I was eager to escape Birmingham, now I’m thrilled I came home

Joseph Mungenast
Joseph Mungenast

Todays guest columnist is Joseph Mungenast.

When I left Birmingham at 18, I didn’t imagine I’d come back after college.

Like many young people, I was eager to escape the place I’d always called home.

The idea of a bigger city with more opportunities, excitement, and a faster pace was appealing. Continue reading I was eager to escape Birmingham, now I’m thrilled I came home

38% of Shelby County workers could lose their jobs

Shelby County Court House
Shelby County Court House

By David Sher

ComebackTown has published hundreds of columns with the intent to improve our Birmingham region.

Disappointingly, when I, or one of my guest columnists praise Birmingham, we often receive negative comments from folks who live in the suburbs or out-of-county, particularly Shelby County. Continue reading 38% of Shelby County workers could lose their jobs

City Stages: A wild ride that’s still paying dividends

George McMillan
George McMillan

By George McMillan

Music legend Carlos Santana knows a thing or two about music festivals, having performed at Woodstock and headlined dozens of the very best ones over his stellar career.

After exploring Birmingham’s signature event, the ten-time Grammy winner said, “City Stages is like acupuncture. It opens up the flow of consciousness.” Continue reading City Stages: A wild ride that’s still paying dividends

The best bakery in America is right here in Birmingham

Find yourself willing to stand in line at Last Call Baking (Photo David Beckett)
Find yourself willing to stand in line at Last Call Baking (Photo David Beckett)

Today’s guest columnist is David Beckett.

Rewarding my patience.

The line can spill out into the street and across several storefronts.

Customers line up early and the bakery closes when all the pastries are sold.

And what a story. Continue reading The best bakery in America is right here in Birmingham

Birmingham does not own gun violence

Birmingham skyline, Creator: Dennis Pillion al.com
Birmingham skyline, Creator: Dennis Pillion al.com

By David Sher

Tragedy strikes cities across the nation.

But when Birmingham faces a crisis, we often internalize it, questioning our future.

This column isn’t about the recent 5 Points shooting, though it serves as a stark reminder.

It’s about how Birmingham views itself compared to other cities. Continue reading Birmingham does not own gun violence

To begin a conversation about a better Birmingham