Since Woodlawn United’s founding in 2010, its mission has been to serve as a catalyst and facilitator for the transformation and revitalization of the Woodlawn community in Birmingham into a vibrant and sustainable community in which its residents have an opportunity to thrive. The WE Lead was developed to address the Woodlawn Community’s gap in access to leadership development opportunities. This 14-week community-focused program seeks to identify individuals who desire to improve their community and give voice to traditionally underrepresented community members. WE Lead fellows will engage in weekly training to learn from political, business, and community leaders. As a cohort, participants will partake in initiatives to address current issues impacting Woodlawn. The program goals for WE Lead Fellows are:   · Increased participation in formal and informal neighborhood leadership. · Understanding of complex systemic issues. · Increased resident participation in community-based organizations while serving in various leadership roles. · Be connected to a vast network of community and civic leaders. · An understanding of public/private partnerships and how to leverage funds.   PARTICIPATION QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS Ideal applicants must demonstrate a commitment to Woodlawn and neighboring communities with a desire to serve their community through positions of impact (e.g., volunteerism, advocacy, non-profit boards, etc.). Each session is an integral part of the program, and participants are required to attend at least 90% of the sessions or 10 out of the 11 sessions to successfully complete the fellowship and receive the program financial stipend. Applications are due Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 5:00pm. Apply at: https://woodlawnunited.formstack.com/forms/welead. The 2022-2023 fellowship program year is scheduled as follows: • Tuesday, November 1, 2022 • Tuesday, November 29, 2022 • Tuesday, December 13, 2022 • Tuesday, January 10, 2023 • Tuesday, January 24, 2023 • Tuesday, February 7, 2023 • Tuesday, February 21, 2023 • Tuesday, March 7, 2023 • Tuesday, March 21, 2023 • Tuesday, April 4, 2023 • Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Birmingham, Ala. – Woodlawn United  (WU), formerly Woodlawn Foundation, a community quarterback that leads an alliance of partners committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in Birmingham’s historic Woodlawn community, is growing its team. Woodlawn United is excited to announce the hire of Meghan Ann Hellenga as its Deputy Director. As Deputy Director, Meghan Ann will assist the organization in extending its capacity to ensure that the organization can continue to meet the needs of the Woodlawn Community through fundraising, strategic planning, and operational efficiency.  Hellenga brings years of fundraising and organizational experience. During her time at the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA), she worked with the team to secure funding of more than $7 million annually. She was also instrumental in the development, planning, and fundraising strategies at the BMA. Before her time at the BMA, she served as director of development at AIDS Alabama before becoming the organization’s administrative director of programs. In addition, she implemented fundraising initiatives and cultivated community partnerships. “Over the next few years, Meghan Ann will work with partners to identify resources that foster equity and opportunity for Woodlawn residents,” stated Mashonda Taylor, Executive Director of Woodlawn United. “Meghan Ann will work alongside residents and local stakeholders to help prioritize initiatives and leverage resources across three main pillars: cradle-to-college/career education pathway, high-quality mixed-income housing, and community wellness programs.”   Woodlawn United facilitates a holistic approach to community revitalization. Community partners, residents, business owners, and civic leaders work collectively to elevate initiatives to grow a safe and healthy community where children learn and play, families live in quality housing, parents work in stable jobs, businesses thrive, and everyone contributes to the growth of Greater Birmingham. It follows a model established by Purpose Built Communities, an organization that helps communities across the country implement proven and practical strategies to increase equity and resiliency. “I think it’s important for our organization to amplify the story of the Woodlawn Effect,” said Meghan Ann Hellenga, Deputy Director for Woodlawn United. “If adequately resourced, the work happening in Woodlawn will continue to provide equitable opportunities for all residents in the community to thrive and serve as a model for other communities throughout the city and region.” About Woodlawn United  Woodlawn United (WU) is a community-based 501(c)3 organization that facilitates community revitalization in the Woodlawn Community of Birmingham, AL. Woodlawn United works to grow a safe, healthy community where children learn and play, families live in quality housing, parents work in stable jobs, businesses thrive, and everyone contributes to the growth of Greater Birmingham.

September 20, 2022 – Drop in anytime between 3 PM to 7 PM  The cities of Birmingham and Trussville are working with Norfolk Southern to submit a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) planning grant application to plan new railroad grade separations in the vicinity of Brussels Avenue near Harris Homes in East Birmingham and at Mary Taylor Road in Trussville.  These new grade separations are proposed to be constructed in conjunction with the closure of at-grade crossings at Antwerp Ave/64th Place and 56th, 57th and 59th streets in Birmingham and at Parrish Lane and Peggy Lee Lane in Trussville.  The plan would also include a bike/ped grade separated crossing in the vicinity of 59th St.  These improvements, if implemented, will improve the safety and mobility of people and goods.    The recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act authorizes the RCE Program to enhance rail safety, improve the health and safety of communities, eliminate highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossings that are frequently blocked by trains, and reduce the impacts that freight movement and railroad operations may have on underserved communities.  The grade separation project if constructed would improve the operation of the Norfolk Southern Norris Yard and reduce the number of instances where roadway grade crossings are blocked by stopped trains at Brussels Avenue, which is the only access road in and out of the community. The proposed Brussels Avenue grade separation would especially benefit the Harris Homes neighborhood which experiences regular blocked crossings at Brussels Avenue. Reduction of train-horn noise will be a related benefit for communities along the railroad including Woodlawn, Crestwood, and Harris Homes.     Woodlawn United is working with the Cities of Birmingham and Trussville to receive public comment about the proposed FRA planning grant and to solicit YOUR INPUT about potential plans to build grade separations and close nearby grade crossings.  A Community Input Meeting will be held at the Woodlawn United offices on September 20, 2022 from 3 PM to 7 PM.  Comments may also be provided at the Woodlawn United website.  For questions or additional information contact Jim Ritchey, Whitman Requardt and Associates at jritchey@wrallp.com.   

A crowd from across Birmingham lined up on 55th Place South in Woodlawn to support Slutty Vegan’s sixth restaurant opening, the first location outside of Georgia. People queued up as early as 6am in anticipation of the 1pm Grand Opening on August 21st. It is a historic moment for Birmingham and the Woodlawn community.   Slutty Vegan Founder and CEO Pinky Cole chose to locate her business in Woodlawn because of the momentum happening in its central business district. Last weekend, Woodlawn also welcomed POLARIS, Alycia Levels-Moore’s flexible co-working and event space, one of many new businesses opening in Woodlawn this year, including d-Trespa Consignment Boutique, Thrive Wellness Lounge, and Woodlawn Bar & Lounge.   Cole received a warm welcome from Barnes & Associates, REV Birmingham, and Woodlawn United who hosted a celebratory Block Party.   “The energy in Woodlawn this weekend was palpable!” said Mashonda Taylor, Woodlawn United Executive Director. “It was inspiring to welcome two Black women-owned businesses to our community. From Alycia Levels-Moore, Founder of POLARIS Birmingham, hosting her Grand Opening to Pinky Cole, Founder of Slutty Vegan, opening her sixth brick and mortar (first location outside of Georgia), our community showed great support and pride. The Woodlawn story continues to evolve, and I’m honored to witness a movement that will impact future generations.”   Cole is a serial entrepreneur dedicated to giving back to communities and mentoring fellow entrepreneurs. The Grand Opening was a perfect example of Cole’s entrepreneurial spirit uplifting small businesses. Forty local Black-owned businesses participated in the Block Party, sharing in the excitement and making connections across the community. As Slutty Vegan helps draw even more people to Woodlawn, we look forward to seeing the businesses in Woodlawn continue to expand and thrive.    Photo by Quentin Renard Gunn

Who is Valencia King? I’m a Woodlawn Native and I’ve lived here for over 30 years and I’ve seen Woodlawn through all of it’s iterations. I currently serve as the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association President. Also, I’m an alum of Woodlawn High School. What does the Woodlawn Effect mean to you? It’s us, as partners, being daring and problem solving through the efforts we are facilitating to re-energize Woodlawn. It also serves as a model for other residents to take best practices implemented in Woodlawn back to their communities foster their own renaissances. What do you love about Woodlawn? It’s my life, it’s home, it’s family. You don’t really get that feel in the suburbs. When I can go into a local establishment and they know me by name, when I can go on my neighbor’s porch and discuss how our neighborhood is growing, that is something that you can’t simply replicate.

Who is Bekah Fox? I’m just a small town girl… I am a doer, I get anxious if I’m still unless it’s a season of stillness. I have always been compelled to work with people or for people in whatever capacity that means in the moment… What does the Woodlawn Effect mean to you? A healthy community that exists from mixed income, synergy, community partnership, creating equity for new businesses, and ultimately people doing things. What do you love about Woodlawn? I live in East Avondale which is a Woodlawn community. One of the things that I love about Woodlawn is community –in every sense of the word. I would say that residents, business owners, community partners, service providers, and also friends of Woodlawn that’s part of our community. So even if I didn’t live in Woodlawn, I would still identify with it.

Who is Jason Avery? I’m a simple guy that loves his neighborhood. I’ve lived in Woodlawn for 19 years and I’m committed to seeing it thrive. Professionally I work as the Director of International Trial on Carotid Stenting at UAB. I also partner with REV Birmingham which is an organization dedicated to restoring the vibrancy in the commercial corridor of Woodlawn. Lastly, I’m the Vice President for the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association. What does the Woodlawn Effect mean to you? It’s a perfect storm of every organization, resident and business joining together to make Woodlawn one of the most vibrant communities in Birmingham. We’re all on one accord to continue to make that goal a reality. What do you love about Woodlawn? I love the possibilities of Woodlawn. It’s one of the most vibrant and convenient neighborhoods in Birmingham. I’m literally one block from the business district where I can get everything I need without living my neighborhood.

Yesterday, Woodlawn welcomed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to the new Xpress bus rapid transit Eastern Terminal in Woodlawn. Joined by Mayor Woodfin and Congresswoman Sewell, Secretary Buttigieg recognized the progress being made in Woodlawn and the work still needed to better connect communities in our neighborhood, including Harris Homes.   While here, Secretary Buttigieg announced the Reconnecting Communities program, which will grant $1 billion to reconnect communities that were racially segregated by transportation projects. As a community that has been historically disrupted by transportation projects, we are excited for the launch of the Xpress bus rapid transit system that better connects our community to the city.   Thank you to community members who have attended discussions about public transportation in our neighborhood. We look forward to further partnership with the City of Birmingham, REV Birmingham and the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority CEO Charlotte Shaw and her team as we endeavor to build transit-oriented development adjacent to the new bus rapid transit site.  Learn more about Secretary Buttigieg’s announcement here.

Woodlawn United welcomed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Administrator for the Southeast (Region 4) Jose A. Alvarez on Thursday, June 2, 2022.   During his visit, Alvarez toured Woodlawn with Woodlawn United Executive Director Mashonda Taylor and Woodlawn United Real Estate Director Joe Ayers to see first-hand the revitalization work in the neighborhood. He also launched the Our Way Home campaign in the Southeast with a press conference and roundtable discussion at SocialVenture in Woodlawn. Dr. Meghan Venable-Thomas, Director of Community Development representing Mayor Woodfin, and Melinda Williams, District Director representing Congresswoman Sewell, as well as local elected officials and leaders from the nonprofit community, including Mashonda Taylor and Joe Ayers, joined the roundtable.  Regional Administrator Alvarez held his Our Way Home launch event in Woodlawn to spotlight Woodlawn United’s affordable and mixed-income housing developments. He highlighted The Park at Wood Station, a townhouse-style development comprised of 64 homes designed to fill the need for high-quality, affordable housing in the Woodlawn community, and The Cottages at Wood Station, twelve single-family market-rate homes designed after bungalows that are original to the area and developed in partnership with ARC Realty, Design Initiative, and Drake Homes.  Our Way Home is a new initiative created by U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. The campaign uplifts the unique housing supply successes in local communities and connects cities, counties, Tribal communities, states, and U.S. Territories to the tools and resources needed to help preserve and produce affordable housing in their area.  Read more about Our Way Home: https://www.hud.gov/ourwayhome.

In October 2021, a cohort of 9 fellows began their leadership development journey in Woodlawn United’s Woodlawn Effect Fellowship Program with the desire to improve the community and give voice to traditionally underrepresented community members.  After participating in 14 weeks of sessions centered around developing skills such as effective communication and team-building and learning subject matter including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Economic Development, the fellows celebrated their commencement with friends and family at SocialVenture on May 11th, 2022. The evening was a powerful testament to the Fellows’ growth as leaders and their tremendous passion for the community.  (WE) Lead, funded by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, was developed to address the Woodlawn Community’s gap in access to leadership development opportunities. The fellows’ time in (WE) Lead refined and developed the leadership skills they already possessed and challenged them to step outside their comfort zones. Fellows are not only prepared to assess, identify, and solve problems in the community now; they have already begun developing their plans.  As a part of the closing ceremony, each Fellow presented a project that will solve a problem and positively impact the community. Projects included ideas from an outdoor classroom for i3 Academy to new nonprofits that reduce youth violence and help former inmates re-enter society.  Special guests J.T. Moore, Councilor, Birmingham City Council, District 4, and Derrick Billups, Board Member, Birmingham City Schools, District 4, joined a leadership panel moderated by (WE) Lead Program Coordinator Myeisha Hutchinson. The panel shared about leaders they admire and their leadership journeys and reminded (WE) Lead Fellows that leadership comes with the responsibility of influence.  To close out the evening, Woodlawn United Director of Community Engagement Jason Meadows charged the graduating class to continually challenge themselves to be better, to listen to people and problems, to find a team, and be a voice to the voiceless.  Congratulations to the inaugural class of (WE) Lead Fellows: Aimee Castro, Leah Davis, Brenda Holifield, Lamartra January, Valencia King, Timothy Lanier, Sylvia Mooney, Samantha Nelms, and Eric Perry!