans and fellow players alike.

Lee May

Lee May, was known for his powerful hitting and significant impact on the game. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, May had a remarkable professional career in Major League Baseball. As a first baseman and designated hitter, he played for teams such as the Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, and Baltimore Orioles. His notable achievements include being selected as an All-Star multiple times and consistently ranking among the league’s top home run hitters.

Willie E. May

May is an American chemist served as the 15th director of the United States’ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and made contributions to measurement science, with application to national and global problems including global warming and food security. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Knoxville College in 1968. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Maryland and began working at NIST in 1971, when it was known as the National Bureau of Standards.

George Perdue Jr.

Perdue, Jr., former college administrator, Alabama state Representative, earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and a master’s in mathematics from Atlanta University. He taught math at Birmingham’s Carver High School and worked as a programmer at IBM before coming to UAB as a systems analyst in the 1970s and over the next 35 years, Perdue would hold held a number of positions at the institution, including special assistant to the president and assistant vice president for financial affairs and administration. He founded the UAB Office of Women and Minority-Owned Business Development and became its director. He was elected to the Alabama State House of Representatives in 1982.

The Rev. John T. Porter

Rev. Porter was a Civil Rights leader served 38 years as pastor of 5,000-member Sixth Avenue Baptist in his hometown from 1962 until 2000, when he retired and became pastor emeritus. Civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., preached Porter’s installation service at Sixth Avenue Baptist in December of 1962. Porter had a long career in religion and politics. He was a state representative from 1974 to 1977 and a member of the state Board of Pardons and Parole from 1977 to 1989.  In April and May of 1963, Porter helped lead pivotal civil rights demonstrations in downtown Birmingham. The statue of ministers kneeling in prayer in Kelly Ingram Park–site of the ’63 demonstrations–is based on a photograph of Porter, the Rev. Nelson H. Smith Jr. and the Rev. A.D. King moments before they were arrested.

Sun Ra, jazz musician

Sun Ra, a visionary jazz musician, was known for his avant-garde compositions and cosmic philosophies. Born Herman Poole Blount in Birmingham, Alabama, he developed a unique persona and musical style that blended jazz, science fiction, and ancient Egyptian mythology. Sun Ra led the Arkestra, a band that performed his innovative and experimental music, which has influenced countless artists and continues to inspire new generations of musicians. His contributions to the world of jazz and his pioneering approach to music and performance have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the genre.

John Rhoden

John Rhoden was a sculptor. who Birmingham’s Industrial High School which was renamed A.H. Parker High School in 1939. During that time he was mentored by sculptor William Grant. At age 16, he executed a bust of the school’s principal, Arthur Parker. Rhoden enrolled at Talladega College on an art scholarship. In 1938, Rhoden moved to New York where he began studying with Richmond Barthé. By 1942, Rhoden was a private enlisted in the reserve Corps of the U.S. Army. During this time, Rhoden completed portrait busts of several high ranking members of the military. He currently has an exhibition on display at the Birmingham Museum of Art through April 20.

Bennie Seltzer

Seltzer, a notable basketball coach, has made significant contributions to the sport through his coaching career. Known for his strategic acumen and ability to develop players, Seltzer has coached at various levels, including college basketball. Seltzer was the former assistant coach at the University of Oklahoma from 1997 to 2006 under head coach Kelvin Sampson. Sampson also coached Seltzer during his playing days at Washington State. Seltzer is the former head coach of the Samford Bulldogs.

Lynneice Washington

Washington is a lawyer and district attorney known for her dedication to justice and community service. She made history as the first African American woman to be elected as a district attorney in Alabama, demonstrating her commitment to fighting for equality and fairness in the legal system. Her work has been instrumental in pushing forward reforms and advocating for the underrepresented.

Odessa Woolfolk

Woolfolk is a distinguished educator, civic leader, and advocate for social justice. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, she has played a pivotal role in advancing Civil Rights and community development. Woolfolk served as the founding president of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, where she worked to preserve the history and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. She has been recognized for her dedication to education, having worked as a teacher and administrator, influencing countless lives through her commitment to learning and equality. Her contributions extend to various organizations and initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Bishop Calvin Woods

Woods is a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, known for his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Woods played a significant role in the Birmingham Campaign alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He has dedicated his life to activism, serving as the President of the Birmingham Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Bishop Woods continues to inspire and lead in the fight for civil rights, advocating for the marginalized and oppressed in his community.

 

Dr. Samantha McCool Decided to Buy Herself a Birthday Gift. It Was a Full-Service Dental Practice

0
Samantha McCool is the new owner of Brookwood Dental Care, located in Homewood, Alabama. (Marika N. Johnson, for The Birmingham Times)

By Ameera Steward | For The Birmingham Times

Last September, two days before her 35th birthday, Samantha McCool decided to buy herself a gift—Brookwood Dental Care, located in Homewood, Alabama. That’s right. She officially became the new owner of the practice after working there for more than a decade.

“I knew that was something I really wanted to do,” the Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) told The Birmingham Times. “It was going to be something outside of my comfort zone, but I knew I didn’t want to work for just any person … and [have] them tell me what to do my entire life. I wanted to be able to make my own decisions and make something I [could be] proud of.”

“Being a business owner was something I felt was attainable, and I could check all the boxes. … I wanted to [do it] without compromise,” she added.

McCool admits, however, that she was a bit anxious.

“It was scary to buy it, but there came a time when it was like, ‘OK, it’s either you buy this or you let somebody else come in here and potentially change everything you’ve worked so hard for.’ … It was time for me to take [Brookwood Dental Care] and fully transform it into something that I want,” she said.

Serving the Community

Brookwood Dental Care, with seven staff members and two doctors, including McCool, offers services such as general dentistry, checkups, examinations, cleanings fillings, crowns, and bridges, as well as cosmetics, such as veneers.

As the new owner, McCool plans to add additional services like Botox. “Because [dentists] are experts of the head and neck, and we learn all the facial structures and nerves, we can give traditional Botox for cosmetics,” she explained. “There’s also a component [in which] Botox can be used to diminish how much you clench and grind [your teeth], stopping headaches and overworked jaws.”

McCool also wants to add more diversity to her team, build a social media presence, upgrade the practice’s website, and be more involved within the Birmingham community.

“I miss getting out and being able to teach, … give out donations, and [offer] free dental clinics,” she said. “I hope I can do things like that and help people realize that we service [people from] all walks of life.”

A Creature of Habit

Originally from Huron, Michigan, McCool has always wanted to work in the health care industry. Her brother suffered from seizures that were connected to a problem with his heart, something he eventually grew out of. One day he had a seizure that led to him being airlifted to the University of Michigan (U of M) Hospital.

“That was when I was like, ‘I’m going to be a cardiac surgeon.’ That’s the thing I used to say when I was [around] 10. … I wanted to go to the U of M Medical School. … As a kid, you don’t really know what you want to do. I knew I wanted to do these big, bad things, and I didn’t know the first thing about [doing them].”

McCool realized she wouldn’t be a cardiac surgeon, but she still wanted to be a health care provider. In 2002, while she was in eighth grade, her family moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where her mom had a new job.

While attending the city’s Hillcrest High School, McCool started shadowing different doctors to see what type of health care provider she wanted to be. After graduating in 2007, she made her way to the Magic City to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she continued to shadow doctors while majoring in chemistry with a pre-med track.

“I wasn’t exactly sure about what I wanted to do,” she said. “When I started getting ready to graduate, I wasn’t really that interested in [pre-med anymore].”

McCool received two pieces of advice that led her to dentistry.

Her husband of 11 years, Josh McCool, with whom she has a 3-year-old son, believed she would enjoy dentistry because, he told her, “You love looking at people’s smiles.”
The other advice came from one of her peers, who told McCool she should visit Brookwood Dental Care, where Robert Connor, D.M.D., had an office. She shadowed him for a day or two, and from then on she knew exactly where she wanted to be.

Love for Dentistry

After realizing she wanted to be a dentist, McCool spent her last semester taking art and sculpting classes to improve her hand skills. She graduated from UAB in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a minor in biology.

“[Brookwood Dental Care] hired me, … and I worked as a dental assistant for almost two years,” she said. “Being able to work alongside Dr. Connor was something I woke up every single day and did, and I could see myself doing it in the future. … That really solidified my love for dentistry.”

McCool started attending the UAB School of Dentistry in 2014 and graduated in 2017. A month after graduation she went from being a dental assistant to a dentist at Brookwood Dental Care.

In 2018, Connor sold the practice to another dentist, Paul Barganier, D.M.D., who sold it to McCool last year

“I’m a creature of habit,” McCool said. “I don’t love change, and I felt like I had gone through so many iterations. … [I was asking myself], … ‘What am I going to do? Where am I going to go?’ There had been so many highs and lows.”
“I had put so much time and effort into building the team,” she added, speaking about Brookwood Dental Care. “I hired every single one of the people, other than one. … I’d put so much time [into] connecting with patients and building my brand. … That was the only place where I felt like I needed to be.”

McCool expressed that she wants those who come into her office to get the best Brookwood Dental Care has to offer.

“I’m a caring and compassionate person who just cares about the people that come into her life and come into her practice, and I’m eager to show people that,” she said.

“When [you] walk into the door of our office, I hope [you] feel cared for by every single person that is in the office because I hand-selected them to be there. … I also want to make dentistry more comfortable. I just want to be a good ally wherever I can, wherever I’m needed.”

To learn more about Brookwood Dental Care, visit brookwooddental.com.

Chase to Open 24 Branches in Alabama, Create More Than 170 Jobs

0
JPMorganChase plans to triple the number of branches in Alabama and hire an additional 170 bankers by 2030. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

chase.com

JPMorganChase plans to triple the number of branches in Alabama and hire an additional 170 bankers by 2030 as part of the firm’s broader efforts to increase access to financial services across the state.

The expansion will bring the total number of Chase branches in Alabama to 35, putting more than half of the state’s population within an accessible drive time to a Chase branch.

“Alabama is a vibrant state with a strong manufacturing economy, good small business growth, and burgeoning aerospace and technology sectors. Our mission is to support economic growth and foster opportunity for all,” said Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking. “This is the right time and the right place for an expansion of Chase branches and jobs in communities all across this state- from Mobile to Montgomery and Muscle Shoals.”

Chase opened its first Alabama branch five years ago near Auburn University. There are currently seven Chase branches in Greater Birmingham and 11 statewide, including Auburn, Tuscaloosa and Huntsville.

“When a bank with the influence and reputation of JPMorganChase signals that it’s sharpening its focus on Birmingham and Alabama, it strengthens my optimism about how our organizations, communities, and financial institutions can collaborate for meaningful progress,” said Bob Dickerson, Executive Director, Birmingham Business Resource Center, an affiliate of the Alabama Small Business Development Initiative.

“At ¡HICA!, we believe that economic opportunity should be within reach for every family we serve. JPMorganChase’s support helps us to empower Latino and all communities to take part in Alabama’s economic growth, unlocking pathways to entrepreneurship, homeownership, and financial stability. Together, we are investing in the future of our state—ensuring all families contribute to Alabama’s prosperity,” said Carlos E. Alemán, Ph.D., CEO, ¡HICA!.

Building New Branches

Chase is the only U.S. bank with branches in all 48 contiguous U.S. states. In 2024, Chase built more than 150 new branches across 34 states, including the Madison Boulevard location near Huntsville where Chase will officially cut the ribbon on February 8. The Madison branch will be staffed with a team of bankers and specialists who can help customers with banking, lending and wealth management services.

“Since we opened the first branch in our state, Alabama has greeted Chase with open arms. Together, we’ve helped people make the most of their money to improve their financial lives and grow their businesses,” said Jennifer DiSalvo, head of Chase branches in Alabama. “Now that we’re tripling the size of our Alabama branch network, we’ll be able to help more people, lift up more small businesses and make a difference all across our beautiful state.”

JPMorganChase serves as the bank of choice for 22,000 Alabama-based businesses, including small, midsize and large corporate clients in critical industries like business services, machinery and equipment manufacturing, consumer and retail, healthcare and higher education institutions. The bank serves more than 555,0000 consumer customers. As part of its expansion, the bank will continue to build partnerships with local organizations to strengthen communities and support economic growth.

“Huntsville welcomes the firm’s expansion to serve more industries, communities and residents,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “This news will also help to create more job opportunities for the hardworking people of Huntsville, strengthening our local economy.”

“North Alabama continues to attract investment from public and private sector. The news about JPMorganChase’s expansion is the latest example of the power of this economy,” said Representative Dale Strong (R-Huntsville).

The firm hired Geno Gardner as the first dedicated community manager for Birmingham, Alabama. Gardner is a retired U.S. Army veteran with more than two decades of honorable service. Gardner is a community leader and small business owner with strong ties to Birmingham.

In his role as a dedicated Community Manager he will serve as a local ambassador to build relationships with community leaders and non-profits. The firm also intends to hire a Small Business Consultant to help entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and scale. Together, these specialized employees will further the firm’s commitment to understanding the opportunities for support, growth and expansion.

Commitment to the Community

In addition to new business commitments, the firm will listen, learn and work alongside community leaders, the public and private sectors and local nonprofit organizations to advance economic growth and opportunity, building on work the firm is doing across the country to support workforce development and small business growth. The firm will also apply insights gained from research like JPMorganChase Institute’s latest report on how small businesses outside metro areas fare in scaling to $1 million in annual revenues, a key milestone of business growth and sustainability.

JPMorganChase has long supported nonprofits across the state, providing more than $1.3M in philanthropic commitments since 2021 to local nonprofits and national organizations that support Alabama. Key organizations include the Alabama Small Business Development Initiative, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund and the Lee County Literacy Coalition.

 JPMorganChase in Alabama

JPMorganChase has supported economic opportunity and provided banking and financial services to consumers and businesses across Alabama since 1973. This includes:

  • Supporting more than 160 medium and large clients in industries including business services, machinery and equipment manufacturing, and medical services companies.
  • Supporting vital institutions, including local governments; higher education and healthcare institutions and over 20 of Alabama’s local financial institutions.
  • Financing the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing units.
  • Investing in local industry and job growth by financing the construction of recycling, manufacturing and wholesale distribution facilities.

Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

A.H. Parker: Birmingham’s First Black High School Celebrates 125 Years

0
Statue of A.H. Parker outside the school that bears his name. (Barnett Wright, The Birmingham Times)

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

(First of Two Parts)

“Surrounded by cotton fields and smokestacks in the city of Birmingham is located the largest regular four-year high school in the entire country for Negro youth. Spreading over an entire city block, the Industrial High School serves a Negro population of 99,000, with an enrollment of nearly 3,000 pupils.”

That school, described above in an Alabama State Education report in 1931, is now Arthur Harold Parker High School in Birmingham’s historic Smithfield community. The institution, celebrating its 125th year, has shared its rich tradition and stellar graduates not only with the Magic City but also across the nation and around the globe.

A.H. Parker High School, established in 1900, has stood as a pillar of excellence that has produced and instilled a strong sense of pride in Black students that has spanned generations.

Isis Perkins, currently a senior at Parker High School, will graduate in May. Her parents, Ryan and LaToya Perkins, attended the high school. And her younger brother, L’Ty, is a junior.

“I think this is the third generation in my family that has gone to Parker,” said Isis, adding, “It’s good to continue the tradition.”

Industrial High School, pictured in 1920, which opened in 1900 and renamed A.H. Parker High School in 1939. (Birmingham, Ala., Public Library Archives.)

Making History

Parker and its tradition have contributed to Black history as much as any school in the state of Alabama and maybe the country. Graduates have included Oscar Adams Jr., the first Black Supreme Court Justice of Alabama; Arthur D. Shores, the noted Birmingham Civil Rights Attorney who represented Autherine Lucy in her admission to the University of Alabama in 1955; musician Erskine Hawkins, the trumpeter and big band leader who composed the classic jazz standard “Tuxedo Junction”; and John Rhoden, the accomplished and world-renowned 20th-century African American sculptor whose work is currently being featured in the “Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden” exhibition at the Birmingham Museum of Art, which will be on display through April 20, 2025.

Among the school’s hundreds, if not thousands, of other notable alumni are Joe Hampton, president of Spire Alabama; Odessa Woolfolk, civic activist and one of the founders of the Birmingham Civic Rights Institute (BCRI); actress and singer Nell Carter, best known for her role as Nell Harper on the 1980s sitcom “Gimme a Break!”; J. Mason Davis, the attorney for students who participated in the widely publicized Huntsville lunch counter sit-ins in 1961 and 1962; and Bishop Calvin Woods, Civil Rights activist former president of the Birmingham Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

Arthur Harold Parker was the long-time principal of Industrial High School in Birmingham, which now bears his name.

Parker High School even grabbed national attention in the spring of 1937 when First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the school in recognition of its academic excellence. Later, in 1950, Parker was hailed as “the World’s Biggest Negro High School” on the cover of Ebony magazine. The school’s population was so enormous in its early years that the Thundering Herd had winter and spring graduations, each with ceremonies held during the morning and at night.

“Parker High School is what it has always been—it is the doorway to the future,” said Barry McNealy (class of 1989), a U.S. History teacher at Parker, who currently heads the school’s Social Studies department and serves as the Historical Content Expert at the BCRI.

“Today, you can walk down the halls and [see] students from different countries around the world [alongside] students of color. … This is a place where they can come and be challenged and nurtured, and then they can go on to do wonderful things. We put our students next to any student in the United States of America. That is the tradition.”

Darrell Hudson, principal since 2013, said it’s “a big deal” to be principal at the school.

Darrell Hudson, principal since 2013, said it’s “a big deal” to be principal at the school. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr., For The Birmingham Times)

“It is an unbelievable experience,” he said. “It’s unlike any school where I’ve ever had the pleasure of being in this capacity. It’s a big deal to be the principal of the historic A. H. Parker High School. I’m just humbled and blessed that I have been given this opportunity [to be a principal here].”

Pamela Steele (class of 1982) and current president of the A. H. Parker United Alumni Association said, “I knew that I was always going to give back to Parker High School. It has such a rich history. I can remember being a little girl and my dad bringing my sister and me to the football games. Parker has always been part of my life.”

The school continues to make history.

In December 2024, the Thundering Herd won the Class 6A title during the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Super 7 Football Championship, which was held at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium, earning the school’s first state championship in its 125-year history.

“It was unprecedented territory,” Hudson said. “To see grown men cry, to see individuals brace themselves against the frigid temperatures, to come out and support the Thundering Herd was unbelievable, … and they did it on the heels of celebrating 125 years.”

“Education Is Life”

The tradition began with a man born to former enslaved people of white, Black, and Native American (Chickasaw Nation) descent on May 7, 1870, in Springfield, Ohio. He was Arthur Harold Parker, one of five children, who would become the pioneer of Black education in Birmingham.

Under slavery, many states prohibited enslaved individuals from learning to read and write, so like other freed slaves, Parker’s parents stressed the importance of education to their children.

During high school, Parker’s mother fell ill from childbirth. He worked in his father’s barber shop, while continuing to attend high school classes. He also studied law for two summers under the tutelage of one of his barbering clients.

After graduating from high school with the honor of being chosen as the graduation speaker, Parker planned to attend Oberlin College. An injury suffered by his father, however, ended this dream. Instead, he packed up his barbering tools and went “prospecting” in the South.

On August 17, 1887, he arrived in Birmingham, where two of his uncles lived. His Uncle Clayton encouraged him to take the teacher’s examination. After successfully passing the exam, Parker was offered a teaching position and became the 13th African American teacher in the Birmingham school system.

Parker passed the principal’s examination in September 1892 and was transferred to Cameron Elementary School, which opened that year in Birmingham’s Southside community to serve Black students. In addition to heading that growing school, Parker was superintendent of the Sunday school at 16th Street Baptist Church.

According to “The Book and Beyond: Alabama African American History,” in 1899, the Birmingham Board of Education agreed to create a high school for African American students. Superintendent Dr. John Herbert Phillips selected Parker to become the sole teacher for the Industrial High School—dedicated to Black students—when it opened on the second floor of the Cameron School, located at 800 14th Street South in September 1900.

In the school’s early days, the curriculum emphasized practical instruction in woodworking, sewing, cooking, laundry work, mortis (the study of deceased bodies), hand carving, and drawing. Parker himself was one of the instructors, teaching gardening and carpentry along with science, math, and English.

The number of students rose from 18 to 45 by the end of the school year, and Parker presided over the school’s first graduation ceremony, which was held on June 3, 1904, at 16th Street Baptist Church.

In 1915, Parker began teaching summer classes at the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama).

“Education is life, and I can conceive of no finer thing than doing efficiently one’s daily work,” said Parker, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Birmingham’s Miles College in 1933.

He retired as principal of Industrial High School in 1939. In his honor, the school was renamed A. H. Parker High School. Parker died on August 17, 1939.

Principal A.H. Parker surrounded by his Industrial High School students. The school, founded in 1900, was renamed in 1939 to A.H. Parker High School. (Birmingham, Ala., Public Library Archives.)

“Being the Best Citizens”

McNealy, one of nearly two dozen teachers who attended the school and now teach there, attributes the school’s continued success to its instructors, especially the ones who’ve helped to build a foundation that has helped Parker grow.

“The faculty at this school has had an expectation that started with Arthur Harold Parker and [continued] all the way down to the nine principals that followed him, and that expectation was the students were going to be capable of being the best citizens that they could actually be,” said McNealy. “With the constant chain of faculty members like myself, we could reach back to the days of Arthur Harold Parker because every step of the way there’s been somebody here who was taught by somebody in those 125 years. We take it upon ourselves to try to hold that standard up.”

McNealy said he tries not to exaggerate when he calls the teachers “heroes.”

“They had to teach twice the number of students in their classrooms that white teachers taught, and they taught for less than half the salary of their white counterparts. … Then those [Parker] teachers would stay at the end of the day and teach an entirely separate session to their students’ parents who hadn’t been allowed to get a four-year high school diploma because there wasn’t a four-year high school,” said McNealy.

In a 1998 interview with The Birmingham World newspaper, the Rev. Dr. John Thomas Porter, pastor of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church and A. H. Parker High School (class of 1949) said, “The kind of teachers we had at Parker made all the difference in the world—not the building or the grounds but the teachers.”

Many of the students came from families “whose parents had not gone to college. We could not get inspiration for post high school education from our parents because they really had no experience themselves. We had to get it from our high school teachers,” Porter said in the interview.

“I think that the teachers, and just name them one after another, made all the difference. … How blessed we were to have that opportunity to be exposed, to be inspired.”

Although faced with many inequalities, the school’s teachers and students alike still found a way to remain persistent and rise to the occasion, so much so that in spring of 1937 First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited Parker High School.

“They were so proficient that the students at Parker High School not only met but exceeded Southern Accreditation Standards to the level of bringing the First Lady of the United States of America, Eleanor Roosevelt, to the school to congratulate the students and the faculty. There’s not a [high] school in the state that can claim that” McNealy said.

“When you have a history like that, you can build on that,” he added. “You can inspire young people to know that they are part of a narrative that is larger than themselves. … It’s a roadmap that has been followed by thousands of others.”

The marquee outside A.H. Parker High School celebrates its football team’s recent 6A State Championship. (Solomon Crenshaw Jr., For The Birmingham Times)

The Tradition

Alexis Montgomery (class of 2003), Parker High School Teacher of the Year in 2024, has lived the Parker tradition. The math instructor recalled the moment she first inquired about working at Parker High School.

Her mother, Mrs. Rhonda Fowlkes, was a counselor at the school from 1994 to 2018—and she was Alexis’s counselor in high school.

“I asked her, ‘Do y’all have any openings?’” Montgomery recalled. “She said, ‘I don’t know. Ask the principal.’ [I did, and] he told me he had a math position open. I said, ‘OK, and I am interested.’”

Montgomery remembers submitting her resume and going for an interview.

“I didn’t hear anything back,” she said. “[Then] on the day the new hires had to come back, I get a phone call asking, ‘Why aren’t you at work?’ I said, ‘What do you mean? I didn’t know.’ That was like the happiest day of my life to know that I was hired to teach at my alma mater. It was my very first official teaching job, and it was here [at Parker]. Just to be able to be here is a blessed, special moment. “

Montgomery first began working for the school in August 2011, she left in May 2013 and returned in August 2022.

“I had to come home. It was time to come home,” she said. “It is a surreal moment to come back to my alma mater to give back to the community. First and foremost, it has been a joy.”

Asked about the similarities now as a teacher that remain from when she was a student, Montgomery said, “The culture. The pride. The tone has always been set here at A. H. Parker High School.”

“Just being able to be here, in this atmosphere, was just top notch,” she continued. “It’s just something different. I taught somewhere else for eight years, and they had their own thing, but nothing compares to the Thundering Herd. That Parker pride. That Parker spirit. … What we had when I was in high school is the same thing that is being carried on here. As our motto says, ‘The tradition continues’—and that will never go away.”

(Part II will feature the passion of the alumni and school of champions.)

Meet Birmingham’s Steele Family: The Love and Lore of Historic A.H. Parker High School

0
The Steele family: Pam, left, (class of 1982); Karen (class of 1980) and their dad, Charles Steele. (Provided)

By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. | For The Birmingham Times

Pam (class of 1982) and Karen (class of 1980) Steele can scarcely remember a time when they didn’t attend A.H. Parker High School sporting events. That’s because their parents, who weren’t even graduates, were devout Thundering Herd fans.

“I was in the fifth grade at Elyton Elementary,” recalled Karen of her earliest recollections of attending Parker athletic events. “We would always attend the Parker games. It was something that we did as a family and we really enjoyed going, even at that young age.”

Their dad, Charles Steele, who passed in April 2020 at age 82, was an alumnus of Immaculata High School, a private Catholic school in Birmingham, and their mom, Betty Steele, a grad of Birmingham’s Ullman High, who passed away in November 2005 at 64. Each was passionate for Parker sports.

The family home was on First Avenue North in the Smithfield Community, about a mile and a half from Parker, Birmingham’s oldest Black high school which turns 125 this year. But home or away, the parents, the daughters and their brother Robert (class of 1978) would certainly be there.

“We used to go to games with him when we were younger,” said Pam, president of the A.H. Parker United Alumni Association Inc. since January 2024. “A lot of his friends went to Parker. He went to a private Catholic school. He used to go to the (Parker) games with them.”

And he was quick to expose his children to Parker pride and each one bled purple and white.

“My mom and dad, they loved Parker,” Karen said. “They loved the history and the tradition. With my dad, his mom attended Parker, his uncle and his aunt attended Parker and graduated from Parker. His uncle (John B. Norman) also taught at Parker.”

Charles Steele knew all there was to know about Parker lore. “He could tell you about all the greats from Parker,” Pam said. “I remember him talking about Buck Buchanan (a Parker standout athlete who was captain of the football and basketball teams before starring at Grambling State and then the National Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs) and all of the greats. He was a fan of Parker even before we attended Parker.”

Or were even born.

“Most of the kids (with whom he grew up) went to Parker,” the alumni president said. “I can remember being a little girl and all of us going to the football games with him. That was way before either of us went to Parker. He was a fan for as long as I can remember, even before we went.”

Pam could have chosen not to go to Parker. Her great uncle – Hayes High Principal John B. Norman – insisted on her taking the test to attend Ramsay Alternative High School. The eighth-grade honor student passed the test but passed on becoming a Ram.

“I can remember crying. ‘No, I don’t want to go,’” Pam said. “My parents said, ‘She’s gonna go to Parker.’ I went to Parker.

“When we went (to Parker), they became involved in PTA, the band boosters,” recalled Pam, who played clarinet in the band. “They were supportive and involved in all of our activities.”

Said Karen: “There was no way that we could grow up in that house and not love Parker. My parents loved to attend the games. It was just like a big family. Everybody who was a part of the Parker fanbase was like a big family. I felt like I was with my family, who I love, cheering for the school that I love.”

Principal Darrell Hudson was pleased to affirm Charles Steele’s Parker pride.

“Even when he was ill, he was coming to everything that we had,” Hudson recalled. “He treated me like I had been here, like I was a graduate. And the way he interacted with the coaches was just phenomenal.”

Pam said she’s proud to be president of the alumni association of the 125-year-old A.H. Parker High School. She hopes to bolster the 100-member alumni organization to buoy the current student body.

“That’s what I have in our newsletter, at the beginning from the President’s Desk,” she said. “I want to be able to give more back to the students at the school and I want to recruit more alumni to be active within the alumni association.”

Birmingham Approves $2.69M to Bolster Program to Shelter the Homeless

0

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times

The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved a $2.69 million funding package for two agencies to run separate groupings of pallet shelters as part of Birmingham’s Homes for All, Safe Sleep program.

Faith Chapel Care Center will receive nearly $1.2 million to host and run services for 15 of the homes on its property at 921 Second Ave. North.

Urban Alchemy will get more than $1.54 million to host and run services for 30 to 60 micro-shelters at two locations that have not been named yet.

The Rev. Debra Blaylock, director of Faith Chapel, said she expects the pallet homes to be up and running this fall to go with a range of services that it already provides including case management, mailing addresses, counseling sessions, free showers and laundry.

“This will be life-changing for many of our unhoused residents,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “These partners have a proven record of supporting unhoused residents and helping them get on a path toward sustainable homeownership. Everyone deserves a safe place to sleep and a safe place to call their own. We are committed to playing a part in helping to make that happen for those who need it.”

Urban Alchemy specializes in providing career pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals across the country. The group plans to create a “Wellness Village” housing model that includes landscaping that creates a peaceful, safe environment for the residents, a service-rich program model with care coordination.

City Councilor JT Moore applauded the group for coming to the aid of the homeless population.

“I’ve had several issues that I’ve reached out to Urban Alchemy for, and they’ve come through for our residents who needed assistance with a level of professionalism and excellence that left a strong impression on me,” Moore said on Tuesday. “I know that Urban Alchemy is still looking for a location for this new facility … these are our neighbors, this is where they are now, and this is where we can make the most impact.”
Since November, Urban Alchemy has hired 17 new employees, provided services to over 400 residents, and placed 10 people with services providers to help find them housing and employment.
“This is our opportunity as a city to demonstrate how important all of our residents are across the spectrum,” said Dr. Meghan Venable-Thomas, director of community development. “Our most vulnerable residents in the housing space are those who are experiencing homelessness. This program allows us to meet people where they are and provide the services that are needed for healthy, viable, and sustainable housing long term.”

The Urban Alchemy pallet homes should be ready by winter, Venable-Thomas said.

The city has several programs underway to help the homeless population.
In January, the HEART Program (Homeless Engagement Assistance Response Team) was launched with the goal of helping homeless residents in crisis.

“I’ve been able to see first-hand the results of this partnership and how it’s serving our most at-risk residents,” Councilor LaTonya Tate said. “It’s an intricate problem, and it requires complex solutions, beyond just providing housing. It takes a lot of heart to do this work. I’m very encouraged by what I’ve seen and I’m proud to support this effort.”

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

0
MARY J. BLIGE with perform with NE-YO and MARIO at the Legacy Arena. (Provided)

By Gwen DeRu | The Birmingham Times

TODAY…

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

**LUTHER: NEVER TOO MUCH, 7 p.m. at 1821 Second Avenue North.

**COCOA BROWN at the StarDome Comedy Club.

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

**DRAKE MILLIGAN with MARY KATE FARMER at Saturn.

**IN THEORY at the Nick Rocks.

**THURSDAY NIGHT with CHEYLOE AND KYLE at The Nick Rocks.

**THURSDAY NIGHTS WITH CHEYLOE AND KYLE at The Nick Rocks.

**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…

**COMEDIENNE COCO BROWN at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**EARLY JAMES with DEAD MALL, THE STEPDADS at Saturn.

**ANDREW VINSON, ALEXA FONTAINE & GRAHAM HARPER at The Nick.

**ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT, 2 p.m. at 1821 2nd Avenue North.

**BIRTHDAY FREE SECTIONS ON A FRIDAY at Tha Vibe Bar and Lounge

**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.

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.

**BURLESQUQE NIGHT, 2 shows 7:30 and10 p.m. at The Nick Rocks.

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

**COMEDIENNE COCO BROWN at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**THE MIDNIGHT EFFECT: DARK HEARTS EDITION 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.

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

**KYLE KIMBRELL SOLO at The Nick Rocks.

**FIRST CONTACT KARAOKE at Saturn.

MONDAY…

**8 Years of BIRMINGHAM BANDSTAND at the Nick.

TUESDAY…

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

**SUBSTRATE BINGO with JACKIE LO at Saturn.

**REAL ESTATE: MORE TOUR with GRUMPY at Saturn.

  WEDNESDAY…

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

**SUNDROP, EVERY WEDNESDAY at the Nick.

**DOGS IN A PIE with MEDICINE BUS at Saturn.

NEXT THURSDAY…

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

**STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS, 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Highlands in Irondale.

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

**HIGH FADE at Saturn.

**PATTY PERCHAYA at the Nick Rocks.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!

 NEXT FRIDAY….

…VALENTINE’S DAY… “SHOW A LITTLE LOVE”

**VALENTINE’S DINNER at Silver Coin Indian Grill, 6:30p.m.

**VALENTINE’S DAY – VALENTINE LOVE featuring ABRAHAM THE VOICE, 7 p.m. with a Candlelight Dinner by Chef Kris Hicks of Infinit Eats at Jazzi’s on 3rd Music Gallery.

**COMEDIAN RICKEY SMILEY LIVE – CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF COMEDY at the StarDome Comedy Club.

**MILK AND HONEY on VALENTINE’ S DAY. at Saturn.

**VALENTINE’S with THE D.O.O.D. at The Nick.

NEWS TO USE

DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH…

**LAWSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH –

The Black History Month Program is WEDNESDAY, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Perry Ward Alabama Center for Advanced Technology & Training *ACATT Building on the Birmingham Campus. The program will include an introductory gallery, celebrating the theme, ”An African American Mosaic of History, Labor, Education and Art.” The gallery will showcase artifacts and reclaimed objects that reflect diverse cultural and historical experiences from the pre-Columbian era to the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement. The program begins with a presentation by guest speakers: Mr. R. D. Burrell will share the untold story of his great-grandfather, ANDREW JACKSON BEARD. Beard is credited with helping to revolutionize the railroad car, which is a ground-breaking contribution to labor saving technologies. Mr. Philip Howard will highlight the legacy of ATTORNEY ARTHUR D. SHORES who worked alongside former U. S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and represented Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. Special Guest is MS. BARBARA SHORES, author, artist and daughter of Attorney Arthur D. Shores.

BT PICKS

Show of the Month

“Harlem”

Network: Amazon Prime Video

Season 3 came out on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 12 am PT. Episodes will be released weekly

Returning for its third and final season, Harlem continues to follow four thirtysomething friends from college (Megan Good, Grace Byers, Jerrie Johnson, and Shoniqua Shandai) on their journeys of juggling love, life, and the complications they bring all while living among the streets of Harlem, New York. Created by Tracy Oliver, co-writer of Girls Trip, at its core the show brings us deep, yet relatable issues regarding family and friend relationships, romantic interest, career paths, and self-reflection combining to bring intersectional conversations on hard topics like race, class, gender, sexuality, and nationality.

Since its premiere in 2021, Harlem has garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. The show’s portrayal of strong, multifaceted female characters offers viewers a refreshing departure from stereotypical representations often seen on television. The show features a diverse cast and explores intersectional themes with sensitivity and depth. Harlem also sheds light on the unique challenges and triumphs faced by the residents of Harlem, highlighting the neighborhood’s rich history and vibrant culture. The show’s setting serves as more than just a backdrop; it is an integral part of the narrative, influencing the characters’ lives and shaping their experiences.

As Harlem embarks on its final season, fans are eager to see how the characters’ stories will conclude.

Book of the Month:

“Parable of the Sower” (Novel)

By Octavia Butler

Available where books are sold.

Parable of the Sower is a dystopian science fiction novel by Octavia Butler, first published in 1993. Set in 2024, the novel explores themes of environmental degradation, economic collapse, and social chaos.

The book is set in a United States that has been ravaged by climate change, resource scarcity, and economic inequality. Society has broken down into a patchwork of walled communities, lawless territories, and corporate-controlled enclaves. The government is weak and corrupt, unable to address the multiple crises that have turned the country into a dystopian landscape.

It is the first book in the Earthseed series and follows the protagonist Lauren Olamina as she navigates a world on the brink of collapse. Lauren Olamina is a young African American woman with a unique condition called hyperempathy, which causes her to feel the pain and pleasure of others as if it were her own. This condition makes her both vulnerable and resilient in the harsh world she inhabits. Lauren lives in a gated community in southern California, where her father, a Baptist minister, tries to maintain a semblance of order and safety.

 LOOKING AHEAD…

FEBRUARY is full of things…VALENTINE’S DAY, MUSIC AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH …

NEXT SATURDAY…

**MARY J. BLIGE with NE-YO and MARIO at the Legacy Arena.

AT IRON CITY… Music in February.

**FEBRUARY 15 – COREY SMITH at Iron City.

**FEBRUARY 19 – TWO FRIENDS presents HEATWAVE: THE TOUR

**FEBRUARY 25 – PALAYE ROYALE

**FEBRUARY 26 – PALACE.

**FEBRUARY 27  – UMPHREY’S MCGEE – CRUISING ALTITUDE 2025 TOUR.

AT THE ALABAMA BALLET…

**PETER PAN, February 28- March 9 at the BJCC Concert Hall.

AT THE BIRMINGHAM LIBRARY DOWNTOWN…

**ART EXHIBIT – VESSELS OF POSSIBILITY by LARRY ALLEN, now through February 28 on the First Floor Lobby Gallery.

**ART EXHIBIT – ISSUES – TIME by JOURDAN TRUTH MCGOWAN, now through April 18 on the Fourth Floor Downtown Library.

AT THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS…

**BBG SUMMERCAMPS registration opens February 17. Ages 4-12. Dates May 27 – July 25. Themes include Art in the Gardens, Enchanted Forest, Nature’s Kitchen and more. Camps include daily explorations of the Gardens, STEM and literacy activities, and learning in the garden lab. Call 205-414-3950 for more.

**EVERY FRIDAY IN FEBRUARY – MINI MAKERS AT THE GARDENS, 10 – 11 a.m. in the Adventure Classroom with Erica Scott of Dabble Arts Studio for child-led art playgrounds where children can create, explore and enjoy art. Register.

**FEBRUARY 17 – SCHOOL DAY OUT: WINTER BIRDING ADVENTURE FOR KIDS, 1 a.m. – Noon in the Adventure Classroom. Explore forest habitats at the Gardens seeking what birds and other wildlife need while taking a nature hike. Learn how to identify birds using our senses. Make birdseed ornaments for home and to welcome the birds to your backyard. Register.

**FEBRUARY 18 – THE ORIGIN AND LEGACIES OF THE ENGLISH ARTS AND CRAFTS GARDEN, 11 a.m. – Noon in the Hodges Room. Join Professor Emerita English and Master Gardener Susan K. Hagen in an idea-generating digital tour of some of Britain’s most influential arts and Crafts gardens and gardeners. Register.

**FEBRUARY 21 – THE ART AND SCIENCE OF FIELD JOURNALING, 10 – 11:30 a.m. with Teaching Artist Melissa Shultz-Jones. Learn about the living world of plants on a leisurely stroll in the Gardens. Register.

**FEBUARY 28 – PROPAGATING WOODY PLANTS, 10 – Noon. Practice grafting with Horticulturist Julia Adams, using Japanese Maples and experiment with camellias to learn air layering technique. She will guide the attendees on how each can be used to propagate plants that don’t root well form cuttings. Register.

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

FOR THE YOUTH…

**NOW through Sunday – JCAC SCHOLARSHIP 2025 registration. Go to www.dstjcac.org/scholarship or scholarship@dstjcac.org.

**INTERESTED IN A SUMMER RESEARCH INTERNSHIP – There are opportunities for high school and undergraduate students to learn how to conduct their own research. Spend the summer being mentored by the USB’s Department of Surgery through the PRISM and FUSSION PROGRAMS.  For more information, contact SurgSummerPrograms@UABMC.edu.

**APPLICATION FOR JCAC OF DST OPPORTUNITIES – The Jefferson County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is accepting applications for its annual JCAC SCHOLARSHIPS through Sunday. Send questions to scholarship@dstjcac.org. IN ADDITION, their LEGISLATIVE PAGE PROGRAM provides students with a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the legislative process. For more: dstjcac.org.

**THINK BIG FOUNDATION x BETTER HELP – FREE THERAPY – This free therapy is with a licensed therapist based on your needs, preferences and location. For more and to address questions: contact@betterhelp.com. It is convenient wherever you are – video, phone or text. Three Months FREE!!!

**BIRMINGHAM YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT FELLOWSHIP CHOIR is hosting auditions and looking for young people, ages 10-28 who has a passion for singing. Register now through March 1.  For more on how to qualify: info@bhamyyafc.org.

ADDICTION PREVENTION COALITION – RAISING RESILIENT YOUTH SERIES (Upcoming Events) in February and future…

**SUNDAY – APC SOBER TAILGATE, at the Woodlawn Theatre, 5503 First Avenue North, 5 p.m. A night of fun, football and community at the APC Sober Tailgate with live streaming the big game, alcohol-free drinks by DeAngelo’s Daiquiris and food by Rojo and others. The event is the perfect way to enjoy game day with good vibes, great company and unforgettable memories. For more info, nikeisha@apcbham.org

**FEBRUARY 12 FREE WEBINAR- VAPING THE TRUTH:  How We Got to Where We Are Today, Noon – 1 p.m. with Mike Cook, Director of prevention Services in Baldwin County, Drug Education Council. Join to hear discussions on how vaping has evolved into what it is today and examine the latest trends and products gaining popularity among today’s youth.

**FEBRUARY 29 FREE WEBINAR – WEEDING OUT THE TRUTH: Investigating Today’s Marijuana Laws, Products and Precautions, 11a.m. – Noon.  Dr. Valentine, Youth Coordinator, Impact Montevallo will talk about the products that he has come across when working with Alabama teens and the precautions needed to consider with these products. Find out about THC-O, CBD Marijuana, gummies, candies, the vapes, the drinks, are they legal, do you really get high, medicinal dispensaries and more.

**APRIL 5 – END ADDICTION WALK 2025 at City Walk Bham. To get involved or learn more: endaddictionbham.org. SAVE THE DATE.

For more about the Addiction Prevention Coalition and info about these events: nichole@addictionpreventioncoalition.ccsend.com or communicaitons@apcbham.org.

AT SIDEWALK FILM FEST…

**TODAY…

-THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (1964) 4K RESTORATION starring Catherine Deneuve, Nino Castenuovo, Annd Vernon and directed by Jacques Demy.

-LUTHER: NEVER TOO MUCH, directed by Dawn Porter.

 **TODAY THROUGH SUNDAY…

-THE BRUTALIST starring Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce and directed by Brady Corbet.

-VERMIGILIO, starring Tommaso Ragno, Giuseppe De Domenicao, Roberta Rovelli and directed by Maura Delpero.

 **FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY…

BAD MOVIE MARATHON. Visit sidewalkfest.com for more details.

-ALL WE IMAGINC AS LIGHT starring Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam and directed by Payal Kapadia.

 **SATURDAY and SUNDAY…

-A GOOFY MOVIE starring Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Rob Paulsen and directed by Kevin Lima.

 **SUNDAY…

-THE BIG GAME WATCH PARTY. FREE. Reservations recommended.

 COMING…

**MARCH 6-9 – SELMA JUBILEE

**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

 

Black History in Birmingham: Meet Carol William Hayes, Industrial High School (A.H. Parker High School)

0

Each year during the month of February our safety articles highlighted African American men and women whose names are not commonly known or featured in history books, but who improved the quality of life for all Americans by making us safer and better. Men and women such as Garrett Morgan who invented the traffic light signal, Alexander Miles who invented the automatic elevator door, Charles Drew developed the blood bank, Lewis Latimer who improved the lightbulb filament, Patricia Bath who developed the laser surgical device for cataracts and Marie Van Brittan Brown who invented the home security system.

Carol William Hayes

This month’s safety series will focus on safety as usual, just in a broader meaning of the word. It will not focus on inventors rather those African Americans who helped to save, enhance and empower the lives of thousands through the power of the mind – education in Birmingham, Alabama. Their efforts helped to uplift families out of impoverished conditions and favorably impacted lives for generations to come.

We will begin the series with Carol William Hayes former “Director of Negro Schools.” A newly constructed high school in the eastern area of Birmingham in September 1960 was named after him in his honor. It was closed as a high school in 2008 and reopened on the same site in a newly constructed building as a K-8 School.

Carol W. Hayes was born January 27, 1897, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He was born to Pickney James Hayes and Mary Baynum Hayes. He was one of six children. As a child, he was quite athletic, playing football, sandlot baseball, roller and ice skating as well as swimming. He had several jobs as a youth from delivering groceries, throwing and selling newspapers and reading books/newspapers to the elderly or those who could not read.

He attended public schools in his hometown, then furthered his education in Nashville, Tennessee, attending both Fisk University and Tennessee State University where he earned his B. A. Degree. He continued athletic involvement and also sang in the school choir along with being in the orator club. He earned a master’s degree at Columbia University in New York City, New York and was bestowed several honorary degrees.

During his career with Birmingham Public Schools, now known as Birmingham City Schools, he was an instructor at Industrial High School (Parker High School), assistant principal at Industrial High School, principal of Slater Elementary School, then later principal of Lincoln Elementary School. He then advanced in 1935 to 1952 to Supervisor of Negro Schools and in 1952 he was promoted to the Director of Negro Schools which was equivalent to being Superintendent of Negro Schools.  Note, during this era Whites did not address the any day-to-day issues and/or hiring involving Negro Schools. He reported to the school district’s superintendent. His office was at Industrial High School until integration when his office was moved to the district’s central office. Carol W. Hayes retired in 1966. He received numerous honors and awards along with being the keynote speaker at major education conferences.

He served as one of Alabama’s representatives to the White House Conference on Education, invited to attend the White House Conference on Children and Youth, and served on the Editorial Board of Negro History Bulletin edited by Dr. Carter G. Woodson (creator of Black History Month in 1926).

He was a very courageous man. Many never new that Carol W. Hayes dared to put his life and career on the line by quietly establishing several efforts to assist “Negro” teachers register to vote during the 1930s and 40s. In 1948, he appeared on the Town Hall Program in New York City, New York with Moderator Dr. George Denny on “What Shall We do About the Race Question?’

He was married to Mary Ellen Ruffin (Davis) Hayes and had three step children, Dr. George W. Davis, and twins, Mrs. Gloria Davis Hill and Mrs. Mildren Davis Dunn. Carol W. Hayes passed on November 7, 1988.  He was a Christian and served his church, First Congregation in Smithfield faithfully.

His efforts helped to impact and raise the standard of living of African Americans in our city and country by Keeping his Eyes on Safety through education. His life’s motto that he received at his Alma Mater, Tennessee State University, “Think – Work – Serve” was how he lived his life.