AG Strange Announces Settlement with Credit Reporting Agencies

By

-

May 21, 2015

AG Strange Announces Settlement with Credit Reporting Agencies

MONTGOMERY—Attorney General Luther Strange and 30 other state Attorneys General have announced a major settlement with the three national credit reporting agencies — Equifax Information Services LLC, Experian Information Solutions Inc. and TransUnion LLC.
Under the settlement, the credit reporting agencies have agreed to make a number of changes to their business practices to benefit consumers, as well as to compensate the participating states a total of $6 million for costs of the investigation. Alabama will receive $137,018.
“I am pleased that our agreement brings about reforms that will provide for more effective dealings and better communication between consumers and the credit reporting agencies,” said Attorney General Strange. “These changes will make for smoother operations and better service to the consumers of Alabama and throughout the nation.”
The investigation focused on consumer disputes about credit report errors, monitoring and disciplining data furnishers (providers of credit reporting information), accuracy in consumer credit reports, and the marketing of credit monitoring products to consumers who call the credit reporting agencies to dispute information on their credit report.
Key provisions of the settlement include:

Higher standards for data furnishers:
·       The credit reporting agencies must maintain information about problem data furnishers and provide a list of those furnishers to the states upon request.
·       The credit reporting agencies and data furnishers must use a better, more detailed system to share data.
Limits to direct-to-consumer marketing:
·       The credit reporting agencies cannot market credit monitoring services to a consumer during a dispute phone call until the dispute portion of the call has ended.
·       The credit reporting agencies must tell consumers that purchasing a product is not a requirement for disputing information on their credits reports.
Added protections for consumers who dispute credit reporting information:
·       The credit reporting agencies must implement an escalated process for handling complicated disputes, such as those involving identity theft, fraud, or mixed files — where one consumer’s information is mixed with another’s.
·       Each credit reporting agency must notify the other agencies if it finds that one consumer’s information has been mixed with another’s.
·       The credit reporting agencies must send a consumer’s supporting documents to the data furnisher. (The credit reporting agencies implemented this change after the Attorneys General initiated their investigation and raised the concern that the pertinent complaint documents were not being sent to the furnishers.)
·       Consumers may obtain one additional free credit report in a 12-month period if they dispute information on their credit report and a change is made as a result of the dispute.
Limits to certain information that can be added to a consumer’s credit report:
·       The credit reporting agencies are generally prohibited from adding information about fines and tickets to credit reports.
·       The credit reporting agencies cannot place medical debt on a credit report until 180 days after the account is reported to the credit reporting agency, which gives consumers time to work out issues with their insurance companies.
·       The credit reporting agencies must require debt collectors to provide the original creditor’s name and information about the debt before the debt information can be added to a credit report.
Additional consumer education:
·       The credit reporting agencies must tell consumers how they can further dispute the outcome of an investigation into a dispute, such as by filing a complaint with other agencies.
·       Each credit reporting agency must provide a link to its online dispute website on the website www.annualcreditreport.com, and the credit reporting agency’s dispute website must be free of ads and any marketing offers.

The changes required under the settlement will be implemented in three phases to allow the credit reporting agencies to update their IT systems and procedures with data furnishers. All changes must be completed by three years and 90 days following the settlement’s effective date. If any credit reporting agency violates the settlement, it may be enforced according to state laws.
Participating in the settlement are the Attorneys General from the states of: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Wisconsin.
–30–

New Faith-Based Short Film Links Modern Life with Pentecost

By

Birmingham Times

-

May 21, 2015

0

Add Contact Form ‘Guardian Angels’ get on-the-job training

New Faith-Based Short Film Links Modern Life with Pentecost

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Guardian Angels are always on the job – even when they are in school! In Family Theater Productions’ newest faith-based short film, two young spirits are being taught how to help their earthly charges when they have to spring into action!
“Guardian Angels” is the story of a young boy who imagines he is being protected by angels following the death of his parents. The young spirits go to school to learn how to help their earthly charges and encounter an evil force that must be stopped with God’s love and people working together. The drama contains themes relating to the Third Glorious Mystery of the Rosary, the Descent of the Holy Spirit.
In the film, a young boy uses his creative gifts to cope with being an orphan and in turn comforts others like himself. This is a delightful fantasy film for the whole family that speaks to the universal call of embracing hope, using our gifts for love and working together with others.
“Guardian Angels” stars several well-known actors: Miriam Margolyes, who appeared in the “Harry Potter” films as Professor Pomona Sprout; Bruce Spence, who was in “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “Mad Max 2”; and Sonia Todd, who starred in “Shine.” The 25-minute DVD also features young actors Joel Barker, Olivia Eastwood and Karl Beattie.
The film was directed by Peter Mether, one of Australia’s leading television commercial directors. He wrote the script with Kellie-Marie Thomas. “Guardian Angels” was produced in Australia by Treacle Lane Productions and licensed to Family Theater Productions.
“This film is fun, something the whole family can watch together,” said Father David Guffey, C.S.C., National Director of Family Theater Productions. “’Guardian Angels’ not only entertains but also opens up doors for faith-filled conversation about matters of faith.”
“Guardian Angels” is ideal for families looking to deepen their faith while exploring the spiritual side of topical issues and how they relate to the life of Christ. It is part of a DVD series for teens, families and classrooms. Each drama is linked to a Mystery of the Rosary.
“Guardian Angels” is produced in English, dubbed in Spanish, and subtitled in French and Portuguese on one DVD and includes a multi-lingual study guide. It sells for $12.95, plus shipping and tax. It can be ordered online at www.HCFMstore.org or by calling 800-299-7729.

In the spirit of its founder, Servant of God Patrick Peyton, Holy Cross Family Ministries helps families pray together, especially the Rosary. For more information, call 800-299-7729 or visit www.FamilyTheater.org or www.FamilyRosary.org.

PRODUCER, RODEO IMPRESARIO LU VASON DIES AT 76

By

Birmingham Times

-

May 20, 2015

0

PRODUCER, RODEO IMPRESARIO LU VASON DIES AT 76

— “Innovator created African American Rodeo Circuit” —

lu_vason_dies-500x348 — Lu Vason, President and Producer of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

Denver, CO (BlackNews.com) — Friends and family are mourning the loss of Lu Vason, President and Producer of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and creator of numerous unique national and local entertainment events. Vason passed away on Sunday, May 17 in Denver, Colorado after an illness. Vason is credited with uncovering the cultural past of the Black cowboy and creating the all Black rodeo named after legendary Black Cowboy Bill Pickett who originated “bulldogging.”

“Lu leaves an indelible mark on Denver’s cultural scene and western heritage that will never be forgotten,” says Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock.

The popular invitational rodeo series reaches over 130,000 spectators annually across the United States. With a career spanning more than four decades, his independent production and promotion company Lu Vason Presents, Inc. has showcased national and international talent. Extensive credits include creating the Pointer Sisters, the American Heritage Rodeo of Champions and the Denver Jazz Festival.

Vason was well known in the arts and multicultural communities. He was also a master at nurturing diverse communities by creating unique entertainment events like bringing the Dance Theatre of Harlem to Denver and introducing Denver to Opera infused with Jazz, which was his latest project presented earlier in the year at the University of Denvers Robert & Judi Newman Center.

Vason used the rodeo not only for entertainment but also as an educational tool, sharing the story of the African American cowboy and cowgirl while touching hundreds of thousands of lives all over the world. The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo has traveled to 33 cities and is known as the world’s only African American rodeo.

Lu Vason’s legacy will live on through the Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo as it begins its 31st year in July in California, followed with Atlanta, GA, Washington DC and Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit www.billpickettrodeo.com or call 303-373-1246.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, May 22 at 11:30 at Shorter Community A.M.E. Church located at 3100 Richard Allen C our in Denver. Expressions of condolence should be sent to Pipkin Braswell Funeral Home & Cremation; 6601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80220.

-END-

Ahead of Trade Vote on Human Trafficking, Faith Activists Speak Out

By

Birmingham Times

-

May 20, 2015

0

Ahead of Trade Vote on Human Trafficking, Faith Activists Speak Out

23 Groups Send Letter Calling on Senate to Support “No Fast Track for Human Traffickers” amendment to S. 995

Washington – This weekend, Sister Jeanne Christensen with Sister of Mercy and a leading advocate against human trafficking wrote “I am deeply troubled by the recent turn of events in the Senate as the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) bill is debated.”

With the Senate nearing a vote on the controversial Hatch-Wyden-Ryan fast track bill, Sister Christensen asks, “Will ethical and moral concerns be upheld by the senators, or might this end up being just lip service? … Instead of advancing international human rights, will we see the Senate disregard high standards for U.S. trading partners, to ensure access to cheaper manufacturing? Are cheap products from unscrupulous governments worth more to us than ending modern-day slavery?”

The op-ed was followed today by a letter sent by leading faith groups calling on the Senate to take the chance given to them this week and vote against human trafficking being supported by our trade policy.

“Our partners in the United States and around the world witness the human cost of modern day slavery, which traps an estimated 21 million individuals into forced labor and sex trafficking and leads to immense physical and emotional suffering,” the groups write. “We believe that upholding human rights and enforceable standards to eradicate human slavery should be at the center of any multilateral trade negotiation, in accordance with each of our religious and moral teachings.”

The groups which signed the letter, a copy of which is attached, are:

American Jewish World Service

Bakhita Initiative

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good

Church of the Brethren, Office of Public Witness

Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach

Daughters of Charity, USA

Franciscan Action Network

Friends Committee on National Legislation

Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

Leadership Conference of Women Religious

NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Religious Sisters of Charity

Scalabrini International Migration Network

School Sisters of Notre Dame, U.S. Shalom Offices

Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Western Province Leadership

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Institute Leadership Team

Sisters of the Holy Cross

Trinity Health

Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment

United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries

– ### –

Duke Professor Takes Leave Of Absence After Racist Comments Go Viral

By

Birmingham Times

-

May 20, 2015

0

Duke Professor Takes Leave Of Absence After Racist Comments Go Viral

dukeprofessorracistcommentsfox8screenshot — blackamericaweb.com

Duke University Professor Jerry Hough is on leave after his racially-charged comments on a news website comment section went viral.

My Fox 8 reports:

In the recent post, he made references to “the blacks” and “the Asians” in response to an editorial about racism and the Baltimore riots.

Hough is listed as a political science professor on Duke’s website. He also made comparisons to minority groups in America.

His full comments in the New York Times are below:

This editorial is what is wrong. The Democrats are an alliance of Westchester and Harlem, of Montgomery County and intercity Baltimore. Westchester and Montgomery get a Citigroup asset stimulus policy that triples the market. The blacks get a decline in wages after inflation.

But the blacks get symbolic recognition in an utterly incompetent mayor who handled this so badly from beginning to end that her resignation would be demanded if she were white. The blacks get awful editorials like this that tell them to feel sorry for themselves.

In 1965 the Asians were discriminated against as least as badly as blacks. That was reflected in the word “colored.” The racism against what even Eleanor Roosevelt called the yellow races was at least as bad.

So where are the editorials that say racism doomed the Asian-Americans. They didn’t feel sorry for themselves, but worked doubly hard.

I am a professor at Duke University. Every Asian student has a very simple old American first name that symbolizes their desire for integration. Virtually every black has a strange new name that symbolizes their lack of desire for integration. The amount of Asian-white dating is enormous and so surely will be the intermarriage. Black-white dating is almost non-existent because of the ostracism by blacks of anyone who dates a white.

It was appropriate that a Chinese design won the competition for the Martin Luther King state. King helped them overcome. The blacks followed Malcolm X.

Faith Leaders, Medical Experts and Health Ministries Come Together in 3-Day Conference to the Address Health Issues and Socio-Economic Disparities in Inner City and Rural Areas across the USA

By

Birmingham Times

-

May 19, 2015

0

Faith Leaders, Medical Experts and Health Ministries Come Together in 3-Day Conference to the Address Health Issues and Socio-Economic Disparities in Inner City and Rural Areas across the USA

Healthy Churches 2020 conference provides the information and tools to build vibrant communities through local churches and ministries.

Inner city communities are in turmoil…a perfect storm brewing that requires a thoughtful strategic approach to complex questions. Low income families and individuals have long struggled with high rates of preventable and treatable diseases for years. Poverty and food desserts are tremendous contributing factors to health outcomes in both urban and rural America. Community churches are key to turning around a neighborhood by playing a major role in promoting health and wellness among parishioners, along with having the profound ability to influence socio-economic, as well as physical and mental health issues.

Dr. Pernessa Seele, community activist, founder and CEO of The Balm in Gilead, Inc., announces the Healthy Churches 2020 Conference, November 4-6, 2015, at the Hilton Charlotte University Place in Charlotte, NC. This 3-day national event brings together faith leaders, health directors, doctors, nurses and members of congregational-based health ministries to find answers to today’s complex questions and provide the information needed to help ease the troubling issues in our inner cities and third-world like rural areas. Healthy Churches 2020 will offer education sessions and workshops on disease prevention, care and treatment in order to strengthen the knowledge and skills of people involved in faith-based health activities such as health ministries, annual church health fairs, community kitchens, faith-based clinics and other community health programs. This year’s host is former NBA star Earl “the Pearl” Monroe. 2015 Conference Chairpersons are world-renown medical experts James R.Gavin III, MD, PhD and Bishop Horace E. Smith, MD. Organizers expect 350 – 400 attendees from across the country.

Named one of TIME magazine’s “Most Influential Persons in the World,” Dr. Pernessa Seele is an esteemed voice of authority who has worked with three U.S. presidential administrations on critical health issues domestically and abroad. Dr. Seele is available for interviews to talk about the health problems in our inner cities and rural communities, what needs to be done, and how the Healthy Churches 2020 conference seeks to address them.

“African Americans are on life support when it comes to our health,” Dr. Seele states. “We must engage our faith institutions in promoting healthy behavior change; seeking medical attention and adherence to treatment. According to a recent Pew Research Poll, over 80% of African Americans are affiliated with a religion. Engagement with local churches is the most effective way of reaching these people and create change in their lives.”

For over 26 years the Balm In Gilead has been working with faith institutions to address the health challenges of African Americans. “Oftentimes, the scientific facts about health issues cannot be understood by the people who they are intended for. The Balm In Gilead develops a sustainable infrastructure within our congregations to become that community center for health promotion and disease prevention. We are killing our children with bad eating habits and lack of exercise. Something needs to change!”

Healthy Churches 2020 is endorsed by multiple faith denominations and institutions: The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, The Conference of National Black Churches, The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Howard University School of Divinity, The National Baptist Convention of America, Inc., The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology of Virginia Union University, Shaw University Divinity School, Virginia Council of Churches, Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society of the AMEZ Church and the Women’s Missionary Society of the CME Church.

The Balm In Gilead has been at the forefront of educational and training programs specifically designed to meet the unique needs of African American and African congregations that strive to become community centers for health education and disease prevention.

Healthy Churches 2020 is based on the goals and concepts of Healthy People 2020, federal government program. Conference sponsors have included: AARP, CVS Health and the National Council of Churches. For information, registration and the list of speakers and presenters, visit healthychurches2020.org or call 888-225-6243. Follow the conference on Facebook: HealthyChurches2020, Twitter @HC2020 and Instagram @TheBalmInGilead.

ABOUT DR. PERNESSA SEELE: Even amid her litany of past accomplishments and honors as detailed below, Dr. Pernessa Seele remains a formidable force. Her work has been endorsed by Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Shaquille O’Neal and many others. As founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead is a 501(c) (3), a not-for-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) now in its 25^th year of operation, Seele continues to work diligently to prevent diseases and to improve the health of individuals by building the capacity of faith and other communities to address life-threatening issues, including HCV, HIV/AIDS, obesity, cervical cancer and sexual violence, in areas of health education and service program design, implementation and evaluation. She is known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in areas of health promotion and disease prevention.

Seele is the recipient of numerous citations and honors. In addition to her 2006 TIME magazine cover feature among the “World’s Most Influential People”, Ebony Magazine selected Dr. Seele as one of their Power 150; Essence Magazine has honored her with numerous features. In its 35th Anniversary issue, she was named one of the 35 Most Beautiful And Remarkable Women In The World; In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21^st Century of Women E-News in New York City. She is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a life-time member of The National Council of Negro Women. She received a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979 respectively, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY in 2007. She is a native of Lincolnville, SC.