Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Marks Voting Rights Act 50th Anniversary on August 6

July 31, 2015

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Marks

Voting Rights Act 50^th Anniversary on August 6

The Voting Act was Signed into Law on August 6, 1965

July 31, 2015 The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act with its final program, The Voting Rights Act @ 50: Shelby vs Holder: Challenges to Voting Rights Today on Thursday, August 6, 2015 at 6 pm in BCRI’s Woods Community Meeting Room. The act was signed into law on August 6, 1965.
“The future of voting rights is Shelby vs. Holder, but it is amazing how our local community is not fully aware of its repercussions,” explained Kendall Chew, BCRI Education Assistant. “The backbone of this case was formed in Alabama, but it affects the nation,”

Shelby vs Holder will feature Joyce Vance White, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, Reverend Kenneth Dukes, Pastor of the Holly Grove Baptist Church and Intervener Defendant in Shelby County’s Constitutional Challenge of the Voting Rights Act and Attorney Ed Still of Edward Still Law Firm. Barry McNealy, Social Studies Instructor at A.H. Parker High School and BCRI Legacy Youth Leadership Program Facilitator, will moderate the panel. The speakers will address the history of the Voting Rights act of 1965 as well as the impact of the 2013 Shelby vs Holder decision on today’s voting procedures.

Attorney White added, “Voter education is key to ensuring voters are well-informed and can effectively exercise their voting rights. It’s vital that people understand how voting affects not just our country’s leadership, but also their personal lives.”

This event is free and open to the public, with voter registration available. Refreshments will be provided by Church Street Coffee & Books. Registration is required at www.bcri.org.
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Shelby County v. Holder, is a landmark United States Supreme Court case regarding the constitutionality of two provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In 2013, petitioner Shelby County, in the covered jurisdiction of Alabama, sued the Attorney General in Federal District Court in Washington, D. C., seeking a declaratory judgment that sections 4(b) and 5 are facially unconstitutional, as well as a permanent injunction against their enforcement. On June 25, 2013, the Court ruled by a 5-to-4 vote that Section 4(b)of the Act is unconstitutional because the coverage formula is based on data over 40 years old, making it no longer responsive to current needs and therefore an impermissible burden on the constitutional principles of federalism and equal sovereignty of the states. The Court did not strike down Section 5, but without Section 4(b), no jurisdiction will be subject to Section 5 preclearance unless Congress enacts a new coverage formula.

The Voting Rights Act, signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on August 6, 1965, aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote
under the 15th Amendment (1870) to the Constitution of the United States. The act significantly widened the franchise and is considered one of the most far-reaching pieces of civil rights legislation in U.S. history.

About BCRI
The mission of BCRI is to enlighten each generation about civil and human rights by exploring our common past and working together in the present to build a better future. BCRI opened in 1992 and presents an in-depth look at the Civil Rights Movement, especially in Birmingham, from before the movement’s inception through today’s international struggle for universal human rights. BCRI is a place of research, a teaching facility and an acknowledged learning center for people of all ages and backgrounds. Each year, BCRI reaches more than 150,000 individuals through tours and exhibitions as well as school and community outreach, public programs, special events, and archival collections. Call 205-328-9696 or www.bcri.org for more information.

NAACP Statement on the Indictment of University of Cincinnati Police Officer Ray Tensing

Birmingham Times

July 30, 2015

BALTIMORE, MD – On Wednesday, July 29th, University of Cincinnati Police Officer Ray Tensing was indicted on a murder charge for fatally shooting Samuel DuBose, an unarmed African American man, during a traffic stop on July 19th. Subsequently, the NAACP has released the following statement.

From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President and CEO:

“Hamilton County’s grand jury decision to indict University of Cincinnati Police Officer Ray Tensing for the shooting death of 43-year-old Samuel DuBose during a routine traffic stop speaks with tragic clarity to the type of action needed in cases where unarmed citizens are met with excessive and too often times fatal force. Our heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the family of Mr. DuBose, who was the father of 10 children. While this indictment is encouraging, it is only a first step in what will likely be a long judicial process. The NAACP and our Ohio State Conference will be closely monitoring the proceedings as we continue to seek justice for Mr. DuBose and his family. Unarmed, law-abiding citizens should be able to survive a routine traffic stop with the police. At a moment when we mark our collective calendars with a criminal justice tragedy seemingly every day, the NAACP is soon to embark on its most ambitious and innovative crusade yet — America’s Journey for Justice. This historic 860 mile march from Selma, Alabama to Washington, D.C., which begins on August 1st, demands that our nation fix its broken criminal justice system. We march because our lives matter. The NAACP will not stand down until accountability and justice in cases of police misconduct are served for Mr. DuBose and the countless other men and women who have been the victims of excessive force.”

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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our five “Game Changer” issue areas here.

Alabama Grocers Award $70,000 in Scholarships for 2015/2016 Academic Year

Birmingham Times

July 30, 2015

photo: Andrew Smith

The Alabama Grocers Education Foundation (AGEF) recently awarded $70,000 in scholarships to employees or children of employees from Alabama Grocers Association (AGA) member companies for the 2014-2015 academic year. These included 62 AGEF funded scholarships, 14 Piggyback Scholarships, four Endowed Scholarships and one Memorial Scholarship for a total of 81 scholarships awarded.
Birmingham area scholarship recipients include: Andrew Smith.
“To date, the Alabama Grocers Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships,” said Ellie Smotherman Taylor, President, Alabama Grocers Association. “Our association is thrilled to be supporting higher education efforts of Alabama’s youth and can think of no better investment.”
The Alabama Grocers Education Foundation recognizes and aids students who are related to Alabama’s food industry by virtue of their parent’s employment or their own part-time employment by firms which are members of the Alabama Grocers Association. The scholarship program demonstrates the association’s interest in the growth and development of the leaders of tomorrow by providing financial assistance to deserving students. This year the Foundation received more than 250 applications.
“We are thankful to our members and other supporters of the Alabama Grocers Association,” said Jay Mitchell of Mitchell Grocery Corporation and Chairman, Board of Trustees, AGEF. “Over the years, their donations have made these scholarships possible, impacting in the lives of hundreds of young people.”
Scholarships are awarded by an impartial committee of educators and are based on community involvement and academic achievements. Funds are raised from three annual golf events, a silent auction and the generosity of supporters, members and friends of the Alabama Grocers Association.

How to Choose Your Business: Exercise for Happiness, Not Health

Birmingham Times

July 30, 2015

The number one reason people procrastinate starting an exercise regime or get discouraged soon after they start is because they constantly look at their quantitative results. Every two seconds we are stepping on a scale, measuring our body mass or looking in the mirror with our underwear on poking, squeezing and inhaling for affirmation that we should go back to the gym the next day. However, like choosing what business to get into, this shouldn’t be quantitative, it should be qualitative.
What many don’t realize is exercising gives us better mental health, less stress, helps us generate more ideas, makes us more productive and breeds more happiness. If you focus on exercising for these qualitative reasons, the end result will also be quantitative (weight loss, better muscle mass and overall better shape). The thing is the quantitative stuff develops at different rates for different people. If you are dangerously comparing your quantitative results to someone else, of course, you will also become discouraged.
This philosophy is synonymous to what I believe about education. Education should not be pursued to make you more money. It should be pursued to be better equipped, thus leading to more income made…eventually. Again, this will vary through industries and professionals. The minute someone has muscles or ideal weight without having to workout, encouraging them to pick-up a workout routine will be tough even if they are out of shape. The minute someone is making a lot of money without having to get a formal education, it will be hard to get them to go back to school. The moment someone starts earning tons of money as an employee, even if they are unhappy, you will find yourself pulling your hair out trying to get them to start their own business.
Decisions must be made from qualitative benefits and not so much the quantitative. Quantitative always follows qualitative. The quantitative (money) will come from your love, passion and dedication from what you do in business. You want to choose your business idea based on how mentally healthy it will make you. What healthy relationships it will gain you. This means it has to be a field that makes you happy and you have no problem waking up to do before the big money starts rolling in.
There are many problems out here to solve and your business idea must be one of them. But remember that when you are solving them, you need to be happy.
Customers can be difficult sometimes and their difficulty is because they have expectations on how their “problem” should be solved. Your business must make you happy before it makes you money. Happiness will lead to productivity; while there are plenty of miserable people who are rich…and in their business, it shows!

Professor Devin Robinson is a business & economics professor and founder of Urban Business Institute. Over the past decade he opened over 75 successful businesses. He lives in in Atlanta, Georgia. Learn more about him at www.DevinRobinson.com.

City Council Highlights

Birmingham Times

July 30, 2015

During the Birmingham City Council Meeting for July 28, 2015 Council:

A public show cause hearing to consider revoking the business license(s) issued to Atlantis Entertainment Group, LLC, d.b.a. Atlantis Center,
4016 Avenue I, Birmingham, AL 35218, and to consider rescinding Resolution No. 226-12 for a Special Retail Liquor License, approved on
February 21, 2012 and Resolution No. 227-12, for a Division I Dance Permit, approved on February 21, 2012.

Cliff Notes
Was this item approved? Approved unanimously
What does this mean? Businesses that provide entertainment are required to provide a safe environment for citizens in accordance with
the City of Birmingham Special Retail and Dance Permits Ordinances. When businesses fail to comply with the regulations of the ordinances,
the Public Safety Committee often takes measures to ensure compliance by warning regulations and eventually revoking business licenses.
This show cause hearing is for parties who wish to speak for or against this business revocation, they can voice their concerns.
The Birmingham City Council voted to revoke this business license and rescind Resolutions No. 226-12 for a Special Retail Liquor License
and Resolution No. 227-12 for a Division I Dance Permit.
Next Steps: For more information please contact the Office of Councilor Steven Hoyt, Chair of the Public Safety Committee Meeting at 205.254.2304.

Other items approved by the Council at today’s meeting include the following:

1. A Resolution relative to the application of Empowerment, Inc. for a Special Events License 140 to be used at Birmingham Live, August 8,
2015, 331 Cotton Avenue S.W., Birmingham, and the hearing of all interested parties.

Cliff Notes
Was this item approved? Approved unanimously
What does this mean? Empowerment Inc. is a vendor seeking approval for an application to host special events at Birmingham Live,
an entertainment venue within the west end community. This public hearing is for all parties who wish to speak for or against the approval
of those licenses.
Next Steps: For more information please contact the Office of Councilor Steven Hoyt at 205.254.2304.

2. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Agreement between the City of Birmingham and the Birmingham Board of Education
to provide funding for the following schools for general school purposes for the 2015- 2016 School year in the total amount of $7,000.00:
Huffman High School- $3,500.00, W.J. Christian K-8- $1,000.00, Martha Gaskins Elementary- $500.00, Huffman Middle School- $500.00,
Smith Middle School- $500.00, Huffman Academy- $500.00, Sun Valley Elementary- $500.00.

Cliff Notes
Was this item approved? Approved on the Consent Agenda
What does this mean? Birmingham City Schools are a constant focus of the Birmingham City Council. This resolution is authorizing the Mayor
to fund select schools for general school purposes such as supplies, educational material and equipment upgrades for the 2015-2016 school year.
These funds were advanced by Councilor Scales from her discretionary money. Each fiscal year every councilor is given discretionary dollars to fund
various needs within their district.
Next Steps: For more information please contact the City of Birmingham Law Department at 205.254.7701.

3. A Resolution to approving payment to Acton Mobile Industries, Nottingham, MD, for the rental of a temporary landfill office for a period
of one (1) year and month to month thereafter in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00/month for the Public Works Department.

Cliff Notes
Was this item approved? Approved on the Consent Agenda
What does this mean? Temporary Landfill offices are often needed for Public Works to complete their responsibilities for handling excess waste.
This resolution is approving payment to Acton Mobile Industries to rent office space for that purpose.
Next Steps: For more information please contact the Purchasing Office at 205.254.2265.

4. An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE CAPITAL FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, by appropriating
$1,500,000.00 to Oxmoor Land Purchase and access improvements, $49,750.00 to Legion Field Scoreboard and $10,250.00 to Costs of
Issuance, the funding source being Bond Anticipation Note (BAN).

Cliff Notes
Was this item approved? Approved on the Consent Agenda
What does this mean? By amending the Capital Fund Budget the City of Birmingham will appropriate funds from available funding
to the various departments for recreational improvements.
Next Steps: For more information please contact the Office of Councilor Valerie Abbott, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee at 205.254.2355.

5. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a joint application with Jefferson County, Alabama, to the Alabama Department of
Transportation, in substantially the same form as is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, for an Alabama Industrial Access Road and Bridge
grant of up to $150,000.00 to be used in connection with the construction of an access road to an industrial site within
the City of Birmingham to be occupied by a major manufacturer.

Cliff Notes
Was this item approved? Approved on the Consent Agenda
What does this mean? Industrial sites are key components of Birmingham’s ever growing economy and are key factors when
strategizing economic development opportunities. This ordinance is outlining the city’s financial commitment in conjunction with Jefferson County
for a grant for construction of Alabama Access Roads and Bridges and improvements associated with occupying designated industrial sites.
Next Steps: For more information please contact the City of Birmingham Law Department at 205.254.7701.

CONSENT ITEM 39.
6. A Resolution accepting the lump sum bid of Battle-Miller Construction Corporation, Hoover, Alabama, in the amount of $104,800.00, for Echo
Highlands Park Renovations, this being the lowest and best bid submitted.

Cliff Notes
Was this item approved? Approved unanimously for the awarded bid
What does this mean? The City of Birmingham accepts bids from companies/vendors to provide select services
such as park improvements and revitalization. The Department of Planning Engineering and Permits administers bids under the Alabama Bid Law.
This resolution accepts the bid of, Battle-Miller Construction Corporation, Hoover, Alabama, in the amount of $104,800.00, for Echo Highlands Park Renovations.
Next Steps: For more information please contact the Department of Planning Engineering and Permits at 205.254.2306.

The following item was withdrawn:
ITEM 18.
7. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with Schaeffer Eye Center for an expenditure of a sum not to exceed $100,000.00 to
assist in facilitating “The Schaeffer Eye Center City Fest,” to be held in Railroad Park on August 1, 2015, providing recreation and entertainment
for the citizens of Birmingham, pursuant to Amendment 772 of the Alabama Constitution of 1901 to provide public money and things of
value to a private entity for purposes of promoting the economic and industrial development of the City and §11-47-19, Code of Alabama 1975
to provide music and other exhibitions for the amusement of the inhabitants.

Cliff Notes
Was this item approved? Withdrawn by the Mayor’s Office
What does this mean? Schaffer Eye Center City Fest is one of Birmingham’s premier festivals’ that is held at Railroad Park, delivering tons
of exciting musical entertainment. This resolution is approving an agreement in the amount of $100,000.00 for the marketing, management and
promotional services for this event. The item was withdrawn at the request of the Mayor’s Office. Only the originator of an item
which may be the Council, Mayor or Law Department can withdraw an item at their request for any reason.
Next Steps: For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2368.

The following items were deferred to committee meeting and the next Council meeting:
ITEM 12.
8. An Ordinance authorizing the issuance, execution, sale and delivery of $2,060,000 Principal Amount General Obligation Bond
Anticipation Note (Federally Taxable), Series 2015-A, of the City of Birmingham, Alabama and the payment thereof for Oxmoor
area economic development property purchase and Legion Field Scoreboard.

Cliff Notes
Was this item approved? Approved to defer to the Budget and Finance Committee Meeting
What does this mean? By amending the Capital Fund Budget the City of Birmingham will appropriate funds from available funding
to the various departments for recreational improvements.
Next Steps: For more information please contact the Office of Councilor Valerie Abbott, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee at 205.254.2355.

ITEM 21.
9. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor, pursuant to §11-47-19, Code of Alabama 1975, to appropriate funds in the amount of $2,500.00
per neighborhood, per calendar year, for authorized goods and services, such as the rental of inflatables, interactive, carnival equipment,
tents, tables, large industrial fans, generators, portable restrooms, concession equipment, novelty items and t-shirts, for the services
of a disk jockey and for any other service or equipment that is similar to the specifically listed items above, consistent with the purpose
of supporting the annual community picnic events. If food is purchased, an additional amount of $500 is authorized for the purchase of
concessions, expenditures for food and non-alcoholic beverages, for an annual amount not to exceed $3,000.00,
said sum to come from the requesting neighborhood association’s fund.

Cliff Notes
Was this item approved? Approved for one week delay
What does this mean? Neighborhood associations often host family and friends functions within their respective communities.
This resolution is authorizing the Mayor to appropriate select funds not to exceed $3000.00 per year to each neighborhood from their neighborhood association’s
fund to pay for food, entertainment and other requested items as needed for various functions. The delay was requested for councilors to consult
with the Citizen’s Advisory Board regarding the overall costs.
Next Steps: For more information please contact the City of Birmingham Law Department at 205.254.7701.

The following item failed to get approved:
ITEM 35.
10. A Resolution authorizing the Director of Planning, Engineering and Permits to issue a condemnation repair permit to
Tremain W. Jones, the owner or agent of the property located at 1143 – 13th Street North, Birmingham, which was condemned
by the Council January 22, 2013, in order to remove the weeds and trash from the premises within ten (10) days of permit issuance
and to commence and make substantial repairs within 30 days of permit issuance, one (1) permit having been
voided due to the lack of substantial repairs.

Cliff Notes
Was this item approved? Denied unanimously
What does this mean? The City Council approves condemnation repair permits at the recommendation from the Public Improvement and Beautification Committee.
Citizens can receive up to 4 attempts to renew valid permit licenses and make substantial repairs within 30 days per attempt. The City Council voted to deny
a permit issuance to this citizen due to the lack of substantial repairs. The applicant also did not attend the scheduled PIC meetings upon several requests.
Next Steps: For more information please contact the Department of Planning Engineering and Permits at 205.254.2306.

Announcements and Reminders
1. The Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting scheduled for Tuesday July 28, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. in the 5th Floor Engineering Conference Room is CANCELLED.
2. The Enterprise Community Partners Meeting will be held Thursday, July 30, 2015, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Woodlawn Foundation, 5529 1st Avenue South.
3. Jazz in the Park will be held Sunday August 2, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Westfield Park, 3537 Lewis Street, Dolomite.
4. The Public Safety Committee Meeting will be held on Monday August 2, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Are you unable to attend the Birmingham City Council meetings? Watch Council Meetings on demand. From anywhere in the world you can log on to
www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org and click on the tab Watch Council Meetings; or from the comfort of your home, tune to Bright House Cable Channel 340.
The Birmingham City Council meetings are free and on demand.
The City of Birmingham will make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to enjoy
all city services, programs and activities. If accommodations are required for public meetings, please contact Chiara Morrow, Public Information Officer,
with reasonable advance notice by emailing chiara.morrow@birminghamal.gov or by calling 205-254-2055.

[Woman Who Lifted Baton During Police Shooting Faces Charges]

Birmingham Times

July 30, 2015

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An officer dropped a nightstick during a struggle with a homeless man who was shot to death by police on Los Angeles’ Skid Row, and the woman who picked it up now faces an assault charge that could send her to prison for 25 years to life.

The March shooting was captured on video, which shows Trishawn Cardessa Carey, 34, briefly lifting the baton as police scuffled with the man. Police say Charly Keunang grabbed an officer’s holstered gun when they tried to take him into custody on suspicion of robbery, leading three other officers to open fire.

Carey faces the lengthy prison term for a charge of assault with a deadly weapon because of California’s three-strikes law. Under the law, people convicted three times of violent or serious felonies are required to serve long sentences, and Carey has nine prior convictions, including two for serious or violent crimes, The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday (http://lat.ms/1Km75Sb ).

Her supporters argue that her case is another example of excessive charges filed against black people. The shooting sparked several protests and led some advocates to say Los Angeles police are too quick to use violent tactics.

“These excessive charges are just updated Jim Crow,” Suzette Shaw, a member of Los Angeles Community Action Network’s Downtown Women’s Action Coalition, told the newspaper.

Deputy District Attorney Gregory Denton rejected that characterization.

“It’s just one woman charged here,” he said.

Denton told The Times he plans to argue that Carey tried to attack the officer by “picking up the officer’s baton and raising the baton to strike the officer.”

“An attempt to strike someone is assault,” he said. “There’s no mystery here. The reality is all the conduct involved in this case is on the video.”

Carey’s attorney, Milton Grimes, said he will try to show that his client didn’t threaten or attack any officers.

She has a history of mental health and medical problems and should be out of prison and getting treatment, Grimes said. Her bail was reduced from more than $1 million to $50,000 Wednesday.

“I’ve seen the video, you’ve seen the video; she doesn’t go after anybody,” Grimes said. “Is possession of a baton an assault? No. The legal basis appears to me to be a distraction or cover-up of the killing of a man by the police.”

Ex-Prison Guard Accused of Forcing Inmates to Have Sex

Birmingham Times

July 30, 2015

By KATE BRUMBACK, Associated Press

ATLANTA — A former high-ranking corrections officer at a southeast Georgia women’s prison used his position of power to prey on inmates, targeting their vulnerabilities and forcing them to have sex with him, according to investigators.
Over at least four years, Edgar Daniel Johnson groped and fondled women and forced some to have sex with him, according to sworn statements filed in warrant applications by an investigator for the Georgia Department of Corrections.
He faces criminal charges, and his lawyer said Johnson, 48, looks forward to defending himself.
“Mr. Johnson vehemently denies the allegations, and we look forward to having the opportunity to confront these charges in court,” attorney Kendall Gross said.
The Associated Press spoke to four of more than a dozen women who say Johnson victimized them while they were inmates at Emanuel Women’s Facility in Swainsboro. The AP generally does not name alleged victims of sexual crimes.
Johnson initially seemed like someone who cared, a comforting thing in a scary place, said one woman who was 25 and had never been in prison when she landed at Emanuel on charges related to an injury her son suffered while with her ex when the boy was supposed to be in her custody. Johnson said he was a pastor and recited passages from the Bible.
Then, she said, he started telling her how pretty she was, how a girl like her didn’t belong in prison. He asked about her family. He was a captain, so he could help her get to a transitional center closer to her children, he told her.
“He got a feel for your story to see what angle he could come at you with,” she said.
Her assigned work detail included cleaning his office, but she said he’d summon her more often than needed — up to five or six times a day — sometimes having an officer wake her from a nap to come see him. He’d give her tasks to keep her in the office or sometimes he’d just have her sit there, she said.
He quickly started making sexual comments and brushing up against her in a way that was too familiar, she said.
“You kind of just blocked it out, thinking: If I can just get out of his office without anything happening, I’ll be fine,” she said. “I guess after a while you just learn to deal with it.”
The comments and unwelcome touching continued for about 18 months. Then in April 2013, as she was about to be transferred to a transitional center closer to her family near Atlanta, he forced her to have sex with him five or six times, threatening to stop her transfer if she didn’t, she said.
Johnson continued to contact her for the first six months she was in the transitional center, saying he missed her and that he looked up her photo in her file every day, she said.
She never told anyone what was happening, but it was an open secret at the prison, she said. She was afraid of retaliation if she complained because he’d said repeatedly that he basically ran the place.
Georgia Department of Corrections spokeswoman Lisa Rodriguez-Presley said the warden at the prison initiated an investigation immediately after she became aware of the allegations.
“We take very seriously allegations of this nature, which cause unjust risk and harm to the individuals we supervise as well as the safe operation of our facilities,” she wrote in an email.
The women in this case said Johnson forced them to have sex. But even consensual sex between an inmate and a prison employee is illegal.
Because inmates are vulnerable to sexual assault both by prison staff and other inmates, Congress in 2003 passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act, which calls for corrections systems to have a zero-tolerance policy on prison rape.
The Georgia Department of Corrections is actively implementing that law and expects to be fully compliant by August 2016, Rodriguez-Presley said.
When an investigator from the Department of Corrections came to see the woman at the transitional center in April, she initially told him nothing had happened. She didn’t trust him because he worked for the department.
Back in her room, she broke down in tears, finally deciding it was time to say something. She caught the investigator before he left and told him everything, she said.
The other women who spoke to the AP told similar stories, detailing how Johnson first told them he was a pastor and offered to use his influence to help them. Then came the comments, the touching and the forced sex, they said.
He identified their vulnerabilities to manipulate them, they said. One had a brother serving a life sentence at another Georgia prison and Johnson threatened to make his life miserable, she said. Another had had a baby while in the county lockup before being moved to prison, and she said he told her he’d keep her away from her baby and five other kids.
After being transferred to a higher-security prison in July 2012, a woman who said she had begun challenging Johnson wrote a complaint against him and gave it to the warden at her new prison. In it, she named several other women as victims.
Clay Nix, an inspector with the Department of Corrections’ office of professional standards, said one of his investigators has identified 13 women who say Johnson victimized them, and the investigation is ongoing. Once it’s done, the case will be turned over to the district attorney for presentation to a grand jury.
Johnson was fired in April and was arrested in May on multiple charges related to the investigation. He’s free on bond.
Nix declined to get into specifics of the investigation because it’s still active, but he said it was prompted by complaints from inmates who told very specific stories with many similarities and details no one else would know.
“It became quickly apparent the allegations were most likely true,” he said.
Once they began looking into Johnson, they discovered the 2012 complaint against him and evidence that it was thoroughly investigated but never presented to the district attorney, said Nix, who came to the department in August 2013. Bringing criminal charges can be very difficult when there’s no physical evidence and a case is based on inmate outcry alone, he said.
The women who say they were victimized by Johnson recall that he compared himself — going by his middle name — to the biblical Daniel in the lion’s den, saying he always comes out on top, no matter what he’s up against.
They use words like “ruined” and “broken” to describe how they feel as a result of his alleged actions. The four who spoke to the AP are all out of jail and said they have trouble trusting people, especially men, which makes finding a job or forming personal relationships difficult.
Walter Madison, a lawyer who represents six of the women, has helped them start an online fundraising campaign to pay for counseling and other expenses. He said they’re also considering civil litigation. They need to get back on their feet and feel confidence in themselves again, he said.
“We did a crime and we were sentenced, but nowhere did it say that we had to be his sex slaves,” said the first woman described above. “He took something from us that we can never get back.”

ATTORNEY GENERAL STRANGE REVIEWS COMPLAINTS OF VIOLATIONS OF ALABAMA GUN LAWS

Birmingham Times

July 30, 2015

(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange today released public statements about formal complaints received by his office concerning possible unlawful prohibitions of firearms by a state agency, local government and law enforcement, and two universities. After reviewing and investigating each complaint, the Attorney General’s Office worked with the public entity to achieve compliance with state law. With respect to universities, however, the Attorney General does not have enforcement authority under the applicable statutes.

In July, the Attorney General’s office reviewed complaints about firearms policies of the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), the City of Moulton, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Auburn University and the University of South Alabama. As required by statute, the Attorney General thoroughly investigated these complaints. The results of the Attorney General’s investigations are summarized below, along with links to his determinations.

Alabama Department of Transportation

The Attorney General’s Office reviewed numerous complaints about the Alabama Department of Transportation’s (ALDOT) policy of banning firearms at state rest areas and determined that ALDOT’s firearm prohibition violates state law. After the Attorney General notified ALDOT that its policy was unlawful, ALDOT agreed to rescind its ban on firearms at state rest areas.

http://www.ago.alabama.gov/File-Firearms-2015-002-Public-Statements

City of Moulton

The Attorney General’s Office reviewed a complaint about the City of Moulton’s prohibition of firearms at the Moulton Recreation Center and Alexander Park. As a result of the Attorney General’s investigation, the City of Moulton removed signs prohibiting firearms at the Moulton Recreation Center and at Alexander Park.

http://www.ago.alabama.gov/File-Firearms-2015-003-Public-Statements

Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office

The Attorney General’s Office reviewed a complaint that the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office’s pistol permits included conditions that violated state law. As a result of the Attorney General’s investigation, the Sheriff agreed to omit the conditions and include only this language on permits: “License to carry a Revolver or a Pistol Concealed on the person or in a vehicle is hereby granted, except where State law prohibits.”

http://www.ago.alabama.gov/File-Firearms-2015-004-Public-Statements

Auburn University and the University of South Alabama

The Attorney General’s Office reviewed a complaint that the University of South Alabama and Auburn University both prohibit the carrying of firearms by all members of the university community, including visitors. After being contacted by the Attorney General’s office, both universities confirmed that they do indeed prohibit the carrying of firearms on campus. However, the Legislature has not given the Attorney General’s Office the authority to enforce state firearms law with respect to public universities.

http://www.ago.alabama.gov/File-Firearms-2015-001-Public-Statements

“The Second Amendment Rights of Alabamians must be protected and I am committed to doing so,” said Attorney General Strange. “In a number of cases, violations of Alabama’s gun laws have been corrected after my office’s review. Most notably, ALDOT has agreed to remove signs from all state rest areas prohibiting firearms.”

More detailed information for each case can be found on the AG’s web site:

http://www.ago.alabama.gov/Page-Firearms-Alabama-Public-Statements-13A-11-61-3

Comedian J. Anthony Brown to hit the stage at the Stardome

Birmingham Times

July 30, 2015

by Ariel Worthy

Everybody loves a good laugh and J. Anthony Brown is ready to give Birmingham one this weekend.

The Funnyman will be onstage at the Comedy Club Stardome on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“The Stardome is one of the best clubs in the world,” Brown said. “The way it’s set up, it has really good food and every seat is a good seat.”

The comedy veteran tours all over the country, but that still does not stop his stage fright from happening.

“I get so nervous, just thinking about going to Birmingham now is making me nervous,” Brown said. “I get nervous going up on my own club. I have the worst case of stage fright.”

Birmingham has five shows to choose from: two on Friday and Saturday and one on Sunday.

“It’s going to be lots of cussing, so Christians if you’re coming to the J. Anthony Brown show, pray up and don’t be shocked. Once you get past that you’ll see it’s not like the radio.”

We all know him from the Tom Joyner Morning Show, murdering hits and being the butt of many of Huggy Lowdown’s jokes, but his résumé goes beyond that.
J. Anthony Brown has been seen on TV, but radio is where his heart is.

“I love radio; it’s the best medium in the world,” Brown said. “I can do a whole interview with Bill Cosby using old sound bites; I could never do that on the television. It’s so much fun; the hardest part is waking up at 2:00 in the morning if I’m in LA.”

As a writer for the Arsenio Hall Show in the 90s, BET’s Comic View host for two seasons, as well as an actor on shows such as Moesha, The Parkers, Living Single, as well as movies Mr. 3000 with Bernie Mac, and Drumline with Nick Cannon it is obvious Brown is no stranger to TV either.

Brown’s newest TV venture is definitely one to challenge old relationships.

“It’s called ‘Doing it with My Ex.’ It’s the reverse of the Newlywed Game.” Brown explained. “We get couples that used to date and ask questions about their relationships. The winning couple gets to play against each other for $5,000.”

A show like that sounds like it could get messy pretty fast, but Brown said it actually was not that bad.

“We’ve seen that you don’t really hate your ex; most of the people were pretty cool and they seemed to find out things they didn’t know. They were very honest with their answers.”

Throughout the years Brown has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy, including George Wallace, Steve Harvey and Bernie Mac. He says the internet has crushed a lot of younger comedians.

“It just really made it so that they think they are bigger than they actually are because they have internet friends,” Brown said. “You can have a comedian that’s very popular on the internet, but you put him on stage in front of a crowd and they would die. Making short little funny film clips versus standing in front of a crowd of about 400-500 people and making them laugh for an hour is a whole different concept. You might end up being a great film producer, but that ain’t standup.”

Brown is also a businessman. He owns the first black-owned comedy club in Los Angeles, The J. Spot.

“Tom has this theory and it’s absolutely right: It doesn’t matter who makes it first, it matters who makes it famous. I’m trying to make it famous.”

For those who listen to the Tom Joyner Morning Show, you have also heard him talk about his hot sauce: Hotter Than A Mofo. http://hotterthanamofo.com/

“People are fascinated by the name. I wanted to call it Hotter than a… you know, but everyone kept telling me I couldn’t put that on the label, so Hotter than a Mofo stuck.”

To keep it interesting, he likes to have hot sauce eating contests with his sauce.

We all have these people who are always ‘I’m from Lousiana, we eat hot sauce all the time.’ It’s so funny. I love to see the trash-talkers burn.”

Tickets to see Brown can be purchased online or at the door. http://www.stardome.com/

‘Empire”s Trai Byers And Grace Gealey Are Engaged!

Birmingham Times

July 29, 2015

Trai Byers (Andre) and Grace Gealey (Anika) don’t play very likable people on Empire. That doesn’t mean they aren’t good for each other, though. The castmates are getting ready to become husband and wife.

Byers and Gealey have become officially engaged, according to US Weekly. The two just spent some time together dining in Chicago.

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