I first heard about Hope Community in 2021 while working on another local publication. The article quoted Shawn Graham, vice president at the time, “It's not about race when we speak of diversity. It's about the contribution of all people to our community.” I was delighted to hear about an organization dedicated to understanding, communication, and a future for all of its citizens, but the skeptic in me couldn’t foresee how this concept could be effectively implemented. Boy, was I wrong! 

In the interest of full disclosure, I confess to being Sandy Stimpson's childhood neighbor and lifelong friend. Later, I met Jean, Sandy’s wife, in Tuscaloosa as students at the University of Alabama. To say that I’m an admirer of both would be a severe understatement.

Most people traveling along U.S. 98 probably breeze through the little town of Lillian with little more than a passing thought, but Curry Weber isn't like most people. The audio engineer and archaeologist moved to this community on Perdido Bay nine years ago, and he's determined to find out as much as possible about its past.

Gulf Shores Out-of-Town Volunteers Join Forces with Eco Clean Marine for Coastal Cleanup in Gulf Shores!

If Kathy Hicks had better vision, we might never have gotten to see the stunning images of what she sees on her nature walks. And it would certainly be our loss.

This is an amazing story. I’m in awe. We love talking about food. We love experiencing food, whether discovering a new eatery, a tried and true favorite, or a new recipe using fresh, local ingredients from the land or the sea. Scenic 98 Coastal has a big appetite when it comes to good food.

Collaborations are fun. Different people and organizations unite for a common cause, making a difference in our communities. Collaborations are also important. When progress and growth encroach on the natural beauty of our coastline, some unintended consequences happen. Mother Nature plays her part as well.

From the years 1889 to 1950, the only local high school for Black students’ education was located at 1000 Main Street in Daphne. As the first school built to educate African American children, The Eastern Shore Baptist Academy (its original name) was built on 18 acres of land purchased by the Eastern Shore Missionary Baptist Association. This was back in 1882; in 1892, the Association constructed a dormitory to house Black children who lived throughout the county, as well as those attending from surrounding counties.