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Erica Campbell to Host McDonald’s Celebration Gospel Tour

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Erica CampbellBy EURWeb.com

Back for its eighth year, the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour sets out May 22 and runs through July 25 with Erica Campbell and comedian Jonathan Slocumb serving as hosts.
Also on the roster are three-time 2014 Stellar Award-winners Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy, the renowned Mississippi Mass Choir, gospel’s latest hip-hop sensation Uncle Reece, organist Moses Tyson, Jr. and the powerful Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers.
“I am so thankful and honored to be chosen not only to host the tour, but to perform alongside other gospel greats,” stated Campbell, also one-half of sister duo Mary Mary. “The tour will definitely be filled with uplifting music, laughter and an overall good time for everyone.”
The free summer concert series will make stops in 12 markets, including: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Greensboro, Jackson, Los Angeles, Memphis, Oakland, Philadelphia, Raleigh and Washington, D.C.
McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour will again focus on the importance of giving back to the community by supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities, the company’s Mission Partner.
Gospel music fans can visit http://www.365Black.com to obtain tickets. Tour dates and locations include:
May 22 – Philadelphia, Mount Airy COGIC

May 23 – Washington, D.C., Ebenezer AME Church
*

June 5 – Charlotte, The Park Church

June 6 – Raleigh, Wake Chapel Church
*

June 7 – Greensboro, Mount Zion Baptist Church

June 19 – Jackson, Greater Bethlehem Temple Church

June 20 – Memphis, New Salem Baptist Church

June 27 – Detroit, Greater Grace Temple

June 28 – Chicago, Chicago Gospel Music Festival – Ellis Park

July 9 – Atlanta, Full Gospel Baptist Conference – Georgia World Congress Center

July 24 – Los Angeles, City of Refuge Church
July 25 – Oakland, Craneway Pavilion
– The asterisk (*) indicates that only Erica Campbell and Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy will perform at that location.
(Photo Source: PR Photos)

VIBE.Com Hiring Summer Interns

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BLACKNEWS.COM – VIBE.com, the web site for one of Black America’s long-existing magazines, is hiring college students who have an interest in the music industry. The web site, like thMary-J.-Blife-Covers-VIBE-Magazines-February-March-2013-Issuee magazine, covers all aspects of entertainment (hip-hop, R&B, pop, movies, sports), as well as some fashion and lifestyle.
Ideal candidates include people who have a strong interest and knowledge of hip-hop, R&B and dance music.
Because the internship is primarily digital-based, daily tasks include writing news briefs and sending pitches for vibe.com. Other duties: Researching stories and transcribing interviews with celebrities. On occasion, interns may be asked to attend events and do red carpet reporting on behalf of VIBE. Interns with an active interest in print will have occasional opportunities to assist with the magazine.

Starz to Premiere New Original Series “POWER”

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Power Key Art - Starz BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – Starz has announced that its highly anticipated new original series “Power” will debut on Saturday, June 7th at 9p.m. ET/PT with the release of Executive Producer Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson’s new music video for “Big Rich Town.”  The single, which was created specifically for the show and will serve as the main title theme, is performed by 50 Cent and features never before seen footage from the New York based crime drama from Emmy® nominated writer Courtney Kemp Agboh. Starz also released the official key art for the series.
“Big Rich Town” Music Video – Streaming Link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152950369658797
From acclaimed director Eif Rivera, known for his work with 50 Cent and G-Unit, Lil Wayne, Nikki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, and Fat Joe, the song the vocals of multi-Grammy ® nominee R&B singer Joe. The video was shot at various locations in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens, N.Y.
“For me the musical component of ‘Power’ is so important; I wanted to let the music speak to the viewers as they are watching the show and being able to create the theme song, ‘Big Rich Town,’ was crucial as it sets the tone of the show. The audience will also get the chance to hear additional music off my latest album, Animal Ambition, as the theme of the album translates into events portrayed in the show,” shares Executive Producer Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson.
“Power” tells the story of a visionary crime drama set in two different worlds, the glamorous New York club scene and the brutal drug trade.
James “Ghost” St. Patrick has it all: a beautiful wife, a gorgeous Manhattan penthouse, and the hottest, up-and-coming new nightclub in New York. His club, Truth, caters to the elite: the famous and infamous boldface names that run the city that never sleeps. As its success grows, so do Ghost’s plans to build an empire. However, Truth hides an ugly reality. It’s a front for Ghost’s criminal underworld; a lucrative drug network, serving only the wealthy and powerful.
As Ghost is seduced by the prospect of a legitimate life, everything precious to him becomes unknowingly threatened. Once you’re in, can you ever get out?
The cast is led by Omari Hardwick (Sparkle, For Colored Girls, Kick Ass, “Being Mary Jane”) who is joined by Lela Loren (Snitch, “Gang Related”), Naturi Naughton (Fame, “The Client List,” “Mad Men”) and Joseph Sikora (Jack Reacher, Safe, “Boardwalk Empire”). Hardwick stars as main character ‘James “Ghost” St. Patrick’; Loren plays ‘Angela Valdes’, an old flame of James’s who unexpectedly reenters his life; Naughton will play ‘Tasha St. Patrick’, wife, confidant and willing accomplice to James and Sikora plays ‘Tommy Egan’, childhood best friend and business partner to “Ghost.”
“Power” will also feature Andy Bean as ‘Greg’, Sinqua Walls as ‘Shawn’, Adam Huss as ‘Kantos’, Greg Serano as ‘Medina’, Lucy Walters as ‘Holly’, acclaimed actor Victor Garber as ‘Simon Stern,’ Sonya Walger as ‘Madeline Stern,’ Kathrine Narducci as ‘Lavaro’, Luis Antonio Ramos as ‘Ruiz’, La La Anthony as ‘LaKeisha’, Diane Neal as ‘Cynthia’, J.R. Ramirez as ‘Julio’, Debbi Morgan as ‘Estelle’, Shane Johnson as ‘Saxe’, Enrique Murciano as ‘Lobos’, Vinicius Machado as ‘Nomar’, Dominic Colon as ‘Anibal’, J.P. Serret as ‘Sabueso’ and Audrey Esparza as ‘Liliana’.
The series is created by Courtney Kemp Agboh (Emmy nominated for “The Good Wife”), who will serve as executive producer and showrunner. Mark Canton (300, Immortals, 300: Rise of an Empire), Randall Emmett (End of Watch, 2 Guns, Lone Survivor) and David Knoller (“Big Love,” “Carnivàle”) also serve as executive producers. The series is being produced in association with CBS Television Studios.

For more visit the “Power” Facebook Page and follow @Power_ Starz on Twitter. Join the conversation with #PowerTV and #STARZ.

Musical Notes

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Musical NotesBy Esther Callens

Gospel’s most prolific innovator, the legendary Bobby Jones has released a new CD. After a seven year hiatus from recording, he returns with Rejoice With Me, his 12th studio album. A collection of 11 wonderfully inspiring tracks, Rejoice With Me features nothing but some good gospel music and awesome sanging – You heard me right!
Dr. Jones, along with the Nashville Super Choir (NSC), are joined with a few friends on this project. Likewise, it is no surprise that they performed spot on in the true Bobby Jones fashion – They took it to Church! The title track, “Rejoice With Me”, opens the album. It is a rousing, upbeat tune with the fabulous Faith Evans taking the lead. The phenomenal Ann Nesby joins Dr. Jones on the beautiful melody, “Praise The Lord.”  This one really shifts the atmosphere. Shawn McLemore, Howard Hewitt, Renee Spearman and Paul Jackson Jr. lend their impressive vocals to some remarkable selections as well. The set closes on an emotional high with a stirring remix of Rejoice With Me (namely – “Everybody Rejoice”). Dr. Jones’ latest offers an extraordinary experience. It epitomizes why admirers love Mr. Sunday Morning, himself – Dr. Bobby Jones.
In addition to being a Grammy Award winning gospel artist, Dr. Bobby Jones is the executive producer and host of many inspirational programs. A key component in introducing the world to a plethora of gospel talents, Dr. Jones also loans his gift of expertise to numerous productions that includes Bobby Jones Gospel Classics, Bobby Jones Presents, Video Gospel and cable TV’s longest running show, BET Bobby Jones Gospel. He has an extensive list of accolades that includes Dove, Stellar, Sally Martin, Thomas A. Dorsey and Trumpet awards. He is a devout man of God that ministers through music.

Track listing: Rejoice With Me (Feat. Faith Evans); Faithful Is He; My Faith looks Up To Thee; Let’s Praise The Lord (Feat. Shawn McLemore); Created For Worship; Searched All Over (Feat. Howard Hewitt); No Not One; Praise The Lord (Feat. Ann Nesby); Right Now Praise; Nothing Without You (Feat. Renee Spearman & Paul Jackson Jr.); Everybody Rejoice (Instrumental).

Book News

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Book NewsBy Esther Callens

July 2nd of this year will mark the 50th anniversary of the revolutionary piece of legislation that forever changed America – The Civil Rights Act. This momentous event has been chronicled through an outstanding book written by noted author, Clay Risen. The Bill of the Century – The Epic Battle for the Civil Rights Act is the title of this thoroughly insightful read. Giving an in-depth look into one of America’s defining moments, Risen’s narrative is must read and an invaluable part of American literature.
The 1964 Civil Rights Act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. In doing so, schools were desegregated and fair policies were enacted for voter’s registration. These crucial issues were changed by fearless men and women who were fueled by their dreams and dared to fight for a better tomorrow. Likewise, they are the cast of characters in Risen’s book. Senators, Representatives, activists, lobbyists and businessmen fought divided and united to assure that children of today enjoy freedoms that were once denied their ancestors.
Risen gives an undiluted account of the profound battle that ensued. Ethics and politics were put to the test as arguments and speeches gave resounding yea(s) or nay(s). Clay Risen has written even the minute details of this significant event. He gives readers literally a clear feel of this prolific life-changing experience.
An editor at The New York Times op-ed section, Clay Risen was an assistant editor at The New Republic and the founding managing editor of the quarterly Democracy: A Journal of Ideas.  The Atlantic, Smithsonian and the Washington Post are a few of the journals where his freelance work has recently appeared. Among his previous titles are A Nation On Fire: America In The Wake Of The King Assassination, American Whiskey, Bourbon and Rye: A Guide to the Nation’s Favorite Spirit and others.

SPEAKING OF SOAPS

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tv-soap-operaBY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Oliver and Aly kissed by the Forrester pool. She opened up about herself to her new love.  Later, Oliver and Aly played in the pool with an underwater camera. Maya attempted to get Carter on board with her about Oliver taking advantage of Aly, but instead of taking her side, he wondered what the real reason is that his fiancée is so invested in Oliver’s behavior. Quinn was moved by Wyatt’s response when she queried him about why he didn’t propose to Hope.  When Liam arrived, he and Quinn traded insults. Brooke and Hope discussed how her recent predicament would affect Hope’s relationship with Wyatt. Quinn eavesdropped on Hope and Brooke’s private conversation. Later, she attempted to tell Wyatt that he has reason to worry.  Brooke confided in Rick about trying to help Bill get his company back from Katie. Oliver was moved when Aly shared her feelings about losing her mom and a special memory that Darla left for her daughter. Liam offered Hope a “challenge” in regards to her relationship with both him and Wyatt. Liam set the stage for a romantic dinner with Hope. Her future with both Liam and Wyatt hinged on her willingness to show up at his house. Wyatt told Quinn to relax when she voiced her concern that Liam was winning Hope back. Brooke, Rick, Eric, Carter and Maya prepared for a Forrester board meeting.  Shocked reactions occur when Oliver stated that Aly would be the perfect woman to carry a Forrester family tradition forward. Oliver and Aly showed strong feelings for each other that no one else noticed. Hope told Wyatt about Liam’s ultimatum. Aly decided to confide in Caroline, who in turn gives her advice. Maya confronted Oliver and insinuated that he doesn’t have Aly’s best intentions at heart. Their conversation caused Maya to become even more determined to protect the young Forrester heiress. Liam continued to prepare dinner for Hope while she and Wyatt discussed Liam’s actions and how he’s still so invested in her. Wyatt wondered if Hope’s invested as well. Carter and Maya disagreed about the situation with Aly and Oliver. Quinn questioned Wyatt about what is happening with him, Liam and Hope. Hope arrived at Liam’s for dinner where he had a surprise waiting for her.
THIS WEEK: Oliver becomes a comfort to Aly. Two mysterious people kiss in a romantic setting.
DAYS OF OUR LIVES
All hell broke loose at the DiMera mansion when the photograph of EJ and Abigail was discovered! Marlena and Jennifer shared their concerns about the DiMera family. Nicole dug up dirt on Liam and uncovered startling information. Daniel’s career was on the line as he faced a disciplinary hearing at the hospital. Thanks to Liam, Jennifer found incriminating evidence in Daniel’s apartment. Nick subtly convinced Gabi that Sami’s plotting to take her baby away!  Jennifer investigated the evidence she found against Daniel.  Nicole was stunned when she met Liam’s ex-wife.  EJ angrily confronted Kate.  JJ got upsetting news about Paige.  Nicole began to realize Liam was not only crazy but dangerous.  Theresa feared the Liam situation’s getting out of control.  Gabi and Nick met with Aiden to draw up their own custody agreement for Arianna.  JJ and Paige argued about their future, and he ended up turning to someone else.  Nicole sought help from Rafe regarding Liam.  An unstable Liam tracked down Jennifer at the Horton Cabin. Daniel pressured Theresa to confess. Nick threatened Sami.
THIS WEEK: Jennifer is alarmed by Liam’s behavior. There is a new strain in the relationship between JJ and Paige.
GENERAL HOSPITAL
An upset Michael turned to a tormented Sonny for comfort over AJ’s pending funeral services. Spencer came face to face with Luke and told him exactly what he overheard him say about his Uncle Sonny. Patrick was surprised when Sabrina showed up to attend Emma’s dance recital. Ava threatened a jailed Carlos and warned him not to reveal the real reason he was at the Quartermaine’s. Nik and Elizabeth shared an emotional moment, which was interrupted by Ric, who vowed to fight for her love.  Franco attempted to get information on Ava by forming a bond with Carlos while they are both in jail.  Carly ran into Ava and taunted her about her role in AJ’s death. Sonny walked in on Luke and Spencer, just as Luke was coercing Spencer to keep quiet.  Later, Sonny found Ava looking for Kiki at the Quartermaine mansion.  Ned tried to warn the disbelieving Tracy that Luke’s up to no good.  Emma had mixed feelings toward Patrick and Sabrina’s surprising news. Port Charles gathered to pay their respects to AJ, and Monica was upset when Sonny showed up at the service. Despite Ava’s looming threat, Franco was persistent about getting Carlos to reveal the secrets about Ava. Spencer snuck into Emma’s recital to warn her that she might be in danger. Luke was concerned about what Spencer knows. Meanwhile, in order to convince Tracy of Luke’s wrongdoings – Ned, Kiki and Morgan set a trap for Luke. A jealous Ava saw Morgan and Kiki comforting each other. Patrick, Emma and Sabrina were put in harms’ way. Anna and Nathan assessed the aftermath of a dire situation. Franco filled Carly in on Carlos’ admission, but new circumstances made him wonder if Ava made good on her warning. Spencer decided to let Sonny know about Luke’s plans. Morgan defended Kiki from Luke. After finding Morgan and Kiki consoling each other, an impassioned Ava found herself begging the tortured Sonny to not tell Michael the truth about AJ’s murder. Morgan faced the ultimate betrayal from his father. Sabrina and Patrick discover their baby may be at risk. Nathan had tough questions for Britt.
THIS WEEK: Carly and Franco plan to tell Anna about Carlos’ revelation. Carlos confronts Ava about the aftermath of her threat.

YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
When Nikki told Victor that Ian Ward’s back in Genoa City, Victor vowed to never let him hurt anyone in his family again. Later, Victor had a chilling encounter with Ian in the park.  Meanwhile, Paul grew concerned that Leslie’s defending Ian. Avery got ready for her first shoot and met Austin, her cameraman.  Tyler and Abby got ready to bring their families together for their engagement party. Tyler admitted he’s a little nervous about joining the Newman and the Abbott family but assured Abby he’s more than ready to marry her.   Meanwhile, Nick asked Sharon to be his date. When Sharon questioned how his family will react, Nick assured her that they have nothing to prove to anyone. When Ashley returned to Genoa City, Billy told her that he and Victoria had signed separation papers.  Traci, Ashley, and Jack encouraged Billy to fight for Victoria and join them at Abby and Tyler’s engagement party at the Newman ranch. Hilary tried to stay out of the way as things got awkward between Leslie and Neil. Later, Hilary and Leslie got into it, telling each other to stay out of Neil’s life.  Noah set the stage for a romantic evening with Courtney in the Athletic Club, and the two of them made love.  As the engagement party wound down, Ashley left and stopped by the hospital to visit Stitch; she was surprised to see Victoria there. When Ashley told Victoria to give Billy another chance, Victoria questioned if she’s asking because she cares about Billy or if she’s interested in Stitch for herself.
THIS WEEK: Chelsea gets frustrated when Jeffrey brings Michael to the penthouse to start discussing Adam’s estate. Sharon asks Victor what she can do to change his mind about her.

The Civil Rights Act @50: Education and Empowerment

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BCRIA Conference on Law Enforcement and Civil Rights

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Birmingham Division, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI), will sponsor its annual conference on civil rights and law enforcement, “The Civil Rights Act @ 50: Education and Empowerment” on Sunday and Monday, April 27-28, at the BCRI at 520 Sixteenth Street North, Birmingham AL 35203. The sessions are free and open to the public.  Registration is required at www.bcri.org.
The conference begins on Sunday, April 27 at 4:30 p,m. with a tour and reception at BCRI.  The opening program begins at 6 p.m. with a panel discussion on “Civil Rights @ 50: 1964-2014.” The discussion will include the background of the historic act, its expansion, and implications for law enforcement today and in the future.  Panelists include Doug Jones, attorney with Jones & Hawley PC who prosecuted the 16th Street bombing cases for the U.S. Attorney’s Office; Montre D. Carodine, University of Alabama School of Law; Frank Mackaman, Dirksen Congressional Leadership Research Center; Amanda Wilson, Executive Director, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and Hezekiah Jackson, president of the Metro Birmingham Branch NAACP.
The conference continues on Monday, May 20 at BCRI from 8 a.m. –3 p.m. with registration and continental breakfast from 8-8:30 a.m.  The early program begins at 8:45 a.m. with Rev. Thomas Gilmore, a civil rights activist who was elected Greene County’s first Black sheriff in 1971, and James Felte, Deputy Chief of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. The speakers will share their “Reflections on Community, Law Enforcement and Civil Rights.”
Other topics to be discussed by esteemed law enforcement professionals and community leaders include “Human Trafficking;” “Current Issues in Civil Rights Enforcement,” and “Color of Law: From Encounter to Incarceration.” “Color of Law” refers to abuse of power by law enforcement and others in authority and the panel will discuss policies, practices and related cases.
“The objective of this conference is to broaden and deepen the engagement of attendees about civil rights laws and how they play a role in our community. As the primary federal agency responsible for investigating all allegations regarding criminal  violations of federal civil rights statutes,  the FBI is pleased to be able to partner with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in this endeavor,” stated Richard D. Schwein, Jr.,  Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Birmingham Division.
Priscilla Hancock Cooper, BCRI Vice-President of Institutional Programs, said. “This year’s conference is particularly important because 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Many of the legal protections and social policy that we now take for granted were made possible by that federal law. This conference is designed to educate members of both the general community and law enforcement so that they will be empowered to more effectively use these laws.”

State Representative Rod Scott named “Legislator of the Year”

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Rod Scott BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – State Representative Roderick “Rod” Scott has been named “Legislator of the Year” by the Alabama House Democratic Caucus. The award was presented at the House Democratic Caucus Annual End of Year Event on Sunday evening.
Scott, D-Fairfield, has represented House District 55, which stretches from Fairfield to western Birmingham, since 2006 and is seeking a third term.
“I feel honored to have received such recognition by the amazing people I work with in serving the people of Alabama,” Scott said. “It is truly an honor to serve the people in my district to fight for what they deserve.”
The House Democratic Caucus is a legislative organization made up of the Democratic members of the Alabama House of Representatives. The Caucus is responsible for
electing the Democratic leaders in the State House of
Representatives, and develops and communicates the party’s
legislative policies.
Each year, the Caucus leadership recognizes members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the principles and values of the Caucus. The “Legislator of the Year” award is one of the highest honors a member of the Caucus can receive.
“Representative Scott has made a tremendous impact on his district and all of Alabama,” said House Minority Leader Craig Ford, D-Gadsden. “ He works tirelessly and is dedicated for making life in Alabama better for everyone. He supports our public education and our state employees and has fought diligently for success over the past four years.”
Despite Republicans dominating both the State House and Senate, Scott was able to get four bills passed during the recently concluded 2014 Regular Session. They were:

•    Workers Compensation Act Number 2014-240, which increased accidental death burial compensation from $3,000 to $6,500.

•    Act 2014-305, which increased maximum compensation of members of the Department of Labor Board of Appeals from $100 to $150 daily with maximum annually increased from $24,000 to $36,000.

•    Act 2014-276, which selected an executive committee to transact business at the Alabama School of Fine Arts.

•    Insurance Department Act 2014-261, which rebuilds
schools damaged after natural disasters to current
standards through extra insurance coverage paid for by
the state. Alabama spent $99 million in excess of
insurance coverage between 1998 and 2013. If this bill
had been in place, it would have cost Alabama just $14
million, a savings in education of $85 million.
Scott received his B.A. Degree in Economics from Yale University, and his MBA from Dartmouth College. He is an economics professor at Miles College and has three children: Sara-Valena Morgan Scott, Jordan Elizabeth Scott, Bradlea-roi Shelton Scott.

Anthony Johnson Wins Alabama House District 53

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Anthony Johnson, second row, fourth from right, with other legislators (standing in beige suit with blue shirt and red tie.
Anthony Johnson, second row, fourth from right, with other legislators (standing in beige suit with blue shirt and red tie.
Anthony Johnson, second row, fourth from right, with other legislators (standing in beige suit with blue shirt and red tie.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Anthony “Alann” Johnson said his victory Tuesday in a special election for Alabama House District 53 was just the start. “This is a launching pad,” he said. “This is a beginning.” With 23 of 24 precincts reporting, Johnson, a Democrat, earned 68 percent of the vote to beat Republican Willie “W.A.” Casey in a special election to replace the late state Rep. Demetrius Newton Sr.
Because his district will move to Huntsville as part of redistricting, Johnson will only serve until the winners of November’s elections are sworn in. But that hasn’t dampened the effect of the win for Johnson, the executive director of Leadership Jefferson County, an Ordained Minister/Civil Rights Activist and the Titusville Community President.
Earlier Johnson prevailed over Frank Topping and Demetrius Newton Jr. and he beat Arthur Shores Lee 56 percent to 44 percent in a Democratic primary runoff on February 4, while Casey was unopposed in the Republican primary.
On Tuesday, April 1, with 23 of the precincts in, only 2.3 percent of the registered voters in the district, which covers parts of Jefferson County and Birmingham, turned out to vote. Johnson had 320 votes to Casey’s 150.

Bush Hills Neighborhood ‘Keep Birmingham Beautiful Clean-Up’

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Bush HillsBush Hills Neighborhood Association hosted its ‘Keep Birmingham Beautiful Clean-Up’ campaign Saturday, April 5th from 8 – 11 a.m.  The target location was 1500 block of Graymont Avenue West. More than 20 residents participated in the clean-up with some of the candidates running for election in the June 3rd primary. They cleaned the area, and planted some shrubbery donated by the City of Birmingham.