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.

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.

Black History Maker - Whitni Molden

Whitni Molden is a Tuscaloosa native with a true servant’s heart for her community. Her career thrived in food and beverage for 10 years as a general manager of local restaurants. Often working 60-plus hours a week; the single mom of three decided this was not a lifestyle that was manageable for her and began to change her mindset.

Through God’s divine intervention and the loving support of my family, Molden accepted a job as bank a teller. Within 9 months she received a promotion as a customer sales representative and 6 months later another as a Personal and Business banker.
Molden worked at that bank for 5 years leaving with her series license in addition to other certifications. In 2018, within the same industry, she became an insurance agent for a local company where she specialized in Home and Auto insurance.

In 2021 God intervened again when she went into a completely different industry and joined the team at Hotel Capstone as the Sales and Marketing Manager. Through it, all, her now teenagers Ashton, Ayden, and Ava remain first as they too have very active lifestyles.

As her network expanded, she was invited to more professional growth opportunities. She noticed there were not many people that looked like her; this was intimidating and often made her question if she belonged. The easy thing would have been to assume that it was not for her but, the God she serves said “Walk through every door as He sent her”.

“There are so many hidden figures of Black History whose extraordinary accomplishments changed the trajectory of history as we know it. Against all odds, they managed to see a vision and dream a dream without the proof that it could be a reality - solely relying on faith. That is why adequate representation is so imperative. To be equipped with the knowledge that it has been done before is immensely powerful. Imagine the impact if everyone knew how dope they are daily. A mindset change occurs when we begin to expect greatness as our default. Simply put: Black History is important because, our contributions are significant, influential, powerful, and momentous too.”

Although her career path has changed over the years, her commitment to bettering our community has always remained the same. If you asked her what she would do with her spare time, it would be to help someone else. Molden believes we are all connected and helping you is helping me which is helping us. She is a relationship builder to the core and believes in connecting the dots.

She is also well-loved by those in the community. Her recognitions include Tuscaloosa 40 under 40 in 2018, the 2019 United Way of West Alabama Young Leaders Award, in 2020 she was the Junior League of Tuscaloosa’s Volunteer of the Year, in 2021 she was the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year and the Junior League of Tuscaloosa recipient of the Karen Thompson-Jackson Award and received the 2022 West Alabama Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award.

For the past 8 years, Whitni has been heavily involved in volunteer efforts with several nonprofits in and around West Alabama to help better our community. “I am always humbly surprised if I am recognized because, in my mind, I am only doing what needs to be done,” said Molden.

Heavily involved with various community organizations, Molden serves as the President of the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation, Vice President of Membership for the Junior League of Tuscaloosa, and a Board member of the Family Counseling Service of West Alabama.

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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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