Building Better Choices, Building Brighter Futures
By Bill Day A Conversation with SMART Choices Founders Tony & Tawanna Lloyd and the Black Contractors Association – Alabama Chapter Interview Moderated by: Bill DayGuests: Tony & Tawanna Lloyd, Founders of SMART Choices Youth Empowerment ProgramJarrod Sims, President of the Black Contractors Association – Alabama Chapter BILL DAY:We’re here today for a conversation that […]
It’s Time We Empower Each Other: Is Our Legacy Being Forgotten and Sold?
By Bill Day For generations, Black contractors have built the churches, schools, and landmarks that shaped our communities. In Birmingham, this legacy is undeniable. The historic 16th Street Baptist Church, a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement, was designed in 1911 by Black architect Wallace A. Rayfield and built by Black contractor T.C. Windham. These […]
Black History in Construction: Building the Past, Present, and Future
A Reflection from the Black Contractors Association Alabama Chapter Black history is more than a celebration—it is a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and determination of Black Americans who have shaped this nation. The contributions of Black men and women in the commercial construction industry are both historic and ongoing, laying the foundation for future […]
Our Voice , Our year Building the Future Together
By bill Day January: Setting the Tone for Success 2024 began with a pivotal moment in the history of the Black Contractors Association Alabama Chapter (BCAAC)—the election of a new president. After an impactful inaugural year led by our founding president, Pat Sigars of Goudy Construction, we transitioned to the leadership of our newly elected […]
The Strength Behind NUBCU: Rising with Every Swing of the Hammer
By Bill Day On November 19, 2024, the National United Black Carpenters Union (NUBCU) Local 100 was launched, ushering in a new era of strength, unity, and empowerment in the construction industry. Abdur-Rahim Hameed, the union’s newly elected President, shared his vision for a united workforce, one grounded in the belief that with every hammer […]
We Honor You: Ken Seaton-Msemaji and Fahari Jeffers, Champions of Labor Rights
At the inaugural event of the National United Black Carpenters Union (NUBCU) Local 100 on November 19, 2024, Ken Seaton-Msemaji graced the stage as an honored guest, embodying the spirit of perseverance and transformation. With his trademark wisdom, he reminded the audience, “Everything is impossible until it is done,” and pledged his unwavering support to […]
Black-Owned Businesses are Getting Shafted on Federal Contracts for Goods and Services
By Donald V. Watkins In the world and journalism, we are trained to follow the money. When I followed the money spent on federal contracts for goods and services in fiscal years (FY) 2021, 2022, and 2023, I was stunned at what I found. Black-owned businesses are getting royally shafted in the award of these […]
Black Women: Strength, Grace, and the Conscience of the World
By Bill Day Introduction: In a reflective interview, Bill Day speaks with Jarrod Sims, President of the Black Contractors Association Alabama Chapter (BCAAC). They explore the profound legacy of Black women throughout history, the inequities Black women still face in society today, and the unique challenges and resilience they bring to every field they enter, […]
Building a Brighter Future: Dr. Mitte Cannon on Careers in Construction
By Bill Day Bill Day : Dr. Cannon, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. To start, can you tell us a little about your background and how you became involved in workforce development and supporting careers in construction? Dr. Cannon : The way I became involved in workforce development was not […]
Judge partially blocks DOT’s DBE program
By Joe Bousquin The federal preliminary injunction could have widespread implications for workforce participation goals in federal contracts. Dive Brief: Dive Insight: The preliminary injunction, issued Monday in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, could impact billions of dollars in federal funding. DBEs have netted nearly $34 billion from federal transportation contracts in the […]
