Waymond Jackson promoted to Vice President of Workforce Development

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May 29, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Waymond Jackson has been promoted to Vice President of Workforce Development for the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA). Since joining the BBA in 2012 as Director of Education and Workforce Development, Jackson has coordinated initiatives among industry and education partners that develop a workforce pipeline to address the current and future hiring needs of the region’s employers, a main component of Blueprint Birmingham.
“Waymond has shown outstanding leadership in connecting our education and industry partners,” said Myla Calhoun, general counsel and senior vice president regional development and public policy for the BBA. “His creative approach to the workforce needs in this region has energized educators and employers in new and exciting ways. The BBA’s Talent Recruitment Project is just one example of that. We are very proud of Waymond and his accomplishments and expect many more in the years to come.”
During his time at the BBA, Jackson has worked closely with K-12 partners to implement and support college and career readiness programs, including career academies and the 21st Century Workforce Act. He has worked closely with higher education institutions throughout the state to help recruit and retain new talent to the Birmingham area through the BBA’s Talent Recruitment Project, which connects high-caliber talent to Birmingham area companies. Jackson also was instrumental in developing school board training workshops in the area and the new AIDT Alabama Workforce Training Center.
Jackson, a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, participated in the Alabama Leadership Initiative in 2012 and the Auburn University Economic and Community Development Institute that same year. He is a board member of the Birmingham Education Foundation and Growing Kings, and has participated in Leadership UAB and PARCA Roundtable.
Birmingham Business Alliance is a dynamic advocate, unifying voice and constant catalyst for economic development and business prosperity for the Birmingham region.

For more information about the BBA visit its website at
www.birminghambusinessalliance.com.

Let’s talk about the future of our community

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Birmingham Times

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May 29, 2014

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District 2 has more assets, and greater individual diversity, than any in the county.
We’ve been blessed with genuinely committed neighborhood leaders and community groups—from the Dunbar Abrams Community Center in Bessemer to the Resource Center in Norwood to the Comer School in Crestwood.
At the same time, we face serious challenges. Our neighborhoods’ crime, struggling schools, vacant lots and abandoned houses cannot be ignored any longer.
Like you, I’ve watched the Jefferson County Commission fail the people of District 2. The shameful abandonment of Cooper Green in 2012 destroyed a civil rights landmark, and the state’s most important safety net hospital.
As your commissioner, I’ll commit myself to representing the interests of everyone in District 2. I ask for your support. More importantly, I ask for your input and your involvement in serving our district. Thank you, and God bless.

Max Michael, Candidate
Jefferson County Commission, District 2

Female African American Director Launches Campaign for Feature Film

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Birmingham Times

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May 29, 2014

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Crowd funding through Indiegogo, Director Shequeta Smith is seeking bail money for her Bad Granny

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Hollywood is chock-full of great directors and the alumni of talented African American Directors such as Steve McQueen,Lee Daniels, Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, and John Singleton is growing. However, what we are not seeing is an equal presence of female African American Directors, but one woman hopes to change that and that woman is Shequeta Smith, CEO of Rayven Choi Films.
A graduate of North Carolina State University, a professional resume that includes working on shows like VH1’s Flava of Love, the CW’s Everybody Hates Chris, and a handful of successful short films she has directed; Smith now has her sights on feature films and has a hilarious comedy in the works and has launched a crowd funding campaign to get it off the ground.
The film is titled The Gestapo vs. Granny and is a comedy set inside of a retirement home that centers around Agnes Monroe, a no nonsense eccentric senior citizen who has been kicked out of 18 retirement homes and been arrested nine times for bad behavior while leaving a trail of outspoken victims from her shenanigans. In a hilarious twist Agnes is recruited to take on the shrewd owner of a retirement home that the residents have nicknamed The Gestapo. Agnes’ major “Senior Moment” is never realizing she is a senior…not even for a moment.
Smith launched her crowd funding campaign on Indiegogo on Monday and has a goal of $75,000 that her team is marketing as Agnes’ bail money and promoting on social media as “Free Agnes Monroe.”
Confident the campaign will succeed, Smith plans to shoot the film this Fall in Los Angeles with a dream cast and if all goes according to plan, Betty White will star in the film as Agnes Monroe. Smith has even initiated an online fan petition for Betty White to star in the role of Agnes.
To support The Granny vs. The Gestapo’s Indiegogo campaign, log on to www.FreeAgnesMonroe.com. Follow the campaign and film on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/FreeAgnesMonroe and on Twitter,www.Twitter.com/FreeAgnesMonroe.

Miracle Coleman Happy Birthday!

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Birmingham Times

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May 29, 2014

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Happy 4th Birthday to Miracle Coleman, born May 31, 2010. Miracle is outstanding, an amazing little girl. She has accomplish much in her four years such as knowing her ABCs; counting her numbers fluently and completely. Miracle is very affectionate; she talks about her love for mother; aunt; brother; cousins; Dad- Dad and her special Grandmother. Her favorite words are Thank You Jesus!

A Quest to know God

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Birmingham Times

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May 29, 2014

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GREED
Life is filled with much frustration and anxiety, which evolves from a desire to have or be what one cannot seem to grasp as easily as he/she might think or hope. Maybe long or short term goals have been misplaced. Maybe life seems to be too conglomerate to be reachable; this too can bring on restlessness, and if not emerged into control can cause an angry spirit, which will result in out of control temper flare-ups. It is imperative that schools incorporate anger management, and debate courses in their curriculum. For self-control, you need Jesus. He will help you. Knowing the Power of the Cross will enable every Christian to have peace.
Greed means excessive desires, which if not quickly brought into control will cause all of the above attitudes, and many more. Greed will cause you to be impoverished in every area of life. It will wreck your personage.
I would like you to expand your thinking in regards to money or things, because greed extends in diverse ways, and that is a strong desire to acquire and possess what is not yours. The word is also covetous, and a covetous person desires what is not theirs, and becomes overwhelmed in pride, and feel they should have what they desire. A prideful person thinks highly of one- self, which leads to getting whatever desired. Scripture says pride comes before a fall, Proverbs 16:18. A man’s pride shall bring him low, Proverbs 29:23. In James 4:1 it tells about how conflicts come. It is imperative that we all turn to the Lord Jesus. You cannot discipline yourself and remain under control, when pressure comes. Only the Holy Spirit can help you maintain quietness in these troublesome times we are now facing, and more to come.
Put your trust in Jesus, and remain prayerful.
www.thealmightyeyes.com

Come Back

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Birmingham Times

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May 29, 2014

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“Now do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the LORD; and enter His sanctuary, which He has sanctified forever, and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of His wrath may turn away from you. “For if you return to the LORD, your brethren and your children will be treated with compassion by those who lead them captive, so that they may come back to this land; for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.” 2 Chronicles 30:8-9

So many times I recall the conversations I used to have with my grandmother about God’s love and His mercy. She had so much faith in God’s ability to fix any and all things – even me. She would always tell me “come back DeeDee before you get too far out. You don’t want to get too far from the goodness of God. ” Yet she would also tell me “those whom God loves, He also chastens”, when I would tell her of my misfortunes. At the time it did not make much sense to me and I really wasn’t in the mind-set to sit down and give it much thought. I was living my life (I felt) to the fullest and since I was young (I felt) I had time to get it right.
Many people still feel this way today. In spite of the fact that they are over 30, over 40 or over 50 (not teenagers), in spite of their financial condition, in spite of the confusion in their families, in spite of the chaos in their communities and in spite of calamity of this world. There is a heaviness in my spirit when I think of all the time and money spent on entertainment, luxuries, selfish ambitions, space ships, weapons for war and so many things that have no benefit to anyone other than those involved. Just think if the $20 million spent in one weekend to see a movie, the $400 million spent on a space ship to go to a place we still no nothing about, the millions spent on a night of presenting a trophy to someone or even the billions spent on war and sports was redirected to homelessness, poverty, education, health care, the elderly, foster care, addiction recovery, domestic violence, mental health and so many others things that would benefit more than a few and last for generations.
It’s time for us to remember what God has done and why He has done it. It’s time for us to remember how it was done and what they accomplished by doing it that way. It’s time to stop pleasing man and ourselves and start pleasing God. It’s time to COME BACK to Him, COME BACK to His place, it’s time to COME BACK to His plan. Don’t hesitate one more day – COME BACK, COME BACK, COME BACK!!!!

Have a wonderful journey back,
Minister Deidra Bibb

Revival

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Birmingham Times

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May 29, 2014

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The Birmingham (AL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated Hosts Successful Inaugural Fundraising Gala

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Birmingham Times

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May 29, 2014

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photo credit: Stephonia McLinn)

Birmingham(Alabama) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated Members

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham(AL) chapter of the Links, Incorporated welcomed over 350 guests to An Evening with Friends, the organization’s inaugural fundraising gala at the Harbert Center on Saturday, May 17th. The event brought in over $50,000 that will be used to support the chapter’s programs.
Bobbie Knight and Debra Nelson served as co-chairs of the gala that began with a strolling fashion show sponsored by SAKS Fifth Avenue and a live music reception featuring Birmingham native Kim Scott, a nationally renown jazz flautist. Following the dinner, guests danced to music by the band Kliche that featured Birmingham School Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon on saxophone.
Guests also bid on auction items that included a personal shopper and gift certificate from SAKS Fifth Avenue, a three day – two night stay with limousine and dinner from MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, original artwork, and other items.
“We are grateful to our sponsors, guests, and members for their outstanding support of this event,” said Chapter President Vanessa Falls.
Guests included Judge and Mrs. UW Clemon, Judge and Mrs. Ralph Cook, and Judge Carnella Greene Norman. Birmingham school board President Randall Woodfin, as well as school board members Daagye Hendricks and Lyord Watson, Genoa McPhatter, aunt of Honorary Link Dr. Condoleezza Rice. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bell, Jeff and Lois Germany, Ron and Rosilyn Houston, Vickie Ausmer and Winston Ausmer were also among those in attendance.
The Birmingham (AL) Chapter also welcomed Links members Tracey Morant Adams, Dr. Jarralynne Agee and Connecting Link Dr. Robert Agee, Charletta Sheehy, President of the Magic (AL) City Chapter and Connecting Link Dwight Sheehy.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the educational and community service programs sponsored by the Birmingham (AL) chapter of the Links, Incorporated. One of those programs is JAMS, Joining Artists and Musicians in Schools. Currently 30 students at Putnam and Ossie Ware Mitchell Middle Schools participate in the program that provides music education, instruments and interaction with various artists.
Members of the Birmingham (AL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated include:
Vanessa Falls, President
Janine Pearson Johnson
Dr. Monique Gardner-Witherspoon
Anne Hooks
Malena Cunningham
Angelene Whatley
Brenda Adams
Carnetta Nabors Davis
Samuetta Primus Nesbitt
Camelia Holmes
Ronda K. Bell
Dr. Cathy Bradford
Rhonda Cantelow
Dr. Mia Cowan
Dr. Marquita Furness Davis
Martha Emmett
Daagye Hendricks
Gaynell Hendricks
Kim Hitchens
Diann Jackson
Marva Owens James
Jewrette Yvonne Johnson
Cheryl Anderson Kidd
Bobbie Knight
Carol Kirby McElderry
Debra Nelson
Judge Nyya Parson-Hudson
Dr. Deveta Peoples
Erica Williams Prewitt’
Stephanie Rayborn
Dr. Anabela Simon-Lee
Shandra Jackson Smith
Demetruis Taylor
Tamara Jones Travis
Dr. Cheryl Cephus Vickers
Debra Weston-Pickens
Iris Williams
Bonika Wilson

Speaking of Soaps

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Birmingham Times

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May 29, 2014

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BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Wyatt tried to convince Quinn to delete the ‘selfie’ of her and Bill. Brooke and Bill continued to enjoy their time in Abu Dhabi, where they would soon be getting married. Ridge was upset that Bill gave RJ a sword necklace. Katie confided in Donna that she wishes Ridge would accept Bill and Brooke’s marriage. While emailing Ridge new jewelry designs Quinn added a surprise attachment. Ridge vented to Eric about needing to get through to Brooke before the wedding. Wyatt again pleaded with Quinn to stay out of Brooke and Bill’s relationship. Brooke and Bill enjoyed authentic Emirati cuisine at a private dinner on the beach. Bill gave Brooke a special, sparkly new gift. Ridge asked Quinn about the ‘selfie’ she sent him, and Quinn revealed that she and Bill had an affair. Bill worked with a wedding planner while Brooke still knew little about ceremony plans. While headed for Dubai, Ridge called Katie to explain why he has to stop Brooke from marrying Bill. Wyatt was upset at Quinn for showing Ridge the ‘selfie’ which sent Ridge to break up a wedding, but Quinn blamed it all on karma. Bill and Brooke prepared for their wedding. Ridge reminisced about a closed chapter while a new one is about to begin. Brooke and Bill’s wedding on the beach in Abu Dhabi began. Quinn admitted that she has complicated feelings for Bill. Wyatt told Hope that Ridge’s on the way to stop the wedding and Hope wanted to warn Brooke.
THIS WEEK: Ridge receives the ammunition he needs. Katie confronts Quinn about showing Ridge the ‘selfie’.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Hope arrived at the Kiriakis mansion with a search warrant. Someone confessed to shooting Nick! Nicole tried to locate Daniel, desperate to stop him from talking to Eric. However, the two men had already run into each other. Thanks to Bev, Paige made a startling discovery involving JJ. Victor came to a surprising realization about Sonny. At Gabi’s photo shoot, Abigail was thrown when Ben had a strong reaction to an innocent offer. After a run-in with John, Brady was tempted to use drugs once again. Marlena was jealous when she heard about Roman’s date with Giselle. A confession to Nick’s shooting continued to send shockwaves throughout Salem. JJ unwittingly played a part in Nicole’s downfall. Nicole angrily told Daniel they can no longer be friends! A shocking twist was revealed regarding Nick’s case. Jennifer overheard an eye-opening conversation. A desperate Nicole tried to save her relationship with Eric.
THIS WEEK: Hope suspects all is not what it seems. Sonny fears he is going to lose Will forever.
GENERAL HOSPITAL
As a struggle erupted between Ava and AJ, an unarmed person walked in on them, and AJ was shot! Obrecht confronted Anna about Faison’s disappearance. Another bittersweet moment occurred between Patrick and Robin. Victor told Patrick that despite his suspicions, Robin should remain hopeful. Sam and Silas arrived at the clinic to search for his comatose wife but were unprepared for what they found. Carly played AJ’s voicemail for an interested party. Kiki confronted Ava about why she slept with Sonny. Luke gave Julian an ultimatum in regards to his role with the mob. Patrick, Sabrina and Emma discussed names for the baby. Ric enlisted Cameron’s help in order to woo Elizabeth. Dante and Lulu discussed the future of their family. Sonny cornered Ava. Meanwhile, Olivia told Carly about Sonny and Ava’s affair. Luke had mysterious business at the Metro Court. Tracy confided in Lulu about Luke’s odd behavior. Ric wined and dined Elizabeth on a very romantic date. Both Dante and Shawn were shocked by Anna’s decision – but she had good reason. Ava had a trump card of her own to play against Sonny. Kiki broke reeling news to Michael. Alexis and Nikolas questioned Ric’s involvement with both Julian and Elizabeth. Luke had a surprise for Tracy, and later he came face to face with a mystery man. Sonny did not believe Ava’s claim. Luke questioned the identity of the covert man. Ric was caught off guard when he’s suddenly faced with criminal charges. Despite their shock in regards to Ric’s alleged misconduct, Elizabeth asked Alexis to represent him.
THIS WEEK: After being scorned, Olivia and Morgan lean on each other for comfort. Julian expresses to Alexis that he fears for his family’s safety.

YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Sharon found the traffic ticket from the night of the Gala, but she didn’t remember getting it. Though Nick dismissed it, Sharon thought it has something to do with her secret. Later, Sharon’s memory was triggered by standing at Cassie’s grave. Neil told his family that he hopes to have a future with Hilary and that he wants their support. Meanwhile, Hilary and Lily got into a heated argument. Later, Neil asked Hilary to move in with him. While they talked about their living situation, they kissed as Leslie arrived and saw them together. Leslie wanted to know what Ian’s end game is, but Ian wouldn’t tell. Later, Nikki and Avery worried about what Victor and Dylan could be plotting against Ian. Ian wanted to call a truce with Victor, but Victor was not interested. Later, Victor paid Dylan to find out what they need to do to get rid of Ian Ward. When Chelsea fished for information on Stitch and Victoria’s relationship, she started to suspect that Stitch knew about Victoria’s pregnancy. Meanwhile, Billy saw something’s wrong with Victoria and began to worry. Later, Chelsea gave Victoria an ultimatum: Victoria has to tell Billy about the baby or else she will. Stitch confronted Chelsea about her involvement in Victoria’s personal life. Things started to heat up after Jack and Kelly went on their first date. Summer was surprised when she visited the Abbott mansion and she found Kelly with Jack. Jack and Kelly were troubled by Summer’s reaction. Nikki confronted Victor, and he maintained that he wants her to move back to the ranch. Jill finally agreed to let Colin out of the attic. After they got into an intense altercation, Jill made a shocking discovery! Soon after, the cops arrived and questioned why Colin was missing.
THIS WEEK: Summer finds comfort by talking with Austin. Sharon is surprised when Tyler comes to see her about Mariah.

Freshman Fifteen Essay Contest for College Students

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Birmingham Times

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May 29, 2014

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Aneesa Sood, Author — Aneesa Sood, an HBCU All Star and author of Freshman Fifteen: The Most Important Things I Learned in My First Year of College, invites students to enter a short essay contest.

Aneesa Sood, an HBCU All Star and author of Freshman Fifteen: The Most Important Things I Learned in My First Year of College, invites students to enter a short essay contest.

Entries are now being accepted for the Freshman Fifteen: The Most Important Things I Learned in My First Year of College Very Short Essay Contest.
The rules are as follows: 1) write a brief paragraph explaining the most important things you learned in your freshman year of college (200 words or less); 2) include your name, age, email address, phone number and college; 3) submit your essay at www.aneesasood.com on or before July 20, 2014. There is no entry fee.
The winner must agree to have his or her essay and photo included in publicity materials, including materials promoting the book Freshman Fifteen: The Most Important Things I Learned in My First Year of College by Aneesa Sood. The first place prize will be $100. Runners-up may have their names and essays posted on the website.
“The goal of the contest is to promote academic excellence, hard work, community involvement, responsibility, respect and other issues I write about in my book,” states Sood, a 19-year-old junior and Eminent Scholar at Tuskegee University.
The contest is open to college students in the United States. Only winners and runners-up will be notified.