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.”
Today’s guest columnist is Rebecca Rothman.
Some things are so far-fetched you can’t make them up.
I’m a happily married mom of two well-adjusted teenagers. I work in finance. I volunteer at my temple, host Shabbat dinners, and drive carpool to Girl Scouts. I am a practical person!
And yet here I am at the age of 48, performing stand-up comedy. Continue reading Something funny is going on in Birmingham
Today’s guest columnist is Frank McPhillips.
Charles Zukoski, Jr was Mountain Brook’s first mayor, elected in 1942, weeks after the City was incorporated.
He also was, without doubt, among the most brilliant and creative public servants in Mountain Brook’s history, lauded by the Birmingham Post-Herald as the City’s Thomas Jefferson “who established its law and precept [and] brought light and order to its human relations.”
Zukoski also harbored a secret that wasn’t revealed until after he left office. Continue reading The stunning secret of Mountain Brook’s first mayor
Today’s guest columnist is Jimmy Parnell.
For thousands of families, livestock shows are where parents and children make memories, pass along life lessons and grow relationships.
For my family, the show ring was our baseball diamond, soccer field and concert stage. It’s where I watched my children — and countless others — mature into responsible, respectful men and women. Continue reading $158M regional attraction proposed for Jefferson County
Today’s guest columnist is Chervis Isom.
Editor’s note: Chervis Isom passed away in 2023. He was raised by an intolerant father, but he grew up to be a remarkable man with a remarkable life. He wrote the following piece. titled The Right Cross in 2016.
“Your mother is upset that you’re spending so much time with that Catholic girl. It’s good to have friends, but you shouldn’t get serious with her. She’s Catholic you know, and you can’t change them.” Continue reading Growing up in Birmingham, my father struck me for dating a Catholic girl
Today’s guest columnist is Bill Ivey.
Nate Oats is arguably the best college basketball coach in the country.
He recruits at a high level, understands how to create a structured but creative atmosphere, and knows he can win big at Alabama.
Coach Oats is building a foundation that could lead to a national championship. Continue reading The Best Basketball Team in Bama History
Today’s guest columnist is Jimmy Krell.
Some folks may have thought we were nuts, but my wife and I moved to downtown Birmingham and we couldn’t be happier.
Not only that, but my partners and I moved our dermatology practice to downtown.
This has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. Continue reading We moved to downtown Birmingham, it’s awesome!
Today’s guest columnist is Ron Blatman.
The year was 1998.
Oklahoma City was moving full speed ahead with huge economic development projects that were transforming the city.
They called it MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects Strategy).
Birminghamians were captivated by the Oklahoma City experience and sought to emulate its success. Continue reading Birmingham dodged a bullet, but missed the opportunity of a lifetime