2015 Fusion Awards

FUSION Written by Joe O’Donnell, Lindsey Osborne, and Katie Turpen Photography by Beau Gustafson

There’s so much talk of revival these days. Ask almost anyone on the street, someone who’s been here for years or someone who’s just arriving, and he or she will tell you that Birmingham is changing. Wander around downtown, and perhaps you’ll think that there’s revival because more places have opened up shop there or because Regions Field has sparked it. In part, that’s true. But if you venture through the city on any given weekend, you might think that revival has happened because of the art and music festivals that are taking place in Birmingham. In part, that’s true. And if you take a culinary tour of Birmingham, you might say, “Oh! This is why they call it the Magic City. The magic is here.” Indeed, in part, that’s true.

While all of these factors and many more contribute to Birmingham moving forward, beyond her past and finally to the city she has always been destined to be, there’s one thing that lies at the foundation of all of it. It’s the acceptance we’ve come to perpetuate, the diversity we’ve come to embrace, the attitude of inclusion we continue to insist upon. And because that’s the reason Birmingham is changing, we thought it appropriate—necessary, even—to recognize those who are leading the cause with our 2015 Fusion Awards. On the pages that follow, you’ll find Birminghamians from all walks of life who are championing the value of diversity. Even more than that, they’re reminding us of the things—compassion, grace, determination, work ethnic, humor—that bind us all together. B-METRO.COM

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