Tag: Birmingham Alabama

Birmingham /

100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die, Second Edition

Called the Magic City, Birmingham sprang up fast, as if a magician’s wand pulled skyscrapers out of a valley surrounded by mountains. In 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die, Second Edition you’ll discover the famous places and hidden treasures of a city brimming with character, charm, and natural beauty. Whether it’s the best barbecue or martini, a picture-perfect round of golf, or where to find clothes by famed local designers, Birmingham native Verna Gates is ready to be your personal guide to the best the Magic City has to offer.

  • Birmingham has one of the few meat-and-three restaurants with a James Beard nomination. Plus, a restaurant named the best in America by James Beard. Other fascinating restaurants include the Original Whistle Stop Cafe, where Fannie Flagg’s aunt perfected fried green tomatoes.
  • The First Lady of Liquor and the runner-up in a global bartending contest both offer drinks in establishments in Birmingham.
  • Why are there elephants in Avondale? In the early days, Miss Fancy lived in the nearby park and gave rides to children. She also drank a gallon of beer a day, making her an entertainment icon.

Book Review:

This book is a must-have for anyone visiting the city or those that have resided here for years.  It’s organized according to food, drink, music, entertainment, sports, recreation, culture, and fashion.  Personally, I can’t wait to visit the Birmingham Museum of Art.  BMA is the perfect location to learn about the culture and find inspiration for those in the creative space.

Although I have grown up in Birmingham, after moving back to the Magic City, there are several events and activities that are new to me.  For example, I have never visited Gianmarco’s Italian restaurant or the Talladega Speedway!

100 Things To Do in Birmingham Before You Die is the perfect coffee-table book or reference when venturing “outside.”  To purchase your own copy, visit Barnes & Noble.

And, although this is the 2nd edition, I am confident there will be several new editions in the future!

About the Author:

Verna Gates was born in Birmingham and can trace her local heritage back four generations to a land grant farm. She began her career as one of the original crew that launched CNN.

After moving back to her beloved home, she spent 25 years covering the state for TIME Magazine and Reuters International. She has received a lifetime achievement award from the National Federation of Presswomen.

Birmingham /

First African American Sponsor of a Vulcan Statue

Selena Rodgers Dickerson makes history as the first African American sponsor of an iconic Vulcan statue. Rodgers Dickerson’s statue is the 15th edition of the Vulcan on Parade project, a community art project in which miniature replicas of Vulcan are displayed throughout the city of Birmingham for public enjoyment.

Painted by local artist Erica Chisolm, the i3 Academy-hosted statue is named “S.O.A.R,” an acronym used to encourage students to be Safe, on task, go Above and beyond, and be Respectful. The statue will remind i3 Academy students of the endless possibilities awaiting them. The statue was erected in front of the school last month. “I wanted this statue to be something that students of i3 Academy would see every day that they could carry with them. When times get tough, this is a symbol that represents us as people and our community here in Birmingham. That was my vision for this statue.” Selena Rodgers Dickerson, President, SARCOR Rodgers Dickerson has a long-standing relationship with both the Vulcan Park Foundation and the i3 Academy as she sits on both boards and has a daughter currently enrolled in the academy.

She serves as the President and CEO of SARCOR, a women-owned small business enterprise that provides innovative solutions to the challenging projects of its private, corporate, and municipal clients. Selena R. Dickerson is the president of SARCOR, LLC, located in Birmingham, Alabama.

She strives to educate others on how to become successful business owners. Her mission is to utilize her expertise to leverage strategic solution-based diverse, equitable, and inclusive initiatives through business endeavors, philanthropy, integrity, and spirituality.

Birmingham /

 HOPE OF ALABAMA: OFFICIAL THEME SONG OF 2022 WORLD GAMES

Hope of Alabama Song

At a time when global unity is needed more than ever, The Music of The World Games shares a theme song to encapsulate the strength and power of a moment where athletes, teams, coaches, entertainers and fans from all different walks of life and cultures will come together with Birmingham, AL’s presentation of the The World Games 2022. Available everywhere today, “Hope Of Alabama” is a star-studded collaboration that merges genres and generations. 

 

The track will serve as the official theme song of The World Games 2022 and feature some of Alabama’s most iconic musical stars, including Randy Owen of the Group ALABAMA; Hip-Hop Artist Yung Bleu, country stars Sara Evans and Jamey Johnson, Stellar Awards Gospel Artist of the Year Pastor Mike Jr., NBC’s The Voice top contestants Worth the Wait, Rolling Stones’ keyboardist Chuck Leavell, American Idol winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, American Idol runner-up Bo Bice, Motown Legend Martha Reeves, and the Legendary Blind Boys of Alabama, with the combined youth and adult choirs of the World Games 2022. 

 

Produced by World Games Artistic Director Dr. Henry Panion III and penned by Alabama’s Randy Owen, his daughter Allison Owen, and Panion, “Hope of Alabama” brings a fresh voice to the world from a community that has experienced its share of trials, hardship, and tribulations. Yet, through its music, represented here by the broad range of artists from the world of rock, country, R&B, gospel, and hip-hop, the message of “Hope of Alabama” is one of eternal unity and love to the world, especially in these troubled times. As athletes from across the globe descend on Birmingham, Alabama for the World Games this Summer, these Alabamians send them back to their homelands with more than just medals, but with this message: “Hope of Alabama is the hope for all the world. Every man can hold on, every woman, boy, and girl. It is the dawn of the new day, when love is what we bring. Ev’rybody sing, sing, sing!“

 

Listen/save the track here: https://smarturl.it/z14iin

 

As the first global event of 2022, there’s never been a more immediate call for global strength and togetherness. The World Games 2022 will kick off on July 7th at Protective Stadium with Unlocking The Magic: Celebrating The Power of The One. The evening will be a colorful celebration of sport and Birmingham history. Presented by Alabama Power, the presentation will feature live entertainment, special effects, honorable dignitaries and a parade of athletes representing more than 100 countries. Produced by Birmingham-based LRY Media Group, the Opening Ceremony will celebrate Birmingham’s past, present and future. Spoken word artist, musician, educator, and Birmingham native, Sharrif Simmons will be delivering a poem in the Opening Ceremonies. On July 17th at Protective Stadium, the grand finale of The World Games 2022 – One World-One People: Celebrating Legacy, Achievement & Unity – will commemorate The Games with incredible performances and the opportunity for athletes, fans and volunteers to bid farewell to Birmingham. Presented by Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, the final presentation will include the ceremonial passing of The World Games flag to representatives of the 2025 host city: Chengdu, China.

 

About The World Games:

The World Games is an extraordinary, international sports event held every four years, in the year following each Summer Olympic Games. Staged over 11 days, The Games represents the pinnacle of competition for 3,600 of the world’s best athletes in 30+ unique, multi-disciplinary sports. The World Games generates worldwide exposure for participating sports and provides a highly visible stage on which athletes from more than 100 countries compete for gold. More than 600 medals will be awarded to the competing athletes, including 200 gold medals for the ultimate champions in each discipline.

 

The World Games is led by the International World Games Association (IWGA), a non-profit organization that is composed of 37 International Sports Federations and recognized by The International Olympic Committee (IOC).

 

Follow The World Games here:

Website: theworldgames.org

Facebook: facebook.com/iwga.theworldgames

Instagram: instagram.com/theworldgames

Twitter: twitter.com/theWorldGames

Hashtag: #RoadtoBHM #TWG2022

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Digital press kit:
https://shorefire.com/roster/music-of-the-world-games 

 

For more information on Music of The World Games contact, Shore Fire Media:

Matt Hanks | mhanks@shorefire.com

Jaclyn D. Carter | jcarter@shorefire.com 

Andrea Evenson | aevenson@shorefire.com 

Jennifer Valentin | jvalentin@shorefire.com 

 

Birmingham /

Be Stay Live 2022 Women’s Empowerment Makeover: WOMAN EMPOWERED CONFERENCE

Rochelle Gaston Malone the Author, Entrepreneur, Minister, Multiple Sclerosis Advocate, and Talk Show Host will host THE WOMAN EMPOWERED CONFERENCE on Saturday, March 12, 2022.
Rochelle Gaston Malone is a Faith-Life coach, known as the Empowerment Champion, who uses writing and speaking to minister empowerment.
Ms. Malone is the great-granddaughter of the late Dr. A.G. Gaston, Sr.
She is the founder and executive director of MSFace2Face, a 501c3 non-profit organization that is committed to eradicating “MS Poverty.”
The WOMAN EMPOWERED CONFERENCE dynamic speaker lineup and details will be shared soon.
Save The Date!
Birmingham /

Minority Mental Health Matters with Dr. Eliza Belle

Dr. Eliza Belle is a Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Forensic Examiner. She currently serves as the Director of Psychological and Behavioral Services for Alabama’s Department of Mental Health.

 

Let’s talk about discrepancies in mental health treatment between minorities and non-minorities.

 

20% of African American adults are more likely to experience more negative impacts from mental health issues. However, they are less likely to receive it due to misdiagnosis, lack of culturally responsive health care professionals, and socioeconomic factors.

 

18% of US adults have a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, and approximately 4% of adults have a serious mental illness.

Mental disorders are among the topmost costly health conditions for adults 18 to 64 in the U.S., along with cancer and trauma-related disorders.

Black people with mental health conditions, particularly schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and other psychoses are more likely to be incarcerated than people of other races.

 

Dr. Eliza Belle Mental Health Tips:

How to Relax

Visualization – Close your eyes and picture your peaceful place

Deep breathing – Take a few minutes to slowly breathe in and out. Deep breaths for the win.

Meditation – This will allow you to focus on your body, thoughts, and surroundings.

Unplug – set boundaries for communication, use of devices, and response to requests of your time.

Deep Breaths – Controlled breathing is your body’s built-in calming system. When things feel overwhelming, take a moment to take deep breaths and exhale. This will calm your heart rate and allow you a moment to reset.

Get Up & Move – Adjusting your posture and movement can change your brain’s signals and help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.

Journal – Journaling allows you to process events, identify what is causing you stress and clarify your feelings. It is a great tool to help gain self-awareness in stressful situations.

Talk to a Loved One -Speaking with someone allows you to express your feelings. It also allows an unbiased party the opportunity to introduce an alternative perspective.

 

Accessories /

BGL Belted Caped Dress: Rep. Stacey Plaskett Showed Up For Loyalty, Honesty, and Power

Yesterday, Rep. Stacey Plaskett was articulate and well-spoken.  But, there was one distinction that stunned audiences; her BGL Belted Caped Dress.

She appeared during the Impeachment Proceedings wearing a beautiful, professional look; strand of pearls, caped dress, and nude pumps. 

How does all of this relate to us?  Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett did what we would like to say on social media, showed up!  The dress she was seen wearing complimented her body shape and skin tone. 

 
Kimberly West Agency

When I work with personal styling (or shopping) clients we sit down and perform a color analysis, discuss hairstyles, make-up application, and wardrobe building. 

Most importantly, we talk about the importance of creating a personal style and what does it communicate. 

Rep. Stacey Plaskett’s style demonstrated loyalty, honesty, and power!

Twitter followers tweeted commentary and the masses have spoken!  To purchase your own Blue Caped Dress click here:  Neiman Marcus

Birmingham /

The Pixel Room Birmingham: #SelfieMuseum and Fun Experience

Something innovative has come to Birmingham!  Last week, I went to The Pixel Room, Selfie Museum.  Only two words can describe this place, very cool!

I didn’t know what to expect upon visiting the new local attraction.  A mutual contact sent me the invite and honestly, anything with the word selfie attached to it is must-see for any blogger!

Most fashion and lifestyle influencers are constantly snapping photos and having a special location to stage pictures heightens the experience.

Upon entering the museum, I was greeted by a variety of displays.  Almost every room was the replica of a movie set.

There’s a selfie room for everyone depending on your individual taste.  Guests can take photos at either the Dynamic Disco Room, Lemonade Stand, House of Colors, etc.

Experience it for yourself, there’s so much fun happening at The Pixel Room, Selfie Museum!  Visit the Grande River Outlets for leisure shopping and take some memorable selfies.

And of course, they are taking COVID-19 Precautions.

The Pixel Room Birmingham

Accessories /

Saks Fifth Avenue Reopens Birmingham

On Tuesday, May 12, Saks Fifth Avenue will continue its phased approach to reopening stores with its location in Birmingham. The store will reopen with enhanced health and safety protocols and modified services to ensure the safest and most comfortable shopping experience for our customers.

“The health and well-being of our associates and customers remain our top priority and the driving force behind our strategy for reopening. Saks has the opportunity to set the standard for offering a safe, easy and personalized shopping experience once stores reopen,” said Marc Metrick, President, Saks Fifth Avenue. “We will continue to evaluate store openings based on our own analyses, which take into account the expertise of local government and health officials, economics, and community sentiment. We truly look forward to welcoming customers back to Saks Fifth Avenue.”

To ensure a safe and comfortable in-store shopping experience, Saks has implemented a number of measures upon reopening, including adding enhanced cleaning protocols, regularly sanitizing high-touch areas, such as fitting rooms and point-of-sale areas, and implementing social distancing measures. Associates will also be required to wear face coverings and undergo health screenings. Stores will continue to serve our customers digitally with virtual shopping appointments available to book through saks.com.

Stores will operate with reduced hours Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m and Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m. Moreover, Saks Fifth Avenue is offering curbside pickup and returns at most locations for those who prefer a contactless shopping experience, and an adjusted return policy whereby any purchase made after February 15, 2020, can be returned to Saks Fifth Avenue stores within 30 days of reopening.

Details about specific store reopenings and adjusted hours can be found through the store locator on saks.com. 

ABOUT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE (@saks) As a leading shopping destination for the all-channel luxury experience, Saks Fifth Avenue is renowned for its coveted edit of American and international designer collections as well as its storied history of creating breakthrough, experiential environments. Its exemplary client service has made Saks a global authority in the category, a focus since the brand’s inception in 1924. As part of the HBC brand portfolio, Saks operates in 43 cities across the globe, its online experience―saks.com, and its mobile experience―Saks App.

For more information, kindly visit saks.com, Instagram.com/saks, Facebook.com/saks, Snapchat.com/saks_official, and Twitter.com/saks.

 

Accessories /

Diner En Blanc Exclusive Event: Guide To The Official Dress Code

Diner En Blanc Birmingham is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2019.  Everyone’s excited about attending the event!  But, there’s one common question, “Kim, what should I wear?”

Featured Photo from Pinterest

One of the rules is that participants must wear all-white attire (not cream) and accessories.  This rule applies to both men and women. Items that are prohibited include T-shirts, colorful sports shoes, baseball caps, gym shorts.

To help guests prepare and plan their outfit choices, take a look at the three options below:

Lace Tailored Jumpsuit – ASOS

Eyelet Dress – Amazon

Off The Shoulder Crepe Dress – Macy’s

 

Local Retailers With All-White Attire:
  1. Saks Fifth Avenue
  2. Ann Taylor
  3. White House Black Market

Ladies, it’s suggested that you wear comfortable shoes while transporting items to the official location.  Also, Le Diner En Blanc attendee’s must participate whether it’s rain or shine.

Don’t forget to pack your chic umbrella or raincoat!

About Diner en Blanc International 

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over80 cities in 30 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair. For more info, photos and videos of Dîner en Blanc events from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.  

 

About the Hosts of Le Dîner en Blanc – Birmingham 

As the city’s only Destination Management Company (DMC), Destination Birmingham is the destination liaison for meeting planners and special event clients. We are logistic gurus and our passion is showcasing Greater Birmingham. We specialize in event production, meeting management, and tours. Our expertise is logistic solutions, venue selection, and itinerary planning. We apply our creativity to your vision and engage our community connections to produce a memorable event.

Birmingham /

Birmingham Joins the list of Cities to Host the International Event Diner en Blanc #DebBirmingham

Le Dîner en Blanc, the popular Parisian-style pop-up picnic characterized by its famous all-white dress code will take place in Birmingham for the first time ever this October. The exact date will be announced later on.   

 

To participate in this first edition: guests must be invited via the hosts’ network or participating partners or get on the waiting list via the official website.  If you want to be part of this inaugural event, sign up now on the waiting list at register.dinerenblanc.com/birmingham/en/register. 

 

Le Dîner en Blanc began in Paris in 1988 when François Pasquier, returning from a long stay abroad, had the idea to gather friends for a picnic. As the number of guests grew, he decided to hold the dinner in a public space and ask everyone to dress in all white to easily recognize one another. In June 2018, Le Diner en Blanc de Paris marked its 30th anniversary. A record 17,000 guests from Paris and around the world gathered at the Esplanade des Invalides to celebrate this historic moment. In 2009, the first-ever export of Le Dîner en Blanc took place in Montreal, Canada, followed by a first American edition in 2011 in New York City. After its successful New York debut, Diner en Blanc International was created to bring the Parisian secret to more cities around the world. Le Dîner en Blanc is now held in over 80 cities all over the world including London, Sydney, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Toronto, Nairobi, and Los Angeles, with over 130,000 annual guests.  

 

Now for the first time ever, Birmingham will host its own Le Dîner en Blanc, thanks to local hosts Jasmine Allen.  “As Birmingham grows and competes on an international level, it is imperative that Destination Birmingham, the city’s only DMC, reflect those efforts by recruiting international events such as Diner en Blanc.  These type events not only provide entertainment and culture but also boost tourism and help push the City of Birmingham as the go-to Destination Location in the South” says Jasmine Allen, owner of Destination Birmingham.   

 

To uphold Le Dîner en Blanc’s tradition, guests of around the world must dress head-to-toe in white and are requested to bring their own portable tables, white chairs, white table linens, tableware, and a gourmet meal.   

 

A large part of the excitement surrounding Le Dîner en Blanc is the secrecy surrounding the event location which is kept secret until the very last moment. Guests are given rendezvous to a departure point when they purchase their tickets. 

 

 About Diner en Blanc International 

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over80 cities in 30 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair. For more info, photos, and videos of Dîner en Blanc events from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.  

 

About the Hosts of Le Dîner en Blanc – Birmingham 

As the city’s only Destination Management Company (DMC), Destination Birmingham is the destination liaison for meeting planners and special event clients. We are logistic gurus and our passion is showcasing Greater Birmingham. We specialize in event production, meeting management, and tours. Our expertise is logistic solutions, venue selection, and itinerary planning. We apply our creativity to your vision and engage our community connections to produce a memorable event.

For full details on the rules and regulations, visit birmingham.dinerenblanc.com 

 
 

dinerenblanc.birmingham 

 

@dinerenblancbirmingham 

#dinerenblanc #debbirmingham