BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – On Thursday, September 11th, Mayor William A. Bell, Sr. and the City of Birmingham will kick-off its annual Empowerment Week festivities. During Empowerment Week the City pauses to recognize the progress made in the area of civil rights and ultimately the human rights movement. The week of activities will commence with a city-wide day of Service where residents and corporate citizens are encouraged to actively participate in service projects across the city.
On September 11th Mayor Bell will also announce a comprehensive civic engagement plan that encourages individuals and groups work together for the common cause of making a difference in the community. This plan is a part of the RISE strategy. RISE combines community and economic development; promotes civic engagement and workforce development; and leverages public/private partnership as a strategy to positively impact and strengthen the City of Birmingham. RISE addresses the following four (4) areas of development and engagement:
1.    Community Development
2.    Economic Development
3.    Workforce Development
4.    Civic Engagement

As a part of the Civic Engagement plan, Mayor Bell plans to implement impact volunteer strategies that:
•    Identify priorities and use volunteers to target a community’s critical needs;
•    Engage the city’s corporate citizens and business community to play a more active role;
•    Use best practices to maximize results and program sustainability; and
•    Set clear outcomes and standards to gauge the city’s progress.

The mission of the RISE civic engagement strategy is: (1) to provide opportunities for individuals, community service groups, faith-based organizations and corporate service groups to engage in meaningful service projects that breathe new life into Birmingham’s neighborhoods, (2) improve the lives of our residents and promote growth and activity across throughout the city; and (3) To provide public/private partnership opportunities that increase Birmingham’s overall capacity to engage more volunteers and use collaborative resources to enhance our city’s parks and neighborhoods.  The RISE civic engagement strategy includes the following programs and initiatives:

One to One – Neighbor Helping Neighbor is designed to get corporate citizens, neighborhood groups, schools, and other community organizations involved in preserving and enhancing the city’s parks and neighborhoods. Adoption Partners and their members take part in routine volunteer projects such as trash pick-up and graffiti removal and may also assist with larger special projects such as mulching, plantings, bench construction, painting and other work.

Love Your Block is a neighborhood revitalization and beautification initiative where neighborhoods are selected based on application standards which identify a community’s need that can be addressed through volunteer service projects with the goal of creating neighborhood pride and volunteerism. In 2013, mini-grants of up to $1,500 were awarded to 10 neighborhoods. In 2014, almost $20,000 has been awarded  to 17 neighborhoods.

Birmingham C.A.R.E.S. (Citizens in Action Ready to Engage in Service) – The Mayor’s Office partners with residents, community organizations, faith based organizations and the business community to plan and implement the MLK Day of Service – Coincides with the federal holiday in January and Empowerment Week Day of Service (September 11th). On each of these days more than 2,000 volunteers will spread across Birmingham to help improve neighborhoods, parks, libraries and more.
Each of the RISE Civic Engagement initiatives work in concert to stimulate community revitalization, growth and pride; provide more family friendly and affordable housing solutions for residents; as well as ignite a boom of economic development in this city that is unprecedented and unparalleled. This initiative provides an opportunity for residents and local volunteers to partner with the City of Birmingham to transform blighted areas into community assets. In doing so, the City will:
•    create a safe environment for families to thrive;
•    residents will become more empowered and exhibit a better sense of pride in their community;
•    neighbors will work together and more closely with the City to address and solve community needs; and
•    attract business to the area

Through the design and implementation of RISE, Mayor Bell has engaged a diverse group of nonprofit organizations, grassroots community groups, faith-based communities, the Birmingham City Schools, other private schools, local colleges and universities and the business community in the process of working together – with sweat equity and community reinvestment to build the best Birmingham ever. The initiatives outlined in RISE capitalize on the City’s strong service infrastructure and is supported by a dynamic combination of partners committed to community reinvestment and collaboration.
For information, please go to www.birminghamal.gov

The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives have arrested and charged a suspect in connection with a homicide investigation. The incident occurred Sunday, August 31, 2014 in the 600 Block of 3rd Avenue South.

The victim has been identified as:
Linda Albritton, W/F, 71, of Birmingham, Alabama

The suspect has been identified as:
Jeffery Justice, W/M, 36, of Birmingham, Alabama. A Capital Murder warrant with a no bond has been obtained against the suspect. The suspect is in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.

Detectives were able to locate the suspect after a witness came forward and identified the suspect as the person they saw driving the victim’s car. Upon making the arrest, the suspect was in possession of the victim’s car keys. Also, detectives learned the suspect had prior contact with the victim. This investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

If there is anyone who has additional information pertaining to this case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit @ 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers @ 254-7777

The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred August 29, 2014 in the 3000 Block of 1st Place West.
On Friday, August 29, 2014 around 1:30 p.m., Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded to the incident location on a fire call after being notified by a citizen. After the fire was extinguished, the victim was found inside the abandoned house lying on the floor suffering from what appeared to be several stab wounds to the chest area. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide.

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.

The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred Friday, August 29, 2014 in the 1900 Block of Greensprings Avenue (George Ward Park).

The victim has been identified as:
McDaniel Watson, B/M, 50, of Birmingham, Alabama

On Friday, August 29, 2014 around 10 p.m., South Precinct Officers responded to the incident location on a person shot call. Upon officers’ arrival, the victim, who apparently suffered a gunshot wound to the head, was transported to UAB hospital by Birmingham Fire and Rescue. The victim was later pronounced deceased by the UAB Medical Staff. Detectives were informed that the victim was walking in the park with his wife when they were approached by an unknown Black male who requested his wallet. A shot was fired striking the victim in the head. The suspect fled the scene on foot. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.

The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred Sunday, August 31, 2014 in the 600 Block of 39th Street South.
On Sunday, August 31, 2014 around 6 p.m., South Precinct Officers responded to the incident location on a person down call. Upon officers’ arrival, they were met by a neighbor who stated she attempted to do a welfare check on the victim. Upon entering into the victim’s residence the neighbor found the victim lying on the floor unresponsive. Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased. Officers entered the residence and observed the victim lying on the floor suffering from what appeared to be stab wounds to the chest and neck areas. Detectives believed the incident stems from a burglary of the residence. Detectives are looking for the victim’s vehicle that was taken from the location (1994 Tan Buick Park Ave.,4dr; tag# 1AA7513). Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide.

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.

The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a double homicide investigation. The incident occurred Sunday, August 31, 2014 in the 900 Block of Coosa Street.
On Sunday, August 31, 2014 around 10:20 p.m., South Precinct Officers responded to the incident location on a call of several people shot. Upon officers’ arrival, they observed both victims suffering from gunshot wounds to the back and chest areas. One victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue and the other victim was transported to UAB hospital where he later died from his injuries. Also, there were two additional victims that were shot and both of their injuries are non-life threatening.
Detectives believed the incident stems from a verbal altercation that took place between several members belonging to two different motorcycle clubs. There were shots fired by several individuals that left four people shot and two of those were fatal. Detectives are investigating the deaths as a homicide.

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.

The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred September 2, 2014 in the 1500 Block of 52nd Street Ensley.
On Tuesday, September 2, 2014 around 1 a.m., West Precinct Officers responded to the incident location on a person down call. Upon officers’ arrival, they observed the victim lying on the ground suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds to the body. The Victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue.
Detectives received information that the victim was standing outside this location talking to several men when apparently an unknown Black male approached the victim and shot him several times. The suspect, along with the other males, fled the scene in two different cars. One car was a black Cadillac and the other car was a silver Cadillac. Detectives are investigating the deaths as a homicide.

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.

Cash For Crooks Div. of Refuge In (RITT) Trouble Times, PO Box 28083, Birmingham, Ala.  35228, is spotlighting the homicide of Mr. Kerry Delano Hardy.  On May 2, 2014 around 9 p.m., Mr. Hardy was found in the passenger seat shot multiple times in the 300 Block of Carroll Street in Southwest Birmingham. Hardy had spent his last 14 years as a motivational speaker and author.  His family and friends would like to know who is responsible for his murder and why this happened to him. Please contact Detective Rogers at Crime Stoppers 205-254-7777. DO NOT GIVE NICK NAMES PLEASE.  If there is an arrest/conviction, you will receive a cash reward.
RITT works with local and National police to help get info to you, our readers so we might gather info to identify their killer or killers.  If you know of a case that you’d like published here, you may contact us at odussasplace@yahoo.com or call Minister Ward at 205-240-9910.  Help us by getting involved before the Invisible Body Bag takes another innocent life. Get Involved Now.

During the Birmingham City Council Meeting on September 2, 2014 Council:

Approved a Resolution assenting to the vacation of 414.62 square feet of air space along 16th Street South between 1st Avenue South and 3rd Avenue South
on behalf of Cityville Venue at the Ballpark, L.L.C., The Stockyard II, LLC, and Ivy W. Henderson, owners, in order to eliminate balcony encroachments for the
proposed apartments called Venue at the Ballpark, and the hearing of all interested parties, Case No. SUB2014-00026.
For more information please contact the Office of Councilor Sheila Tyson at 205.254.2359.

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

1. Approved an Ordinance to repeal Title 10, Chapter 20, Article B of the General Code of the City of Birmingham, 1980, relating to licensing and
“Registration” of bicycles; to amend Title 10, Chapter 20, Article A, Section 10-20-4 of the General Code of the City of Birmingham, 1980,
relating to “Riding on Sidewalks”; and to repeal Title 10, Chapter 20, Article A, Section 10-20-8 of the General Code of the City of
Birmingham, 1980, relating to “Lamps and Other Equipment” on bicycles. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.
2. Approved an Ordinance to establish a Pretrial Diversion Program for the City of Birmingham, Alabama. For more information please contact the Birmingham
Municipal Court at 205.254..
3. Approved a Resolution determining that the District 4 EPA Day to be held September 16-17, 2014 at various locations throughout the City of
Birmingham serves a public purpose that promotes goodwill and serves a public interest, and requesting that City funds be administered to pay for
this event in accordance with Section 3-1-7 of the General Code of the City of Birmingham.
For more information please contact the Office of Councilor William Parker at 205.254.2464.
4. Approved a Resolution determining that the Magic City Classic serves a public purpose that promotes goodwill and serves a public interest, and
authorizing and authorizing the expenditure of funds that are allocated in the City’s operating budget during the term of this agreement to be used to pay
for this event in the amount equivalent to the amount authorized in each year of the agreement.
For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205-254.2771.

Announcements:

1. Birmingham City Councilors will host the State of the Birmingham City Schools Luncheon Tuesday, September 2, 2014 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Regions Bank Executive Dining Room
2. There will be an Empowerment Week Meeting Tuesday September 2, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. – Conference Rooms “D & E”
3. Transportation and Communications Committee Meeting will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2014 12:30 p.m. –– Conference Room “A”
4. The Park and Recreation Board meeting will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at Legion Field
5. Titusville Day will be held Saturday, September 6, 2014 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m. – Parade – starts at Titusville Memorial Park, 520 6th Avenue South & ends at
South Elyton Baptist Church, 100 1st Avenue South; 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast – South Elyton Baptist Church – Councilor Sheila Tyson and the Titusville Development Corporation.
6. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the new Dolomite-Westfield Community Center will be held Saturday September 6, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. – 1056 Tin Mill Road – The Dolomite Neighborhood Association.
7. The Joint Budget and Finance and Economic Development Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, September 8, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms “D&E”
8. Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting will be held Tuesday September 9, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in the 5th Floor Engineering Conference Room.
9. The Public Improvements Committee meeting has been moved to Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms D & E.
The deadline to submit items for the agenda is Wednesday, September 3, 2014.
10. Council President Pro-Tem Jay Roberson will host the District 7 Football Classic on Saturday September 13, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Teams: Roosevelt City Spartans vs. Wenonah Young Dragons – Wenonah High School Football Stadium – $4 for Adults and Children 11 years old and up; $1 for Children 10 years old and under.

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.