On Friday, April 4, the  Southern Christian Leadership Conference, (SCLC) 6th Annual Keeper of the Dream Awards Ceremony honored the Girl Scouts of Troop 766, Ensley East, for their outstanding youth community service.  The girls and troop leaders were presented a plaque from Bishop Calvin Woods, President, Birmingham SCLC. The troop was so humbled to receive this award.

Community Service
As part of Founder’s Day, each alumni of Tuskegee was asked to do a community service in their local communities. On Saturday, April 5, several Tuskegee alumni, including Gloria Yelder, Troop leader, 766, Flo Blackledge, Troop leader, 307, Dr. Alfred Ford and Pastor Barbara Chapman, along with the Girl Scouts from troops 766, Elyton Village Community; 307, Mt. Ararat Baptist Church and 298, Holy Family, (Cynthia Heard, Troop leader), prepared and served lunches to 100 homeless individuals in the Birmingham area.
A special thanks to Dr. Ford, D.MD, dentist in the Woodlawn area for his financial donation and to Pastor Chapman, Pastor of 54th Street Church of God, Fairfield for her donation.

During the Bessemer City Council Meeting on Tuesday April, 15, 2014, the Council:
•    Approved the condemnation and demolition of properties at 509 8th Avenue North, 515 34th Street North, 520 17th Street North, 722 19th Street North (rear), 812 20th Street North, 1018 26th Street North, 2009 Fairfax Avenue, 2419 11th Avenue North, 2710 6th Avenue North and 3107 Dartmouth Avenue.
•    Approved the rezoning of properties at 216, 218, 220 and 230 Kilsby Circle from light industrial, I-1, to heavy industrial, I-2. Previously approved by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
•    Awarded a bid for Woodhill Cove Paving Project to Cottingham Contracting, Inc. The bid was for $37,112.50
•    Awarded a bid for the purchase of two cardiac monditor/defibrillators to Boundtree Medical, LLC. The bid was for $45,390.
•    Approved a resolution requesting Federal, State and County assistance to resolve flooding along Valley Creek.
•    Authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement with Volkert, Inc. for engineering services on the 18th and 19th Street traffic signalization project. The contract is for $152,680.91.
•    Held a bid opening for one Hydraulic Knuckleboom Brush with Trash Loader.
•    Held a bid opening for one Tractor four-wheel drive with Bush Hog.
•    Approved a restaurant retail liquor license for The Fish Hook, LLC at 1205 Lake Drive, Ste 101-103.
•    Approved the donation of $300 to Jonesboro Elementary School for its Spring Festival.
•    Approved placement of a historic marker at Allen Temple AME to commemorate a bombing at the church.
Valley Creek resolution
The city of Bessemer is requesting federal, state and county aid in resolving flooding issues along Valley Creek.
The city’s Pipe Shop community was recently hit by flooding during heavy rains on the night/morning of April 7. About 30 residents had to be evacuated from their houses and several houses and cars were flooded by the floodwaters.
The City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution asking state and federal agencies for help in resolving the flooding problems. The United States Army Corp of Engineers has jurisdiction over Valley Creek and has in times past dredged the creek to alleviate flooding in Bessemer.

Bessemer Lawyers, Judges Join in National Law Day Celebration

Meet and Greet with area elected officials,  High School Oratorical Competition headline festivities

BESSEMER, Ala. – Bessemer Cut-off Division lawyers and judges will showcase the Jefferson County Bessemer Justice Center and engage the public on Friday, May 2,  from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., as they join in the national celebration of Law Day and help advance its theme: “American Democracy and the Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters.” Highlights of the Bessemer Cut-Off’s commemoration include:

•    “Meet and greet” with area elected officials;

•    Oratorical contest involving winners from individual competitions led at participating Bessemer Cut-Off High Schools;

•    Reception recognizing retired Circuit Judge Dan Reynolds; Attorney David Hood (deceased); and former Circuit Clerk J.B. “Buzz” Vines (deceased); and

•    Remarks by Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.

Originally conceived by the American Bar Association in 1957 to mark a commitment to the rule of law, Law Day is an annual event made official in 1961 when Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date of its celebration.

During the Birmingham City Council Meeting on April 15, 2014 Council:

A Resolution relative to the application of Bar Hops LLC for a Special Events License 140 to be used at Birmingham Fashion Week, April 22-27, 2014 on the Southern Side of the 2900 Block and 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, and the hearing of all interested parties. For more information please contact the Office of Councilor Steven Hoyt at 205.254.2304.

Other items approved by the Council at today’s meeting include the following:
1. Approved a Resolution determining that that the District 4 Environmental Protection Agency Site Visit to Atlanta, Georgia April 24-25, 2014, serves a public purpose that promotes goodwill and requesting that City of Birmingham funds be administered to pay for this event in accordance with Section 3-1-7 of the General Code of the City of Birmingham. For more information please contact the Office of Councilor William Parker 205.254.2464.

2. Approved a Resolution determining that the Early Detection Breast Cancer Awareness Organization Stiletto Strut for a Cure Luncheon and Walk to be held May 16 and 17, 2014, serves a public purpose that promotes goodwill and requesting that City of Birmingham funds be administered to pay for this event in accordance with Section 3-1-7 of the General Code of the City of Birmingham. For more information please contact the Office of Councilor William Parker 205.254.2464.

3. Approved a Resolution to continue the date of the public show cause hearing from April 22, 2014 to May 6, 2014 to consider the revocation of the business license issued to Jerome Cunningham, d.b.a. Foxx Trap, 400 2nd Avenue N, Birmingham, AL 35204, and to consider rescinding Resolution No. 3555-04 for a Class I On-Premise Lounge Liquor License, approved on November 23, 2004; Resolution No. 3555-04, for a Division I Dance Permit approved on November 23, 2004; and Resolution No. 863-10, for a Division II Dance Permit, approved on June 22, 2010 and furthermore to direct the delivery of notice of such hearing to the licensee. For more information please contact the Office of Councilor Steven
Hoyt at 205.254.2304.

4. Approved a Resolution to continue the date of the public show cause hearing to consider the revocation of the business license issued to Jean O. Hloshyk, d.b.a. VIP Spa, 9184 Parkway East, Suite A, Birmingham, AL 35206, from April 22, 2014 to May 6, 2014 and to direct the delivery of notice of such hearing to the licensee. For more information please contact the Office of Councilor Steven Hoyt 205.254.2304.

5. Approved A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Project Funding Agreement with CSX Transportation, Inc. (“CSXT”), under which CSXT will provide funding to the City in the amount of $115,693.00, and the City will use such funding to relocate the Cooper Green Park T-ball field currently located at 112 Dorothy Drive SW, due to CSXT’s acquisition of land for the construction of an additional railroad track in the area. For more information please contact the Office of the Mayor at 205.254.2771.

Announcements

1. Councilor William Parker will host Jefferson County Department of Health and Environmental Protection Agency Title V Informational Meeting April 15, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at the Harriman Park Recreation Center.

2. The Public Improvement and Beautification Committee meeting will be held Wednesday April 16, 2014 in Conference Rooms D&E. The deadline to submit all items is April 9, 2014 by 5:00 p.m. For more information please contact the Office of Councilor Shelia Tyson at 205.254.2359.

3. There will be a Special Called Administration/Education Committee Meeting Thursday April 17, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms D&E..

Are you unable to attend the Birmingham City Council meetings? Watch Council Meetings on demand. From anywhere in the world you can log on to www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org and click on the tab Watch Council Meetings; or from the comfort of your home, tune to Bright House Cable Channel 340. The Birmingham City Council meetings are free and on demand.

Cash For Crooks Div. of Refuge In Trouble Times (RITT), PO Box 28083, Birmingham, AL 35228.
Little is known about the case of Michael Kissi, who was shot and killed. If you know anything about this homicide call CRIME STOPPERS at 205-254-7777. If your information leads to any arrest/conviction in this or any files in Cash For Crooks, you will recieve a CASH REWARD.
RITT is working with State and local law enforcers to help solve these cases you see here. Your role is important because we all have to unite, to help bring justice for all.
If there’s an outstanding case you are not sure about do not hesitate to email: odussasplace@yahoo.com or call Minister Ward at 205-240-9910. Always remember, the Invisible Body Bag Is never polite; nor will it ask your premission for the life of our loved ones. It will take all of us to stop this violence.

From Staff and Wire Reports

College dorms aren’t meant to be five star hotel suites, but they shouldn’t look like a condemned property in downtown Detroit either. Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is receiving all the wrong kinds of press after one of its students went public with pictures showing horrible living conditions inside her dorm.
Student Amina Kelly released photos last week of mold-infested walls, missing ceiling tiles, and stained floors inside her dormitory at Stillman College. Kelly, who reports numerous new health problems since moving into the dorm, says her concern over the dorm’s conditions have been brushed off by school administrators.
“It was a really traumatic experience for me,” Kelly said. “There [are] outdated things. And stuff falling down from the ceilings and mold, water stains, pipes bursting.”
The mold problem in the dorm room is so bad that it’s causing problems with Kelly’s skin. She’s now seeing a dermatologist for problems that only started after she moved into the dorm.
“Spots like all over my neck and chest,” she told WBRC. “My face, just nasty bumps and it started coming on my lips and that would really get ashy. I’ve tried cleaning the mold several times. I’ve bought cleaning supplies.”
Kelly says administrators seemed unconcerned at best when presented with the pictures and complaints.
“I’ve sent pictures,” she said. “I’ve showed them pictures of my face. And just to be treated with shear disrespect. I was like I can’t stay here.”
Sure enough, Kelly isn’t the only student complaining about conditions in the school’s dorms. One student called them “sickening,” another described them as “very trashy and dirty” and yet another said the buildings have a “very bad roach problem.”
The school’s Vice President of Students Affairs released a painfully generic statement on the allegations:
“It is in the best interest of our institution that we maintain a favorable atmosphere on our campus. The maintenance of these facilities is reviewed periodically and, when required, repairs are made or concerns addressed,” said Dr. Sharon Whittaker-Davis, Vice President for Student Affairs. “A number of repairs were made last week in Roulhac Hall, and our plant operations team continues to aggressively monitor and repair as needed.”

Below is a statement from Stillman College on the situation:
“In an effort to provide faculty, staff and students with an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment, the institution takes preventive measures for the maintenance and repairs of its facilities, including administrative buildings, residence halls and academic buildings. These facilities, especially the living spaces for students, are monitored on a regularly scheduled basis to ensure that maintenance issues are addressed promptly. When major repairs or concerns are required or identified in a student’s room, the student is given the option of moving into another room or residence hall.”
On the other hand, Stillman College is furloughing  employees in April and May as a way to avoid pay cuts or layoffs, according to a statement released Wednesday.
“Stillman has a history of success and will continue to excel despite challenging circumstances. Our decision to implement a furlough was not an easy one, but it is one that will ultimately serve the best interest of the College,” Interim President Peter Millet wrote in the statement.
The small private college in west Tuscaloosa announced four furlough days for faculty and staff, excluding hourly plant employees, during the next two months, according to spokeswoman Mary Sood.
The announcement of the furloughs was paired with optimistic assessments of the college’s future.
The university touted its enrollment, which it says has grown to 1,000 students, a 30 percent increase in alumni giving, and its new partnerships with local colleges and universities.
Last month, the Stillman and the Alabama Community College System finalized an agreement to allow community college graduates with associate degrees to be automatically admitted to the historically Black institution to complete bachelor’s degrees.
The agreement is among a host of programs the private college is considering or pursuing to help boost enrollment. During a January interview, Millet cited interest in becoming a military-friendly campus and reaching out to minorities and nontraditional students.
The private Presbyterian college is also currently looking for a permanent president.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Stillman College Furloughs: The Real Truth

Stillman College recently decided to place faculty and staff, excluding hourly plant employees on furlough. As a result of the furlough, employees are required to take 4 days off in the coming months.

This business decision was made to avoid pay cuts and lay-offs of its valued employees who would have been faced with financial hardships.

It is unfortunate that in recent months, institutions of higher learning have had to highlight their financial challenges. However, Stillman is confident that this decision will benefit the institution and its stakeholders in the future.

Although Stillman has been faced with budget cuts, it continues to make strides:

    Enrollment continues to increase
    Commencement on May 10th will see the conferring of 140 degrees
    Convocation honored 237 students whose academic achievements placed them on either the Dean’s List, Honor Roll or as a Presidential Scholar
    Alumni giving is up by 30%

“Sometimes we have to do more with less and continue moving forward. Our decision for furloughs was not an easy one but it is one that provided us with the best options for the College as a whole,” said interim president Peter Millet.

UNCF Salutes Stillman College Sophomore

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.  -When Stillman College sophomore
Elizabeth Caver stepped on stage during the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Evening of Stars program on BET-TV her friends in Roulhac Hall cheered spontaneously as they gathered around a television to watch her.  Elizabeth, the recipient of a $25,000 UNCF/Target Rising Stars Scholarship, rendered Stillmanites beyond proud when she gracefully and humbly addressed the star-studded audience. She was highlighted during a segment that included extensive footage of her sharing her life story, and explaining how seeing her valiant mother battle rheumatoid arthritis inspired her dreams of becoming a medical doctor and conducting research.

Because the program was taped in Atlanta on April 6th, Elizabeth was able to join her friends in the residence hall as they viewed the Evening of Stars.  At the urging of the crowd, she modestly agreed to stand beside the television to be photographed as her segment aired.

During the taped program, Elizabeth appeared as comfortable and confident on the television screen as a seasoned entertainer. She credits UNCF for preparing her well.

“We practiced everything during rehearsal, and hair and makeup was so much fun,” she exclaimed, cheerfully sharing the details of her trip to Atlanta to tape the program.

“On Friday, at the welcoming ceremony, I met Anthony Anderson. It was my first encounter with a celebrity. He teased me because my mouth fell wide open when I saw him,” she laughs.  During rehearsals, Elizabeth recalls seeing a slew of famous celebrities. “I felt humbled because celebrities and other people were looking at us and trying to take
photos of us.”

Although she admits that it was fascinating to hobnob with the stars, Elizabeth never lost sight of the true purpose of being at the taping.

“This has had a very big impact.  Not only has it been great for me, but it’s also an inspiration for other people. I’m from Birmingham and many of the students I went to high school with became teen parents. Many didn’t go to college, she says.

Not only has this dynamic young biology major gone to college. She has excelled beyond anyone’s expectations.  She was named a Promising Researcher at Stillman’s 2nd Annual Research Symposium.  In addition, she was recently named Miss Black Alabama US Ambassador and will represent the state of Alabama as she competes in the pageant for a
national title this summer.  She will also be featured in the summer issue of Tuscaloosa Magazine.

Elizabeth credits her parents, who were in the audience during the Evening of Stars taping, for helping her to beat the odds and avoid the mistakes that keep many youth from reaching their potential.  “My biggest motivation was my parents. I was always afraid of how they would feel if I made bad choices.  I’ve avoided so many mistakes in life
because I’ve seen how other people have had to struggle because of the mistakes they made.  I’ve learned so much about what not to do just by watching what others have done. I really don’t want to fail.  I want to be successful and accomplish things.”

“In high school, I knew I wanted to do something to help other people,” she says thoughtfully. “Being a doctor will allow me to help others.”

Elizabeth says that she has been fortunate to be surrounded by people who have encouraged and assisted her. “Dr. Andy (Anathbandhu Chaudhuri) has been a big influence.  I’m doing research in his lab on fruit flies and alcohol addiction.  Dr. Andy works with students to help us better understand difficult material. Also, he encourages me to keep my grades
up and he inspired me to participate in the Research Symposium and to also participate in a biomedical research symposium in Nashville. He wrote a recommendation letter for me for the Rising Stars scholarship.”

She says that she is also grateful to Stillman Scholarship Director Christi Hitt.  “I almost didn’t apply for the Rising Stars scholarship. I thought I wouldn’t get it. I was really busy and there was so much competition. When I told Ms. Hitt that I might not have time to apply, she said,”What are you talking about, Elizabeth. You can’t afford not to.”

Elizabeth becomes tearful when she thinks about all that her mother has endured and how being a Rising Star has allowed her to share her mother’s story on national television.

While all of Elizabeth’s recent accomplishments are impressive, she hints that she has only just begun. “There are a lot more steps that I have to take,” she insists. “I have to put my A game on and go for it.”

Homewood’s Randall Nored named University’s Student Leader of the Year

Carson-Newman University held its Student Leadership Awards Banquet on Monday, April 14. The event, held at Calhoun’s on the River in Knoxville, was sponsored by the University’s Student Affairs Division and recognized student leaders and those contributing to Carson-Newman’s student experience within the area of Student Affairs.
“We have such fine students who volunteer their time and talents to make this University a wonderful place,” said Shelley Ball, dean of students. “They are the reason we come to work every day and we’re so proud of each one.”
This year’s recipients include: Randall Nored, Student Leader of the Year; Best Buddies, Organization of the Year; Halloween Musical, Outstanding Program of the Year; Nenette Measels, Student Affairs Staff Member of the Year; Todd Turpin, Student Advocate of the Year; The Creek Café, Community Advocate of the Year.

Carson-Newman University is a private, Christian liberal arts institution. Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is located in Jefferson City, Tenn., among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The University has 2,045 students and offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. The institution’s website is www.cn.edu.

Crystal Grace and her sons Riley and Ryan are living in their own home.

The Women’s Fund and United Way Collaborate to Help Women “Step In to Homeownership”

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham and United Way of Central Alabama are partnering to assist 100 low income women in buying a first-time home or obtaining education to provide higher wages through the Stepping In to Homeownership program.
The Women’s Fund is awarding $200,000 over two years to United Way’s Financial Stability Partnership initiative for the Individual Development Account (IDA) Program, a federal matched savings program to assist low-to-moderate income individuals in acquiring stabilizing assets.
“This is just the beginning and so far three women have completed the program and purchased their homes”, said Jeanne Jackson, President/CEO of The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham. “Several more women are currently saving and participating in homeownership education classes.”
In 2013, Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange granted The Women’s Fund $440,000 from the National Mortgage Settlement. In Greater Birmingham, 19,966 female headed households are in poverty. Many of these are women with young children. 41 percent of female-headed households with related children live below the poverty line in our community. “We realized that the funds from Attorney General Strange could make a greater impact if we partnered with United Way and the IDA program which uses local funds to bring federal matching dollars to Alabama,” said Jackson.
United Way’s Financial Stability Partnership has administered the IDA program since 2005 and more than 130 families have purchased homes valued at $13 million.
Through The Women’s Fund and United Way collaborative, up to 100 more women will have the opportunity to have their savings matched 2:1 and purchase a first time home or pursue postsecondary education.
The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham www.womensfundbirmingham.org

The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham empowers women to move beyond poverty by creating positive change for women and their children through collaboration, grant making, and advocacy.