NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

George L. Russell Jr., a trailblazing judge, lawyer, and founding chairman of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, was honored at a July 12 memorial service in Baltimore, where loved ones remembered his unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and family. Stories shared by his children and grandchildren painted a portrait of a man who shaped lives through quiet strength, high expectations and deep personal wisdom.
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The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced its 2025 preseason all-SWAC football selections on Monday morning and its preseason Predicted Order of Finish on Wednesday. In both cases, 2024 overall champion Jackson State was at the top […]

A federal judge has blocked a Biden administration rule that would have removed medical debt from credit reports, a move that would have helped around 15 million Americans. The decision hits Black Americans hardest, as they are disproportionately burdened by medical
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A mass overdose involving 27 people in Baltimore’s Penn-North area has sparked urgent community and city-wide response, highlighting both the depth of the drug crisis and the effectiveness of rapid interventions like Naloxone distribution. City leaders, including Sen. Antonio Hayes, emphasized the need for long-term investment and wraparound services to address the systemic neglect that has long plagued the area.
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Baltimore City firefighters express concern over the city’s decision to downgrade four Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical units to Basic Life Support (BLS), mentioning increased strain on already overworked paramedics and EMTs.
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By Carlos E. Alemán, Ph.D.  Carlos E. Alemán, Ph.D. is Chief Executive Officer of ¡HICA!, a nonprofit that advocates for immigrants in Alabama. This has been one of the hardest years I can remember doing this work. At ¡HICA!, we’ve served Latino and immigrant communities in Alabama for over 25 years. We’ve helped families buy […]

By Marika N. Johnson | For The Birmingham Times Anticipation for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour had been building for weeks in Birmingham as local salons, boutiques, and barbershops saw a surge in customers looking for the perfect “Yeehaw Glam” — from silver boots to custom nail sets. “We had women coming in asking for Beyoncé-style […]

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester has introduced a Senate resolution recognizing Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to call attention to the stark wage gap that leaves Black women earning just 66 cents for every dollar a White man makes. Citing systemic racism and sexism, the resolution aims to drive intersectional policy reforms that address long-standing economic inequities.
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Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester has introduced a Senate resolution recognizing Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to call attention to the stark wage gap that leaves Black women earning just 66 cents for every dollar a White man makes. Citing systemic racism and sexism, the resolution aims to drive intersectional policy reforms that address long-standing economic inequities.
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sewell.house.gov U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced this week that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) a $25 million grant to modernize public transit in Birmingham and Jefferson County. The grant will be used to construct a new modern maintenance and operations facility — a transformative project critical […]

By Joseph D. Bryant | jbryant@al.com Frustrated Birmingham residents say an abandoned building in the center of their community stands as a deteriorating monument to years of unkept promises to their neighborhood. Residents of Elyton Village, a public housing community just west of downtown, said their pleas for revitalization remain ignored by housing authority leaders. […]

I know this may be a little bit of a different tone for this column but it needs to be said: the city — our nation even — is at a major tipping point. We’re just about a month away from an all-important mayoral election in Birmingham. My focus is not on the candidates because […]

This time of the year can be both enjoyable and hectic for parents as they enjoy their summer vacation plans whether at home or away but must simultaneously prepare for the opening of another school year in just a matter of weeks.  Therefore, it is important that we begin the conversation of how best to […]

CHARLES LEWIS, WHO WITH SISTER BRENDA, OPENED THE TOASTED YOLK CAFE, A BREAKFAST, BRUNCH AND LUNCH SPOT IN DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM ON 20TH STREET SOUTH ON MONDAY; BIRMINGHAMTIMES.COM, JULY 14.

 by Chris Stevens he SWAC’s annual Football Media Day takes place this week, and ahead of the festivities, we give you our top five questions about Media Day and the 2025 season. 1. Can Jackson State […]

 by HBCU Sports The official start of Tennessee State hockey might be put on hold for now, but the program is receiving financial support from the NHL. TSU will play during the 2026-27 season, “a move made in […]

By Dr. Nicole B. Washington When memory loss strikes in an older adult, Alzheimer’s Disease is often one of the first thoughts that come to mind. While Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, there […]

By Karen Heslop  You may have heard about all the ways ripe bananas are great for you, but did you know that green bananas can be healthy, too? That’s because the fruit changes as it ripens. Green […]

By Derrick Lane  A vegan diet might help people with diabetes-related nerve damage shed weight and find some pain relief, a small pilot study suggests. Vegan diets are free of all animal products, including eggs and […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A bill advancing in the Alabama Legislature could soon allow public school students to earn elective credit for religious instruction received off campus during the school day. The measure […]

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In the face of rising violence at places of worship across the U.S., African American churches—often central pillars in their communities—are taking a leading role in advancing church safety, according […]

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS staff BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A banner displaying profanity at a City of Birmingham-funded homeless outreach booth stirred controversy during the June 7 East Lake Farmers Market at East Lake United Methodist Church. The phrase “No F–kery” was printed […]

The reality show “Love Island” is under fire for perpetuating racial bias and misogynoir, particularly in its treatment of Black women, who are often overlooked or eliminated early. While “Love Island USA” shows signs of progress, fans say the U.K. version continues to reflect harmful beauty standards rooted in real-world discrimination.
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By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama’s Senate Bill 129, now state law, is sparking legal challenges and cultural tension across public universities as it bans Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices and restricts classroom […]

BlackNews.com Nationwide — Derek Dixon, the actor who filed a $260 million sexual harassment lawsuit against Tyler Perry, is speaking out for the first time about his experience and why he decided to take legal action. […]

Ben’s Chili Bowl is temporarily closing its historic U Street location in Washington, D.C., for the first time in over 60 years to undergo essential repairs and renovations. During construction, the beloved eatery will continue serving customers from a nearby pop-up location starting July 17.
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The Walter P. Carter Institute of Leadership and Service has launched its first major initiative, the Community Leadership and Empowerment Program (CLEP), a free 10-week course designed to cultivate Baltimore’s next generation of grassroots leaders. Rooted in the legacy of civil rights icon Walter P. Carter, the program equips participants with tools in civic engagement, advocacy and public service to help them lead meaningful change in their communities
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Over 20 states have sued the Trump administration for freezing billions in federally approved funding for after-school and summer programs that serve 1.4 million children, disproportionately affecting low-income and rural communities. As schools prepare to reopen, organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA warn of potential closures and layoffs if the funds aren’t released within weeks, leaving families with few affordable childcare alternatives.
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