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Vibestreet’s Chief Financial Officer, Josh Echols Makes it Happen

BIRMINGHAM TIMES — Joshua Echols, 24, is chief financial officer of Vibestreet Photography and Recording Studios, a rental space near Five Points South that opened this year and hosts a broad range of photo shoots, videography, art shows, meetings, and even served as a site for a local reality show. He recently spoke to the Birmingham Times about the multipurpose location for creatives in the Magic City.

Published

7 years ago

October 4, 2019

Oakland Post

Joshua Echols (Photo by: birminghamtimes.com)

By Ameera Steward

Joshua Echols, 24, is chief financial officer of Vibestreet Photography and Recording Studios, a rental space near Five Points South that opened this year and hosts a broad range of photo shoots, videography, art shows, meetings, and even served as a site for a local reality show. He recently spoke to the Birmingham Times about the multipurpose location for creatives in the Magic City.

Birmingham Times: What do you like most about Birmingham?

Echols: I like the accessibility Birmingham provides to different areas. I’ve lived in different parts of the city throughout different phases of my young life: Collegeville through elementary school; South Roebuck through middle and high school, and recently Hoover. Living in each of these neighborhoods for some time, I was able to learn a lot of back roads.

If you had someone visit from out of town, what’s the one place you have to take them?

Probably fishing at one of the lakes in or near Birmingham. Fishing is something I recently took up, and I find that some of the lakes provide great views and are relaxing for me. My favorite lake that I have fished at is probably Lake Purdy.

What’s your favorite movie?

Either of the “John Wick” series; I wasn’t much of a movie person until the first one came out. The first “John Wick” had a really good story line: the dude went crazy about someone killing his dog. I’m a guy who watches a movie, and if I’m not interested in the first five minutes, I’m just not going to watch it. “John Wick” started off with action, a man killing people for a dog. I have to respect him.

Who’s your favorite musical artist?

Ask anyone this question about me and they would say Gucci Mane. I’ve been supporting this brother since “Bird Flu Part 2.” At one point in time in my life, I have been listening to this brother speak facts exclusively, but I have recently expanded the artists I listen to.

What’s a food dish you can never get tired of?

Any dish with salmon. I could literally eat salmon all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I think my love of salmon came from the salmon patties my mom used to make for breakfast when I was younger.

What are you most passionate about professionally? Personally?

Professionally, I am most passionate about software development. Currently, I am working specifically with web-development technologies but looking to expand to other disciplines soon. Personally, I’m most passionate about making the most sensible financial decisions now so I’m able to work less in the near future.

Who is someone you admire, and why?

Probably not a good answer to the question, but I currently don’t have anyone I admire. Personally, for me, I try to acknowledge what others have done for their own success and the success of the community, but I can’t say I take inspiration from what anyone has done. In short, I like to pave my own way in life.

What are three pet peeves?

Chewing with your mouth open. That’s just so disrespectful. No one wants to hear you smack; that’s, like, unnecessary sound. You can chew with your mouth closed. Squeezing the middle of the toothpaste tube. You’ll miss toothpaste trying to squeeze the middle of the toothpaste tube. Why not start at the bottom and work your way up? Talking to me while I’m playing video games. Don’t talk to me while I’m playing games—I’m in the zone. Usually, when I’m playing games it’s been a long day at work. After a long day at work, I don’t talk to anybody, so I come home, and I play games. And if I have my surround-sound headphones on, do not try to get my attention. It’s not that important. Nothing is more important than my games when I’ve had a long day.

How do you want to be remembered?

I’d want people to remember me as someone who always tried to make others smile. I’m a very social person, mostly asking strangers how their day is going. Anyone I come in contact with, I try to put a smile on their face because you never know what someone is going through.

What do you want to do before you die?

Spear fishing. I watched shows like the “Survivor” series growing up and always thought it was pretty interesting that people could be stranded on an island surrounded by an ocean and still provide food with little tools. I currently go fishing often but have yet to actually get in the water and see what the ocean has to offer.

What publications or websites do you regularly read?

Currently, I don’t have any reading material. I often visit The Verge and TechCrunch [websites]; both kind of give updates on things that relate to technology. I also have Bing set as my homepage, as it gives updates on events that have recently happened.

What would be your personal motto?

“Make it happen, Captain!” I believe that no one can put a ceiling on your personal goals and aspirations—and for that reason I say, “By all means, achieve everything you set out to do! And let no person or thing stand in your way.”

Click here to read about Vibestreet’s founder, Micah Lewis.

Click here to read about Vibestreet’s operations coordinator, Jerrod Drukes.

This article originally appeared in The Birmingham Times.

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Youth-Led Black August Event Brings Past to Present at East Oakland Boxing Association

The mission of Youth Alive! Is to “break the cycle of violence, heal trauma, and uplift a thriving community of leaders, to save lives in Oakland and beyond” by serving “as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists and violence interrupters,” working “to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community.”
The post The mission of Youth Alive! Is to “break the cycle of violence, heal trauma, and uplift a thriving community of leaders, to save lives in Oakland and beyond” by serving “as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists and violence interrupters,” working “to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community.” appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 29, 2026

Oakland Post

By Jana Lang Propel Youth Reporter

Youth-Led Black August Event Brings Past to Present at East Oakland Boxing Association

The East Oakland Boxing Association (EOBA) and Youth Alive! came together on Aug. 21 to share with their community all that Black August means to them.

Held on EOBA’s patio at 816 98th Ave. in Deep East Oakland, the two organizations hosted their second annual Black August Experience, featuring a food tasting, financial literacy and mindfulness workshops, and voter registration with the League of Women Voters Oakland (LWV).

Black August is known as a time to uphold the legacy of prisoners who protested their conditions by fasting, fighting, and educating themselves on the economic and political circumstances that contributed to their incarceration.

According to its website, “EOBA is a multi-service youth and community development hub that goes far beyond the ring. While rooted in the discipline of boxing, for nearly 40 years EOBA has also integrated robust programs in workforce development, food justice, afterschool enrichment, financial literacy, mentorship, and wellness.”.

The mission of Youth Alive! Is to “break the cycle of violence, heal trauma, and uplift a thriving community of leaders, to save lives in Oakland and beyond” by serving “as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists and violence interrupters,” working “to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community.”

Through Coro California, another leadership organization serving young people across the state for 80 years, they gained a broader understanding of Black August.

EOBA Executive Director Dawna Williams spoke about how much she learned about Black August from the youth who created it. “I let them educate me,” she said. Instead of talking about prison reform and mass incarceration, Williams and youth interns found that Black August meant so much more. “We would have done a disservice if we had just focused on who the people were and what their situation was…We tried to take their message from back in the day and make it relevant to the young people today. What do they need to know?”

Youth interns created and placed posters around the patio to help participants understand how traditional Black foodways, civic engagement, financial literacy, and the power of education are relevant to Black resistance today.

An EOBA member described Black August with Youth ALIVE! as “a whole vibe. “This year we added the Fun Zone for the kids, because you really cannot go wrong with a Fun Zone. I also loved seeing everyone chillin’ in the outdoor lounge, catching some Vitamin D and just enjoying a Friday evening together.”

The food tasting, a popular event from last year, featured traditional Black foods such as black-eyed peas, johnny cakes, and fried chicken. Led by Williams, the tasting included a talk about how these traditional foods were made and why they are forms of Black resilience.

The “‘Plate of History’ was a favorite of the online writers. “Fun, educational, and did I mention delicious? Our Taste of History cook, Angela Southall, served up some good eats while connecting food to history and culture.”

The writer also commended the “League of Women Voters Oakland for their civic leadership and for getting our young people informed, ready, and registered to vote.”

Overall, it was a “good Friday event in East Oakland,” the writer said.

Upcoming Black August events: Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS), will host “Black August: The Arc of Liberation” at Oakland City Hall on Sat. Aug. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The websites for East Oakland Boxing Association, Youth Alive! and CORO are sources for this report.

Jana Lang is an Oakland resident, teacher, gardener and poet participating in the Propel News Initiative.

The post The mission of Youth Alive! Is to “break the cycle of violence, heal trauma, and uplift a thriving community of leaders, to save lives in Oakland and beyond” by serving “as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists and violence interrupters,” working “to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community.” appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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EV Home Charging Warning: What Dealerships Won’t Tell You! #shorts

Is your home EV charging setup ready? Dealerships may not warn you about critical outlet and circuit needs. Find out before you plug in!
The post EV Home Charging Warning: What Dealerships Won’t Tell You! #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 29, 2026

Oakland Post

Dealerships won’t tell you: charging this big battery at home isn’t always simple. Verify your outlet capacity, circuit, and setup before assuming level one or basic outdoor outlets will suffice.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/A9Cd2SspoaQ

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The post EV Home Charging Warning: What Dealerships Won’t Tell You! #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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Car Buying Secrets: Dealership Traps & How to Avoid Them #shorts

Don’t get tricked at the dealership! Learn essential car buying secrets to secure the best deal and avoid hidden traps.
The post Car Buying Secrets: Dealership Traps & How to Avoid Them #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 29, 2026

Oakland Post

Before stepping into a dealership, secure bank pre-approval for your financing rate. Then, get the out-the-door price in writing. Never discuss monthly payments until that number is fixed. Test road noise and rear visibility yourself. Decline add-ons with a simple ‘Not today’. Check backseat space with your tallest household member.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/maAOBjO1puY

#AutoNetwork

The post Car Buying Secrets: Dealership Traps & How to Avoid Them #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.