2023 Birmingham Realtist Association Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala!

The Birmingham Realtist Association
Presents
The 2023 Annual
Holiday
AWARDS
Scholarship
Gala
SOUVENIR JOURNAL
Birmingham Realtist Association
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Regions Field
1401 1st Avenue S | Birmingham, AL 35233
7:00 pm

Birmingham Realtist Association
Many thanks to our
2023 STRAGETIC PARTNERS
We are eternally grateful for your
support of our members,
initiatives, and mission!

Greetins from NAREB
Leadership
1

Greetings from
NAREB Leadership
Greetings:
It is my esteemed honor and pleasure to
congratulate the Birmingham Realtist
Association on your 4th Annual Holiday
Awards & Scholarship Gala.
The Birmingham Association of Realtist
truly embodies our motto of “Democracy
in Housing”, and I am extremely proud of
your accomplishments and continued
support of Region VI and all of its success.
I would like to thank Birmingham Realtist Association for its continued
efforts of advocacy for Black Homeownership and for unparalleled support
of Black professionals in the Real Estate industry.
On behalf of Region VI, CONGRATULATIONS!!! This HUGE milestone
event is a testament to the organization’s Dedication, Determination and
Desire for the most noble goal of fair and equitable housing practices for
your community and members.
CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!
In The Realtist Spirit,
Travis Brooks
Travis Brooks
Vice President
NAREB - Region VI
2

Greetings from
NAREB Leadership
Birmingham Realtist Association
3

Greetings from B.R.A.
Leadership
Birmingham Realtist Association
Greetings Realtist Family,
As we reflect on the past year, I am delighted to share with you the
remarkable achievements and successes that our organization has
experienced. Your dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit
have contributed immensely to our collective accomplishments.
Over the past year, we have witnessed significant milestones, including
hosting The Black Housing Summit, the launch of The Young Realtist
Division, & the expansion of the Birmingham Realtist School of Real Estate. These accomplishments
underscore the strength of our organization and the commitment of each member to excellence in the real
estate industry.
Looking ahead to the upcoming year, I am excited about the opportunities that lie before us. Our
organization has fostered tremendous momentum, and as a collective force, we are well-positioned to
capitalize on opportunities on the horizon, navigate challenges ahead, and continue to lead NAREB as
one of its emerging chapters.
I encourage each of you to actively participate in our upcoming events, engage in collaborative projects,
and contribute your unique skills and perspectives. Together, we can ensure that the upcoming year
surpasses even our loftiest expectations. I am confident that, with your continued dedication and support,
we will achieve new heights and set even more ambitious goals for the years to come.
Thank you once again for your outstanding contributions to our organization. Here's to a year filled with
prosperity, growth, and continued success.
In The Realtist Spirit,
Justin C. Williams
Justin C. Williams
President
Birmingham Realtist Association
4

B.R.A. Gala Chair &
Vice Chair Greetings
December 9, 2023
Birmingham Realtist Association
Welcome, friends & colleagues, to the Birmingham REALTIST Association’s
Annual Scholarship Gala! Thank you for your continued commitment and support
in our efforts to help local high school students not only attend the college or
university of their choice, but also soften the blow a little.
It is with great honor that we share that with your support and donations, we
were able to help 14 students pursue their dream of a higher education. And with
your continued support, we can do it again!
This year has been such an amazing year for our organization, our community, and
the real estate industry as a whole! Here’s to looking forward to bigger, better,
and brighter endeavors in 2024!
Thank you to every sponsor and partner, each member and attendee, every
donation, it all matters. And one very special “thank you” to Mr. Jeffree Wynn
who actually coordinates the entire process. From connecting with the school
officials to seek out participants, receiving and reviewing the criteria &
submissions, and then making sure the students make it to their prospective
colleges & universities!
It truly is a great time to be a REALTIST!
Sincerely,
Luciana Guin
Luciana Guin
2023 B.R.A Scholarship Gala Chairperson
LaShawn Bonds-Meyers
LaShawn Bonds-Meyers
2023 B.R.A. Scholarship Gala Vice-Chair
5

History of the
Birmingham Realtist
Association - B.R.A.
Birmingham Realtists have been associated with NAREB® since the
organization's inception in 1947 with Mr. W. H. Hollins of Birmingham
being one of the 12 pioneering founders. The Local Board was
organized and rechartered as a local affiliate of NAREB® under the
name of the Birmingham Realtist Association (B.R.A.) in 1997. The ten
dedicated African American real estate professionals who successfully
executed this goal were Dee Slaughter, O'Dell White, Anthony Barnes,
Cecil Copeland, Mary Washington, Willie Casey, Deborah Lumpkin,
Horace Harville, Robert Butler and Gwendolyn Wilson.
Over the years, the B.R.A.'s reach within the Greater Birmingham Metro
community and impact on the real estate industry has been broad and
deep. B.R.A. has held numerous home buying workshops & seminars;
spearheaded several community service days where members assisted
with the beautification of elder community members' homes; hosted a
Home Counseling Certification course in conjunction with the University
of Alabama - Birmingham, which was a pre-curser to the current home
counseling models; established the Birmingham Realtist School of Real
Estate; and cultivated relationships with Fair Housing, JCCEO, SCLC,
Birmingham Home Ownership Council and the Urban League.
B.R.A. members have represented their state and communities as State
Senators & Representatives, in the US Congress, on the City Council of
Birmingham, on The Alabama Real Estate Commission and the Alabama
Real Estate Appraisers Board, and in leadership roles within the local
Realtor organization (B.A.R.). In the true "Realtist Spirit", the Birmingham
Realtist Association members will continue to carry on the mission of
fighting for "Democracy in Housing".
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“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not
be lived again.” · Maya Angelou

The B.R.A.
Scholarship
Program
The Birmingham Realtist Association's (B.R.A.) Annual Scholarship
Gala is the heart and brainchild of the B.R.A. leadership team. This
inaugural event will provide much-needed financial support for
worthy minority high school graduating seniors who will be pursuing
post-secondary education opportunities. The B.R.A. has thoughtfully
identified a selection committee that will choose and recognize
outstanding student leaders to whom the funds raised tonight will be
awarded to.
Students selected for the B.R.A. Scholarship are individuals
dedicated to serving others through volunteer activities within the
Birmingham community, to being well rounded and active students
who participate in a myriad of extracurricular activities, and, of
course, to academic excellence. Contributions to the scholarship
fund are tax-deductible and proceeds from this event go directly to
support student scholarships.
The leadership and member base of the Birmingham Realtist
Association thanks you immensely for your support of what will
become a time honored tradition of our organization.
“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you
add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.”
― Nelson Mandela
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The 2023 B.R.A.
Board of Directors
Tonya Smitherman
1st Vice President
205-563-1939
tonya.batsandassoiciates@gmail.com
Justin Williams
President
205-693-9440
Justintime@kw.com
Lou Hill
2nd Vice President
205.249.8851
louhillepirealestate@gmail.com
Luciana Guin
Secretary
205-643-1133
lguin@realtysouth.com
LaToya Thomas
Assistant Secretary
205-215-7714
LatoyaThomas@kw.com
Alicia White
Treasurer
205-356-5711
msaliciawhite@gmail.com
Michele Days
Assistant Treasurer
205-602-1785
michele.days@att.net
Jeffree Wynn
Member At Large
205-585-8155
jeffreecwynn@gmail.com
Eula Jackson
Member At Large
205-222-2771
EJackson@trustmark.com
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"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow
an uncertain trumpet." -Theodore M. Hesburgh

The 2024 B.R.A.
Commtee Chairs
Therita Lawler
Faith Based
205-587-6423
theritalawler@gmail.com
Cassandra Chandler
Political Advocacy
205-531-5208
cassandra@thechandlergroup.org
Tina Tyus
Education
205-862-7511
tinatyus@gmail.com
Christa Andrews
Nominating
205-229-0190
christa.andrews@century21.com
Robert Butler
LaTonya Butler
Grievance & Arbitration
Membership
205-492-2811
205-527-2933
rbutlersr@yahoo.com membershipbhamrealtist@gmail.com
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“Leadership is service, not position.” – Tim Fargo

Distinguished
Participants
Bishop
Jonathan Woods Sr.
Bishop Jonathan Woods, Sr. is a seasoned pastor,
teacher, and leader amongst leaders who strives to bring
about salvation, healing, deliverance and restoration
for the continued up-building of God’s Kingdom.
Bishop and Lady Woods served eight years at Abundant Life
Church and the Greater Grace Church under the leadership of
their spiritual father, the honorable Bishop Terry A. Jones. During
Bishop Woods tenure serving in these ministries, God saw fit to transition him into the role
of Senior Pastor in 2008, later pastoring Worship and Deliverance Ministries (WDM) in 2010.
In 2014, Bishop Woods had a dream in which God showed him that his future church should
be named All Nations Church. The goal came true, and in February 2017, WDM transitioned
to All Nations Church. Today, Bishop and Lady Woods pastors one of the fastest-growing
churches in Alabama.
God continues to show Himself strong and mighty in the lives of our first family. With the
leading of the Lord, in 2018, God elevated Bishop Woods to the position of State Overseer
for the state of Alabama for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International.
Bishop Woods fell in love with and married the beautiful Nicole Alexandria Looney Woods in
the year 2000. Through this union, God blessed us with two incredible children, Jonathan L.
Woods, Jr., and Jada Nicole Woods.
Bishop and Lady Woods are known for their exceptional love for God’s people and their
powerful teaching and preaching of God’s Word. Likewise, their children play active roles in
ministry, serving diligently and faithfully while being the examples that God has called them
to be.
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“It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others
to succeed.” - Napolean Hill

Distinguished
Participants
Isis Jones
As an entrepreneur and on-air radio personality, Isis Jones lives for her
communities and for her love of music!
Isis grew up as a “military brat” and learned to go with the flow early
in life. A real down to earth person, she works hard to stay grounded.
Isis hit the airwaves for the first time at Lincoln University in Jefferson
City while she was still a high school student. She went on to work
as an on-air personality at a number of radio stations and behind
the scenes in television! That additional experience fueled her to
explore her interests in cinema! She earned a Film and Video degree
Full Sail Real World Education in Florida.
Over 35 years of experience has led her to create her own independent
show #ROOM1420 broadcasting weekly on her own Youtube and Facebook
channels! Isis uses her talents to help businesses, individuals, organizations and
small businesses create ways to increase their branding and marketing!
What's something exciting your business offers? Say it here.
D.Smooth
Born on September 28, 1997, in Birmingham, Alabama, D.Smooth grew
up in the rural countryside and his entire extended family all lived on the
same street. He feels blessed that his family was close by to keep him
grounded. From a young age, D. Smooth demonstrated a passion for
music. In high school, D.Smooth was a singer in the jazz band, but even
though he loved music, his main focus was sports. D. Smooth completed his
education at Minor High School, graduating in 2016.
D. Smooth’s musical journey took a significant turn when he made his debut in the
touring musical theater production titled “Grown Man Issues” in the preceding year. The experience
allowed him to showcase his abilities as a performer and strengthen his connection with music.
In 2023, D. Smooth’s career soared to new heights when he auditioned for The Voice Season 23. His
captivating rendition of Ed Sheeran’s hit song “Perfect” during the Blind Auditions caught the attention of
both Kelly Clarkson and Niall Horan, leading to a two-chair turn. After careful consideration, D. Smooth
made the decision to join Team Kelly, embracing the guidance and mentorship of the talented coach.
As a singer, D. Smooth possesses a versatile and soulful voice that resonates with audiences. His musical
style combines elements of pop, R&B, and soul, creating a unique and compelling sound that sets him
apart.
“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” - Vidal Sassoon
11

Distinguished
Participants
Kristen Glover
Madison, Alabama native Kristen Walker Glover is a
wife, mother, daughter, minister, friend, educator,
worshipper, recording artist, and passionate woman on a
mission to give God the glory in every area of her life.
She currently serves as an assistant principal within the
Shelby County School district.
In the Summer of 2017, Kristen launched Kristen W. Glover
Ministries, a multi-faceted ministry founded on the sincere
commitment to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and edify all of
God’s people. A bi-weekly prayer call entitled “Let Us Pray” has catapulted Kristen’s ministry
and has carried her devotion to God to another level. Each prayer session and the
testimonies of God’s manifested Glory further solidifies Kristen’s belief that she was
created to be a mouthpiece for God.
She has embraced the anointed call on her life to lift Jesus through music ministry. On
September 28, 2019, Kristen released her debut Gospel single “Kingdom Come” that is
available now on all digital music platforms. Kristen has traveled throughout the U.S. and
internationally leading gospel music workshops, singing as a lead or background vocalist,
and ushering believers and non-believers alike into the presence of the Lord as worship
leader.
Kristen’s first ministry is within her home. She is the proud wife of Marcus Glover and they
together, by grace, love out loud to inspire other young people and couples to be boldly
saved and seriously in pursuit of Jesus. Kristen and Marcus live in Trussville, Alabama where
they enjoy the joy of parenthood to two daughters, Zoë Ana and Noa Abigail Glover. From
her home, the school, sanctuary and even in secular arenas, Kristen’s aim is to share the
love of Jesus and to inspire others to live a better life. She is on a never ending journey to
know the Lord.
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“I invite everyone to choose forgiveness rather than division, teamwork over
personal ambition.” - Jean-Francois Cope

Distinguished
Participants
Darrell O’Quinn
Darrell O’Quinn is the Council President for 2023-2025 and
represents District 5 on the Birmingham City Council.
Councilor O’Quinn is the Chair of the Transportation
Committee, and a member of the Economic Development &
Tourism, Education, and Utilities & Technology Committees.
Darrell has a long history of civic leadership. He served as
president and vice president of the Crestwood Neighborhood
Association from 2008-2017. During this time, Darrell joined the
Birmingham Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee (2014), became a member
of Leadership Birmingham (2015), and was elected for president of the Citizens Advisory
Board (2015-2017).
Darrell serves on the boards of Keep Birmingham Beautiful, Greater Crestwood Inc., and
the Deep South Cancer Foundation. He is a former board member of Redemptive Cycles
and former executive director of Move I-20/59.
Darrell graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in zoology in
1995 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. He then came to the University of
Alabama at Birmingham where he completed a Ph.D. in cellular and molecular pathology
in 2005 and worked as a clinical veterinarian.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb 13

Esteemed
Honorees
Dr. Thomas Beavers
Dr. Thomas Beavers serves as the 4th Pastor of New Rising Star Church in the
Eastlake community of Birmingham, AL. Upon graduating from Kentucky State
University (BS Biology 2004) and Beeson Divinity School of Samford University (MDIV
May 2007 & DMIN December 2013), he succeeded his grandfather, Dr. Tommy
Chappell who served as New Rising Star's Third pastor for 35 years 1975-2010.
As the servant leader of New Rising Star Church (also known as THE STAR &
#TEAMSTAR), Dr. Beavers leads several efforts that impact the community which
include but are not limited to the following: education, financial literacy, workforce
development, housing, recreation, and the church. The goal is twofold: to preach the
gospel for the purpose of enlarging Heaven, and to develop people in the community
that they may have access to a better quality of life on earth
14
“At the root of real honor is always the sense of the sacredness of the person who
is its object.”
― Marilynne Robinson, Gilead

Esteemed
Honorees
Caroline W. Douglas
Caroline W. Douglas serves as the Executive Director for the Birmingham Land Bank
Authority. Prior to her executive position, she served as a Senior Attorney in the City of
Birmingham’s Office of the City Attorney, where she worked in the litigation and
transaction divisions primarily handling contracts, real estate transactions and matters
involving the Birmingham Land Bank Authority. Caroline assisted in the creation of the
legal process utilized by Land Bank attorneys to quiet title to eligible tax delinquent
properties throughout the City of Birmingham. Caroline received her Juris Doctorate
from the Cumberland School of Law, Samford University and graduated cum laude
with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Oakwood University, Huntsville, Alabama.
Although Caroline received her Juris Doctorate and Bachelor’s degrees in Alabama,
she hails from the golden state of California. Caroline is the youngest of five children,
she is a daughter, an aunt, a sister, a friend and a woman who cares deeply about
the welfare of others.
“The best honor you can give to anyone is to show respect for their time.”
― Geoffrey Ocaya
15

Esteemed
Honorees
Dr. Steven Hairston
Dr. Steven E. Hairston is a native of Atlantic City, New Jersey, and a graduate of its
public school system. Upon graduation from Atlantic City High School, he immediately
enrolled in Virginia Union University (VUU). While in college he was elected as the Chief
Justice of the Student Government Association, a recipient of the UNCF Florence and
John Schumann Foundation academic scholarship, a member of the Dean’s List for six
of eight semesters, Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and
Universities, and an initiate of the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi
Fraternity, Inc.
Hairston currently serves as the Vice President of Institutional
Advancement and Development and the Title III Administrator at
Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama. He was promoted into the Vice
Presidency after serving as the Director of Development. Prior to
the Miles College appointment, he served a dual appointment at
the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) as the Executive
Director of the Minority Health Disparities Research Center and
Executive Director of the Office for Diversity and Inclusion in the
Heersink School of Medicine.
Previously, he was the Vice President for Institutional Advancement-Development and Chief Operating Officer at Saint
Augustine’s University where he directed, administered, and coordinated the fundraising and development activities of the
university in accordance with policies, goals and objectives established by the President and Board of Trustees. In the role of
Chief Operating Officer, he assisted the President with the day-to-day operations of the university. The following
departments and business units reported to Dr. Hairston, the Meadowbrook Country Club, SAU Community Development
Corporation (the SAU-CDC is an independent 501(C)3 housing and rental property entity), the SAU Police and Security
Department, Buildings Grounds and Facilities Maintenance, the Post Office, Central Receiving and Asset Management and
the Motor Fleet.
Prior to his career in higher education, he served as a public administrator with more than 25-years in executive level
leadership positions in state government and non-profit sectors. Hairston served as the Director of Strategy, Research and
Planning, the Strategic Planning Manager, and the Chief of the Operations Support in the three largest state governmental
agencies in North Carolina.
A Life Member, loyal alumnus and financial supporter, he has served as the Vice President, Sponsorship Officer, and member
of the Executive Board of the Virginia Union University National Alumni Association, Inc. (VUUNAA). He is the Vice President
of North Carolina Chapter of the VUUNAA. He was selected as the VUU Outstanding Alumnus of the Year in 2015 and in
2016 was inducted into the UNCF Hall of Honor.
He is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and has served as the Polemarch of his undergraduate chapter, his
alumni chapter, and the Eastern Province Sr. Vice Polemarch, which is the highest elected position in the region. At the
national level of the fraternity, he served three terms on the Kappa Alpha Psi Achievement Commission and four years on the
Strategic Planning Committee. He was awarded the highest honor in the Eastern Province the Pillar of the Province on two
occasions (2006 and 2011), the Distinguished Legends Award and was the Chapter Brother of the Year both as an
undergraduate and alumni chapter member.
Highly decorated for his professional accomplishments, he was awarded The Old North State Award in 2021 by North
Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. The Man of the Year in Philanthropy and Non-Profit Organizations 2019 presented by
Spectacular Magazine. He also received the LEAD-An HBCU Grow Award for Leadership. He has been inducted into the
Golden Key International Honor Society, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and Outstanding Young Americans.
He holds a Ph.D. from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and degrees from Temple University,
Virginia Union University, The Center for Legal Studies and the Duke University-Nonprofit Management Program. He has a
Certificate of Fundraising Management (CFRM) from The University of Texas at Austin. He completed a fellowship at the
Kenan-Flagler Business School and the School of Public Health of the University of North Carolina and is a Fellow of the
Higher Education Leadership Foundation (HELF) Leadership Institute. He has held designation as a Certified Public Manager
(CPM) since 2003. He and his wife Ingrid are the proud parents of two adult children.
16
“An effective life is a fulfilled one”
― Sunday Adelaja

Esteemed
Honorees
Mya Jolly
Mya Jolly, a Birmingham, Alabama native, serves as the new
Director of Public Relations for Miles College. She leads the
college’s digital efforts, online presence, and social media
upscaling efforts along with developing and leading the
communications strategy and plan for the 125th Anniversary
Celebration of the college’s founding.
Jolly graduated from the University of Alabama at
Birmingham (UAB), earning her B.A. in Communications
with a Public Relations concentration and minor in political
science. During her time at UAB she joined the Iota Phi
chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Before
joining Miles College, Jolly worked for the premiere
community engagement firm CBG Strategies. The firm
specializes in community, business, and government
relations. As a strategist in this role, Jolly touched over
20 political campaigns, including Presidential,
Statewide, and local, managed all company team
members, created digital assets such as videos, scripts,
press releases, and the Mayor of Birmingham’s monthly
newsletter that is mailed to nearly 80,000 households.
Jolly formally served as a Senior Account Executive for a Public Relations firm based in Detroit, Michigan.
She contributed communications and digital strategy, created company assets for social media marketing
and client campaign initiatives, and served as a liaison between clients and the company. During her time
at the company she was invited to speak as a panelist during the 2022 Annual Legislative Conference
held by the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C.. The panel was titled At the Intersection of
Personal and Professional: Building Your Authentic Brand. The panel members shared the lessons that have
helped them become successful and offered attendees advice on how to overcome the challenges
associated with being a minority professional while staying true to their authentic self.
She joins the college as a former 7th Project Congressional Intern for Representative Terri Sewell ) and
Congressional Black Caucus Communications Fellow for former Senator Doug Jones. During her time on
Capitol Hill, Jolly aided constituents in resolving local issues, created digital assets, and learned firsthand
from congressional staffers, Representatives, and Senators. Jolly now serves as a Junior Board Member for
the 7th Project.
In May of 2022, Congresswoman Sewell selected Jolly as one of two representatives for Alabama’s 7th
District to attend the Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s Boot Camp in Piney Point, Maryland. During
this Boot Camp, Jolly served alongside fellows from across the nation who all had the exceptional
opportunity to represent their respective states while being instructed by some of the nation’s top
organizational leaders, campaign changemakers, and past fellows who now serve on Capitol Hill and in
the political sphere.
“Your ancestors have brought you to this stage of life. Honor your ancestors.”
― Avijeet Das
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Esteemed
Honorees
Dr. Bobbie Knight
Birmingham native Bobbie Knight made history in August 2019 when she was named interim president of Miles
College, becoming the first woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1898. On March 5, 2020, Knight
was elected permanent president, becoming the 15th president of the historic institution after retiring from a 37-
year career.
Knight quickly made her mark by securing the largest single donation in the school’s history. With Knight at the
helm, the college has received over $101 million in external funding. Since she arrived in 2019, the college has
experienced an increase in gifts and grants from federal, state, local and non-profit sources of more than 2000%.
Knight led the college through its 10-year reaffirmation process with the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) during her tenure. The process concluded with the college
receiving reaffirmation with zero findings for the next decade. Knight has relentlessly secured partnerships with
corporate, governmental, and philanthropic agencies to provide her students with meaningful internships, job
placements, and valuable networking and experiential learning opportunities. During Knight’s tenure, the college
launched its state-of-the-art E-gaming Center, a Black Male Teacher Initiative, a state-of-the-art Apple-powered
communications Lab, and a state-of-the-art Apple-powered music production lab.
In 2007, in what she considers a highlight of her career, Knight was selected as one of 21 women worldwide for
the Leadership Foundation Fellows Program of the International Women’s Forum. This program allowed her to
study at Harvard University and the Judge School of Business at Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
Knight was appointed to the Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) and was immediately elected as Chair by her
colleagues. She continues in her service to the BAA.
In 2020, Yellowhammer News recognized Knight as a Woman of Impact. Knight was named to the Birmingham
Business Journal’s “The Power 60 Most Influential” in 2022 and 2023, along with Who’s Who in Education. In 2023,
the University of Alabama presented Knight with the Betsy Plank Distinguished Achievement Award. In July of 2023
Knight was elected to serve on the Alabama Power Board of Directors.
Knight is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa and the Birmingham School of Law. She is also a
graduate of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management Executive Leadership Program. In May of
2022, Knight was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the Miles College Board of Trustees.
President Knight is a woman of immense influence and passionate about giving back and mentoring young men
and women to become community leaders. She is married to Gary Burley, a retired NFL player, local philanthropist,
and founder of ProStart Academy and ProStart Scholarship Fund.
18
“It is your holy work, to deeply love, honor and respect the precious self that you
are, the soul that only you hold.” Debbie Ford

Esteemed
Honorees
Councilor JT Moore
Raised in Ensley off of Bush Blvd., J.T. Moore had the opportunity to really experience
community. Councilor Moore lived on a street where all of his neighbors knew one another.
Councilor Moore’s grandmother was one who loved to entertain and to cook. She worked
for several years in the cafeteria at Birmingham Southern College. It was common for her
to get neighbors together to Bar-B-Que on their front lawns. His grandfather served
proudly for over 30 years with the Greyhound Bus Station. Councilor Moore would often go
on trips with him in the summertime sitting in the front seat listening to M.C. Hammer.
Councilor Moore’s grandparents taught him two valuable lessons, the importance of taking
care of people and taking pride in what you do.
Councilor Moore carried that same spirit and those valuable lessons with him as he began
his public service work serving as an intern with the Division of Youth Services. There he
learned the true value of serving people. In 2011 Councilor Moore had the pleasure of
serving as a coordinator for Alabama Possible where he worked heavily at Woodlawn High
School facilitating college prep, mentorship, and assisting in organizing the HBCU college
fair for students. He found tremendous value in supporting students and building
relationships within the community to further his work and fell in love with the Woodlawn
community. There he reflected on the deeper impact that would be made by living in the
same place in which he worked. In 2013 he married his beautiful wife, Alycia, and they
decided to plant roots there.
Whether mentoring teens at A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club, working with families of Hayes
K-8 to reduce absenteeism or helping to provide free legal assistance through Volunteer
Lawyers Birmingham to those who need it most, Councilor Moore has always led with
compassion — diligently seeking out opportunities to serve the needs of others. He believes
that by nurturing the idea of unity and collaboration amongst the residents of District 4,
there won’t be anything the community can’t accomplish.
“In fully accepting your creative power, you honor and respect your soul and remind
others to do the same.” Sonia Choquette
19

Esteemed
Honorees
Dr. Meghan Venable-Thomas
Dr. Meghan Venable-Thomas serves as the Director of Community Development for
the City of Birmingham, supporting a “Birmingham where all communities thrive.”
Previously, as a Senior Program Director at Enterprise Community Partners, she
supported community development organizations across the country in integrating
creative and community centered processes for equitable outcomes in affordable
housing. With her Doctorate in Public Health from Harvard University and over 15 years
of military service her background and training is grounded in increasing health equity
in the built environment, creating strategies for community based design, and
advancing tools for healing justice. Meghan holds a master’s degree in Public Health
Management from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree from the United
States Military Academy (USMA).
20
“No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for
what he gave.” Calvin Coolidge

Esteemed
Honorees
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin’s philosophy of “putting people first” has guided his
leadership. Revitalization of the city’s 99 neighborhoods is his top priority. He is
focused on enhancing education for young people, fostering a climate of economic
opportunity for all residents and leveraging public-private partnerships to make the
city the best version of Birmingham it can be.
His vision to create new education and career opportunities for students led to the
Birmingham Promise, a public-private partnership that provides apprenticeships and
tuition assistance to cover college costs for Birmingham high school graduates.
Mayor Woodfin led a regional effort to invest in the renovation and expansion of the
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex making the city an emerging destination
for sports and entertainment. Through Pardons for Progress, he removed a barrier
from employment opportunities and offered a second chance with the mayoral
pardon of 15,000 misdemeanor marijuana possession charges dating back to 1990.
He entered his second term as Birmingham’s 30th mayor on November 23, 2021. A
graduate of Morehouse College and Samford University’s Cumberland School of
Law, he previously served as president of the Birmingham Board of Education..
“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the
mind next to honor. “ Aristotle
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Realtists of the Year
Affiliate Of The Year
Award recipients
Eula Jackson
Community Development
Manager
Trustmark Bank
Niekkia Pierce
Community Mortgage
Loan Officer
Regions Bank
Damian Gilbert
Mortgage Production
Manager
W.H. Hollins Realtist of
the Year Award
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MARCUS BROWN
Immediate Past Regional Vice President,
Region IV (GA, FL, AL)
Immediate Past President, Birmingham
Realtist Association (B.R.A.)
Past Regional Vice President, Region IV
Chairman of the Board, AAREB
Board of Directors, NAREB
“Don't work for recognition, but do work worthy of
recognition.” H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

PROGRAM
The 2023 Annual
Holiday
AWARDS
Scholarship
Gala
Master of Ceremonies - Isis Jones
Welcome ............................................................................ Sheena Jenkins
B.R.A. Member
Invocation .. ................................................
Dinner is Served
Bishop Johnathan Woods Sr.
Pastor, All Nations Church, Fairfield, Alabama
State Overseer, Alabama Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International
Black National Anthem .........,............
Please Stand
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson
Vocal selections by D.Smooth
...................... Kristen Glover
Recording Artist
Greetings on Behalf of the City of Birmingham .................. Darryl O'Quinn
City Council President
Recognition of Scholarship Recipients ..............................
Jeffree Wynn
B.R.A. Board Member
Honoring Black Housing Summit Champions ............. Tonya Smitherman
B.R.A. 1st Vice President
Lou Hill
B.R.A. 2nd Vice President
Honorees:
Dr. Thomas Beavers, Caroline Douglas, Dr. Steven Hairston, Mya Jolly, Dr. Bobbie Knight,
Councilor J.T. Moore, Dr. Meghan Venable-Thomas, Mayor Randall Woodfin
Celebration of Realtists .............................. Tonya Smitherman & Lou Hill
Honorees:
Eula Jackson, Niekkia Pierce, Damian Gilbert, Marcus Brown
Special Presentation.......................................................... Justin Williams
B.R.A. President
Remarks ............................................................................... Luciana Guin
Closing Remarks ...........................................
Music, Dancing and Vocal Selections by D.Smooth
Gala Chairperson, B.R.A. Board Secretary
President Justin Williams
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Scholarship Recipients
Amari Moultrie
Alabama A&M University
Gabrielle Page
Xavier University (Ohio)
Joshua Broadnax
Alabama A&M University
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Zena Nicole Terry
Tuskegee University
Michael Wicks
St. Olaf College
“I am a great scholar, my mind is full of wonders.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita

Scholarship Recipients
Sean Allen
Xavier University of
Louisiana
Savannah Ashley
Alabama State
University
Joshua Hill
Alabama A&M University
Chace Lewis
Alabama A&M University
“Today’s young generation will be key contributors as our leaders of tomorrow.”
― Scott Cooper Miami
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Special Thanks To You,
Our Special Guest, for celebrating
with us tonight!
Without your support we couldn't continue to
fight and advocate for
"Democracy in Housing".
WE'RE STILL FIGHTING..........
Donate, join us or learn more:
Program
created by:
@birminghamnarebrealtists
@birminghamrealtists
770.896.8723