A Salute to Alpha Excellence: Honoring Mayor Randall Woodfin and Police Chief Michael Pickett

The Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Perkins Law, LLC, hosted A Salute to Alpha Excellence — an inspiring evening celebrating leadership, brotherhood, and community impact. The reception, held at the Boutwell Auditorium Exhibition Hall on Monday, November 3, 2025, drew a crowd of 300 plus guests to honor Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Police Chief Michael Pickett, both distinguished members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

A Night of Brotherhood and Recognition

The event was organized and sponsored by Attorney Byron Perkins, a proud Alpha brother and founder of Perkins Law, LLC, alongside a planning committee from the Omicron Lambda Chapter, also known as the Birmingham Alphas. The evening’s food was catered by The Toasted Yolk Café and Panther Bites, both of which added local flavor to a night filled with celebration and fellowship.

The gathering honored not only the professional accomplishments of Mayor Woodfin and Chief Pickett but also their shared dedication to uplifting Birmingham’s people and neighborhoods. Both men are graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) — Woodfin from Morehouse College and Pickett from Miles College — and they continue to embody the fraternity’s ideals of leadership, scholarship, and service.

The evening also featured special video tributes from prominent leaders, including Anthony Daniels, Minority Leader of the Alabama House of Representatives; Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Lucien J. Metellus Jr.; and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, each offering words of praise and encouragement to honor Mayor Woodfin and Chief Pickett’s leadership and service.

Words of Wisdom and Legacy

Mayor Randall Woodfin reflected on his tenure as Birmingham’s leader, sharing how mentors and Alpha brothers — including former Mayor Richard Arrington — inspired his journey in public service. Known nationally as a transformational leader and “Democratic rock star,” Woodfin has been featured on outlets like CNN for his innovative leadership and connection to everyday citizens. Affectionately dubbed “Mayor Bae” on social media, he has gained admiration for his authenticity, confidence, and relatable style.

Police Chief Michael Pickett, who once served on Mayor Woodfin’s security detail before rising to lead the Birmingham Police Department, spoke about his growth, leadership philosophy, and commitment to public safety. Pickett has also become a national sensation — recently going viral for his good looks and composed demeanor — with major outlets like Essence amplifying the social media frenzy and ensuring their core audience of Black women stayed in the loop. During his remarks, Chief Pickett reminded the audience that he and Mayor Woodfin are both sons of the city, dedicated to Birmingham’s safety, progress, and success.

Leadership, Legacy, and Community Impact

Under their leadership, Birmingham has seen a notable reduction in crime, a reflection of their united commitment to improving public safety and quality of life across the city. The event underscored how shared values, mentorship, and fraternity bonds can shape strong, effective leadership that makes a lasting impact.

In a moving moment, the Omicron Lambda Chapter presented both honorees with custom framed African artwork featuring the Alpha Phi Alpha shield, symbolizing their service, achievement, and devotion to the fraternity’s enduring principles.

Representation that Inspires

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway of the evening was representation. In a city like Birmingham — rich with history, pride, and resilience — seeing two homegrown leaders who look like the community they serve carries deep meaning. For young Black men in particular, Mayor Woodfin and Chief Pickett stand as proof that success, excellence, and leadership are attainable without leaving one’s roots behind.

The Salute to Alpha Excellence was more than an event — it was a celebration of vision, brotherhood, and the ongoing story of Birmingham’s greatness, led by two men committed to its future.