White folks, no need for shame when shielded from truth as kids

Amos Townsend
Amos Townsend

Today’s guest columnist is Amos Townsend.

As a Black child growing up in Birmingham, Alabama in the 1960s, the information about the times I lived in were shaped around messaging from ministers, particularly those associated with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Black radio, and feedback from family members who lived outside the South.

I never had reason to wonder what was being reported, or more importantly not reported, in the dominant media of the times such as The Birmingham News or The Birmingham Post-Herald. Continue reading White folks, no need for shame when shielded from truth as kids

Downtown Birmingham was really cool when I was growing up

"Let's meet under the clock at Loveman's (Now McWane Center) when people wanted to meet downtown
“Let’s meet under the clock at Loveman’s” (Now McWane Science Center) where people used to meet when downtown

By David Sher

I grew up in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s and the number of contemporaries I can share my memories with is shrinking.

I feel compelled to tell my story of growing up in Birmingham—specifically downtown—because it was a unique time that young people today will find difficult to comprehend. Continue reading Downtown Birmingham was really cool when I was growing up

What a fragmented Birmingham can learn from the most fragmented city in the U.S.

Ron Blatman
Ron Blatman

Today’s guest columnist is Ron Blatman.

I know cities.

I write about cities.

 I produce documented series about making cities better places.

I’ve always been fascinated with Birmingham, Alabama and… Continue reading What a fragmented Birmingham can learn from the most fragmented city in the U.S.

Mtn. Brook parents, don’t give up on your children’s future in Birmingham

Old Mill in Mountain Brook
Old Mill in Mountain Brook

By David Sher

People ask, “Why do you write about Mountain Brook?”

The answer is simple. I’ve lived much of my life in Mountain Brook.

If I had grown up in Trussville, I would probably write about Trussville. Continue reading Mtn. Brook parents, don’t give up on your children’s future in Birmingham

Alabama Business Hall of Famer driven to build Birmingham

Mike Mouron
Mike Mouron

Today’s guest columnist is Mike Mouron.

I graduated from the University of Alabama in 1972 in Accounting and became a CPA.

Never did I dream when I moved back to Birmingham in 1985 that I would found Capstone Development in 1990 —and it would become a company that exceeded my wildest expectations. Continue reading Alabama Business Hall of Famer driven to build Birmingham

Red Mountain Cut idea goes viral (New video)

Red Mountain Cut at night
Vision of Red Mountain Cut (Photo courtesy of Red Mountain Cut Foundation)

By David Sher

Two weeks ago Bryson Stephens grabbed Birmingham’s attention with a brilliant idea for a lighted bridge alongside the Red Mountain Cut–an idea that could change the face of Birmingham.

The response has been positive and overwhelming.

Called “Gateway to the City, Bridge to the future,” a new website and video have just been launched. Continue reading Red Mountain Cut idea goes viral (New video)

Unprecedented $50M grant huge boost for Birmingham

Dontrelle Young Foster
Dontrelle Young Foster

Today’s guest columnist is Dontrelle Young Foster.

A once vibrant community, full of life and promise, now sits quietly in a forgotten area.

Located just a stone’s throw away from Legion Field and steps from A.H. Parker High School is the once bustling neighborhood known as Smithfield. Continue reading Unprecedented $50M grant huge boost for Birmingham

To begin a conversation about a better Birmingham