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That road trip, with every mile I drove and every note I listened to, solidified a bond between us that words alone could never express. It was more than a journey across states; it was a journey into a deeper understanding of who I was, who my father was, and the love we shared.

Some might ask, what does Frankie Beverly have to do with construction? What connection could his music possibly have to the mission of the Black Contractors Association – Alabama Chapter (BCAAC)? To them, I would say this: Frankie Beverly’s songs are a reminder of who we are as a people. His music is about perseverance, unity, and hope – qualities that are at the core of our mission as Black construction professionals. His song Too Many Games reminds us of the challenges we face in a society that tries to play games with our progress, much like the Ed Blums of the world. Yet, like Frankie Beverly sang, “Time is on Our Side.” We understand that though the race may be long, we will not be denied. We have learned to approach every obstacle with optimism, believing in the value of staying the course and finishing strong.

Frankie Beverly reminded us of the importance of unity in his song We Are One. He taught us that no matter where we see ourselves fitting in this society, we are part of something bigger. This is the attitude we must take in the construction industry. We are not isolated professionals vying for individual success, but a collective striving for inclusion, equity, and representation. We Are One in our efforts to make sure that Black professionals are at the forefront of the economic prosperity that our culture inspires and deserves.

His song Back in Stride resonates particularly deeply. In the construction industry, setbacks can feel like the norm. But, like the lyrics say, “very soon, we’ll be back in stride.” The Black Contractors Association has faced its own share of challenges, but we push forward because we know that every step we take brings us closer to a future where Black men and women are fully included in the commercial construction industry. We will not be Running Away from these challenges – we face them head-on, with the same determination Frankie Beverly embodied in every note he sang.

And while we recognize the Joy and Pain that comes with the pursuit of change, we also know that the joy of seeing a more inclusive and equitable industry will outweigh the struggles. Frankie Beverly’s music teaches us to embrace both aspects of the journey. It’s in those moments of pain that we learn the most about our resilience and our strength.

One of the greatest messages Frankie Beverly gave us was that, through it all, Happy Feelings will return. His music inspired hope, and that same hope drives the mission of the BCAAC. We are working towards a day when inclusion in the construction industry is not just a goal but a reality. And when that day comes, it will be filled with the same happy feelings Frankie sang about – a deep satisfaction in knowing that we have uplifted our communities and made room for future generations to thrive.

As we reflect on Frankie Beverly’s impact, we recognize that his influence stretches far beyond the music itself. His songs are embedded in our culture, a culture that teaches us to support one another, love one another, and never give up. This is the spirit we carry with us in every project we undertake, in every barrier we break down, and in every opportunity we create for Black men and women in construction.

Frankie Beverly also taught us through his song Never Let You Down that true leaders don’t leave their people behind—and the BCAAC takes that to heart. We will never let down the Black construction professionals of Alabama. We will always provide a voice to represent our interests, just as Frankie never let us down. As President of the BCAAC, I stand by this commitment, and I can confidently say that, like Frankie sang, we love you much too much to ever give up on this mission.

The Black Contractors Association extends our heartfelt condolences to the Beverly family. We are deeply saddened by his passing, but we are also incredibly grateful to have been part of his journey. His music has inspired and motivated us, not just as individuals but as a collective working towards a shared vision. His songs will continue to guide us, reminding us that “We Are One,” and that together, we can accomplish anything.

We want to thank Frankie Beverly for being who he was, for giving us the gift of his music, and for taking us so far. His legacy will live on in every heart he touched, and in every project that we, as Black contractors, complete with the same spirit of perseverance and hope that he sang about.

As we move forward, we carry his words with us: Time is on our side, and we will be back in stride. We Are One.

Thank you, Frankie, for being a Lovely Inspiration.

Jarrod Sims
President, Black Contractors Association – Alabama Chapter (BCAAC)