City

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Mayor’s Minute

I am writing the Mayor’s Minute for February on the eve of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day. The last nine months have been hard, and we all have lost something. The loss may be as minor as a missed opportunity or as catastrophic as losing a job, a business, or someone we loved. It is in this moment that Dr. King’s call to action – a call to our conscience – resonates when he stated that, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

I believe Tuscaloosa has been steadfast, from COVID-19 to the civil unrest of this past summer.

In fact, we have grown stronger with a more fierce determination, especially for the underserved youth in our community.

I am passionate about the importance of youth sports and outreach. I grew up playing soccer and football in our city and went on to play football in college. I coach my son Eli’s flag football team, and nothing has brought me greater joy than watching them grow and learn to work together as a team.

As most of you know, the Benjamin Barnes YMCA is a pillar in our community that has provided these same opportunities for kids in West Tuscaloosa since the 1950s. However, over the past decade, the Benjamin Barnes YMCA has begun to suffer hardships that jeopardizes its existence. It is important to note that many of those hardships were beyond its control. The thought of losing Benjamin Barnes’ programs is unacceptable, and thankfully, so many in the community and on the council agree with that sentiment. Over the past few months, the YMCA leadership team and the city council were able to forge a partnership that will not only keep delivering services, but open the door for a new Benjamin Barnes YMCA.

I love Tuscaloosa with my heart and soul, and it is inspiring to see us come together for one purpose – our next generation! The last few months have not been comfortable, but I am proud to say that we are meeting the challenge.

CITY

Mayor Maddox Presents YMCA Awards to Distinguished Community Members

BY DCL STAFF

Mayor Walt Maddox joined the Benjamin Barnes YMCA on Sunday, Jan. 17 to present awards to distinguished community members that have made an impact on the YMCA and West Tuscaloosa this year. This annual event is hosted on the weekend of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to kick off the YMCA’s Youth First Campaign. This year’s honorees are:

•Mason Bonner received the Lifetime of Service Award. A former president of the Y Men’s Club and a lifetime member of the Benjamin Barnes YMCA, Mr. Bonner organized and ran a youth basketball program over the last two years, serving over 180 youth in West Tuscaloosa in 2019 alone.

•Paul Rollins and Rodney Pelt received the Trailblazer award. When the Barnes YMCA partnered with the Tuscaloosa City Schools over the summer to offer virtual learning and meals to students, Mr. Rollins and Mr. Pelt donated their time and money to ensure the success of this operation. Additionally, the following community members were recognized for their commitment to, and support of, the YMCA: •Kerri Ash •Freddy Washington • Ashley Wheat •Danielle Eaton •Shae Byrd •Raytonya Hughes •Bishop L Spenser Smith “I am honored to join the YMCA in recognizing these outstanding community members for their service to our West Tuscaloosa community,” Mayor Maddox said. “These community members turned their focus to their community during this challenging year, and it is fitting to honor them on this weekend devoted to Rev. Dr. King.”

Mason Bonner received the Lifetime of Service Award from Mayor Walt Maddox on Jan. 17.

On Jan. 12, The Tuscaloosa City Council unanimously voted to acquire the Benjamin Barnes YMCA facility as well as the downtown YMCA location, forging a partnership between the two entities that will allow the Barnes branch to continue serving West Tuscaloosa while working to build a new facility. “The greatness of a community is best measured by the compassion, dedication, and servitude of its members,” Tanika Rice, Chair of the Benjamin Barnes Advisory Council said. “We will honor these members for their advocacy, commitment, and bravery in continuing the mission of the 14 members who organized and built the Benjamin Barnes YMCA 60 years ago. Barnes was built by the community, for the community. We will continue this legacy of responsibility.”