Some of Birmingham's most influential people call Iva Williams a friend. This podcast is about showing a side of some of the City's leaders that you may not have seen or heard before. These conversations are real and candid, and some episodes may have exp
URBANHAM News w/ guest Perryn Carroll by Intravenous 205
Joe Lockett is a trailblazer in radio and TV, and best selling author of "I Said YES". He has been inspiring thousands from the young to old. He is a living example of what a person can do when everyone tells you there is no way you can succeed in radio or tv.
INSIDE CITY HALL w/ Caroline Douglas Caroline W. Douglas serves as the Executive Director for the Birmingham Land Bank Authority. Prior to her executive position, she served as a Senior Attorney in the City of Birmingham's Office of the City Attorney, where she worked in the litigation and transaction divisions primarily handling contracts, real estate transactions and matters involving the Birmingham Land Bank Authority. Caroline assisted in the creation of the legal process utilized by Land Bank attorneys to quiet title to eligible tax delinquent properties throughout the City of Birmingham. Caroline received her Juris Doctorate from the Cumberland School of Law, Samford University and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Oakwood University, Huntsville, Alabama.
Leah Wiggins is committed to helping people overcome obstacles and win in life. She is owner of Leah Wiggins Agency of Farmers Insurance, an award-winning scratch business she started in 2009. She is a Registered Representative holding both Series 6 & 63 licenses. She and her agency team have assisted thousands of individuals, families, and business owners protect their assets and build wealth. Leah is the author of two children's books under her company, eVision, LLC. The company has published more than a dozen authors' work as well. Leah is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and has the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF®) and the Financial Services Certified Professional (FSCP®) professional designations from The American College of Financial Services. She is a graduate of UAB's Collat School of Business and The University of Farmers® for insurance professionals. Leah was recognized as a NAIFA Alabama Top Advisor for 2022. She is a back-to-back winner of the Best Insurance Agent award given by readers of Birmingham Magazine. Leah has qualified for both the Farmers Insurance® Championship and its Topper Club two times each. In 2018, she was the only woman and only black owner to represent the state of Alabama. Her community service is centered around her passions for philanthropy, mentorship, and total life prosperity. She is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® (AKA) and the South Eastern Region Representative to the International Connection & Social Action Committee of AKA. She is the 36th President of AKA Omicron Omega Chapter where she led chapter operations, programming, and served on the executive leadership for the construction of its CEAF Pearl Center, a million- dollar community center during the global pandemic. Leah co-founded the CEAF Financial Empowerment Conference, which has impacted hundreds of Birmingham area citizens since 2013. The annual conference provides youth and adults with resources and education on how to build wealth, buy a home, and start a business. Leah is God's Heritage Fellowship Ministry Director at Calvary Resurrection Christian Church; President of Grace Browning Unit Parliamentarians; Board President for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America - Central Alabama Chapter, and Board Director for the Birmingham Urban League, Huffman High School Alumni Legacy Board, and Children's Aid Society. She is an appointed Commissioner to the Alabama Sickle Cell Oversight and Regulatory Commission. Her awards include The Links, Incorporated, Tri-County (AL) Chapter, Model Citizen Honoree for National Trends & Services; AKA South Eastern Region Entrepreneur of the Year; and Omicron Omega Chapter Humanitarian of the Year, and Member of the Year. Leah attributes her success and ability to lead and serve others to God, her supportive family, and empowering mentors. Her proudest assignments are wife, mother, and grandmother.
Keisa Sharpe has called Birmingham home for more than 25 years and loves living and working in this community. She's a serial entrepreneur – a realtor, life coach and communications/media trainer who enjoys helping her clients put their best face forward. She graduated from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa with a major in Communications (Broadcast News) and a minor in English in 1995. She immediately went to work in her field after graduation and as a natural communicator and connector, has worked as an award-winning broadcast news anchor and reporter for more 20 years in the Tupelo, MS and Montgomery and Birmingham markets in this state. She ended her broadcast career as an award-winning reporter and news anchor for ABC 33/40's Good Morning Alabama and the News at Noon. Keisa is also an award-winning writer and self-published author with books on natural hair and change management in your career. She has also worked as a Corporate/Crisis Communicator and Spokesperson for the American Red Cross and Alabama Power Company. As a Certified Life Coach, she uses her knowledge of career advancement and dating and relationships to write as a columnist for The Birmingham Times and even hosts a weekly podcast on these topics. Keisa also writes feature stories for The Birmingham Times weekly, highlighting people, places and things which create “magic” in the Magic City. She's a regular guest speaker on local television stations like WBRC Fox 6 News and ABC 33/40 and is a featured speaker locally at schools and events. She frequently facilitates panel discussions. She hosts the LOCAL AND LIVE morning show Keisa and Joe online with live tapings each Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Filter Coffee Parlor on the Southside of Birmingham. You can follow her on all social media platforms @Keisa Sharpe, or for coaching or media training visit www.keisasharpe.com/life-coaching.
Lynden Blake is ecstatic to be in Birmingham just an hour and some change north of where she grew up in Alexander City! Lynden is WBRC's First Alert Desk Anchor. She looks forward to bringing central Alabama breaking news and new alerts throughout the morning on Good Day Alabama. After the show, you'll find Lynden out in the community telling human interest sports stories throughout the region. Lynden graduated from Benjamin Russell and earned her journalism degree from Auburn University. It may be hard to find a more passionate Auburn fan. Prior to coming to the Magic City, Lynden spent more than three years in Huntsville, Alabama as a sports and news anchor, where she covered everything from bass fishing to the College Football National Championship to the 2020 Election. While in the Rocket City, Lynden spent time in Birmingham too. She has covered UAB Men's and Women's Basketball for ESPN+ since 2019. If you see her at Bartow this season, say hello! Before moving back to Alabama, Lynden spent three years in Sarasota, Florida, covering news and sports along the Suncoast. Some of her favorite memories are working with Dick Vitale for his annual gala which raises money for pediatric cancer research. In her free time, you'll find Lynden at a ballpark or with her dog, Lido, enjoying all Birmingham has to offer! She loves showing off her pup on her social media accounts! So, give her a follow, she'll love to connect!
AJ (aka "Worldwide Jizzle") comes to interview Iva but gets a taste of his own medicine! FOLLOW @DaSpotWorldwide on all social media!
Willie Davis III is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and a graduate of Holy Family Catholic High School. Mr. Davis holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Historic Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama. He has held several positions during his employment at The Dannon Project a nonprofit organization located in Birmingham serving youth and adults through multiple outreach programs and currently serves as CAPTE Program Director. He currently serves as the Board Chair at Birmingham Public Library Board and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority. Mr. Davis has received multiple awards and recognitions for his exemplary spirit and dedication to the communities within the City of Birmingham. He is a lifelong resident of District 6 and a member of New Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church.
UrbanHam News w/ guest Anthony Daniels by Intravenous 205
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He is currently the Director of Community Engagement at Alabama Power Company. Ralph is a native of Birmingham and has studied at both Alabama A&M and Miles College with a degree in Political Science. Prior to joining Alabama Power in 2011, he worked briefly with the City of Birmingham in 2010. Ralph was also the executive director of the Georgia State Employees Association for several years. He serves on the board of directors of Urban Impact, The Birmingham Urban League the Railroad Park Foundation, the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, and The Woodlawn Foundation. Ralph is married to Raquel Morgan-Williams and has two children Morgan and Kiara.
Gary Burley & Donna Francavilla THIS SUNDAY on Intravenous w/ Iva @ Urbanham.com or wherever you get your podcasts! Former NFL Cincinnati Bengals' Gary S. Burley, children's author Ralph V. Brooks, and award-winning journalist Donna T. Francavilla combined efforts to reveal the challenges and achievements of 5 outstanding football players who broke the color barrier around the turn of the century. Enjoy rarely-seen photographs and read real-life stories about these brave athletes. Hall of Famer, Burl A. Toler, the first African-American to serve as a field official in a major American professional sports league The Black Cyclone, Charles Follis, the First Paid African-American Black Football Player Motorcycle McDonald, Henry McDonald, the First Haitian Black Professional American Football Player The Warrior of his Time, Gideon Smith, the first African-American varsity athlete in any sport at MAC, The Human Tornado, Fritz Pollard, the First Black Coach in the National Football League. The book also contains Gary Burley's never-before-seen personal photographs and journey. Read true rags to riches tales and a special student guidebook by contributing author Valencia Belle, Ph.D. A must-have for all history buffs and sports fans. Co-author Donna Francavilla is a professional award-winning journalist who fell in love with story-telling when she discovered the joy of being an eyewitness to historical events.
Judge Lee Wendell Loder graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA; Samford University's Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama; and Emory University's Candler School of Religion in Atlanta, GA. He is currently enrolled at Emory Law and working toward completion of an LLM (Master of Laws). He has also done further study at Case Western Reserve's Weatherhead School of Management in Cleveland and at Birmingham-Southern College. He serves as a Municipal (Special) Judge on the City of Birmingham's Municipal Court. Through his practice, he has handled a number of significant cases involving consumer and civil rights, including an often cited bankruptcy case establishing homeowner's rights to notice before foreclosure; a case making it easier for elderly Jefferson County residents to claim property tax homestead exemptions; and a heavily relied on local case establishing property exemption rights for land owned by churches and religious entities. He served as President of the Birmingham City Council in early 2004. His service was featured in Black Enterprise magazine's top ten municipality edition. He also served as an ambassador for the American Council of Young Political Leaders on its delegation to Tanzania/Zanzibar and he has hosted a Birmingham delegation of policy and business leaders from South Africa on behalf of ACYPL. He is Lead Pastor of the Gifted City Church and co-founder of Bestow Schools. He is married to Adrianne Ragland-Loder. He has two children, Kimya Adrianne Imara Loder and Kamaya Adrianne Amadi Loder, and one granddaughter, Kailani.
URBANHAM News w/ guest Waymond Jackson Leondras Waymond Jackson Jr is the CEO of The Education Farm “Ed Farm”, a nonprofit, tech and education-focused startup in Birmingham, Alabama. Ed Farm was founded in February of 2020 through a partnership with Apple and Alabama Power. Ed Farm's mission is to equip educators in schools and communities with innovative tools and teaching strategies that support active learning for all students. Under his leadership, Ed Farm has: strengthened its partnership with Birmingham City Schools through its Teacher Fellows, Student Fellows and SPACES programs; established a funded partnership with the City of Birmingham to train residents for careers in tech through Ed Farm's Pathways-to-Tech program; and expanded the footprint of Ed Farm's K12 programs to 10 school districts across four states. Jackson, also lead the successful effort to secure a $50 million dollar commitment from Apple ($25 million) and Southern Company ($25 million) to launch The Propel Center - a global headquarters for innovation and learning for all 101 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) - in the Atlanta University Center. Prior to joining Ed Farm, Jackson served as the senior vice president of public policy, at the Birmingham Business Alliance. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham; a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity Inc; a 2014 Birmingham Business Journal Top 40 Under 40; and was recognized by Development Counsellors International (DCI) and Jorgenson Consulting as a Top 40 Under 40 in economic development, 2019. He is married to Kimberly L. Jackson and they are parents to Leo (son) and Kai (daughter).
Rick Journey serves on Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin's executive leadership team as Director of Communications in the Office of Public Information, a position he has held since January 2018. Prior to that, he served as a communications consultant for clients in the government, business and not-for-profit sectors. Rick spent 25 years as a broadcast journalist mostly at Birmingham's WBRC FOX6 News where, among other roles, he anchored Good Day Alabama. A native of Birmingham, Rick graduated from the University of Alabama.
One Black Man's Opinion (w/ guest Richard Franklin) by Intravenous 205
Judge Shera Grant (Season 4 Episode 18) by Intravenous 205
Judge Shanta Owens (Season 4 Episode 17) by Intravenous 205
Patrick "S. Fly" Johnson (also known as Blaq Angel) is a pioneering producer and hip hop activist, and was the chief founder of the rap group Red Light District, which released several recordings between 1996 and 2003. Johnson has formed many alliances within the Alabama music community, joining jazz/soul/funk band Mecca's Groove in 2004 (horn section – trombone). He has performed with Mary J. Blige, Run-DMC, Outkast, Goodie Mobb, and other national acts. He has also produced for and recorded with several of Alabama's elite, including Thed Weller, Sam Addams, John Paul, Supreme, and Sharrif Simmons. In 2006, he was chosen by APTV to produce original music for the soundtrack and score to "Thornton Dial Has Something to Say", a documentary about visual artist Thornton Dial and the racism and rejection he has faced in the art world. The film's trailer won a regional Emmy in 2007, and the full length documentary was awarded four Emmys in 2008.
John Wahl (born 1986) is an American political strategist and butterfly breeder who is the incumbent chair of the Alabama Republican Party, serving since 2021. He is also a vice chair of the Republican National Committee, representing its southern division since 2023. Wahl is the youngest chair of a state Republican party in the United States.
Eleanor Estes is the CEO and owner of Redmont Distilling Co. Eleanor oversees distributor involvement, trade development, market execution and marketing. She is a graduate of The Madeira School, holds a Bachelor of Arts in European History from Sewanee: The University of The South, and a Master of Science degree in Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is involved in many community organizations and is a member of the of The Rotary Club of Birmingham. Eleanor serves on the board of The Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Maranathan Academy. She is a former member of the Board of Directors of The American Red Cross.
Jeremiah Castille played collegiately at the University of Alabama where he was named a Kodak All-American in 1982. He was named All-SEC for two consecutive years (1981-82). In Coach Bryant's final game, the 1982 Liberty Bowl, Castille was named MVP. He was selected as a member of Alabama's All-Century Defensive Team. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1983 where he played five seasons, until he was traded to the Denver Broncos where he would play two seasons. NFL Films awarded him the Defensive Play of the Year in the AFC Championship Game. He played in Super Bowls XXI and XXII.
Steve Crocker (Season 4 Episode 12) by Intravenous 205
Rolanda Hollis (Season 4 Episode 11) by Intravenous 205
Dr. Celeste Reese-Willis (a.k.a. Doctor Celeste MD) is a board-certified family medicine physician and a leading expert in urgent care. She is a nationally recognized speaker, primary care physician, Amazon Best-Selling author and telemedicine consultant whose passion centers around empowering her patients and providing excellence in health care. In addition, she is a sought-after media expert regarding seasonal allergies, influenza, hypertension, COVID-19 and preventative care. Dr. Celeste consistently educates her patients via her online tv show each Sunday called “Let's Chat” and serves as a medical consultant on the CBS42 segment “House Calls” every Monday morning. She has also appeared on several stations such as Fox 6 and ABC local news, and also offers a personalized concierge medicine program. Leading with extraordinary diligence in over 18 years of urgent care experience, Dr. Celeste is a sought-after physician in her community of Birmingham, Alabama and as well throughout the state. She has lead the effort during the COVID-19 pandemic by partnering with the Jefferson County Department of Health with COVID testing at Legion Field, COVID vaccination at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport, and becoming the a spokesperson for the statewide Protect Alabama Covid Vaccine Campaign. Dr. Celeste grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, the oldest daughter of five children to James and Betty Reese. She is married to Vincent Willis, Jr and they have two daughters, Madisen and Morgan Willis. She graduated from LAMP (Lanier Academic Motivational Program) at Sidney Lanier High School in 1991. She then matriculated to college and completed a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1996. She then traveled for her professional studies to Wright State University – Boonshoft School of Medicine. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband Vincent Willis, Jr. Dr. Celeste earned her medical doctorate at Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, followed by her residency training at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Celeste began moonlighting in urgent care during her residency and the love affair of urgent care began. Being able to solve acute, urgent care needs in varying medical situations and environments propagated a deeper passion of service in medicine in this distinctive way she could not have imagined. One of Dr. Celeste's greatest passions is mentoring young girls to pursue their dreams despite the challenges one is presented in life. Dr. Celeste thoroughly enjoys sharing her medical knowledge passionately and transparently via her Facebook Fan Page, You Tube channel, “Let's Chat with Doctor Celeste MD” and with the House Calls weekly segment on CBS 42 news to share helpful health tips to assist in keeping everyone healthy. She bursts with enthusiasm in equipping her patients with the tools to aide them in living healthy, happy, vital and long productive lives, so much so that she wrote an Amazon best-selling book, “Vitality” that details her “ode to my patients” about living that life of health, wellness and vitality. With her experience, love of humanity, compassion, calm and noteworthy loving bedside manner and passion about educating her patients in medicine, it is no wonder Doctor Celeste MD has become one of your favorite Urgent Care Physicians.
DeJuana L. Thompson is a political and social strategist providing innovative and sustainable engagement methods and models for candidates, campaigns, and community organizations. She is the current President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a 30 year old civil rights legacy organization. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the BCRI is a cultural and educational research center that promotes a comprehensive understanding of the significance of civil rights developments in Birmingham. DeJuana is also the founder of Woke Vote, an organization designed to engage, mobilize, and turnout African American voters in the South through campus and faith-based outreach, strategic media outreach, culturally relevant GOTV efforts and training for new organizers. Notably the program has engaged over 2M Black voters nationwide and has trained over 5K new leaders. DeJuana recently launched “Black Equity Strategies & Trust - A southern social impact firm specializing in engagement strategy, leadership development, rapid response initiatives, high-end logistics and curating premium cultural experiences. DeJuana served as the National Deputy Director for Community Engagement and the National African American Engagement Director for the Democratic National Committee. With a focus on intentionality, DeJuana worked with the DNC Black Caucus chair and national allied organizations on key strategies to engage the AFAM community both politically and socially. DeJuana also carried the faith portfolio at the DNC working to build bridges between principles of faith and principles of politics. As a presidential appointee, DeJuana was appointed by the Obama/Biden Administration in 2015 to serve as a Senior Advisor in the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Within SBA's Office of Public Engagement, she worked to ensure the SBA's national and local stakeholders are fully comprised of the programs and resources offered by the SBA with a special emphasis on implementing strategic and systemic opportunities to increase access to lending and resources for minority and underserved communities. DeJuana is a veteran political consultant, campaign manager and operative, and a former Hill staffer. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, she worked as an independent political strategist providing guidance to candidates for public office in Trinidad and Tobago, Alabama, Tennessee and partnering with entities to produce successful public programs. Perhaps her most notable having consulted for the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art coordinating the International Tribute honoring the life of Dr. Chinua Achebe. Notably, she served as the Program and Logistics Coordinator, Citizens Advisory Board Liaison for the Birmingham City Council from 2005 - 2010 providing program and logistical support to the 9-member council body and providing strategy and assistance to the Citizens Advisory Board composed of 99 neighborhood presidents and 23 community presidents. This is where she formalized her niche for engagement politics. DeJuana received a B.A. in Speech Communication from Berea College, a Master's Certificate in Effective Project Management and is completing her capstone toward her Master's Degree from the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. DeJuana's depth of experience is well acknowledged and applauded. She is the recipient of several honors including being recognized by Elle, Glamour and BET a s one of the top Black female leaders in 2020, being named one of the AL Women Who Shape the State in 2019, one of the Top Young Professionals in the State of Alabama in 2015, recipient of the 2013 Outstanding Alumnus Award from Berea College, awarded a Key to the City of Birmingham in 2010, bestowed honor as a Kentucky Colonel in 2008 and receiving the Coretta Scott King Leadership Award for leadership in 2007.
Gene Hallman is currently CEO and owner of Eventive Sports which was formed in 1995. Eventive Sports, based in Birmingham, Alabama, has grown into one of the country's largest sports event management companies with more than 80 employees located in nine offices throughout the United States and Bermuda. Gene's company has managed a wide variety of events across many sports including the Regions Tradition, which has been running for over 30 years and surpassed $20 million donated to local charities. Other events managed by Gene include 1996 Olympic Soccer at Legion Field, U.S. Senior and Women's Golf Open, SEC Baseball Tournament, Magic City Classic, Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, the United States Football League & Birmingham Stallions, Davis and Fed Cup (tennis), and The World Games 2022. Eventive Sports is responsible for managing the football gameday fan experiences for the University of Alabama, Auburn University, UAB and Alabama State University. Gene was recently inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame as the Distinguished American Sportsman. Gene received a bachelor's degree in Economics from the College of Charleston and a Master of Business Administration degree (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of South Carolina. He is married to Jennifer and has two children, Ella (2003) and Marshall (2005).
Joe Freeman has a diverse background in finance and politics. After graduating from Auburn University with a major in Political Science, he began his career as a rookie stockbroker. After several years at a regional broker dealer, Joe merged his passion for politics and finance by working as a public finance banker covering Alabama governmental finance needs. Joe is still active in finance with his advisory firm, EF Joseph. He has been appointed to serve on numerous administrative and political boards, including the St. Vincent's East Hospital Advisory Board and the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Board of Directors. Joe has been active in many nonprofit and civic organizations including Rotary International, Ducks Unlimited and Camp Smile-a-Mile. Joe is married to lovely wife Lindsey who he calls his Peanut Queen. They have 1 daughter. In his free time he enjoys driving a boat along the Alabama gulf coast and weekend evenings at the FloraBama.
Keynote Speaker – Seminar Leader - Actor Marketing and Business Expert – Former National TV Show Cohost Gilberto Herrera is an entrepreneur with a focus on Increasing the Brand and Financial awareness of everyone in business. He was given the “King of Scaling People” because his goal is to increase the worth of individuals nationwide with programs tailored specifically to meet and exceed their revenue goals. He is the author of the book, How to Scale You: Build a Brand, Leverage Marketing and Skyrocket Sales. Since 2007, Gilberto has worked with over 2000 individuals, Fortune 500 companies, and has assisted thousands to take their mastery to the masses. In 2022, Gilberto secured partnership with Google through their Grow with Google Program to provide free Training and Tools to underserved communities in business and finance. Gilberto has earned the reputation where companies and individuals trust for his financial expertise, marketing and business development experience and he has a successful track record to prove it. He consults with individuals and companies across the US, Canada, Panama, and Latin America, delivering the Power of Increasing Your Worth in Life and In the Marketplace. His story telling and strong skill as an experienced facilitator teaches seminar participants “HOW TO TECHNIQUES”, “Easy to Digest Simplistic Approach”, and “Direct Implementation Strategies” to gain the necessary skills to be successful in today's marketplace. In 2019, TEDx Birmingham reached out to Gilberto to be on stage and share practical ways they can improve the livelihood of others in their communities. Successful organizations like McDonald's, Alabama Media Group, the American Marketing Association, Verizon Wireless, and over 100 companies have invested in his ability to increase their brand worth and revenue year over year, asking him to come back and work with them again and again. He is a regular contributor in GumpTown Magazine and former National TV Co-Host. The New York Finance Magazine named him as a Top Entrepreneur to Follow in 2021 and he was recently named as a 2023 Emerging Influencer by the Business Journal. He has also been featured in CBS, NBC, Fox News, Miami News, and Houston Weekly News. His greatest rewards come from serving the community. He serves as the President of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama and sits on the board of the AG Gaston Boys and Girls Club.
Leslie Claybrook enters her second season as the general manager of business operations for the Birmingham Squadron. She brings a wealth of experience in athletics to the Squadron front office, most recently having served as the president of Crossroads331, a sports consulting company. She previously held administrative roles as the assistant commissioner at the Southeastern Conference, senior associate athletics director at Rice University, associate athletics director at Samford University and associate athletics director at Birmingham-Southern College. An Alabama native, Claybrook graduated from the University of Alabama and was a member of the Crimson Tide women's basketball team under head coach Rick Moody. As a player, Claybrook's Alabama teams had a combined record of 78-37 and twice reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. In 1989, Claybrook was named Alabama Miss Basketball as a senior at Saint James School in Montgomery, Ala.
Collie Antonio Langham (born July 31, 1972) is an American former college and professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. He played college football for the University of Alabama, and was recognized as an All-American. Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft, Langham also played professionally for the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and New England Patriots of the NFL.
PLAYING NOW @ Intravenous w/ Iva & www.Urbanham.News! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR Waters Sullivan LLC for wanting to inspire conversations related to, “Elections Not being Popularity Contests!"
Councilor Valerie Abbott Birmingham City Councilor Valerie A. Abbott is Chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee, and a member of the Administration, Budget and Finance, Governmental Affairs and Public Information, Public Improvements and Beautification Committees. With the future of the City of Birmingham at the forefront, Councilor Abbott has been a champion of The Comprehensive Plan. The plan will set out a 20-year policy and strategic framework for the City of Birmingham. Her seemingly endless schedule of neighborhood meetings and community events is her way of learning about the needs and concerns of citizens throughout Birmingham and ensures that she is knowledgeable when issues affecting various neighborhoods come before the City Council. Councilor Abbott serves on the boards of the Birmingham Planning Commission, Birmingham Tree Commission, Birmingham Historical Society, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and has served as Chairman of the Board of the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham. She has collaborated with her fellow councilors and city staff to revise ordinances regulating noise, smoking, and fences. An avid gardener and nature enthusiast, her pursuit of neighborhood health and revitalization has resulted in two community gardens, including a national award-winning project in East Avondale. She is a proponent of all things green, including Birmingham's recycling program, which is experiencing a rebirth. Her credentials include a Bachelor's Degree from the School of Architecture and Fine Arts at Auburn University and a Masters Degree in Public and Private Management from Birmingham Southern College. As an employee of AT&T Services, Inc. for the past 40 years, Council President Abbott has deep roots in the community's business sector as well as within its neighborhoods. The recipient of numerous volunteer awards from groups ranging from the Civitan Club to the Birmingham Tree Commission, Council President Abbott was named Birmingham's “Unsung Hero” in 1993.
EMMY Award winning News Anchor Sherri Jackson brings audiences the news that matters weeknights at 4,5,6, and 10 PM on CBS 42 in Birmingham. Sherri is the PM Managing Editor and a member of CBS 42's Your Voice Your Station Investigative Team. Sherri is a trusted journalist whose goal is to always provide accurate reporting on the conditions, people and places that we call home in Central Alabama. Sherri's motto, is “we are all connected”. Sherri's exemplary work as a journalist includes the CBS 42 teams award winning coverage of the pollution in North Birmingham and its effect on generations of families. The EPA declared the area a SuperFund Site shortly after the broadcast of CBS 42's “Deadly Deception”. Sherri followed artist Elizabeth MacQueen to chronicle the making of the Four Spirits Statue in Birmingham's historic Kelly Ingram Park. It led to the EMMY Award winning documentary “Hope and Honor” which tells the story of Birmingham's effort to erect a fitting memorial to the victims of the 1963 Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Bombing. In telling the story of that seminal year in U.S. Civil Rights History, Sherri travelled to Washington, D.C. for coverage of the posthumously awarded Congressional Gold Medal to Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Denise McNair. As Sherri and Photographer Toby Carter boarded the plane to return to Birmingham that evening they were applauded by passengers on the plane who were also headed back to Birmingham. They said they were proud a local television station cared enough to travel to D.C. to tell this very important story. The medal is housed at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, where Sherri has moderated, hosted , or covered events that focus on our humanity. In 2022 BCRI named Sherri as a Courageous Communicator during the Institute's 30year anniversary at Fred L. Shuttlesworth Humanitarian Awards dinner. Sherri's journalism often focuses on health and families including the “Local War on Breast Cancer” spotlighting local research at UAB's O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. The series included a podcast. Her Emmy award winning “Dangerous Connections” focused on protecting children on digital devices whether from bullying or predators. Sherri is the recipient of numerous professional journalism awards: https://www.sherrijackson.tv She's been named “Best News Anchor” several times by the Alabama Broadcasters Association. In 2019 Sherri was selected for the inaugural class of Top Women in Alabama Media. In 2022, colleagues re-elected Sherri to serve as the Region 9 Director representing Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas on the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)Board of Directors. She currently serves on the board of the Foundry Ministries and has previously served on the boards of the Children's Aid Society, Childcare Resources, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and American Red Cross Blood Services Alabama. Prior to making her home in Birmingham in 1998, she worked for WGXA-TV in Macon, GA, WSAV-TV in Savannah GA, and WSAZ-TV in Charleston and Huntington West Virginia. Sherri is native of St. Louis, MO and graduate of Morehead State University in Morehead, KY. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Radio Television Digital News Association, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Charlotte Shaw serves as the Executive Director/CEO of Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA). Ms. Shaw has held various leadership roles throughout her career and has extensive experience in Transit Operations, Procurement, A/E and Construction Contracts and Capital Improvement Planning & Program Delivery. Prior to her role as Executive Director/CEO, she was appointed by the Mayor as the Deputy Director of Special Projects for the City of Birmingham to deliver the city's first Bus Rapid Transit system which recently launched and is known as the BX, Birmingham Xpress. She also successfully led efforts to support transit needs for The World Games 2022. Affectionately Titled: Ms. Shaw is an insightful and innovative leader with 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors. She is honored by the "Savior of the BRT" opportunity to develop and grow transit in the City of Birmingham and surrounding municipalities. 25+ YEARS EXPERIENCE Various Sr. Leadership Roles Strategic Development & Planning Transit & Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) PUBLIC & PRIVATE SECTOR CAREER Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Oracle Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) City of Birmingham, Capital Project, Special Projects Sr. Leadership SKILLS Public Engagement & Customer Focus Results - Driven Strategic Thinker Interpersonal Leadership Style Key Stakeholder Management Excellent Presentation skills Good Communicator to influence decisions Eno / MAX Fellow 2019 Asset Management Certification (IAM) Charlotte demonstrates excellent leadership and communication skills to influence decision making while interacting with stakeholders and management of resources. She is highly skilled at managing client demands, identifying areas of improvement and going beyond the limit to ensure client satisfaction. Charlotte relentlessly provides guidance to improve team performance to render stellar service to support clients by directly handling customer-facing issues, and problem-solving with an interpersonal approach. Ms. Shaw is innovative, passionate about her work and is often called upon for difficult projects. She has advanced many companies in the crunch with her ability to quickly prioritize the details, meet deadlines and conceptualize future needs by developing plans to meet them. She is known for executing deliverables and projects by setting the right goals at the right time. This approach serves as a compass for determining priorities and helping her make the necessary adjustments, while identifying risks to ultimately reduce their relative effect. Charlotte possesses verifiable strengths across various multi-functional disciplines including budget management, contracts & procurement, strategic planning, supply chain, negotiations, operations management, and project engineering. She is an ENO Fellow of 2019 from the renowned Eno Transportation Leadership Program out of Washington DC. As a Fellow, she was exposed to Transit Authorities across the United States in various regions. She also achieved her Certification in Asset Management (IAM), which is a well-respected certification held by few in the United States.
Dr. Mark A. Sullivan is a well-respected educator who began his tenure in Birmingham City Schools more than 25 years ago as a 5th grade teacher at Dupuy Elementary School. While later serving as a math teacher at Center Street Middle School, recognition of Dr. Sullivan's talent and commitment to student achievement set him on a career path resulting in his appointment to a number of progressively responsible leadership positions. With a move from the classroom to school administration, Dr. Sullivan served as principal of Spaulding Elementary School where he led faculty and staff efforts resulting in moving the school to “academic clear” status for the first time. Subsequently, he was tapped to serve as Director of Area III, where he worked with the Senior Executive Director in the supervision of twenty-two elementary and middle schools. In meeting various district leadership needs, other positions of service have included: interim principal of Elyton Elementary School; Director of K-8 School Operations; principal of Glen Iris Elementary School; interim assistant superintendent; principal of John Herbert Phillips Academy (International Baccalaureate School); principal of Ramsay High School (International Baccalaureate School); Academic Officer, and Chief of Staff. Dr. Sullivan currently serves as Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools. Dr. Sullivan is a native of Birmingham and attended Birmingham City Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating from Woodlawn High School. He received a B.S. degree in elementary education from Alabama A&M University, a master's degree from Alabama State University, an educational specialist degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Sullivan holds membership in a number of professional organizations including Phi Delta Kappa, the National Association of Black School Educators, and the National Education Association. Dr. Sullivan retired from service to his country with 24 years in the United States Naval Reserves and has served his community through organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, 100 Black Men of Birmingham, and Boy Scouts of Central Alabama. On a personal note, Dr. Sullivan is the proud father of one daughter, Morgan, who serves as his inspiration to pursue and provide the best academic options and opportunities for all scholars.
For this Season Four Premiere of "Intravenous w/ Iva" we're taking you behind the scenes of Urbanham.news. One newsmaker, one-on-one... with THE GREAT ONE, one day of the week (Thursdays @ 2 o'clock!). You can tune in live to interact, and ask questions, or you can listen and/or watch it anytime after ON DEMAND. Check it ALL out at urbanham.com. One brand. One Sound.
Nicole King serves as the City Attorney for the City of Birmingham, originally appointed to this position in November of 2014 by Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. She serves in the capacity of chief legal advisor to Mayor Woodfin, the City Council and 39 City departments and divisions. She provides legal opinions on a myriad of matters and coordinates claims and handles litigation matters on behalf of the City. Nicole has been with the City of Birmingham for 17 years. Nicole completed her undergraduate degree in Political Science at the University of Alabama and her J.D. degree at Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband Marlon and their two children.
Mr. Barry McNealy was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. Barry is a proud product of Birmingham City Schools. He has special insight into the Civil Rights Movement in both the city and surrounding areas. Barry has served in various capacities at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for most of his professional career. He loves this magnificent city with all its diversity emerging from its industrial past. In addition to introducing visitors to world famous historical sites of Birmingham as a lecturer guide, he leads walking - tours and takes visitors to the city's historical neighborhoods and brings them along on a historical path of the American Civil Rights Movement. Mr. McNealy is also an experienced educator teaching locally in the Birmingham City School System and as an adjunct professor with University of Alabama at Birmingham. As a historian Barry has been featured on local television and radio stations. Mr. McNealy has also appeared nationally on Lifetime Television's “the Balancing Act” and C-SPAN's American History Television.
Ashley “Rayne” Moore aka Punky Brewster is actress, rapper and songwriter, and evangelist from Birmingham, AL. With her undeniable influence in hip hop, country, and pop genres of music, Rayne developed an epic blend of sounds that created a platform that she is now using to spread the gospel. Rayne has worked with music industry greats and now aims to change not only the television and film industry but also the way the gospel is preached.
Have you tuned in to Urbanham.news?! LIVE ON THURSDAYS @ 2 O'CLOCK via Urbanham.news or Facebook, or on demand anytime thereafter, meet Birmingham's decision makers about issues of the day. Future episodes WILL NOT be available via audio podcast here on Intravenous. We just wanted to give you "podcast purists" a sneak listen. COMING SOON to YouTube!
Quentin Carter is a native of Courtland, Alabama and is a proud Spring 2003 graduate of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU). At this esteemed HBCU, he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems. He quickly followed up his undergraduate degree with an MBA, which laid the foundation for Quentin to become a successful trailblazer across the state and southeast United States. He is currently a resident in the Birmingham metropolitan area, and is an award-winning entrepreneur, and community influencer. Mr. Carter is the owner of Better Living, LLC, which has diversified divisions in real estate, travel, apparel, scholarship fundraising, and several other growing commercial sectors. He is a licensed realtor in partnership with Barnes & Associates, REALTORS, and serves on several boards with the Birmingham Association of Realtors and local non-profit organizations. Colleagues, family, and friends of Quentin affirm his generosity, supportiveness, and passion about community economic and social advancement. Quentin is an active brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and he has spearheaded many of its leadership and service initiatives, during his tenure. Mr. Carter's humble demeanor, uplifting outlook, and dedication to civic philanthropy extends past his business ventures and fraternity involvement.
Meme Williams is a well-known entrepreneur and the owner of " Dzire Bar And Lounge/Dzire Inc," as well as the author of "The Fourth Wife." She is a published model and best-selling author with extensive experience in the entertainment industry. Meme, a true philanthropist, enjoys helping others and giving back to her community. Williams is devoted to her family and friends, and she is an avid world traveler who enjoys exotic vacations and going to the beach.
Truman Fitzgerald was born and raised in Birmingham. He attended Ramsay High School before graduating from John Carroll High School. He went on to attend Lawson State Community College and then the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he received a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. He later obtained a Juris Doctor from Birmingham School of Law and was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in April 2021. In July 2011, he joined the Birmingham Police Department, graduating from the police academy in December 2011. After his academy graduation, he was assigned to the Patrol Division's East Precinct until joining the Public Information Division, where he serves as Assistant Public Information Officer.
Rick was born in Montgomery, Alabama and raised in the small community of Sellers which is located 25 miles south of the city. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Auburn University, Jackson started his career in television as a news reporter for the NBC and FOX affiliate station, WTVA, in Tupelo, MS. It wasn't long thereafter that he landed a job as an award-winning on-air journalist for CBS-42 (WIAT) in Birmingham, AL, where he spent most of his tenure as a morning news anchor and reporter. Over the span of his career, Jackson has covered many amazing stories and encountered a large celebrity base. His most memorable story was the coverage of Barack Obama's historic Inauguration in 2009. Today, Jackson leads the communication and public relations operations as the Public Relations Manager and Spokesperson for the largest water utility in the state of Alabama, Birmingham Water Works. Since joining the utility in 2014, he has created several notable initiatives including Hydrate The City, Water Works Water Boy, Wiser Water, and formed the company an internal and external broadcast news network, BWWB-TV. In his spare time, Jackson enjoys traveling, real estate and home design, and being a father to his son, Ethan. His self-proclaimed motto is “My job is not to impress you, but to leave an impression on you.” Jackson is a proud member of Iota Phi Theta, Fraternity, Incorporated.
Nicole S. Daniel The Birmingham Times When young people are killed by gun violence in the city of Birmingham the homicides probably affect one segment of the population more than any other – young people, says a 17-year-old out to curb violent crime. “Seeing a lot of teen violence in our city, especially, I won't say it makes me disheartened but, it makes me feel like, there's a lot more that can be done,” said Deon Arnold, a junior at Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Birmingham's Titusville Community. Arnold isn't waiting for others to take steps to address the violence. He's been active in violence prevention since 2018 the year he founded Solutions, an organization that helps children, teens and young adults learn how to resolve conflict by managing their emotions by creating their own method of self-discipline... Read more @ https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2023/04/meet-the-17-year-old-founder-of-a-birmingham-violence-prevention-group/
J.T. Moore was born right here in the city of Birmingham. Raised in Ensley off of Bush Blvd., he had the opportunity to really experience community. Councilor Moore lived on a street where all of his neighbors knew one another. Moore's grandmother was one who loved to entertain and to cook. It was common for her to get neighbors together to Bar-B-Que on their front lawns. His grandfather served proudly for over 30 years with the Greyhound Bus Station. Councilor Moore would often go on trips with him in the summer time sitting in the front seat listening to M.C. Hammer. Councilor Moore's Grandparents taught him two valuable lessons, the importance of taking care of people and taking pride in what you do. Councilor Moore carried that same spirit and those valuable lessons with him as he began his public service work serving as an intern with the Division of Youth Services. There he learned the true value of serving people. In 2011 Councilor Moore had the pleasure of serving as a coordinator for Alabama Possible where he worked heavily at Woodlawn High School facilitating college prep, mentorship, and assisting in organizing the HBCU college fair for students. He found tremendous value in supporting students and building relationships within the community to further his work and fell in love with the Woodlawn community. There he reflected on the deeper impact that would be made by living in the same place in which he worked. In 2013 he married his beautiful wife and they decided to plant roots there. Whether mentoring teens at A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club, working with families of Hayes K-8 to reduce absenteeism or helping to provide free legal assistance through Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham to those who need it most, Councilor Moore has always led with compassion — diligently seeking out opportunities to serve the needs of others. He believes that by nurturing the idea of unity and collaboration amongst the residents of District 4, there won't be anything the community can't accomplish.
Gregory Ramsey is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience and a life-long history of excellence and professionalism within the healthcare industry. Ramsey is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1999. Two years later, he graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, AL, where he received a Master's Degree and Advanced Practice Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Over the years, Gregory Ramsey has covered the spectrum of healthcare with his experiences, obtaining a vast array of knowledge and expertise in outpatient clinical services (PCP), inpatient acute care (Hospitalist), and Hospice & Home Health. His primary goal is to provide meaningful, preventative, cost-efficient, and compassionate care across the lifespan of his patients. Ramsey prides himself on treating his patients like family because he believes every patient deserves personalized care from a compassionate provider. Premier Healthcare Solutions is the answer to efficient healthcare.
For the past 30 years, John has built Big with smart and savvy local, regional and national brand strategy alongside a passion for Birmingham revitalization. A proven public relations and public affairs strategist with a hands-on approach to agency deliverables, he is also a proud pioneer of the Magic City's cultural renaissance. He and his team support local flagship events and work in concert with multiple city-based initiatives — as well as statewide economic development campaigns — to shape Alabama's national image. John has earned numerous awards and recognitions including Leadership Birmingham in 2010, American Ad Fed's Birmingham Chapter Silver Medal in 2011, the Birmingham Business Journal Top 40 under 40 in 1998, and Ad Age Small Agency of the Year 2013. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Sidewalk Film Festival and is a past board member for REV Birmingham. Additionally, he is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham.
Chanda Temple is an award-winning journalist turned award-winning public relations pro and author. In Mayor Woodfin's first administration, she served as the public information officer. In his second term, she is serving as senior project manager. Chanda likes to do things that are smart, that inspire and that yield results. When ideas come to her, watch out because they are usually doozies. She handles numerous public engagement projects out of the Mayor's Office, including the city's 150th celebration in 2021; Food Truck Friday during the summer months; and StrongHer. This year marks the 5th year she has led the city's StrongHer campaign, an initiative she birthed after Mayor Woodfin saw a need to recognize unsung sheroes in Birmingham during Women's History Month in March. Since the campaign started in 2019, the city has recognized more than 160 women. StrongHer is featured on the city's social media pages and city website, www.birminghamal.gov/strongher. It is the largest annual series on the city's social media channels. Chanda is also the co-author of two, award-winning cookbooks that highlight dishes from Birmingham restaurants. They are Birmingham's Best Bites, published in 2014 and reprinted in 2015; and Magic City Cravings, published in 2017.