Adrian Peterson Suspended Without Pay for Entire Season

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November 20, 2014

by Dave Campbell, Associated Press|

MINNEAPOLIS — The NFL has suspended Adrian Peterson without pay for at least the rest of the season.
The league said Tuesday it informed the Minnesota Vikings running back he will not be considered for reinstatement before April 15 for violating the NFL personal conduct policy.
The NFL Players Association quickly announced its plan to appeal the punishment.
Peterson pleaded no contest Nov. 4 to misdemeanor reckless assault in Texas for injuries to his 4-year-old son he was disciplining. He had been on paid leave from the team since Sept. 17.
Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Aug. 28 an enhanced crackdown on players involved with domestic violence.

Record-Setting Pilot Barrington Irving to Land ‘Flying Classroom’ in Miami for November 18th Homecoming

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Birmingham Times

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November 20, 2014

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11-Country, 3-continent STEM+ Learning Tour Inspired Students Worldwide

(BLACK PR WIRE) – WHAT: Join us to welcome Captain Barrington Irving, Miami’s own educational hero who holds the Guinness World Record as the youngest person to fly solo around the world, after a two-month trip to Asia, Indonesia, and Australia, where he carried out 16 powerful ground, air, and sea expeditions exploring real-life applications of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, history, geography and humanities (STEM+).   Throughout the trip, thousands of students worldwide followed Irving’s adventures through videos and a real-time blog on www.flyingclassroom.com. An electronic portal on board enabled them to follow and participate in expeditions as part of their school science curriculums. The Flying Classroom, named Inspiration III, is a Hawker 400XP business jet provided by Executive Air Services in Miami.  More than 150 students from area schools, special guests, local marching bands, and members of the 5000 Role Models will greet Captain Irving and his crew when they arrive.

WHEN:  Tuesday, November 18, 2014   10:00 a.m. Flying Classroom Jet Lands at Opa-locka Airport  10:15-11:15 Remarks by VIP’s, Barrington, Q&A with students  11:15-noon Media Interviews/Photo ops  Noon-2 pm Flying Classroom—20-minute flights for media/special guests

WHERE:  Landmark Aviation  15001 NW 42nd Avenue  Opa-locka Airport  Opa-locka, FL  (305) 687-8410

WHO:  Program Speakers:  -Fedrick Ingram, President, United Teachers of Dade  -Fabio Alexander, CEO, Executive Air Services  -Captain Barrington Irving, President, Experience Aviation, Inc; Guinness World Record Holder; National Geographic Emerging Explorer

About Barrington Irving  In 2007, Barrington Irving became the youngest person, at 23, and the first black pilot to fly solo around the globe. On his 97-day journey, he flew 30,000 miles in a single-engine plane called “Inspiration.” He made the trip to show other youth that if he could achieve his dream, they could too. A Guinness World Record Holder who was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2012, Captain Irving took flight again on September 23, 2014 in the world’s first Flying Classroom. For more information and to see videos of his educational STEM+ land, sea, and air expeditions, visit www.flyingclassroom.com.

Charles Manson Gets Marriage License to Wed 26-Year-Old

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Birmingham Times

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November 20, 2014

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CORCORAN, Calif. (AP) — Mass murderer Charles Manson plans to marry a 26-year-old woman who left her Midwestern home and spent the past nine years trying to help exonerate him.
Afton Elaine Burton, the raven-haired bride-to-be, said she loves the man convicted in the notorious murders of seven people, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate.
No date has been set, but a wedding coordinator has been assigned by the prison to handle the nuptials, and the couple has until early February to get married before they would have to reapply.
The Kings County marriage license, viewed Monday by The Associated Press, was issued Nov. 7 for the 80-year-old Manson and Burton, who lives in Corcoran — the site of the prison — and maintains several websites advocating his innocence.
Burton, who goes by the name “Star,” told the AP that she and Manson will be married next month.
“Y’all can know that it’s true,” she said. “It’s going to happen.”
“I love him,” she added. “I’m with him. There’s all kinds of things.”
However, as a life prisoner with no parole date, Manson is not entitled to family visits, a euphemism for conjugal visits.
So why would Burton marry him under those conditions?
She said she is interested in working on his case, and marrying him would allow her to get information not available to nonrelatives.
“There’s certain things next of kin can do,” she said without elaborating.
Tate’s sister, Debra, who acts as a spokeswoman for the families of Manson’s victims, said the impending marriage is “ludicrous.”
“I think it’s insane,” she said. “What would any young woman in her right mind want with an 80-year-old man?”
As for Manson’s motives, she said, “The devil is alive and well.”
Burton gave an interview a year ago to Rolling Stone magazine in which she said she and Manson planned to marry. But Manson, who became notorious in 1969 as the leader of a roving “family” of young killers, was less certain about tying the knot.
“That’s a bunch of garbage,” Manson said in the December 2013 interview. “That’s trash. We’re playing that for public consumption.”
Asked Monday about those comments, Burton said, “None of that’s true,” adding that they’re waiting for the prison to complete their paperwork.
California Department of Corrections spokeswoman Terry Thornton confirmed to the AP that the license had been transmitted to the prison.
Thornton said each California prison designates an employee to be a marriage coordinator who processes paperwork for an inmate’s request to be wed. In most cases, she said, the Department of Corrections approves of such weddings as “a tool of family reunification and social development.” But Manson is a unique case.
Burton said the wedding might have happened earlier if Manson did not have “some situations” at the prison.
Thornton explained that in February, Manson had three violations for possession of a weapon, threatening staff and refusal to provide a urine sample. Further details on the violations were not immediately available.
Burton said the prison holds marriages on the first Saturday of each month and she expects to be married in an inmate visiting room at the prison.
Thornton confirmed that Manson can have a wedding at the prison and invite an officiant from outside the prison to perform the ceremony.
Manson and his prospective spouse also would be allowed to invite 10 guests who are not inmates.
He and two followers, Leslie Van Houten and Patricia Krenwinkel, remain imprisoned. Another follower, Susan Atkins, died of cancer behind bars. Other members of the Manson “family” still behind bars are Charles “Tex” Watson, Bruce Davis and Robert Beausoleil.
Manson, Watson and the women were convicted in the gruesome killings of Tate, the wife of director Roman Polanski, and four others at her estate on Aug. 9, 1969, and grocers Leno and Rosemary LaBianca who were killed the following night.
Manson is not eligible for parole until 2027. He has been a habitual criminal and spent most of his life in prison.

White House Initiative HBCU All Star Aneesa Sood featured in Aspire TV profile to raise funds for HBCUs

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Birmingham Times

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November 20, 2014

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Aneesa Sood, a White House Initiative HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) All Star and author of Freshman Fifteen: The Most Important Things I Learned in My First Year of College, is featured in a new video profile produced by Aspire TV. Sood, a Tuskegee University biology major with a 4.0 grade point average, discusses the strengths of HBCUs and the importance of academic excellence. The video also promotes the ongoing Allstate Insurance and Tom Joyner Foundation Quotes for Education campaign to raise funds for HBCUs locally and nationwide.
“I was so excited when LaTasha Ezell, a senior producer from Aspire TV, contacted me about this opportunity. HBCUs are a hidden jewel. Many people are not aware of how much they offer. They don’t realize that HBCUs provide a pipeline for talented students interested in entering STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields,” says Sood. “Through this video, I am able to play a small part in helping encourage contributions to HBCUs.”
Sood is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the founder of But Words Will Never Hurt Me, an award-winning anti-bullying program, and Esteem 4 Girls, a program designed to inspire young women to reach their full potential. She has presented workshops and presentations at schools, churches, clubs and other locations in Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas, and has been featured in numerous publications, including U.S. News and World Report. An article Sood wrote on success in college was published in the August/September 2014 issue of Justine Magazine.

Black PR Wire President Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

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Birmingham Times

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November 20, 2014

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(BLACK PR WIRE) – Black PR Wire President/CEO Bernadette Morris proudly received the Pat Tobin Lifetime Achievement Award during the recent National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS) 2014 Conference. The South Florida Chapter of NBPRS hosted the event, which attracted top communications professionals and students from across the nation to Fort Lauderdale for an informative weekend of industry-related networking, workshops and expert discussions. “I am greatly humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Morris. Morris is also the owner of Sonshine Communications, a nationally renowned public relations firm specializing in cause-related campaigns.

Makers of “JUPITER STRONG” African American Children’s Book Series Launch Kickstarter Campaign to Fund Future Animated Show

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Birmingham Times

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November 20, 2014

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The makers of the popular Jupiter Strong book series, which follows a young girl Jupiter on her many adventures, have launched a Kickstarter campaign entitled #TVTakeover to help fund a future animated television series.
The popular series for African American children, available in paperback and e-book, was created by Frank Edwards and Kelly Abel, who set out to make a high quality children’s book series that was able to be both educational and interesting. After much preparation, character building, and publishing, the first installment in the series was released entitled Jupiter Strong and the Lunch Lion.
The Jupiter Strong creators comment, “We loved the project and took great pride in our contribution to diverse children’s literature, but had no idea that our efforts would be so well received.” The “Lo0psters” (a term of endearment for a Jupiter Strong fan) demanded a second installment in the series, and their demands were met. There are currently four Jupiter Strong books available, and the emails have begun flooding in from fans, demanding a television cartoon.
Frank Edwards and Kelly Abel hope to deliver a Jupiter Strong animated television series to their faithful “Lo0psters.” They have created a Kickstarter campaign to help offset some of the costs associated with creating the new television series. The campaign is entitled #TVTakeover and officially launched on November 1 2014. They are planning to meet their goal of $26,000 by December 7 2014. With the help of the Kickstarter campaign, the pilot episode is marked for a November 2015 release.
The Jupiter Strong Kickstarter campaign offers many tiers of rewards depending on the amount that individuals are able to pledge. Donations of all amounts are appreciated and can range from $1 to $2500. One of the most anticipated rewards is the Jupiter Strong limited edition Jups Loops cereal and bowl set. This is the first time in world history that an African American cartoon girl character is featured on her own cereal box.
The “Lo0psters” or Jupiter Strong fan base is ever growing and as of October 2014, the Jupiter Strong Facebook page had over 18,700 likes. With so much support coming from all over the world, it is expected that the #TVTakeover campaign will become extremely successful. Finally, entertainment and education meet while offering positive imagery of the African-American family! Be a part of history and pledge a donation today!
For more information regarding the #TVTakeover campaign, and to see the video everyone is talking about visit: www.kickstarter.com/projects/261912626/jupiter-strong-and-the-tv-takeover

To learn more about the Jupiter Strong book series visit: www.jupiterstrong.com.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jupitersplace Twitter: www.twitter.com/jupiter_strong

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Announces New Alliance with University of Phoenix to Give HBCU Students Access to Online Learning

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Birmingham Times

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November 20, 2014

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(BLACK PR WIRE) – PHOENIX & WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE) — The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and University of Phoenix has announced an important new alliance that will allow students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to supplement their courseloads on-campus with access to certain course requirements online using the University of Phoenix online platform. University of Phoenix, one of the largest institutions of higher education in the U.S., has agreed to offer its online platform to HBCU students. As part of this alliance, University of Phoenix will support TMCF by making possible scholarships for students attending HBCUs.
“Using technology to improve educational outcomes is a must today; and we are excited about the opportunity to partner with University of Phoenix on this innovative solution to help HBCUs offer online courses,” said TMCF President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. “HBCUs look to TMCF for new opportunities and solutions like this to assist them with building their capacity as they continue to serve the students matriculating on their campuses. This opportunity will give HBCUs access to online learning not previously available.”
Individual HBCU institutions that participate in the new alliance will be able to help students satisfy course requirements by completing online offerings at University of Phoenix as part of their semester-based tuition and fees. Students will incur no additional costs under the alliance and can now avoid graduation delays when certain course requirements are hard to access. Students can also remain on track toward on-time completion with courses available through the University of Phoenix online platform.
“We’re proud to offer more scholarships and grants for nontraditional students as part of this new alliance, and we are thrilled to join the Thurgood Marshall College Fund in helping more HBCU students reach graduation,” said Timothy P. Slottow, President of University of Phoenix. “We are eager to help HBCU institutions expand their online education capabilities. It is an honor to help fulfill our mission by partnering with our nation’s vitally important Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”
HBCU institutions will also be able to introduce existing faculty to University of Phoenix online instruction methods and share insights into how technology can create effective modes and means of expanding access to learning resources and collaboration.
“Our work together will help students stay on track toward graduation and advance toward their professional goals – but it also helps HBCU institutions expand into online learning in ways that will strengthen their capabilities for the future,” said Byron Jones, Chief Financial Officer of University of Phoenix. “Our work together with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund will provide more accessible and affordable online courses to more HBCU students. Schools will be able to offer more courses to more students through this alliance.”
All HBCU students enrolled in the online courses offered under this new framework will also have access to the educational tools and resources provided to every current University of Phoenix student, including its online library, academic labs and workshops, 24/7 live math tutoring and other services in the University’s online math and writing centers.

Lincoln Awards Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity $25,000 as Part of Divine Nine Driven to Give

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Birmingham Times

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November 20, 2014

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Lincoln Motor Company presented the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity with $25,000 as part of the Divine Nine Driven to Give program, designed to support local communities while teaming up with historic African-American Greek-letter groups. Those in attendance included members of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, its local Miami Chapter Beta Beta Lambda and the Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation. (Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta

DEARBORN, Mich.– The Lincoln Motor Company presented Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity with a check for $25,000 as the luxury automaker wraps up its Divine Nine Driven to Give program. The campaign kicked off in early August.
As part of the program, Lincoln teamed up with African-American fraternities and sororities of the NationalPan-Hellenic Council to bring the Lincoln experience to key markets in an effort to raise funds for local charities.
Lincoln presented a $20,000 check to the national organization of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, as well as $5,000 to its local Miami, Florida chapter, Beta Beta Lambda. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity hosted a one-day test drive of Lincoln’s newest vehicle lineup, including the 2015 Lincoln MKC, in Miami in September. Among participating Greek-letter organizations nationwide, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity secured the highest level of engagement, including test drives completed and social media activations.
In addition, more than $5,000 will be donated on behalf of the fraternity to Alpha Phi Alpha Education Foundation, the fraternity’s nonprofit charitable arm that focuses onscholarship programs as well as training and development for its members.
Each competing organization from the National Pan-Hellenic Council received $30 for every completed test drive, to be donated to their local charity of choice.
“We were eager to see how much friendly competition would take place between the participants,” said Shawn Thompson, manager, Lincoln multicultural marketing. “All of the organizations did a fantastic job reaching out to their local communities and drumming up awareness to raise money for a greater cause.”
In addition to Miami and other cities, the program – which concluded Sept. 27 – held test drives in Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago.
Through Divine Nine Driven to Give, Lincoln dealerships work with schools and charities to conduct one-day test drive events that benefit local community organizations. The program was conceived as an engaging way to help educational and nonprofit groups raise money to support their causes.

Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev to chair SCLC international initiative on peace and nonviolence

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Birmingham Times

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November 20, 2014

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European leaders commemorating fall of Berlin Wall
Sign historic SCLC Proclamation on World Poverty and Equality

BERLIN – Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev has agreed to serve as the international chairman of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s Nonviolence Conflict Initiative, calling for resolving conflict through peaceful solutions, the strategy driven during the turbulent Civil Rights era by the organization’s founder and world renowned leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As chairman of the SCLC initiative, Gorbachev will serve as a major advisor, providing the SCLC with more access to leading policy leaders who can help the organization fulfill its mission in eradicating poverty and achieving peaceful resolutions.
Gorbachev accepted the role over the weekend during a summit in Berlin, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War.
World leaders, including Gorbachev, confirmed their support of nonviolent resolution to global conflicts by signing a proclamation introduced by SCLC President Dr. Charles Steele, calling for peace through reconciliation, help for the poor and suffering, social justice and equity, stewardship of the planet, defense of global human rights, and economic equality and education. Steele attended the summit at the invitation of Gorbachev.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and former President Mikhail Gorbachev are two of my greatest heroes,” Steele said. “I told him SCLC is interested in addressing poverty and human rights around the world, and he is interested in collaborating with us.”
Prior to signing the proclamation, Gorbachev thanked the summit participants, including Steele and leaders from throughout Europe and said: “The discussion we have had today shows that there are many ideas. The urgency we see here requires immediate attention.”
Martin Lees, former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and secretary-general of the Club of Rome, called the summit significant and indicated it could be the start of major changes in the way Europe and the world addresses issues.
“You have people here from all over the world drawing on their expertise and wisdom. They are looking at today’s world and basically saying we are in trouble. We have to mobilize our forces and get together to build a better world,” Lees said in an interview following the close of the summit on Sunday.
He said the next step would come on Monday when Gorbachev meets with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“Everyone has been saying that Europe has been looking inside for several decades. Now the world problems are so acute. I hope the leaders will wake up and see the scale of the problems and start acting to do something about it,” said Lees, who chaired Sunday’s summit session.
Dr. Steele has asked the group to consider holding a future policy forum in Atlanta.

Three Inducted Into the Alabama Educational Leadership Hall of Fame at Troy University

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Birmingham Times

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November 20, 2014

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Educational Leadership Hall of Fame edit — Pam Doyle, Vice President of the Alabama Association of School Boards, presents the late Gary Warren for induction into the Alabama Educational Leadership Hall of Fame on Thursday at Troy University. Representing Warren, a longtime educator and former member of the Alabama State Board of Education, was his wife, Linda.

Pam Doyle, Vice President of the Alabama Association of School Boards, presents the late Gary Warren for induction into the Alabama Educational Leadership Hall of Fame on Thursday at Troy University. Representing Warren, a longtime educator and former member of the Alabama State Board of Education, was his wife, Linda.

TROY – Tommy Ledbetter, the late Dr. Paul Hubbert and the late Gary Warren were inducted into the Alabama Educational Leadership Hall of Fame at Troy University during a ceremony on Thursday in Jack Hawkins, Jr. Hall on the Troy Campus.
Established in 1982, the Hall of Fame is a cooperative effort of Troy University, the Alabama Association of School Boards and the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools to recognize and honor the achievements of outstanding leaders in education within the state. The first induction ceremony was held in April 1984. Portraits of inductees are displayed in Hawkins Hall, home to Troy University’s College of Education.
“We are here today to recognize those who have had a tremendous impact on education in this state and made a difference in the lives of our children,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Troy University Chancellor. “If you look around you on these walls, you see the portraits of the 39 inductees to date. Today, we honor three more that will join their ranks – three whose influence on education will continue to be felt for years to come.”
The ceremony included welcoming remarks from Dr. Kathryn Hildebrand, Dean of Troy University’s College of Education, comments from Dr. Hawkins and the presentation of inductees by Pam Doyle, Vice President of the Alabama Association of School Boards, Richard Dennis, Principal of Prattville High School, and, Earl Franks, Executive Director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. Dr. Hal Fulmer, Associate Provost and Dean of First Year Studies at TROY, served as emcee.
Throughout his 40-year career, Tommy Ledbetter has made significant contributions to secondary education and served as a role model in his promotion of excellence in leadership and adolescent literacy. Ledbetter has excelled as a school administrator. During his tenure, Buckhorn High School received the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award in 2002 and was named a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School in 2011. He was personally honored as the 2004 Alabama Secondary Principal of the Year and was a recipient of the prestigious Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools’ Leadership Award. A past member of the U.S. Secretary of Education’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Advisory Committee, Ledbetter also presented at the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ Secondary Literacy Summit VI and at the White House Conference on Adolescent Literacy. He is a past president of the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals and the Council of Leadership in Alabama Schools. In 2013, Ledbetter was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the National Association of Secondary School Principals for his distinguished service to children and education.
“When I look around and see the pictures of the people who have truly defined education in the state of Alabama, it is truly humbling to be recognized among their ranks,” Ledbetter said.
Dr. Hubbert, who passed away in October, spent 42 years in Alabama’s educational arena as executive secretary-treasurer of the Alabama Education Association. A native of Hubbertville and a graduate of Florence Sate College, now the University of North Alabama, and the University of Alabama, Dr. Hubbert directly impacted every major piece of education legislation for 42 years. During his tenure, teacher’s salaries grew from $4,800 to more than $48,000 and excellent retirement and health insurance benefits were secured for all Alabama teachers, administrators and support professionals. As head of AEA, Dr. Hubbert helped push for the passage of numerous bills including statewide kindergarten for Alabama’s five and six-year-olds, reduction of pupil-teacher ratios, improved school facilities, equalized state education funding, funding for classroom supplies, free textbooks and more teacher units and the extending of the school year by five days of additional instructional time. He served as chair of the Alabama Teachers’ Retirement System and also served on the Southern Regional Education Board, the State Literacy Workforce Development Council, the Commission on Health Care Crisis, and the Education Committee of the Alabama State Workforce Investment Board, among others.
Gary Warren, who passed away in April, dedicated his life to the education and advancement of students in the state of Alabama. He served 22 years as an agri-science teacher, more than 14 years as director of the Haleyville Center of Technology, 20 years as a bus driver and four years as the District 7 representative on the Alabama State Board of Education. A graduate of Auburn University, Mississippi State University and Alabama A&M, Warren was a strong advocate for college and career readiness for Alabama students. During Warren’s tenure on the state board, which included a stint as President Pro-Tem, the state launched a Workforce Development Month celebration to highlight community commitment to preparing students for career success. Warren helped promote a bond issue for career tech improvements, supported the establishment of a career tech and workforce development position on the state Department of Education’s leadership team, and participated in a career tech summit to improve the industry-education partnership. As a state board member, Warren also helped to adopt some of Alabama’s most comprehensive education reforms, including the Students First Act, the Every Child a Graduate Plan, and the Alabama College- and Career-Ready Standards.