Alumni Bios
Wenonah High School Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Coach Emanuel Bell, (1973), Girls Basketball Coach James E Carden, (1952), Director, US Postal Svc, Retired USAF Judge Ralph Cook, (1961), Alabama Supreme Court Justice John Daniels, (1969), NFL Wide Receiver Dan Reeves (1966), Entrepreneur Joe Amos (1948), Posthumously, Silver Star, Vietnam USA
Class of 2018 Ronnie D. Jackson (1971), Former Major League Baseball Player, Dr. Vanessa Guest Byrd-Moore, (1976), Principal; Dr. Eunice Myatt Banks (1960), Colonel, USA Retired; Sandra Mixon Little Brown (1973) Former Jefferson County Comm; James Waller, (AKA Munir Muhammad) (1968), Chicago TV Host.
Class of 2019 Wardine Towers Alexander (1973); Bham City Council Ervin Batain (1972), Posthumously; Dr. Shun Williams (1996); Supt., Midfield City Schools Dr. Horace Huntley (1961); Professor Watson Cole (1983); Entrepreneur Donald Debrow (1954); Former Principal Captain Laura Peoples (1970), USN Retired
Distinguished Wenonah Graduate
Moody Duff Class of 1976 BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Deputy Police Chief Moody Duff will retire May 17 after 29 years with the Birmingham Police Department. Duff, whose law enforcement career has spanned 33 years and two police agencies, is currently the deputy chief of the BPD's Field Operations Bureau.   "My law enforcement career has provided me the best education I could have ever obtained and taken me to meet people that I otherwise would not have had an opportunity to meet,'' he said. "Thank you, Roosevelt City, Wenonah High School, UAB and the City of Birmingham. I hope I have proven worthy of everything that you gave me."    Complete article  Barbara Young Huntley Class of 1961 Academic success followed Barbara to Wenonah High School, where the young woman was voted "Most Likely to Succeed," along with classmate -- and future husband -- Horace Huntley.  She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education at Tuskegee University in 1965. Her first teaching job took her to Minneapolis. Huntley and her husband both landed fellowships to work on their master's degrees at Syracuse University. She earned hers in educational administration. After earning their degrees, the Huntleys moved to Pittsburgh, where Horace Huntley, a noted historian, earned his doctorate. In Pittsburgh, Barbara Huntley was director of childcare for Allegheny County schools. They returned to Birmingham in 1976 when he was hired at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  Over the years Huntley served in a number of teaching positions, but said she always wanted to be a principal. She was assistant principal at Jackson Elementary in West End, then its interim principal before becoming principal at the old Riley Elementary. She became principal at Wenonah Elementary eight years ago and retired January 1, 2011.
Dr. Eunice Myatt Banks, Colonel, USA, Retired Class of 1960  Dr. Banks graduated in 1965 from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Science, Nursing degree, followed by a Master of Science, Nursing from Wayne State University in 1971. She received a doctorate (Ph D) in 1983, from the University of Michigan. She is a member of the Detroit Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Alumni Group. Dr. Banks is a retired Colonel from the U. S. Army.
Members Listing
Shellaine Bent Class of 1997   Shellaine Bent attended Wenonah High School from August 1993 to May 1997, she graduated with honors and in the top 10 ercent of her class. During her time at Wenonah she was involved in several clubs and organizations. She was 1 of 4 Birmingham City School students chosen to have the opportunity of going to Korea as an ambassador.  She received an Associate Degree of Science in Mathematics from Lawson State Community College where she also graduated with honors. Currently she's working at Primerica as a representative and as an assistant to one of the Regional Vice Presidents. Class of 1997 web site James Carden Class of 1952
James E Carden graduated from Wenonah High School in May 1952. He lived in the Woodward (Lipscomb) community during this time, and attended the State Vocational and Trade School (Lawson State) for one year after graduation. He volunteered for the U S Army, and served as a Military Policeman in South Korea.  He returned and completed requirements for the Associate Degree in Business Administration at Lawson State Community College.  After discharge from the active military service, he joined the Air Force Reserve.  He retired in 1992 after 33 years service as an Aeromedical Evacuation Crew Member, Flight Examiner, serving in worldwide evacuation of sick, and wounded military members during Vietnam, Desert Storm and other military conflicts.  He retired from the U S Postal Service in 1990 after advancing through the management ranks to Director, City Operations, responsible for postal operations for 210 offices in the South Georgia District. He served as a consultant for Delivery Operations in the Alabama District from 1994 to 1999. From 1999 to 2006, he served as a Consultant to Accenture, LLC in Washington D. C., assisting in developing management software for Headquarters, U. S. Postal Service. Profile
Brenda D. Gunn Class of 1969 Brenda D. Gunn graduated from Wenonah High School in May 1969.  Her education include a B. S., Sociology; Minor in English from the University of Louisville and Legal Secretarial Degree (with honors) from Spencerian College in Louisville KY.  She is currently Office Assistant, responsible for computer billing and related work at Family Focus Counseling Services in Louisville KY.  Prior to her current position, she was employed at the University of Louisville as Director of Community Relations, Office of External Affairs, and other managerial positions from 1975 until retirement in 2006. She is active in the Business and Professional Women's organization, having served as state president (Ky.) and as a national Board member. She currently is a BPW/USA Issues Management committee member. Class of 1969 web site
Reginald Selma Class of 1975 CNN Cameraman, Washington DC I've been living in the Washington,Dc area since 1982. I'm married with two special daughters who are now in college. After graduating from Miles College, I worked at Channel 13 as a tv cameraman. Since 1982 I've been a cameraman at CNN in Washington,DC.  I've been blessed covering some of the biggest news events the world over.  On Jan 20,2009, I will be covering the Inauguration of President Barrack Obama. Class of 1975 web site
Wash Stallworth, Jr Class of 1967 Owner/President Sea'Kings Basketball Team, ABA Drafted, US Army 1969-Retired 1993 Selected, All Army-Fast Pitch Softball Team 1974 Pacific Armed Forces Champions Basketball and MVP 1974, Regional Champion Basketball, 1975-1977, played and coach Professional Basketball, Europe,Tagea Hanau, 1978-1983 Class of 1967 web site

Ralph D. Cook

Class of 1961 

Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice

Admitted: 1968, Alabama; 1973, California

Law School: Howard University, J.D., 1967

College: Tennessee State University, B.S., 1964

Member: Birmingham, American, Bessemer and National (Life Member, since 1970) Bar Associations; Alabama State Bar; State Bar of California; Alabama Lawyers Association (President, 1992-1993); Alabama Association for Justice, (formerly Alabama Trial Lawyers Association; President, 2006-2007); The Association of Trial Lawyers of America; American Law Institute; American College of Trial Lawyers. Currently with law firm Hare, Wynn, Newell and Newton LLP, Birmingham.

Former Associate Supreme Court Justice hired as Birmingham City Attorney

Class of 1961 Web Site

Rev. Dr. David Craig

Class of 1972 

Pastor 

Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church

143 Seminole Circle

Fairfield Alabama 35064

I have served as pastor of the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church Fairfield Alabama since 1981. I'm the author of two books. I have been married to the lovely Lauraetta Autery Craig since 1995. It is exciting serving God at a time like this, when the world is looking for a witness. I also enjoy golfing and riding my Harley Davidson.

Web Site:  http://mtpilgrimfairfield.com/index.html

Class of 1972 Website

Velinda Johnson Weatherly

Class of 1978

Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles

Associate Member/AL Board of Pardons & Paroles January 2004-July 2009 State employee since June 1983 Current Statewide Division Director of Transitional Facilities...Former Director of Training, Media Relations, Legislation & Personnel. Former President and Executive Board Member Al Council on Crime & Delinquency...Recipient NAACP Beacon Light Award (1998)...First African-American promoted to Probation & Parole Officer V (2002)...First African-American female to be nominated, appointed and confirmed to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles (2004). FBI certified Assessment Center Trainer and Family Life Facilitator...Member OES/NOBLE/NAFE/ASEA ..AL Peace Officers Standards and Training Certified 1988 B.S.S.W. @ UAB. (1982)..Certified Public Managers Program @AUM Motivational Speaker for Lupus Foundation...Community Resource Center Developer and Organizer. Past Director of Christian Education..Exec. Board Member ALADTC (Pearson Hall, Olivia's House, etc.)

Class of 1978 Website

Ronald Marshall

Class of 1966

Ronald Marshall is a co-founder of Myriad Communications Network, Inc. Ron serves as the host of the highly rated Myriad Gospel Music Countdown and has spent a number of years in the radio business as an on-air personality and sales person. Ron is also the host of Sunday Morning Gospel Sounds; the most listened to radio program in Birmingham, Alabama. His program airs on 98.7 KISS FM, one of the leading urban stations in the country. He has an extensive background in the communications business and has a strong desire to develop programming that will make a positive difference in the lives of all people.

Click for Class of 1966 Website

Horace Huntley

Class of 1961 

1961-1965 United States Air Force
1965-1966 Control Data Institute
1966-1967 Employed by Control Data
1967-1970 University of Minnesota, B. A. Degree in African American Studies
1970-1972 Syracuse University, M. A. Degree, in American History.
1972-1973 Instructor @ University of Maryland Eastern Shore
1973-1976 Univ. of Pittsburgh, Ph. D. American History with emphasis on        Black Labor.
1994-2009 Director, Oral History Project, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

1976-pres Professor, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of History

Click for the Class of 1961 website

Steve Taylor

Class of 1975

Steve Taylor, married, with three daughters and one grandson, Masters in Education, Master Plumber, Master Gasfitter, Plumbing Instructor for a Post Secondary Educational Institution, and member of the world renowned “Birmingham Sunlights”. The Birmingham Sunlights have performed as cultural ambassadors under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State and have toured Canada, Italy, France, five African countries, seventeen Caribbean countries, and Australia. They also dedicated special performances for the Queen of England and the Prince of Monaco. They have performed at numerous Birmingham City Stages events. In 2009, they were recipients of the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts, for their artistic excellence and contributions to their respective artistic traditions, whose lifetime of service and dedication help preserve our nation's diverse cultural heritage."

Click for the Class of 1975 Website

Gwendolyn Jackson Smith, PMP, MSTM

Class of 1977

The founder and CEO of Cornerstone Association, Inc., a non-profit community service organization, with 501(c) 3 tax-exemption. Has more than 25 years of experience in Information Technology, Business Development, and Training/Facilitation.  Professional education and certifications include: - Masters of Science in Technology Management (MSTM), Mercer University - Atlanta, GA
- Bachelor of Science: Major: Mathematics; Minor: Computer Science
University of Alabama in Birmingham - Birmingham, Alabama
- Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) - Federal Grantwriting Certification- Federal Contracting Certification

Gwendolyn’s consulting career includes contracting with federal, state and local government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and faith/community-based organizations. As a certified business development / entrepreneurship trainer, she also serves as an adjunct professor for Atlanta Metropolitan College where she provides instructional workshops and seminars at local venues throughout the Atlanta Metropolitan. Cornerstone Website

Margaret Davis Jones

Class of 1965

Margaret Davis Jones, Interior Designer in Birmingham, Alabama. Her company is on the Southside and has had ventures with major architectural firms. Margaret has managed many high level projects from start to completion. Her success in the art community has propelled her many avenues of fundraising for corporate and non-profit organizations. Some of her interior design projects are: UAB Volker Hall, Birmingham Shuttleworth Airport Administrative Offices and the selection of art throughout the space; The Alabama State University School of Education; Miles College Welcome Center; Lawson State Technology Center; Stillman College Wynn Center; Birmingham City Schools; Birmingham Public Libraries; the Birmingham Water Works; Hope IV Project; Sheraton Hotel Atlanta Georgia, BJCC Concert Hall and many of the restaurants in town.

Teachers

Ella Margaret Byrd McCain

1925 - 2017

Librarian 1948 - 1968

Birmingham News Magic City Classic Article

Wenonah School

Wenonah School Bhamwiki

School was located on the current site of the East Brownsville Park (Wenonah # 9 mining camp) and burned in 1945.

Wenonah School Memorial Plaque