Will Lochamy: Lol’ing at Randall Woodfin’s idea to rename the Birmingham Crossplex after Larry Langford
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is pushing to have the Birmingham Crossplex named after Larry Langford and people are lol’ing. I’ve sided with this mayor on almost everything during his short tenure, but I’m torn on this one. I know that Langford was crooked, but I also feel like his wild, unrealistic visions for Birmingham played a large role in kicking off the renaissance that our city has experienced. Maybe we didn’t get a beluga whale or a dome stadium, but he gave us this chip on our shoulder. He made us think we could be a city worthy of having the things that other cities had. Plus, naming the CrossPlex “after” him doesn’t necessarily mean it will be called the “Larry Langford CrossPlex.” It could just be something that makes us think of him. Here are a few suggestions: The “Gene Chiznik CrossPlex.” Alabama fans will love it and it’ll remind us of Larry getting names wrong. The “John Papke is the worst CrossPlex.” Their feud is certainly one that deserves to live on forever, whether John is actually the worst or not. If you don’t remember this reference, the YouTube video is well worth Googling. The “2020 Olympic CrossPlex,” since I’m still holding out hope on that Larry-ism. The “Birmingham Dome.” I mean, it DOES have a roof! Maybe it’s just too soon. With Mayor Langford’s recent release from prison and subsequent passing, we’ve been re-living all of the good and bad that came with his larger-than-life persona. It’s just poor timing to go from using the word “corrupt” to “honor” in the span of a month. I’m also concerned that if Larry gets his name on a building, it could take us down a slippery slope we might not foresee. “The Roy Moore Center for Equality and Compassion” or “The Sherrif Entrekin Beach House Association” are right around the corner. While Larry was entertaining and a world-class rabble-rouser, he didn’t play by the rules. Not only that, he broke the law in a state where our corruption cup overfloweth. The last thing we need to do is start naming buildings and putting up statues to honor people with problematic pasts… oh, wait. I’m going to choose to remember all the good stuff about Larry. If you got the chance to hear him speak or even just ran into him at the grocery store, you know how captivating and engaging he could be. He was the kind of guy that would ask you your name and then say it back to you in conversation. That’s a fantastic quality… unless you’re Jon Paepcke. (seriously, Google it.) ••• Will Lochamy is co-host of the radio show, “Oh Brother Radio” on Birmingham Mountain Radio (107.3FM).
Plan to honor Larry Langford, former Birmingham mayor convicted of bribery, sparks disagreement
A plan to honor a former Alabama mayor who went to prison for bribery is sparking disagreement in Birmingham. Birmingham’s current mayor, Randall Woodfin, has proposed renaming a city recreational facility for Larry Langford, an ex-mayor convicted in a bribery scheme a decade ago. Langford died in January after being released from federal prison because of poor health. Woodfin told the City Council recently that Langford made contributions and deserves to be honored. But al.com reports that council member Hunter Williams wrote Woodfin saying the city would send the wrong message by honoring a convicted felon. Langford was convicted of taking about $235,000 in bribes in return for directing lucrative bond work to an ally while he was head of the Jefferson County Commission. Those deals helped bankrupt Alabama’s most populous county. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Funeral set for Larry Langford, ex-Birmingham mayor convicted of bribery
Services are being held for a former Birmingham mayor who died just days after being released from federal prison, where he served time for bribery. A statement from the city says a funeral mass for former Mayor Larry Langford is set for noon Monday. The service is public, and the city plans to livestream the event. Hundreds paid tribute to Langford as his body laid in repose at a city arena on Sunday. The 72-year-old Langford died last week after being released from federal prison because of his failing health. His political career ended in 2009 when he was convicted of taking bribes as a commissioner in Jefferson County, which later filed for bankruptcy. Investigations revealed a string of corrupt deals. A judge sentenced Langford to 15 years in prison. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Obituaries, op-eds and statements: Reactions to the passing of Larry Langford
Larry Langford, the former Birmingham mayor passed away in Birmingham’s Brookwood Princeton Hospital yesterday, January 8, 2019 after years battling chronic illness. The following are statements made in reaction to the news. The City of Birmingham posted a press release announcing his death and highlighting his career. According to an obituary provided by his family, Langford is survived by his wife, Melva Langford; son, Ronald Strothers; niece, Lena Powe McDonald; brother, Oliver Nance; sister-in-law, Casi Ferguson; grandchildren, Ronald Strothers III and Jared Daniel Strothers; and a host of other nieces, nephews, friends and supporters. Randall Woodfin, Birmingham Mayor (Via FaceBook) “It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Mayor Larry Langford. Our hearts go out to the Langford family during this time of loss. Mayor Langford had an unmatched love for his community – a love he expressed through his boldness and creativity. During all of our interactions, one thing was always clear – Mayor Langford was an unabashed advocate for the city he served. His fire for change and passion for people will be a lasting part of his legacy. Above all else, Mayor Langford loved this city. Please keep Mayor Langford’s loving wife Melva, family members and friends in your prayers during this difficult time. May he be remembered for his boundless ingenuity and as a fervent voice for the people.” Congresswoman Terri Sewell (2 separate FaceBook posts) “I am deeply saddened tonight with the news that we have lost Mayor Larry Langford. My prayers are with his wife, Melva, and their family as they honor his life and legacy in the days and weeks ahead.” “Here in Birmingham, Mayor Langford will be remembered for his dedication to serving the community he grew up in and for his fight to bring greater opportunities to people in Jefferson County. He was a man of faith, and he put his faith into action by campaigning to reduce violence and promote investments in education for our city’s young people. Mayor Langford will be deeply missed, and I was happy to see him return home to Magic City to be with family before he passed. My prayers are with his family.” Birmingham City Council (Via their FaceBook page) “The Birmingham City Council wishes to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends in the loss of our former Mayor Larry Langford. We are deeply grateful for his countless contributions to the City, County and the State of Alabama as a whole. Our prayers are that God will comfort all of those that knew and loved him as a dynamic leader and force of change in our communities.” From his Obituary in the New York Times “With a showman’s touch and a penchant for defiance, Mr. Langford was a proudly unorthodox political figure in a state full of them. In and around Birmingham, where he was a public figure for more than four decades, he was regarded with an intriguing mix of admiration — for his creativity, zeal and unstinting confidence — and derision, which flowed from his reputation as a politician who dealt in himself and in spectacularly unrealistic ideas.” From a column by Al.Com’s Kyle Whitmire: “Larry Langford was someone you could never really know. He was funny, personable and the sort of politician that, if you let your guard down, would murder the truth right in front of you. I wrote about him for years, and I still wonder how much of what I reported was accurate”
Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford dies at 72
Larry Langford, the former Birmingham mayor whose captivating political career was ended by a conviction on public corruption charges, died on Tuesday. He was 72. His death was confirmed by his lawyer, Tiffany Johnson Cole. Langford died a little more than a week after being released from federal prison because of his failing health. The cause of death was not announced but attorneys said earlier that Langford had end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. Langford was raised in poverty in a Birmingham housing project but rose to become one of the Birmingham area’s most charismatic and influential leaders. He served in the U.S. military and in the early 1970s became one the first black television reporters in the city of Birmingham. Langford served as mayor of Fairfield, the president of the Jefferson County Commission and mayor of Birmingham. With a flair for the theatrical, he never shied away from big ideas for the areas he served. During his political career, he championed the creation of an amusement park called Visionland and other efforts to make Birmingham a tourism destination. His unrealized plans included bringing the Olympics to Birmingham and building a domed stadium. “Mayor Langford had an unmatched love for his community – a love he expressed through his boldness and creativity,” current Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said Tuesday. Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales said Langford, while unconventional in his approach, “was a pioneer and visionary who was well ahead of his time.” His political career ended in 2009 when he was convicted of taking bribes — in the form of cash, clothing and a Rolex— as a member of the county commission in exchange for steering bond business to an investment banker. A federal judge sentenced Langford to 15 years in prison. “He sold Jefferson County out” Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin said at his 2010 sentencing. Langford maintained his innocence. “This whole thing, my being in prison, found guilty by a jury that said it had made up its mind before hearing any testimony and sitting here watching elected officials take credit for my work just adds insult to injury,” Langford told The Birmingham News in 2013. Langford’s supporters for years had lobbied for his release from prison because of his ill health. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Terri Sewell asks Trump administration to
Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell on Wednesday called upon the Federal Bureau of Prisons for an immediate reduction in sentence for former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford, who is in critical condition but was denied compassionate release. Langford, 72, is suffering from several illnesses including end-stage pulmonary disease, emphysema and heart failure. He is currently serving a 15 year sentence in federal prison for bribery and public corruption. “During this season of hope, I am calling on the Trump Administration to act with compassion and immediately reduce Mayor Langford’s sentence due to his deteriorating health,” said Sewell. “Justice should be fair but also merciful. Mayor Larry Langford has served over eight years in federal prison and should spend his final days surrounded by family in Birmingham, Alabama.” Sewell previously advocated for the compassionate release of Langford in 2015 and 2016 during the Obama Administration. Langford has suffered from worsening, chronic health conditions for years and
William Bell writes Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump for Larry Langford’s early release
Birmginham Mayor William Bell has submitted a letter for early release for former mayor Larry Langford. The letter, submitted to President Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday asks for compassionate release from federal prison due to his chronic health issues. Langford is serving time following his 2009 conviction for bribery where he took an estimated $235,000 from an investment banker while he serving as Jefferson County commissioner in return for millions of bond work. He and Bell have been friends since childhood, where they played Little League together. Both went on to attend UAB. “We’ve been friends through the years,” said Bell. “But this has nothing to do with friendship.” According to the letter, Langford, who is 70 years old, has served over 50 percent of his 157 month and 26 day sentence. Bell says Langford has several chronic health issues and deserves to come home to be in the care of his family and loved ones. “The idea of a compassionate release was established for this reason,” said Bell in the letter. “I ask that you please seriously consider Mayor Langford’s release at this time and allow him the privilege of spending time in the care of his family and loved ones.” Bell previously made the same request of President Barack Obama in November 2016. Read the full letter below:
