Ms. Annie Mary Gray retires after 47 years at Stillman

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July 10, 2014

Dr. Peter Millet presented Ms. Gray with a resolution.

Long-time Stillman employee, Ms. Annie Mary Gray was applauded for her outstanding service during her recent retirement party, which was held on the College campus and attended by over 70 people. Dr. Peter E. Millet presented her with a resolution; Ms. Nancy Boyd presented her with a proclamation from Congresswoman Terri Sewell; Mr. Anthony Holloman presented her with a plaque; and Dr. Linda Beito presented her with a gift from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Ms. Gray was also recognized by National Alumni Association President Mrs. Jean Wilson Sykes, Ms. Willie Mae Wells, Dr. Bettye Mullen and many others.

Ms. Gray was born on Stillman’s campus 70 years ago, grew up about 10 blocks away and worked for the College for the past 47 years. She is also a Stillman graduate.
Students and employees of the College are often shocked to learn that Ms. Gray was born in Snedecor Hall, which was formerly the Emily Estes Snedecor Nurses’ Training School and Hospital. For many years the building, which is now used for offices and classrooms, was the only health care facility for Black people in West Alabama.

Although Ms. Gray’s work in the College’s Department of Institutional Advancement entails assisting alumni and serving as an adviser to the Pre-Alumni Council, she is also among a handful of long-time employees who are viewed as keepers of Stillman history.
Because she has worked for so many years, Ms. Gray can testify to just how drastically technology has changed the workplace. While a paper jam at the copier may aggravate employees today, she remembers a time when making a copy was a serious undertaking. “You had to put on an apron before you made a copy because you would end up covered with powder,” she says.

Although she lives in walking distance from the campus and promises to remain active in the National Alumni Association of Stillman College (NAASC), many people feel as though Stillman is losing a bit of history now that Ms. Gray has retired. Long-time Stillman employee and former NAASC President Ms. Willie Mae Wells dubs Ms. Gray a “Stillman icon.” Current NAASC President Jean Sykes-Wilson, who served as Miss Stillman in 1989, muses that because Ms. Gray was born on campus, lived on campus and worked on campus, she is a Miss Stillman in her own right.

Ms. Luvenia Cain, who has worked for Stillman for 37 years, says, “I feel almost too emotional to speak about her retirement. She’s been here so long and she really knows our alumni and works so well with them. The entire campus will miss her. ” Ms. Gray admits that she will miss being on campus each day. “I’ll really miss serving as adviser to the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Pre-Alumni Council. I traveled often with the students, and it was always such a joy to work with them.”Fortunately, she promises to maintain contact. She is a member of the board of the National Alumni Association, the secretary for the Tuscaloosa chapter, secretary of the Stillman Tiger Varsity Club, and a member of the Stillman Women’s Council—and she lives in walking distance of the campus. “I won’t be in my office every day,” she warns. “But after this many years, Stillman will always be a part of me.”

Words That Hurt Black Hair

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Birmingham Times

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July 10, 2014

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It is said that “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” I agree with that statement in part.

Black hair terminology, in my opinion, has systematically damaged our kinky textured hair to date. The appearance of coarse, kinky hair is deceptive to many people that have been mis-educated about African American hair.

Since slavery began in America, Black hair has been called many unflattering names in the presence of young Black children affecting their self-worth in a negative manner. As children we are impressionable and we learn from our elders both good and bad lessons about life. In this article I will share my viewpoint on the low self-image that many of us have in our struggle for social acceptance. The words pretty and ugly can have a powerful influence on the psyche of a child. Looking good to others is very important in any society. The clothes and hairstyles that we wear should be appropriate for our lifestyles, but is a person is confused about what’s pretty and what’s ugly the African American lifestyle will be in total discord and disharmony. The effects of words like nappy head, bad hair, hard headed, tender headed and picky headed are derogatory words that are used by the older generation to imply that one’s hair does not look good.

My contention is we, as a people, should learn the negative effects of our words about Black hair by investigating and examining our childhood before we speak about Black hair. Now I am not asking you to believe this because I said it, I am asking you to study to show your own self-approval.

Contact me at: (205) 252-2508.

Understanding Antibiotic Resistance

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Birmingham Times

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July 10, 2014

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(NAPSI) A recent survey by Harris Interactive found that many people are confused about human antibiotic resistance and how that relates to antibiotic use in people, livestock and poultry. How Americans Think The survey asked consumers, “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which of the following is the greatest contributing factor to human antibiotic resistance.” Only 41 percent correctly answered “health professionals overprescribing to people.” Eighteen percent thought CDC said use of antibiotics in livestock production was the No. 1 contributing factor, according to the CDC. Seven percent thought antimicrobial hand sanitizers to be the biggest factor; 5 percent thought the answer was drinking water; and 28 percent said they were unsure.
How Hospitals Can Help As CDC Director Thomas Frieden, M.D., explained, “Right now, the most acute problem is in hospitals. And the most resistant organisms in hospitals are emerging in those settings because of poor antimicrobial stewardship among humans.” In fact, he said that half of all antibiotic prescriptions given to humans are unnecessary. How Farmers Help As for livestock and poultry, antibiotics have historically been used to treat, prevent and control disease. In the past, they were also used because they helped livestock grow more quickly. The CDC says that it’s important to use good stewardship in the administration of antibiotics during livestock and poultry production and that antibiotic use for animal growth promotion should be phased out, an effort that is already under way at the request of the Food and Drug Administration and a move that the American Meat Institute (AMI) supports. Antibiotics will still be used to treat, prevent and control disease when needed, though farmers have to follow “withdrawal periods” to make sure the antibiotics are out of the animal’s system before the animal is processed. Yet the poll data showed that four in 10 consumers thought residues were common in meat and poultry products despite USDA sampling data showing that 99 percent of all samples were negative for any residue.
How to Learn More

To help close this knowledge gap, AMI created a new brochure called “The Facts About Antibiotics in Livestock & Poultry Production. Sort Fact From Fiction.” The brochure may be downloaded, free, from www.MeatAMI.com or requested via mail by sending a self-addressed, 4” x 5.5” envelope with 69 cents postage to Antibiotic Brochure, 1150 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC, 20036.

A Salute to Jessica M. Tolbert

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Birmingham Times

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July 2, 2014

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On May 13, 2014, Jessica M. Tolbert was presented four awards from the Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP).

These awards included a diploma of completion of the program, YLDP Student of the Year Award, Walsh Academy of Leadership Top Junior Award, and Birmingham Southern College Students in Service Scholarship.

Jessica served as a member and a Birmingham Division Group 3 Council Senator for the 2013-2014 YLDP year. Jessica is a rising senior at Homewood High School and serves as a National Honor Society Member, American Legion Auxiliary member and chaplain, and HHS debate team captain. She looks forward to participating in the YLDP next year. She was chosen to represent Homewood High School at the 2014 session of American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State, held on the campus of the University of Alabama. For one week, she was a citizen of an imaginary state, taking part in the political life of her community, primarily through campaigning for elected city, county, and state offices. She learned the operation of the government by participating in community caucuses and through the election process. Well known speakers and other city, county, and state officials visited and enlightened the young women on their civic responsibilities.

Jessica had plans to campaign for the office of Attorney General. Miss Tolbert spoke to her sponsoring organization, Unit 134, and to other organizations upon invitation about her sponsoring experience at Girls State. The daughter of Miriam and Tyrone Tolbert, Jessica was selected to attend the Girls State Program because of her outstanding leadership.
Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Alabama Girls State is a laboratory of practical government, and a personal application of the duties, responsibilities, and privileges of being an American. In her high school and local community, Miss Tolbert is also involved with Congregation Beth Hallel Birmingham, Homewood High School Track and Field, Debate team, National Honor Society, and Teen Court. Jessica returned from Girls State on June 13. She says, “It was a phenomenal experience.” She listened to several dynamic speakers during her week ( June 8-13 ) at Girls State.

These speakers included Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey and Google executive Nan Boden. She also met Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange. Later on in the week she was elected Girls State Attorney General. She was also awarded a $12,000 scholarship from the University of Alabama and a $6,00 scholarship from Auburn University. At the closing ceremony Ms. Lee Sellers announced that Jessica Tolbert was one of 100 girls selected from across the nation who will be attending Girls State 2014 at Girls Nation this month.

This Is Almost Unbelievable

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Birmingham Times

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July 2, 2014

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The speaker of the house made a statement that he was going to file suit against the President of the United States. When a reporter asked him the exact charges he plans to file against the President, his response was, “I do not know at this time and when I find out, I will let you know.” The Republican Party is working towards 2016. In November 2014 the Republicans plan to control the senate. What they are attempting to do is to destroy Barack Obama’s credibility on every issue and then say that Hillary Clinton is another Barack Obama. Democrats have held the majority in the Senate for almost eight years, but as Election Day 2014 approaches Republicans are confident that math and history are on their side. Democrats head into the election with a 55-45 advantage; Republicans need a net gain of six seats to win a majority. Unfortunately for the Democrats, they have to defend 21 of the 36 seats up for grabs this year. Making matters worse for the Democrats this year is the fact that seven of their seats up this year are in states carried by Mitt Romney in 2012.Democrats also have to contend with the electorate’s six-year itch. The party occupying the White House in the sixth year of a presidential administration almost invariably loses seats in Congress. CNN currently calculates that a total of 12 Democratic seats up this year are currently at risk. Vulnerable Democrats are up in Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina and (if a Republican wave develops), New Hampshire, and Virginia. Democrats also have potentially vulnerable open seats in Iowa and Michigan. Republicans have an edge in West Virginia and South Dakota’s open Democratic seat is already virtually conceded to the GOP. As for the Republicans, CNN currently calculates that the only vulnerable incumbent up this year is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. The race for the open GOP seat in Georgia –currently held by retiring Sen. Saxby Chambliss – also has potential to become the competitive in November. Republicans do not believe in giving people the right to vote, passing the immigration bill, women’s equality, issues in climate change, and supporting a higher minimum wage. Unless Democrats can get messages out supporting the above topics then they will not control the Senate in 2016. In other words, in 2016 the Republicans will control both the House and the Senate.

By Jesse J. Lewis, Sr.

For Some, Breast Milk Is ‘New’ Energy Drink

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Birmingham Times

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July 2, 2014

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Some athletes are turning to an alternative liquid other than energy drinks. They’re relying on human breast milk for boosting energy and overall health.

Only the Breast ( http://www.onlythebreast.com/ ) and Human Milk 4 Human Babies ( http://www.hm4hb.net/ ) are two sites where a number of athletes buy the breast milk for $2.50 an ounce. Anthony, a 30-something-year-old from Queens, New York told NYMag.com there are “a lot of guys’ at different gyms who consume ‘the good stuff.” And he doesn’t care about what the critics who thinks he’s weird have to say. “I don’t believe in steroids or other energy supplements, none of that garbage,” he said. “I want natural stuff that’s God-given, and if it’s okay with moms looking to get rid of [the breast milk], I’ll take it.”

He’s among many athletic men who feel drinking breast milk makes them feel healthier. David from Brooklyn started drinking breast milk three years ago to rid him of nausea caused by chemotherapy. And another man, Jason Nash, tried breast milk when he and his wife welcomed their first child, and he feels it prevents illness. Lactation consultant Jan Barger agreed breast milk helps with patients going through chemotherapy because it’s easy to digest. But she said other than chemo patients, it’s for infants and not 200-plus pound men.

By: http://www.Eurweb.com/

Manicures in Birmingham’s Hairshops

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Birmingham Times

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July 2, 2014

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The history of a manicure goes back to the year 3000 B.C. in Africa where the art of nail care started. The African men and women of high social rank painted their nails with henna, and by 6000 B.C. the Chinese royalty were painting their nails with gold and silver paint. Barbershops of the first half of the twentieth century provided manicures as part of their traditional services along with shaves, haircuts, and shoe shining.

Today’s barber and beauty shops in the Black community do not offer manicures. The manicure is part of our beauty culture that we lost in our struggle for equality. After slavery Birmingham became industrialized with coal mining and steel plants and the need for manicures declined in the Black community. Today we live in a technical Birmingham where we work with our minds more than our hands, which means the manicure is back in the Black community.

Nails are an important part of the integument system of the body and are considered to be appendages of the skin. The condition of the nail, like that of the skin reflects the general health of the body. The healthy nail is translucent with pinkish color showing through, that pink color is your nail bed. The manicure is also your window to view your health. The nail unit reflects the image of your health. The surface of your nail should be smooth, curved, and unspotted, without any hollows are wavy ridges. The manicure is also a health monitor that you should watch and check for health warnings and signs that will convey your health standard to you.

I am urging Black shop-owners to get back to the manicures for health reasons. Now I am not asking you to believe this because I said it, I am asking you to study to show your own self-approval.

By: Pete Stone

“IS THAT A MISQUOTE ON THE MEMORIAL TOMB OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.?”

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Birmingham Times

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July 1, 2014

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(New York). “The inscription on the memorial tomb of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is not what he said in his world famous speech, ‘I Have A Dream,’” said James D. Sewell, publisher of a new website, www.MLK-Tomb-Misquote.com, which is dedicated to correcting this insult to Dr. King. “I recently logged onto the U.S. Park Service website to research a tribute poem I was writing about Dr. King, when I discovered what looked like a misquote on Dr. King’s memorial tomb.”

“When I first saw it, I wasn’t really sure what to think,” said Mr. Sewell. “I could not believe that a man of Dr. King’s stature would be misquoted on his memorial tomb, and especially in his most famous speech.”

“I had to see this for myself,” Sewell said. “This was just too hard to believe so I went to visit The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, Ga.”

A first time visitor to the site will immediately sense the air of respect and reverence that permeates everything – from the grandeur of the architecture, to the flower gardens, to the spectacular sculptures and works of art, everything about this memorial shows a deep love and respect for this great man. “This memorial to Dr. King is a very fitting tribute to a man who has earned the love and respect of the entire world.”

The highlight of the tour was Dr. King’s memorial tomb. “Standing before Dr. King’s tomb is a truly humbling experience,” Sewell said. “We should all come here at least once in our lives to see Dr. King’s tomb, so we never forget the struggle or the dream.”

“But I was amazed and more than a little upset to see that the most recognizable lines from his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech, have been misquoted on his tomb,” Sewell said. “As you can see for yourself, the quotation on his tomb has Dr. King saying, ‘I’m Free At Last’, but in his speech he said, ‘We Are Free At Last.’”

Sewell adds, “Something must be done right now to correct this. So I started an online petition at www.ipetition.com/petitions/mlk-tomb-misquote to do just that. I am asking the millions of people worldwide who love and respect Dr. King to join the fight to make this right. This insult to Dr. King must be corrected immediately. When the petition has 100,000 signatures it will be presented to the President and Congress for action.”

“The misquote on the memorial tomb of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an insult to his memory and his legacy, and to all those who shared his dream and believed in his message,” says Sewell.

Bounce TV’s “Off The Chain Live!” Comedy Tour Coming to Birmingham July 3

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Birmingham Times

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July 1, 2014

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Series Host & Funnyman Rodney Perry to Headline All Performances, Tour Based upon Network’s Popular Stand-Up Comedy Series.

(ATLANTA) – Off The Chain Live! – the just-announced comedy tour based upon the Bounce TV network’s popular stand-up comedy series Off The Chain – will be arriving in Birmingham, AL on July 3 at The Stardome. Off The Chain is a family-friendly stand-up comedy show featuring the hottest African American comedians on the planet. Off The Chain series host Rodney Perry will headline the Off The Chain Live! Performances at The Comedy House. Perry is a popular comedian who has opened for such top comics as George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey. Comedian Rion Evans will serve as MC for all the Off The Chain Live! Shows, with two local comics per market also appearing on the bill.

Off The Chain Live is a six-city tour which, after Birmingham and having already played Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC, will hit Chattanooga, TN (Aug. 14-16), Nashville, TN (Aug. 17) and Atlanta (Aug. 27-28). Bounce TV is the nation’s first-ever broadcast television network designed for African American audiences. Bounce TV targets African American adults with a programming mix of original series, theatrical motion pictures, live sports, documentaries, specials, game shows and inspirational faith-based programs.

In Columbia, Bounce TV is seen on WBRC-TV channel 6.2, Comcast channel 220, Charter channels 81 & 151 and Bright House channel 651.

For tickets call 205-444-0008 or visit http://stardome.com/

For more information on Bounce TV, visit www.bouncetv.com.

50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

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Birmingham Times

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July 1, 2014

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(Atlanta). The King Center is pleased to announce that on June 24^th Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King posthumously received a Congressional Gold Medal, during a special ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The King Center CEO, Dr. Bernice A. King, as well as her brothers, Martin Luther King III and Dexter Scott King joined with Speaker John A. Boehner (R-OH), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), and other Senate and House leaders in commemorating this historic occasion. The ceremony was held in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. The Congressional Gold Medal “represents Congress’ highest expression of appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions to our nation.”

Following the ceremony and the award of the Congressional Gold Medal to her parents, Bernice A. King said “What an amazing day. This is the first honor of this magnitude where my parents are honored together, reflecting the powerful partnership they shared in the struggle for freedom and justice. It is so fitting, especially because my mother often said, ‘that she did not just marry the man she loved, she married the mission and the movement’ and understood her role in their partnership.”

She continued by saying, “I had the privilege to work with my mother as she helped to design the images and wording for the medal. She was very excited about being honored with such a prestigious award alongside her lifetime partner and was looking forward to receiving it. Well, today she is rejoicing with Daddy in heaven.”

Dr. King further stated that “As Founder of The King Center, my mother was really the driving force that kept my father’s nonviolent leadership philosophy and legacy at the forefront of the consciousness of our nation and the world. Also, it was my father who recognized that she was a courageous partner, and acknowledged on many occasions that without her strength and unflagging dedication to the cause, he could never have made it from day to day through the movement.”’