Join us for our Exhibition Opening Celebration! Birmingham Museum of Art

Exhibition Opening Celebration

October 20, 2024 // 1-5PM
Free Admission

Kick off Magic City Classic Week with a Homecoming event unlike any other! Join us for a jubilant festival of live music, food, and performances as we celebrate the opening of two exhibitions: Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity and Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden. As these two important artists share deep Alabama roots, we are excited to welcome their work home to Birmingham. 

In conjunction with Magic City Classic week, this event will have all the makings of a proper homecoming celebration including a warm welcome from the Lawson State Cheer Squad, a performance by Miles College Choir, a drumline experience, face painting, and food trucks  –  plus the added entertainment of two exciting exhibitions. This festival is free and open to the public

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden

OPENING SOON // October 19, 2024

Born and raised in Birmingham, John Rhoden (1916–2001) was an accomplished twentieth-century African American sculptor. This exhibition presents the first comprehensive retrospective of his artwork.

With a sculptural sensibility defined by his extensive world travels, sensualism, and a breadth of visual influences, Rhoden worked in a style that was ahead of his time. Featuring approximately fifty sculptures in bronze, wood, and stone, the exhibition illustrates the visual and technical mastery of this award-winning artist.

Generous support provided by Art Bridges, Terra Foundation for American Art, William Penn Foundation, Wyeth Foundation for American Art, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Henry Luce Foundation.

LHSA November 2024 Schedules

Birmingham City Council Highlights 10.8.24

Here are some of the highlights from today's Birmingham City Council Meeting

ITEM 2

The Birmingham City Council unanimously approved a funding agreement for the long-anticipated Family Fun Center on the Crossplex campus.

The $15 million that was approved will support the build of this new facility which is expected to take upwards of 18 months to complete. Located directly adjacent to the current Crossplex campus, the Family Fun Center will feature a skating rink, a bowling alley, a food court, a space for table games, pickle ball courts, e-gaming and more.

In addition to the estimated roughly $85,000 per month in revenue generated, this new facility is expected to create 75 new jobs and will be managed by a third party venue management company.

Here is a breakdown of those revenues projections, as was presented to the City Council last year:

• Bowing alley $20,000 per month

• Skating rink $15,000 per month

• E-gaming area $16,000 per month

• Food hall $12,000 per month (4 restaurants with each paying $3000 per month)

• Event rental space $15,000 per month (special events, weddings, receptions corporate parties, etc.)

• General admission $5,000 per month (excluding skating, bowling, Esports)

“I’m really excited that we can bring such a huge amenity like this to the residents of Birmingham and families in the West End community,” Councilor Carol Clarke said. “This will be a huge draw for families, not just in Birmingham but the surrounding communities. It’s going to serve as another public anchor for this land on the Crossplex property that can spark additional development in Western Birmingham.”

According to the Mayor’s team, public safety will be paramount and a detailed safety plan will be presented in the coming months, however it was stated that the facility will have metal detectors.

As part of the agreement, the Council will be receiving regular updates on the construction and implementation of the safety plan.

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

"An Ordinance authorizing the acquisition, construction and payment of capital improvements to the Birmingham Crossplex on behalf of The Public Athletic, Cultural and Entertainment Facilities Board of the City of Birmingham, Alabama (PACE Board), and authorizing the Mayor to execute (1) a Funding Agreement among the City of Birmingham, the PACE Board, and PNC Bank, National Association, under which the City will pay the principal of and interest on a revenue bond to be issued by the PACE Board to PNC Bank in a principal amount which will not exceed $15,000,000.00, to pay the costs of capital improvements to the Crossplex site necessary to develop a “Family Fun Center”, (2) a Project Lease Agreement between the City and the PACE Board under which the City will lease a portion of the Crossplex site to the PACE Board as the site of the Family Fun Center project, and (3) an Indenture to be executed and delivered by PACE Board to PNC Bank in connection with the issuance of the revenue bond to provide funding for the Family Fun Center project. [Second Reading] (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor and the Budget and Finance Committee) (Did not receive unanimous consent. Held over to 10/8/2024)**"

ITEM 3

The Birmingham City Council unanimously approved the Police Officer Recruitment and Retention Plan from the Mayor’s administration.

Some of the high points of these efforts include, but aren’t limited to: increasing the sign on bonus to $10,000 ($5k at graduation, $5k at 1-year mark), relocation bonuses of $2,000, approving additional take home cars for patrol officers, quarterly retention bonuses, a plan to compensate police trainees to prevent attrition, 12-weeks paid family leave, and up to 8 hours of mental health observance leave on a monthly basis.

The budget for these recommendations is roughly $15.8 million and will come from the City’s General Reserve Fund -- as of 2023, that account totaled $290 million. Mayor Woodfin stated during the meeting this would not be a recurring $15.8 million expenditure.

This initiative is aimed at increasing the department’s ability to compete with surrounding municipalities to recruit and retain officers. Following recent events that have unfolded, the Council and the Mayor are focused on taking an accelerated approach to providing additional resources for law enforcement. In Birmingham, there is currently a shortage of patrol officers citywide. This upcoming class of officers in the Birmingham Police Academy has 53 individuals currently enrolled, which will make up a significant portion of the current staffing attrition.

These staffing numbers are in line with a national trend of police officer shortages in large cities across the country following COVID. In 2020, BPD hired 67 officers, and 35 retired; In 2021, BPD hired 51 officers and 47 retired that same year; In 2022, BPD hired 31 and 14 officers eligible for retirement took it; In 2023, 19 officers were hired and 12 retired.

“Addressing this issue is going to take a unified front,” Councilor LaTonya Tate said. “I’m not in the business of pointing fingers about how we got here, but I know that Birmingham is a resilient and beautiful city. We’re committed to giving our law enforcement officials the tools they need to succeed here and help Birmingham reach its full potential.”

Two weeks ago, 78 hopeful applicants took part in the BPD’s physical ability screening, the largest number since 2019. For those interested, the Birmingham Police Department is currently hiring.

People who wish to serve their community, please visit: https://police.birminghamal.gov/join-the-team/

Second Southern Area Rezoning Meeting

We are pleased to invite you to the second public meeting regarding the proposed rezoning for the Southern Area neighborhoods. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 22nd at 6:00 PM at the Highland Golf Club, in the upstairs room.

Meeting Details:

• Date: Tuesday, October 22nd

• Time: 6:00 PM

• Location: Highland Golf Club, in the upstairs room

• Address: 3300 Highland Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205

I have also included a flyer with further details about the meeting. If you would like physical copies to distribute in your neighborhood, please let me know, and I will be happy to provide them.

Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback on the maps. We have incorporated your insights into the latest version and are excited to share them with you. You can review the maps online at: https://www.birminghamal.gov/city-directory/planning-engineering-permits/community-rezoning-plans/

If you have any questions or concerns about the rezoning process, please feel free to reach out to me. Draft maps are always available for review on the 5th floor of City Hall, and our planning staff is available to assist you anytime before or after the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you on October 22nd! Have a wonderful day!

United Way of Central Alabama: Join Us as a Tax Volunteer! Sign Up Today for a Volunteer Information Session

Volunteers are the key to “free” in United Way’s Free Tax Preparation program. If you are willing and able to learn, and want to provide valuable assistance to your community, this could be a great opportunity for you.  Prior professional experience in accounting or finance is not required to help -- we’ll provide training on everything you need to know.

 Join Us for a Volunteer Information Session on October 9th or 23rd to:

• Meet the United Way Free Tax Prep team

• Gain insight on the Free Tax Program’s impact in our community

• Learn what it’s like to be a tax volunteer

Birmingham City Council Highlights 9.17.24

Here are some of the highlights from today's Birmingham City Council Meeting

ITEM 37

On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council approved a $4.2 million federal grant for the Birmingham Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center.
 
The money will be used to help bolster the Real Time Crime Center’s camera expansion and daily operations. This grant funding was secured with the assistance of US Senator Katie Britt and is something city officials have met with her office about on multiple occasions when outlining Birmingham’s legislative priorities.
 
“I want to thank our federal partners, specifically Senator Katie Britt, for helping us secure this funding,” Councilor Hunter Williams said. “When you look at the amount of grant funding the City of Birmingham has received over the last several years, I think it speaks to the partnership between the Mayor and the Council. We’re working closely with our federal partners and it’s a different approach than what’s been done in the past. We’ve really been able to multiply our grant funding  in recent years and it shows.”
 
Last month, the Council approved two items that will further support the Real Time Crime Center’s ongoing mission.  
 
First, the Council approved an agreement with the Birmingham Board of Education for sharing of strategic video assets on school properties – cameras that are located in the public areas of schools such as lobbies, the exterior of the buildings and the athletic facilities.
 
The second item that was approved was for three additional mobile camera units that can be deployed to hotspots throughout the city, especially as it relates to continued efforts to reduce exhibition driving.
 
“These cameras will be deployed at large events and gatherings to help be the eyes for law enforcement,” Councilor Williams said. “What we want to do is utilize these units outside of large events as well to deter criminal activity in certain areas. As you know, the City is now able to use cameras in prosecuting those who participate in illegal street racing, and this is another tool for the City to reduce that.”

ITEM 53

On Tuesday, the Council approved an item declaring the 83rd Annual Magic City Classic a public purpose and authorized the expenditure of up to $1.5 million to pay for goods and services for the city's largest annual event. 

Last year, the Council unanimously approved an agreement to keep the Magic City Classic at Legion Field for a term of four years beginning in 2023. 

“This is an event that draws people from all over the country,” Councilor Crystal Smitherman said. “Just seeing people coming from California, Colorado, all over, it speaks volumes to how impactful and meaningful this weekend is, not just for Birmingham but also for HBCUs and their continued legacy.”
 
Obviously, the week leading up to the Classic is an economic boon for the city. Each year we see upwards of $30 million being spent at local restaurants, hotels, and stores throughout town. It’s also helped create partnerships between local businesses, organizations, and government agencies, which strengthen the foundation for collaboration and innovation in Birmingham's economic development efforts.
 
"This is a great opportunity for Birmingham to host young professionals and students from HBCUs around the country while also showcasing what we have to offer in terms of careers, entertainment and higher education," Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander said. "In addition to this being the largest annual HBCU event in the country, it’s important that we continue to position Birmingham as a leader for these types of events that celebrate HBCUs and Black excellence." 

Boards and Agencies

 
There is currently a vacancy on the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority for an unexpired term following the resignation of one of Birmingham's appointed members.
 
This body regulates the public transit system and plays an important role in improving and expanding these options for our residents.
 
The Birmingham City Council is currently taking submissions to fill the vacancy. If you are interested in serving the remainder of the vacated term, please email your resume and letter of interest toKimberly.Phillips@birminghamal.govbyFriday, September 20th. For more information, you can contact Council President Darrell O’Quinn’s office at 205-254-6679
 
Only qualification is that you are a resident of Jefferson County.

Public Input Meetings

 
We have some incredibly important public input meetings that are taking place over the next month. The next installment for the Pratt-Ensley rezoning will take placeon Monday, September 30that 6pm.
 
Council President O’Quinn explained the importance of residents providing feedback to the proposed rezoning plans.
 
“These meetings are really crucial for our residents, because you need to understand what’s going on with zoning plans and upcoming changes in Birmingham,” President O’Quinn said. “I’ve had a situation recently where someone wanted to do business within the city of Birmingham. They’ve identified a location that used to be a commercial retail establishment, but somehow in the 1990s it was rezoned for residential. Now he has to go through the entire rezoning process to secure a business license. We don’t want that to be the case for people moving forward and we hope to have a great turnout for these public input meetings over the next month.”

BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL: Week in Review September 9th -- September 16th

Birmingham City Council Delegation attends Congressional Black Caucus Conference 

Members of the Birmingham City Council were in Washington DC last week for the Annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference. During this conference, our Councilors had the opportunity to meet with elected officials from all over the country and with Alabama's congressional leadership. The focus of these one-on-one meetings is to hone in on strategies to address issues like public safety, education, economic accessibility and the issues that matter to our residents.

"In recent years, Birmingham has continued to make progress on issues of racial equality and social justice," Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander said. "One of the main priorities we've had lately is creating workforce development and career opportunities for our residents. This is vital in helping to break the cycle of poverty and provide pathways to economic mobility. Time has shown us that dismantling the mechanisms of prejudice and inequality takes a collective effort, and cannot be accomplished overnight. And these meetings with our federal partners are a big part of that strategy."

Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander talks Commitment to Community with UAB

Home to 17 of Birmingham’s 99 neighborhoods, District 7 is located just south of I-20/59 and west of I-65. It is where [Councilor Wardine] Alexander was born and where she lives today.

"A lot of us now live in the homes that we grew up in and is also home to our kids and our grandkids – so my dedication to service has centered around the revitalization of our community,” she said. “We do not just talk about the issues. We work together to find solutions. We have some very dedicated neighborhood leaders. We have people who have lived here for most of their lives. I serve to make sure we continue to improve our quality of life.”

Alexander began her career as a certified medical technologist who specialized in blood banking, and this included a stint as president of the Alabama State Association of Blood Banks.

But with both parents serving in education – her mom was school secretary at Birmingham’s historic Tuggle Elementary which was founded in 1903 – it was inevitable she would move toward education.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

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Phase Two of Birmingham's recycling program has now started

Phase two of the city’s recycling cart program officially began on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The Department of Public Works crews began service of the 4,500 new 64-gallon recycling bins that were delivered to residents across the city. This is part of the city’s initiative to support the reduction of waste sent to landfills, conserve natural resources, and prevent pollution. The carts in this phase were made possible thanks to a grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

The first phase of the city’s recycling initiative kicked off in 2020 with a pilot program. In this current phase, carts were made available citywide and distributed to those who signed up. Those who did not sign up in time to participate will be added to a waiting list for Phase 3, which is scheduled to begin in 2025.

Here are some tips to remember while participating in the new recycling cart program:

All the recipients of the new cart were emailed and notified about the new program, rules of engagement, and its start date. Residents who signed up but did not receive a notification either did not provide an email address during their registration or the one they provided was incorrect. Please reach out to recycle@birminghamal.gov for details.
Recycling pick-up takes place on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. However, if a holiday falls during one of those weeks, the schedule could be adjusted.

Those who typically recycle, but did not receive a new cart, should put their items out as they usually do.
The free carts are only available for Birmingham residents, and only one cart is available per household. Businesses or residents of multi-dwelling units are not eligible to participate.

Calls regarding missed recycling should be reported to 311.
For non-emergency notifications from the city, text BHAMREADY to 888-777.
Email questions to recycle@birminghamal.gov. For more information on what’s allowed for recycling and what is not, visit www.birminghamal.gov/recycle.

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Birmingham City Council Highlights 9.10.24

Here are some of the highlights from today's Birmingham City Council Meeting

ITEM 1

Following a presentation from a development group, the Council voted down an appeal for a car wash to operate on University Boulevard.

Earlier this year, the Council voted to impose a moratorium on car washes from obtaining new business licenses.

The sunset date on the moratorium is December 5th while city officials work on finalizing framework plans to ensure these businesses are appropriately located moving forward. The main concern is the increased traffic as it relates to pedestrian infrastructure and noise pollution in residential areas.

This proposed car wash is located at 2310 8th Ave. South, directly adjacent to the new Edgewood Development that is intended to increase pedestrian foot traffic and public transportation in the area. City officials expressed concerns over a car wash operating in this busy corridor.

The vote failed in a 3-3-1 vote (one abstention).

“My concern with all of this has always been focused on our residents. We’ve seen a trend of these businesses wanting to open in high traffic corridors, ones that we are actively trying to make safer for pedestrians and other modes of transportation besides cars,” Council President Darrell O’Quinn said. “What we are trying to do now is fix that, and ensure these businesses only operate in areas that do not pose a problem to residents or pedestrians and are in line with current land use plans for the city.”

ITEM 2

The Council voted to revoke the business license and all associated permits of The Quest LLC, following an uptick in violent incidents and police reports at the location.

During the public hearing, the Council heard from local law enforcement officials regarding the amount of incidents that have occurred at the 24-hour club. In the last year there have been 109 calls to police from the location, including a double homicide, robbery, assault, disorderly fights, trespassing and drug possession.

In addition to that, on Tuesday morning, the Birmingham Police Department sent a plain clothes officer to the location, and they were able to walk into the establishment with a concealed firearm without incident.

Councilor JT Moore said that he visited the club last month and was not screened by security and witnessed people inside the establishment openly using drugs.

“We realized the current ownership have not been good stewards, especially with the privilege they’ve had of being able to operate as a 24-hour establishment in our city,” Councilor JT Moore told reporters following the meeting. “They’ve shown us multiple times that they can’t handle that level of responsibility to the public. Today’s action was about increasing safety for individuals in our city while holding ownership accountable for their lack of action.”

Councilor LaTonya Tate, who chairs the Council’s Public Safety Committee, explained that ownership was repeatedly made aware that their current safety plan was not sufficient and that serious changes needed to be made. As of Tuesday morning, guns were still getting through security unnoticed.

“We’ve told them on multiple occasions that they were not taking the necessary steps to keep patrons and employees safe,” Councilor Tate said. “They showed us today that they clearly haven’t made any improvements in that regard. They’ve been in business since 1982, they should know what it takes to implement a safety plan and adhere to that.”

Tuesday’s unanimous vote to revoke the club’s business licenses is effective immediately. However, representatives of The Quest LLC indicated they would be seeking a temporary restraining order to keep the club open.

ITEM 19
 

The Council approved an agreement with Cornerstone Revitalization Foundation Inc to provide home repair services in District 8, a project funded by Councilor Carol Clarke’s discretionary American Rescue Plan Act funding.

The group will provide housing rehabilitation for up to 13 houses in the district – this is aimed to assist moderate to low-income households in need of minor repairs. The funding for the agreement totals $370,000.

“I wanted to bring note of this incredible work and the importance of this for helping beautify our communities,” Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander said. “In my colleague Carol Clarke’s absence, I thought it was important to shine a light on this and let residents know how this federal funding is being utilized in our neighborhoods.”

This vote comes one week after the Council approved similar home repair agreements, totaling nearly $1 million for the communities of Smithfield, Graymont, College Hills and North Birmingham.

Boards and Agencies

 
There is currently a vacancy on the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority for an unexpired term following the resignation of one of Birmingham's appointed members.
 
This body regulates the public transit system and plays an important role in improving and expanding these options for our residents.
 
The Birmingham City Council is currently taking submissions to fill the vacancy. If you are interested in serving the remainder of the vacated term, please email your resume and letter of interest to Kimberly.Phillips@birminghamal.gov by Friday, September 20th. For more information, you can contact Council President Darrell O’Quinn’s office at 205-254-6679
 
Only qualification is that you are a resident of Jefferson County.

Public Input Meetings

 
We have some incredibly important public input meetings that are taking place over the next month. The next installment for the Southern Area and will take placeTuesday, September 10that the Highland Golf Club
 
Council President O’Quinn explained the importance of residents providing feedback to the proposed rezoning plans.
 
“These meetings are really crucial for our residents, because you need to understand what’s going on with zoning plans and upcoming changes in Birmingham,” President O’Quinn said. “I’ve had a situation recently where someone wanted to do business within the city of Birmingham. They’ve identified a location that used to be a commercial retail establishment, but somehow in the 1990s it was rezoned for residential. Now he has to go through the entire rezoning process to secure a business license. We don’t want that to be the case for people moving forward and we hope to have a great turnout for these public input meetings over the next month.”

Alabama basketball coming to Boutwell Auditorium October 18

City of Birmingham announces "Bama in Boutwell"  exhibition game happening on October 18

Mayor Woodfin, alongside leaders from Hibbett and Knight Eady, held a press conference to announce "Bama in Boutwell," a preseason charity basketball exhibition in Birmingham. On October 18, the University of Alabama will face Wake Forest, with proceeds benefiting Children's Hospital.

Mayor Woodfin expressed his appreciation and excitement for the game by saying "On behalf of a very very grateful city, we're truly truly honored to be in a position to host this exhibition game between the University of Alabama and Wake Forest. It has been 45 years since this venue has hosted a basketball game so when I say we're excited we're literally counting down the days until October 18." 

Click the image above or the button below to watch the full press conference and learn more. 

FREE Beekeeping 101 Workshop 🐝

Are you interested in beekeeping but not sure where to start? Join us to learn the basics including locating an apiary, what equipment is needed, input costs, where to get bees, and how to make money with bees. We will discuss "a year in beekeeping" to better understand a honey bee colony’s rhythms and the time you will need to care for a colony of bees. Join us for an optional session after class from 1-2pm where we will suit up and dive into the hives on-site to get a feel for beekeeping. We have limited bee suits so looking into the hives will be first come first serve. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes! 

This event has limited space available. Pre-register to attend. If you are unable to attend after you’ve registered, please contact community@jvtf.org so we can make the spot available to someone else.