selma-alabama

Paradise Cove RV Park Opens In Selma

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:37:29 GMT

On Monday, April 13, The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Selma's newest RV park, Paradise Cove RV Park. | The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

It’s a beautiful day in the Selma community, and we at the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information showcase you to the grand opening and the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Paradise Cove RV Park.

The Paradise Cove RV Park is located at 1902 Alabama Highway 14 East that encompasses room for about 50 RVs, and it is owned operated by three generations of the Maluda family, Tyson and Sherry Maluda, Gary Maluda and his son, Alex Maluda.

Gary Maluda is the primary owner of Selma’s newest RV park and said this park is just an extension of what his family has done for the Selma community overall.

“Mom and dad started the RV business back in the mid-80s,” Gary said. “After college I joined in and now my son Alex has joined in and with the current RV Park on Highway 14 that we have, we mostly cater to contractors.”

Gary said that the contractor tenants are the perfect tenants for the park because they work hard, sleep often and are continuously seeking a nice place to stay. So, in turn, he said with his park, he tries to provide them with a good, nice and affordable place to stay.

“We also cater to the college students,” Gary said. “Lot of times, students come into Selma, and they can’t sign a year lease, or they just want to stay for a semester, parents should get an RV and allow them to stay with us.”

Gary said providing housing to college students and contractors has always been a major benefit to them and that it is a business that he and his family have come to enjoy.

“We love working with these people,” Gary said. “They are the perfect tenants, and I guess it’s been going on over 40 years since we’ve been doing it.”

Gary said the park is just minutes away from the heart of Selma and is a convenient RV park for those who are interested in a quiet, peaceful resting place during their stay.

“It’s convenient to Downtown Selma,” Gary said. “The food, Walmart and all the shopping. But it’s just outside of town. It’s not far from Bush Hog, the International Paper, Alabama Power and so it’s very convenient to the industry. It’s right here, off the main road, near the bypass and we have a full five-bar cell phone coverage. It’s just a convenient place where we have cleared the lot, built a pond, installed a fountain with led lights and a lot of these contractors bring families with them, so it’s a nice place to stay while the spouse is at work.”

Gary said he also feels his RV park, Paradise Cove, will help Selma retain revenue and allow visitors to keep their spending efforts in the city.

“These customers are a great injection to the city,” Gary said. “They come here with their families, most of them, they spend money here whether it’s shopping, eating out and I believe it’s just a shot of energy to the city of Selma.”

Gary said through his business and the love that he has for his hometown, he feels that his RV Park will benefit Selma greatly and help its economic impact along the way.

“Paradise Cove RV Park is very affordable,” Gary said. “We price by the day, by the week, and most of the contractors stay for at least a month.” Our price to stay is $500 a month and that includes everything from power, water, sewage and we have sites with shade trees and open sun.”

Cherie Garcia said she has been a resident of the park for five months and she said during her residency there she always sees Gary Maluda doing something around the park to help keep the area nice and clean.

“It’s peaceful and nobody bothers you,” Garcia said. “I mean, I can go and sit and look at the ducks or the geese or whatever fly in the pond and my husband comes home and it’s quiet. It’s nice and peaceful.”

Gary said travelers who are interested in visiting Selma or coming for a longer stay with their RV can call the Paradise Cove RV Park at 334-719-5147.

Smithsonian’s RI Director Visits Selma, Explores Rural Community Partnership

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:08:15 GMT

On Tuesday, March 24, the Smithsonian’s RI Director Andy Mink came to Selma to introduce the Smithsonian Rural Initiative to its residents and talk about the potential partnership in the community. | Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

On Tuesday, March 24, Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative Director Andy Mink came to Selma on the behalf of Arts Revive Director Becky Youngblood to speak with residents and community partners about the Smithsonian Institution and its efforts toward rural communities.

Mink told the community that the presentation called “More than “Not Urban”: Serving People and Places in Rural Alabama” was for the city of Selma as whole, its citizens and its community leaders to sort of think about ways that the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. could really be an authentic partner.

Mink told the history of the Smithsonian Institution and its foundation to give the Selma community a closer look at what the institute is and what it stands for.

“So, the Smithsonian itself is nearly 180 years old,” Mink said. “It was founded with a gift from Britain. James Smithson gave his fortune to the United States to start the Smithsonian Institution, and his sole directions were to create an organization for the increase in diffusion of knowledge among men.”

Mink said the same ideology that Smithson had for the Smithsonian Institute nearly two centuries ago is the same ideology that is embedded in and deep rooted in the spirit of the Institution and its work as we know it today.

“One major misconception that I hear is that the Smithsonian is a single building, a single museum and that you come to Washington, D.C. and you walk into this single doorway and you have this singular experience in the U.S.,” Mink said. “But of course, the Smithsonian, instead, is a massive institution of 6,000 employees, of 21 museums of the National Zoo and 14 education and research centers. So, this facility itself is really globally known, recognized and massive. I say “massive” actually in the best possible use of that term right now and it is an organization with expertise in a wide variety. 7 million objects in our collection but only 1 percent are on the supply.”

Mink continued by saying, “That I’ve been told and I have heard from historians who work at the Smithsonian that that’s only about 15 percent of objects and artifacts that make up the American story and all the rest of them are sitting in shoe boxes underneath your bed.”

As Mink’s presentation went on, he showcased several artifacts and objects that the Smithsonian has to the public such as the desk that Thomas Jefferson carried until his death in 1825.

“Then Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, then all of a sudden, this pile of wood becomes a much different shazam moment,” Mink said. “It becomes something that illustrates the birth of this country and of American Democracy and the ways that we imagine the community that we live in.”

Speaking of communities, Mink went from the exploration of artifacts and objects that you could see in the Institution in D.C. to a much tighter view of scope, speaking about the effect the Institute has on rural and small-town communities.

“We currently have three institutions in Alabama who are apart of our [ Smithsonian Affiliates Program],” Mink said. I think of it a little bit as a co-op, where you are a part of a membership, you have access to Smithsonian branding, Smithsonian resources, Smithsonian speakers and Smithsonian amplification.”

Mink then gave examples of how the Smithsonian can be in Huntsville, Birmingham and Anniston, Alabama and he also spoke about a popular program that the Institution has called MOMS (Museum on Main Street).

“For thirty some years, MOMS has been sending traveling exhibits to small towns all over the country that share exhibits that usually are six to 800 square feet. They are relatively small and my good friend Becky Nichols of the Selma and Dallas County Library hosted one of these in the past where the exhibit comes and spends maybe six weeks. There’s a big topic that all small towns can communicate around. It’s waterways, crossroads, its innovation and the idea isn’t necessarily to come and see an exhibit. The idea is to come and interact with the exhibit about where you are from, to be inspired, to talk to the people you are with about crossroads, that train you got stuck behind, to talk about innovation and the people that we are.”

Mink went on to talk about the Smithsonian’s digital footprint and how the three-year rural initiative program came into effect to help smaller communities.

“We receive about 30 million unique visitors every year,” Mink said. “These would be virtual speakers, webinars, instructional resources for teachers and different kinds of cohorts. We are always thinking of ways to expand our reach to the communities that we need to serve. But, this is where the rural initiative was initially conceived. This idea of being in every community and every classroom in America and how can the Smithsonian respond to the very unique characteristics of Rural America and not treat them as an afterthought and not sort of be unavailable because they are far away from Washington and the places that the Smithsonian sits."

So, you may wonder how does Selma fit?

Mink said through his presentation about the Smithsonian Rural Initiative and the examples provided through other smaller, rural cities that Selma could be a part of this initiative by first making the collaborative effort to work together with him and think about creative and meaningful ways to introduce the efforts of Smithsonian to Selma.

“Let’s just start working together,” Mink said. "Earn each other’s trust, develop, contribute show up, not disappear.” So, number one, there are ways [ we can work together through] our shovel ready programs and I have shared some of them where we can start working in service of Selma almost immediately, through the library, school systems, through Mrs. Pitts, working with Mrs. Becky Youngblood in various ways.”

Mink said there could be an arts and culture hub in Selma through the Smithsonian and through their shovel ready programs. He said they can immediately apply some of the things that they are doing in other smaller cities to Selma and become a part of its historic fabric.

Mink also said another way that the Smithsonian could be involved in the frameworks of Selma is by being included in our events such as the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee, our local galas or just through the service of being a part of our programs that impact our youth, our public library and our rotary club.

“Would you like us to speak to them,” Mink told the crowd. “Would you like us to be a part of a brand application, not to bring money to us, but to amplify and improve your energy?

Mink said the last way that the institution could work with Selma is through one puzzling question of, “How can we make something up together and both bring our skills and our expertise in the development of making Selma better?

At the end of the presentation, Mink opened the floor for more questions about the Smithsonian and its rural initiative and brainstorming efforts from guests for the potential partnership in Selma.

For more information about the Smithsonian and its rural initiative, visit https://www.si.edu/education/rural-communities

State of the City Address: Selma Mayor highlights the city’s progression in his first 100 days

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:38:25 GMT

On Monday, March 23, Mayor Johnny Moss, III highlighted several pillars of the city's progress during the State of the City Address held at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center. | The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

It’s been 100 days since Selma’s newest leader, Mayor Johnny Moss, III has been in office.

On Monday, community members, city officials and employees of the City of Selma attended the state of the city address, awaiting remarks from Mayor Moss on the city’s progress.

“This is not just a report,” Moss said. “This is a honest conversation about where we are, where we’ve been and where we are going as a city.”

Moss said when he took office on Nov. 3 that him and team did not walk into a city that was not working but said it was a city that was working without structure.

“Departments were working, but not always aligned,” Moss said. “Work was happening but not always tracked. Problems were being addressed, but not always resolved at the root and as we dug deeper, what became clear was this: good people were doing good work, but too often the work existed in silos. One department didn’t always know what the other was doing. Processes weren’t always documented and in many cases, success was depending on one person and not a system. “When knowledge lives in people instead of systems, you don’t have consistency. You have risk and we cannot build a future on risk.”

Moss said the city operations had to be moved from “personality driven” to “system driven” and that it took a transition team that consisted of co-chairs and team members to make the city’s newest vision come to life.

“These individuals gave their time, their expertise, and their honest perspective to help us understand where we are and because of their work, we are not guessing,” Moss said. “We are moving with clarity and that clarity led to action.”

Moss said during his time so far in office that they have brought every department head together, not for any other meeting but to align their priorities.

The four priorities Moss spoke about that he considers is crucial for the city are enhanced and accountable systems, visible improvements in the quality of life, the ability to strengthen public safety and trust and to continue the expansion of economic opportunity.

Moss said with these four priorities in place, this is considered the first time that the city is moving in the same direction.

The next pillar of Moss’s speech focused on the city’s systems and its finances.

“Here’s the truth,” Moss said. “You cannot fix a city without fixing how it operates. When we took office, we knew that in order to move and settle forward, we had to build structure, build accountability and systems that work.”

Moss said one of the most important steps that they are implementing right now is Open Gov.

“This system will officially go live in October,” Moss said. “The work has already begun because implementing a system like Open Gov is not something you rush. It requires planning, training, data, organization and alignment across every department, and that’s exactly what we are doing now. We are preparing our departments, cleaning up our data, and building the internal structure needed so that when Open Gov goes live, it works.”

Moss said when Open Gov is fully implemented, it will allow them to track revenue, expenditures in real time, monitor departmental budgets with greater accuracy and improve transparency for both leadership and the public while making more informed, data-driven decisions.

“Because one of the biggest challenges cities face is not just revenue, its visibility and Open Gov changes that.” This system will work hand in hand with other changes we are making including strengthening internal financial processes, improving reporting standards and transitioning tax collections to the Alabama Department of Revenue. Because this is not just about one system. This is about building a complete financial infrastructure for the City of Selma. When Open Gov is fully implemented, we will have the ability to see what is coming into our city, what is being spent, and where adjustments need to be made and that means better decisions, better accountability and better results for our citizens.”

Moss said that the new systems that they are implementing will allow the city to move from uncertainty to control.

Moss also spoke about the city’s general fund and its budget.

Currently, the city’s general fund is just under 21 million with approximately 10 million collected to date, according to Moss.

“So that puts us at about 48 percent of our projected revenue, which means we are on pace,” Moss said. Our largest revenue drivers continue to be sales tax, business licenses and property taxes. But, here’s what we are focused on, not just maintaining revenue but growing it.

Moss said one of the biggest structural changes that the city is making is transitioning to their department.

“The state has stronger enforcement mechanisms, which means more accurate collections, more consistent reporting and less revenue falling through the cracks,” Moss said. “This is about making sure that Selma receives each dollar it is owed.”

As the state of Address continued, Moss spoke to the public about several topics from the importance of businesses being licensed in the city of Selma to the focus of how the city plans to grow revenue in the right way.

He also spoke about the importance of public safety.

“Nothing matters more than the safety of our citizens,” Moss said.

Since November, Moss said the fire department has seen real, measurable progress. He said the fire department has undergone a full operational restructure that has resulted in a 28 percent reduction in overtime, while still maintaining the coverage standards required to protect the city.

“They have also hired six new personnel to strengthen their ability to respond and reduce the burden on existing staff and they have also taken the hard work of cleaning up the department’s finances, resolving over 40 outstanding purchase orders and debts, restoring accountability and credibility.”

Moss said at the same time, the fire department has launched a new in service training program allowing firefighters to receive continued education while on duty, reducing costs and increasing readiness.

Like the fire department, Moss also spoke on the Selma Police Department and his effort to work closely with the department to get them where they need to be.

“This is an area where we all know there is still work to do and I’m not going to stand here and pretend otherwise, but I will say this, we have men and women in uniform who are showing up every day and doing a difficult job under difficult circumstances. They deserve to be supported. At the same time, we are focused on improving how we serve this community.”

Moss said he is partnering with the Selma Police Department to strengthen staffing with new officers that are already added to the staff and will continue efforts to recruit and retain talent.

“We are expanding community based strategies including neighborhood watch efforts and increasing engagement between police officers and residents. We are exploring new tools and technology like drone support for critical incidents to improve response and officer safety but more importantly, we are focused on building trust.”

Moss said public safety is not just about enforcement but relationships, communication and ensuring that every citizen feels safe and heard.

Moss also discussed the improvements of the city’s IT department and the various developments happening through the city’s parks and recreation department that he said would attract visitors and residents to fill up hotel rooms and restaurants around the city.

He also spoke about the city’s public buildings and their functionality and how the public buildings department has made real progress by improving maintenance, responding faster to service requests and ensuring its facilities can support daily operations.

He also highlighted the cemetery department, the Human Resources and Personnel department, the public works department and the planning and development department and its efforts in place to make Selma a better city.

“Leadership is never a one person effort,”Moss said. "It takes a team and we are not where we want to be at but we are no longer where we are. We now have direction. We now have alignment and we are building the kind of system that will move this city forward.”

For Mayor Moss's full state of the city address, visit the City of Selma’s Facebook page.

SHA Jobs Plus Program partners with Complete 3 Tech Solutions to bring free technology training to community

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 05:09:03 GMT

On Monday, The Selma Housing Authority Job Plus Program partnered with Complete 3 Tech Solutions and several neighboring businesses to kick off its 2nd annual community training bootcamp. | The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

On Monday, The Selma Housing Authority Jobs Plus Program partnered with a Birmingham-based computer support company called Complete 3 Tech Solutions to bring a free technology training to its residents, equipping them with the skills needed for today’s workforce.

Through the C3TS program’s partnership, residents of the GWC community alongside the Felix Heights community could take advantage of the hands-on basic technology classes offered through a quick sign-up process held at the SHA’s Job Plus office at 414 Martin Luther King Street.

The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information also attended the technology training to highlight and showcase the efforts of the SHA Job Plus Program and its partnership with C3TS.

“Through our program, we offer three courses,” said C3TS Executive Director Chris White. “Technology 101: Computer Basics, Technology 102: Digital Skills for Work and Life and Technology 103: Workplace Technology and Career Readiness.”

White said the classes can give residents who sign up an opportunity to learn more about technology and its benefits while ensuring that they have the foundational skills down pack.

“[We want] to make residents feel good about working with a computer, laptop or a tablet,” White said. “Then from there, we build our customized tracks for you. So, if you want to learn how to utilize AI for certain things, we help you with that. If you want to go into computer programming, cyber security, graphic designing or whatever in the space within IT because it’s so broad, we can help you find out your interest level and we are able to customize a good service track for you so that you can get the certification that you need.”

White said each course that the residents take will be set up for three weeks and that they will meet twice a week.

“We will meet and have a morning class and afternoon class, and we will discuss materials for two hours in the morning or two hours in the afternoon,” White said. “Residents can choose either option and we will be in training for three weeks, then we will take a week off and come back for another three weeks and then we would have the week off again for the next one. These will be hands-on classes for the first area and after that we will set up the hybrid or remote classes that will be more specialized with what each individual resident is looking for.”

White also said residents who are interested in the technology training program must be 18 years old or older.

In addition to White’s technology program, businesses such as Wallace Community College Selma, CarePro Community Health and Education Services, and Rise and Recover: Substance Use Recovery Services including several others engaged with SHA residents, sharing information about their services and how they can benefit them in the long run.

SHA intake coordinator Kewanda Vandiver also spoke to the residents as well.

“I work along with the Jobs Plus Program, and we know that a part of their commitment to the community is to bring resources to the tenants of GWC and Felix heights and so one of the resources that I provide is being an intake coordinator with them,” Vandiver said. “When residents come to see the case manager, I also grab them, and I sit down with them and assess what’s going on in their life. I gather information from them and with that information, it gives me a snippet of if some things are going on in the background that we need to dig a little bit more deeper in.”

Vandiver said if she senses areas of need when talking to the residents, she will provide them with self-care tips, ways to help them manage stages of grief including providing other ways of support any way she can through her business, Designed to Uplift.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, The SHA Job Plus Program hosted presentation days for the participating businesses, allowing them to highlight their services to the SHA community.

The sessions held also gave residents who attended the presentation days an opportunity to ask questions, receive in person guidance and have a possible brighter outlook on their future.

Job Plus Director Sandra Russell said she is proud of how the partnership with Complete 3 Tech Solutions and the other participating businesses has turned out.

“It has been awesome,” said Russell. “We have had a lot of residents come out to participate in the program and sign up. I think this partnership will help them down the road because our program helps break barriers that they may run into trying to gain employment.”

Russell said if there are any residents who would like to still sign up for the technology program or learn more about the other businesses’ that were present at the presentation day to contact their Job Plus office at 334-874-6271, ext. 309.

City of Selma Partners with Selma AmeriCorps to host AmeriCorps Week

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 20:47:37 GMT

This week, The City of Selma partnered with the Selma AmeriCorps Neighborhood Development Initiative Program to host its annual AmeriCorps Week. | The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

By Faith Callens

Special to The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

This week, The City of Selma partnered with the Selma AmeriCorps Neighborhood Development Initiative Program to host its annual AmeriCorps Week.

The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information also participated in their week to showcase the members of AmeriCorps and their efforts to beautify the city of Selma.

AmeriCorps Week is a nationwide celebration of national service that highlights the measurable impact of AmeriCorps members while they focus on strengthening communities through workforce development, hands on service and civic engagement, according to the Selma AmeriCorps Director Jasmine Robinson.

On Monday, March 9, the Selma AmeriCorps Program started their week off with the theme “Member Monday” that focused on the fundamentals of community capacity building through its initial revitalization training held at city hall. The training consisted of members learning their role in neighborhood restoration and economic development while simultaneously learning how to utilize the proper tools to get the beautification experience started in the city of Selma.

On Tuesday, March 10, the program held its second day of service through its theme called “Testimony Tuesday” where there was a resident- led revitalization day. The day consisted of the Selma AmeriCorps team partnering together with residents to beautify Broad Street, Washington Street including Riverfront Park by adding new and improved street gardens in Downtown Selma.

On Wednesday, March 11, the members of the program specifically continued beautifying those streets and they added one more street to the beautification experience, which was the city’s historic Water Avenue.

As the team gathered the mulch for each street and the flower baskets to improve the street gardens, the team honored their Wednesday theme called “Working Together Wednesday” by putting forth a collaborative effort to stay on task and work together.

AmeriCorps member Tammi Holley said during the city beautification efforts Wednesday that she has been a part of the Selma AmeriCorps Program before, back in 2001, and has decided to come to back to assist the program through her job, mStreet Fiber Alabama, LLC.

“We’re building a fiber network here that’s going to stretch across 13 counties and Dallas County is our first flagship area,” Holley said. “With us being a part of the community, this is one of the things that we are trying to do, and we will continue to do.”

Holley said with mStreet Fiber Alabama, LLC, she is the digital equity manager, who would tell anyone interested in the Selma AmeriCorps Program that it is truly a service opportunity.

“If you are looking for something to do or don’t know how to get involved into the community and want to volunteer and just do not know where to start,” Holley said. “AmeriCorps is a good opportunity for you to start. Then that way, you can get yourself acclimated with the area that you are in and be a servant for your people.”

About 28 members from the Selma AmeriCorps team helped with the beautification project for the city of Selma. The City of Selma’s Planning and Development Community Engagement Coordinator Tasha Dangerfield said the efforts of the beautification projects should not just rely on the members alone.

“We would love to have more community participation too,” Dangerfield said. “What I notice is that we always have a bunch of people saying what Selma needs and what can be done and like what we should do but just like today, the weather is decent. Yesterday, the weather was decent too and we had 28 members out here working hard to beautify Selma. So, I feel like the community too, should have enough pride and say, “you know, let me get out and help, even if it’s just two plants.”

Dangerfield said it takes a team to make some differences happen in the city of Selma.

AmeriCorps member Jayden Robinson said that the three core values the organization stands upon is to revitalize, recharge and restore.

“That’s our theme for this week,” Dangerfield said. “What I have noticed with the members is that they work well in teams. So, teamwork is another component. They also can do critical thinking to figure out the task and what do we need to do to make sure we execute the job and get it finished. Overall, they have worked well together.”

Dangerfield also said another skillset that was developed by the team was conflict resolution.

“It’s like when one team member has an idea about something and another team member feels like their idea can work too, but at the end of the day, they finally come to one idea and a mutual agreement,” Dangerfield said. “So, that’s been good.”

Dangerfield also said when the members can come together and critically work things out, she feels it gives them a sense of pride too.

“When they get done and they ride down the street, they will be able to see and say, “That this is my work. This is my hand and that I took my personal time, got in and put my hands in the soil of Selma to make it look better,” Dangerfield said. “So, in a sense, too, it’s planting seeds of love while putting a little bit of themselves into this space. So with these projects that’s the same thing that I do. It’s planting seeds of hope, showing that this city is worthy and deserving of a better name. It stood for so much. But even with the civil rights and all of that, there’s so much more to Selma. It’s arts, its people, great culinary skills, history, all kinds of amazing people that come from this space and people that come into this space. I’m one of the implants and I’ve come here and it’s like I found my way. So, it’s a wonderful place and a unique gem.”

Dangerfield and AmeriCorps member Jayden Robinson agreed that the city overall just needs a little tender loving care.

To wrap up the Selma AmeriCorps week, members of the city, Mayor Johnny Moss, III and the members of the Selma AmeriCorps team attended a wellness and recharge day at the George P. Evans Reception Center and Safety Building on Thursday, March 12.

The wellness day included several grounding and mindfulness sessions with Cheryl Pettaway Colvin to commemorate their Thursday theme catered to tension release.

The day ended with recognition and acknowledgement of the Selma AmeriCorps members and their efforts contributed to the beautification of the city of Selma. The event also reminded every individual of the Selma AmeriCorps team that they can do all things in the world if they put their mind to it.

For more information about the Selma AmeriCorps Program, contact Jasmine Robinson at 334-327-7074.

Dallas County Health Department names community room after Trailblazing Nurse

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:15:29 GMT

On Feb.13, the Dallas County Health Department named its community room after Vera Jenkins Booker.

Booker was a trailblazing nurse in the Selma community who broke racial barriers, being one of the first African American nurses hired by the Dallas County Health Department. | Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

Just a day before valentine’s day, the Dallas County Health Department named its community room after Vera Jenkins Booker. Booker was a trailblazing nurse in the Selma community who broke racial barriers, being one of the first African American nurses hired by the Dallas County Health Department.

Prior to Booker joining the Dallas County Health Department , she was employed at Good Samaritan Hospital that was located on the corner of Washington Street and Voeglin Avenue in Selma. In 1965, Booker was the nurse supervisor on the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift when civil rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson was brought to the hospital after being shot during a voting rights protest in Marion, Alabama. Booker helped care for Jackson before he succumbed to his gunshot wounds eight days later, according to the Vera Jenkins Booker Community Room dedication program.

The program said that Booker dedicated her entire career to improving the health and well-being of all residents in Dallas County, especially during times when access to healthcare for African Americans were severely limited.

On Feb. 13, The Dallas County Health Department County Administrator Sarina Stewart joined Senator Robert Stewart alongside Dr. Constance Smith Hendricks and many others in welcoming the public to the dedication and renaming ceremony of the Dallas County Health Department's community room in honor of Vera Jenkins Booker.

Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce Visit Arabella Nursing Home in Selma

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:10:16 GMT

On Thursday, Arabella's Business Development Director Sarah Averette (left), spoke to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information about Arabella Health and Wellness of Selma and the services it provides to the Selma community. During the talk, Averette was joined by the facility’s administrator, Carolyn Davison (right), and Director of Nursing, Latechia Bell ( middle) . | The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

On Thursday, The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information spent the morning learning about the Arabella Health and Wellness of Selma nursing home and the services it provides to the Selma community.

Arabella’s Business Development Director Sarah Averette spoke to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and several community partners about the different sectors of the nursing home, starting with their inpatient rehab unit.

“So, we basically use this [unit] for our short-term patients who come out and need services after having any type of orthopedic surgeries and we also offer rehab for stoke patients as well,” Averette said. “We also work with cardiac patients, and we offer dialysis transportation if there is a patient that needs short term or long-term rehab, they live out in the community and need transportation.”

Averette said the nursing facility also has a van to help take patients back and forth to dialysis appointments and regular doctor visits as well.

“Because, of course, [patients] are going to have follow up appointments after they have a surgery and when they do, they will come back to Arabella and stay with us,” Averette said. “Usually, we try to get everybody in their own private room back here [in this unit] because it’s kind of like a hotel stay when they come.”

Averette also spoke about the facility’s new and upcoming upgrades to the Chamber, saying that the facility plans to continue renovations, and she said it does not stop at the inpatient rehab unit.

“We are working on getting the whole building renovated,” Averette said. “Whenever Arabella took over, that was their main focus to renovate this facility because a long time ago, this whole back unit used to be rehab facility full of patients when it was Warren Manor.”

The facility also offers respite stays for family members taking care of hospice patients, according to Averette to provide them with a moment of peace.

“Sometimes people just a need a break from home,” Averette said. “Sometimes they just have to get their minds clear or maybe take a mini break and we offer that respite stay for those caregivers as well. This is mainly focused on short-term stays because our goal is for short-term patients to be able to return back to the community and share their perspective on Arabella and our thorough care. As you know, we offer 24/7 care and we have a rehab unit located on the west wing so it’s good access.”

The last pillar of Averette’s talk with the Chamber consisted of her speaking about the activity department that they have for its residents.

“We have about four ladies who work in the activities department,” Averette said. “The activities’ department help the long-term and short-term patients stay active while they continuously get their care from our rehab department.”

As Averette continued talking, the facility’s administrator Carolyn Davison walked into the facility’s dining room alongside the Director of Nursing Latechia Bell to greet the members of the Chamber and its community partners, welcoming them to Arabella.

At the end of Averette’s talk, she opened the dialogue up for questions and allowed everyone who attended the meeting to tour the facility, showcasing Arabella’s new and improved inpatient rehab rooms.

Averette said if there is anyone interested in a tour of the Arabella Health and Wellness nursing home that they are always open to do a tour. Residents interested can call 334-874-7425 for more information.

Selma-Dallas County Public Library Hosts Jawana Jackson for Monthly Luncheon Series

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:34:22 GMT

Jawana Jackson stood before the crowd in the community room of the Selma-Dallas County Public Library and shared the story of her childhood home in Selma, where her parents, Dr. Sullivan and Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson, lived many years ago. | Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

On Thursday, the Selma- Dallas County Public Library welcomed Selma native Jawana Jackson home. Not only did Jackson return home, but she also brought with her the memories, the legacy, and the story of her childhood home in Selma where her parents, Dr. Sullivan and Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson, once lived.

During the luncheon, Library director Becky Nichols started the event off with a prayer which led to the introduction of Amber Mitchell, Founding Curator of Black History at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Heather Bruegl, Curator of Political and Civic Engagement at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation as well.

“They are the curators of the museum where the [Jackson] House is currently residing,” Nichols said. “I laughed and I said, “What is it like to curate a house? Catalogue a house?” “They have gotten quite the challenge, and I want to thank them for the slideshow today that gives you, kind of an idea of how this amazing journey has taken place.”

Nichols also recognized several community leaders during the luncheon such as Selma Mayor Johnny Moss, III, Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn, Representative for U.S. Congresswoman Terri Sewell Byron Evans, and the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information Director Sheryl Smedley.

There were also several others recognized at the event including members of the Selma City Council.

As Jackson came up to the front of the library’s community room, she was welcomed with a big hug from Nichols and a round of applause from a room full of community members that calls the city of Selma their home.

“I want to thank each and every one of you for coming,” Jackson said. “To my better half, James Richie, who has been with me on this journey, every step of the way; to the library; Becky Nichols, who is a wonderful, wonderful friend of my mother’s and my family; and to the Henry Ford Museum, who are now the stewards of the Jackson home— if the walls of that house could talk, what would they say?”

Jackson said the house would tell a story— a journey of a family here in Selma, Alabama that was rooted and committed to love, peace, justice and community. It also includes the story of several organizational clubs in Selma that impacted her upbringing, like the Chesterfield Club that was established in the city over 90 years ago.

“Making sure I made it to school on time,” Jackson said. “Everything that we know is community, right here in Selma. My family actually goes back to the late 1800s and matter fact, I just left— before I came here—the other family home, the Burwell home, which is right around the corner. I could never leave Selma, never ever.”

Jackson went on to talk about the Burwell home that was built in 1897 by Dr. Lincoln Laconia Burwell.

“You had Dr. Burwell, Dr. R.B. Hudson, who were brother-in- laws by the way and they married my great-grandfather’s sisters both, so a foundation was laid for my parents to open their home to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. many, many years later.”

Jackson went on to answer the question, “Why Selma?”

“Well, we sit on a major waterway,” Jackson said. “We sit in the Blackbelt, which I don’t know how many of you realize but at one point in history of this country, the Blackbelt was the largest economic engine in America. So, during those years, you had a Dr. L.L. Burwell, a R.B. Hudson and a P.L. Lindsey and all of these people that came together to talk about education, economic sustainability and how to create and maintain community. Then, one day you had a Sullivan and Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson, who married and decided to give their lives to Selma and the community. Then I come along at Good Samaritan Hospital which still stands as a beacon of the rich history that we have here in Selma”.

Jackson went on to talk about the history of the Edmund Pettus Bridge and how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to Selma.

“We sit on major waterway and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. comes into Selma, sees that bridge, sees the vision for America on voting rights, sees Montgomery, a stone’s throw away from Selma and plans a major march on voting rights and democracy for America here in Selma, in my parent’s home with me at four and five years old.”

Jackson said King did all the planning of the march with people from all around the world that came into the Jackson home. She said he did that on the footprint of the Burwells and the Hudsons and the people that came into Selma to make it a community that was thriving.

“You know, I think about the civil rights history,” Jackson said. “That was made in the Jackson home. I was so very young but somehow, I understood the meaning of now. The urgency of now, then. The importance of democracy in America and what my parents tried to, in their small way, give of themselves in this house to ensure that our country will always be a democratic society. Here are we are, 60 years later; we are still fighting for democracy.”

Jackson said to the audience that fighting for democracy is not something they should do but an action that must be done.

“And Selma is a place that those ideas, feelings and lessons can be learned,” Jackson said. “When I made the decision for the Jackson House to go to the Henry Ford [museum], it was easy because I knew that house deserved millions of people to be able to touch and see the story.”

Jackson said allowing the Henry Ford Museum to curate the house also allowed her to bridge a gap between the North and South because many of the ancestors back then left the South to go up North for a better life. Jackson said when the opportunity came to curate the home, she knew it was a no-brainer and considered it a “win-win” because the Jackson home will stand now for generations to come.

Nearing the end of the event, Jackson and the Henry Ford Museum gave away free copies of her mother’s book, The House by the Side of the Road along with a bookmark and a postcard to commemorate the celebration of the Jackson Home.

The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan will publicly display the original frameworks of the Jackson Home that was once in Selma in June in its Greenfield Village.

For more information about the Jackson Home, visit https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/greenfield-village/jackson-home/.

Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information invites community partners to United Tax Group’s Grand Opening

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:34:56 GMT

Community members joined the United Tax Group staff and its owner Tamika Suggs on Thursday to commemorate the business's ribbon cutting ceremony and its grand opening celebration. | Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

On Thursday, The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information proudly invited the public and community partners to the ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening of United Tax Group.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and the grand opening celebration for the tax business were held at 11 a.m. at 2901 Citizens Parkway.

Tamika Suggs, who is the owner of United Tax Group said the business is not new to Selma but has been in the community for many years.

“We are a tax company,” Suggs said. “Formerly known as Money Tax Services and I have been in the tax business for over 16 years. Before, when I was with Money Tax Services [as a business partner], we did a lot of sponsorships and stuff in the community and with me [being the owner now and undergoing a name change in August], I want to continue to do those same things we used to do back then.”

Suggs said under the new name, she plans to host school drives just as her and her former manager did before his passing including helping the schools’ football teams when they need any type of sponsorships.

“So, we just want the community to know it’s the same,” Suggs said. “Same people, same integrity, same things that Money Tax Services stood for.”

Suggs said she was also a little overwhelmed about the United Tax Group’s special day because her role would look a lot different than when she was a business partner.

“I have a lot on my plate now,” Suggs said. “But other than that, I’m elated. Everything is going really well business wise, and I do have new team members that came on this year and I also have returning members as well. So, we have been doing really, really good and I’m excited about that.”

Suggs said when she thought about her business United Tax Group, the phrase, “providing great customer service” came to mind.

“Because without our customers, we won’t stay open,” Suggs said.

Suggs went on to say she just wanted to make sure that her business would continue serving the Selma community and provide the best customer service to its customers.

For more information, contact United Tax Group at 334-875-0099.

Yellowhammer Theatre Group presents “A Complicated Hope” with a two-night performance

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:40:58 GMT

The Yellowhammer Theatre Group debuted its latest theatrical performance called " A complicated Hope" on Friday, Jan. 29 and Saturday, Jan. 30, which led to a "packed house" filled with Selma residents and community members. | The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

Friday night, A Selma -based theatre company known as the Yellowhammer Theatre Group opened the doors of the Harmony Club at 1103 Water Avenue to present its latest theatrical performance called “A Complicated Hope”.

“A complicated Hope” was a production that drew guests in from the beginning featuring an array of emotions from grief, love, to the eerie feelings of pain and sadness through the exploration of challenges including losing a loved one. The performance also depicted the inhabiting feeling of joy of finding a family of choice while simultaneously allowing each character to let their true selves be found.

The cast of the special performance consisted of Rose Marie, who was played by Sydni Michelle Perry, Marie, who was played by Irene Polk and Arnie, who was played by Jeff Hathcoat.

Yellowhammer Theatre Group Producer Patti Siegel, said that the performance’s opening night was considered a success and she said as a producer, she was incredibly proud of how well the cast and production team’s efforts worked together.

“[From] the Playwright John Mabey’s words, with Emily McClain’s vision as a director and the incredible performances by these three cast members,” Siegel said. “It was flawless and I loved the reaction from the people who came to see it. I heard wow, amazing over and over and over. It was a very proud moment.”

Like Siegel, several attendees of the opening night’s performance said the same or similar comments toward the end of the night during the cast and production team’s meet and greet session.

On Saturday night, the Yellowhammer Theatre Group geared up for another amazing night to showcase the performance and to leave the residents and visitors of Selma with a special production that would make a lasting impression for more performances to come.

Siegel said she wants those who came to the production no matter what night, to know that theater creates shared experiences within in the community.

“We bring stories like tonight, where you see the importance of connection, and in this particular case, connection and family and it’s just a wonderful way to open your mind,” Siegel said. “The more you come to the theater and see stories that maybe you are not familiar with in terms of your own life, it broadens everyone’s perspective and it opens the community up to each other and creates these shared experiences.”

The Yellowhammer Theatre Group is focused expressly on bringing theatre performances and arts education programs to Alabama’s Black Belt region expanding opportunity and access to this vibrant and important art form, according to the Yellowhammer Theatre Group mission statement.

______________________________

Exclusive Interviews | provided by The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

|Playwright John Mabey | Writer and storyteller whose plays have been published and produced on stage in nine countries and throughout the United States.

SDCC: In the production, there was a lot of emotional pieces from happiness to sadness, grief.. So why was all of that depicted to make this production come to life?

John: That’s a great question. Grief is something that is for me, non linear, because when I think of the people that are gone from my life, I flash through different moments that we’ve had together, and sometimes they are more recent moments or sometimes they are moments from far in the past. So that’s why the play is that non linear structure that flashes around in time. I find that when I think of people that I have lost, I remember the happy times, and also the time where we were angry with each other and when we had disappointment that we never resolved and I feel like the totality of that makes up the complexity of grief and also hope and joy.

SDCC: So when people see this in person, all the parts together, what is one thing or a couple things you want them to take away?

John: Oh, wonderful. I want people to take away the idea that family is not the only people that you are related to but they are also the people that you find and I also want people to take away that no matter how dark and sad life can feel, that there is HOPE for tomorrow.

SDCC: How long did it take you to write this? How did you find the people?

John: I wrote this play after my father passed away in 2020 and I was thinking and I was in my own grief, and the play came out very quickly during the time. And then after that, I had some amazing creative people that collaborated with to hear the play out loud, to develop the play. I thank Patti Siegel, the founder and producer of Yellowhammer Theatre Group, she has been instrumental in believing in me and this story and helping bring this work to Selma and make it as complete as it really can be.

*Mabey said that Friday, Jan. 30 and Saturday, Jan. 31 was the first time the play, “A Complicated Hope” was shown in Selma.

| (Rose Marie) Sydni Michelle Perry | Multidisciplinary creative artist and performer based in Atlanta

SDCC: Is this your first time in Selma? How does feel to be in Selma and to be in such a historical place?

Sydni: It is super exciting. Never been to Selma and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I think there’s just like an energy in the city that’s buzzing and I think meeting the people has really made me feel like, I guess, at home in a way and very excited to bring this story to them. We had a cocktail party and people were just like , “Wow. Tell us about the play. We are so excited to have art here in Selma.” So just to be apart of that, it’s a gift and I’m really thankful to be apart of that.

SDCC: So, tell me a little bit about your journey. How did you start out being an actress?

Sydni: I am a military kid, so I was born in San Antonio, Texas and we moved to Maryland, and then we settled in Augusta, Georgia, and I went to Decatur, Georgia at Agnes Scott for college and stayed there and I started my acting journey almost seven years ago. Now, I want to say because before that, I was an athlete for like 14 years, so that was always taking up my time. And I describe it as like a little voice in my head that was like, try acting. And, I’m like, okay. So within a few months, I’ve gotten my first agent and like a couple bookings here and there and I was like maybe I’m kind of good at this. Then fast forward, seven years later, now, I have been in films and TV. This is my first full stage play that I have been in a role like this and in lots of commercials. So, it’s been a very rewarding journey, because I think with the artist’s lifestyle or experience, a lot of people think that it’s hard and things don’t work out how you always think they will, but I would say that perseverance and continuing to just keep going has rewarded me in ways that I just never thought possible.

SDCC: So what would you tell somebody that’s inspiring to be an actress? Because we have a lot of theater kids around here.

Sydni: I would say, be very clear on your own vision of where you want to go, but also be very flexible on how you get there, because getting here today came through basically being a stage manager for something else, connecting with someone else. From that one project to being a director somewhere else, like just relationships that I have built over time and in positions that I never thought I was going to hold and that wasn’t specifically being an actor in those moments. So I think it’s just being open to what God, what the Universe has in store for you, and not being so laser focused on how you think it should be , because it might be something you could never even imagined and even better than what you hope, hope is your world.

SDCC: What was your role?

Sydni: I was the daughter of Marie and her name is Rose Marie and basically she grew up not knowing what happened to her father.

SDCC: So, is there anything is about your character that you want to say to someone who’s interested in doing theatre?

Sydni: This is my very first time doing a full length play and one of the main things that I was afraid of when I started was like, “Am I going to be able to remember all the lines? Are my choices going to be good? Like how is this going to work out? Like, I’m going to suck. But the team behind this project, Emily McClain, the director, Irene, the other actor and Jeff Hathcoat, the other actor and Patti Siegel, the producer, have all been so supportive, and they are true professionals, so I was always open to learning and taking in what they were doing and allowing myself to be in the space, prepare as much as I can but to also know that I don’t have to be perfect. Because I think I thought I had to be perfect for me to be able to do well, or for them to like me and once I let that go and just trusted my co actors and did the preparation that I could, I also spoke up when I had ideas and shared them and committed to those choices. Emily was an amazing collaborator. She’s like, “yeah, let’s try it. I love that. Keep it.” Im like, “Oh, okay.” And my confidence just built all the way through this process. So, I’m just like now, that was easy. Like, the little Staples button. So, I think giving yourself the space to learn, stumble and grow is key and by the end of it, you might just surprise yourself.

| (Marie) Irene Polk | Actress, thrilled to make her Yellowhammer Theatre Debut!

SDCC: Tell me a little bit about your role.

Irene: I play Marie in “A Complicated Hope”. A little bit about Marie, she is a very strong, intelligent lawyer who loses her husband after 12 years of marriage and she finds out that he was having a secret affair. It’s just been such a pleasure to play Marie and be apart of Yellowhammer [Theatre Group] and bringing the theater to Selma. It’s been so beautiful and so wonderful and the community here has been absolutely amazing. It’s not just us that put this together . There are friends of Patti’s and Jerry’s who have come here, who have helped, let us use things and everything and it really shows you like family is what you create. It’s not always who you are born to or who you are born with, but it’s the people around you who you choose everyday to love and I really think that Selma is a great reflection of the theme of this story, which is found family and growing together as one.

SDCC: So is this your first time coming to Selma? How does that feel being in such a historic place, seeing the city for yourself and what do you want people to take away from seeing your character?

Irene: That’s a great question. I think what I want people to take away from seeing Marie is that you can’t do it alone. You have people who love you, who care about you, let them in. It’s hard, like I’m a victim of this myself, because I like to say, “I can do it all. I depend on myself. I can get it done.” Then, you are worn out, you are burdened, you are overbearing. There are people in this world who love you and who want to help you, let them in, be open, accept the love and accept the community. And again, like the community that we have had in Selma has just been beautiful. It’s been accepting. I don’t think there’s one place that we went to that people didn’t either know Patti and come up to us. We have talked to complete strangers who have just seen us and been like, “What are y’all doing here? What’s going on? And it’s just amazing because you don’t get that really much anymore. People talking to each other and people being like, “Hey, tell me your story.” I think what I want people to receive from Marie is to allow yourself to love, to be loved by other people and to pour into your community and allow them to pour back into you. I would also tell the people of Selma to keep watching for Yellowhammer. They are doing so many great things in this community, besides the shows that they put on here, they do a lot of engagement with an education, with kids at the high schools and middle schools and it’s so wonderful, the powerful work that they are bringing to Selma. So keep looking out for Yellowhammer because we are not done yet. We have a whole season coming out and we’ll be back soon.

| (Arnie) Jeff Hathcoat | thrilled to be back in Selma with Yellowhammer Theatre Group.

SDCC: What’s your role in tonight’s play?

Jeff: Tonight, I played Arnie in “A Complicated Hope” and I was fortunate enough that John, our playwright actually approached us about producing this and asked if I would take on this role. I feel very honored that they trusted me with such a very deep and intense role that I did not realize until we started and I noticed that , “Oh, I’m in every single scene.”

SDCC: So what do you want people to take away from your role as Arnie?

Jeff: Your family can be truly anyone you choose to love and take care of and that does not necessarily mean, it’s a blood relation. It is just something that connects the two of you through truly the power of love. And that may sound silly or corny, but that is how these characters find each other, even through some of the grief that you see in this play. What brings them together is how they are surviving and they are surviving through love.

SDCC: okay, so seeing somebody in the audience, that may be going through the some of the same things at home, what would you tell them?

Jeff: The honest advice really is do not shy away from connecting with others when you are in a place of uncertainty, grief or sadness. Frankly in my experience, not even as my character, shutting down is not only going to hurt you and holding on to be alone, while it may feel good in the moment, will not really help you move on and process what you are going through. To dig yourself out of that is really as simple as finding a connection with someone that you love.

*Jeff Hathcoat is from Atlanta, Georgia and he went to school in Boston where he studied acting in theater and then from Boston, moved to New York, where he did a bunch of shows like Shakespeare The Park, performed on Broadway and did other things regionally in the area that he considers “beautiful and wonderful”. Hathcoat also said in the interview he has a strong connection to Selma being that his stepdad is from here and said they both have been coming to Selma for 30 years and at this point, he feels being able to bring what he grew up wanting to do and sharing it with his second hometown has been such a beautiful experience.

“Especially with how welcoming this community has been and how excited everyone is with this work, it’s honestly been jaw dropping,” Hathcoat said.

For more information and upcoming performances from the Yellowhammer Theatre Group,

visit www.https://www.yellowhammertheatregroup.com/

Events held to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:11:44 GMT

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaking at a mass meeting at Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Alabama.

"Alabama Department of Archives and History. Donated by Alabama Media Group. Photo by Ed Jones, Birmingham News."

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

Starting today, there are several events happening in the Queen City to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his efforts to bring forth change and equality to all people.

The first event starting at 6 p.m. is the city’s annual criminal justice mass meeting that is held at First Baptist Church at 709 Martin Luther King Jr. St. The event will feature Alabama Senator Robert Stewart, who serves District 23, Alabama Representative Prince Chestnut, who serves District 67 including this year’s keynote speaker Doug Jones, who also served as a former U.S. Senator of Alabama from 2018 to 2021.

“I think this is just a continuation that’s building upon last year’s events,” said Senator Stewart. “We received a lot of great fanfare and overwhelming support from the community, and we just want to keep it going and address the civil justice issues that our community has by giving people an opportunity to attend the warrant clinic from 4 to 7 p.m. as well and to just let people know that they have elected officials working for them, trying to improve their lives.”

Stewart said with the event being held at First Baptist Church, a place where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke and where the first mass meeting was held, he finds it to be a grateful experience to continue King’s legacy to fight for civil rights while ensuring that there is a more, just society for Alabamians as a whole.

“We just want people to walk away more informed about the justice systems and how they impact their lives,” Stewart said. Stewart went on to say, “Now, criminal justice is a community issue.”

On Friday, Jan.16, the events surrounding the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. continue. There will be a movie screening Friday night at 6 p.m. called “The Trauma We Carry”, highlighting criminal justice reform activist Dena Dickerson, her life and how the criminal justice system affected her well-being at a young age.

“It is just another opportunity for us to be more informed,” Stewart said. “All these events highlighting Dr. King and his legacy are about us recommitting to really trying to have a beloved community, recommitting to justice, opportunity and peace for all.”

Stewart said Friday night’s event will include refreshments and a chance for the community to connect and fellowship with each other.

On Monday, Jan.19, which is the official observance day for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he said that there will be two more historic events taking place as well.

The 33 ^rd anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast sponsored by The Selma Chapter of the Links, Incorporated organization will start at 9 a.m. Monday at the Selma Convention Center at 211 Washington St.

To conclude the evening of events, there will also be a wreath laying ceremony and candlelight vigil held at 5 p.m. at the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1431 Broad St.

Stewart said the unity breakfast event is ticket only and those interested can reach out to the Unity Breakfast Chairperson Dr. Willietta Conner at 334-412-6031 or Dr. Patricia Robinson at selmalinks@gmail.com for more information.

Reflections Coffee Shoppe Hosts Grand Merge Celebration

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 21:34:52 GMT

Reflections Coffee Shop owner Jackie Smith stands proudly with the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce Director Sheryl Smedley at the shop's grand merge celebration. Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

On Monday, The Reflections Coffee Shoppe held its official grand merge celebration that officially tied the legacy of its original coffee shop known as The Coffee Shoppe to its main location on 1014 Water Avenue.

Coffee Shop Owner Jackie Smith said at the coffee shop’s celebratory closure event held on Dec. 29 that the Broad Street location was run for 14 years and that it contained a unique asset that kept customers coming back — its drive through.

“We have a great idea [coming to Reflections] to replace the drive through,” Smith said. “We are going to designate two parking spaces out front curbside so people can call in their order, make payments, and when they are outside, they can either call us or [we are] going to strategically position those parking spaces [where they are visibly seen], like if you are standing at the register, you can look right out and say, “there’s a car in curb space number one or there’s a car in curb space number two.”

Smith said not only are the coffee shop operations undergoing active changes, but that the menu at Reflections is too.

“The traditional menu are salads and sandwiches,” Smith said. “That’s our specialty and what we are adding to the menu will be a soup of the week. We will have Wednesday on the Plate, which means we will have a special plated meal including the addition of breakfast items. We are going to have short stack pancakes with eggs and a choice of meat. Also, breakfast croissants that will be loaded with eggs, cheese and turkey sausage or bacon and our signature breakfast dish will be candied bacon.”

Smith said the menu is online but not readily active because it’s under construction, but hopefully in the next 30 days, she said the website will be back up and running.

“That’s a work in progress,” Smith said. But I will say by the end of the first quarter, we will have everything in place and hopefully operate like a well- oiled machine.”

Smith said alongside new additions to the menu, there will also be brunch held at the coffee shop every second and fourth Saturday.

“We have also hired a culinary specialist,” Smith said. “She’s in control of the menu and the offerings, the prep and the execution of the total menu and we are so happy to bring her on board.”

Erial Hunter is the newest member of the Reflections Coffee Shoppe team and is the culinary specialist, whom Smith considers a Sous chef. Hunter was born and raised in Selma with deep roots in the kitchen from a very early age and said her interest in the culinary field came from her grandma.

“My grandma started a business called Mary’s Exceptional Catering,” Hunter said. “It’s still up and running and has been [in business] for over 30 years now and when my grandma’s health started to decline, the business was passed down to my mom.”

Hunter said her mom would help her grandmother with the business when she was a kid until her teenage years. Like her mom, Hunter took the same initiative years later as an adult after she quit her corporate job to assist her mom with the catering business to take it further than it has ever been.

Hunter said she has solely worked with Exceptional Catering for three years and that she knew at the tender age of 10 years old that cooking was something she was passionate about.

“I am already grateful, already mind blown at what God is doing,” Hunter said. I’m very faith-based from my head to my toes but yes, [this opportunity to work with Reflections] is huge. I’m beyond blessed,” Hunter said.

Hunter said her feelings regarding the new position are beyond words. Hunter is the first culinary chef hired by the coffee shop since it opened last year in March.

“This is history for Reflections,” Hunter said. “Emerging from the coffee shop to here and where Reflections is about to go. It’s very huge.”

Smith said since the transition of both shops, customers do not have to worry about the issue of seating because the coffee shop can comfortably seat 118 people inside and 22 people on the outside in the patio seating area.

“So, we have a capacity to do anything that you can dream of,” Smith said. “We also have a balcony that overlooks the Alabama River and the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and I say it’s the best view on this side of the bridge. So, don’t be surprised at whatever you see Reflections Coffee Shoppe doing down here because we are here to improve the quality of life for our citizens and our tourists that come in.”

Smith said the new hours of operation at The Reflections Coffee Shoppe are 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays are closed for business unless there is a special event.

For more information about the Reflections Coffee Shoppe, contact Jackie Smith at 334-878-5282.

Selma University hosts two-day student leadership summit conference

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 19:49:22 GMT

Students from surrounding Selma and Dallas County schools line up at the Jemison-Owens Auditorium to attend the university's first student leadership conference. | Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

On Tuesday, Selma University kicked off its first-ever two-day Black student leadership summit conference at its Jemison-Owens Auditorium and Gymnasium with the idea in mind to enrich the lives of students located around Selma and Dallas County.

About 400 students from various schools in the Black Belt attended the event’s opening day that was geared towards the university’s mission to prepare procreant servant leaders from its communities for its communities while creating an environment where students can heal, realize their power and step into their change-making abilities, according to the university’s program itinerary.

“I’m just excited that all of you could come and that your advisors, high school counselors and coaches would bring you all and I’m just thrilled,” said Selma University President Dr. Stan Angion to the crowd during the ceremony.

Like Angion, there were various speakers like Dr. Carlos Williams, who spoke on the topic of being a procreant servant leader and how the role could be demonstrated in a student’s day-to-day life. Dr. Dominica McBride also spoke on the topic of the students becoming a change maker and what that process looks like while also incorporating to the students the importance of healing.

The opening ceremony concluded with breakout sessions, classroom workshops geared towards students being the change, the shift in leadership while also learning how to heal and show up strong.

“Showing up strong” is a workshop that encourages students to be present at school both physically and mentally and it teaches them how to show up strong because in our communities, we’ve had issues with student absenteeism and so with this workshop today, we are reaching out to help students know that their presence makes a difference in class,” Angion said.

The event also included a networking lunch, an interactive procreant servant leadership fireside chat alongside the unveiling of a documentary about the life of Thurgood Marshall as well. There were also other events held leading up to a reflection of the day and a circle full of students ending the day in prayer.

“We wanted the students to have fun,” Angion said. “We wanted them to enjoy and get the message, but we also wanted them to leave saying, man we had a good time and be intrigued not just by what they learned but also about how they can have good, clean fun in a wholesome environment.”

Angion said the networking portion of the event was a gateway activity for students to connect with the speakers of the day including their peers and others who could be a resource for them in the near future.

A local food truck vendor named Southern Groove was also a contributor to the networking portion of the event, providing students with fresh meals catered to its distinct southern cuisine. Due to its presence near the university’s auditorium, students lined up in hurdles to fellowship and grab a quick bite to eat.

Southern Groove owner Robert Childers said once he received the call that students from all surrounding schools were coming to SU for a leadership conference, he said he knew he couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to support. He said through his small business he hopes that the students can see the idea of entrepreneurship and will always be willing to help anyway he can.

“Today’s menu at Southern Groove consists of wings and fries,” Childers said. “For me, I try to be creative in everything I do, even though it is wings and fries. The way I serve my fries, I do a fried medley, which is waffle fries, straight cut fries and crinkle cut. I’m Just trying to be different and give a lot of options.”

Childers said the flavors of wings that were sold during the conference were lemon pepper, sweet chili and plain. Plates were around $12 and if the students wanted a drink, he said it could be added as well. One customer standing in line at Southern Groove food truck, waiting on her food admired the scenery of fellowship on SU’s campus that she said she will always cherish and never forget.

“Selma University was a place where we came and played under the guidance of some ministerial students. My parents owned the land just past the dorm that was sold to the university many years ago,” said Carolyn Pickett, a retired educator of the Selma City Schools System and volunteer coordinator at the Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth and Reconciliation. “My mother was a graduate of Selma University, so I have love for this campus, and I am so excited to be here this morning and to see the number of young people in one space, in the gym, I got chill bumps. It’s been a long time since I saw students like this in an educational setting. I’ve seen a lot of young people at football games and some at the other sport activities, but to see this number of young people under a covered roof and to also see the people who are mentoring them, their teachers, is such a great thing to see.”

Pickett said she was excited for the up-and-coming activities that university plans to offer to the students and that she hopes she can participate in the students’ conference for the second day.

“I am hopeful that the takeaway for them will be someone is interested in them, individually and collectively and that the leadership of Selma University had the thought process to hold an event like this and to reach out and engage them,” Pickett said.

Pickett said she would tell tourists who never seen or heard of SU that it is the oldest HBCU in the state of Alabama and that this is a campus where they should come and schedule a visit because there is history on this campus and it’s surrounded by other Civil Rights history, but it has its own place in history as well.

Angion said the conference’s second day will consist of more student breakout sessions with various speakers and will act as a subtle reminder for students to become who they were created to be through the daily commitment of healing and empowerment.

Rep. Chestnut Gives Selma University $31K to help with campus efforts

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:05:10 GMT

Rep. Chestnut and Selma University President Stan Angion shakes hands in honor of check presentation. | Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

On Tuesday, Rep. Prince Chestnut came to Selma University to present its president Dr. Stan Angion with a check of $31,000 to help with the university’s efforts to expand their technology and to contribute to their student support efforts.

Angion told Chestnut during the check presentation on the steps of Dinkins Hall that he was delighted and grateful to receive such a generous contribution for the university.

“I want to thank him personally because I know how hard it is to fight for funding,” Angion said. “He’s been there with Selma University and for Selma University for several years since I’ve been here and so I personally want to say thank you. On behalf of the faculty, staff and students, I also want to say thank you and I think our entire campus community will greatly benefit from this donation.”

Angion said the generous donation will help the university enhance their internet services that they currently offer to the students of SU including their academic services support that they currently provide for the students as well.

“When I refer to internet access, we have computer labs that we make available to our students so that they will be able any time of the day to get on the website to complete activities and complete academic assignments. They also need student support services and that means that we have to have somebody who can provide access to these labs so that students can be able to come and get the help they need. So, with these funds we need to make sure that the computers are up and operational and that the students can get help when they need it.”

Chestnut said since the university is the only HBCU standing in his district, he wanted to make sure that he supported the university, especially at a crucial time when HBCUs are having a lot of funding issues.

“We need to keep these universities open,” Chestnut said. “And I, myself am a graduate of an HBCU.”

Speaking of HBCUs, Governor Kay Ivey declared the month of October as HBCU Month on Oct. 1 and both Angion and Chestnut said that they stand firmly behind the governor’s latest proclamation.

“I support the designation of October as HBCU month because it gives us an opportunity to agree with the governor that HBCUs are special and that we serve a population and a mission that many other universities do not serve, and the work that we’ve done in the past gives us an opportunity to highlight that. So, I am very delighted for this proclamation,” Angion said.

Like Angion, Chestnut said, “I have every indication from other legislators, as well as the governor, that they are supportive of HBCUs. In fact, we’ve been able to get Selma University some other funding as well within the budget through different collaborations with West Alabama and other universities. So, I think that the state stands firm and committed to furthering educational opportunities for everyone. HBCUs are part of the higher education system, and we want to make sure that we are supporting in every way possible.”

Angion said the university is a quite unique place for students to study because it stands out above any other college in the Selma area due to its true dedication to meet students where they are and to help them get to where they need to be successfully.

“Now, you hear that cliché all the time, we meet students where they are, but many institutions just don’t because they are not equipped to, but we truly meet students where they are,” Angion said. “If a student comes in and they are barely are a C-student, we embrace you. We provide the academic skills and support services to help you get to the point where you can be a college level student.”

Angion said not only is the university known for its mission catered to student excellence, it also is known for its timeless buildings full of history.

“Dinkins Hall is our main administrative building,” Angion said. “We have classes in this building on the second and third floor and we have a 400-seat auditorium in this building, and it is one of our buildings among several others that are under renovation.”

Angion spoke about university’s other buildings like Pollard Hall, that will soon be a museum for the university which will feature a video conferencing center. Then, he spoke about the university’s science building that has been totally renovated with a new roof, a new paint job in the inside and out and he considers it “ready for use.” He also spoke about the university’s gymnasium and how it has a new roof as well, new doors and that it is a building that has more additions coming soon.

“The cafeteria is also undergoing a full renovation,” Angion said. “We just put a brand-new roof on it as well and we are putting a whole new design in place for it soon for students to be able to have a nice environment to eat and relax. So, we’ve done a whole lot this year and over the last couple of years or so, we have spent over $ 4 million dollars for campus renovations.”

The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:15:19 GMT

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of the month, The Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce has decided to feature two residents in the city who are also making the commitment to keep hope alive for those who are continuously fighting such a courageous battle.

Julie Atchison who is a mammography technologist at the Selma Vaughan Regional Medical Center shares why she chose her career path and what led her to fight for other women through the detection of breast cancer.

Then, Selma resident Cindy Box also shares her courageous fight with breast cancer, leaving women with hope that they can also make it through.

Read both of these beautiful and courageous testimonies below:

Why I Chose my career path as a Mammography technologist

Testimony By Julie Atchison

I’m a mammography technologist at Vaughan Regional Medical center. I chose this career path because I know first hand how important it is to get your screening mammograms done. In 2016, right after I graduated high school, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 46 after feeling a lump in her breast and getting checked.

After a long, grueling battle with cancer she passed in 2018 at age 49. She had never had a screening mammogram before this. After she passed, I decided to join the fight against breast cancer and change career paths.

I’m so glad I did. I love getting to see our patients year after year and build friendships with them. What I do for work goes beyond the walls of the hospital- I will call up my friends moms and check on them to make sure they got their yearly mammograms, share with friends and family the importance of screenings, and even answer helpful questions along they way that they may not know!

My Breast Cancer Story

Testimony by Cindy Box

My journey started on February 13, 2012 when I had a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy in the same day. I received my results the following day, Valentine’s Day. Breast cancer. In the beginning, we thought it was early stage two, but further testing revealed Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, estrogen receptor positive, stage 3C, (IDC ER+ 3C).
Within a month, I had chosen my oncology team and underwent bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction, (it took three years). I had four rounds of chemotherapy for a total of 16 weeks and 39 radiation treatments.

12 weeks into chemotherapy I had become terribly sick and had to have a blood transfusion. I had a total of 10 surgeries and 14 hospitalizations. Once all of my treatments ended and confirmed that I was in remission, I began a 10 year maintenance therapy of a hormone blocker, based on the type of cancer diagnosis.

Although I was in remission, the battle was to stay healthy. I had visits with my oncologist every six months along with breast, MRIs, bone scans, and lab work. In March, 2024, I had completed my 10 year regime and graduated to annual visits.

On April 23, 2025, I underwent surgery again on the right breast, (cancer side), due to an intracapsular contracture that had ruptured the implant. The implant was replaced and scar tissue removed. Three short months later, I was hospitalized with cellulitis and sepsis due to an abscess at the incision site from the previous surgery. The abscess ruptured. I underwent emergency surgery once again to remove the implant. This was a life saving surgery.

At this point, I am left without a breast or an implant. I was fitted for and I am waiting for a prosthesis, but hopefully sometime next year will be able to have reconstruction by fat grafting using my own tissue.

It took a minute for me to accept my body as it is … but then I am reminded of the scars that Jesus Christ wears. He died, but I am spared. I am grateful. I’m thankful. I’m highly favored and I am blessed.

During all of this, I give God all the glory.

SHA expands new food truck initiative to first responders

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:08:34 GMT

Last week , The Selma Housing Authority debuted their food truck's first-ever event catered to first responders. |Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

On Thursday, The Selma Housing Authority had their first-ever food truck initiative event catered to first responders.

Members of the Selma Police Department, Selma Fire Department, including the city’s paramedics and EMT professionals were all invited to the event and provided complimentary meals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bloch Park.

There were also nurses in the community who attended the event and SHA’s Chief Operating Officer Cicely Curtis said the idea behind the food truck appreciation meal day stemmed from its CEO Kennard Randolph.

“Our President and CEO, Mr. Randolph stresses that this is the people’s truck and our motto behind this truck is “Serving Up Hope and Hot Meals,” Curtis said. “So, not only are we going to sell food from the food truck, but we are also going to appreciate people in the community like our first responders. We are going to soon have some appreciation events catered to our educators and various other service providers that we have in our community, and we will also utilize the food truck to give back.”

Curtis said the food truck will give SHA residents the opportunity to learn culinary skills through classes provided by their own chef, Mrs. Erial Hunter while the organization remains true their mission of serving nutritious meals throughout their developments and to the families of their community.

“So, what better way than to appreciate our first responders for the sacrifice that they make every single day for all of us?” Curtis said. “It was a joy for us to be able to give back to them, let them take a break from the long hours that they work and for them to just come out and sit down and enjoy a delicious meal.”

Curtis said the meal of choice for the first responders consisted of polish sausages, teriyaki wings, french fries, fried fish, catfish including their specialty, The Big Al Burger that consisted of several different toppings.

Curtis said the main topping that is on the burger is fried green tomatoes. Curtis said she wants all the participants of Thursday’s event to first take away that they are not just serving hot meals, but that they are serving hope.

“We are here for the people to feed the people,” Curtis said. “Yes, we will have a menu with prices, but you will also see us out in the community serving needs. We are service providers, and we try to fill the needs of the people.”

Curtis said she also wants people who attended the event to also take away the experience that they had and to know that whenever SHA has an event, there will be music and great food.

“At this event, we had DJ Barack on the ones and twos, because music soothes people’s souls and it brings people together,” Curtis said. “It’s a vibe you can enjoy, and we also want people to know that this is a way to fellowship. It’s a way to show that we are appreciative for our first responders and for everything that they do for us.”

During the event, Curtis said they received such great feedback about the meal, and she said she was just excited to be able to hear great things for their first event and to bring the SHA’s vision to life.

Speaking of vision, Curtis also mentioned the food truck’s slogan is not only a motto for SHA but a visionary piece from a special resident of Selma.

Curtis said 15-year-old Alysia Langdon was the resident who thought of the food truck’s unique slogan and was named the official winner of their slogan contest that was put out on the organization's Facebook page for all residents of the Selma community to participate in.

“I came with “Serving Up Hope and Hot Meals” because it’s not just about food,” Langdon said. “It’s about each day being a new opportunity and about making people feel cared for. The hope is just as important as the meal, and everyone loves a good, hot meal.”

Curtis said when the SHA team looked through the slogans after the closing of the contest, she said the slogan that Langdon made was the one that stood out to the team the most.

“When we looked through those slogans, that was the one that really stuck out to us. So, on Thursday, I think what we saw was evidence of that slogan,” Curtis said. “This event was true to that slogan, “Serving Up Hope and Hot Meals”. We saw police officers, firemen, and EMT workers eating, smiling and the firemen were throwing the ball back and forth. It was then you saw hope, people who work hard but they got a chance to take a break, pause, breathe and fellowship together.

Curtis said soon SHA’s new food truck initiative will expand to other locations downtown such as MK 87 on Broad Street on first Fridays and that starting next month, they will officially roll out their menu with prices.

Blackbelt Benefit Group presents $5K check to DCCS Rise and Recover Selma organization

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 17:12:02 GMT

Members of Blackbelt Benefit Group and The Selma Lions Club awarded CEO and Executive Director Miah Tolbert of the Dallas County Court Services Rise and Recover organization a $5,000 check. | Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

On Monday, The Blackbelt Benefit Group presented a $5,000 check to the Dallas County Court Services Rise and Recover Selma organization from its June 7th Rockin' Riboff and Rick Carter Songwriter Festival.

Ex-officio member and Co-founder Clay Carmichael of BBG said the organization was deserving of the proceeds from the event due to their consistent effort to serve over 200 citizens a month with recovery needs pertaining to drug and alcohol abuse.

“I just appreciate the DCCS Rise and Recover Selma organization for everything that they do for the community,” Carmichael said. “Miah Tolbert has done a great job over there and just before the check presentation she told all in attendance, that they have been at this for 15 years.”

Carmichael said the organization has continued to grow and over time, has won national accolades and that he strongly believes the Rise and Recover program is a very good organization that they should be proud to have in Selma.

“We want to do more for them, said The Blackbelt Benefit Group. “So we have decided to benefit them again for the Alabama River Chili Cookoff 2025 on Thursday, Oct. 23.”

On the behalf of the organization, Carmichael thanked its sponsors, teams, and attendees for their continued support. He also said that the BBG organization was not the only contributor to the monetary donation, but The Selma Lions Club did as well.

“I think the Selma Lions Club donated close to $1,500 from their proceeds of being the top team at the festival including being the winning recipient of the People's Choice. With the team tips, they benefited all their proceeds to the Rise and Recover Selma organization,” Carmichael said.

CEO and Executive Director Miah Tolbert of the DCCS Rise and Recover Selma organization said that they are deeply grateful for this incredible gift and the support that it represents.

“This contribution will go directly toward strengthening our programs, helping us continue our mission of providing hope, healing, and recovery for those who need it most,” Tolbert said. “Partnerships like this remind us that we are not alone in this work. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier community. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Blackbelt Benefit Group for believing in and uplifting the people we serve.”

The Blackbelt Benefit Group said if there are any community partners who would like to join them by sponsoring a team at the upcoming chili cookoff in October that they can email: info @bbgal.org.

Selma Housing Authority unveils new food truck initiative

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 20:16:00 GMT

Selma Housing Authority| Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce

By Faith Callens

Special to the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information

Today, The Selma Housing Authority will unveil its first-ever food truck initiative at its Rangedale Community Center on 1 Twilley Avenue in Selma that will provide SHA residents’ hope and hot meals.

SHA President Kennard Randolph said the food truck initiative is an innovative project that was developed in collaboration with the SHA’s Jobs Plus Program. A program in which he said, “aims to provide residents with fresh, hot and delicious meals while simultaneously offering training and employment opportunities to SHA residents interested in the culinary and hospitality fields.”

The official ribbon cutting ceremony for the organization’s latest initiative will kick off at 3:30 p.m. today and last until 5:00 p.m. Randolph said there will be remarks from the SHA leadership, community partners and several local officials including Mayor James Perkins Jr. and Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn. The event will also include a tour of the food truck and its complimentary tastings.

“The name for the food truck, “Serving Up Hope and Hot Meals” came from a Facebook competition,” Randolph said. “Where we decided to allow the community and our residents to decide on what they wanted the slogan to be and the slogan for the food truck that we have today won first place.”
Randolph said the food truck initiative has always been an idea that he has had in mind for some time and said he saw the perfect opportunity to implement it when the organization was awarded the Jobs Plus Program grant last year.

“So, I thought it would be a good idea to use this food truck initiative to allow our residents to learn a culinary skill or get some type of culinary training through the food truck. While they are getting the training, they can work on the food truck and make some revenue and hopefully they may want to start their own food truck or catering business,” Randolph said.

Randolph continued by saying, “Serving Up Hope and Hot Meals” is more than just a food truck, it’s a symbol of compassion, community, and opportunity. It reflects our commitment to meeting residents where they are, addressing food insecurity, and empowering our community with workforce development skills.”

Randolph also explained in-depth about the three crucial components that make up the food truck initiative and the values it stands upon.

“One, we have to make sure that we are compassionate and that we are able to reach them where they are, to pull them up, and to give them a helping hand to become self-sufficient. Two, the community pillar of this initiative is more so of when you see our different developments and the people there, we want residents to understand that they are not isolated and that they are apart of the community as well. Sometimes people can feel like they are isolated based on their condition, based on where they live but I want them to feel a sense of community and to know there is no isolation and that we are all one community.”

Lastly, Randolph spoke on the opportunity pillar of the initiative, where he said that the SHA wants to give residents the opportunity through this food truck and through other opportunities sponsored by the Jobs Plus Program Grant to become self-sufficient, gainfully employed and to make a good life for their families.

Randolph said the food truck will serve as a mobile kitchen, delivering meals directly to the SHA neighborhoods and community events while ensuring all residents have convenient access to a variety of food options. He also said one thing that makes the organization’s newest initiative stand out is the fact that they are the first housing authority in the State of Alabama to operate a food truck.

“So, that right there sets us apart from other agencies,” Randolph said. “And one of other things that sets us apart is that this food truck was not designed or created to just make a profit. It was designed to provide hope, a sense of belonging and to just help in areas throughout our city and our communities where we can feed people who are hungry.”

Randolph said through this initiative, SHA strives to do their part to make sure that there’s no family unfed, no family left feeling like they are not cared for or that there’s no concern. He said he is definitely concerned about the community, and he strives to do all he can to make the community better.

The ribbon cutting ceremony is open to the public and Randolph said that he encourages community members to attend and witness firsthand how the Selma Housing Authority continues to invest in initiatives that uplift residents.

For more information, visit selmahousing.com. or contact Selma Housing Authority at 334-874-6271 or 334-874-5567.

DAVE'S MARKET GRAND OPENING

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 17:14:33 GMT

JOIN US FOR DAVE'S MARKET RIBBON CUTTING

We are excited to announce the ceremony and ribbon cutting of Dave's Market. Please join us!

Monday, October 7, 2024

3509 AL Highway 22

Valley Grande, AL