>

Also grew up in Birmingham.
Would also add that Hoover might have the fewest racial problems of the 7A schools districts around Birmingham, and that's not a compliment.
Fowler said the events were canceled after “a parent at one of the elementary schools voiced concern regarding social media posts made by Mr. Barnes.” He did not clarify what the posts included or what made them controversial.
“I wasn’t told anything about a parental complaint. My socials are all about my books, events, children, and of course I talk about Black history facts and things happening in the world, but everything is factual,” Barnes said.
A CNN review of the author’s social media posts found they predominantly feature photos of his family, writing, and music he enjoys, as well as comments about news events and political issues including police brutality, the January 6 insurrection and the presidential election. >

I’m guessing J6 could have really pissed them off, but in reality, it sounds like his existing as Black and uncowed would be enough. >

Guy: mans blackly
Alabama: “and I took that personally.” >

70% of Birmingham is black. This isn't an Alabama thing. It's a racists thing. >

Hi, Birminghamite here. Grew up in Hoover (The city this happened in) and moved to central Birmingham because of how much of a shit hole Hoover is. Hoover is not Birmingham, Hoover is 70% white, 17% Black (up from 7% black 20 years ago). Hoover is a suburb for people who refuse to live in Birmingham. Hoover is filled with a special kind of racists, homephobes, and xenophobes that can only be found in Southern Suburbs, and it's despicable. Trump's presidency managed to empower all of these quietly racist pieces of trash in my cities backyard into speaking their hate out into the world. It has become unbearable in the past 6 years from where you would be immediately ostracized for sharing your racist asinine thoughts, to now it being the norm in these places where all of the formerly quiet racists have grouped together and been given an undeserved voice.
I've been keeping up with this story since it happened, as I have friends whose children were immediately affected by it and were looking forward to Derrick Barnes visits. This is very on brand for Hoover, and it further serves as a disappointment on a national stage. Do not mistake Hoover for Birmingham.