By Rubin E. Grant The Rev. Kevin Long wasn’t thinking about leaving the Pittsburgh church he had pastored for almost 10 years to head South. But he had made a commitment to listen to any church that called him about becoming its pastor and to listen to the Holy Spirit. So when Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham called, Long listened. Following an eight-month … [Read more...]
‘One World, One Games’: The World Games 2022 Announces Noah Galloway as Honorary Co-Chairman, Introduces Disability Inclusion Initiative
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw Former U.S. Army Sgt. Noah Galloway, a Birmingham native, will serve as an honorary co-chairman for the The World Games 2022. The appointment was announced during a ceremony at the Lakeshore Foundation on June 3. As an honorary chairman, Galloway, who lost the majority of his left arm and left leg during an IED attack while serving in Iraq, made a … [Read more...]
Diamond Dandy: Widra Caps Outstanding Spain Park Career With Another Player of the Year Award
By Rubin E. Grant Annabelle Widra and Spain Park softball have been synonymous for the past six years, ever since she joined the Jaguars as a seventh grader. The seemingly forever journey ended last month when Widra graduated, but what a journey it was as she became the most highly recognized player in the history of the Spain Park program. Widra capped off her brilliant … [Read more...]
Nerves of Steele: Big-Game Performances Earn Hoover Catcher Baseball Player of the Year Honor
By Rubin E. Grant Lucas Steele enjoys playing in big games. In fact, the bigger the stakes, the better he plays. So, it’s not a surprise that as Hoover made its remarkable run in the Class 7A state baseball playoffs, Steele, a junior catcher, was the driving force. “He likes big moments,” Hoover baseball coach Adam Moseley said. “He was struggling a little before area play, … [Read more...]
Dream School: Oak Mountain’s Shaver Plans to Play Basketball for North Carolina
By Rubin E. Grant Will Shaver had planned to wait until his birthday in September to announce where he was going to play college basketball. But the 6-foot-11 center from Oak Mountain High School couldn’t wait that long, especially since his dream school, North Carolina, offered him a scholarship. So, on the second day of a two-day visit to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, … [Read more...]