Columbus native youngest-ever member of Birmingham school board
Dispatch Staff Report October 14, 2009 9:38:00 AM
A Columbus native has become the youngest person elected to the Birmingham, Ala., Board of Education.
Alana Edwards, 23, was elected to a four-year term on the board this year.
A 2003 graduate of Victory Academy, Edwards, the youngest of six children and daughter of Pastor J.C. Edwards and Lottie Edwards of Columbus, is a 2007 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and currently lives in Birmingham, where she will represent District 7 on the Board of Education.
"I feel real proud," said J.C. Edwards, the pastor of New Zion Steens Missionary Baptist Church. "Especially, considering the struggle she went through to be elected. Her opponent labeled her as too young and inexperienced. She kind of went against the odds. Another struggle she had was being from Mississippi. That was one of the things she had to overcome, being an outsider. But my daughter started from the grass-roots. She went door-to-door; she beat the pavement. She was determined.
"Columbus ought to be proud, too," he added.
Alana Edwards, who is the niece of Joe Edwards, Columbus' first African American city councilman, defeated two-term incumbent Odessa Ashley, 75, for the District 7 seat.
Have been following this on Facebook. Did not know she won. Congrats Alana! But the correct name of the school she graduated from is Victory Christian Academy. Again congrats!
We have also followed this election from the Birmingham perspective, having lived here now 6 years. Alana played flute in CHS Band when my husband was director, and we are extremely proud of her and what she has already accomplished. We have witnessed indictments, convictions and much political corruption in all areas of public service here. She has represented herself, and Columbus, MS., so well and is truly the bright hope and model of integrity for Birmingham schools. The "Birmingham News" recognized that and supported her from the beginning. We are THANKFUL for her.