A student gave his opinion on what privilege meant to him, and what privileges he believes he has as a black male. (Ariel Worthy/Birmingham Times)
By Ebone’ Parks
The Birmingham Times
A student gave his opinion on what privilege meant to him, and what privileges he believes he has as a black male. (Ariel Worthy/Birmingham Times)
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller
This quote, along with dozens of others, fills up the posters on the cabin walls in a meeting room. Anytown’s second day of social justice leadership camp is about to begin. The week-long camp takes place at Camp Hargis in Chelsea and is designed to help high school students deal with social issues in a cultural sensitive society.
As the morning meeting begins, the room is filled with eager students, mingling and interacting with their peers. WE WILL, WE WILL, ROCK YOU fills up the room as a group of students chant the popular song to awaken everyone.
“The songs get us pumped for the day, we really get hype about the songs,” said 17 year-old Kenya Sermons, a student from Jackson Olin High School. The students are excited as they begin the day, singing and dancing along to the songs from their booklet.
When you walk into the Anytown meeting room, on every poster or painted blanket, you are reminded of motivational quotes, rules and social issues such as the cycles of liberation and socialization.
Lessons at Anytown have been taught each summer since 1989. It was started by the National Conference for Community and Justice and is now a product of partnership with the YWCA Central Alabama.
There are 72 students from approximately 32 high schools in the Birmingham area who serve as delegates at this year’s camp. They spend a full week living at the camp, meeting new people and learning about social issues, ways to solve and recognize those issues in order to better their communities. Students who attend Anytown only have the opportunity to attend once so that other students can have the chance to be a delegate.
Kenton Kennedy explains what the students will discuss for the day. On Tuesday, students discussed what privilege meant to them, and what privileges they all had. (Ariel Worthy/Birmingham Times)
Cedric Sparks Jr., 14, a student from Ramsay High School talked about his experience of being around people from different cultures. “Because of how some kids are raised, they’re kind of closed minded, when it comes to other people,” he said. “But when you come here, you’re actually living with other people so you kind of have to be open minded.”
Rebecca Harkless, Co-Director and YWCA coordinator, talked about the unity and lifetime bonds formed at Anytown.
“Anytown is especially important these days because there’s so much going on, there’s a lot of things in the media that can create divides and this is an opportunity for students from all over the Birmingham area to come together and really get to know each other,” said Harkless, who added that the students “really become empowered and they create change.”
‘Privilege Walk’
Students socialize before they get the day started at Anytown Alabama, a retreat where students from all over the state learn how they can be part of the solution of inclusivity and fairness. (Ariel Worthy/Birmingham Times) Kathryn Sesser
Once the session begins the energetic and enthusiastic students and staff are now quiet. They walk to a nearby field to begin their “Privilege Walk” — an exercise to learn how privilege has an effect on different individuals.
As they all hold hands in a horizontal line, statements are read:
— If your parents are professionals, doctors lawyers, etc., take one step forward.
— If you were raised in an area where there was prostitution, drug activity or high crime, take one step back.
Students and staff members slowly drift away from one another, some so far they are no longer able to hold hands. The breakdown of the groups allows for the individuals to talk about their own personal issues with others who have similar backgrounds.
“Being privileged doesn’t define who you are, you can come out of it. Just because you are a certain gender or race, you can still have the same privileges as everyone else,” says Kamryn Thigpen.
Anytown is the definition of a melting pot, filled with individuals with diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.
Camp counselor, Wesam Shash proudly wears her white hijab as she speaks with the students about how “perfect” she has to be as a Muslim and Arabic woman in America.
“It wasn’t surprising, but it was still an eye opener,” Shash said. “We need [students] to become integrated into the society with new eyes, build better communities.”
As students and staff gathered back together in their meeting room, they all realized how easily it can be to judge someone.
“Exercises like the Privilege Walk help [students] understand the unique positions that everyone has in life,” said Sam Wainwright, a counselor. “I want them to understand that society may have placed us a certain way, and institutions have been set up to discriminate (against) certain groups, but through our work and through our understanding of other people, we can move to a better tomorrow.”
Kamonte Kelly, president of the BULYP (right) with Ashley Newton, advocacy chairperson for the group.
The Birmingham Urban League Young Professionals (BULYP) is dedicated to their community, and has been for 10 years.
Being involved in their community is their number one priority. Over the years, their community impact programs consist of youth career and economic seminars, national day of service and an annual awards gala to honor young professionals in Birmingham.
Their 10 year anniversary will be celebrated this weekend.
“We’re going to have a YP Weekend,” BULYP President Kamonte Kelly said.
Starting today at 5:30 p.m., the Leadership Summit will be the kickoff for the weekend at the Sheraton-Westin Complex. The summit will assist in career development, and networking with “top recruiters” to help land your dream job.
“A lot of our members want to develop in their careers,” Kelly said. “A lot of people want to know, ‘What do I need to do to get to that next level?’ Whatever their level is professionally,”
At 7 p.m., they will have the City Wide Icebreaker by the Westin Poolside. Network alongside Birmingham professionals with music and food all under the Birmingham stars until 10 p.m.
Friday, June 9 continues with fun and entertainment at YP Live. Three DJ’s will be mixing live all night. Battle of the DJs will be in the Forum Building (Medical Forum) Rooms G,H, & I from 7pm-Midnight. The competition will feature 2 DJs from 95.7 Jamz (Empire DJs)and 1 DJ from Hot 107.7 (DJ Chocolate) to see who is the King or Queen on the 1’s and 2’s.
Serving the community is the ultimate goal for YP Nation. Saturday, June 11 starting at 10 a.m. to Noon begins the community service project. Following community service, the Summer Love-Day Party starts at 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.; hang out at the Uptown District in your favorite sundress, sandals and shades.
Sunday, June 9 concludes the weekend YP Nation style: Grill and Chill Community Cookout. Invite your family for food, kickball, dominoes, spades and an overall good time with the new connections from the week. “It is family-friendly,” Kelly said. “It’s to conclude the hard work we’ve done for the first part of the year.” The fun begins at 2 p.m.-6 p.m.at Crestwood Park.
This weekend is filled with celebration of dedicated community service and leadership of our young professionals in Birmingham. The sessions will cater to people in all points of their career. They will be broken into groups focused specifically toward a person’s current career path. “The Young Professionals range from 21-45 years old, so in that gap there is a lot of personal growth, mental growth and definitely career growth.” Kelly said. To purchase tickets or for more information visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yp-weekend-2016-tickets-25758249618#tickets or www.bulyp.org
The Alabama Housing Finance Tax Authority has approved $17 million in tax credits to begin redevelopment of Loveman Village in Southwest Birmingham.
Michael Lundy, President/CEO of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, called the 9 percent tax credits a critical component of the $79.6 million total plan to recreate the neighborhood in Birmingham’s Titusville community.
“These tax credits will allow us to redefine Loveman Village and begin a new era for affordable housing in the city of Birmingham,” Lundy said. “[This] is a great day for our residents, for Titusville and for all of the Birmingham.”
The redevelopment will occur in four phases. The tax credits will help fund replacing the first 100 units at the existing Loveman Village site.
The plan includes demolishing the 61-year-old Loveman Village site and replacing it with contemporary, less-dense housing with modern amenities and greenspace.
The 500-unit Loveman Village will eventually be transformed into a 220-family neighborhood with a look that complements the Titusville Neighborhood.
Hollyhand Development of Northport is HABD’s developer partner.
The existing Loveman site will have less units, ending the antiquated version of high-density public housing.
Lundy has pledged transparency and collaboration with all stakeholders during the process.
“We want to be good neighbors and strong partners in growth and development throughout the city,” Lundy said. “We are transparent and we’re going to let the communities play a role in what we’re doing.”
“We’re going to rebuild not only Loveman Village but this entire area,” said Tyson, whose district includes Loveman Village and Titusville. “We’re going to have an entirely new outlook. We are changing people’s lives and people’s mindset.”
Tyson said the new approach to affordable housing creates inviting spaces that people will proudly claim as home.
In addition, Tyson praised Lundy’s plan to present a stronger focus on self-sufficiency programs. Residents who are enrolled in the HABD self-sufficiency program, and jobs and education initiative will receive priority in moving into the new development, Lundy said.
The HABD Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular board meeting June 20 at Loveman Village to share details of the redevelopment with residents and the general public.
Board Chair Cardell Davis said the meeting will also be a time of celebration now that long-sought redevelopment is arriving at Loveman Village.
“Receiving those tax credit means we can make this a reality,” he said. “It took the collaboration of the Housing Authority, Mayor William Bell and the City Council, along with the state and federal government to make this happen. It’s a lovely day in the city of Birmingham.”
Fitness instructor Russell Lee will conduct free exercise classes in June and July at several Birmingham Public Library locations.
Fitness instructor Russell Lee will conduct free exercise classes in June and July at several Birmingham Public Library locations.
If you want to get in shape this summer, take advantage of some free exercise classes being offered at several Birmingham Public Library (BPL) locations during June and July as part of its 2016 Summer Reading activities. The classes will be taught by certified fitness instructor Russell Lee, who will also give a brief
talk on general exercise safety.
The classes are free of charge. Attendees are urged to bring their own exercise mat and a towel. Wear suitable attire and tennis shoes. The objective of the classes, offered for both teens and adults: Promote exercise and help people to realize how essential it is, regardless of age.
“A little exercise on a regular basis goes a long way,” Lee said. “Something is better than nothing.”
Exercise With Russell Lee program dates, times and libraries:
Some Birmingham Public Library Young Professionals. From left: Fatima Carter, Joelle Limbaugh, Sabrina Mays, Kristy Stewart, Dionne Clark, and James A. Sullivan.
Some Birmingham Public Library Young Professionals. From left: Fatima Carter, Joelle Limbaugh, Sabrina Mays, Kristy Stewart, Dionne Clark, and James A. Sullivan.
The Birmingham Public Library’s Young Professionals (YPs) group is accepting nominations for new members ages 25-40.
In their fourth year as an organization, YPs are a group of young professionals who support the literary culture of the Birmingham region and are committed to making the library the center of lifelong learning.
The group hosts lectures, special collection tours, and other social events, volunteer their time and skills, and work to increase the public’s awareness and access to the library’s resources. For many institutions and organizations, young professionals provide volunteer manpower, bring attention to an organization from a new group of leaders. Membership in such groups is a popular way to broaden skills and experience in the business world while supporting organizations.
While the library’s base operating expenses are provided by the City of Birmingham (as a city department), nearly all of its programming for children and adults is supported by fundraising efforts and through its fundraising arm, the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library (BPL).
Funds provide aid to programs and materials for youth and adults, early literacy programming for children, and annual events such as the Eat Drink Read Write Festival held in October 2016. The work of the YPs impact nearly 2 million people served in the city’s 19 libraries each year.
Nominees should be individuals who are willing to commit time and resources for the benefit of the library system. The organization seeks a diverse group of people from various backgrounds and professions.
Nominations are being accepted through December 31, 2016. For information on how to nominate someone or apply, visit the library’s website at www.bplonline.org/yp or send an email to bcsmith@bham.lib.al.us.
Hundreds of area music fans filled Linn Park in downtown Birmingham last week to hear the sounds of national recording artists including Morris Day and The Time who performed a special tribute to Prince during the Third Annual Steel City Jazz Festival.
The festival also highlighted David Sanborn, Ben Tankard and headliner Frankie Beverly and Maze. It opened with a stage show featuring Grammy nominated artist Alvin Garrett and Logan The Entertainer in concert at the Harbert Center in downtown Birmingham.
The Festival moved outdoors to Linn Park on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4.
Others who performed included Marcus Anderson followed by Mindi Abair and BoneShakers & Marion Meadows; and Paul Taylor Sax in The City and Maysa.
Birmingham, welcome our visitors from around the world as we host the 110th National Baptist Congress, the Caribbean Festival and YP Weekend.
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND AND NEXT WEEK
Here is a little of what is happening…. HAVE SOME FUN IN THE SUN!
TODAY:
OLIVIA’S HAPPY HOUR, every Thursday at Olivia’s Bar and Lounge with $.50 wings and drink specials, 4 p.m. For more call (205) 326-2881
LIVE AT STEEL, 8 p.m. with SHARRON performing and DJ CDUBB in the Mix at Steel on First Avenue at 23rd Street, downtown Birmingham. Get your live music and dance on every Thursday night.
FRIDAY:
FANCY FRIDAYS, 5 p.m. featuring JILLIAN GRAY with YARBROUGH & COMPANY every Friday at Legends on 18th Street North, Downtown. Birmingham. This is an After Work Experience hosted by Keely and Tiger and catered by Chef Jones. Call (205) 212-4406 for more.
PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown
COMEDIAN COREY HOLCOMB at the StarDome Comedy Club, this weekend.
Corey Holcomb (Photo provided)
SATURDAY:
CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Linn Park, is a day of celebrating Caribbean food, music, costumes and more. FREE
BE THE VISION MINISTRIES, 3-6 p.m. at the Bridge (on Faith Chapel campus, 100 Lexington Street, Birmingham 35224). Call (205) 538-4508 for more.
IRA GLASS in Three Acts, Two Dancers and One Radio Host at the Alys Stephens Center.
SUNDAY:
KRISTIN CHENOWETH at the 2016 VIVA Health Starlight Gala at the Alys Stephens Performing Center.
SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2-3 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
JAZZ IN THE PARK Jazz in the Park, 6-9 p.m. at Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens with Tena Wilson at 6 p.m. and Buff Dillard at 7:30 p.m.
Tena Wilson (Photo Provided)
MONDAY:
MOTOWN MONDAY MUSIC FESTIVAL, 6- 8 p.m. at Linn Park in downtown Birmingham. Get out and learn the latest line dances, FREE.
TUESDAY:
SECOND ANNUAL FLAG DAY CELEBRATION, at the Vulcan Park and Museum, 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. to raise awareness for the proper flag etiquette and honor those who have served our country. Bring a flag for entrance into the park. Flags will be donated to Disabled American Veterans of Birmingham.
OLIVIA’S HAPPY HOUR, 4 p.m., every Tuesday, at Olivia’s Bar and Lounge with $.50 wings and drink specials. For more call (205) 326-2881.
PLUM BAR on 17th Street, Downtown.
TIDE AND TIGER ON THE PATIO, 4 p.m. until on Graymont across from Legion Field.
WEDNESDAY:
WEDNESDAY GROOVE with D.J. Eleet at Steel every 1st and 3rd Wednesday.
FOR WOMEN AND BOOK LOVERS:
WOMEN OF WISDOM LUNCHEON, this Tuesday, 12-1:30 p.m. at the 110th National Baptist Congress in the Sheraton Ballroom with speaker DR. SHEILA M. BAILEY, author and president of Sheila M. Bailey Ministries with host LA DONNA BOYD, Chief Operating Officer of the R.H. Boyd Publishing Corp and the National Baptist Congress. Dr. Bailey, First Lady, author and advocate for minister’s wives and women in ministry has written MAKEOVERS WITH LEFTOVERS and co-authored The Inheritance, Farther in and Deeper Down, What We Love About the Black Church: Can We Get a Witness?, The 7-Minute Marriage Solution Bible and Fulfilled: The NIV Devotional Bible for Single Women. For more information, call 1-877-4-RHBOYD or visitwww.nationalbaptistcongress.org. This is just one of the many events at the 110th National Baptist Congress, this coming week starting Sunday. There will be fashion shows and much more for the women and men.
VOICES OF WOMEN – V.O.W. is June 30th at the Bessemer Civic Center with 5- 6 p.m. reception and 6 p.m. guest speaker HONORBALE JUANDALYNN GIVAN. Call (205) 585-0061 for more.
FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS:
YP WEEKEND:
TODAY is the LEADERSHIP SUMMIT with a Cocktail Reception following, 5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Westin Complex. FRIDAY, 7 p.m. – midnight is YP LIVE featuring the BATTLE OF DJs at the Sheraton Westin Complex. SATURDAY, SOCIALIZE AND SOCIAL, 10 a.m. – Noon and the SUMMER LOVE DAY PARTY, 4 – 8 p.m. at the Sheraton Westin Complex. SUNDAY, GRILL AND CHILL in Crestwood Park, 5400 Crestwood Blvd. Birmingham, 35212 , 2- 6 p.m.
FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS:
ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT THE RAILROAD PARK – Join Southeastern Outings, Saturday, 8 p.m. for a FREE Alabama Symphony Orchestra Concert at Railroad Park on 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets South in downtown Birmingham for music under the stars and a great evening of fun. Relax on the lawn with your blanket or lawn chair. Bring your picnic (no glass or alcohol allowed) to enjoy at 7:30 p.m. Look for the Southeastern Outings group near the walkway on the railroad side (far side of park away from 1st Avenue South) of the park. You are welcome to bring as many friends and family members as you wish. FREE. For more call the ASO office, (205) 251-6929 or Dan Frederick, (205) 631-4680.
SLOW ART SUNDAY, 2-3 p.m. with a discussion by Docent Mary Lyndia Crockett on Mountain Boulder, Chinese (Qung Dynasty). FREE.
FOR MUSIC LOVERS:
Jazz Bassist MIKE MANSON at the Perfect Note in Hoover at 8 p.m.
JAZZ IN THE PARK – Enjoy JAZZ IN THE PARK BIRMINGHAM at the Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens, Sunday, 6-9 p.m. with TENA WILSON EXPERIENCE and BUFF DILLARD. FREE.
TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE – Don’t miss the FATHER’S DAY SHOW, June 19th with TJ HOOKER TAYLOR and RENITA BRAXTON PICKENS. CHECK OUT….the TIDE AND TIGER! Every Tuesday enjoy wings for 50 cents and $5 drinks at half price. Every Sunday enjoy music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s with DJ Tide and Tiger. For more information, call (205) 503-3880.
FOR COMEDY LOVERS:
AT THE STARDOME: Every Thursday is Positively Funny Improv. Check out COREY HOLCOMB Friday through Sunday. Often billing himself as the “ghetto Dr. Phil”, most of Holcomb’s stand-up material revolves around relationships, particularly relationships gone wrong. In addition to touring the country, he has appeared as a regular on the stand-up/improv-based television shows Comic View, Def Comedy Jam, Last Comic Standing, and Nick Cannon Presents Wild ‘n Out. He has appeared in two comedy specials of his own, Corey Holcomb: The Problem Is You and Comedy Central.
COMING SOON to the StarDome Comedy Club, June 17-19 – FORTUNE FEIMSTER, June 21-26 – JOHN MORGAN, July 1-3 – D.L. HUGHLEY, July 8-9 – CARLOS MENCIA, July 15-17 – ARNEZ J, July 22-24 – RICKEY SMILEY, and July 28-30 – RODNEY CARRINGTON. Call (205) 444-0008 for more.
FOR ACTIVE PEOPLE INTERESTED IN EXERCISE…
FREE EXERCISE CLASSES AT THE LIBRARY – If you want to get in shape this summer, free exercise classes and safety taught by certified fitness instructor Russell Lee are being offered at several Birmingham Public Library (BPL) locations during June and July. FREE for teens and adults. Take your own exercise mat and a towel. Wear suitable attire and tennis shoes. A little exercise on a regular basis goes a long way,” Lee said. “Something is better than nothing.”
Dates, times and libraries:
TODAY… SPRINGVILLE RD, 10 a.m. ADULTS
JUNE 11 CENTRAL, 10 a.m. ADULTS
JUNE 13 NORTH BHAM, 11 a.m. ADULTS
JUNE 14 SOUTHSIDE, 10:30 a.m. TEENS/ADULTS
JUNE 17 POWDERLY, 10 a.m. SENIOR ADULTS
JUNE 21 INGLENOOK, 10 a.m. TEEN/ADULTS
JUNE 22 FIVE POINTS, 10:30 a.m. ADULTS
JUNE 23 SMITHFIELD, 10 a.m. ADULTS
JUNE 27 TITUSVILLE, 11 a.m. ADULTS
JUNE 28 SMITHFIELD, 10 a.m. TEENS
JUNE 29 SPRINGVILLE RD, 10 a.m. TEENS
JUNE 30 WYLAM, 2 p.m. TEENS
JULY 5TH WEST END, 10 a.m. TEENS
JULY 6 EAST LAKE, 10 a.m. TEEN
JULY 6 FIVE POINTS, 2 p.m. TEEN
JULY 14TH POWDERLY, 1:30 p.m. TEEN
FOR BARONS BASEBALL LOVERS:
THREE BARONS NAMED TO 2016 ALL-STAR TEAM – Infielder Jake Peter, left-handed pitcher Brian Clark, and outfielder Eudy Pina will represent the Barons in the 2016 Southern League All-Star Game, June 21 at the Trustmark Park in Pearl, Mississippi. Peter, the Chicago White Sox no.19 prospect has played six different positions in 53 games this season. The 23-year-old Creighton University alum recorded an 11-game hitting streak from April 19 through April 30, which remains a team high. Peter also leads the Barons with 17 multi-hit games. Clark, the White Sox no. 12 prospect has excelled out of the Barons bullpen and recorded a 0.96 ERA over 17 appearances. The 23-year-old, 6’3” 230 pound southpaw from Kent State University has allowed just 28 hits in 28.0 innings pitch, and surrendered just six walks while adding 25 strikeouts. Pina, 25, was signed by the White Sox organization prior to this season as a member of the Barons. A native of the Dominican Republic, Pina leads the Barons active roster with 10 2-out RBIs and is hitting .300 (12-for-40) over his last 10 games.
FOR THE FAMILY AND CITIZENS:
VULCAN COMMUNITY AWARDS NOMINATIONS – Vulcan Park and Museum is accepting nominations through July 31 for the third annual The Vulcan Community Awards. The Vulcans honor citizens who exemplify civic pride, leadership and progress within the seven-county metro area. Nominations will be accepted in five award categories: Lifetime Achievement, Servant Leadership, Hero, Game Changer and Newcomer. View the criteria and make nominations at visitvulcan.com/the-vulcans.
She was prepared. Had been training for months. The day was here and the race was starting. The team was strong. Focused. The cold air whispered victory. Only one leg of the relay belonged to her. And as her starting time drew nigh, she realized….
You see, one of my dear friends recently ran in a relay race. Weekday mornings, 5am, Vanessa prepared. Her trainer did everything a trainer should do. The team had a plan. They practiced on similar roads. They mimicked the conditions and set their pace. Each week during practice runs, they got better, faster, and stronger. One of their trails provided optional paths. The path to the left was more level while the one on the right took them straight uphill. Although the trainer suggested the right path, most days, my friend chose the flatter, more level one…wouldn’t you?
Days before the race, a team member was injured. Strategy had to be modified because not competing was not an option for any of them. As the team made adjustments, my friend’s placement shifted, yielding her the uphill part of the course.
Sunday arrived and they were off! As Vanessa waited for her leg of the race to begin, she knew it would be an uphill journey, but she stayed focused. Could she stay under her time? Would she run fast enough to keep her team from being eliminated? If she didn’t, her team would not finish successfully and all of their hard work would end in defeat. They were depending on her.
And being the person that she is . . . she did not disappoint!
Not only did my friend finish her leg of the race, she had time to spare. The uphill struggle was real but she knew this was more than just a race, but a life lesson from God.
As I listened to her story, I wondered…How often do we ignore the suggestions of our Trainer? When He tries to take us from ground level into unfamiliar, uphill territory, how often do we say, “That’s ok, I’m good”? Is comfort keeping us from taking the uphill journey that may result in greater? Are we so focused on ourselves that we forget the training, the preparation, the tests, are not only about us, but others may benefit too? Is this training period (a.k.a. the process) preparing us for what we think is to come or for what He knows is ahead?
I believe with every fiber of my being, this is our year! Greater is coming, change is coming, but our success depends on our willingness to dig in during the training season. Comfort is not the key if we really want more. In the end, we want an uphill journey that will take our breath away. Not one that will leave us trying to catch our breath. The difference will be determined during the training process.
I tell this story about my friend because I am so proud of her! Getting up at 4:30am, running at 5am, regardless of the outside conditions, requires commitment. Yes, she took the left most mornings, but not only did her team successfully finish, the wind-blown whispers of her Father will remain with her forever. He never reminded her of the lefts, but yet encouraged her to keep pressing her way uphill…for He was with her.
Now I ask, “Are you committed to the uphill journey or will you keep turning left during the training process?”
For more about Tijuana J. Williams, visit www.Sharingmyheartblog.com
A Celebration of Life for former Birmingham City Council member Leroy Bandy will be held today Thursday, June 9, 2016 at First Missionary Baptist Church of Pratt City. Services will begin at noon. Burial will follow in Valhalla Cemetery.
Mr. Bandy, 68, who represented City Council District 9, made his transition on Tuesday, May 31, 2016.
As a lifelong member at First Missionary Baptist Church of Pratt City he served as Culinary Director, Trustee, Deacon and Choir Member. He served as President of the Central Pratt Neighborhood Association. Mr. Bandy graduated from McCaw Elementary School and Western Olin High School. He retired from Alagasco in 2005, after 32 years of loyal and dedicated service. He was the Pratt Community President for several terms and elected to the Birmingham City Council in 1997 and served until 2001.
Mr. Bandy leaves to mourn his passing, four brothers and one sister: Earnest L (Renee) Bandy, Jr. of Detroit, MI; Ronald D. Bandy, Dwight E. Bandy, Jackson (Denita) Bandy all of Birmingham and Leonte F. Conner of Pleasant Grove, AL.
Expressions may be sent to: The Family of the Honorable LeRoy Bandy, 404 4th Street Pratt City – Birmingham, AL 35214
Having cancer is difficult. Finding help shouldn’t be.
That’s why the American Cancer Society offers a number of services to help people with cancer and their families overcome obstacles in their personal cancer fight, so they can focus on getting well.
One of the toughest challenges people face is getting to and from much-needed cancer treatments. They may be too sick to drive themselves, may not have a car or someone to drive them, or may not be able to afford gas or other transportation costs.
The American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery® program provides patients with free rides to treatment centers, and that’s where you can help.
The American Cancer Society in Birmingham is looking for people who can use their own vehicles to drive patients who are undergoing cancer treatment to and from their appointments.
Interested volunteers can call at 1-800-227-2345 to find out more or go to our website at www.cancer.org/drive to find out more about this important program and how to get involved.
By giving a little of your time, you can help save lives while fulfilling your own.
When transportation is a cancer patient’s biggest roadblock to treatment, the American Cancer Society helps to provide the rides that can help save lives.
Right now, one of the biggest barriers to cancer care is transportation. Because, even the best treatment can’t work if a patient can’t get there.
That’s why a successful transportation assistance program can be a tremendous asset to the community. And why we need the support of the community.
How does it work?
To ensure quality drivers, the American Cancer Society screens every volunteer. They must also complete a training course to prepare them for their new role.
Requirements:
A good driving record
A current, valid driver’s license
Access to a safe and reliable vehicle
Proof of adequate automobile insurance
Complete an American Cancer Society training course
Availability Monday through Saturday during the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
