Discovery Wall

One of the main attractions at The Gateway is our 16′-by-5’ interactive discovery wall. One of only a handful in the Southeast, this wall presents a totally unique experience. Users can wander through the people and places from our communities, past and present, and discover interesting facts and hidden gems.  

Jay Welborn

Welborn heard that a storm was threatening two stores in West Tuscaloosa. Realizing it was headed for Alberta, he ushered customers and workers into the coolers. His store became a refuge and triage center for stunned citizens. The good news is, Alberta is rebuilding and coming back even stronger.

The late Robert T. Wade

Wade began printing when he was in ninth grade and continued until he was drafted into the U.S. Navy after graduating high school. He was in the Navy for two years, then attended Alabama A & M. After college, Wade worked for The Hale County News in Moundville. He started his own business, Wade Printing, in 1953, and ran it until he became ill in 2015.  He and his late wife raised seven children.

Ruth Eaton Cummings Bolden

“Readers are leaders.” That was her motto. She helped found a library in West Tuscaloosa and worked for the civil rights movement. She passed away at the age of 94, but left a great impression on our community. In 1948, she got county money to start a library in the local community center.

Dinah Washington

Despite a relatively short career, Dinah Washington laid claim to being one of the major jazz voices, and one of the most versatile of all jazz singers.  Her full-bodied voice made her become one of the most popular black female recording artist of the fifties.

Good Day Tuscaloosa!

City Councilor Kip Tyner hosts a local television program, “Great Day Tuscaloosa,” that is produced daily on Comcast Channel 21. The show provides an hour of programming that residents can’t get anywhere else. Nearly every guest who appears on the show lives in the Tuscaloosa area.

Robert E. Witt

Dr. Witt has had an undeniable impact on the growth of the Tuscaloosa area. During his nine-year tenure as President of The University of Alabama, he led an ambitious plan to improve academic excellence and competitive strength that has positioned UA as one of the fastest-growing public research universities.