Stuff: Telling the Story of Alabama’s First African-American Architect
All this week we’re taking a closer look at “Stuff” and what it means to us. Whether it’s priceless family heirlooms or just the day-to-day “what nots” that surround us, “Stuff” is everywhere. Nearly 20 years ago Bessemer resident Allen Durough found something in his barn that he thought was junk. But it turned out to be a life changing discovery related to Alabama’s first African American architect. A man by the name of Wallace Rayfield. Allen Durough tells his story to WBHM’s Tanya Ott.
Bessemer resident Allen Durough says he’s dedicated the rest of his life to educating the public about African American architect Wallace Rayfield.
Logan Ward (author of the book See You In 100 Years, which was featured on WBHM’s Tapestry) has an extensive profile of Wallace Rayfield and Allen Durough in this month’s issue of Preservation.
See a longer list of Wallace Rayfield-designed buildings on the Bham Wiki page.
Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry
The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor
Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor.
Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums
Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.
Construction on Meta’s largest data center brings 600% crash spike, chaos to rural Louisiana
An investigation from the Gulf States Newsroom found that trucks contracted to work at the Meta facility are causing delays and dangerous roads in Holly Ridge.
