Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and the Tuscaloosa Thread are proud to present the 2022 Black History Makers of Alabama supported by Sealy Furniture Outlet, Twelve25 Sports Bar & Entertainment Venue, and Red Oak Credit Union.

The Yellowhammer State is filled with great African American leaders from the past, present, and future. We thank our West Alabama community partners, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Delta Phi Lambda Chapter, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Xi Omega Chapter for their continued support.

Dr. Aliquippa Allen is a Black History Maker of Alabama

“Black History in Alabama is important because the plight of African Americans is not over.  Children need to know, and adults must never forget that Black History encompasses the true history of Alabama and this nation.  We must never forget our enslaved, brutalized ancestors that were killed fighting for justice, equality, and fundamental human rights.  More importantly, we must not forget what these relentless men, women, and children did collectively to change this nation.  Today, we must cherish the rights the foot soldiers were willing to die for by lifting our voices and letting our work show that their lives and deaths were not in vain.  It’s important in Alabama that we acknowledge the dark days in our state and country, learn from them, and make sure they never happen again.  African Americans have made significant contributions in the arts, activism, agriculture, business, education, entertainment, government, healthcare, music, religion, science, sports, technology, and many other industries.  Celebrating Black History helps acknowledge the past to gain a clear vision of the future.  Despite Alabama’s dark past, the state has a bright future.  Together, Alabama will Prosper.” - Dr. Aliquippa Allen

Dr. Aliquippa Allen is a Demopolis native who spent her formative years in the Bronx, NY.  After graduating high school with honors, she joined the United States Air Force (USAF).  During her 28 years of distinguished military service, she held several roles: Chief Enlisted Manager, Kunsan Air Base, Korea; Superintendent, AF Space Command Inspector General Team, and Commandant, Non-Commissioned Officer's Academy, both at Peterson Air Force Base, CO; and Command Chief Master Sergeant, Keesler Air Force Base, MS.

Allen holds a doctoral degree in Organization and Management, a master's degree in Procurement and Acquisition, a bachelor's degree in Information Systems, and an Associate's degree in Logistics Management.  She joined the College of Business and Technology faculty at the University of West Alabama (UWA) in 2008.  In 2013, 2015, 2017, she was appointed Department Chair for Business Administration, Management, and Marketing, Associate Dean, and Dean of the College respectively, before retiring from the University in 2020.

As Dean, Dr. Allen grew the MBA program exponentially, co-championed a series of successful accreditation visits from more than one accrediting body, served as president of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Program (Region 3), and the Alabama Association of Higher Education in Business.  The most notable accomplishment under her tenure was the design of the college's first doctorate in rural business administration.  Dr. Allen was honored by students in 2013 with the William E. Gilbert Award for Teaching Excellence and by the University in December 2021 as Emeritus Professor for her long and meritorious service.

Active in her community, Allen served on the executive boards for the Marengo County Economic Development Authority, the Demopolis City School Foundation, the Demopolis Area Habitat for Humanity, and the Alabama Communities of Excellence.  She is a Leadership Marengo, Leadership Sumter, and Leadership Alabama graduate.  Dr. Allen is currently a Delta Leadership Executive Academy Fellow, and she was recently appointed to the National Small Business Association Leadership Council.  Aliquippa is a local business owner, founder/executive director of a nonprofit, and a certified coach, trainer, and speaker.

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Allen is the Founder and Executive Director of the Rural Business and Training Center (RBTC).  The RBTC works with cities and communities throughout the Blackbelt to recruit and identify individuals ready and willing to invest in themselves their communities and deploy their entrepreneurial visions using a boots-on-ground approach.  The center's goal is to help rebuild rural communities in the Blackbelt, one small business at a time.

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