Wells Fargo leaders pictured L to R Hugh Rowden, Chamika Pollock and Stephen Briggs in attendance at National Urban League’s Drum Majors for Justice Rece
Wells Fargo leaders pictured L to R Hugh Rowden, Chamika Pollock and Stephen Briggs in attendance at National Urban League’s Drum Majors for Justice Rece
– Supported National Urban League, NAACP in celebration initiatives –
(BLACK PR WIRE) – Wells Fargo recently participated in the 50th anniversary celebration for the March on Washington in Washington, D.C. Wells Fargo joined national partners NAACP and National Urban League with support for panel discussions and events in celebration of future leaders. Wells Fargo leaders were also on the ground marching along with the nation during the 50th Anniversary March on Washington Realize the Dream Rally and March. Through its long-standing partnerships with NAACP and NUL, Wells Fargo is able to play a part in upholding the legacy of the countless civil rights leaders who have opened the door for civil rights based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability and sexual orientation. The March on Washington anniversary represents one of several significant milestones in American history of which Wells Fargo is supporting. During Black History Month, Wells Fargo kicked off a yearlong celebratory campaign featuring the Kinsey Collection in honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Wells Fargo also supported commemorative events across the country in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. Wells Fargo recognizes these milestones not only because of the impact on African Americans, but as defining moments in American history.
(seated) Mary Mathews, Maple Elridge, Lula Echols; (standing L to R) Louise Sanderson, Myrna Moline, Patsy Harris, Franklin Tate, Linda Vinson, Cecelia Williams and Eusebia Sanderson.
(seated) Mary Mathews, Maple Elridge, Lula Echols; (standing L to R) Louise Sanderson, Myrna Moline, Patsy Harris, Franklin Tate, Linda Vinson, Cecelia Williams and Eusebia Sanderson.
The 2013 STATE MGA will be in Valley, Ala. October 7 -9. In addition to the line dance group pictured above, our “Swinging Seniors” listed below also qualified for the state games in one or more of the following events: 5K Run, Basketball Free Throw, Bowling, Frisbee Throw, Nerfball Throw, ROOK, Shuffleboard, Softball Throw, Swimming, Table Tennis and Golf.
Master Games Members include the following:
Glennon Bazzle, Ruth Dover, Lula Echols, Olivia Gray, Iretha Manning, Myrna Moline, James Oden, Johnny Payne, Eusebia Sanderson, Louise Sanderson, Franklin Tate, Ruby Tucker, Vallie Tutt,
Linda Vinson.
Scenario one – You are happily married-with children and one day, poof! – you are in Divorce Court dividing the property and discussing child visitations.
Scenario two – your once sweet, satisfying relationship with your boyfriend or girlfriend turns sour, secretive and toxic.
Scenario three – You are simply married to your job which can be fulfilling, but lonely and totally unbalanced.
In each of these cases, people found themselves surprisingly single.
Ms. Abra Barnes, 34, identified with scenario three. She explained, “I started my career very young as a real estate agent.” She said she worked and socialized with her single friends, but one day her single friends no longer had the time to associate with her. Ms. Barnes said she was rudely awakened when she realized that her once single “friends were married with children.”
“They had their family vacations and date nights and I wasn’t invited, “Ms. Barnes added.
Surprisingly Single was created in October of 2012 as an entertainment means for professional single people between the ages of 25 to 50 (and older) to network, talk and do pressure-free things together. “We have outings for two people as well as 100 people at a time. We dialogue about being single and offer panel discussions about not being married and other topics. We offer speed dating, social outings such as bowling, horseback riding, sky diving, themed parties and eating out. It’s not about hooking up. We’re just trying to get people to get out of their comfort zones and meet people,” she said.
“We just want to fill voids. Friendships are being formed and some love matching is occurring also.”
Ms. Barnes continued, “In November of 2012, we started a Facebook Group called Surprising Single. One of our female members found herself stranded with a flat tire. She accessed her Facebook account and before she knew it, three guys were there to help her. We try to fill in the gaps for each other. We’re like a big family.”
She mentioned that there is a Surprising Single Clothing line. “Some of our shirts are printed with a Surprising Single sign across the chest. We guarantee you’ll get some kind of looks and conversation. It’s about boosting your ego. It’s okay to be single until you decide to get married – IF you decide to get married. In the meanwhile, why not form friendships and meet people? A simple hello can lead to limitless opportunities.” She reiterated, “We want to get people out to mingle with other people and give them opportunities to meet other people.”
During a recent Lock and Key party, men wore locks around their necks and ladies wore keys on their wrists. “We walked around to see which keys could open locks. There were drawings for movie and restaurant dates, horseback riding and winery certificates,” Ms. Barnes added.
This past Labor Day, Ms. Barnes said there was a Surprising Single Black and White soiree at the Regions Park Ballroom to launch the new website http://www.iamsurprisinglingsingle.com/. It was a great success. Surprising Single has a calendar of events, a store, love blog and ways to get restaurant discounts,” Ms. Barnes stated.
Ms. Barnes concluded, “Surprisingly Single also does a series called, “Preparing Yourself for Your Mate.” Within the series, we work on preparing singles financially, physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. As a veteran realtor, my favorite leg of the series is the financial leg. I push home ownership. A recurring hash tag that you will see among my 1000 members is #houses and spouses because not only am I going to help my singles find a spouse, but afterwards, I will put the two of them in a house!”
FAIRFIELD, Ala. – President, Dr. George T. French Jr., proudly announces the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand-opening of the New Welcome and Admissions Center, Student Dining Center, and the 204-Bed Residence Hall, Thursday, October 17, at 11:30 a.m. on the campus of Miles College, 5500 Myron Massey Boulevard, Fairfield, Alabama.
Under the revolutionary leadership of Dr. George T. French, Jr. Miles College is strategically positioned for growth. For the first time in Miles College history, it will unveil three facilities concurrently as a result of a $20 million capital improvement project.
With the increased enrollment and the unfortunate task of having to turn students away due to the current limited space, these new buildings are a much welcomed addition to the Miles College Campus. Miles College had a record enrollment Fall 2012, and anticipates similar results this school year. As a result of increased enrollment, Miles College is experiencing full dormitories and once again had to arrange a contract with a local hotel for student residential placement assistance. The new facilities will help in accommodating the growth of the college.
Miles College administrators expect at least 5,000 attendees, for the ceremony. Guests will include hundreds of high school students, alums, board of trustee members, community leaders, political officials, students, faculty and staff all gathered to celebrate and to hear speakers such as Governor Robert Bentley who is among the impressive list slated for the dais. There will be two live radio broadcasts on campus and beverages sponsored by Coca-Cola for everyone. In addition, the Miles College Band and Choir will perform as a part of this historical program. This event is free and open to the public.
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand-opening Celebration is a part of the Miles College Homecoming Festivities. This year’s theme is “Let the Good Times Roll.”
Miles College Homecoming Schedule
(Tentative)
Oct. 13-19
Sunday
11 a.m. Service at Miles Chapel (pass out Mardi Gras Beads and Mask) (Ecc.3:1)
3 p.m. Mask Decoration
6 p.m. Coronation
9 p.m. Masquerade Ball
Monday
11 a.m. Pep rally/Parade
5 p.m. Bourbon Street/Block Party
Tuesday
11 a.m. High School Visitation Day/ fun fest
7 p.m. STS Bus Skating 8-12
Wednesday
11 a.m. Miles College Trivia
7 p.m. Bonfire/Crawfish Boil
11 p.m. Midnight Bowl
Thursday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Dedication
5 p.m. Community Service
7 p.m. Fashion/ Talent Show
Friday
11 a.m. Stroll Off
4 p.m. Burial of the Thorobred
7 p.m. Mardi Gras Step Show
Greek (divine nine)
Saturday
9 a.m. Miles College Homecoming Parade
4 p.m. Miles College Homecoming Game
9 p.m. Concert
Fantastic!!! I know you are wondering who or what I am speaking of? But if you listen to Go To Orange the remarkable new CD recorded by B’shnorkestra featuring the masterpieces of the extraordinary trumpeter/composer Samantha Boshnack – then the comment is self-explanatory. They are the crème de la crème.
Samantha Boshnack is an amazing talent. This attribute shows in her compositions and performances. Therefore B’shnorkestra is bound to be entertaining. But it is more than that as it surpassed any perceived expectation – ultimately amazing.
The title track, “Go To Orange”, is a mellow mid tempo piece that climaxes to two powerful solos performed by Tobi Stone (tenor sax) and Adam Kozie (drums). The percussions immediately draw you into the rhythm on “La Noche Negra.” I might add the strings on this track are on point.
Samantha Boshnack takes center about midway through the album delivering a defining solo on “Zim” which incorporates a measured, intense arrangement. “Symposium” is reminiscent of a ballad that backs a solid trumpet and strings. “B’shnultimate” is just pure rhythm. The percussions are strong – which are dynamic and highly energetic. B’shnorkestra has delivered some stuff Grammys are of. They have an unconventional style that fans can’t get enough of.
B’shnorkestra is a 14 member alternative chamber orchestra of strings, horns and drums. Guided under the helm of Joshua Kohl, they perform eight of Samantha Boshnack’s original compositions on their latest which was tracked live at Bear Creek Studios. Go To Orange is Boshnack’s debut release under her own name and B’shnorkestra’s first studio album.
Samantha Boshnack is a virtuoso who studied classical and jazz compositions at Bard College. She has performed with David Byrne, Bobby Previte and others. Although she has toured extensively in the United States, she has also performed in Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe.
This week marks the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attack on America. Their mission was well planned and executed. The devastation and death surrounding the bombing of New York’s World Trade Center was analogous to the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The day that will live in infamy, as declared by America’s elected king, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Most of us were not alive nor do we remember that day. However, most of us vividly remember September 11, 2001.
Today, everything is recorded instantly by television or the internet. The stark reality of those kamikaze attacks is etched indelibly in our memories. It is the type of visceral memory that will stay with you forever. It is a day that you will always remember where you were when the news was delivered. In my case, it compares to the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.
Probably like many of you, I thought that the first attack was an accident, a plane that went awry. However, when the second plane hit you knew that it was no accident.
We indeed live in a different world today than the one I grew up in during the 1950s and ’60s. We also live in a different United States of America. Our nation has always been a melting pot. However, we are really a diverse pot of gumbo today.
My childhood was typical and exemplified the America of 60 years ago. I grew up on Maple Street in Troy, Alabama. Most folks were born and raised in small towns across America. We grew up in a Norman Rockwell world where we got up on summer mornings and played baseball in our front yards with our neighborhood friends. By the way, we had not locked our doors when we went to bed the night before. We were either white or Black and we primarily went to Baptist or Methodist churches on Sunday.
Today’s demographical world more likely reveals a scenario where the average child born today is not sure of his ethnicity. If he is born in a metropolitan location, like New York or Los Angeles, when he walks out his front door on a summer morning, instead of curveballs he is dodging bullets from the neighborhood gangs.
Census figures reveal that last year for the first time ever Caucasians recorded more deaths than births. This statistic confirms the aging of the white population as well as lower birth rates than minorities. Whites currently make up 64 percent of the U.S. population. Demographers predict that by 2050, if current trends continue, whites might become the minority.
During just the past year, the United State’s population had a 3 percent growth in the Asian population. Hispanics grew 2.2 percent and now represent close to 17 percent of the U.S. population. Approximately one in six Americans is Hispanic. They are a larger part of the U.S. population than African Americans, which comprise 13 percent of America’s population. Blacks grew by only 1.3 percent last year. White growth was zero.
This reflects a common thread that has prevailed for several years. In the next few years, folks born during the 1930s and World War II will turn 80. These people will be followed by the first baby boomers. Most of these Americans are white. Therefore, it is inevitable that the white population will continue to shrink in America.
William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, predicts that white retirees will be on the receiving end of an economy, which will be fueled largely by the efforts of Hispanics, African Americans and Asians. Frey sees the next few decades as almost an inversion of the 20th century when the white middle class was the engine of our economic growth.
In this century, the United States’ young people are from Mexico, Guatemala, China and India. These immigrants by and large will inherit America. They will be the ones who will be taking care of us baby boomers. This trend does not bode well for the Republican Party nationwide.
See you next week.
Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column appears weekly in more than 70 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. He may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Available for the first time in print is the fascinating adult read, Twisted Perfection. Written by New York Times Bestselling author Abbi Glines, Twisted Perfection offers a unique tale laced with innocence, experience, good and not so good. It is wonderful.
In Twisted Perfection, readers are introduced to Della Sloane. After having spending her formative years detained by her mother’s incapacities, Della is finally liberated. To exercise her freedom, and at the encouragement of a friend, Della decides to go on a road trip to experience life. Della, however, gets more than what she expected.
While traveling through a small beach town, she meets the very handsome Woods Kerrington. Woods is slated to become vice president of their family’s country club. In order to do this, he must do all his father instructs –including marrying one of the snooty women in the upper echelon that he grew up in. Woods is willing to oblige but not before having a one-night stand with the pretty girl – Della.
Months have passed and Woods can’t seem to get Della out of his mind. Ironically, Woods and Della’s paths cross – again. This time, love tugs on both of their heartstrings and they can’t seem to get enough of each other. This would be perfect if Woods were not a Kerrington. Unfortunately, he is and his father would do anything to keep Woods and Della apart. Della, not wanting to ruin all that Woods has worked hard for, decides to leave. The problem is that Woods just can’t let her go.
Twisted Perfect is a fantastic tale about love, money and power. Although Della has conquered her demons, Woods on the other hand is just starting his fight. Abbi Glines has written a captivating page-turner for sure.
Bestsellers Fallen Too Far and Never Too Far (adult fiction) and The Vincent Boys series, Sea Breeze series (young adult fiction) along with numerous others are Abbi Glines’ previous novels. She is one of Alabama’s brilliant talents. She and her husband Keith, along with their three children, make Fairhope home. Available September 23rd is Simple Perfection (e-book), the surprising sequel to Twisted Perfection.
Song features new Slide Dance and accompanying music video
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Miss Robbie Montgomery, the feisty star of the hit OWN docu-series “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,” has released a new original song and accompanying music video “Do the Sweetie Pie,” available on www.oprah.com/SweetiePiesMusicVideo.
Written by Miss Robbie’s son Tim Norman, “Do the Sweetie Pie” is based on a “slide dance” performed by the 73 year-old restaurant owner who spends many weekends out dancing with her friends. The song debuted on “The Tom Joyner Morning Show.”
“It was my first time recording in Lord knows how many years,” remarked Miss Robbie, a 1960s backup singer and former Ikette. “After my lung collapsed, doctors told me I’d never be able to record again, but you never know what God has in store for you and you’re never too old to try. When my son Tim wrote the song for me I thought it would be a fun thing to do together – don’t just chase your dreams, catch them.”
“It started out as a birthday gift for my mother,” says Tim of the project’s origins. “Even though she sang for years, she didn’t have a song of her own and I wanted to do something special for her that we could create together – something she would really remember.”
Both hope the “Sweetie Pie” will eventually join the ranks of other classic slide dance traditions such as the Electric Slide, the Wobble and the Cupid Shuffle.
In addition to co-producing “Do the Sweetie Pie” with St. Louis production duo Da Beatstaz, Tim also co-directed the music video, which will be featured on the October 5 “behind the scenes” episode of “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,” airing Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center will present An Afternoon with National Leaders, followed by a staged reading of “Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963” on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013.
U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., and former secretary of state, political scientist, author and Birmingham native Condoleezza Rice, Ph.D., will speak at 12:30 p.m. The discussion will be moderated by UAB President Ray L. Watts.
After a 20-minute intermission, the ASC and ArtPlay will present a staged reading of Christina M. Ham’s play “Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963,” as part of a nationwide reading, at 2 p.m. in the center’s Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave. South. The reading was previously scheduled for 3 p.m.
The combined event is free and open to the public. Tickets are general admission and availability is limited. For tickets, call the ASC box office at 205-975-2787.
In office since 2009, Holder is the 82nd attorney general of the United States. Serving in the administration of President Barack Obama, he is the first African-American to hold the position. He previously was deputy assistant attorney general, U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia and judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Rice has broken racial and gender barriers in a distinguished career that includes being the first African-American woman to be U.S. secretary of state. As America’s chief diplomat under President George W. Bush, she engaged U.S. partners around the world to promote stability, good governance and democracy.
The ASC and ArtPlay will join Project1Voice, The Kennedy Center and theater companies and groups across the country on Sept. 15 for the nationwide reading of “Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963.” ArtPlay’s teen Make It Happen Performing Ensemble and ArtPlay students will participate in the staged reading, along with a multi-generational cast of community actors and performers, directed by Alicia Johnson-Williams. The audience and performers will enjoy a talkback after the show. ArtPlay and the ASC performed a workshop reading of the play in February of this year.
The play portrays Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Addie Mae Collins, four girls who are bursting with promise and excitement for the future. They share their hopes and dreams against the backdrop of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement until it all comes crashing down when the girls are killed by a bomb while preparing for Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church’s Youth Day service. Commissioned and originally produced by SteppingStone Theatre, “Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963” examines the realities of a segregated, politically charged climate through the lives of the children. Project1Voice is a not-for-profit performing arts service organization founded by New York-based actor/producer and Birmingham native Erich McMillan-McCall to nurture, promote, strengthen and preserve the legacy and tradition of African-American theater and playwrights.
Throughout September, the ASC will present special programs commemorating the seminal events of the Civil Rights Movement in 1963. Visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.org.
