FOOTBALL SCRIMMAGE GETS ASU FAN FEST KICKSTARTED

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August 24, 2015

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Thousands of fans swarmed to the ASU Stadium Saturday afternoon to watch the Hornets football team engage in a black versus gold scrimmage on the second—and final day—of the Alabama State University athletics fall fan fest.

At the conclusion of the scrimmage, fans of Hornet Nation had the opportunity to interact with all the fall sports teams with a meet—and greet— session where players signed autographs with silver and black sharpies on newly released 2015 schedule posters.

On the field, it was the first extended look at the team from a larger sized audience.

Head coach Brian Jenkins pointed to some of the positives he saw from the team.

“I thought the effort was good by our guys,” Jenkins said. “We still don’t have the whole scheme down yet, but as far as their effort and attitude—I feel good about it. And, that’s 50 percent of it. We, as coaches, just have to find a method to get them to understand our scheme in full. We’ll go back and watch the film and see what we need to do better.”

Among some highlights included:

Redshirt senior quarterback Daniel Duhart led a couple of successful drives for the offense with a pair of touchdowns.

On two of the series, he kept the chains moving with solid consistency.

Duhart connected deep with sophomore wide receiver Joshua Davis for a long gain to set up kicker Trevor Vincent, who made good on a 28-yard field goal.

Vincent, a redshirt sophomore transfer from LSU, was also 2-of-2 on extra point attempts.

“He [Duhart] did some things,” Jenkins said. “He made a good, deep throw and a couple other throws. He pulled the ball and ran once or twice when I thought he should have thrown the ball. But, he did some decent work.”

Three freshman running backs made some impact plays.

Alex Anderson of Miami Gardens, Fla., capped a drive by plunging into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown run to put Team Gold on the board first.

Kenneth Thomas, a native of Fort Mitchell, Ala., added a rushing touchdown.

On a drive with Ellis Richardson under center, freshman running back Robert Pritchett busted loose for the longest rushing play of the day on nice gain of over 20 yards.

On defense, Rickey Haley was in strong pursuit of a fumbled ball that kicked outside the back of the end zone for a safety.

#GOHORNETS#

One Year After #MikeBrown: Response of Some Police, Politicians Not Maturated

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Birmingham Times

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August 24, 2015

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By Nicole Lee

Anticipation for the commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the killing of Mike Brown Jr. by then-Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson was high. Clergy community and civil leaders, gathered to remember “Mike-Mike”‘s life, death and aftermath that sparked a movement.

While Mike Brown’s death unfortunately was not wholly unique, the response from the community was. Community members stayed in the street publicly protesting and never went home. Open defiance lasted hundreds of days. Even after the police brought out dogs and tear gas, the community refused to back down. These acts of civil disobedience inspired people around the country to defy the initial storyline of “looters” and “rioters” and to look to the deeper issues at play in Ferguson.

This anniversary was met with protests and renewed calls for justice but it was also greeted by music, concerts, prayer vigils and strategy sessions. While the goals remained steadfast among demonstrators and concerned folks, there was diversity in approach and tactics. Activists, artists and religious leaders were retrospective with a keen eye toward all that still must be won. The future of a movement was in the hands of not just Ferguson but the nation and as a movement, it must be prepared to act locally and nationally.

Yet the response of the police and some politicians in St. Louis County has not maturated. Once again, vehicles and armament reminiscent of war scenes, rolled onto West Florrisant in Ferguson. On the anniversary of Mike Brown’s death while a concert headlined by Talib Kweli and Common rocked the night in Ferguson, the police ordered a group of protesters to disperse. Moments later, they teargassed the very path the police ordered protesters to take. A 12-year-old girl was put in handcuffs. A handicapped veteran was maced and tackled to the ground. Armed white vigilantes roamed the streets of Ferguson while once again black protesters found themselves public enemy #1.

The next day, protesters took to Highway 70 shutting it down for 15 minutes. Those demonstrators who were nearly run over by an angry driver were charged with assault. Demonstrators and onlookers were arrested, many kept in handcuffs for up to 12 hours.

These actions are merely a manifestation of the deeper structural issues that remain in St. Louis County. The entrenched system, never improved by the civil rights movement, continues to fight reform and punish those calling for it. St. Louis County’s municipalities had a banner year in terms of arrests and fines collected from its residents. Ferguson has rejected the first draft of the consent decree presented by the Department of Justice in order to ameliorate its racist policing practices.

In an equally brazen move, the county executive for St. Louis County has decided to pursue criminal charges against protesters. These charges go as far back as last August and our cases that the state prosecutor and the municipalities chose not to pursue.

I think of the ways in which St. Louis County continues to defy conventional wisdom treating its own citizens as enemy combatants every time I hear criticism of the tactics of Black Lives Matter activists. From colleagues to comment sections, there is a constant refrain citing tactics over substance. Critiques of political targets over the terror black communities are facing calls to question our priorities as a nation.

One year out, I the tactics of disruption coupled with strong policy recommendations that quickly evolved into reform is the only way to manifest that black lives matter. The Butcher’s Bill is growing with so many dead black men and women at the hands of law enforcement it is difficult to keep track of the hashtags. If a 12-year-old in handcuffs or in a body bag is not enough to shake the entire country from its complacent slumber, perhaps it is not so extreme that people continue to utilize tactics that bring them face-to-face with military vehicles and disapproval from political parties.

One year out, something must give. Not just in Ferguson, but in the hearts, minds, and actions of Americans everywhere. The truth: many of us simply can’t go home hoping that the protests will abate and things will go back to normal. Many of us are fighting this system like our lives depend on it. Because for some of us, they do.

Nicole Lee is the co-founder of the Black Movement Law Project and the immediate past president of TransAfrica.

This article is seventh of an op-ed series on behalf of the Civil Rights Coalition on Police Reform. The coalition, convened and led by the national Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, is comprised of over 30 national civil and human rights organizations, faith and community leaders working to address the nationwide epidemic of police brutality and lethal shootings, claiming the lives of Black men, women and youth; and provide necessary reforms to change the culture of policing in America. For more information, please visit www.lawyerscommittee.org.

PHEN TO ADDRESS BLACK AMERICA’S PROSTATE CANCER BURDEN AND PUBLISH NATIONAL CONSENSUS AGENDA

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Birmingham Times

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August 24, 2015

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— 11th Annual African American Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit takes place September 17-18, 2015, in Washington, DC —

phen_2015_summit

Boston, MA (BlackNews.com) — The Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) will host its Eleventh Annual African American Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit, on September 17th, at Hotel Monaco (700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004), from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and on September 18th, at the Washington Convention Center (801 MT. Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20004), as one session of the annual Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) event from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. This years Summit is titled “Black Americas Prostate Cancer Burden, A National Review.”

Black America suffers the nations largest prostate cancer burden with incidence and mortality rates 60 % and 150 % higher, respectively, than all other men. PHEN was instrumental in helping to draft U.S. Senate Resolution 529, which passed unanimously in July 2012, recognizing prostate cancer among Black men as a health crisis of epidemic proportions. Nonetheless, the May 2012 recommendation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force against PSA testing, is changing prostate cancer healthcare policies and practices. These changes have created an urgent need for a national review of the prostate cancer crisis in Black America towards developing a focused consensus strategy for its elimination.

“This issue is critical and timely,” said Thomas A. Farrington, president and founder, PHEN. “September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, and the fight against prostate cancer is at a crossroads. At the center sits every patient and man who needs to know his prostate health, who are oftentimes confused,” said Farrington, who is also a 15-year prostate cancer survivor. Therefore, PHEN will initiate a national review of Black Americas prostate cancer burden, at its Eleventh Annual “African American Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit.” The organization will assemble a panel of leading experts from cancer centers and organizations to provide input, including Department of Defense (DOD) Prostate Cancer Research Programs; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center; Carolina Urology Partners; Roswell Park Cancer Institute; and Karmanas Cancer Institute.

The national review has four main objectives, including:

1) To raise the level of awareness about the prostate cancer burden in Black America;
2) To focus on topics of primary importance in addressing the burden;
3) To review changes to key prostate healthcare policies and practices and associated impacts;
4) To outline a national consensus strategy/agenda towards eliminating the prostate cancer burden disparity.

Following the Summit, PHEN will publish a National Consensus Agenda, towards eliminating the African American Prostate Cancer crisis, based on Summit presentations, discussions, focus groups and public feedback. Ultimately, the organization will work with national leaders and stakeholders to promote the consensus agenda as a unified call to action to spread awareness about Black Americas prostate cancer burden.

The Summit is FREE and open to the public. Click for Summit Program Overview and Schedule.

About PHEN
The Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) is the leading patient education and advocacy organization addressing the needs of African American prostate cancer patients and survivors. About 1 in 5 African American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime; with the highest prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates in the United States. Based in Quincy, Mass., PHEN, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 2003 by Thomas A. Farrington, a prostate cancer survivor. PHEN Initiatives include monthly live educational webcasts, the Annual Father’s Day Rally, educational symposiums with church partners, and the Annual African American Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit in Washington, DC. For more information, visit PHEN’s website: www.prostatehealthed.org.

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Civil War Reenactment Set for September 5-6 at Point Mallard Park

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Birmingham Times

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August 21, 2015

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Decatur, Alabama (August 20, 2015) – Labor Day is quickly approaching and the north Alabama region boasts plenty of things to see and do over the long holiday weekend. On top of the list is a compelling Civil War reenactment set to take place September 5-6, 2015, at Point Mallard Park in Decatur Ala. Hosted by the 1st Alabama Cavalry Company G “Wheelers Escort”, the Battle for Decatur Civil War Reenactment commemorates the four day battle which took place in October 1864, telling the story of Decatur’s small, but significant role in the War Between the States.

More than 200 Civil War re-enactors are expected to take part in the Battle for Decatur Civil War Reenactment. The weekend event includes mock battles, Civil War relic displays and a Civil War camp with displays of authentic equipment, dress, and drills. Camps open to the public beginning at 10 a.m. with maneuvers and battles taking place at 2 p.m. The Confederate forces will repeatedly attack the Union troops in the Union fort to mimic the event that occurred at and near the Old State Bank.

The public is also invited to a Ladies’ Tea at 10 a.m. and the Military Ball at 7 p.m. on Saturday and a Church Service at 10 a.m. on Sunday. These three events are held at The Chapel located near the entrance of Point Mallard Park.

Other activities include drill and firing of mid-19th century muskets mounted cavalry patrols, cannon and a living history of daily camp life where spectators can purchase Civil War related items and visit with soldiers.

The historical reenactment represents the historic battle event that took place 151 years ago on the east side of Decatur near the Old State Bank. The City of Decatur was an important transportation site for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War due to the Memphis and Charleston’s railroad bridge crossing the Tennessee River. During the 1864 battle at Decatur, Confederate General Hood attempted to break Union supply lines at the crucial railroad crossing at Decatur. He was not successful and had to cross the river at Florence. Decatur’s involvement in this campaign and the fierce four-day battle led to the city to be known as “a hard nut to crack.”

Sponsored by the City of Decatur, Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Morgan County Commission and Camp 580 Sons of Confederate Veterans Alabama Division, the two-day event is held at Point Mallard Park, a 750-acre municipal park providing year round recreation facilities in Decatur, Ala. Admission is free. For more information on the Battle for Decatur Civil War Reenactment, call Larry Thomson, SCV Camp 580 Adjutant, at 256.520.2906.

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Travel To Japan: Birmingham Youth Exchange Session

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Birmingham Times

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August 21, 2015

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Date: September 12, 2015

Time: 10am- 11am

Birmingham Public Library Downtown Branch 2100 Park Place

Fathers Incorporated Partners with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity to Encourage 20,000 Black Fathers to Join “The Honorable Man” Campaign

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Birmingham Times

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August 20, 2015

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kenneth_braswell_honorable_man_campaign-500x263 — Executive Director of Fathers Incorporated, Kenneth Braswell

The effort seeks to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the upcoming Million Man March by focusing on the importance of Responsible Fatherhood
ATLANTA, Ga.(BlackNews.com) — Current trends are showing that Black fathers in America are spending more time day-to-day with their children than any other segment of the population. While no one thing can take credit for the shift in behavior or exposing more clarity on existing behavior, the news is something to be recognized and be celebrated.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the historic Million Man March of October 1995. It’s a perfect occasion to highlight the positive trends of Black fathers. What better partnership to have than one with one of the most respected fraternities in the country; Omega Psi Phi, says Kenneth Braswell, Executive Director of Fathers Incorporated. The momentum is building for our Honorable Man campaign. In just a few short weeks the campaign has signed Black fathers from more than 86 U.S. cities.
Omega Psi Phi represents over 750 undergraduate and graduate chapters, both nationally and internationally. Formed in 1911, the fraternity has built its foundation on its cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. The Men of Omega firmly believe that the family nor the community will ever be complete without the contribution of the father or a Black male father figure. The lives of those in our communities will be better when our young Black Men are given the chance to live to their full potential and contribute their talents and skills to society. We are committed to help make this happen, says Antonio F. Knox Sr., Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Up until the march, the Atlanta based not-for-profit and its partners will encourage at least 20,000 Black fathers across the nation to sign the HONORABLE man pledge on its website (www.millionblackfathers.com) in order to represent the new 21st Century dad at the October 10th, twentieth anniversary celebration of the Justice or Else Million Man March in Washington, D.C.
As a member of the Talented Tenth we have a duty to be actively involved in working with our fathers through highlighting the importance of their being involved in the lives of their children. As we face these most difficult times the family structure with the father present provides a strong support element to insure survival. We are committed to working to this end in every possible way, continues, Robert W. Fairchild, Chair, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative,
Activities include a comprehensive social media campaign in order to generate conversation around the principles of the HONORABLE man, word of the week, video of the week and contest challenges to sign up fathers to take the pledge. The hashtag #honorableman will be used to capture the excitement created by the effort.
For more information to support or promote the campaign, send an email to info@millionblackfathers.com. You can also join them on Twitter @millionblkdads, Facebook at www.facebook.com/millionblackfathers and our website at www.millionblackfathers.com.

Today is ASU’s First Day of Classes; and its ‘Hornet Haul’ Welcomes New Students!

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Birmingham Times

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August 20, 2015

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Today is ASU’s First Day of Classes; and its ‘Hornet Haul’ Welcomes New Students!

The Alabama State University campus is a buzz of activity with today being its first day of classes for the Fall semester, but it all began on Saturday as members of the Hornet Nation lent helping hands and ready smiles during “Hornet Haul,” the official move-in event for new and returning students.

Hornet Haul is an initiative that draws dozens of volunteers from the ASU family to help ASU students move into the University’s residence halls. Students were greeted by alumni, fellow upper-classmen, student leaders, as well as ASU President Gwendolyn E. Boyd and other University leaders.

“When we came up with the idea of Hornet Haul, we didn’t want it to be just about moving folks in,” said Gourjoine Wade, director of Housing and Residence Life. “We wanted it truly to be a moving-day experience. It’s about parents and families connecting with current students and other volunteers so that they leave here feeling good about what they experienced.”

Roommates Bria Maduro and Quaniece Hall

For many freshmen, coming to college is their first time away from home. Atlanta native Bria Maduro said Hornet Haul helped to lessen her nervousness about leaving her family.

“Hornet Haul was really a good thing,” Maduro said. “I’m shy, and I didn’t have to go up to anyone to ask for help; they actually came to me and said, ‘Welcome to Alabama State. Do you need some help?’ As soon as I got out of our car, they (welcomed me). I wasn’t even here for five minutes and I was like, cool.”

Her roommate, Quaniece Hall, is a transfer student from Wallace Community College in Eufaula, Ala., who is attending ASU on a scholarship. The Shorterville, Ala., native said the volunteers helped her to make a smooth transition to residential college life.

“As soon as we came in, we had big boxes and a refrigerator, and one of the girls helped us get them on the elevator and get them up (to my room); so everybody’s been kind, and I like that,” said Hall.

Bert Maduro was grateful for the assistance given to him and his family on move-in day.

“It definitely has been a good experience,” said Maduro. “I’m comfortable leaving my daughter (Bria) here because the people are so friendly and they were so willing to help.”

Hornet Haul kicked off a full slate of activities that are part of Welcome Week. Over the next few days, freshmen will be treated to activities such as the traditional Rites of Passage, entertainment, workshops, a college resource fair, a school spirit jam session, an ice cream social, a talent show, a lip sync battle and a Hornet Nation field day.

WEEKEND EVENTS WELCOME STUDENTS

Students will cap off their week with a soccer match between the Lady Hornets and the AUM Warhawks on Friday at 6 p.m. in the Hornet Soccer Complex, and the Fall Fan Fest on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. at the New ASU Stadium, which will feature an opportunity to meet athletes and coaches and to watch the ASU football team in a pre-season scrimmage.

Bria Maduro said she is looking forward to the excitement of college life.

“I wanted to attend an HBCU, and I like a school with a lot of school spirit. I feel like Alabama State has that.”

Congresswoman Johnson Releases a Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Louis B. Stokes

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Birmingham Times

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August 20, 2015

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DALLAS, TX – (Wednesday, August 19^th, 2015) – Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Louis “Lou” Stokes:

“Today, as I mourn the passing of my good friend and mentor, Congressman Louis Stokes, I celebrate the legacy of one of the most iconic public servants whose 30 years of service transformed the halls of Congress. He was dedicated to expanding political and economic opportunities for all Americans, and he was determined to transcend the culture of discrimination and injustice.

As an attorney, he argued one of the most renowned cases in the history of the U.S. Supreme Court, Terry v. Ohio, which established the constitutional standard of “reasonable suspicion” for stop and frisk searches.

During his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Stokes was the first black chairperson of the House Intelligence Committee; he served as chairman of the House Ethics Committee and was one of the most influential members of the House Appropriations Committee.

As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Lou Stokes engineered a vehicle that would foster collaboration and strategic alliances for generations. Because of his visionary leadership, we all benefit from an organization powerful enough to engage, empower and excite generations of African-American leaders, who influence the political landscape, impact the outcome of elections and serve as strong voices for those weakened by poverty, discrimination and a lack of opportunity.

I am proud and honored to have had the privilege of serving with Congressman Stokes. I was inspired by his intelligence, preparation, dignity, generosity and forward-thinking. He leaves behind a legacy that inspires, not only those who served with him, but a generation of future leaders. I am grateful for his vision, his integrity and his grace.”

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas

3RD ANNUAL CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER GOLF CLASSIC

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Birmingham Times

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August 20, 2015

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JIM BROWN, ROB RIGGLE, GEORGE LOPEZ, FRANK ROBINSON, ERIC DICKERSON, SALLI RICHARDSON, MARCUS ALLEN,

SUGAR RAY LEONARD, RODNEY PEETE, AND MORE ATTEND

3RD ANNUAL CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER GOLF CLASSIC

Boris Kojoe, DL Hughley, Richard Roundtree and more attend Pre-VIP Reception Held At Toscanova in Calabassas

The Hall Of Fame Photo: (L to R) Marcus Allen, Frank Robinson, Eric Dickerson, Cedric The Enterrtainer, Jim Brown, Willie Gault, Ty Law, Rodney Peete, and Jim Plunkett at Spanish Hills Country Club for the third annual Cedric The Entertainer Celebrity Golf Classic held Monday.

(Los Angeles, CA – Wednesday, August 19) — For the third consecutive year, charismatic actor/comedian Cedric The Entertainer (“The Soul Man”) hosted his star-studded celebrity golf classic at the luxurious Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo Monday.

Sponsored by Zacapa Rum, YP (Yellow Pages), and Xerox proceeds from the event benefit The Kyles Family Foundation, The Brotherhood Crusade of Los Angeles and The Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo. The celebrity guests donating their time for a great cause included host Cedric The Entertainer, Jim Brown, George Lopez, Rob Riggle, Frank Robinson, Marcus Allen, Richard Roundtree, Jim Plunkett, Ty Law, Boris Kojoe, Sugar Ray Leonard, Eric Dickerson, Royce Clayton, Kathleen Bradley, Flex Alexander, and Seema Sadekar to list only a few.

efdff369-4de5-4756-b6cf-ae245f0aae9a — It is hard to keep a straight face when Cedric “The Entertainer” and George Lopez hit the links at the 3rd Annual Cedric “The Entertainer” Golf Classic.

e14d6896-c3be-4750-acde-eaeed52f1aa9 — “Let’s Be Cops” star Rob Riggle joined Cedric for a round of golf on the links at Spanish Hills Country Club for the 3rd Annual Cedric The Entertainer Golf Classic.

f5da35e2-a589-48e5-9fa1-464555c32190 — Cedric poses with his golf ambassadors before they escort him to the greens to tee-off the 3rd Annual Cedric The Entertainer Celebrity Golf Classic.

99a322a5-003f-40f2-afca-f9b0b2f39b61 — Host Cedric The Entertainer stops by sponsor Zacapa Rum’s booth to try the beverage bearing his name, “The Cedric.”

1485dbbb-79bf-4771-89b1-560dd530d6c7 — Showing off his signature swing, Cedric The Entertainer prepares to tee-off at his 3rd Annual Cedric The Entertainer Celebrity Golf Classic. Proceeds from the event benefit The Brotherhood Crusade, The Kyles Family Foundation and The Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo.

87cadf3a-4dba-4369-a772-d1a8f60ada96 — Cedric The Entertainer stops by the YP booth at the 3rd Annual Cedric The Entertainer Celebrity Golf Classic. YP is an official sponsor of the event.

9ee3a418-cb9b-4337-b022-800c0d710c5d — Alex Kaminsky of YP joined Cedric The Entertainer at the private VIP reception held at Toscanova Restaurant in Calabassas Sunday evening.

07f49a36-cdd9-4acf-b5c6-674cc0b39441 — (From Left to Right): Alex Kaminsky, Jim Brown, Jim Plunkett, Cedric The Entertainer, Frank Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Bill Hammond prepare for a great day of golf benefiting worthy causes.

Photos: (Photo: A Turner Archives/CTE_CGC)

DOWNLOAD PHOTOS: GOLF CLASSIC IMAGES VIP DINN ER IMAGES

Facebook / Instagram / Twitter Hashtag: #CedricGolf

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About The Kyles Family Foundation (KFF)

The Kyles Family Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 non profit organization, founded in 2009. The foundation was established for “the purpose of teaching life skills, such as healthy eating, physical education, and academics to urban youth throughout the nation — To build confidence and self-esteem enabling them to navigate through life with a sense of purpose.” Through mentoring programs, strategic alliances and community outings, KFF will introduce our underserved “at risk” youth to invaluable life lessons and experiences. Topics and workshops include personal hygiene, exercise classes, beauty treatments, and some pampering — All relative to building confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, Etiquette Training Workshops centering on table settings, dining etiquette, and the value of nutritionally balanced meals.

About The Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo

The Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo provides programs for young people between the ages of six and eighteen that will inspire them to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, caring citizens. Their vision is to aspire to serve the youth and community by developing strong future leaders, instilling integrity, honesty, respect and foresight, and providing a fun and safe environment for all who walk through their doors. The Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo serves over 3,000 youth in Ventura County, offering a positive place for kids in those crucial after-school hours. The club is considered a second home and provides professional staff members that offer guidance and leadership as positive role models.

About The Brotherhood Crusade of Los Angeles

The Brotherhood Crusade is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution founded in 1968 to provide necessary resources, program services and a voice of advocacy to traditionally underserved communities. Its mission is to remove and/or help individuals overcome the barriers that deter their pursuit of success and facilitate opportunities for a better quality of life, by promoting health and wellness, enhancing educational opportunities, cultivating economic growth and building community agencies and institutions.

Willie “Birmingham Batman” Perry Foundation

By

Birmingham Times

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August 19, 2015

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By Ariel Worthy

Many people say when they saw the 1971 Thunderbird with flashing lights they would sing the Batman theme song.

Some people saw him as a big role model to them.

No matter what came to mind when they saw him and his car, Birmingham wants to remember Willie Perry every year on Aug. 3.

In 1982 Mayor Richard Arrington introduced Willie Perry Day to the City. Willie Perry aka, the Batman or the Birmingham Batman, was a Samaritan in Birmingham throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

The City is now re-introducing the local holiday to celebrate every year.

On Aug. 3 at Old Car Heaven, his daughter Renee Perry-Hill announced the Willie Perry Foundation.

“The foundation was established to continue the legacy of my father with the spirit of giving to the City of Birmingham, as well as the state of Alabama,” Hill said.

The foundation also introduced Wheels of Change Program. The program is to help single parents who are striving to work, attend college and to improve their quality of life by providing them with a reliable used car for transportation.

“Our goal is to accept donated automobiles that can be repaired and given to these individuals for reliable transportation.”

Many people at Monday’s event recalled Perry, while gaining a bit of nostalgia.

“I used to see him all the time,” Reginald L. Bryant of College Hills recalled. “He’s very special because he was so nice to the kids. We knew him as Batman.”

Though Bryant said he never had a personal encounter with him, he did gain something from him: a role model.

“He was a great role model to me. I did gain that from him. He taught me how to treat others, and it’s something I really did take through life.”

His family members also recall the influence he had on them.

“He was one of those unsung heroes,” Jacqueline Blount, Perry’s niece recalled. “Even though he was a quiet man, he was a people person.”

His family recalled some of their fondest memories are of them just riding around in the Bat Mobile with Perry.

If you would like to help with the “The Wheels of Change” project, please contact Marquetta Hill at (205)249-2318.