Birmingham news

• Global human rights hub discussed for downtown Birmingham 

  13-12-2019 14:44
  
  By Erica WrightThe Birmingham Times Picture a hub where visitors from around the world can share ideas, inspire one another and teach leadership skills for the 21st century. A place that embraces and shares Birmingham’s instructive Civil Rights history, establishes a leadership training institute and draws speakers from across the globe to discuss human and civil rights.
  That’s one of the many goals of the Global Forum for Freedom & Justice being discussed to help with the r
  
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• Apple Inc. Exec to Lawson State Grads: ‘Reach High, Reach Back’

  16-12-2019 17:04
  
  Solomon Crenshaw Jr.For The Birmingham Times
  Graduates of Lawson State Community College were challenged Friday to change the world, because they are equipped to do so.
  “The fact that you’re sitting where you are means that you have what you need to take that next step in life,” said commencement speaker Lyn Stanfield, who leads the Global Inclusion and Diversity External Relations team at Apple Inc.
  The world today is constantly changing because of the vast amount of data that
  
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• Birmingham Design Review Approves $123M plan BJCC Legacy Arena Renovations

  14-12-2019 15:07
  
  By Michael TomberlinAlabama NewscenterA dramatic $123 million renovation of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex’s Legacy Arena moved one step closer today with the Birmingham Design Review Committee’s unanimous approval of the plan.
  The committee signed off on the designs, materials, landscaping and lighting. A separate signage plan will be presented to the Design Review Committee next year.
  The most dramatic change in the current design is the addition of a glass-walled plaz
  
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• Sherry Lewis, Former Water Works Board Member, sentenced; avoids jail time 

  13-12-2019 17:35
  
  Times staff report Sherry Lewis, the former board president of the Birmingham Water Works who faced up to 20 years for two felony ethics convictions, has avoided jail time.
  On Thursday, Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Clyde Jones sentenced Lewis to 36 months of supervised probation, 400 hours of community services and ordered her to pay court fees and fines after she was convicted back in October.
  Lewis will have to pay a $30,000 fine ($15,000 for each count) and serve 400 hours of com
  
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• Sherry Lewis, Former Water Works Board Member, avoids jail time 

  13-12-2019 14:44
  
  Times staff report Sherry Lewis, the former board president of the Birmingham Water Works who faced up to 20 years for two felony ethics convictions, has avoided jail time.
  On Thursday, Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Clyde Jones sentenced Lewis to 36 months of supervised probation, 400 hours of community services and ordered her to pay court fees and fines after she was convicted back in October.
  Lewis will have to pay a $30,000 fine ($15,000 for each count) and serve 400 hours of com
  
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• Jefferson County’s Bicentennial: Fueling Growth As State’s Economic Engine

  12-12-2019 08:24
  
  By Solomon Crenshaw Jr.For the Birmingham TimesJefferson County turns 200 this month, but it gave itself a present in 2018—when the county commission hired renowned Tuskegee, Ala., artist Ronald Scott McDowell to craft a mural to complement the “Old South” and “New South” murals done by John Warner Norton when the courthouse was constructed in 1932.
  Norton’s works had raised the ire of many because they depicted a time that had long passed. “Old South&rd
  
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• The history of Birmingham’s 141-year-old Broad St. Missionary Church

  12-12-2019 04:59
  
  By Solomon Crenshaw Jr.For the Birmingham TimesA quiet dignity is noticed every time Elmore Quarles reads the history of her place of worship, Broad Street Missionary Baptist Church, located in what is now Birmingham’s Smithfield neighborhood. Quarles assumed the role of church historian decades ago, when the prior historian was unable to serve because of her health.
  “After Mary White got sick and got to where she couldn’t read it, she asked me if I would take it,” said Q
  
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• Kathy Boswell: Ready for The World Games 2021

  12-12-2019 04:59
  
  By Ameera Steward
  The Birmingham Times
  The World Games 2021 is much-anticipated by many Birmingham-area residents but none more than Kathy Boswell, who was appointed in November as vice president of community engagement for the international multisport event.
  In her role, Boswell, a native of Birmingham’s Mason City, will provide communication and outreach in the community, cultivate tourism and cultural initiatives, and oversee the Live Healthy, Play Global educational program and the Wor
  
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• Jefferson County’s 200th: Fueling Growth As State’s Economic Engine

  12-12-2019 04:59
  
  By Solomon Crenshaw Jr.For the Birmingham TimesJefferson County turns 200 this year, but it gave itself a present in 2018—when the county commission hired renowned Tuskegee, Ala., artist Ronald Scott McDowell to craft a mural to complement the “Old South” and “New South” murals done by John Warner Norton when the courthouse was constructed in 1932.
  Norton’s works had raised the ire of many because they depicted a time that had long passed. “Old South&rdq
  
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• Holiday Magic in the City

  12-12-2019 04:59
  
  Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin joined Santa for the City of Birmingham’s holiday parade on Sunday, Dec. 8. The lighting of the Christmas tree followed with Woodfin, council members, Santa and Noah Galloway, a Birmingham native who was injured during the Iraq War and is a Purple Heart recipient, leading the festivities. Marching bands from Birmingham City Schools including P.D. Jackson-Olin High School were some of the featured participants. “This is my favorite time of the year be
  
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• Gardendale Resident Amasses 40,000 Postcards of Birmingham, Jeffco

  12-12-2019 04:59
  
  By Solomon Crenshaw Jr.For the Birmingham TimesJD Weeks has a collection of more than 40,000 postcards that portray Birmingham and Jefferson County, but the first came by accident, he said.
  “I can’t remember exactly when it was, but I bought an old book at a bookstore somewhere downtown Birmingham,” the Gardendale resident recalled. “I bought a book for a dollar, and it had a postcard. I found that, and it got me started.”
  That card—depicting a rainy day in do
  
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• Ellis: Healthcare For All. Really?

  12-12-2019 04:59
  
  By Glenn Ellis“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”
  -The Declaration of Independence-
  Ask anyone what the one topic that seems to be on the lips of all the Democratic Presidential Candidates, and they will answer: Healthcare for All.
  But few of us have really stopped to think about who “All” is referri
  
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• Drew: Car Rental Safety Tips

  12-12-2019 04:59
  
  By Samuetta Hill DrewApproximately 55 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home over the holiday season. The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts an increase of 1.6 million more people will travel compared to last year. This will equate to a 2.9 percent increase. The majority of Americans will drive to their various destination points.
  Many of these drivers will opt to rent a vehicle for their holiday trip versus using their own personal vehicle for a variety of rea
  
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• Doug Jones Gets Final Passage of Bill to Renew Funding HBCUs

  12-12-2019 04:59
  
  jones.senate.govWASHINGTON – Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) this week announced final passage of his bipartisan legislation, the FUTURE Act, to permanently renew annual funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions (MSIs) that had expired in September.
  Last week, Jones joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues to announce a compromise deal to permanently fund HBCUs and MSIs as well as take a first important step to simplify the Free Appli
  
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• Canadian-Based Co. to Invest Nearly $30M, Create 50 Jobs in Jeffco

  12-12-2019 04:59
  
  By Barnett WrightThe Birmingham TimesSamuel Associated Tube Group, a manufacturer of small-diameter, electric-resistance-welded and fabricated carbon steel tubing, last week announced plans to invest nearly $30 million and create approximately 50 jobs at a new manufacturing facility in Jefferson County.
  The expansion is expected to have an economic impact of $5.2 million.
  The Canadian-based company, which currently employs 190, plans to build a 284,000-square-foot facility at 300 Fleming Road ar
  
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• A Timeline of Jefferson County in Pictures: 1819-2019

  12-12-2019 04:59
  
  Founded with the state of Alabama in 1819, Jefferson County grew from a sparsely settled agricultural county to a powerhouse of industry fueled by entrepreneurial drive and rich deposits of iron ore, coal, and limestone. This community has fought for justice and equality, made medical breakthroughs, advanced technology, and founded award-winning restaurants. With an adverse population, extensive green space, vibrant communities, and ongoing innovation, the county this month celebrates 200 years
  
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• Prayer, positive role models, self-reflection keep marriage on track 

  11-12-2019 14:55
  
  BY JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEYSpecial to the Birmingham Times“You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them. If you would like to be considered for a future “Hello’’ column, or know someone, please send nominations to Erica Wright [email protected]. Include the couple’s name, contact number(s) and what makes their love story unique.ASHLEY AND DEXTER THOMAS 
  Live: Warrior 
  Married: October 12, 2013
  Met:
  
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• First-ever mobile app on the way for Birmingham police  

  11-12-2019 14:55
  
  By Erica WrightThe Birmingham Times The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an agreement to create a mobile app for the Birmingham Police Department to help residents connect with law enforcement.
  “We are always looking for people to engage with the police department in communications,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin. “Everyone doesn’t want to necessarily call 911 . . . [so residents] can download this app and share information with police. We think t
  
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• Statewide coalition to end student hunger in Alabama awarded $500,000 grant

  10-12-2019 06:10
  
  By Shannon ThomasonUAB NewsTen Alabama universities including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, working to ensure all students have access to affordable, nourishing food, have been awarded a $500,000 grant.
  The grant was given to the Auburn University Hunger Solutions Institute by the nonprofit ECMC Foundation. It was awarded in support of the 10-university initiative, called the Alabama Campus Coalition for Basic Needs. The coalition’s mission is to empower students to succeed
  
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• Rep. Sewell’s Voting Rights Bill Passes the House 

  09-12-2019 14:32
  
  The Birmingham Times The House of Representatives last week passed a bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), meant to restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that would make it more difficult for states to discriminate against voters of color. 
  Sewell’s Voting Rights Advancement Act, H.R. 4, would give the federal government a stronger ability to take action against states with a history of discrimination.
  In a mostly party-line vote, the legislation was approved 228-187
  
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• Rapper Juice WRLD dies after medical emergency in Chicago

  09-12-2019 14:32
  
  By SOPHIA TAREEN and MESFIN FEKADUAssociated PressCHICAGO (AP) — Rapper Juice WRLD, who launched his career on SoundCloud before becoming a streaming juggernaut and rose to the top of the charts with the Sting-sampled hit “Lucid Dreams,” died early Sunday after a “medical emergency” at Chicago’s Midway International Airport.
  The rapper, whose legal name was Jarad A. Higgins, was 21. Authorities have not released details about his cause of death.
  He was pronoun
  
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• 11-year-old Becomes First Black Marie in New York City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

  07-12-2019 06:31
  
  By Kimberley RichardsBlack Voices
  Young ballerina Charlotte Nebres has made history this holiday season.
  The 11-year-old became the first Black dancer cast in the leading role of Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.” The ballet company premiered this annual event in 1954.Charlotte, a student at the School of American Ballet in New York City, is one of two dancers alternating the role of Marie. Two other young performers ar
  
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• Alabama Power’s Nick Sellers is new CEO of World Games 2021

  06-12-2019 14:03
  
  By Alabama Newscenter StaffThe World Games 2021 board of directors has named Nick Sellers as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately.
  Sellers replaces DJ Mackovets, who recently resigned as CEO.
  “We are delighted to welcome Nick as our new CEO,” said Jonathan Porter, chairman of the World Games 2021 board of directors. “He is a highly-respected executive with demonstrated success in strategic leadership, operations and implementation. He is well-positio
  
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• The Year for Black Football Head Coaches At Major Schools

  05-12-2019 04:55
  
  J.R. GambleThe Shadow LeagueAt the beginning of the 2019 college football season, there were just 14 African-American head coaches out of the 130 schools in the NCAA’s Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
  The seasoned strategists represented just 10 percent of the total coaching hires, comprising a small, black fraternity of leaders at the highest levels of college football. Every hire crushes stereotypes while creating a coaching pipeline for black coaches to the NFL.
  On the f
  
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• Region’s Clara Green On Bank’s Diversity and Inclusion Journey

  05-12-2019 04:55
  
  By Clara Green“It’s hard to hate up close.”
  Those were the words spoken by a welcoming uncle to his curious young nephew. The nephew wanted to know why the uncle always invited so many people, from all walks of life, to Thanksgiving dinner.
  “One year, I asked him, ‘How am I related to everybody here?’” the nephew recalled. “They were a racially diverse group, an ethnically diverse group, a socially diverse group, and a geographically diverse group.
  
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• Railroad Park Brings Wonders of Winter Adventures To Brrrmingham

  05-12-2019 04:55
  
  By Javacia Harris BowserFor the Birmingham TimesImagine yourself, your friends, or your family gleefully gliding across an outdoor ice skating rink at your favorite park. Then you grab a cup of delicious hot cocoa to sip while waiting for your chance to ride down a 100-foot ice slide. From the squeals, giggles, and smiles, you know it will be like sledding—but better.
  To have this experience you don’t have to fly to New York City and visit Central Park or even drive to Centennial Oly
  
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• Meet The Men Who Handcraft McWane’s Model Train Exhibit

  05-12-2019 04:55
  
  By Erica WrightThe Birmingham TimesFor McWane Science Center visitors, the Magic of Model Trains exhibit is a highly anticipated display many look forward to seeing downtown Birmingham in November and December.
  For the Wrecking Crew Model Railroad Club—a group of train enthusiasts that not only design and build the trains but also set up the exhibit and visit once everything is up and running—the annual exhibit is a year-round labor of love.
  Magic of Model Trains began on November 23
  
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• ‘Faith In God’: Birmingham Woman Celebrates Her 110th

  05-12-2019 04:55
  
  Mrs. Laura Pitts last week celebrated her 110th birthday with friends and family at Birmingham’s Cherry Hill Healthcare Center. Asked by Birmingham City Councilor John Hilliard the “secret to living to 110 years,” Mrs. Laura replied, ”faith in God.” Mrs. Laura, who has been a member of the Seventh Day Adventist faith for 78 years, received accolades from Senator Doug Jones, Congresswoman Terri Sewell and Gov. Kay Ivey among others. A resident of Cherry Hill since Ju
  
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• Dr. Mia Cowan: Finding a Beautiful Approach to Health

  05-12-2019 04:55
  
  By Erica WrightThe Birmingham TimesMiBella means “my beautiful” in Italian—and that’s the goal for Mia Cowan, MD, at her wellness center off of Highway 280 in Birmingham. The initial tagline for the business was “a beautiful approach to health and a desire to make women feel beautiful.”
  “[It’s about] expanding the notion of beauty to include balance, belief, living well, and aging beautifully,” she said. “I want women to feel good about
  
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• Crystal Mullen-Johnson: What Everyone Should Understand About Grief

  05-12-2019 04:55
  
  By Crystal Mullen-JohnsonMost people will experience grief in their lifetime. I have experienced it twice. The first time, I was only 14 when my mother unexpectedly died from contracting pneumonia. My family buried my mother the day before my 15th birthday. I was overwhelmed by shock, sadness, anger, and confusion.
  As a teen, I lacked the coping skills to process my grief. Many people advised me to “just get over it.” However, this was not practical. Nevertheless, I continued my dail
  
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