By David Sher
I love Alabama. I’ve spent my life trying to make Birmingham and Alabama better.
But love doesn’t mean blind. And some of what our state does to itself isn’t conservative, isn’t cautious, isn’t Southern tradition. It’s just plain stupid. Continue reading 8 Ways Alabama is Stupid
By David Sher
I wrote about Sam Tenenbaum, aka The Great Kaiser, when he passed away last year.
I wrote about my regret, my guilt, my failure to support him.
But I never expected what would happen next–or the lesson he would teach me, and all of us, from beyond the grave. Continue reading The Lesson My Birmingham Friend Taught Me from Beyond the Grave
By David Sher
One minute we are at the top of the world.
The next, we hit rock bottom.
Where is our confidence?
Where is our self-esteem?
Why do we think it’s okay to be judged by people who don’t know us and don’t care about us? Continue reading Birmingham on a Permanent Emotional Roller Coaster
By David Sher
Birmingham’s future depends on doing something unique—a real competitive advantage.
We have that competitive advantage, but when it’s promoted, it becomes surprisingly polarizing.
Continue reading Birmingham Cringes, Montgomery Counts the Money
By David Sher
I’m dumbfounded.
I’ve written and hosted ComebackTown columns for 14 years on how Birmingham might do better.
Fourteen years of hoping, pushing, and prodding. And then the world turns upside down. Continue reading Time to Pay Close Attention to Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin
By David Sher
I recently met with the CEO of a large private company to discuss how greater Birmingham might progress. He’s a well-known name from a well-known firm.
He was totally engaged in our conversation. He took copious notes and asked thoughtful questions about what I presented. Continue reading Big Problem: Moneyed People in the Suburbs Love Birmingham Too Much
By David Sher
Let me get this out of the way: Some people are going to accuse me of being a bit too optimistic.
That is all okay.
A dose of optimism is likely what we need. Continue reading Birmingham Doing What No One Thought Possible
By David Sher
I’m writing this column for one reason.
This piece is for the folks who take Birmingham’s strengths for granted and feel we’re falling behind Huntsville. Continue reading You and Your Family May Not Need Birmingham until You Do
By David Sher
Walk down 3rd Avenue North outside the Alabama Theatre.
Look down.
See those stars embedded in rose-colored marble?
Birmingham residents have walked past them a thousand times without a second glance. Continue reading The Idea that Could Bring Excitement Back to Downtown Birmingham
By David Sher,
I have the deepest respect and admiration for people who are brave and unselfish enough to go out and make the world better.
Not people who talk about making the world better.
Not people who share articles about it on social media.
People who actually give something up — real comfort, real security, real stability — to go do the hard, unglamorous, sometimes thankless work that changes lives. Continue reading Birmingham Woman Walked Away from a Dream Job. Now Being Recognized for Oscar-Nominated Film