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Sewell Hosts Session at 44th Annual CBCF Annual Legislative Conference

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Birmingham Times
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Sewell_1 “Restoring America’s Cities: Black Mayors at the Forefront of Revitalization”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Sewell_2Monday, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell hosted a panel discussion as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.  The panel, titled “Restoring America’s Cities: Black Mayors at the Forefront of Revitalization” was moderated by renowned journalist Roland Martin.
Panelists included:  Julian Castro, Secretary of HUD
William Bell, Mayor of Birmingham
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Mayor of Baltimore, Md.
George Evans, Mayor of Selma
Stephen K. Benjamin, Mayor of Columbia, S,C.
Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor of Gary, In.
Michael B. Coleman, Mayor of Columbus, Ohio
Valarie J. Allen, Partner at Ballard Spahr LLP
“The Annual Legislative Conference provides an outlet to highlight the mission of CBCF to develop leaders, to inform policy and to educate the public,” Congresswoman Sewell stated.
“I was pleased to host such a dynamic panel of distinguished mayors from across this nation. It was an honor to have HUD Secretary Julian Castro join us to offer his unique perspective as a both a former Mayor and now a part of the Obama administration. Cities across America are experiencing a renewal and many Black Mayors are at the forefront of this revitalization. Despite federal budget constraints and political gridlock, it was clear from today’s panel that these visionary Black Mayors have found a way to leverage public/private partnerships and innovative financing solutions to revive their cities.”

Michael Brown’s Parents Want Arrest, Not Apology

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Birmingham Times
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Michael BrownWASHINGTON (AP) — The parents of Michael Brown told The Associated Press on Saturday they were unmoved by the apology given by the Ferguson, Missouri, police chief weeks after their unarmed 18-year-old son was killed by a police officer.
Brown’s mother, Lesley McSpadden, said, “yes,” when asked if Chief Tom Jackson should be fired, and his father, Michael Brown Sr., said rather than an apology, they would rather see the officer who shot their son arrested for his Aug. 9 death.
“An apology would be when Darren Wilson has handcuffs, processed and charged with murder,” Brown Sr. said.
Wilson is white; the young man, Black. The shooting sparked days of violent protests and racial unrest in the predominantly Black community. Some residents and civil rights activists have said responding police officers were overly aggressive, noting their use of tear gas and surplus military vehicles and gear. Brown Sr. called the looting that has been interspersed with the protests “disrespectful,” but the “First Amendment protesting? They have that right.”
“There’s going to continue to be unrest until they do what should be done,” McSpadden added, referring to Ferguson officials.
There was even more violence Saturday night in Ferguson when, the authorities say, a police officer was shot in the arm. Circumstances surrounding the incident were not immediately clear.
Jackson released a video apology to Brown’s family and the community, in which he acknowledged that Brown’s body should have been removed from the street much sooner than it was. The young man’s remains lay uncovered for more than four hours while police collected evidence.
“I don’t want words, I want action,” McSpadden said in the AP interview.
The parents, both wearing T-shirts with messages about their son, talked hesitantly about their emotions following their son’s death. McSpadden said she feels lost and helpless, and her life will never be normal again. “I have to find a new normal,” she said haltingly.
“I’m empty,” Brown said quietly. “There’s nothing there anymore. It’s hard to fill that spot with other happiness.”
Brown’s parents came to Washington to meet lawmakers and lobby Congress to pass a law requiring police officers to wear cameras during their interactions with the public. They also called on the Justice Department to take over the criminal investigation into the shooting. The Justice Department is already investigating whether Brown’s civil rights were violated, and a county grand jury is weighing whether to indict Wilson.
“All of our eyes see the same thing, that it was wrong, an injustice,” McSpadden said. “Why wouldn’t they come back with an indictment?”
The parents also were invited to the annual awards dinner of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, where President Barack Obama spoke of the “corrosive” mistrust between local residents and law enforcement in many communities, brought on, in part, by episodes such as Brown’s death. “Too many young men of color feel targeted by law enforcement — guilty of walking while Black, driving while Black, judged by stereotypes that fuel fear and resentment and hopelessness,” he said.
Attorney General Eric Holder has met Brown’s parents, and they hope his coming departure won’t affect the case. Holder announced his resignation Thursday. “I’ve got confidence in him in that he will make sure that what needs to be done is done before he exits,” McSpadden said.
The parents also expressed anger at Ferguson police who wore bracelets in support of Wilson. In a letter released Friday, the Justice Department asks Jackson, the police chief, to “confirm our understanding” that officers in the suburban St. Louis County department won’t wear “I am Darren Wilson” bracelets while on duty.
Ferguson residents complained about the black bracelets with white lettering at a meeting with federal officials. The Brown’s family lawyer, Benjamin Crump, said the bracelets give an impression that the police lack impartiality in this case.
“It lets me know how they really feel about the situation, and the wrongness that they do,” McSpadden said.
Brown Sr. called their efforts a fight for human rights. “They say that this is America, but we’re not being treated like we’re Americans. Our fight here is to just open other eyes and understand how we’re feeling and try to get something done about it.”
McSpadden said her son was taught to respect his elders.
“I taught my son respect for a policeman, for you, for this woman, for anybody, so if he felt like he was doing nothing wrong, which I don’t believe he was, why would he be in fear of him? You’re not supposed to fear the police.”

(BPRW) Walmart Statement Regarding Tracy Morgan Lawsuit

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Birmingham Times
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WalmartBENTONVILLE, Ark.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–“Walmart is committed to working to resolve all of the remaining issues as a result of the accident. As part of the ordinary course of legal proceedings, Walmart filed an initial response yesterday to the lawsuit that included facts and defenses that may impact the case moving forward. While we were required to respond to the lawsuit, we have also taken steps to encourage settlement discussions. Our thoughts continue to go out to everyone involved, and we remain committed to doing what’s right.”
–Brooke Buchanan, Walmart spokeswoman
Source: Walmart

Congratulations Fairfield Swinging Seniors Line Dancers

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Birmingham Times
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The Fairfield Swinging Seniors Line Dancers, who placed 2nd in the District 5 competition in Trussville in August, will be participating in the 2014 Masters Games of Alabama in Oxford, Alabama on October 6-8. The names of the dancers are: (left to right) Mary Matthews, Myrna Moline Bazzle, Linda Vincent, Ann Carson, John Carson, Cecelia Williams, Eusebia Sanderson, Maple Elridge, and Lula Echols. The dancers performed in the Fairfield Fashion Show at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Fairfield Civic Center to raise money for the Fairfield Christmas Parade.

Corey & Cassandra Miller’s Special Day

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Birmingham Times
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Miller WeddingWedding Wishes
Your happiness begins with your wonderful wedding day. You’ll share everything together; through it all, your love will stay. Congratulations to you, as you begin your happy life. May all good things be yours, as new husband and wife.

Man Trades aA $160K Diamond Ring for a $20 Bag of Weed

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Birmingham Times
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WeedBy EURWeb

If this gets around, dude can rest assured he will be the laughing stock of lock-down for quite some time.
ABC-15 claims a former UPS employee in Arizona has been accused of stealing a package that held a $160,000 diamond and traded it for $20 worth of weed.
He is Walter Earl Morrison, and he’s 20-years old. A probable cause statement obtained by The Smoking Gun says Morrison actually thought money was in the package that he allegedly swiped while unloading cargo at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. But instead, the pricey stone was inside.
Authorities say the “half-baked bandit” traded the diamond for the equivalent of two joints of marijuana.
Ouch. Sounds like he was on a serious jones, wouldn’t you say?
They got the diamond back and returned it to the intended recipient.
Morrison was arrested Sept. 16 on a felony theft charge. He was scheduled for arraignment Oct. 1.

Home Buyer Education Seminar

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Birmingham Times
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Home Buyer SeminarBIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Urban League will hold its bi-monthly homebuyer education seminar to provide homebuyer education and financial literacy training for individuals seeking to become homeowners.  This FREE workshop provides participants an opportunity to address the overwhelming misconceptions surrounding the homeownership process.  Participants learn how to realistically prepare to purchase a home.

Adjustable Rate vs. Fixed Rate, which is better?
Are foreclosed properties a good investment?
Why is my credit score important?

Find answers to these questions and more…

When:    Saturday, October 4,2014
9 a. m. – 5 p. m.

Where:    1229 Third Avenue North
Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Urban League housing counselors and industry professionals cover topics that include residential loan applications; closing documents; home insurance, inspections, maintenance; neighborhood safety, fair housing and CreditSmart® – a curriculum to help consumers understand, build and maintain better credit.

To reserve your seat, contact Kimberly Callines at (205) 326-0162.

TALL GIRL INSPIRATION ORGANIZATION Teaching Our Young Ladies that Beauty is Within

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Birmingham Times
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TALL GIRLjpgDeidre Smith, model and Founder of TALL GIRL INSPIRATION teaching our Young ladies that beauty is within has graced many runways for over 25 years. In 2009 she decided to pour into the lives of young women a vision given to her from God. Deidre says knowing first hand what it is like being young, insecure, and trying to fit in attaching ourselves to things and people we thought would make a difference, but only God makes the difference. Through experience and wisdom, God gives us the grace to do anything and will add whatever you need and that you were already qualified when He called you. Young women today have so much to contend with such as social media, Instagram, facebook, twitter, but I want them to realize you must know who you are on the inside because if it resides on the inside it will show up on the outside.
Deidre is also an inspirational speaker and has spoken at several teen and women conferences and has been featured in several magazines such as DA-SH magazine, Faith Hair & Styles magazine, FADIA young women’s program, Young women’s empowerment conference, Secret Key Boutique, Thirfty fashion extravaganza, Birmingham public schools, Mother & Daughter day out, Talk of Alabama.
Other services include model coaching, etiquette, makeup application, skin care, etc. Follow her on Facebook @TALL GIRL INSPIRATION, Instagram deidresmith86, or contact @205-531-0675.

Amber Rose Files for Divorce from Wiz Khalifa

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Birmingham Times
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Amber RoseBy EURweb.com

After just one year of marriage, Amber Rose has filed for divorce from rapper Wiz Khalifa and is seeking full custody of Baby Bash.
No word on what’s behind the split, but cheating rumors have surrounded the couple over the last few days. There’s no mention of infidelity in the divorce documents, according to TMZ.
In the docs, Amber says they split on Monday and cites irreconcilable differences. She’s asking for full legal and physical custody of their 1-year-old son Sebastian, and is reportedly willing to give Wiz visitation.
Amber acknowledges the existence of a prenup, which provides spousal support, according to TMZ.
The website captured video of Amber in Beverly Hills with an unidentified guy. TMZ’s cameraman asks her if Wiz is keeping a close eye on her new manager Nick Cannon, because there were rumors they had hooked up. But she kept mum.

Florida Teen Named National Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of America

By
Birmingham Times
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FloridaTeen_1 Florida Teen_2 Florida Teen_3Maryah Sullivan receives highest honor for Club members and more than $60,000 in scholarships
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Maryah Sullivan was named the 2014-15 National Youth of the Year at a Congressional Breakfast in Washington, D.C. She accepted the honor before an audience that included senators, representatives and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) partners and supporters, among them American ballet dancer and National Youth of the Year Ambassador Misty Copeland, Speaker of the House John Boehner, and  Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. Sponsored by Tupperware Brands Corporation, Youth of the Year is BGCA’s premier recognition program for Club members. The program recognizes young people for their service to their community, as well as academic success and strong moral character. As the National Youth of the Year, Maryah receives up to $61,000 in academic scholarships from Tupperware Brands and the Rick and Susan Goings Foundation, as well as a new car from Toyota, a BGCA national partner.
An Orlando native and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida member for 11 years, Maryah will serve as the official teen spokesperson for BGCA over the next year. Later this year, Maryah and the five other National Youth of the Year finalists will head to the White House for an exclusive meeting with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office.
“I am so honored to be named National Youth of the Year. I look forward to serving as an ambassador for young people in our Clubs across the country and around the world,” said Maryah Sullivan, 2014-15 National Youth of the Year, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “I know there are many young people in the 4,100 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country and overseas who have stories like mine. I am proud to represent them and the impact Clubs have on our lives.”
Maryah is both an extremely driven Club member and student. In addition to her dedication to her Club, she has also served as National Honor Society President, senior class secretary, BETA Club member, French honor society member, captain of the girls track and field club, captain of the weightlifting team in addition to being named the 2012-2013 weightlifting district champion. She maintained a 4.4 GPA at Edgewater High School and was the first person in her family to be accepted into college. Maryah is currently a freshman at University of South Florida, majoring in biomedical sciences.
“The selection of Maryah as National Youth of the Year for our organization is more important now than ever before,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “With today’s generation projected to be the first not to do as well as their parents, and 1 in 5 students nationwide who won’t graduate from high school on time, the role of Boys & Girls Clubs is critical. With the support of organizations like Tupperware Brands and the Rick and Susan Goings Foundation, we can help kids surmount the issues and obstacles they face and achieve a great future. We are confident Maryah will go on to accomplish great things and be a tremendous advocate for young people.”
About National Youth of the Year
The highest honor bestowed on a Boys & Girls Club member, the National Youth of the Year receives $11,000 in academic scholarships from program sponsor, Tupperware Brands. The winner is also awarded a scholarship worth up to $50,000 by the Rick and Susan Goings Foundation, the personal foundation of Tupperware Brands Chairman and CEO Rick Goings and his wife, Susan, active supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs for more than 20 years.
Since 1947, Youth of the Year has recognized outstanding young people for service to their Club and community, academic performance and contributions to their family. To claim the national title, Club members advance through local, state and regional competitions. The year-long competitions culminate in Washington, D.C., where judges select the National Youth of the Year honoree from six exceptional candidates – five regional finalists and the Military Youth of the Year, which recognizes a Club member served on a military installation who has overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments.
To combat the nation’s state of poor academic performance, obesity, drug use and youth-related violence, BGCA is taking a leadership role in elevating the impact of the critical out-of-school time in enabling kids to achieve a great future. The celebration of the National Youth of the Year serves as a proof-point of the success of Boys & Girls Clubs and the positive impact that Clubs have on kids and teens across the country.
Maryah’s fellow 2014 National Youth of the Year finalists were: Sparkle Prevard, Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, N.J.; Jasmnika Newbern, Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor, Mich.; Cecilia Garza, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Texas; Tae McKenzie, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, Tacoma, Wash.; and Natalia Lynch, U.S. Army Garrison Youth Center, Wiesbaden, Germany.
To learn more about the Youth of the Year program and this year’s finalists, visit BGCA.org/YOY.

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