Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and the Tuscaloosa Thread are proud to present the 2023 Black History Makers of Alabama.

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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.

Black History Maker of Alabama - Llyas Tamir Ross Sr.

Photo courtesy of Llyas Tamir Ross Sr.
Photo courtesy of Llyas Tamir Ross Sr.
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Llyas Tamir Ross Sr. was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and is a proud graduate of Holt High School in 1997 where he played football, basketball, and baseball.

“Black History is so important to me because it's a time where we not only celebrate the great work of those who came before us but also recognize what other black people in our present time have and are achieving. It reminds us that we need to uplift and support each other and not tear each other down. Get involved in the community.”

Ross is a 13-year U.S. Army Veteran and deployed to Iraq 3 different times during Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in the Army, Ross earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and his Computer Systems Certifications where became a Certified Instructor for the Field Artillery Units in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

When he completed his service in the Army, he moved back to Tuscaloosa in 2012 and became active in the community. Ross is a proud father of 4 children, Llyas (TJ) Jr., Tyas, Caleb, and Sianna.

While deployed his son Llyas Tamir Ross Jr. said that his father’s “absence was always filled with love. I knew he was not only defending our country but making sure I would have a better life when I got older.”

Photo courtesy Llyas Tamir Ross Jr.
Photo courtesy Llyas Tamir Ross Jr.
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Ross currently works at McAbee Construction as a Computer Systems Coordinator. He is also a member of the Metro Tuscaloosa Football Referee, PARA Referee Association, and is a member of the Junior Achievement Program Tuscaloosa Chapter. Through the chapter, he offers lessons along with motivational speaking at various schools in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding area.

His son, Ross Jr. said that he was compelled to nominate him as a Black History Maker of Alabama because “he has gone above and beyond to be a great father and encouraged me to be my own person.”

“I believe he is a great role model for young Black men in our area. He always wants to give back to the community that raised him.”

In 2019 he was selected by ESPN as "Alabama's Most Adventurous Fan" and had a reality show called, "ESPN Billboard." In 2020, he had a documentary on the SEC Network called “Homegating.”

Ross Jr. said the best advice his father has offered him is to “enjoy the moment you’re in now because it’s preparing you for the greater things you’ll experience in the future.”

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2022 Black History Makers of Alabama

Black History Makers of Alabama 2021

Rising Star Character Students of the Month

During the 2022-2023 school year, Tuscaloosa City Schools, along with Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, Legal Services of Alabama and Child Abuse Prevention Services, will highlight Rising Star Character Students of the Month from each school in the district, highlighting two to three students each month.

Here's a recap of the previously recognized students!

 

 

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