Photo by Nick Patterson.
As Birmingham observes the Thanksgiving holiday, Weld asked some residents what in particular sparked their gratitude about the Magic City this year. Here are a few responses.
“I’m grateful for Birmingham’s volunteer spirit; working for a park means I witness this constantly. Each week our parks are full of individuals and groups (corporations and organizations) who are happily and freely giving their time to improve and protect the city’s green spaces.” – Katie S. Bradford, director of communication and public relations, Red Mountain Park
“I’m thankful for city surfers and redemptive cyclers; for all of the charm on Second; for med school students who moonlight as breathtaking photographers; for students who dream of runways; for Noni’s Kafe’s student discounts on midnight samosas; for funky street style; for Birmingham ballet; for cute church ladies in bright pillbox hats, and lemon pie from Jim ‘n Nicks; for the way the city sparkles under Vulcan, at night; for the potential of all that could grow here, and for the good cheer of all those who rally behind ideas and people they love. I’m thankful for the chance to dream and build here. I’m thankful for the big magic of a little city.” – Maacah Davis, founder of Project Veracity
“I’m consistently impressed by the capacity of receptiveness to collaboration that many of Birmingham’s citizens and organizations seem to possess in copious quantities. I spend most of my time trying to figure out ways to implement fun and positive ways to better the city that I’m grateful to call home, and luckily, there are organizations like the Desert Island Supply Co. in Woodlawn and MAKEbhm in Avondale (and many more) that share this passion for bettering the community, and which offer the support and resources for its citizens (both individually and collectively) to reach fantastic new heights.” – Max Rykov, “edutainment mogul”
Photo by Nick Patterson.
“I am grateful for our music venues! We have watering holes like Stillwater Pub that offer local and touring bands a place to play every night of the week, cool indie joints like Bottletree Café and The Nick that stay on top of the best up-and-coming national acts, spots like the Syndicate Lounge and Moonlight on the Mountain that offer niche music from around the country while being BYOB to boot, and the very large and in charge Iron City and Alabama Theatre which host music of the same caliber. The best thing is, this doesn’t even scratch the surface of what is going on musically in this city. There’s not enough space to get started on the local bands. I’m in love with all of it.”
— Mandi Rae, musician and public relations for Steel City Sounds
“I am grateful for living where I can hear the trains at night. I am grateful for my staff at BottleTree — all past and present. They are family, as are our friends and patrons. I am grateful for camp fires, dark chocolate, ginger, dark chocolate-covered ginger, the night sky littered with stars, and a warm bed with warm cats to snuggle with. I am grateful for our farmers. I am grateful to have such an amazing African collection at our museum. I am grateful that my commute to work is only about 22 blocks. I am grateful for modern marvels like indoor plumbing and hot water. I am grateful for friends and family, furry and otherwise.” – Merrilee Challiss, artist and owner of BottleTree Café
“I would like to say that I am extremely thankful for this great city’s art community, meaning the WHOLE crowd — not just the artists, but also the galleries, spaces and collectors, too! When I moved here 10-plus years ago, there was only a tiny ‘art spark’ here, but now I can joyously say that we definitely have a full-scale scene on our hands! As a working class artist, it is such a shining treasure to witness so many brilliant and insightful minds working together un-competitively just to make things HAPPEN! Truly…THANK YOU, Birmingham.” – Paul Wilm, artist