Prosper

Five years ago, Prosper began with a belief: Birmingham should not have to choose between a growing economy and an inclusive one.

In a new op-ed, Prosper President J.W. Carpenter and Emily Jerkins Hall, CEcD reflect on the progress Birmingham has made; from rising school performance and expanded transit to scholarship access, startup support and major investments in historically underserved neighborhoods.

The work is far from finished. But the bet remains the same: talent is distributed equally across our region, while opportunity is not. The years ahead will determine whether Birmingham builds an economy where every child, every family, and every community can prosper together.

Read the full op-ed from J.W. Carpenter and Emily Jerkins Hall at the link below.

https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2026/06/opinion-birmingham-ranks-among-the-best-at-sharing-its-growth-it-doesnt-yet-have-enough-growth-to-share/

📣May we have your attention please?

We'd like to interrupt your Monday morning to give a huge "Thank You" to Rashida Reese and Merc Livingston of ReBirth Marketing and Consulting for all their help with our Summer Soiree.

Rashida's team played a tremendous role in the excellence, experience and aesthetics of the evening and for that, we couldn't be more grateful.

As you are looking for project management, event planning, social media support and marketing elevation, look to ReBirth Marketing and Consulting.

Connect with them at: https://www.rebirth.marketing/

Happy Summer Soiree Day to all who celebrate! 🥳🥳🥳

It's our 5th Prosperversary and we're ready to gather with a few of our favorite 300 friends at this absolutely, positively sold-out affair.

To get on top of some of the questions you've been posing, see our official "Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)".

Can't wait to celebrate with you tonight!

Congratulations to ECMC Foundation Bold Path Fellowship fellow, Myles Taylor! He's certainly a force for good in Birmingham and we're glad we know him!

Yesterday, we had the privilege of attending a showcase featuring six founders who are building the future of healthcare right here in Alabama.

The gBETA Accelerator, powered by gener8tor, connects innovative health technology startups with the coaching, capital, and connections they need to build and scale their businesses.

This in-person program is helping position Birmingham as a hub for health technology solutions through investments in entrepreneurship, talent, and community engagement.

We heard from the founders and CEOs of VALOR Scientific, Vivosphere, nanoxort, Celestia Diagnostics, MAMU Digital Solutions, and GuidelinesIQ, each of whom is paving the way for innovative healthcare solutions in the field of biotechnology, diagnostics, medical imaging, digital health, and Clinical AI.

Join us the community Juneteenth in honoring history and culture with free access to many of the heritage sites across the Civil Rights District–plus a block party with food, music, and fun!

Come enjoy the district-wide experience with free entry to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, free tours at 16th Street Baptist Church, free entry to the AG Gaston Motel Gallery (gallery only), and free tours of the Civil Rights National Monument provided by the National Park Service.

After reflecting on history, stay for the celebration with a community block party! Enjoy food, music, entertainment, local vendors, face painting, a kids’ zone, line dancing, and opportunities to connect with community partners.

See the full schedule of events below.
June 19, 2026
Civil Rights District (16th St N and 5th Ave)

Historic AG Gaston Motel
Alicia’s Coffee: Open from 7:00am-8:00pm
The Gift Shop on 5th: Open from 10:00am-7:00pm
AG Gaston Motel Gallery: Open from 10:00am-7:00pm

16th Street Baptist Church
Galleries will be open and free to the public from 10:00am-3:00pm, with gallery entry ending at 3:00pm.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Galleries will be open and free to the public from 12:00pm-4:00pm, with gallery entry ending at 3:15pm.

National Park Service
NPS will provide two (2) free tours of the Civil Rights National Monument at 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Registration is required as space is limited to 25 people per tour.

Enjoy music, food trucks, vendors, and community partners from 1:00–8:00 PM at the block party on 16th St N and 5th Ave. Children can explore the Kid’s Zone with face painting and hands-on activities throughout the day, while families connect and learn from community partners in the breezeway. The celebration will keep going through the evening with Birmingham’s own Ebony Arrington teaching line dancing from 5:00–7:00 PM.