Why I’m Glad Tommy Bice is Taking Charge of Birmingham City Schools

Tommy Bice impressed me the first time I met him. In fact, I think he impressed us all.

He was the first on the second of two panels at a townhall meeting that my organization,  the Birmingham Association of Black Journalists, sponsored to discuss the academic “crisis” in Birmingham City Schools. Continue reading →

Obamacare and the State Takeover of Birmingham City Schools

As I thought about what to write about the Alabama Education Department’s decision to take over Birmingham City Schools, the Supreme Court also came out with its decision to essentially uphold the basic tenants of Obamacare.

Now, what am I gonna do? Write two columns? Not enough time. So, I decided to look for the existential meaning of both these events happening on the same day. I got my answer, from a good friend who’s been closely following both issues.

His point is really simple: people don’t like forced change, even if it turns out to be good for them. Continue reading →