The Birmingham Promise

How can a progressive young mayor from the deep South help thousands of students attend college, combat gun violence, and drive economic growth?

Listen to this powerful episode of the Lean to the Left Podcast as hosts Arthur Hill, Robert Thompson, and Bob Gatty sit down with Mayor Randall Woodfin, the youngest mayor in Birmingham, Alabama’s history.

Mayor Woodfin discusses his transformative Birmingham Promise initiative, which provides college scholarships and job training for high school graduates, with strong support from the business community. We also explore critical issues like:

🔹 Gun violence and youth impact

🔹 Economic development and job creation

🔹 Trump-era policies and their local effects

🔹 Bipartisan efforts for real change

🔹 Mayor Woodfin's personal journey and leadership values

💬 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about bold leadership, education reform, and the future of urban America.

📘 Also, check out Bob Gatty’s new book: Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness – Get it on Amazon. Here's a direct link: https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZ.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to the Dixie Dems Podcast

00:35 Meet Mayor Randall Woodfin

02:09 Concerns About Trump's Policies

07:28 Creating Jobs in Birmingham

10:13 Empowering Young People

14:05 Mayor Woodfin's Journey

20:40 Birmingham Promise Initiative

25:24 Impact of Crime on Youth

26:35 Gun Violence in Birmingham

27:44 Gun Safety and Legislation

29:07 Bipartisan Efforts to Combat Gun Violence

30:40 Political Endorsements and Policy Views

32:56 Fatherhood and Personal Life

33:54 Challenges as Mayor

36:51 Impact of National Policies on Birmingham

38:48 Closing Remarks and Book Promotion

40:38 South Carolina's Missing Funds

About Bob Gatty

Bob Gatty is a former journalist and communications consultant, the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of its podcast.

Lean to the Left pulls no punches in calling out Trump, Musk & Co., who are turning our country into their own personal piggybank.

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