Birmingham makes the top of many city lists—some of which make us cringe. However, most are not significant—and the methodology’s questionable.
But on lists that really matter, Birmingham often excels.
In fact, I could have titled this piece, “Atlanta is jealous of Birmingham” or “Chicago is jealous of Birmingham.”
Cities all over the U.S. want to be like us.
If you don’t believe me, Continue reading
Mark Kelly, Publisher of Weld for Birmingham
The primary objective of ComebackTown is to create a conversation on a “better Birmingham.”
We often talk about what’s great about our metro, but we also want to identify our shortcomings so we can begin to propose solutions.
Many are quick to blame our politicians or corporate leadership, but the root cause of our frailties is poor government structure. Continue reading
John Northrop
Comebacktown published by David Sher & Phyllis Neill to begin a discussion on better government for our region.
Today’s guest blogger is John Northrop.
If Birmingham is a “comeback town,” what do we want to come back to? Surely not the days and ways of Bull Conner. Nor of chain gang labor in coal mines. Nor as a mere colony in a 19th-century steel empire.
Birmingham’s “good old days” were better for some than others. The same can be said of Alabama as a whole. Continue reading
A friend recently sent me a link to an incredibly positive article about Birmingham published in the Los Angeles Times. A few minutes later I received another—then another. The e-mails kept coming.
People were obviously excited and wanted to share our good news.
At first I was surprised, but then realized this was just the continuation of an amazing few weeks. Continue reading
Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church bombing
I can’t help myself.
When I see pictures of victims, particularly children, who were killed or maimed in the Boston Marathon bombing or the Newtown massacre, my eyes well up and I grieve. I know I’m not alone, but knowing these horrendous events sadden others doesn’t make me feel better.
Our President said. “Anytime bombs are used to target innocent civilians, it is an act of terror.” Continue reading
Regions Field first night fireworks
We need your help.
We’d like you to take action.
Do you know what’s really wrong with Birmingham?
We concentrate on our shortcomings and don’t celebrate our victories.
A funny thing happened while we were wallowing in self-pity. Continue reading
I’m not proud of this blog post.
In fact, I waited a month after receiving the inflammatory e-mail below before publishing it.
I didn’t want to promote the writer or his book. But since links have been posted on Comeback.com, I thought it best to confront it head on. Continue reading
Maury Shevin
Comebacktown published by David Sher & Phyllis Neill to begin a discussion on better government for our region.
Today’s guest blogger is Maury Shevin, a Birmingham native.
Remember, “One for all! All for one!! Every man for himself!!!” I do and if you are of a certain age, then you do too. It is a line made famous by the infamous Three Stooges. And, boy, doesn’t it now relate to our community? Continue reading
Alabama Theatre– one of nation’s most beautiful–Lyric next
Are you sitting down?
Birmingham’s being flooded with positive recognition.
Amazingly, most of these headline are within the past 30 days.
It’s enough to make the Birmingham haters scream for mercy.
Click on the headlines to see the story: Continue reading
Laura Kate Whitney
Comebacktown published by David Sher & Phyllis Neill to begin a discussion on better government for our region.
Today’s guest blogger is Laura Kate Whitney, a young professional.
Birmingham is two separate cities.
One Birmingham is full of hope and energy. She’s a half-full kind of gal. She doesn’t play with the naysayers, and she also doesn’t let those with a negative view of her community slow her down. She breeds creativity, innovation; she represents a new generation of Birmingham, a 21st century population, one diverse racially, culturally, and socioeconomically. She prefers to focus on the future rather than the past. Continue reading
