UAB’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER
VOLUME 60, ISSUE 14
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2018
OPINION
‘tis the
Second amendment does not protect everyone
season
We better lie about Santa Why we should stop buying gifts
Page 2 BLAZERNEWS Students discuss E.J. Bradford’s passing
Juwayriah Wright CityLifestyle Reporter juwright@uab.edu
Have plans for the holidays? See what activities Birmingham has to offer. See HOLIDAY Page 8
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CITYLIFESTYLE Woodfin: a year in review The Battery: B’ham’s next hotspot
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SPORTS Football: a review of a successful season Women’s basketball: Next step - improve defense
Page 11 PHOTO BY KRISTINA BALCIUNAITE/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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HOLIDAY ETIQUETTE
opinion
Even the heavy presents are empty Parker Rose Opinion Columnist pdrose@uab.edu Gift-giving has become another victim of capitalist greed. Since childhood, Christmas has been one of my favorite holidays. I love the green, heavenly-scented trees dripping with ornaments and fresh snow on the ground (in some parts of the world, at least). And, as a Rose child, it was hard to contain my excitement about all those presents under the tree. But indeed, all good things come to an end at some point. We have turned gift-giving into a means to an end, whether that end be impressing the receiver or fulfilling some expectation, instead of allowing the tradition of gifting be a genuine show of appreciation during the holidays. It’s also very difficult to buy gifts, as you rarely know what people even want. I can walk into a store knowing what I want and be out of there rather quickly, but it’s often hard for me to know what you might want or need. And why would you buy something that the receiver isn’t going to like or use? It only means more junk for the receiver, and an economic loss for the giver. That doesn’t exactly inspire holiday cheer. But what about wish lists? Ah yes, the wish list. Wish lists are extremely helpful when gift-shopping, but simply buying something off a wish list is impersonal. Little thought is required to check something off a list, and it’s likely that you have little to no idea of what you’re buying. When purchasing a gift, it’s supposed to not only say something about the receiver and their interests, but also about the relationship the giver has with them. Buying something for someone which I do not understand or appreciate is inauthentic.
And if you can’t think of anything to buy for me, why can’t you just not buy me anything? Don’t get me a gift card to a store I haven’t shopped at since I was 15, and please don’t try to buy me clothes. Write me a hand-written note, take me out for coffee or give me a call sometime. Positive social interaction is priceless, and I won’t have to struggle to find space for it in my closet or living room. Marketing makes us believe that the amount we care about someone is evidenced in the gifts we buy for them. This means that if you care deeply about someone, you are expected to give them a very valuable gift, even if you cannot afford it. This is just like the way De Beers convinced the public in the 40s that you should present your fianceé with diamonds as a token of engagement instead of the previous, more sentimental, tradition of giving your beloved an heirloom token. By equating diamonds with love, De Beers was able to sell more diamonds. By equating gift-giving with the role that person plays in your life, many companies are reaping the benefits this holiday season. We need to re-examine the role of giving gifts. It should not feel like an obligatory task – simply checking off your Amazon wish-list so I don’t have to put any thought into it, nor should it be seen as a representation of how much the receiver means
to you. Like our relationships, gifts are a luxury and a privilege rather than something we are entitled to. The tradition of gift-giving has simply turned into another social obligation I feel strained and frustrated about fulfilling. It shouldn’t be like that, and it certainly doesn’t have to be like that. Having a list of people to buy gifts for should not feel like another errand I have to do right after finals, it should remind me how lucky I am that I have so many people to care about. We need to realize that gift-giving is really about simply showing someone that you think about them, and maybe that doesn’t require buying them anything at all.
ILLUSTRATION BY SAVANNAH DONALD/ STAFF ILLUSTRATOR
We welcome your opinions. If you have an idea or opinion about something and would like to possibly see it featured in an upcoming issue, please email kribal@uab.edu
Submissions must include the author’s name, year, major and daytime phone number. Phone numbers are for verification and will not be published.
The Kaleidoscope reserves the right to edit all guest columns. Guest opinions do not reflect the position of the Kaleidoscope Editorial Board.
OPINION
TUESDAY, DEC 4, 2018
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HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
E.J. BRADFORD
Santa is real
The barrel points to one direction
Destyni Cravens Opinion Columnist dcravens@uab.edu
Lying to children about Santa Clause should be okay. Fibs don’t hurt kids permanently, especially when these fibs allow kids to be “just a kid” for as long as possible. No matter where you go, Santa is everywhere. His popCravens ularity has enabled parents to teach their children about helping their neighbors and the importance of giving rather than receiving. Also, kids who believe in Santa tend to have better imaginations and have closer relationships with those surrounding them. “I feel like children who are told that Santa is not real at an early age are left out of festivities and grow up to be quite cynical,” said Alex Wallace, sophomore in theatre. Guarding children from the wonder of Santa Clause that so many other children are fortunate enough to believe in will only cause dissonance between them and their peers. Picture this: a five-year-old must sit out on the Christmas Party at school because his parents did not allow him to buy a gift for secret Santa. How harsh, right? While all the other kids are exchanging gifts, creating bonds and making memories, this little boy must sit to the side
and watch all the fun. Indefinitely, children begin to discover the lie regarding Santa by the time they are seven years old. Often, this realization is the result of their peers and their own growing curiosity. “I wish my parents told me the myth of Santa Clause because I was always the one who ruined other kids’ imaginations by sharing what my parents told me - the truth,” said Hannah Xenos, freshman in nursing. Fearing that the realization of Santa’s inexistence will traumatize kids is dense. Kids are going to learn he is not real from their peers, at school or at Church no matter how guarded they are by their parents. Giving children the freedom to discover for themselves the myth of Santa is much more beneficial than spoon-feeding the truth into their mouths. This freedom allows them to learn through experience and teaches them to gather evidence using the world around them in order to solve problems. By giving kids this freedom, parents are able to kick-start their child’s inquisitiveness and inspire their child to think for themselves. This will only result in observant, thoughtful and questioning adults, not devastated children. So, as Christmas Eve is quickly approaching, don’t forget to buy an extra gallon of milk for Old St. Nick.
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@kaleidoscopeuab
ILLUSTRATION BY LEISHA CHAMBERS/ STAFF ILLUSTRATOR
Kameryn Thigpen Opinion Columnist cchs2017@uab.edu
We have seen this situation too many times. A man or a woman of color with a gun being killed. In the wake of the Riverchase Galleria mall shooting during Thanksgiving break, there were two victims of the shooting including Emantic “E.J.” Bradford Jr. The young Black male who was killed by the police who said they had reason to believe he was the shooter who Thigpen initiated fire. People of color have been wrongly killed by police for decades. This stems from prejudice towards Black people from police along with racial profiling. This is not me playing the race card, but an outcry of a situation that simply keeps occurring in our nation. The logic that is being used to explain this incident was that he visibly flashed his gun, which he shouldn’t have with a shooter running around. On the other side of this argument, the tragedy is seen as a man who was racially profiled and was killed as a result. If we want to express the liberty of owning guns, what good is it if it’s limited to a certain demographic? I believe that there are other things that played a role in his death. Racial profiling played a huge role in this. When people are wrongfully killed by police officers, most of the time it is people of color. It is not a myth or something that has been pulled out of thin air, but a real issue that plagues the Black community and has for decades. Someone might look at this story as a situation gone wrong or as a lack of justice. It seems the lack of justice has the edge in this situation. Something is not adding up in this man’s death. The police have not come forward with a statement on why they shot the wrong man. Even the story keeps changing of how Bradford was running toward or away from the police. When people are killed for a wrong reason, the truth is the most important part. I am getting to the point where I don’t know what to believe anymore.
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E.J. BRADFORD
blazer news
‘It doesn’t matter if you’re the good guy with a gun’ Remembering the Galleria shooting and what comes afterwards
ing to NPR.org. Meanwhile, the family and activists demand that Hoover police release the body cam footage from the cop that shot EJ that night. “I feel that the impact on students continues a societal concern of safety When Semaj Holden, head of in regards to interactions with law community relations for the Black Stuenforcement,” said Herbert Wilkerson, dent Awareness Committee, was still in ALC, clinical counselor at the Student high school, he was puled over by the Health and Wellness Center and facilpolice with his little brother in the back itator for counseling group The Black seat. Experience: Fellas Let’s Go There. “This Holden immediately noticed that recent event can likely continue this the police officer had his gun out. The trend of distrust with law enforcement.” only thing Holden said he could focus The question that remains is what on was the gun and the fact this his can be done in the wake of the Galleria little brother was with him. shooting. A few years later when his family “As a man of color, I can emparelocated to Madison, Although Holdthize with feeling [unsafe around law en never experienced direct racism enforcement] because I know that from law enforcement at Madison, he some will view skin tone as a weapon,” knew his race and his background put Wilkerson said. “This could impact him at a disadvantage. the way people communicate with “They don’t like you because of law enforcement or impact areas they what you drive and how you present feel safe traveling. These events can yourself,” Holden said. be triggering to many emotions, and When Holden started living in Student Counseling Services offers a Birmingham to attend UAB, he said confidential safe space to talk at no he hoped things would be different. charge to students.” However, on Nov. 22, the night EmanKris Vincent, representative of tic Bradford, a 21-year-old black male PHOTO COURTESY OF BEN CRUMP LAW Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., said that was killed, Holden immediately knew E.J. Bradford, was killed at the Riverchase Galleria mall, Nov. 22. he refuses to believe instances like the something was off. “We extend sympathy to the family nesses claim that Bradford simply had one at the Galleria are due to inadeWhen the truth came out about of Emantic J. Bradford, Jr., of Hueytown, a gun visibly on his person, according quate police training, but rather they Bradford’s innocence, Holden said who was shot and killed during Hoover to AL.com. Alabama has open carry are due to preconceived prejudices. a part of him refused to believe this laws that allow individuals who are Police efforts to secure the scene in “I feel like before you can ever could be the story of his community. licensed to carry a weapon. the seconds following the original alchange a group of people, that group “Birmingham is a huge area. It’s According to USAToday.com, April tercation and shooting,” said the City of has to have a change within themprobably been spotted with police Hoover and Hoover Police. “The loss of Pipkins, Bradford’s mother, said that selves,” said Paul Okweye, member of racism, but when it hits home.... I was her son would still be alive today had human life is a tragedy under any cirthe Black Male Excellence Network. never a fool when the first story came cumstances. We can say with certainty he been white. Holden said that even though out, I knew that’s not what happened.” “It doesn’t matter if you’re the good Bradford can’t be brought back, peoMr. Bradford brandished a gun during According to (CITE) On Nov 22, two the seconds following the gunshots, guy with a gun, if you’re black the pople can still bring awareness to the men got into an altercation with one which instantly heightened the sense lice shoot and kill you and ask quesissue and voice their opinion to try and shooting the other. The real shooter of threat to approaching police officers tions later,” said Ben Crump, civil rights create change for the future. evaded police while Bradford, who responding to the chaotic scene.” attorney for the family of Bradford. Read more in-depth at: https:// was wrongly thought to be the shooter, The word “brandish” is defined Hoover police are under investigawas shot and killed by a Hoover police as “an instance of waving something tion for the incident, with the officers in- bit.ly/2zHeTjt officer. menacingly or aggressively,” but witvolved on administrative leave, accordLauren Moore Blazer News Editor lrm33@uab.edu
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holiday
Where to get your jingle on Festive events happening in the Magic City Juwayriah Wright Staff Reporter juwright@uab.edu Cahaba Village Holiday Open House December 4 5 – 8 p.m Come and support local businesses in Cahaba Village at this annual open house. Attendees can expect to be surrounded by a bustling holiday crowd while merchants offer sale promotions and a pleasant shopping atmosphere by providing customers with complementary cheese and wine. Participating stores of the English Village allow shoppers to draw poker cards in a Poker Run, with the best hand at the night winning a prize. Alabama Theater Holiday Film Series December 7 – 22, times range Each year, the Alabama Theater opens its doors to patrons to allow them to enjoy many classical Christmas movies. This year’s winter lineup features Christmas favorites including Die Hard, It’s A Wonderful Life, and Elf. With tickets only being $9, this is a family-friendly activity that won’t break the bank.
Cahabazaar at Cahaba Brewing Co. December 8 Noon – 7 p.m This semi-annual bazaar has an array of vendors and artists, and attendance is free to the public. Live music, special beer releases, interactive art make for a compelling atmosphere. Santa Claus also makes an appearance, available for holiday photos. Christmas is a Drag at Saturn December 22 Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM Featuring notable talents like Reese Eve Cocx, Sharon Cocx, Kharris, Tasha Long and Audrina Taylor, this annual drag show displays some of the glamorous queens of Birmingham. The event is all in benefit of AIDS Alabama, an organization that assists people with HIV/AIDS live healthier lives and also focuses on prevention and education within the state. Judges at the event also gauge the ugliest Christmas sweater in a separate model competition.
Brrrmingham: Ice Skating in Railroad Park November 23 – Jan 9 (Closed Christmas Day) Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m - 9 p.m Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m - 10 p.m Located conveniently close to campus, the Railroad Park Ice Skating Rink is set against the beautiful Birmingham skyline and is the perfect retreat for students during the holiday break. General tickets only cost $12, which includes entry and shoe rental, while discount days are available for students as well. Kitschmas at Naked Art Gallery December 1 through 23: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 – 7; Sunday 12 – 4 Dec 24: 10 a.m – 2 p.m Kitschmas is an annual event hosted by Naked Art Gallery that stretches through much of December and all of the premiere holiday shopping period. This year, over 70 artists will display their work at the event, all of which will be available. Many items are made from recycled materials, while pieces range from intricate and artistic to amusing and perfect for a gag gift. Many pieces are smaller in size, making the event perfect for stuffing your stockings.
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HOLIDAY
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Blazer Holiday Traditions Courtney Carlile Junior in biomedical sciences “Every Christmas season, me and my mom and my brother, [and sometimes other siblings] we go to nursing homes and sing Christmas carols. [They’ve been doing it for around 10 years]. My mom loves playing the guitar and she loves singing. One Christmas she thought it would be a good idea.”
Staff reports by Lea McMillian and Myah Clinton
PHOTO COURTESY OF PAIGE BOX
PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTNEY CARLILE
Paige Box Senior in psychology “Every Christmas, we sit down in our pajamas and make popcorn and hot chocolate with lots of sugar and marshmallows in it, because it’s “Elf”! We sit and watch the whole movie. Sometimes we’ll play it back five times. That’s how we start Christmas off and get in the Christmas mood.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHANNA HALBROOKS Johanna Halbrooks Sophomore in nursing
PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTEW BONDS Sarah Kane Sophomore in nursing “Every Christmas my family would go to the Calloway Gardens Fantasy Light Show and since then me and my boyfriend have been going ever since.” PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH KANE
Matthew Bonds Senior in neuroscience “Something that my family does that not everybody does is instead of having the traditional Christmas ham and turkey, we all bring our favorite soup. We have lots of chili, taco soup, Brunswick stew, my cousin has Panera’s tomato soup recipe. We all try new recipes a year and just see which one’s our favorite. My grandmother started it.
“We saw all of the Hunger Games and then recently it’s been all of the Star Wars that came out. We always go to my dad’s parents Christmas Eve. Then we go to my mom’s parents’ lunch on Christmas Day. We always wake up at 6 am on Christmas morning to open gifts. By the time we were done at my grandmother’s at lunch, we just did not have anything else to do. We just decided to go and watch movies as a way for us to do something fun, but also to relax and sit down.” PHOTO COURTESY OF KHLOE HENDRIX
Khloe Hendrix Freshman in nursing “Every Christmas Eve, I have three little sisters, and we always sleep together [in the same bed]. Some of them are younger and still believe in Santa. So we wake up Christmas morning and go down and check our presents. Me and one of my younger sisters [started the tradition] a few years ago.”
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Magic City holiday shopping Local shops perfect for stuffing your stockings this season Myles Womack Staff Reporter mjw3@uab.edu Gift giving during the holiday season may constrain your list to a small amount of people as a college student already on a tight budget. Finding a gift that is meaningful and inexpensive can be a tough balancing act, but local Birmingham shops can cure your gift-giving anxieties. Quietly tucked in the Historic Avondale District, Dreamers Supply Company quaintly houses a selection of herbal supplements, candles, grooming products and other items such as handmade leather bags and clothing items. Kaitlin Slattery, owner of Dreamers Supply Co, said that it is important to make sure to rather select one thing instead of multiple as well as the background and content of the gift. “The biggest thing that I’ve been realizing is that now the shift is quality over quantity,” Slattery said. Dreamers Supply Co. carries a brand of herbal drops from Wooden Spoon Herbs. The Blueberry Rosehip Elixir at $18 dollars is a daily vitamin to help build the immune system. “That is going to be a great thing to take especially while you are going into winter when it’s easy to get sick and helps your body do its natural process of building up for that,” Slattery said. Everyone has a music lover in their life and Seasick Records located in the Crestwood Shopping Center has a large collection of new and used records from all genres. “Depending on what you are trying to get you can find a lot of different things in the store,” said Dan Drinkard, owner of Seasick Records. “You can get multiple items for under $20 bucks.” Drinkard said many of the Seasick branded shirts are under $20 dollars and they offer other holiday gift options. “We’ve also got some different little gift items such as field notes and CDs,” Drinkard said. Drinkard said that part of the job of a record store is that it is knowledgeable about music unlike big box stores. “If you have a general idea of what the person you are buying a gift for is into, then we can make suggestions and help you find something that maybe they don’t have or something new they would be into,” Drinkard said. Just a few doors down in the Crestwood Shopping Center, Elements Bhm Clothing and Gifts and TRXi ViNTAGE share the space filled with
PHOTO COURTESY OF DREAMER’S SUPPLY CO Dreamer’s Supply Company offers a wide range of greeting cards, candles, self-care products, and coffee-table books.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRXi ViNTAGE TRXi ViNTAGE is filled with bright colors of women’s clothing items and accessories.
both vintage style clothing pieces and modern specialty products that can be used daily. “We have products from Infinite Soaps,” said Mallory Barnett, owner of Elements Bhm Clothing and Gifts. “It is a Birmingham based company that has bar soap, body and hand wash, bath salts, beard oils and lip balm. All of those good, happy little stocking stuffers and small gifts all under $15 dollars.” Barnett said Elements also has products from a locally based company called Avondale Mercantile that sells “fun room sprays” under $15 dollars. “If you are living in a dorm you might need some spritz and give your roommate a subtle hint,” Barnett said. “Things like that are little happies that won’t break the bank but can still put a little smile on someone’s face.” TRXi ViNTAGE is filled with bright colors of women’s clothing items and accessories that are carefully handpicked by its owner. “We carry so many specialty things that you wouldn’t find in an internet search,” said Casey Snipes, owner of TRXi ViNTAGE. “You find stuff that the person you are giving your gift to won’t find somewhere else.” TRXi ViNTAGE carries a selection of vintage earrings for ten dollars a pair. “They are a perfect gift for your girlfriend or sister and they’re all one of a kind because they are all found at a local state sale,” Snipes said. “Our berets are also a perfect gift and they are $12 dollars.” Trove, the holiday pop-up shop on 1st Ave S, features all of the small gifts that can go a long way in a loved one’s heart. Cards, candles, books and art highlight the gift shop open for five more weekends at Railroad Park. “I recommend that shoppers look for gifts made by artists,” said Karen Gathany, designer and owner of Trove. “Supporting makers is one of my passions and it doesn’t have to be expensive.” Trove sells original art, art prints and greeting cards made by local and non-local artists. “Supporting them makes a difference in their lives and adds creativity to the universe,” Gathany said. Trove currently has a Betsy Weldy original 5 by 7 inches gouache painting for $15 dollars and a ‘People I’ve Loved’ holiday card for five dollars.
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citylifestyle
Randall Woodfin: one year later Looking back on the Birmingham Mayor’s accomplishments in his first term
Bella Tylicki Staff Reporter btylicki@uab.edu
innovation and inclusive growth.” According to Carpenter, IEO has delivered on these goals by piloting the Building Opportunities for Lasting Development program to make city grants more intentional, launching a program that incentivizes investors to pour into socioeconomically disadvantaged districts, and adding personnel specifically dedicated to talent recruitment and retention. Inclusive growth is inextricable from what Woodfin continues to say is his number one priority: neighborhood revitalization, with a special focus on improved infrastructure and reduced blight. In his inaugural address, he said Birmingham is only as strong as its most needful neighborhood. With the passing of the $436 million budget for FY19, Woodfin established IEO ($2.5 million budget) and a neighborhood revitalization fund ($1.6 million at conception.)
When I ran for office, the people told me that a working relationship for the Mayor and Council is important to - Randall Woodfin PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/ART
Wednesday, Nov. 28 marked the beginning of Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin’s second year in office. After defeating seven-year incumbent William Bell last year, Woodfin committed to what has become the motto of his administration, “putting people first.” In an interview with The Kaleidoscope before his inauguration, Woodfin named two priorities: improving cooperation between the mayor and the City Council and increasing the sense of urgency to help people. While the last year was mostly characterized by good spirits between Woodfin and the Council, lately, tensions have been high over issues such as funding the Firehouse Shelter and executive attendance at Council meetings. Tuesday, Oct. 23 Woodfin and several Councilors had a heated debate over funding for the Firehouse Shelter. At the next week’s meeting, the mayor, nor any of his staff, was present. Woodfin explained to the Council that it was because he was out of town for a conference.Addressing the Council and the public, Woodfin did not give explicit explanation for the absence of his staff but said that considering the “tone” that tainted recent meetings, he wanted to “pause” and “reconsider [their] approach to City Council meetings.” He reiterated several times that he and his staff are “guests” of the Council, referencing the Mayor-Council Act, and that attending their meetings is an opportunity to engage the public, insinuating that though the mayor traditionally attends Council meetings, it is not an obligation. “When I ran for office, the people told me that a working relationship for the Mayor and Council is important to them,” Woodfin said in a press release following the Council meeting Tuesday, Nov. 6 where he and Councilor Steven Hoyt got into a verbal confrontation about his absence the week prior.
“Last week was not a good look for the City,” Hoyt said. “I don’t know any major city where the department heads don’t show up in the Council meetings. That’s inexcusable.” He called Woodfin’s explanation an “untruth,” and said he has served with many mayors but none as “petty” as him. Tensions following the feud encouraged Woodfin to renew his commitment to a working relationship with the Council, ensuring representation of his office and each department is present at Council meetings. “For the first year of my administration, I have honored that commitment and intend to continue to do my part,” he said. “I challenge each member of council to join me in creating a more civil atmosphere in which we conduct the people’s business.” In June, Woodfin appointed a new chief of police, but crime continues to be among the city’s greatest ongoing concerns. According to public record, homicide rates spiked in 2015, Bell’s fifth year in office, and have continued rising since. There have been 101 homicides in Birmingham since Woodfin’s inauguration. In the last year, the Birmingham Police Department pulled 2,000 guns off the street and added 40 officers to the force. A contract with the City charged Alabama Power to install nearly 100 surveillance cameras in criminal hotspots such as Central Park, Ensley, Gate City and Kingston. In his second year, Woodfin said he hopes to open a new police academy to increase capacity for growing police presence in the city. In addition to public safety, the Woodfin administration expressed priority of economic development, with a focus on inclusive and thoughtful growth, in their transition report, The Woodfin Way. Josh Carpenter, director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, lead the transition committee for Entrepreneurship & Economic Development. Their vision became the vision of IEO: “Birmingham will become a hub for qualified, diverse talent, propelling shared prosperity through
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RECREATION
New place to reload your Battery Bar, fitness center, food complex opens on 2nd Ave S
from Staff Reports New Contract Ensures Minority Business Participation in BJCC Stadium Construction The Council received updates on the new stadium and Legacy Arena projects at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Per a contract with the Council, the BJCC must reach 30 percent minority business participation. “A lot of minority businesses can go out of business working on a big project like this because they don’t get paid in time,” Councilor Steven Hoyt said. “We want to make sure they’re getting paid.” Snyder said that the Council can expect monthly reports on minority participation and payroll.
Myles Womack Staff Reporter mjw3@uab.edu The newly renovated Birmingham Electric and Battery Company (BEBCO) facility will supply an electric-charged energy to the reinvigorated Downtown Birmingham area. The Historic BEBCO Building was first built in 1910 and served as a battery warehouse and engine service shop. “I liked the building itself,” said Ward Neely, First Vice President of SRS Real Estate Partners. “When I first saw it, I thought that it was a cool building and it couldn’t be torn down.” The Battery currently features the Birmingham District Brewing Company, “The intention was to put diverse tenants in the space along with the plaza,” Neely said. “It’s tough to get eight people to decide what to eat so by having diverse options people can still gather in the outside dining area.” The Battery sits just a few blocks across from University Blvd on 2nd Ave S between 22nd and 23rd St S. “UAB was a major driver in the decision for the location,” Neely said. “There was a lack of cool hangout spots for college students.” Neely said that the Battery is more than just a place to eat, grab a drink and exercise. “My hope is that people walk to us and stay with us as more development happens,” Neely said. A place where a-turn-of-the-century welder would find himself after an 18-hour shift, The Birmingham District Brewery aims to capture the historic character of the Magic City. The brewery’s identity was inspired by the geological formation of the city’s landscape. “Our goal is to create a variety of brews so that we can offer something to everyone,” said Matt Gray, co-owner and social media manager of the Birmingham District Brewery. “Birmingham District will be a taproom that embodies the spirit of a booming Magic City.” Inspired by Birmingham’s reputation of being the ‘Magic City,’ Gray said they wanted to personify the city’s essence in the form of beer. “I’ve already noticed a lot of growth which is awesome and a lot of excitement,” said Jimmy Sumpter, head brewer at Birmingham District Brewery. “The outpour from local businesses has been tremendous. A lot of people have come through and helped us out.” Sumpter said that he loves the crowd the brewery has been receiving and especially from the UAB students who have been supporting. “We want to make sure that we’re supplying a beer to anyone that walks in off the street,” Sumpter said. The District Brews recently added a taproom and outdoor area for cornhole games and seating for dining at the restaurants in the Battery. “It will really be a win-win for everyone at The Battery,” Gray said. “The Battery will have a couple options for food and entertainment along with True 40 Fitness.”
Birmingham City Council Highlights
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRUE40 FITNESS A True40 studio at The Battery offers a variety of fitness courses.
The beaming boutique fitness studio True40 Fitness seeks to implement an uplifting wellness experience for all its members. Classes challenge the entire body in a workout that last 60 minutes. “With just a few fitness studios in downtown Birmingham, True40 offers another option for students, residents and business men and women,” said Kaitlyn Bentley, owner of True40 Downtown Birmingham. “Everyone is welcomed here, and we promise a good sweat.” The tightknit community of instructors at True40 Fitness set the studio’s atmosphere with positive and elevating encouragement during the formidable workouts. Workouts are designed to have a high intensity and low impact training. “We love and believe in our workout process,” said Taylor Grater, studio manager and instructor. “Our number one goal is to make our clients walk in and feel welcomed, loved and cared for. We encourage everyone to listen to their bodies. Our slogan is be true, be you.” The studio lies on the second floor of the Battery and has a vivid view of the busy intersection of 22nd and 23rd St S. As clients wind down with the final movements of a class the natural sunlight illuminates the studio. “The studio is absolutely beautiful,” said Lochrane Smith, member of True40. “Watching the sun rise downtown motivates me during my workout. Cool projects like the Battery show off Birmingham’s architectural heritage, fantastic restaurants and active lifestyle.” Grater said True40’s long-term goal is to expand and continue to open up more studios. True40 Fitness gives a 15 percent discount to all college students who show ID.
City Council Votes to Approve Funding for Additional Facility for Firehouse Shelter Following a tumultuous debate beginning at the Council meeting on Oct. 23, the Council approved in a 6-1 vote to contribute $1 million ($200,000 for five years) to the Firehouse Shelter for a new facility. Funding for the shelter was initially denied because of allegations against the staff of racial discrimination. Before the final vote, Councilor Hoyt criticized that the funds were “unrestricted” and “going to a nonprofit that hasn’t done any training with respect to diversity.” He said the homeless community needs affordable housing options not a new shelter, but still voted to pass the item. “We’re going to be able to double the amount of people we’re able to serve,” said Anne Rygiel, executive director of the Firehouse Shelter. “This is a huge step for Birmingham and for people who are living in poverty. It speaks very highly of our community that we’re putting homeless people first.” The new facility is expected to be complete by December 2019.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2018
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sports ‘Strive to be WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
FOOTBALL
‘Tis the season of winning
better’
Next step: improve defense Michael Calhoun Sports Reporter mcal37@uab.edu
Micheal Atiyeh Sports Reporter atiyehma@uab.edu
UAB Women’s Basketball team took on Alabama A&M on Wednesday, November 28th. The Blazers controlled most of the game, leading by as many as 37 in the fourth quarter before defeating the Bulldogs 82-47. “Overall it was a team effort, but we are not satisfied,” Norton said. “We are happy we got the win, got a good workout, but we did not do a lot of things well tonight. We gave up 16 offensive rebounds, had 14 assists to 11 turnover which is uncharacteristic of this team. The team came out and their energy and effort level was a lot better in the second half, but we definitely have to get better.” Katelyn Thomas is the reigning Conference USA player of the week after her stellar performance in Bimini. She tallied ten points and grabbed four rebounds to push her streak of consecutive double-digit scoring games to five. “Everyone got quality minutes including our starters but more importantly our bench players that don’t always get a chance to play in games like the Oklahoma game or the Tennessee game were able to get in the game and get quality minutes,” said Randy Norton, head coach. “Some people might look at games like that and think, ‘Wow that’s a blowout win,’ but that’s okay because we were able to get a variety of players minutes and that’s very important as we move forward throughout the season.” As a team the Blazers shoot 37 percent from behind the three-point line and hold their opponents to just 18.7 percent (20-of-107) which is good for fourth nationally. Norton said the team could still improve defensively. “We’ll play a 2-3 zone and a 1-3-1 but at the end of the day our bread and butter is the half-court manto-man defense and that’s something we always want to strive to be better at each and every day,” Norton said. The Blazers travel across town to take on Samford at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5 before returning to Bartow Arena on Saturday, December 8 to play Mcneese State at 2 p.m.
It’s been a good season for UAB. In their second season after returning from their two-year hiatus, the Blazers finished their 2018 regular season with their win to loss ratio being 10-3 overall and 7-1 in C-USA standing. They hold a 12 game win streak at home and with their win Saturday UAB has the first 10 win season in the programs history. In December of 2014 UAB lost their football program, Bill Clark had only been the head coach for one season and had greatly improved the team already. He took the team from a win and loss ratio of 2-10 the season before, and finished his first season with a ratio of 6-6. Even after the team was disbanded Clark stayed on as coach for the program. During the time the program was not running he helped to raise over 50 million dollars to aid the team being reinstated. “I want to thank all of our fans and supporters,” Clark said in his media teleconference on November 28. “They brought our program back from the dead.” Bring the program back from the dead they did, PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/ART EDITOR after a two-year break from playing, the Blazers Bill Clark celebrates their win against UTSA, November 2. kicked off from Legion Field in the Fall of 2017. Clark said he had one plan for the return season. From 2005 to 2013 UAB won a total of 26 “Starting the program back we had one games, which were under three different Under Bill goal; to try and be competitive,” Clark said. head coaches. Clark started as head UAB football Clark UAB Competitive the Blazers were, they coach in 2014, and although the team did has been has won finished their first season back as a team not participate for two seasons, in that bowl elegible with a win ratio of 8-5 overall and 6-2 time he has led the Blazers to 24 victories in conference as well as becoming and two bowl eligibilities. s games bowl eligible for the first time since t m The Blazers won e the Conference USA 2004. They played in the Bahama Bowl championshipiSaturday December 1. They against the Ohio Bobcats. began the game slow falling behind Middle Clark described this competitive return Tennessee. UAB began the second quarter of the team as setting them up for the seaand after a seven-minute and 16 play drive they son they are in now. began a comeback and put 21 points on the “[Last year] set the stage for what we were board unanswered. The Blazers won the going to do,” Clark said. Under Bill championship with a score of 27 UAB 25 UAB football UAB UAB Football carried Clark on improving this MTSU. has been won season finishing it nearlyhas undefeated. “Last season was for the community,” bowl elegible They have won nine games straight and Clark said. “This season is for the team.” continue their home streak by extendThe Blazers will be participating in the games ing it to 12-0. t m es Boca Raton Bowl in South Florida. They i “The question was asked of us many will play the Illinois Huskies December 18, times; what are you going to do now that 6 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcasted on people know about you and you’re not ESPN. sneaking up on them,” Clark said.
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PHOTO BY AMY LAWHON
A summary of the Blazers’ journey from cancellation to bowl
TUESDAY, DEC. 4, 2018
PAGE 12
CROSSWORD
Editorial Board
1.
Fall 2018
2.
Kristina Balciunaite Editor-in-Chief kribal@uab.edu
3.
4.
Sufia Alam Managing Editor sufia@uab.edu
5.
Lakyn Shepard Art Editor layshep@uab.edu
6. 7.
Lauren Moore Blazer News Editor lrm33@uab.edu
8. 9. 1.. What team will UAB women’s basketball be playing on December 8? 2. The candle holder used in Kwanzaa celebrations, which represents the Seven Principles. 3. What civil rights activist spoke during E.J. Bradford’s funeral last Saturday? 4. Name of the newly opened hangout/recreational space on 2nd Ave. S.
5. Santa’s full first name. 6. What rates did Mayor Woodfin want to lower? 7. In which country did the Christmas tree tradition start? 8. The Boca Raton Bowl, which UAB will be participating in, is in which state? 9. Hannukah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the revolt against what
Ceri-Lune Renneboog CityLifestyle Editor cerilune@uab.edu
Corrections Issue 13 of Nov. 27, page 4: the the sorority in the photopraph is Sigma Sigma Rho, not Sigma Gamma Rho.
EVENTS CALENDAR Show/exhibition: Free @rt Bham: Support the fARTS Brennan's Irish Pub 6 p.m. Questions White People Are Afraid to Ask: Race & Hoover Protests Temple Emanu-El, 2100 Highland Ave S 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Concert: Elton John - Farewell Yellow Brick Road The BJCC 8 p.m.
Paints & Pints Cahaba Brewing Company 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Makers Market + Open House MAKEbhm 6 - 9 p.m.
Show: Bun B x Starlito Zydeco 8 p.m.
Birmingham Art Crawl 120 19th St N 5 - 9 p.m.
Exhibit: ART+BARS Studio 2500 7 - 9 p.m.
Show: Zach Rhea's New Music Collective Freedom House (formerly The Jaybird) 8 - 10 p.m.
Comedy: ETC presents Holiday 'Splosion Theatre Downtown 8 - 10 p.m.
Free Cookies & Eggnog w/DJ Tom 45 Seasick Records Stand-up comedy: Funny Free Friday's 12 - 3 p.m. Good People Brewing 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Crawl 9 p.m. Tin Roof 4 - 11:59 p.m.
Magic City Kitties 3rd Anniversary Brunch & Holiday Brennan's Irish Pub 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. An Acoustic Evening With Jason Isbell Lyric Fine Arts Theatre 8 p.m.
Dinner with Santa Chick-fil-A Vestavia Hills 5 - 7 p.m. Amnesty International's Write for Rights Campaign The Abbey Coffee Shop 5 p.m.