#TakeTheLeap

January 22, 2015

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Jan. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ —
To all aspiring musicians and designers:
If I had to share one piece of advice, it’s simply: “Take the leap.”

In 1998, I was a typical college student but knew I had a talent that I was passionate to share with the world. I studied hard, but I also worked on my music tirelessly because I believe luck happens when opportunity meets preparation. I knew if I were ever to get my moment, I had to be ready to step up to that big stage.
My first leap moment came when I met Lauryn Hill, who invited me to play piano for her upcoming solo project. Then in 2001, I was introduced to Kanye West, who was working on “College Dropout.” I was given the opportunity to sing the hook on some of his tracks and also be featured on others he made for artists like Jay-Z and Dilated Peoples.
Even still, I had another leap to take. After college, I worked as a business consultant for several years. I knew my heart was in music and that’s what I wanted to do, so I left my corporate job and pursued my dream.
I know what it’s like to start out and how intimidating the journey can be. I was turned down by every major record label, including the one I’m with now. I also started playing the piano and singing in the church choir when I was only four, so the road was long for me. I learned that hard work, a few key mentors and – most importantly – the confidence to take action when opportunities arise can propel your life in ways you always dreamed.
Now I’m excited to pay it forward, so I’ve teamed up with AXE® to develop an entirely new mentorship program – the AXE® White Label Collective – which spans music and style, and is dedicated to giving up-and-coming artists and creators the tools needed to take their talents to the next level. Together, AXE® and I want to cultivate talent and turn aspiration into action by providing access to industry resources, building confidence and delivering opportunities to shine.
Beginning today, I invite aspiring musicians to submit a YouTube video of an original performance on www.axewhitelabel.com for the chance to work with me and White Label Collective partner, SPIN. Top five participants will be selected for an opportunity to work one-on-one with me as a mentorship and be part of an AXE® White Label Collective day party at this year’s SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas. That’s right, you’ll take the stage.
For aspiring style creators and designers – I’m looking at you next. Keep your eyes open for an AXE® White Label Collective announcement this spring. I promise you won’t be disappointed. In the meantime, join the conversation and share your leap moments with us by using #taketheleap.
Are you ready to take the leap?
John Legend

Players Union Executives in Martin Luther King Day Panel Discussion

Birmingham Times

January 22, 2015

In observance of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ESPN’s Outside the Lines will air a “Content of Character” roundtable discussion with the executive directors of the players unions for the NBA, NFL and MLB, the first time the three current executives have been on-camera together.
The discussion will air on Outside the Lines on Sunday, Jan. 18, at 9 a.m. ET on ESPNEWS and 10 a.m. on ESPN2, with both airings also available on WatchESPN. Portions also will air on editions of SportsCenter throughout the day and will be available for viewing on ESPN.com.

SportsCenter anchor Jay Harris moderates the discussion with Tony Clark, Major League Baseball Players Association; Michele Roberts, National Basketball Players Association; and DeMaurice Smith, National Football League Players Association

Members of the panel discuss diversity and race relations in sports as well as their perspectives on leadership, minority representation among the industry’s power brokers and the future for young people aspiring to become players, coaches/managers and executives.

Some quotes from the discussion:

“We’ve had to deal with the fact that when we walk into a conference room or a courtroom or wherever that there are presumptions that are going to be made about us because we are African-American, and then added to that is the audacity of my being a woman in the world of sports. Having said all that, I allow myself to be troubled by it for about a millisecond and then we all just go on and do what we have to do.” – Michele Roberts.

“But at the end of the day, I refuse to believe there aren’t more qualified African-Americans, women, people of color in general for a role from the janitor all the way up to the owner of the club. I refuse to believe there aren’t more out there that can positively affect any of our games or any of our industries.” – Tony Clark.

“When the first player, I think for us it was Derrick Rose, wore the ‘I Can’t Breathe” t-shirt, I will say I was very proud. I thought it was done in a way that obviously expressed the way he felt about that issue, but it was done in a way that didn’t disrespect an alternative opinion …. I was pleased that the league did not take any action against our players, but I’ll tell you that if they had, we would have been prepared to go to the mat on that.” – Michele Roberts.

“When we stood up in front of our players and told them that we were going to represent Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson, that wasn’t a question in our locker room. And when we made it clear that we were going to do so without apology, there was no question in our locker room. Why? Because our players believe in fairness. And at the end of the day, that’s what we have to champion most.” – DeMaurice Smith.

“When I flew with some of the St. Louis Rams players to a town that had been torn apart by a tornado, they went because they are socially conscious and aware. Nobody wrote me a letter complaining about that. So when the same players from the same team are socially conscious and aware of what’s going on in another neighborhood, suddenly they’re supposed to shut up and play. No.” –DeMaurice Smith.

“I don’t have children but what I tell my nieces, and I have two of them, is don’t you for one second assume that you can’t do something or you shouldn’t try to do something because you’re a woman. If you do that, you’ve lost. And so I tell women all the time, stop whining. Don’t forget that you are a woman because you can’t, but don’t for one second think that because — I agree, the playing field is not level. Nonetheless, go for it. There’s no time to complain. You’ve just got to go for it.” – Michele Roberts.

“The idea that we’re all three sitting at this table and you’re (Harris) sitting at this table suggest it’s gotten better, but the underlying theme still exists, and that is, what did Dr. King say, I have a dream that one day that my kids will be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. We’re still a ways away from that, but we’ve gotten better.” – Tony Clark.

In addition to the panel discussion, ESPN will commemorate Dr. King’s birthday with the airing of vignettes in SportsCenter and other ESPN studio shows Jan. 17-19. The vignettes feature testimonials from various sports figures about Dr. King’s legacy.

On Monday, Jan. 19, ESPN will televise an afternoon Martin Luther King Day NBA matchup as the surging Detroit Pistons visit the Atlanta Hawks. Mark Jones and analyst Jon Barry will provide commentary for the 2:30 p.m. game.

L’Oreal Paris Unveils The Brush Contest, The Brand’s First-Ever Global Online Makeup Artist Competition

Birmingham Times

January 22, 2015

Empowering and inspiring makeup artists to showcase their talents on YouTube for the chance to be named the 2015 L’Oreal Paris Make-up Designer
NEW YORK, Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — L’Oreal Paris proudly announces The BrushContest, the world’s first-ever online international makeup artist contest happening exclusively on YouTube. The Brush Contest is the latest expression of the brand’s Makeup Designer Paris platform. This platform goes beyond just a new signature for the brand. It was created to highlight the expertise and creativity of every woman. It has changed the way women are inspired by, interact with and shop for makeup.

L’Oreal Paris is giving aspiring talent the unparalleled opportunity to compete for a 100,000€ prize and title of the 2015 L’Oreal Paris Makeup Designer. This global search for the brand’s 2015 makeup artist will gather contestants from 13 countries including the USA, France, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, China, Thailand, Italy and Turkey. The Brush Contest is open to all over the age of 18 years old who consider makeup artistry a true passion point and are obsessed with makeup.
Those talented enough to make it to the final round will meet in Paris, France for the final global competition. The grand finale will broadcast from Paris on YouTube on May 1st 2015. This star studded evening – hosted by L’Oreal Paris spokesperson Eva Longoria – will celebrate the national finalists, herald the L’Oreal Paris Makeup Designer Paris vision to empower women to effortlessly create makeup looks on themselves at home, and announce the global winner.
The global winner of The BrushContest, to hold the title of 2015 L’Oreal Paris Makeup Designer, will be awarded participation in incredible celebrity beauty shoots, how-to video tutorial creation, press interviews, the exclusive Cannes International Film Festival, and much more.
“Digital technology now allows us to discover the undiscovered,” says Malena Higuera, Senior Vice President of Marketing, L’Oreal Paris. “At our core we are constantly empowering women to be their own makeup artist providing them with superior products, advice and education on how to design looks on themselves at home. There is a robust online community of people who consider makeup artistry a true passion. The Brush Contest will give them a stage to showcase their talents and potentially become the Makeup Designer for the world’s largest beauty brand and collaborate with us to design new makeup trends, and inspire and empower other women around the world through makeup artistry.”
How You Can Enter  

Applicants are invited to showcase their makeup expertise in a 3-minute video tutorial accomplished by either uploading new, original content, or choosing a video from an existing YouTube channel. Registration opened on January 19, 2015 and closes on February 15, 2015; all official rules and guidelines can be found at www.thebrushcontest.com.
Meet the Esteemed Panel of Judges

On February 16, 2015 a voting period will open digitally for fans to narrow candidates down to potential national winners. To join in on the voting and take part in the conversation, subscribe to @LOrealParisNYC on YouTube and follow @LOrealParisUSA on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram and Facebook using #TheBrush.
A superstar judging panel consisting of L’Oreal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist, Claudia Betancur, Global Nail Artist, Tom Bachik, YouTube beauty creator, StyleHaul network, Stephanie Lee (@BeautyByLee), YouTube beauty creator, StyleHaul network, Alicia Collinge (@XSparkage) and Senior Vice President of L’Oreal Paris Marketing, Malena Higuera will determine the candidate they feel have what it takes to represent the United States in the global competition.
Selecting a National Winner  Primary judging criteria includes creativity, originality and skillset, and a national winner will be revealed exclusively on L’Oreal Paris’ social platforms March 15, 2015. A national winner will then be flown to Paris for a beauty bootcamp, where they will be mentored by the brand’s makeup color experts and experience L’Oreal Paris on deeper level. When in Paris, the national winners enter for a chance to compete in the finale to showcase their skills by making over the industries top models from our L’Oreal Paris roster of spokespeople.
The Grand Parisian Finale, Unveiling the 2015 Global Makeup Designer

The grand finale will broadcast from Paris on YouTube on May 1st 2015. The broadcast will feature a series of exciting events filmed in Paris and hosted by actress, model, activist and L’Oreal Paris spokesperson, Eva Longoria. Attendees in the broadcast will include national winners from each of the participating countries, and the events debuted will encompass an exclusive makeup show, concerts, interviews with finalists, and appearances from some of the most famous models from around the world.
Finalists will showcase their talents on world-class beauties and L’Oreal Paris spokespeople like Doutzen Kroes, Karlie Kloss, and Lara Stone as they take the original makeup creations to the runway. The spokespeople will cheer on contestants throughout the selection process via videos and pictures shared across YouTube and their respective social platforms.
L’Oreal Paris’ cutting-edge beauty app Makeup Genius will showcase exclusive looks from the competition, offering insights into contestants’ color expertise and highlighting the bold looks created by the brand’s makeup designers.
A global winner, the 2015 L’Oreal Paris Makeup Designer, will be announced during the YouTube broadcast, just in time to attend the Cannes International Film Festival, an event that the brand has long since served as official makeup sponsor.
About L’Oreal Paris  The L’Oreal Paris division of L’Oreal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care company that combines the latest technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in luxury beauty at mass. The L’Oreal Paris brand encompasses the four major beauty categories – hair color, haircare, skincare and cosmetics – and includes such well-known brands as Preference, Excellence, Feria and Healthy Look hair color; Advanced Haircare, Advanced Hairstyle, Elnett Satin Hairspray, EverPure, EverStrong, EverSleek, EverCreme, EverStyle, EverCurl and L’Oreal Paris Kids hair care; Advanced Suncare, Youth Code, Revitalift, Age Perfect, Ideal Clean, Ideal Moisture, Sublime Bronze and Men’s Expert skincare; and the Colour Riche, True Match, Infallible, Visible Lift and MAGIC cosmetics collections, along with a portfolio of mascara including Voluminous, Double Extend and Telescopic among many others. For more information on L’Oreal Paris and its brands, and to receive personalized beauty advice, expert tips and exclusive beauty content 24-7 (wherever you may be), check out www.lorealparisusa.com.

Speaking of Soaps

Birmingham Times

January 22, 2015

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Bill announced two major changes to the management of Spencer Publications that put his loved ones in positions of power. Nicole paid a visit to Maya and had a strong opinion about the lifestyle her sister’s leading. Katie had a few requirements and stipulations that must be met before she accepts the generous offer given to her. A somewhat shaken Maya stood her ground with Bill when he issued her a stern warning about her involvement with Rick. Liam attempted to reunite an estranged couple. Having overexerted his position of power during a staff meeting, Caroline and Ivy gave Rick a piece of their mind. After hearing about Rick’s tyranny at the office from many, Liam set out to have a talk with him to discuss proper treatment of others. Bill and Katie discussed what might happen when Brooke returns to Los Angeles and found out what’s been going on in her absence. Liam forcefully informed Rick that he would not continue to tolerate Ivy and Caroline being treated so poorly. Knowing what Rick has been putting Caroline through lately, Bill vowed to fix the unfortunate situation in his niece’s life. Brooke returned from Italy and paid a visit to Deacon to discuss Hope and to catch up on what’s been going on since she left. Maya was ready to celebrate when Rick informed her that he had divorce papers drawn up for Caroline to sign. Ridge became angered when Caroline filled him in on Rick’s earlier behavior towards her and Ivy. Brooke and Quinn did not see eye-to-eye regarding the way Hope is treating Wyatt.
THIS WEEK: The Bold and the Beautiful celebrates its 7000th episode with a special presentation. Liam and Ivy take their relationship to the next level.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Nicole and Serena’s argument turned into an all-out brawl. Nicole got upset with Daniel when she felt he isn’t completely on her side. Tensions arose when Clyde and Kate, Ben and Abigail, and Chad and Jordan all ended up at the new club for a night out. Paul learned something surprising about Will. Will and Sonny had another major fight. Chad suggested to Abigail that Ben is lying to her. Victor learned his conflict with Clyde has turned violent. Marlena encouraged John to follow his heart. JJ flipped out when he found Paige getting close to an old foe. Melanie tells Daniel about her decision to date Brady. Brady is concerned when he spies Theresa with her new beau, Clint. Rafe impulsively pulled Jordan into a kiss! JJ and Eve had another heated moment. Daniel expressed major concern about Melanie dating Brady. Chad, feeling betrayed by Jordan, retaliated in a sneaky way. Ben was arrested! Jennifer was curious when she unexpectedly found JJ and Eve together. Nicole met with her mysterious source who gave her a tip about Serena. The war between Victor and Clyde amped up. Aiden freaked when Chase invited Hope and Ciara on a trip back to their old vacation home.
THIS WEEK: Aiden is on guard during a brief vacation. Nicole follows up a tip about Serena.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Jake saw someone from his past that could deter his deadly assignment. Unbeknownst to Sam and Patrick, their romantic evening might possibly lead to a dangerous situation. While Johnny gloated, Dante and Lulu argued over her business relationship with Johnny. Shawn attempted to enter the basement where Fluke’s holding Luke but was soon interrupted. Sonny and Julian learned who is in cahoots with Fluke as well as discovered who owns the Spencer childhood home. Jake’s memory was triggered, and as a result tested his capabilities of completing his task. In the interim, Helena wondered why she had not heard from Jake. Johnny ran into Maxie at the Haunted Star and learned about her daughter. Dante and Nathan had an honest discussion about the status of their relationships. Lulu lamented to Olivia about her argument with Dante. Sam woke up to discover that something is missing from her house. Jake had very little memory of the previous night’s happenings. Shawn received a restraining order that hindered his “Fluke” investigation. At the end of the day, Sonny had a new strategy for Shawn to carry out. Sonny tried to reach Michael and warn him about “Fluke.” After updating Duke, Shawn started to fulfill Sonny’s latest request and realized he’s being followed. Sonny turned the tables on “Fluke” by sharing with him his theory about his real identity. Alexis sensed something’s amiss with Sam. Michael was affected a bit when Carly was happy to learn that he and Lucas would be working together. Lucas found something on the pier and pocketed it. Nina opened up to a new friend at Shadybrook.
THIS WEEK: Ava awakens from a nightmare, and realizes that someone is cryptically watching over her. Fluke” fills Michael and Lucas in on his ideas for the Waterfront project.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Sharon received a call telling her the court date for the custody case is set. While she was somewhat hopeful about the outcome of the case, she’s also very nervous. Nick ran into Gabriel at the GCAC Gym and questioned him about getting kicked out of school. Gabriel was defensive and insisted he’s being singled out. Avery asked Dylan to back down from the fight over the Coffeehouse. He listened, but he was not ready to give up the battle. Phyllis warned Kelly to stop playing games or there would be disastrous consequences. Billy told Chelsea there’s something about Gabriel he doesn’t trust. Ashley asked Stitch if he shared Jabot information with Victoria. Stitch proclaimed his innocence and swore he and Victoria never discussed business. Adam pressured Sage to keep her end of the deal and pressed Nick for information on Gabriel’s past. Sage knew she had to go along with Adam but had pangs of conscience. Lauren confided in Jill about Michael’s condition. She was stunned about Michael’s cancer battle. Summer and Fen met in the Coffeehouse and got into an argument about Austin. Later, Fen asked Kevin if he has feelings for Mariah.
THIS WEEK: Kevin protests too much and Fen understands why. Billy continues to look into Gabriel’s activities.

Birmingham Alumnae Chapter Deltas Celebrate Founders Day

Birmingham Times

January 22, 2015

Delta_3 — Founders Day Committee with Chapter President, Shirley Taylor; Vice-President, Dr. Felecia Dailey; Founders Day Chair,Valerie Cottingham; and speaker, Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd

Fortitude Award winner, Catherine Mitchell (Center) with Chapter President, Shirley Taylor (L) and Fortitude Committee Chair, Marilyn Jones, (R)

Founders Day Speaker, Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd

Founders Day Committee with Chapter President, Shirley Taylor; Vice-President, Dr. Felecia Dailey; Founders Day Chair,Valerie Cottingham; and speaker, Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd

Electrifying, synergizing, and mesmerizing all describe the dynamic message brought to Birmingham Alumnae Chapter Deltas at their Founders Day Celebration, Saturday, January 10th by Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd, the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and President of Alabama State University. Held at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center, the Founders Day luncheon was an event attended by close to 400 sorority members and guests.
Speaker Boyd, widely famous for her skilled play with words and passionate delivery, delighted the audience as she recounted the 102 years of Delta’s history, which was begun on January 13, 1913 by 22 young, college-educated women on the campus of Howard University. She shared the phenomenal accomplishments and growth of the sorority as it thrived in community leadership, scholarship, and service throughout the nation and the world over the years, and challenged the sorority members to continue to carry the torch of the Founders as they go forward for the next 100 years.
Another highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the Fortitude Award by Marilyn Jones Woodson, Committee Chair, to Chapter member, Catherine Breeding Mitchell, for her exemplary qualities of strength, courage, hope, wisdom, beauty, and femininity as depicted by the 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Mitchell, a Delta for 40 years, has shown commitment to the Sorority in numerous ways, a few of which include her co-chairing the first tutoring program in financial literacy for the community’s youths at the Delta Life Development Center, serving as Chief Inspector during voters’ registration in her district’s Municipal, State, and National elections, chairing the Chapter’s Budget and Finance Committee, serving as Financial Secretary, Historian, Co-Chair of the 1999 Southern Regional Conference, and serving as President of the Birmingham Area Pan-Hellenic Council.
Other program participants included the Honorable Mayor William A. Bell, Sr., who brought greetings from the City of Birmingham; Chapter President, Shirley Taylor, who introduced Speaker Boyd and presented her with a gift; Founders Day Committee chair, Valerie Cottingham, who presided at the luncheon and gave appreciation to members and guests; Chapter Vice-President, Dr. Felecia Daily, who brought the occasion; Chaplain, Dr. Michelle Williams, who brought the invocation and benediction; Founders Day Co-Chair, Mary Hughes, who introduced the dais; and Tisha Dale, who blessed the food. Delta Choraliers provided wonderful, singing entertainment, with solos by Cynthia Abernathy, Essie Gambles, and Crystal Maxena, who delighted the audience with her rendition of the song, “And Still I Rise.” Lillie Minard served as musician and Dorothy Dilworth as director for the Delta Choraliers. Janice Wilson served as musician and directed the medley recognizing the Greek organizations present.

Delta Sigma Theta is a private, nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. Delta’s programs center around it Five-Point Programmatic Thrust in the following areas: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement. A sisterhood of over 250,000 predominantly-Black college-educated women, the Sorority currently has over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and the Republic of Korea.

Umm, What? Anthony Mackie Says Race Hurt ‘Selma’ And That Black Men With Locs Are Criminals

Birmingham Times

January 22, 2015

By Jillian Bowe
BlackAmericaWeb

Anthony Mackie has the answer to why, Selma director Ava DuVernay and David Oyelowo were both overlooked for Oscar nominations: People are tired of discussing race! No seriously, that’s his explanation. Mackie spoke with The Grio in a twist of irony to promote his film, Black & White. What’s so ironic about this you ask?
The flick deals with, wait for it…. RACE! Mackie claims Selma’s underwhelming performance at the box office and being shut out by the Academy voters is because people have just had enough about race. According to Mackie:”People are just tired of being bombarded with race right now. So everybody is shying away from certain topics and certain movies.”
Child, what? Despite Selma being a critically-acclaimed film, Mackie believes it was snubbed because other films were better that it was. Mackie stated: “If you look at all the movies and actors that are nominated, they all gave damn good performances. Me specifically, if that’s something I want, I have to step my game up. I have to do better movies and I have to act better.”
Later in the interview, Mackie also gave his thoughts about the recent protests surrounding racial profiling against unarmed minorities, resulting in their deaths. Mackie it seems feels it is all about their appearances. Mackie remarked:
“Like my nephew wanted to grow dreadlocks. I’m like fine, I’ll sit you down and I’ll watch The First 48 with you and everybody you see on that show, that’s doing something wrong, they’re black dudes with dreadlocks. So, do you want to be seen as part of the problem or do you want to be an individual?”
Oh, so Trayon Martin, Eric Garner, Michael Brown and Tamir Rice were killed because of their hair!? Mackie further explained:
“Let’s just say you have locks and you walking down the street. The police pull you over and say you fit the description of somebody. You start yelling and arguing with the cops. Next thing you know you pressed up against the wall going to jail for something you’re not even involved in just because you look like somebody and you don’t know how to handle yourself.”
Lord in the morning…. Black and White hits theaters Jan. 29

Jefferson County Presents “2014 Rubies and Pearls Debutante Cotillion”

Birmingham Times

January 22, 2015

Jefferson County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated introduced 18 young ladies at its 7th Annual Rubies and Pearls Debutante Cotillion on Saturday, November 22, 2014, at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham- The Wynfrey Hotel. Ms. Katrina McTyer is chapter president. Mrs. Frieda Bush and Mrs. Vallery Lee were chairpersons for the event.
The Debutantes presented were: Miss Darian Deonna Bester, senior at Ramsay High School; Miss Kaylan Simone Brown, senior at Ramsay High School; Miss Gabrielle DeAnna Chambers, senior at Ramsay High School; Miss Amber MariRose Green, senior at Ramsay High School; Miss Asia Monquie Holley, senior at Minor High School; Miss Regina Shandrell Jiles, senior at Ramsay High School; Miss Kiona Denise Jones, senior at Clay Chalkville High School; Miss Courtney Jacques Larkin, senior at Minor High School; Miss Maya Giovanni Leonard, senior at Ramsay High School; Miss Kaila Mykei Mayfield, senior at McAdory High School; Miss Kalyn Ashleigh McMillan, senior at Jackson- Olin High School; Miss Diamond Jamila McNeil, senior at Ramsay High School; Miss Tyra Denise Middlebrook, senior at Leeds High School; Miss Fallon Ra’quel Phillips, senior at Hoover High School; Miss Tyra Leondra Rogers, senior at Ramsay High School; Miss Morgan Rose Smoke, senior at John Carroll Catholic High School; Miss Belinda Patrice Solomon, senior at Minor High School; and Miss Melody Nicole Wilson, senior at Ramsay High School.

Members of the 2014 Rubies and Pearls Court were: Miss Belinda Patrice Solomon winner; Miss Courtney Jacques Larkin 2nd place; Miss Maya Giovanni Leonard 3rd place; and Miss Darian Deonna Bester 4th place.
Scrapbook winners were Miss Kaylan Simone Brown winner, Miss Morgan Rose Smoke 2nd place, and Miss Kalyn Ashleigh McMillan 3rd place.
Essay Contest winners were Miss Kaila Mykei Mayfield and Miss Kalyn Ashleigh McMillan.
Haiku winner was Miss Morgan Rose Smoke; and Perfect Attendance winner was Miss Belinda Patrice Solomon.
Each participant received a certificate of participation, a long stemmed red rose, a 16X 20 black and white portrait which was prominently displayed in the lobby area, and a swag bag filled with goodies.
Eleven participants received laptop computers, four participants received 10 inch nextbooks, and the top four participants received laptop bundles which included a laptop computer, a printer, and a laptop case.
The cotillion culminated an eight month mentoring program which included workshops on scrapbooking, technology, public speaking, debating, and modeling. The young ladies participated in a book chat with the author attending to discuss the book with them. A personal trainer came to one of the workshops to give health and exercising tips to the young ladies. The young ladies also had a social outing which included painting at Sips N Strokes and lunch at a local restaurant. To showcase their decorated hats, the young ladies participated in a Hat Tea held at the Parthenon Conference Center.
The young ladies were escorted by the following young men: Isaac Cade, Bobby Casey, De’Montrez Clark, Daniel Ford, Bryan Generette, Jabari Harris, Evan Holloway, Ja’Leon Jemison, Courtney Johnson, Quinton Jones, Oscar Lee, Brandon McCaskey, Michael Rankins, Eric Richardson II, Robert Sellers, Jr., Ki-Juana Slaughter, Christian Watts, and Darrius White.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a nonprofit service organization founded on the campus of Howard University on January 13, 1913, by twenty- two outstanding Black women who shared a concern for social welfare, academic excellence, and cultural enrichment. Today, more than 300,000 women in over 900 chapters have devoted their efforts to the continuation of service.

IRS Starts 2015 Tax Season

Birmingham Times

January 22, 2015

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced the on-time opening of the nation’s 2015 filing season and highlighted a growing array of online services, including features that help taxpayers understand how the Affordable Care Act will affect them at tax time, along with the availability of the Free File program.
Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2015 to file their 2014 tax returns and pay any tax due. The IRS expects to receive about 150 million individual income tax returns this year. Like each of the past three years, more than four out of five returns are expected to be filed electronically.
The IRS Free File program, available at IRS.gov, opened Friday for taxpayers, and the IRS began accepting and processing all tax returns on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
This year’s return will include new questions to incorporate provisions of the Affordable Care Act (or ACA). The majority of taxpayers – more than three out of four – will simply need to check a box to verify they have health insurance coverage. For the minority of taxpayers who will have to do more, IRS.gov/aca features useful information and tips regarding the premium tax credit, the individual shared responsibility requirement and other tax features of the ACA.
“Our employees will be working hard again this season to help the nation’s taxpayers,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said. “We encourage people to use the tools and information available on IRS.gov, particularly given the long wait times we anticipate on our phone lines. As always, taxpayers can benefit by filing electronically.”

Did You Know?

Birmingham Times

January 22, 2015

Disability Parking Privilege license plates, placards and temporary placards are the only recognized means of identifying vehicles permitted to utilize handicap parking spaces. Disability Parking Privileges may be requested in the form of:
•   Handicap License Plates – issued only to vehicles owned or co-owned by (a) persons with a disability which limits or impairs their ability to walk; or (b) organizations that transport persons with a disability.
•   Handicap Placards – issued only to persons with a disability who have a long-term limitation or impairment in their ability to walk.
•   Temporary Handicap Placards – issued only to persons with a disability who have a temporary limitation or impairment in their ability to walk (not to exceed six months).
•   Fees – If you are a qualified applicant, you are entitled to one handicap license plate for each motor vehicle you own. You may also obtain one handicap placard. If you do not desire a handicap license plate you are eligible for one additional placard (for a maximum of two). If you are eligible for a temporary handicap placard, you may apply for a maximum of one. Fees for handicap parking privileges are: $23 regular fees plus issuance fee for each handicap license plate.

MedjetAssist Announces Vice President Advancements Demonstrating Company Growth

Birmingham Times

January 22, 2015

Will McKee

Phillip White

Will McKee

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – MedjetAssist, the premier global air-medical transport membership program for savvy travelers, has announced two recent staff promotions at its corporate headquarters in Birmingham, Ala.
Willis McKee, promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Communications: A Medjet team member since 2005, Mr. McKee has been instrumental in building Medjet’s in-house marketing team from the ground up. In his new position, he will continue to focus on developing new, low-cost digital-marketing member acquisition strategy. Mr. McKee holds an undergraduate degree from University of Southern Mississippi and graduate degree in international business from Auburn University.
Phillip White, promoted to Vice President of Sales: Mr. White brings over 20 years of sales management experience to his new position as Vice President of Sales. In his new role, he is responsible for managing the company’s sales growth and account retention, as well as market development of new targeted verticals, segments and channels. A graduate of Brigham Young University, Mr. White joined Medjet in 2012.
“Will and Phillip are assets to the team in many ways, and we are very pleased with their career advancements at Medjet,” said Roy Berger, president and CEO of MedjetAssist. “We look forward to their continued growth in the marketing and sales departments, respectively. Congratulations to both on a job well done.”

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