Speaking of Soaps

October 2, 2014

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Brooke was put in an uncomfortable situation by Bill when he proposed to her in front of her other suitor, Deacon. Fearing that she would lose her son forever, Quinn made an impassioned plea to Wyatt for him to forgive her transgressions in Paris. Brooke confided in Eric the truth behind what’s holding her back from pursuing a future with Bill. While commiserating over their failed plan to keep Brooke and Bill apart, Deacon and Quinn’s conversation took an unexpected turn. Brooke reminisced about how she and Bill became romantically involved and contemplated whether or not to pursue a future with him. Bill and Katie’s civil conversation about their current relationship was interrupted by a life-threatening incident. Fearing the worst about the current status of his marriage, Wyatt was rocked by Hope’s news that will change their lives forever. Having almost experienced a great loss, Bill and Katie made an agreement to get along for the sake of their child. Brooke made a life-changing decision about her future that affected many others. Katie was blindsided when Brooke told her that she’s moving to Italy and the reason behind her sudden decision. Eric was caught off guard when he received an unexpected visit from his long lost brother, John. Bill was supportive of Liam when he spoke of moving on with his life without Hope in it. Wyatt did not get the reaction he was expecting from Hope when he told her that Quinn’s already aware of their news. Bill made a desperate plea to Brooke to make sure that she remains in his life despite her sudden plan to leave Los Angeles. Ivy got the surprise of her life when she found out who the guest of honor was at Pam’s dinner party.
THIS WEEK: Quinn confronts Hope about the distain that she feels for her and the desire to keep her out of the baby’s life. Brooke makes an outrageous request of Bill.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Susan had an important message for EJ. Paige was shocked when she heard about a dark moment from JJ’s family history. JJ desperately tried to defend himself against Eve and enlisted Daniel’s help. Aiden and Hope’s first date did not go smoothly. Kristen and Susan had a major faceoff! Stefano was displeased when he learned EJ had reconciled with Sami. JJ freaked out when Paige confided what she overheard. Ben had a romantic surprise for Abigail. Sami couldn’t help but question EJ about Kristen’s accusation. Kate and Chad plotted to outwit Stefano. Clyde made plans to double-cross EJ. Paige was thrown by JJ’s odd behavior as he struggled with whether or not to come clean with her. Nicole and EJ had a surprisingly warm moment. Kate played mind games with Jordan concerning Rafe and Clyde. Eve slammed Jennifer’s relationship with Jack – and in return, Jennifer smacked her! Ben and Abigail made love for the first time! Theresa’s worst nightmare came true. Victor had stunning news for EJ. Hope broke the news to Victor and Maggie that she’s divorcing Bo.
THIS WEEK: Victor and Maggie are concerned about Hope’s emotional well-being. Marlena and John have a huge, emotional reunion.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Franco continued his ploy with Carly. Meanwhile, Carly and Sonny shared a close moment when they worried about how Ava’s actions could affect Morgan. Ava explained to Kiki why she enlisted Morgan’s help. Rosalie attempted to carry through with Nina’s plan but found herself in harm’s way. However, Rosalie quickly found herself at the wrong place at the wrong time when Michael’s life was in peril. Jordan warned Shawn about the threat against Michael. Tracy couldn’t deny that Luke’s stories aren’t adding up and attempted to contact Luke. Sam and Patrick continued to investigate Luke’s motives. Shawn rushed to save Michael from danger and quickly called Sonny and Carly to let them know Michael’s status. Franco revealed to Nina the details of his deceptive master plan. Out of desperation, Ava shared one of her secrets with Kiki and Morgan. As they continued to fight their attraction to each other, Alexis directly asked Julian if he’s working for Luke. Elizabeth continued to keep a close vigil over the mysterious John Doe patient. While Sam took Danny to a checkup, Silas questioned Sam about her relationship with Patrick. In the interim, Danny accidentally wandered into John Doe’s room. Due to recent events, Julian encouraged Ava to keep a low profile. Sonny warned Julian not to mess with his family and denounced Alexis’s choice in men. Anna asked Jordan if she’s prepared to testify against Shawn. Kiki was incensed after Michael filled her in on his recent predicament. Maxie questioned her choices. Sam tried to pry Danny away from the mysterious patient. Patrick told Sabrina about whom he and Sam think were behind their car accident, but Sabrina was skeptical. Lulu tried to process some devastating news. Sonny had high hopes when Carly told him that she has something important to say. Kiki told Morgan she was hesitant about keeping Ava’s secret. Maxie’s reluctance led Nathan to make a bold proposition. Franco made a decision on whether or not to trust Carly. In the interim, Sonny pleaded his case to Carly about their never-ending bonds. Patrick and Sam embarked upon a journey to find Luke and also discussed the nature of their relationship.
THIS WEEK: Monica shares the diagnosis of John Doe with Elizabeth. Nathan has his doubts. Patrick and Sam decide to share their theories about Luke with Tracy.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Sharon was happy when Mariah arrived to join Summer and Faith in trying on their bridesmaids dresses. Later, Mariah asked Kevin to be her date to Nick and Sharon’s wedding and he agreed. Phyllis rode with a trucker back to Genoa City. Meanwhile, Victor found out that Phyllis left the clinic. Paul and Christine argued over the evidence against Dylan. Avery was outraged when Paul and Harding revealed how serious the charges against Dylan are. Harding urged Dylan to confess to the murder of Ian, but Dylan refused. Later, Nikki resorted to drinking again. Neil wondered why Hilary was acting so weird and urged her to take the business trip to New York. Lily shared with Cane that she found out Devon booked a room at the club in the middle of the day. Ashley was back at Jabot and let Jack know she wants her title of co-CEO back. Later, Austin agreed to talk to Jack about a new job. Victoria ran into Chelsea and Billy with Johnny and Connor. Things soon got tense between Chelsea and Victoria. Billy reminded Victoria that she’s the one who wanted a divorce, so she’s going to have to deal with Chelsea being in his life now. Nick and Sharon had bachelor/bachelorette party thrown for them. Both parties moved to the roadside bar, and Nikki worried about being remembered by the bartender. Abby and Victoria were slammed by running into Tyler and Stitch. Michael and Lauren were worried Fen’s in trouble when he showed up in Genoa City. Gloria met up with Lauren after learning that Fen’s in town and accused Lauren of lying to her. While in town, Fen surprised Summer at the Underground. Austin was affected by Summer and Fen’s closeness as they caught up.
THIS WEEK: Fen warns Austin not to hurt Summer. Avery’s ex-husband Joe shows up at her door.

Jefferson County Students Win College Scholarship from ALFA

Birmingham Times

October 2, 2014

Three Jefferson County residents were among 50 recipients of the 2014 Alfa Foundation scholarship. Each recipient received $1,000 in the program’s inaugural year.
The scholarship recipients are:
•   Rachel McCombs of Bessemer, a graduate of Hope Christian School and freshman at the University of Alabama studying finance
•   Olivia Mims of Vestavia Hills, a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and freshman at Auburn University studying pharmacy
•   Amanda Viikinsalo of Trussville, a graduate of Hewitt Trussville High School and junior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham studying finance.
Selection for the competitive scholarship program was based on academic record, participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience and future goals.
“As a father of a college senior, I understand the impact of rising tuition costs on families and students,” said Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell. “We hope our gift will ease some of that burden and allow the recipients to focus more on studies and gaining valuable professional experience.”
Almost 800 applications were received for the scholarship program from high school seniors and post-secondary undergraduates enrolled or planning to enroll in an Alabama two-or four-year college, university or technical school.
The scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies required for coursework.
For almost 70 years, Alfa has proudly supported education by being active in the communities it serves. The Alfa Foundation has helped advance learning through the Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Month programs; investments in colleges and universities; support for career technical education; computer donations; and other efforts.

Wally Amos is Back Baking as the Cookie Kahuna

Birmingham Times

October 2, 2014

His newest and greatest cookie venture serves up delectable treats with the message of care and aloha
HONOLULU, Hawaii. (BlackNews.com) — After nearly 40 years as the world’s leading baker of the gourmet cookie empire, Wally Amos is back in the kitchen rolling out his newest cookie company, The Cookie Kahuna.
Based exclusively in Hawaii, each batch is handmade with quality ingredients and baked by The Cookies In Paradise Bakery. Amos said it’s the quality of the ingredients he uses and the fact they are baked by hand, that has kept the integrity of his cookies. “We only use Guittard chocolate and butterscotch chips, lots of real butter and pure vanilla extract, he said, crediting his Aunt Della’s recipe she baked for him as a child. “People tell me they can still remember the first taste they had of my chocolate chip cookies from decades ago.”
The Cookie Kahuna comes in three flavors: Original Chocolate Chip, Butterscotch Chip Macadamia Nuts and Chocolate Chip Pecan and are sold online at www.thecookiekahuna.com.
Amos based his new company on the concept of Kahuna or caretaker in Hawaiian. Amos said he has always been a caretaker of people; always showing his aloha and respect for others and always caring in a selfless, kind, and generous manner for those in need.
Amos said, returning to the cookie world was easy since he realized the company currently bearing his name and image, no longer makes cookies the “Wally Amos” handmade way, so why not do it himself. “I kept getting calls, letters, emails and tweets from people around the world wanting my cookies. It was time to give the people what they truly wanted, which is my original handmade chocolate chip cookies,” said Amos.
Not far from a cookie, Amos always has a book in-hand. He continues his passion for Read it LOUD!, a nationwide literacy campaign he developed over 10 years ago. Today, each cookie bag bears the message to parents to read aloud each day to children from birth to age six. “I firmly believe reading aloud to children will transform their lives and set them on a path for a better life.”
An eternal optimist, Amos said his newest company is his greatest venture allowing him to regain his foothold in the cookie universe. “I’m excited to be baking cookies again. You cannot put a good book down nor a delicious cookie and, by no means, can you put a determined man down! I encourage everybody to read a book and share a cookie, even with a stranger, because soon you will make a friend – and change a life forever.”
The Cookie Kahuna, Wally Amos, wally@wallyamos.com; www.thecookiekahuna.com; www.readitloud.org.

The United States Conference of Mayors Fall Leadership Meeting

Birmingham Times

October 2, 2014

September 28 & 29, Hyatt Regency Hotel

Washington, D.C. – Under the leadership of U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, a bipartisan delegation of more than thirty mayors who serve in the organization’s leadership gathered in Sacramento on Sunday, September 28 and Monday, September 29 for the USCM Fall Leadership Meeting.

Mayors from cities large and small convened to discuss topics ranging from the economy, transportation, education, water infrastructure, housing, President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative, as well as the current situation in Ferguson and policing priorities to determine the policy direction of the Conference for the winter term.

One of the highlights of the meeting was a session focused on technology and innovation titled ‘Cities 3.0’ after the theme of Mayor Johnson’s Presidency. The session featured a discussion between UBER CEO and Co-Founder Travis Kalanick and Mayor Johnson, followed by a moderated panel with OpenGov Co-Founder and CEO Zachary Bookman, Lyft Co-Founder and CEO Logan Green, CityMart CEO Sascha Haselmayer and Box Co-Founder and CEO Aaron Levie.

The meeting also featured a dynamic Discussion on the Response to Ferguson and Policing Priorities with remarks from St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, Attorney Benjamin Crump, Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, and Gary (IN) Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson who serves at the Vice-Chair of the USCM Criminal and Social Justice Committee.

Of the discussion on Ferguson, Mayor Johnson said, “We had an open and candid conversation about what I’m calling the four R’s: Resident frustrations, Relationships between the community and police, Recruitment of police officers, as well as the issue of often talked about but not by name, Race.” Johnson also previewed a meeting of mayors and police chiefs set to take place at the Clinton Presidential Center in a few weeks, “We expect this conversation to continue in Little Rock, Arkansas with a larger meeting of mayors and police chiefs to mark the 20th Anniversary of the landmark Crime Bill. Coming out of that meeting, we plan to present an action agenda to the Justice Department to prevent another Ferguson from ever taking place.”

The mayors also released today the findings of a survey on mayors’ efforts to promote and implement the goals of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative. The survey report compiles information provided by 15 cities whose mayors are on the Conference’s My Brother’s Keeper Task Force. A summary of the findings was presented during the meeting by Task Force Co-Chair Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who, along with Birmingham Mayor William Bell, was tapped by President Johnson to lead the Task Force after establishing the subgroup within the organization this past June.

“It is clear that opportunity has lagged behind for young men of color in this country. That’s why President Obama launched the My Brother’s Keeper initiative earlier this year. He issued a strong call to action to America’s leaders to help provide young men of color with the skills they need to reach their full potential,” said USCM President Johnson during the meeting. “I am proud that the nation’s mayors have responded to the President’s call by joining the My Brother’s Keeper Communities Challenge to and have already been acting in communities across the country to change the long-term outlook for many of our young people.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Johnson and the assembled mayors reminded reporters of the group’s bipartisan makeup. “While we may all come from cities of different size and geographical location, and have different party affiliations, mayors work together to effect real change – change that you can see, touch and feel. This is why we believe Washington — Congress in particular — should take a page from our book. We are doing they should be doing – working on both sides of the aisle to solve real problems for real people, not languishing in partisan ideology and dysfunction,” said Johnson.

“Mayors are unique in that we do not have the luxury of rhetoric. Our jobs and the nature of what we do daily demand action. We don’t just talk; we get things done,” Johnson concluded.

Mayors Attending Include the following:
Kevin Johnson, Sacramento, CA – USCM President
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore, MD – USCM Vice-President
Mick Cornett, Oklahoma City, OK – USCM Second Vice-President
Michael Nutter, Philadelphia, PA – USCM Past President
Greg Ballard, Indianapolis, IN
Bryan Barnett, Rochester Hills, MI
Shane Bemis, Gresham, OR
Stephen Benjamin, Columbia, SC
David Berger, Lima, OH
Virg Bernero, Lansing, MI
Richard Berry, Albuquerque, NM
Mike Bodker, Johns Creek, GA
James Brainard, Carmel, IN
Alvin, Brown, Jacksonville, FL
Michael Coleman, Columbus, OH
Joy Cooper, Hallandale Beach, FL
Karl Dean, Nashville, TN
Dennis Doyle, Beaverton, OR
Greg Fisher, Louisville, KY
Karen Freeman-Wilson, Gary, IN
Carolyn Goodman, Las Vegas, NV
Elizabeth Kautz, Burnsville, MN
Mitch Landrieu, New Orleans, LA
Brenda Lawrence, Southfield, MI
Mary Ann Lutz, Monrovia, CA
John Marks, Tallahassee, FL
Miguel Pulido, Santa Ana, CA
Helene Schneider, Santa Barbara, CA
Paul Soglin, Madison, WI
Mark Stodola, Little Rock, AR
Marilyn Strickland, Tacoma, WA
Brian Wahler, Piscataway, NJ
Setti Warren, Newton, MA
Chris Watts, Denton, TX

Arne Duncan Praises President Swinton and President French for their Leadership of National Committee

Birmingham Times

October 2, 2014

FAIRFIELD, Ala. – During the 2014 National HBCU Week Conference last week, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan thanked Dr. George T. French, Jr., President of Miles College along with David Swinton, President of Benedict College for their service and contributions on the negotiated rulemaking committee.
There had been looming concerns regarding PLUS loans and the efforts to tighten the underwriting criteria which had already cut off college access for low-income and underserved students.
To that end, a Negotiating Rulemaking Committee was established by The Education Department to hammer out new rules to address a range of regulations for institutions that receive federal student aid and the companies that handle the disbursement of that money.
“Since then, a negotiated rulemaking committee was convened and benefitted greatly from the thoughtful guidance of Dr. David Swinton, the president of Benedict College, and Dr. George French, the president of Miles College,” said Secretary Duncan.
“Now, with an overwhelming number of positive public comments on the draft rule, we are on track to publish a final rule by November 1 so students benefit from these changes in time for the next semester. We would never have gotten to this spot without the leadership, wisdom, and hard work of Dr. Swinton and Dr. French—so thank you!”
Historically Black colleges were established during an era when African Americans lacked the option to attend college or even the opportunity to receive an education. Today the overwhelming challenge is more so how does one finance an education for those individuals who desire to attend college.
Currently, only 21 percent of African American adults in the United States have a college education. The average household income for African Americans in the United States is $40,000 annually. While funding college brings on a plethora of challenges, the lack of ability to acquire loans to assist with this endeavor only worsens this problem.
The work done through the Negotiating Rulemaking Committee, under the leadership of President Swinton and President French, speaks to this national issue and will impact higher education significantly for years to come.

Nielsen and Essence Collaborate for One-of-a-Kind Custom Study on African-American Consumers

Birmingham Times

October 2, 2014

(BLACK PR WIRE) – WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE) — At 87 percent, the majority of African-American consumers surveyed feel ethnic recognition and cultural identity are important – indicating opportunities for companies to connect with this group on multiple levels according to Powerful. Growing. Influential. The African-American Consumer 2014 Report, jointly released by Nielsen and ESSENCE.
Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and insights; with ESSENCE, the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, surveyed more than 10,000 online and in-person participants during the 20th ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola® in New Orleans, to uncover what matters most to African-American consumers and key drivers of their purchasing and viewing habits.
“The ESSENCE Brand is strong in the African-American community,” said Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, senior vice president, U.S. Community Alliances and Consumer Engagement, Nielsen. “This relationship has offered a successful cross-platform engagement opportunity to reach and listen to thousands of African-American consumers across the country.”
Media Consumption
The fourth report presented new insights on Blacks’ media consumption particularly in radio and an affinity for African-American focused media. Ninety-two percent of African-Americans surveyed tune in to radio each week and the top-ranked radio formats included Urban Contemporary, Adult Urban Contemporary and Rhythmic Contemporary. Fifty-nine percent of African-Americans agreed that advertisers in Black newspapers know how to connect with the African-American audience.
African-Americans continue to over-index in real-time television viewing, and watch nearly 45 hours per week, which is about 14 more hours weekly than any other group. And 52 percent of affluent (annual incomes of $50,000+) African-Americans agreed that advertising in culturally relevant magazines provides useful information about products and bargains. African-Americans are heavy users of smartphones and have high participation rates on social media. Smartphone penetration for Blacks is at 78 percent. Blacks also feel their expression on social media provides a strong connection to their favorite brands and 81 percent are more likely to support brands or their favorite company via social channels.
The ESSENCE of Black Women Consumers
“The ESSENCE of Black Women Consumers,” is a special pull-out section on Black females, a new feature for this year’s report. The insights provide a comprehensive view of the Black woman and her power as a consumer.
“In partnership with Nielsen, we uncovered the true ‘Essence of Black Women Consumers’, who self-identify as community-builders,” said Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications Inc. “For our passionate audience of women–who are striving for economic, social and political equality – strengthening community through consumerism is intrinsic and serves as a pathway to empowerment.”
Highlights from “The ESSENCE of Black Women Consumers” include:
•   80% of Black women will tell their friends about a product if they like it.
•   Black women are twice more likely to spend more than three hours on social networking sites in an average day than the general market.
•   79% of African-American women agree that pursuing good health is important.
•   62% of African-American women believe embracing and supporting their ethnic culture is important.
Culturally Relevant Advertising
Cultural identity and diversity were two important themes which African-Americans indicated resonated with them and are critical variables that drive purchases. Compared to the general population, African-Americans are 30 percent more likely to believe diversity in advertising is important, and 38 percent are more likely to make a purchase when the advertisements have African-Americans included. These variables were also key factors in African-Americans’ support of Black and diverse-owned businesses. Fifty-five percent of African-American households with incomes of $50,000+ said they would purchase or support a product if it were sold or supported by a person of color or minority-owned business.
Marketing Opportunities
As African-Americans’ interests continue to expand, marketers have newer opportunities to connect with them. Health and wellness and the pursuit of a balanced life were strong indicators of Blacks’ concern for their overall well-being. Ninety-five percent of affluent African-Americans, 18-54, with household incomes of $50,000+ believe living a healthy lifestyle is important. In addition to health and wellness, financial management is important. Thirty-four percent of affluent Blacks surveyed said they were proud of the amount of money saved, however, 7 percent are aggressively investing.
To download a copy of the full report, please visit Nielsen’s microsite for African-American consumers at www.nielsen.com/africanamericans.

Young Heroes Raises $1 Million for AIDS Orphans

Birmingham Times

October 2, 2014

NORTHAMPTON, MA. – Young Heroes Foundation has announced that it has
raised over $1 million to help support families of orphans in Swaziland, the nation with the world’s
children who have lost their parents to the epidemic with monthly stipends for necessities such as food, clothing and tuition; comprehensive medical care; and vocational training for older orphans.
Says Kallaugher, “As of the close of this fiscal year, we’ve transferred just over $1.1 million to the children since out inception. Swaziland is in a dire situation, but so few people know about it.
That ‘s why we’re deeply grateful to all the individuals, corporations and foundations who have
supported our efforts to help the kingdom’s children.
Young Heroes also announced the dads for next year’s Swazi Cycle VI; The organization’s
popular annual trip to Swaziland will take place from May 20-June 1, 2015. Those interested in joining next year’s trip can see the details of this year’s adventure at dojiggy.sazicyle.com.
“This year’s trip was the best and most successful yet”, Kallaugher says,”and next year’s is shaping up to be even better. We look forward to introducing people to the best that Africa has to offer.”

For further details on Swazi Cycler VI, contact steve.kallaugher@youngheroes.o.g.sz

Brown Mackie College-Birmingham Hosts Homewood Rib Run for Lakeshore Foundation

Birmingham Times

October 2, 2014

BIRMINGHAM – Brown Mackie College-Birmingham, in conjunction with 106.9 The Eagle, is sponsoring the inaugural Homewood Rib Run to benefit Lakeshore Foundation. The event will be held November 1, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
This one-of-a-kind event is a 5K run where participants stop approximately every mile to enjoy a single delicious rib from Demetri’s BBQ, Jim N’ Nick’s Bar-B-Q, and Bob Sykes BarB-Q. The start and finish lines will be at Homewood City Hall.
As an added bonus, anyone who participated in the 2013 or 2014 Birmingham Krispy Kreme Doughnut Dash as either a challenger or casual runner will receive an Iron Stomach Medal upon completion of the 2014 Homewood Rib Run.

Event Date:                November 1, 2014
Event Time:               8:30 a.m.
Location:                    Homewood City Hall
Cost:                           $30 if registered by September 30, 2014
Website:                      www.ribrun.org
Facebook:                   www.facebook.com/
homewoodribrun

Grace House to Host its 1st Annual Pumpkin Festival

Birmingham Times

October 2, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Grace House Ministries is excited to announce its First Annual Pumpkin
Festival to take place on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Homewood
Central Park.
“We’re so excited about this year’s event,” said Valeirie Gerber,
Grace House’s Development and Communications Director.”We see this as a great
opportunity to bring the community together,share about Grace House, and have fun!
We want to host this event every year.”
The Pumpkin Festival will feature a variety of family – oriented activities for guests of all ages.
Activities will include inflatables, face painting, corn hole and more! Guests will also have the
chance to win some great prizes, including tickets to this year’s Iron Bowl game!
Saw’s Street Kitchen and Steel City Pops will be providing food for purchase at the event. The Junior League of
Birmingham’s YUMMY truck will also be on site!
The event is open to the public, and tickets cost $10 each, which includes entry to the festival, one
pumpkin, and access to all the games! All proceeds will benefit Grace House Ministries, a
residential facility that provides long-term care for girls between the ages of 6 and 18. Many of
these girls have been abused and/or neglected, removed from the custody of their families and
are placed at Grace House through the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Money raised
at the event will be used to provide for their care.
To purchase advance tickets,visit Grace’s House’s Website at www.grace-house.org.Tickets may
also be purchased at the event. Attendees are highly encouraged to RSVP via Grace House’s
Facebook page, www.facebook.com/gracehouseministries.

Master Motivator Orrin Hudson Plays a Simultaneous Game of Chess with 59 Students

Birmingham Times

October 2, 2014

Teaches them the winning moves in chess… and life!
GADSDEN, Ala. (BlackNews.com) — Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, a national chess champion, motivational speaker, and the founder of Atlanta-based Be Someone, Inc., recently traveled to Gadsden, Alabama to host a week-long training program with local elementary and middle school students. The goal, according to Hudson, was to “make math, science and logic come alive” and to use the game of chess to teach kids the only way to fight is to use your head. “Heads up, pants up, grades up and never give up,” he taught them.
The unique training program, held at the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts Center, began on Monday September 8th and concluded with competition matches on Friday September 12th. Student participants were motivated to propel themselves to reach personal goals, and they were challenged to aspire to personal and educational greatness.
Hudson comments, “Through the game of chess, I am helping these children to engineer an amazing future for themselves by teaching them pattern recognition. Once you learn pattern recognition, it allows you to predict results and you can position yourself to win. It can be applied in chess and in life!”
During his training, Hudson used a life size chess board as well as individual chess boards for each student. As a former Alabama state trooper, he believes “prevention is better than detention” and uses his program as a proactive approach to teach kids. “Every move you make has a consequence just like in the game of chess. But life is more than a game,” he says. “You must make the right moves.”
The seventh of 13 children, Hudson grew up in public housing in Birmingham, Alabama, finding himself in and out of foster care. As a teenager, he was stealing tires and struggling in school until James Edge, his high school English teacher, taught Hudson the game of chess. Chess helped improve Hudson’s focus, and helped him develop the analytical thinking skills needed to make the winning move. He went on to win the Birmingham City Chess Championship in 1999, and again in 2000, despite being the lowest-ranking player in the tournament on both occasions.
Hudson uses his story and his knowledge of chess to inspire young people all over the world. He trained thousands of students all over the country, and has even trained overseas in the Philippines and India. “Think it out, don’t shoot it out. Peace over violence, and brains before bullets,” is just one of the catch phrases he uses to challenge students to make the right moves and choices that can position them for success in life.
To bring Orrin to your city or to learn more about his program, visit www.besomeone.org.

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