June 21, 2024 

 

Check out BPL’s Willie Mays and Negro League collection

• Did you know that public libraries in Jefferson County, including the Birmingham Public Library, have nearly 200 books, DVDs and other items about baseball legend and Birmingham native Willie Mays? The Birmingham Public Library's digital collection also includes a series of interviews about the Birmingham Black Barons. BPL also has YouTube videos of interviews with Negro League players. Get more details here. 

 

The Birmingham Public Library has hundreds of events this summer 

• The Birmingham Public Library has 256 free programs for patrons of all ages available as part of 2024 Summer Reading. Click on this link for more information. 

 

Roaring 20’s Murder Mystery Dinner Event at Birmingham’s Arlington House 

• Enjoy the fun Roaring 20’s Gatsby-themed Interactive Murder Mystery dinner event at Birmingham’s Beautiful Historic Arlington House! Friday, June 21 from 6:30-9 p.m. Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens, 331 Cotton Avenue Southwest. Tickets and more information at www.southernghostgirls.com. 

 

BMA hosts African Heritage Festival  

• On Saturday, June 22 from 1–5 p.m. join the Birmingham Museum of Art as they celebrate the vibrant traditions of African cultures and the Museum’s African art galleries. Sponsored by Medical Properties Trust with support from Blue Cross Blue Shield, the festival will include food, art projects, and a focus on the BMA’s African art collection. Come join the fun for a day of performances, facepainting, art-making, storytelling, food trucks, and so much more! RSVP here.      

 

Real Ghost Hunt Paranormal Investigation at Birmingham’s Arlington House 

• Check out a Real Interactive and Immersive Ghost Hunt and Paranormal Investigation at the Historic Arlington House where you use paranormal equipment! By Southern Ghost Girls Tours. Saturday, June 22 from 7-10:30 p.m. Historic Arlington House and Gardens, 331 Cotton Avenue Southwest. For information go to www.southernghostgirls.com. 

 

Come out for a conversation with a BPD Investigator 

• The Birmingham Police Department Investigation Bureau will host a friendly conversation between the community and BPD detectives Thursday, June 27 at 12 noon. South Precinct, 1320 19th St. South. For more information, call Lt. Benson at 205-213-2627. See attached for details. 

 

BMA hosts movie screening of Cruella  

• Come out on Saturday, June 29 from 12-2 p.m. for the Disney Movie Masterpieces showcase of the fashion-forward origins of an iconic villain in the 2021 film Cruella.  Following the movie, you are invited to take home a Cruella-themed art kit. These tailor-made art kits let participants channel their inner rebel designer, ensuring an afternoon of creativity and cinematic magic. RSVP here.   

 

Engage in Creative Dialogues 

• The Black Cherry Tree Project (BCTP) and Jefferson County Memorial Project (JCMP) are hosting a series of monthly events, "BCTP Creative Dialogues: Exploring Art and Racial Reconciliation." These events are designed to foster community conversations and artistic creation around the theme of racial reconciliation. Creative Dialogues will take place at the Historic Ballard House located at 1420 7th Ave. North during the following dates:  

• June 30, 2-5 p.m.: "Defining Black Excellence" 
  Critically examine the evolving definition of Black excellence in today's society. How has it changed, and what does it mean now? Artists will be encouraged to create pieces that represent their interpretation of Black excellence and its impact. 

• July 21, 2-5 p.m.: "Self-Policing and Surveillance" 
  Delve into the concepts of self-policing within the Black community and the broader implications of surveillance, particularly with AI biases. Discuss the problematic nature of the policing system and its effects on rehabilitation. The workshop will focus on translating these discussions into impactful artworks. 

 

For Your Information: 

• RFP sought for Gaston Motel Coffee Shop operator 

• The Historical Preservation Authority of the City of Birmingham is seeking proposals from experienced and qualified businesses to operate a coffee shop to be located in the City of Birmingham-owned 1968 wing of the A.G. Gaston Motel. For more information, go to www.birmingham al.gov/gaston.   

 

• FY24 Inventory Audit Schedule below: 

• Please adhere to the following closings for City of Birmingham purchasing warehouses due to the FY24 Inventory Audit Schedule. 

• Purchasing Storeroom (Office Supplies & Paper)              

• *Closed: Tuesday, June 18 

• The warehouse will re-open Thursday, June 20th at 8 a.m. 

• Maintenance Warehouse (Coke Building) 

• *Closed: Thursday, June 20 – Friday, June 21 & Monday, June 24 

• The warehouse will re-open Tuesday, June 25 at 7 a.m.  

• Central Stores Warehouse 

• *Closed: Tuesday, June 25 – Thursday, June 27  

• The warehouse will re-open Friday, June 28 at 7 a.m. 

• Equipment Management - Garage  

• * Equipment Management will continue to service the COB’s departmental requests as needed during the inventory process. 

SAVE THE DATE:  

• Nurture of Alabama’s Third Annual BHM Mental Health Day 

• Speakers, food trucks and giveaways. Friday, July 21. Linn Park. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Stay tuned for more details. 

• Art On The Rocks is back!  

• Featuring funk rapper Ric Wilson as musical guest, Birmingham’s most popular summer event returns with an artistic evening of entertainment including DJs, artist demos, pop-up performances, specialty cocktails, and so much more. Friday, August 2 from 7–11 p.m.  Go here for details.

Need something in News You Can Use, submit it to Marie Sutton by noon on Wednesdays to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov.