By Jacqueline French
I’m a fixer.
When a problem arises, I’m who they call to find the solution.
As a single mother of two young men, being a fixer is something one quickly becomes if they aren’t already. Continue reading I was broken and bankrupt, but a unique Birmingham concept led to triumph
Today’s guest columnist is Steve Ammons.
Birmingham is bringing back one of its most successful initiatives.
An initiative that delivered great dividends for Birmingham, but was discontinued 15 years ago.
But it’s now being revived and it promises a big payoff. Continue reading Birmingham must seize future opportunities before it’s too late
Today’s guest columnist is Bill Ivey.
I had a dream.
In my dream, time stands still, and many great Birmingham musicians are alive simultaneously.
These giants gather on 4th Avenue North in Birmingham’s old Black Business district, in the Lodge Room at the Masonic Temple—4th Avenue’s grand, seven-story anchor.
This is an incredibly diverse, brilliant group, each with Birmingham roots, that represents multiple music genres. But, at their respective cores, they are the same. Continue reading Birmingham music greats gather together
Today’s guest columnist is Mac Moorer.
I recently attended an evening event in the City Center and was amazed by what I saw and heard driving down 2nd Ave North – crowded sidewalks, music, bars, restaurants, dogs being walked, and bustling activity. Continue reading Why downtown Birmingham is flourishing
Today’s guest columnist is Jennifer L. Greer.
I was vacationing on the Gulf of Mexico last month when three young men, in their 20s, drowned in a rip current within hours of arriving in Panama City Beach, Fla.
They were from my adopted hometown, Birmingham, Ala. It was painful to hear the tearful sister of one young man describe how she longed for one last brotherly hug. She told a TV reporter: “I wish we had done more research (about the currents) before we went.” Continue reading What we can learn from Mtn. Brook and Birmingham beach tragedies
Today’s guest columnist is David Fleming.
Local media outlets have recently shared that Shipt Tower in downtown Birmingham has entered receivership.
The implications of the headlines and articles suggested declining occupancy played a key part in contributing to the tower’s current circumstances. Continue reading Media reports about Shipt Tower don’t reflect strength of downtown real estate
Today’s guest columnist is Maury Shevin.
Birmingham has done it!
After decades of stagnation and missteps, Birmingham continues to make decisions that prove to the world that we are not the Birmingham of old. Continue reading We showed the world what Birmingham is today
Today’s guest columnist is Barbara Keight Staub.
“I would’ve beaten King if those damn merchants hadn’t given in.” — Bull Connor, Commissioner of Public Safety, 1963
Nine years after Brown vs. Board of Education ordered the integration of public schools, most private facilities in the Deep South were still segregated in 1963. Continue reading The secret meeting that changed Birmingham
Today’s guest columnist is Tyler Jones.
After our first night in Crestwood, I knew we were not alone in this old house.
The neighbor’s blueberry pie had been raptured by mice. Or was it the Norway rat?
Then the water came. It came from the ceiling, from the fireplace, from underneath the back door. Continue reading Do we have the courage to reimagine Birmingham?
Today’s guest columnist is Ken Grodner.
In my business, I have the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people, but none as special as Birmingham’s Italian Stallion, Lou Scripa.
Lou and his wife Rose were considering a condo complex, and I had the good fortune to show them the property.
After spending the morning with Rose and Lou, Rose says to me, “You know, Lou holds a number of World Records.”