Big gatherings, big changes: safer alumni events in Birmingham

Every summer, Birmingham schools buzz with alumni events, bringing together former students to catch up and celebrate. But some of these gatherings have turned dangerous, with shootings happening near schools and parks where events take place. Last year saw a serious injury when a woman was caught in crossfire at Woodlawn High School’s alumni event. Police Chief Michael Pickett remembers a child getting critically hurt at one of these events a decade ago, showing how quickly celebrations can turn tragic. Pickett now suggests moving these gatherings to Legion Field, a larger, more controlled space. He argues that bigger venues with better lighting and surveillance can help prevent incidents. Several schools, including Phillips, West End, and Ramsay, have already tried this and reported no problems. While some might worry about losing the school’s personal touch, Pickett points out that the real value is in the people, not the location.The police can’t force schools to move events, but they’ve pitched the idea to city leaders, including the mayor, who agreed. School and park officials are also open to the change, especially since they’ve been looking for safer options anyway. Pickett admits nothing is foolproof, but Legion Field’s security setup—like cameras linked to a crime center—makes it a stronger choice. The goal isn’t to kill the fun but to keep everyone safe while they reminisce. Police plan to increase patrols and monitor events closely, no matter where they happen. They want to stop arguments from escalating and prevent retaliation later. Still, the chief knows events can still face risks. For now, the plan is under discussion, but the focus is clear: protect the people first.