Ward 5 clean-up to be held
Columbus Ward 5 councilman Kabir Karriem will lead an effort next weekend to spruce up his district and hopes to have a large contingent joining
Island committee still weighing options
Committee members selected to brainstorm economic development ideas for the Island are forming a clearer picture of how to proceed, but they also want to hear from the public.
Officials unveil Catfish Alley memorial
Lifelong Lowndes County resident Charlie Smith, now in his 70s, admits he’s forgotten a few things about visiting Catfish Alley during his youth.
On Thursday, city officials unveiled a monument commemorating the area’s rich history as a commercial and cultural hub for African-Americans and a gathering place for all races. The sides of the monument list the names of those who ran restaurants, barber shops, dentist offices, drug stores and entertainment venues during the area’s peak eras in popularity and success.
Gavin, Karriem duel over travel request
Three Columbus council members are going to a Washington, D.C., conference later this month, but a dispute over whether taxpayers should pay for the trip took place during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Island advisory group solicits public input
Before the committee formed to brainstorm ideas for redevelopment of the Island met Thursday, committee member and county supervisor Leroy Brooks told of a conversation he had with Robert Williams, known by some in Columbus as “Uncle Bunky” from a local children’s television show he used to host.
Island committee finalized
A team of city officials, county officials and developers has been formed to explore community development in the area known locally as the Island.
It was announced previously that Lowndes County supervisors Leroy Brooks and Jeff Smith as well as Columbus councilmen Gene Taylor and Kabir Karriem would serve on the committee.
Karriem hopes to keep gun buyback program
Four months after the Columbus Police Department sponsored a gun buyback program, organizers are mulling over whether to make it an annual event.
New committee to explore development on the Island
There has been much talk over the years about what kind of economic development projects could be lured to the Island, but so far, no one has been able to come to agreement. Now, the Island’s future is on the table again, with the formation of an ad hoc committee to explore options for the once-popular property.
Officials target mid-June for Catfish Alley ceremony
With street light replacement and paving already complete and sidewalk installation, completion of a mural and landscape improvements all set to be wrapped up by June 6, officials are on schedule for a mid-June ceremony to celebrate Catfish Alley.
Karriem, Turner lead in campaign contributions
A look at the campaign finance reports from the Columbus primary election next Tuesday shows a noticeable disparity in contributions made to candidates.
Officials hope to dedicate Catfish Alley monument in April
After months of discussion, a memorial to honor the pioneers who once populated one of Columbus’ most historic streets is one step closer to reality.
Bernsen replacement to be named Tuesday
The Columbus City Council will announce its new Chief Financial Officer during its regular Feb. 5 meeting after completing a final round of interviews Tuesday.
Area residents participate in history at inauguration
For Columbus resident Kabir Karriem, Monday was all about capturing a moment in history.
“I was participating in history,” said Karriem, who also serves as a councilman in Columbus. “It was about seeing the first African- American president inaugurated into his second term on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 50 years after the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech and 150 years after the Emancipation Proclamation.”
City awaits DOJ redistricting decision
After months of discussion, the 2012 redistricting plan for the City of Columbus has been submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. And consultant Chris Watson, whose firm Bridge and Watson handled the redistricting, said the city will now wait for the DOJ to make its decision.
Seventh Avenue Festival shines light on historic neighborhood
Time moves slowly on Seventh Avenue North. Sometimes it seems to creep as insidiously as kudzu along a cinderblock wall. Other times, it is softer, mellower, evoking days of porch sittin’, slow sippin’ and smoke-drenched blues.
Columbus radio show to feature controversial minister
Local callers will have an opportunity to question Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan next month. Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem will host Farrakhan on his radio program, Karriem & Co., Feb. 9 on WTWG AM 1050.
Pants on the ground: Does Columbus need a law to ban sagging pants?
Drooping pants may or may not come up tonight. Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem is mulling the possibility of bringing a proper attire ordinance aimed at sagging pants before the city council.
Karriem angles for Seventh Avenue improvements
Whether it’s a signature festival or neighborhood improvements, Seventh Avenue knows how to stretch a dollar.
Bias accusation leveled against festival organizers
Allegations of political bias have been leveled at the organizers of the Seventh Avenue Heritage Festival.
City cites health, safety violations at Columbus complex
City officials Friday served a notice of violations on a Columbus apartment complex, located at 815 13th Street N.