Ex-NFL Player Josh Brent on Trial for Fatal Drunken Wreck

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January 16, 2014

By Nomaan Merchant, Associated Press

DALLAS — Josh Brent is no longer a Dallas Cowboy, but the stars on his old helmet figure heavily into his upcoming trial for a teammate’s death in a 2012 wreck.
Brent’s trial is set to start Monday on allegations that he was driving drunk and caused the death of Dallas practice squad player Jerry Brown. If convicted of intoxication manslaughter or manslaughter, Brent could get 20 years in prison, but he could also get probation.
Brent’s attorney has argued his client deserves probation, and Brown’s mother says she has forgiven her son’s college teammate and friend. But prosecutors have made Brent’s case a priority, and it comes to trial after weeks of debate over a case in neighboring Tarrant County that ended with a teenage motorist getting probation for a drunken wreck that killed four people last year.
“We do anticipate that this case will send a clear message about how strongly the citizens of Dallas County feel about their intoxication laws,” said Heath Harris, the Dallas County first assistant district attorney, in an interview shortly after Brent’s arrest in December 2012.
George Milner, Brent’s attorney, has said his client was struggling months later with the aftermath of the accident. Brent was put on leave from the Cowboys and retired last year. Several Cowboys players could testify during the two-week trial, including those who were drinking with Brent and Brown the night of the wreck.
“All he had was Jerry Brown and his teammates on the Cowboys,” Milner said. “Now he has none of that.”
Brent and Brown were headed home the morning of Dec. 8, 2012, after a night out. The two were roommates and close friends from their days at the University of Illinois.
Brent was a defensive tackle who had played in all 12 games of the 2012 NFL season. Brown was a linebacker who had been signed to the Cowboys’ practice squad that season.
Police said Brent was speeding when his Mercedes hit the side of a highway in the Dallas suburb of Irving and flipped over at least once. Irving Police spokesman John Argumaniz said officers responding to the crash found Brent trying to drag Brown from a fiery vehicle.

205 Student-Athletes Receive at Least 3.0 GPAs in Fall Semester

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Birmingham Times

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January 16, 2014

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MONTGOMERY- More than 200 Alabama State student-athletes earned at least a 3.0 GPA during the fall semester.
Thirty-four of 205 students- athletes attained a perfect 4.0 GPA, while 88 student-athletes attained a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The football team led all sports with 42 members, while the baseball team had 24 players to make the list. Men’s cross country/track had 13 members and the men’s golf team had 12.
The women’s soccer team had 20 members, followed closely by the women’s cross country/track team with 19 members. Women’s basketball had 15 members and the volleyball teams had 13 members. The women’s tennis team had 10 members as well.

Listed below are the student-athletes that attained at least a 3.0 GPA:

Baseball (24) – Richard Amion, Jahmal Brooks, Patrick Coffin, Joseph Camacho, Christian Cumberlander, Wesley Dismuke, Logan Dyer, Jose Figueroa, Ronald Frost, Joseph Hloska, Hunter McIntosh, Einar Muniz, Kevin Olemeda, Dexter Price, T.J. Renda, Anthony Ricciardi, Edgaurdo Rivera, Manuel Rodriguez, Leo Rojas, Armado Ruiz, Michael Tellado, Ryan Thompson, Julian Shields, Taylor Singletary

Bowling (7) – Andriece Collins, Rebecca Hresko, Jessica Ledbetter, L’neisha Porter, Kaila Ryan, Danielle Walker, Briana Wells

Football (42) – Kristopher Abrams, Brandon Barnes, Kevin Bass, Kourtney Berry, Nathaniel Black, Le’Andre Crawford, Malcom Cyrus, Edmond Davis, Daniel Duhart, Arsenio Favor, James Graves II, Ronald Hall, Roderick Henderson, Nehemiah Henry, Demechery Hickingbottom, Antonio Humphrey, Sir Jackson, Carviss Jones, Landon Jones, Jamel Johnson, Alex Louthen, Damian Love, Carey McKight, Justin Mitchell, Akeem Moore, Edward Mosley, Brandon Napier, Marcus Owens, Shawan Parks, Nathiel Parker, Jr., Dionte Ponder, Therron Presley, Justin Robinson, Robert Roquemore, Chaz Sampson, Winton Stewart, Jylan Ware

Men’s Basketball (8) – Brandon Graham, Eugene Johnson, Demarcus Robinson, Darius Scott II, DeAngelo Stewart, Maurice Strong, Kenderek Washington

Men’s Cross Country/Track (13) – Devauntay Brown, Brandon Coombs, Justin Davis, Kaelestis Douglas, Carlos Flores, Jalen Floyd, Ryan Hall, Byron Kearney, Paul Pruitt, Dyrez Ribeiro, Deqarius Smith, lee Thrasher, Thomas Warren

Men’s Golf (11) – Francis Berthiaume, Barry Davis, Branson Ferrier, Robert Grant, Joseph Killebrew, Ian Mmbando, Daniel Park, Yann Pfeiffer, Corey Price, Jose Rodriguez, Christopher Wilson

Men’s Tennis (8) – Bobby Brand, Dylan Cleary, Adam Coyne, Kenneth Haley, Ronald Mataba, Alexsis Pierre, Jarred Thompson, Stefan Vojnic
Softball (13) – Ashley Cardiel, Valerie Centeno, Chontanee Combs, Amanda Gracia, Stephanie Hernadez, Rachel Mills, Diauna Nelson, Brittnei Price, Jazzmin Romero, Kimberly Ross, Makayla Webster, Brittney Wilson, Aleesa Yanez

Women’s Basketball (14) – Taila Arrington, Jamesha Blake, Tabitha Bradshaw, Antoinette Brown, Daniele Ewert, Danielle Gazaway, Erica Henderson, Jamicia Lewis, Kierra Paige, Kendall Parker, Jasmine Peeples, Nakiya Smith, Kayla Tucker, Britney Wright

Women’s Cross Country/Track (18) – Markia Bartley, Quinta Collier, Lori Davis, Chasin Gladdis, Chanti Harris, Artrailia Lesane, Jerrica Mahone, Mia Mike, Jasmine Pope, Paige Rankine, Tia Rolle, Summer Simmons, Soyong Smith, Jahneel Tyrell, Kimberly Wedderburn, Kawandra Wiggins, Shakalia Williams, Shantia Wilson

Women’s Golf (6) – Mia Campbell, Brooklyn Kraakman, Jenelle Kraakman, Dismary Marquez, Lydsey Mccall, Shannon Spinuzzi

Women’s Soccer (20) – Samantha Bruno, Jordan Creel, Kayla Edwards, Kylee Hathaway, Stephanie Howard, Lenna Lamas, Courtney Ledonne, Ariela Lewis, Anastasia McCleary, Allysa Murphy, Chelsea Nash, Iita Pienimaki, India Pleasant, Alena Salsberg, Franca Schauss, Alayna Smith, Mariel Smith, Helma Van Zandow, Kaedi Walther, Emily Ziolkowski

Women’s Tennis (10) – Ma-tabe Akoachere, Mechelle Barton, Pauline Dennis, Brianna Fairley, Giovanna Lombardi, Nathalie Lorenco, Brankica Orlovic, Saravinder Pannu, Melissa Telfer, Arantxia Wijngaarde

Volleyball (11) – Brooke Beasley, Amber Bennett, Jamie Coleman, Angelica Gillispie, Luiza Griz, Ellyn Jones, Tiara Kelly, Khryssnee Madison, Myla Marshall, Chelsey Scott, Erika Thompson

Sean “Diddy” Combs will be pushing Tequila

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Birmingham Times

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January 9, 2014

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Hip Hop Wired

The mogul, who has turned his Ciroc Vodka into a $100 million franchise, has just sealed a deal to partner with DeLeon, which was founded by Brent Hocking in 2008 and was introduced to the U.S. market on Cinco de Mayo, 2009. It has since won a string of awards.
After spending Christmas with his kids in Los Angeles, Revolt TV founder Diddy celebrated the deal by throwing a lavish New Year’s party at his mansion on Miami’s exclusive Star Island, which was awash with the flashy tipple that sells from $140 to $825 a bottle.
Combs’ New Year’s Eve parties draw a huge crowd each year, with past guests lists including Rihanna, Robin Thicke, Queen Latifah, Naomi Campbell and Mariah Carey.
This year, Q-Tip and DJ Ramadus were spinning the tunes, Pharrell Williams was expected, plus a surprise performance.
Diddy isn’t the first Hip-Hop head to hop on the tequila wave. Earlier this year, Jeezy was named the “multicultural advisor” to the founder of Tequila Avion.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Servic

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Birmingham Times

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January 9, 2014

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 2014 is on Monday, January 20. The annual day of service commemorates the civic contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year will be the 14th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service coordinated by Hands On Birmingham (HOB). Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is supported by many corporate sponsors and community organizations. HOB sponsors take a lead role by adopting projects, which provides HOB and its volunteers with the resources needed to complete our many community service projects. HOB is partnering with Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, BBVA Compass, ACIPCO, Alabama’s 13, University of Alabama at Birmingham, The City of Birmingham, City Councilor Jay Roberson, City Councilor Marcus Lundy, EarthFare, Whole Foods, Piggly Wiggly, Mountain High Outfitters and West Princeton Dental Clinic.
Hands On Birmingham coordinates one of the largest Martin Luther King Jr. days of service in the Hands On Network. Over 45 community service projects will take place throughout our five county service region. Projects will take place at parks, waterways, community gardens, camps, recreation centers, schools, libraries and partner agency sites. We anticipate over 1800 people registering to volunteer. School groups, corporations, sororities, fraternities, clubs and individuals are encouraged to volunteer. Volunteers can register at http://www.handsonbirmingham.org/MLK . Through service we can improve the communities in which we live, work and play.

Time Warner Cable Named a 2013 Top Company for People of Color by National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications

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Birmingham Times

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January 9, 2014

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NEW YORK – (BLACK PR WIRE) — Time Warner Cable was selected as a 2013 Top Company for People of Color by the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), an organization that educates, advocates and empowers for multi-ethnic diversity in the communications industry. The company was named to this list based on the results from a joint NAMIC and Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) Workforce Diversity Survey. This is NAMIC’s first “Top Companies for People of Color” list.
“The 52,000 people of Time Warner Cable are honored to receive this recognition from NAMIC,” said Peter Stern, Time Warner Cable’s Chief Strategy, People and Corporate Development Officer. “We believe passionately that our commitment to diverse voices makes us a great place to work, helps us better serve our communities, and enhances our relevance to our 15 million customers.”
“Time Warner Cable shares NAMIC’s goal of advancing diversity and inclusion within the evolving marketplace,” said Alicin Williamson, interim head of NAMIC and principal of The Raben Group. “Their support of members at the national and chapter levels and our Executive Leadership Development Program and Leadership Seminar programs continues to demonstrate their commitment to the career development of professionals of color throughout all levels of their organization.”
NAMIC named Time Warner Cable to its “Top Company” list based on several categories, including the hiring and promotion of people of color to its management and workforce, as well as the alignment of diversity with its business goals and objectives. Other criteria included the company’s demonstration to support diversity and inclusion, and strategies to guarantee diversity of vendors and suppliers. NAMIC and WICT engaged Mercer, an independent research partner and global human capital consultants, to conduct the survey.
Time Warner Cable is a longstanding partner of NAMIC. As part of this partnership, Time Warner Cable employees have participated in events, conferences, mentorship and leadership development programs.
In addition, Time Warner Cable actively supports several employee resource groups that provide professional development and leverage the diversity of people and experiences. Employee resource groups available to Time Warner Cable employees include the Black Business Employee Network, OUT@twc, VetNet and !Hola TWC!.

“Freedom Oak” Trees planted to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement

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Birmingham Times

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January 9, 2014

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mayor — Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell, Sr

50 “FREEDOM OAKS” to be Planted at Red Mountain Park

Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell, Sr., music legend William “Bootsy” Collins, former NFL player – Gary Burley and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host a kickoff event for the planting of 50 “Freedom Oak” trees at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute on Saturday, January 11, at 2 p.m. The event is to kickoff the Commemorative Tree Planting Ceremony that will be held at Red Mountain Park beginning in the Spring 2014.

This planting will commemorate “50 Years Forward,” closing out Birmingham’s yearlong anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. As Birmingham has moved beyond the segregation and oppression of its pre-Civil Rights struggles, this event provides an opportunity to not only reflect on the city’s past, but also look forward to its future.

The Freedom Oak tree is a native species grown from locally collected seeds. It is rarely seen in commerce but is an essential part of local landscapes. Each seed can live for multiple human generations, sustaining the rich biodiversity that comprises Alabama’s natural heritage.

The planting will be an annual event to remind future generations of Birmingham’s historical connections to the Civil Rights Movement and promote a new era of progress for the city. “We have selected Red Mountain Park as the planting site in part due to its historical significance in the building and development of Birmingham,” says Gary Burley.

The kickoff event will feature a tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and a premiere video from music legend “Bootsy” Collins.

Calling All 1968 Wenonah High School Graduates!

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Birmingham Times

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January 9, 2014

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The Wenonah High School Class of 1968 meets each fourth Monday from
6-7 p.m. to discuss class business and upcoming events for classmates.
Meetings are held in the Thelma Catlin Auditorium Library Building at Lawson State Community College (West Campus). Be in the loop. We are family!
The contribution of your time, talent, and input will ensure an even more enjoyable fellowship time with classmates. Come join us in the planning of events together and have fun with former classmates and old friends.
For more information contact:
Wenonah High Class of 1968
P.O. Box 28373
Birmingham, AL 35228- 0004
or call Mary Gladney 205. 520-4386

Book News

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Birmingham Times

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January 9, 2014

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By Esther Callens

In keeping in touch with the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, there is an enlightening, stimulating book that young readers (and adults as well) can enjoy. Words Cross & Across-Word Search on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is the title of this exceptional book. Created by Dr. Eugene Williams Sr., it presents the optimal way to introduce and educate readers about the prolific accomplishments of Dr. King and others. Words Cross & Across also entertains as well. That, in itself is a fantastic way to learn.
For truth are the statements “Children are the future” and “You don’t know where you going until you know where you been.” These further validate that early education is the key that secures the future. A remarkable tool that should be used to stimulate young minds is found in Dr. Eugene Williams, Sr.’s book.
Words Cross & Across “Is a word search/word chart book for kids and adults to improve reading, writing, speaking and verbal scores on exams like the SAT.
Conceived and published during a Black History month with students two years ago, the book includes word searches on civil rights leaders like Congressman John Lewis and Rosa Parks,” states Dr. Williams.
In addition to word search, there are speeches, excerpts, quotations, word charts and activities. Malcolm X, Coretta Scott King, Dorothy Height, Rev. Joseph Lowery and President Barack Obama are a just a few of the iconic leaders highlighted in this book. Also, there are some wonderful illustrations (drawn by cartoonist/illustrator Walt Carr) included for further enhancement. Dr. Williams’ book offers a unique learning experience.
Dr. Eugene Williams, Sr. is a renowned administrator, teacher and researcher. He has authored numerous titles including Grounded In The Word, which was received well by Bishop T. D. Jakes, Joyce Meyers, Joel Osteen and others. His work has appeared in numerous forms of media including Jet, Ebony, Newsweek, The Washington Times, The Washington Post and CNN.
He and his wife, Dr. Mary H. Johnson make Clinton, Maryland home.

Alabama Legislature Must Change Accountability Act; Rescind Law That Takes Money From Public School

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Birmingham Times

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January 9, 2014

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A total of 10 Birmingham schools were included on the list of failing schools presented in June 2013 by the Alabama Department of Education. Parents with students attending those schools were given an option under the Accountability Act to transfer their children to other non-failing schools in the district; enroll their children in private schools and receive a $3,500 tax credit; or seek to enroll their children in non-failing schools in neighboring school systems. Each of the options falls short in remedying the problems that cause schools to fail, while two of the options bring a loss of funds for school systems at a time when we can not afford to reduce the dollars spent on public education in urban and rural settings. The Alabama Accountability Act, passed by a Republican-controlled Alabama Legislature in 2013, harms instead of helps a large number of students whose opportunity for success rests with the educational preparation they receive in public elementary, middle and high schools.
Consider these facts: All of the 78 failing schools in the State of Alabama are located within high poverty or rural communities, where 94 percent of the students receive free or subsidized lunch. In Birmingham, 62 students transferred within the system to non-failing schools, and only two students transferred to private schools, granting their parents the opportunity to take advantage of a $3,500 tax break for tuition. But, more than 3,000 Birmingham students, and thousands more throughout the state are enrolled in schools dubbed failing. We must support the enhancement of public education in this state, but we should do so by developing initiatives that lift the masses instead of rewarding a few while destroying others. We must call on the Alabama Legislature to take another look at the Accountability Act, and focus on what’s best for all of our children. We must encourage educational accountability that builds success by strengthening our local schools instead of removing the funds they need to survive and thrive.
Birmingham City Councilor Steven Hoyt

City Council Briefs

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Birmingham Times

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January 9, 2014

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During the Birmingham City Council Meeting held Tuesday, January 7, 2014 Council:

Approved a Resolution adopting the 2014 City of Birmingham Legislative Agenda; the agenda includes:

  Deferred Payment Lending

The City of Birmingham supports further regulation of deferred payment lending (payday lending), title lending and pawn companies and restrictions on the proliferation and predatory practices of these businesses.

Wine and Beer in Single Serve

The City of Birmingham supports legislation that will limit and/or restrict the sale of single serve cans and bottles of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages on ice, drug paraphernalia, and sexually explicit materials near the front entrances of convenience stores, grocery stores and other retailers.

Enhanced Funding for Mass Transit

The City of Birmingham supports legislation to provide alternative dedicated streams of funding for public transit, and also legislation that can amend existing funding streams to increase funds that can enhance the ability of the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority to play an even greater role in supporting economic development throughout the metro area.

Water Works

The City of Birmingham does not support legislation to change the existing governance of the Birmingham Water Works Board.

  Education Accountability Act

The City of Birmingham supports legislation that amends the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013 so that funds are not reduced for schools identified as failing and greater support is provided for public education.  “We have a good working document,” said Council President Johnathan Austin. To review the full legislative agenda log on to www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org. For more information, contact the office of Councilor Johnathan Austin at 254.2678.

Other items approved by the Council at today’s meeting include the following:

1. Placed on consent a Resolution assenting to the vacation of 402.14 square feet of subsurface rights along 1st Avenue South, 141.00 square feet of subsurface rights along 18th Street South, 401.10 square feet of subsurface rights along the 1st Avenue South alley, 140.00 square feet of subsurface rights along 17th Street South, 1632.57 square feet of air rights along 1st Avenue South, 576.00 square feet of air rights along 18th Street South, 1616.40 square feet of air rights along the 1st Avenue South alley and 560.00 square feet of air rights along 17th Street South- all situated around Block 124 (between 17th Street South and 18th Street South and also between 1st Avenue South and 2nd Avenue South), on behalf of Parkside Residences, LLC., City of Birmingham, a municipal corporation, HRT of Alabama, Inc., KPC Realty, LLC, Railroad Square, LLC., The Children’s Hospital of Birmingham, Corporate Furnishings, Inc., owners, so that the developer can construct a new mixed use building (retail and residential) with the proposed balconies encroaching into the air space right-of-way and the footings encroaching into the subsurface right-of-way. For more information, contact the office of Councilor Sheila Tyson at 254.2358.

2. Placed on consent a Resolution approving the agreement with Village Creek Human and Environmental Justice Society, Inc., Birmingham, in an amount not to exceed $150,000.00, renewable annually subject to funds availability, for a term not to exceed five (5) years, to promote the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Birmingham area and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement.

3. Approved a Resolution appointing four (4) members to the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority Board of Directors, Joyce E. Brooks, Patricia Bozeman Henderson, Bacarra Mauldin and W. Frank Topping said terms expiring August 10, 2017. For more information, contact the office of Councilor Kimberly Rafferty at 254.2348.

4. Placed on consent a Resolution approving payment to Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara, California, in the amount of $126,164.00 as exhibition loan fee for the exhibit “Delacroix and the Matter of Finish” to be on display at the Birmingham Museum of Art, for the term February 23, 2014 through May 18, 2014.

Announcements and Reminders:

1. Due to a lack of agenda items, the Special Called Transportation and Communication Committee Meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, has been canceled.

2. A Special Called Public Improvement and Beautification Committee Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 2:00 p.m., Conference Rooms D & E.

3. The Birmingham City Council will host a second work session with state lawmakers on Thursday, January 9, 2014, 10:30 a.m., at the Birmingham Crossplex.

4. The Budget and Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, January 13, 2014, 4:00 p.m., Conference Rooms D & E.

5. The Economic Development Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, January 13, 2014, 4:00 p.m., Conference Rooms D & E.

6. The Planning and Zoning Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, 4:00 p.m., 5th Floor Engineering Conference Room.

7. The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Committee Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, is canceled.

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 244. The Birmingham City Council meetings are free and on demand.   The City of Birmingham will make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to enjoy all city services, programs and activities. If accommodations are required for public meetings, please contact John Long, Senior Public Information Officer, with reasonable advance notice by emailing John.Long@birminghamal.gov, or by calling 205-254-2036.