Business

Dozens of minority-owned businesses seek ventures with Jeffco

THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES — About 100 small and minority business owners gathered at the Linn Henley Research Library on Monday for the Jefferson County Purchasing Department’s free seminar for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE). This is the second year the county has held the seminar for small businesses.

Published

7 years ago

May 9, 2019

Oakland Post

By Erica Wright

About 100 small and minority business owners gathered at the Linn Henley Research Library on Monday for the Jefferson County Purchasing Department’s free seminar for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE).

This is the second year the county has held the seminar for small businesses.

“The purpose of this is so disadvantaged businesses, women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses can begin to look at doing business with Jefferson County,” said John Henry, chief financial officer for Jefferson County. “The county has not had a proactive approach in the past of welcoming disadvantaged and small businesses to do business with the county, so for the last two years we’ve been making an effort, and will in the future because we want to let people know that the county is open for business.”

Henry said the county’s improved finances “allows us to do a lot more projects and we want those businesses to have the opportunity to compete for those projects.”

DBEs are defined as “majority owned and operated, and controlled by one or more minority groups, including… African-Americans, women, Hispanics, Native Americans and veterans and… the controlling percentage is 51 percent or more of that business entity,” according to the county.

On Monday, business owners were able to meet with members from the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors and the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA).

Officials from various county departments were on hand to discuss upcoming projects and share opportunities such as maintenance, repair and operational (MRO) type-bids.

Small business owners, Marvette Owens and Felesha Hubbard, both said they obtained valuable lessons from the seminar.

Owens is owner of M. Owens Investments, a real estate investment business specializing in tax liens and deeds and has been in business for a few months now.

“I heard about the event from Facebook and so I just signed up for it,” said Owens. “I learned how I can get contracts or do things through Jefferson County that I did not know. I learned how to register for those things and the different requirements that I need to fulfill in order to be qualified to bid on a contract.”

Hubbard, who owns Alabama Commercial Maintenance Company, LLC with her husband, David, and the firm does commercial and residential improvements such as painting, pressure washing, tiling, erosion control and minor roof repairs.

Hubbard heard about the event through email.

“This is our first year and we were just DBE certified this year . . . I’ve learned that you need to have your certifications and put time and work into your business because it does take time… if you’re going to be in it long term, it’s going to take dedication, . . . you [have] to continue to get out there and network, market yourself and your company and do your work.”

Dr. Michael Matthews, purchasing agent for Jefferson County said, the goal is to “create an inclusive community from which we can purchase goods and supplies . . . based on what has happened today, I think we are moving in the right direction . . . this is a marathon, not a sprint. After this meeting there is a lot of follow-up type work that we have to do to make sure that everyone stays connected and that everyone gets and stays plugged in.”

Next steps are to have more micro-meetings instead of macro-meetings, such as the seminar, said Matthews.

“For example, we want to reach out to all of the cleaning suppliers, engage them and all of the lawn cutting vendors and engage them. We want to start reaching out to smaller segments and having a more intimate one-on-one meetings as much as possible so they can ask very specific questions that’s relative to their commodity,” said Matthews.

This article originally appeared in The Birmingham Times.

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Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

Published

23 hours ago

July 5, 2026

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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Arts and Culture

Prescott Circus Theatre Presents Free Summer Performance Series

Now in its 41st year, the Prescott Circus Theatre is a nationally recognized performing arts education program for Oakland youth. The circus offers safe environments that challenge Oakland youth, through circus arts training, to develop the skills and confidence to thrive on stage, in school, and in life.

Published

1 week ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Prescott Circus showcase pathways pyramid. Photo courtesy of Prescott Circus.

By Post Staff

The Prescott Circus, Oakland’s longest-running youth circus, is returning this summer with its free shows. Join the Prescott Circus’s young stars as they share their joys and talents through stilt-dancing, tumbling, juggling, and more.

At the heart of this one-hour show, which demonstrates teamwork, pride, and joy, are Oakland Unified School District students ages 8 – 17 from more than 10 different schools

This is accomplished through no-cost school and community programs for more than 300 Oakland youth each year. Performing company members from Prescott, where the program began, perform and make appearances at as many as 40 Bay Area events each year.

The summer program is funded in part by Oakland Fund for Children and Youth, California Arts Council, Port of Oakland, and the West Davis & Bergard Foundation.

Performances will be held Tuesday, July 14, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (ASL interpreted) and Wednesday, July 15, 11 a.m., at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., Oakland. For free reservations go to

https://PrescottCircusSummerShows.eventbrite.com

For group reservations for camps, childcare centers, senior centers, go to www.prescottcircus.org

A community show will be held Saturday, July 18, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at DeFremery Park,1651 Adeline St., Oakland.

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NPRC Joins National Grand Jury Proceedings Seeking Accountability, Constitutional Restoration

Organizers state that testimony will explore historical and political developments that they believe have contributed to the expansion of corporate influence over public institutions and governmental decision-making. Participants are expected to discuss concerns regarding constitutional governance, individual liberties, property rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

Published

1 week ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Photo by Billie Powers.

Special to The Post

The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) has joined Toll and Roll and a growing coalition of advocacy organizations, victims, whistleblowers, and citizen groups in support of a nationally broadcast People’s Grand Jury proceeding scheduled for July 1 and July 7.

Organizers describe the event as a public forum designed to examine allegations of government abuse, judicial misconduct, legislative failures, and the erosion of constitutional protections affecting millions of Americans.

The proceedings will feature testimony from victims, families, advocates, and organizations from across the country who contend they have experienced harm through government actions, institutional neglect, and failures of oversight.

According to organizers, the People’s Grand Jury will focus on concerns involving probate courts, guardianships, conservatorships, child welfare systems, property rights, civil liberties, and what participants view as a growing disconnect between government institutions and the constitutional rights of the people they are sworn to serve.

NPRC is participating because many of the issues being examined mirror the concerns raised by advocates, victims, and families who have participated in its monthly town halls. For years, families have reported cases involving exploitation of elders, questionable guardianships, estate depletion, denial of due process, and a lack of meaningful oversight within probate court systems.

“This proceeding gives victims and advocates an opportunity to place their experiences on the public record,” said Tanya Dennis, lead facilitator of NPRC. “For too long, families have struggled to have their voices heard regarding elder abuse, probate exploitation, and government inaction. This forum allows those stories to be shared before a national audience.”

In keeping with principles of transparency and fairness, invitations have been extended to legislators, members of the judiciary, law enforcement representatives, and other public officials who may wish to respond to concerns raised during the proceedings or defend actions taken by their respective institutions.

One of the primary outcomes sought by organizers is public consideration and support for the People’s Remedy and Restoration Act, a proposed legislative framework that advocates believe would strengthen oversight, increase accountability, provide remedies for victims of governmental abuse, and restore constitutional protections.

The proceedings are expected to be broadcast nationally, providing citizens throughout the United States an opportunity to observe testimony, review evidence presented, and participate in an ongoing conversation regarding government accountability and the protection of individual rights.

Advocates hope the hearings will encourage meaningful dialogue, legislative reform, and renewed public engagement in the democratic process.

Individuals, organizations, public officials, and members of the media interested in attending or obtaining access information may contact the organizers at tollandroll2025@gmail.com.

As Americans continue to debate the future of constitutional governance, judicial accountability, and the protection of vulnerable citizens, the July proceedings are expected to serve as a significant forum for public testimony and civic engagement. For more information, go to https://tollandroll.com