Magic City Spotlight: Sign up for ACE and learn how to make change in your community

The next Academy of Civic Engagement (ACE) cohort is beginning soon!

ACE is a city-wide leadership initiative aimed at bringing residents together for a deeper understanding of how the City works for them and how they can plug into various opportunities. Orientation begins September 7.

Click the image above or the button below to watch Mayor Woodfin's message offering more details about this comprehensive six-week program designed to prepare residents to go out into their communities to act, serve, and lead.

Learn more and sign up at birminghamal.gov/ace.

The City of Birmingham Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for poetry in Birmingham.

This is an honorary position, and roles and responsibilities include making local appearances, facilitating public and educational programs, and building advocacy and community through poetry.

The poet laureate will receive an honorarium of $5,000 over the course of their term. Additional funds will be available for materials and other approved costs associated with community engagement programs that the poet laureate facilitates.

Click the button below to learn more and access the application portal.

Applications close on October 2.

You're invited to join Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan and Mayor Randall Woodfin for the Rally For Reading on August 28.

Join us to instill the joy of reading in our students and prepare them for academic success.

Click the image above or the button below to watch the video to learn more.

See you there!

Fwd: News You Can Use: 8-18-23

Tenants’ rights educational seminar this Saturday 

• Learn your rights. Saturday, Aug. 19. 9 a.m.-12 noon. Five Points West Library. Free. There is no need to register. For more information, call 205-324-0111.  

Come out to the KIDS Kasino  

• As the YWCA celebrates its 120th year of serving the Greater Birmingham community, we invite you to go “all in” for KIDS Kasino on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 6-10 p.m. at the YWCA Central Alabama for an evening of casino-style gaming, food, and fun! We hope you will bring your whole family for a night out with childcare available for the evening on site. See attached for details. 

Learn about Municipal Court and get credit for doing so 

• Make plans to attend the 2023 Municipal Court Summit to complete your continuing education requirements! The Summit has been approved for:  

• 12 hours of continuing education by the Alabama Judicial College 

• 12 hours of continuing legal education by the Alabama State Bar 

• 6 hours of continuing education by the Alabama Administrative Office of the Courts 

• 9.5 hours of continuing education for Social Workers 

• With sessions engaging sessions on Procedural Justice, Trauma-Informed Criminal Justice Responses, Understanding Human Trafficking, and Workplace Mental Health, coupled with Criminal Justice Ethics, Legislative Updates, and an exciting panel discussion on Exploring the Duties of a Court Clerk, we are confident you will walk away with effective tips, tools, and strategies to get Back to the Basics! The summit is August 24-25 at the Boutwell Auditorium. Click here to check out the agenda and reserve your spot today! 

Titusville Library presents several events: 

• Arts at Crafts: Cotton Swab Flower Painting, Aug. 29 at 3:30 p.m.; Silly Putty, Aug. 22 at 3:30 p.m.   

• Book Signing: The Titusville Library will host author Sonya “Sam” Mitchell for a book signing of her table book “Picture the Picture.” Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. See attached for details.  

• Celebrating T Shirt Day. Titusville Library. Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. Adult book club with make their own shirts. See attached for details.  

It’s time for the 25th Sidewalk Film Festival 2023 

• The 25th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival will take place August 21-27 in Downtown Birmingham's Historic Theatre District. For details, go to https://sidewalkfest.com/how-to-fest/  

Support the COB Back 2 School Supply Drive 

• Let’s support our Birmingham City Schools students with needed school supplies. Donations accepted include pens, pencils, paper, markers, crayons, notebooks, glue, erasers, calculators, hand sanitizer, tissue, etc. Donation boxes are located on the first floor of city hall. Drop off now through Aug. 25. For more information, contact Employee Engagement via email at cobengagement@birminghamal.gov. Or call 205-254-2084.    

Support the District 7 Community Clean Up 

• Help clean up our community. Saturday, Aug. 26. Wenonah High School, 2800 Wilson Road SW. Volunteer registration and supply pick-up at 8:30 a.m. Starts at 8:45 a.m. See attached for details.  

Join the reading rally and help our scholars 

• Let’s rally to support Birmingham’s young scholars. Monday, Aug. 28 at Bill Harris Arena. Featuring door prizes, free books for families and opportunities to volunteer. Warm up with dancing at 5 p.m. The rally begins at 6 p.m. See attached for details.   

Wind Down Wednesday to celebrate women 

• Honoring the women in the upcoming StrongHER Book. Wednesday, Aug. 30. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cash bar, vendors and food trucks and live DJ. Boutwell Auditorium. See attached for details.      

COMING UP next month 

Enjoy movies in the park 

• Memorial Park, 524 6th Ave. South. Saturday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. See attached for details.  

Make plans to come out the Summer Music Vibes event 

• Sunday, Sept. 3. 4 p.m. Free. Music, food trucks, voter registration. 633 Cotton Ave. SW. See attached for details.  

Join the Birmingham CERT Team 

• Learn first aid, lite search and rescue, disaster recovery, CPR, and more. Every Tuesday, beginning Sept. 5-Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs classroom of Fire Station No. 2, located at 600 11th St. South. Get details attached. For questions, email pubed@birminghamal.gov or call 205-254-6560. See attached. 

Sign up to be a part of ACE 

• The Academy of Civic Engagement (ACE) is a City of Birmingham initiative, with the central goal of getting residents directly involved and engaged with their local municipal government. ACE focuses on bringing everyday citizens together for a deeper understanding of how the city works for them and how they can plug into a variety of opportunities. ACE wants to prepare residents to go into their communities to act, serve, and lead. You must be a resident of the City of Birmingham to participate. Click here to apply now! Orientation is on Thursday, Sept. 7!  

Upcoming PEP workshops planned 

• The Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits (PEP) will be hosting three workshops in the month of September that will cover several topics related to permitting and inspections within the City of Birmingham. These three workshops will help better inform the public of the requirements for pulling a permit within Birmingham and the inspection processes related to each permit. These informational workshops will be beneficial to both citizens and developers.  Each event is designed to be 2 hours. All the events are free and open to the public. 

• Session A: The first session, which will take place at the CrossPlex on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., will cover topics such as zoning requirements, pre-permitting meetings, and a new online permit guide for the city.  

• Session B: The second session, which will take place at the CrossPlex on Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., will cover the permitting process from A to Z as well as a discussion around contractor education and ensuring citizens have the correct information when selecting a contractor.

• Session C: The final session, which will take place at the CrossPlex on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., will cover the inspections and enforcement aspects related to permitted and unpermitted work within the city. 

The Get Down at Avondale Park  

• Presented by Seasick Records and Yellowhammer Print Shop. Featuring arts, music, records, and vintage. With William Tyler & The Impossible Truth, Will Stewart, and Jahnah Camille. Sunday, Sept. 17. See attached for details.  
   

FORGING JUSTICE  

The city's 60th commemoration poster series continues 

• August is the month we reflect upon the writers, poets, journalists, photographers, and creatives who help tell the story of justice. August's poster is themed “Raise Your Voice" and features a collage of past and present storytellers across our city. Free copies of this month’s poster are available in city hall. You can also check out the calendar of events for the 60th commemoration events happening all year at birminghamal.gov/forgingjustice.      

Submit your news to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov. 

Birmingham City Council: Week in Review, July 31st - August 6th

The Birmingham City Council Helps Families, Students Get Ready for Back to School

Councilor President Wardine Alexander participated in multiple Back to School events in District 7 over the course of the week.  She is one of many Councilors who have been involved in various school-related events towards the end of summer.

Over the weekend,  the District 9 office joined forces with Be Kind Birmingham at their pop-up free store at the Ensley Recreation Center.  President Alexander, meanwhile, hosted a Book Bag Giveaway on Saturday at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

The District 7 Office also participated in Oxmoor Valley Elementary's Back to School Party earlier in the week.

Students were able to grab a bite to eat, meet their teachers, learn about OVE's new community of Houses, and enjoy live music from a DJ.

See more Back-to-School coverage here...

First Year Teachers Receive Funds for School Supplies

Councilor Clinton Woods was on the program for a big announcement this week at Bill Harris Arena.  Friday marked the unveiling of the Teacher's Fund -- a first year program intended to help first-year teachers with the purchase of school supplies and other key essentials.  

A check for $20,000 was presented, which will impact an estimated 150 first-year teachers in the Birmingham City School System.  Organizers hope that the stipend will boost morale, increase teacher retention, and support the success of thousands of students.

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National Association of Black Journalists Takes Over the Magic City

The Birmingham City Council was thrilled to welcome the NABJ 2023 Convention and Career Fair to the Magic City for the first time, August 2nd-6th.  The purpose of the conference is to provide journalism education, career development, networking and innovation.  This is 3rd largest meeting, ever, with over 3,500 participants registered.

Council President Alexander Meets with U.S. Secretary of Education during NABJ Festivities

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona made his way to Birmingham to participate in a roundtable discussion with HBCU Presidents, as well as speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists.  He also met with Council President Wardine Alexander (D7) during an event at the BCRI on Thursday.

Magic City Spotlight: Birmingham receives $50 million grant for Smithfield revitalization

HUD awards Birmingham $50 million grant to uplift Smithfield community

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge announced Wednesday the awarding of Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grants totaling $370 million to eight communities throughout the country. These awards support communities that have undergone a comprehensive local planning process and are ready to implement their “Transformation Plan” to redevelop the neighborhood.

Secretary Fudge made the announcement in Birmingham, Alabama, where she presented a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant of $50 million to the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District and the City of Birmingham.  For decades, Birmingham’s Smithfield area was a thriving African American community, replete with creative character. But several factors led to the community’s decline, beginning with mortgage redlining and racial zoning in the 1930s; the construction of Interstates 65 and 20 in the 1950s, which cut off the area from Birmingham’s Central Business District; and a lack of investment in schools and infrastructure.

The Choice Neighborhood plan for neighborhood investment reflects the City of Birmingham and Housing Authority of the Birmingham District’s philosophy of ‘Putting People First’ with input from residents and community stakeholders.

“This investment represents HUD’s commitment to creating new housing for Birmingham residents and communities across the country,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “When we envision the future of public housing investment, we think of programs like Choice Neighborhoods. These awards promote the innovative collaboration needed to tackle the affordable housing crisis. A community-driven, whole-of-government approach to neighborhood revitalization is what leads to impactful changes in the neighborhoods that need it the most.”

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants will help revitalize and transform the distressed public and/or assisted housing and neighborhoods across the country, while also providing residents with services focused on income, health, and education.

Click the button below to watch the press conference with Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, Mayor Randall Woodfin, and other leaders, officials, and members of the Smithfield community.

The Smithfield community is about to embark on a journey that will transform lives.

For some, that journey can be hard to imagine. So, allow us to introduce you to Ava.

Ava and her family are along for the ride. Click the button below to watch Ava's story and see the vision of where the impact of this investment and the support of her community will take her.

Want to know more about plans for Smithfield?

Click the buttons below to visit smithfieldchoice.org to learn more.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 7.18.23

Birmingham City Council Highlights 7.18.23

ITEM 13

On Tuesday, the Council approved and agreement to host the 2024 Transplant Games of America, which will be held July 5-10 at various venues around the city.

These games have been held every two years since their inception in 1990 and are aimed at uplifting and highlighting athletes who have survived transplant procedures.

These games bring together survivors, their families and medical professionals for a five-day event with over 20 sports. Last year, the United States saw roughly 40,000 organ transplants, which was a record number. However, there are still 100,000 people who are waiting for transplants. These games help raise awareness to this issue and will bring roughly 10,000 people to the city of Birmingham.

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver an Agreement between the City of Birmingham and Transplant Life Foundation, under which Transplant Life Foundation will assist the City by providing organization, promotion, management, hosting, planning, record keeping and facilitation services related to the 2024 Transplant Games of America, which are to be held in Birmingham between July 5, 2024 and July 10, 2024, and the City will provide funding to Transplant Life Foundation in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00, in support of the event. [G/L Account: ARPA FIN039RM 99999A_005_006 -$335,000.00 and CDA DCP156CP - $65,000.00] (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor and the Chief Community Planner)**

Statement from the City Council on the passing of Firefighter Jordan Melton:

"We are heartbroken to hear the news that we have lost one of our local heroes, firefighter Jordan Melton. We stand behind all the dedicated servants of the Birmingham Fire Department during this extremely challenging time. This exemplifies, even more, the dangers that they face every single day serving the citizens of Birmingham.

This is a time when we need for our community to rally around the men and women who continue put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

Jordan Melton’s family, friends and colleagues at Birmingham Fire and Rescue deserve answers and justice. Our City is hurting tonight -- and we are sending them our love, support, and deepest condolences."

News You Can Use: June 29, 2023

THURSDAY, JUNE 29 

The Gaston Motel opens today! 

• The historic A.G. Gaston Motel opens to the public today for free visits for a limited time beginning Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, go here. All group and commercially operated tours must be pre-arranged to accommodate for the motel’s capacity. Schedule those at gastontours@birminghamal.gov. 

FRIDAY, JUNE 30 

Several of our city’s senior leaders have a message to COB men about “checking in”  

• Watch the video here.   

• Details: The City of Birmingham is hosting a Men’s Health Fair on Friday, June 30 at Linn Park. The event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come get tips on physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial health. See attached for details.  

SATURDAY, JULY 1 

Birmingham Stallions headed to the finals   

• Congratulations to the Birmingham Stallions. They will return to Canton, Ohio this week to compete for its second straight USFL Championship. You can watch the Stallions take on the Pittsburg Maulers on Saturday, July 1 on NBC at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time.  For details, go to theusfl.com. 

UAB DAY 

• July 1 is UAB Day in the city of Birmingham. It kicks off their official membership in the prestigious American Athletic Conference (AAC). Get more details here. 

MONDAY, JULY 3 

Movies in the Park 

• Enjoy a family evening under the stars at Memorial Park, located 524 6th Ave. South. The free event is at 7 p.m. Presented by District 6. See attached for details.  

Get fit with a free weekly bootcamp   

• Every Monday, Birmingham Park and Recreation hosts a free bootcamp at Boutwell from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. powered by IAM BHAM. See flyer for details.   

TUESDAY, JULY 4 

Titusville Community Day 

• Enjoy the Fourth of July with this event featuring music, BBQ and more at Memorial Park. 3-9 p.m. See attached for details. 

WEDNESDAY,  

Support area restaurants and bars with Magic City Sips   

• Magic City Sips is a summer-long, city-wide happy hour event series taking place every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., during the months of June, July, and August. Participating bars and restaurants will host their own happy hours, highlighting Sips-specific drink and food specials. See attached flyer with a QR Code to scan for additional information. Follow them on Instagram @ieobirmingham.    

Get some financial tips and lunch on Wednesdays  

• Enjoy the financial workshops follow hosted by Birmingham City Credit Union, located at 2725 35th Ave. North. These events are on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Free to BCCU members. $10 for non-members.    

• How to Navigate Estate Planning – Wednesday, July 12  

• How to Navigate Life Development – Wednesday, July 19  

• How to Navigate Obtaining Healthy Food – Wednesday, July 26  

• See attached for details.    

SATURDAY, JULY 8 

Check out the District 6 Summer Farmers Market 

• Enjoy fresh fruit, vegetables, breads and honey jams at Memorial Park from 1:30-3:30 p.m. See attached for details. 

ONGOING 

Enjoy Treasure Island in the Park! 

• Birmingham Park and Recreation has partnered with Birmingham Childrens Theatre for performances of “Treasure Island” in parks across the city. See the attached for details! 

COMING UP 

Make plans to attend Wind Down Wednesday   

• The next Wind Down Wednesday after work inspire and empower series will take place at the Boutwell Auditorium on Wednesday, July 19. It’s free and all (21 and up) are welcome. 

Enjoy a photographic tribute to Historic Sloss Furnaces Opening Reception 

• Since the mid-1970s, Ken Boyd has been photographing Sloss Furnaces and has compiled his best works into this photographic exhibition at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Come out on Thursday, July 20 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to the Sloss Visitor Center to see the exhibit and meet the artist. Ken Boyd has published several photography-based books on various topics and has taught at both Samford University and UAB. This is a free event and light refreshments will be provided. See attached for details. 

Jr. Archaeology Day is coming soon 

• Come out to the Sloss Furnaces Company Quarters Commissary (across the street from Sloss Furnaces and next to Back Forty) on Friday, July 21 from 1-5 p.m. for a free archaeological event! There will be K-12 activities and all ages are welcome to come out and observe. This is a great opportunity for anyone who may be interested in learning more about archaeology and how to pursue it as a career. Presented by The Alabama Archaeology Society. See attached for details. 

 *** 

Stay updated regarding the Forging Justice 60th Commemoration   

• All year long, the City of Birmingham is commemorating the heroic acts of our citizens during the 1963 civil and human rights campaign. June is themed “Break Every Chain.” There are free June posters on the first floor of City Hall. Check out this calendar for details regarding upcoming events: birminghamal.gov/forging justice. 
     

Submit your news to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov.

Magic City Spotlight

Ted's Restaurant, a Birmingham institution, celebrates 50 years

Ted’s Restaurant, one of Birmingham’s landmark eateries, is celebrating 50 years of business.

It’s not unusual to see a line of patrons ready to get their fill of homestyle Southern cooking seasoned with old-style Greek hospitality at Ted’s. People say they come for the food and stay for the tradition at this eatery, which has seen dedicated owners work to make the restaurant what it is today.

So what exactly is the secret behind 50 years of success for Ted’s, which offers breakfast, brunch and lunch?

“It’s our dedication to our customers and the Birmingham community. They are like family to us, and we are constantly looking for ways to better serve them, whether it’s cooking up someone’s Saturday morning regular or supporting local charities,” said Beba Touloupis, who runs the business with her husband, Tasos.

Click the button below to read more about the Touloupis family and how they are keeping a Birmingham staple alive motivated by the legacy of Ted's and the community it serves.

Freedom Fest returns to the Civil Rights District

Birmingham Freedom Fest presented by City of Birmingham returns this summer on July 29 in the Birmingham Civil Rights District. Join us for a day filled with music and empowerment as we celebrate the triumphs of Birmingham’s civil rights history and its commitment to forging a united future. Tickets are on sale now at www.freedomfestbhm.com.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department welcomed new recruits and celebrated rising stars in today's graduation and promotion ceremony at Boutwell Auditorium. Congrats, and thank you so much for being our protectors.

While we celebrate their accomplishment, now is a great time to shout out our heroes!

Take a look at how Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department kept you safe in the month of May.

We thank them for their incredible work and appreciate those who have joined them in this important work.

News You Can Use

June 8, 2023 

DEADLINE EXTENDED: The 2023 Juneteenth Door Decorating Contest - One, two, three, go. Engage, Collaborate, Decorate.  Show us what you got!!! 

• All City of Birmingham departments are invited to show their Juneteenth spirit and pride by decorating their department door. 

• Contest information: 

• EXTENDED to 5 p.m., Thursday, June 8. Send participation notification to COBengagement@birminghamal.gov. Departments must have doors decorated by 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 13. Judging will take place Wednesday, June 14 - Thursday, June 15. Winners announced Friday, June 16. Scoring rubric and contest information attached   

Get fit with a free weekly bootcamp 

• Every Monday, Birmingham Park and Recreation hosts a free bootcamp at Boutwell from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. powered by IAM BHAM. See flyer for details. No class will be held on June 19. 

Support area restaurants and bars with Magic City Sips 

• Magic City Sips is a summer-long, city-wide happy hour event series taking place every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., during the months of June, July, and August. Participating bars and restaurants will host their own happy hours, highlighting Sips-specific drink and food specials. The summer will conclude with a "Sippy Cup Award" which will be offered to the best establishment based on patrons' votes in various categories including Best Cocktail, Best Happy Hour Appetizer, Best Vibe, and more. Sips seeks to not only engage our residents and business communities but to also drive traffic in support of one of Birmingham's most thriving and notable industries. See attached flyer with a QR Code to scan for additional information. Follow them on Instagram @ieobirmingham. 

Enjoy good music and great food at upcoming festival  

• The 27th Annual Bob Marley and Jerk Chicken Festival is June 9-10 in front of City Hall. Featuring Inner Circle Group, Delain Hudson, Root Posse Band and more. Get details attached.  

It's time for the fishing rodeo 

• Come out to the fishing rodeo on Saturday, June 10 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East Lake Park. There will be lots of fish, vendors, food trucks, free live bait, and giveaways. See attached flyer for more details. On Friday, June 9, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. the lake will be stocked with over 2,000 pounds of catfish. Come check it out. 

Come out for a community clean-up on Saturday 

• Help pick up litter and cut grass at the Fountain Heights Community Clean-up this Saturday, June 10 from 9-11 a.m. The event will take place at the Fountain Heights Recreation Center, located at 1101 15th Ave. North. Sign-up starts at 8:30 a.m. See attached for details.  

BMA to host African Heritage Festival  

• The Birmingham Museum of Art is hosting an African Heritage Festival, sponsored by Medical Properties Trust with support from Blue Cross Blue Shield. Join BMA on Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as they come together to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of African cultures and the Museum's exceptional African art galleries. This family-friendly festival includes immersive experiences, captivating performances, delicious cuisine, and hands-on activities for all ages. Get more info at https://www.artsbma.org.

Several positions open 

• Birmingham Park and Recreation is hiring for several positions. See attached for details.  

Enjoy delicious meals at the Arlington House 

• The Arlington Historic House has a series of upcoming food events. Enjoy Thursdays at Arlington, Fish Fry Fridays, and Soul Food Saturdays. Check out the attached flyer for details.  

Get some financial tips and lunch on Wednesdays in June 

• Enjoy the financial workshops follow hosted by Birmingham City Credit Union, located at 2725 35th Ave. North. These events are on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Free to BCCU members. $10 for non-members.  

• How to Navigate Medicare – Wednesday, June 14 

• How to Navigate Basics of Credit – Wednesday, June 28 

• See attached for details.  

Lots of upcoming events at Titusville Public Library 

• Check out the following upcoming events at Titusville Public Library, located at 2 6th Ave. SW. See attached flyers for details. 

• Swinging Stories Golf Camp. Ages 5 -18. June 6, 8, 13, and16, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

• Father’s Day Brunch. Wednesday, June 14 at 11 a.m.
  

• Arts and Crafts. Every Tuesday 11 a.m.-12 p.m. starting June 13 and through July 20. 

• All Together Now Fortnite Party. July 12 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Registration required.  

Enjoy Steel City Jazz Fest 

• The Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival will take place at Linn Park downtown June 16-17. The lineup includes legendary Stephanie Mills and other legends-in-the-making such as Anthony Hamilton, Stokely, Raheem DeVaughn and Birmingham’s own Kim Scott. Short 20th will be closed on Wednesday, June 14 at 5 p.m. so organizers can start setting up for the festival. For more information about performers and tickets, please visit www.steelcityjazzfest.org. 

First Annual Family fest is June 29-July 2 

• Thursday, June 29 kicks off the family- friendly Magic City Summer Fest at Legion Field. This four-day event includes a basketball tournament featuring Birmingham Squadron's Mascot and a KCBS Sanctioned BBQ Cook-off featuring Food Network's Darnell “Super Chef” Ferguson from "Super Chef Grudge Match" vying for cash prizes and bragging rights. There will also be carnival rides, a giant game room, miniature golf, summer ice skating, kids’ zone with inflatables, craft vendors, food court, DJ Dance Parties and more. For more information visit www.magiccitysummerfest.com.  

Prioritize your wellness with an upcoming men’s health fair 

• The City of Birmingham is hosting a Men’s Health Fair on Friday, June 30 at Linn Park. The event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come get tips on physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial health. See attached for details.  

High school alums, it’s kickball time 

• Represent your high school pride by assembling a team to compete in the All High School Alumni Co-Ed Kickball Tournament at Legion Field. Game day will be Sunday, July 2. First game will start at 3 p.m. See flyer for details. 

Stay updated regarding the Forging Justice 60th Commemoration 

• All year long, the City of Birmingham is commemorating the heroic acts of our citizens during the 1963 civil and human rights campaign. May is themed “Daring to Dream” and focuses on children and youth of the movement. There are free May posters on the first floor of City Hall. Check out this calendar for details regarding upcoming events: birminghamal.gov/forging justice.
   

Submit your news to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov. 

Opening this weekend - Treasure Island in the Parks!

Magic City Spotlight: Bush Hills residents unite to establish new community center

99 Voices: Vacant school becomes site of new life for Bush Hills neighborhood

In the latest 99 Voices highlight, Bush Hills residents are showing us what being a good neighbor truly means.

Click the button below to hear the journey residents have taken to transform the former Woodrow Wilson Elementary School into a vibrant community hub.

City of Birmingham files public nuisance lawsuit against vacant East Thomas apartments

The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Birmingham has filed a lawsuit against the owners of East Thomas Apartments to have the property declared a public nuisance. The long-vacant multi-unit apartment complex has been the scene of many calls related to arson, violent crimes, illegal drug sales, overdoses and theft.

“When violence and drugs threaten public safety, it’s important that the city steps in to disrupt the flow of drugs into our streets, holds criminals accountable and makes our neighborhoods safer for residents, businesses and visitors,” said City Attorney Nicole E. King.

Click the button below to learn more about the lawsuit filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court.

Pro tip: If you put Food Truck Friday on your calendar, it's technically a meeting.

We look forward to seeing you throughout the summer and into fall for Food Truck Friday at City Hall.

Click the button below to see the lineup of food trucks coming this Friday, June 2.

The City's 60th commemoration poster series continues 

As we continue to commemorate the 1963 Birmingham Civil and Human Rights Movement all year long, the City of Birmingham will unveil a different themed poster each month to honor the various people and acts of heroism that took place in our city.  June is the month we reflect upon restorative justice and the efforts to repair the breach of racism. June's poster is themed “Break Every Chain" and features a collage of past and present champions of justice.

This month, our partners will host several events across the city. In addition, The City of Birmingham will re-open the historic A.G. Gaston Motel in the days to come.  Check out the calendar of events for details about these and other activities happening all year at birminghamal.gov/forgingjustice. Free copies of this month’s poster are available in city hall.