What happens when we stop looking at community development as just buildings and start asking who is actually benefiting from the work?
In Episode 59 of The Middle Child Podcast, Royal sits down with Birmingham native Jarrod Sims for a conversation about community, legacy, Black contractors, commercial construction, economic opportunity and the importance of making sure our communities have a seat at the table.
Jarrod shares his journey from Birmingham to California and back, his family's history in construction, and why becoming involved in the community became a core part of his mission.
The conversation also dives into the legacy of Frankie Beverly, his connection to Birmingham, and the story behind the upcoming We Are One celebration — including the all-white event at Boutwell Auditorium and the new We Are One soundstage experience.
They also discuss representation in publicly funded projects, economic justice, passing knowledge to the next generation, and why Black construction professionals need to be part of building the future.
This episode is about much more than construction. It's about community, legacy, representation, opportunity and building something that lasts.
CHAPTERS
00:00 — God Hears Your Desires
03:00 — Jared Sims: A Life of Focus and Legacy
05:53 — Giving Back to the Birmingham Community
08:39 — Why Black Contractors Had to Get Involved
11:39 — The Story Behind We Are One
15:11 — The Three Things His Father Gave Him
17:09 — Why Frankie Beverly Meant So Much to Birmingham
20:21 — Turning We Are One Into a Bigger Celebration
23:17 — Taking the Event to Boutwell Auditorium
25:00 — Why Frankie Beverly and Birmingham Are Connected
28:14 — The Third Annual We Are One Celebration
30:30 — Building a Bigger Experience
32:07 — The We Are One Soundstage
36:00 — Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
42:44 — Why Black Contractors Need a Seat at the Table
ABOUT JARROD SIMS
Event Tickets: https://weareonebham.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WEAREONEBHAM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcaacinc
ABOUT THE MIDDLE CHILD PODCAST
The Middle Child Podcast with Royal Boles is the show where you are seen, loved, and appreciated.
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