Girl Scout Troop 766 on the Move

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August 22, 2013

Girl Scouts on the Move — TOP ROW L-R: Terry Cowley, Monica Craig, Barbara Pierce, Latunya Littlepage, Samos Thomas, Sandra Green, Makiala Gooden, Anna Turner, Gertha McAlpine, Connie Taylor FIRST ROW: L-R: Laila Cowley Alaina Cowley, Sidney Davis, Shecoria Wright, Jordan Littlepage, Corynn Allen, Sydney Urquhart, Jayla Craig, Annaysha Jackson, Brittany Jackson, Kenya White, Artelia White

TOP ROW L-R: Terry Cowley, Monica Craig, Barbara Pierce, Latunya Littlepage, Samos Thomas, Sandra Green, Makiala Gooden, Anna Turner, Gertha McAlpine, Connie Taylor FIRST ROW: L-R: Laila Cowley Alaina Cowley, Sidney Davis, Shecoria Wright, Jordan Littlepage, Corynn Allen, Sydney Urquhart, Jayla Craig, Annaysha Jackson, Brittany Jackson, Kenya White, Artelia White — TOP ROW L-R: Terry Cowley, Monica Craig, Barbara Pierce, Latunya Littlepage, Samos Thomas, Sandra Green, Makiala Gooden, Anna Turner, Gertha McAlpine, Connie Taylor
FIRST ROW: L-R: Laila Cowley Alaina Cowley, Sidney Davis, Shecoria Wright, Jordan Littlepage, Corynn Allen, Sydney Urquhart, Jayla Craig, Annaysha Jackson, Brittany Jackson, Kenya White, Artelia White

On Sunday, August 11, the girls, family and friends of Girl Scout Troop 766, (Community Troop, Gloria D. Yelder, troop leader), prepared a delicious and healthy meal for the residents at Ronald McDonald House. This is one o

f the girls’ yearly service projects. The girls love helping the Ronald McDonald House and they encourage all girl scout troops to get involved, as well as other organizations. It is a rewarding experience.

Nation joins Birmingham for “FOUR LITTLE GIRLS: Birmingham 1963”

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Kennedy Center will join theater companies and groups across the nation, as well as ArtPlay and UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center (ASC) on Sept. 15, for a national staged reading of Christina M. Ham’s play “FOUR LITTLE GIRLS: Birmingham 1963.”
The readings will commemorate the precise 50th anniversary of the bombing that took the lives of four young girls at Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church in 1963. It is part of Project1Voice’s nation-wide, simultaneous event of staged readings commemorating this seminal event in American history, which helped to galvanize the American civil rights movement only weeks after the historic March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
The staged reading will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, in the ASC’s Sirote Theatre, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $15. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.alysstephens.org.
ArtPlay’s teen Make It Happen Performing Ensemble and ArtPlay students will participate, along with a multi-generational cast of community actors and performers, directed by Alicia Johnson-Williams. ArtPlay and the ASC performed a workshop reading of the play in February of this year, to an invited audience that included family members and friends of the four girls, theater performers and presenters.
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 the 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 in a time of extreme circumstances during the fight to end racial discrimination and inequality.
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.

For tickets, visit www.alysstephens.org or call 205-975-2787.

Josilyn Drake

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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Birmingham resident Josilyn Drake is a woman who is passionate about God. An amazingly gifted vocalist, Josilyn possesses a crystal clear soprano voice and has been blessed with songs delivered to her straight from Heaven.
She is a talented songwriter, she’s sung behind award-winning Gospel artists such as Kevin Bond, Darwin Hobbs, William Murphy and Darlene McCoy.
Josilyn is completing her upcoming debut, I Will Worship You. The
lead single, “Keep Us Lord”, is rising up the BDS Gospel charts. It was
featured and taught to attendees of the 2013 Gospel Music Workshop of America, the world’s local Gospel music convention.
She has appeared on WATC’s Atlanta Live and on Birmingham’s ABC affiliate, WBMA-TV’s Talk Of Alabama.
Website: http://www.JosilynDrake.com.

Councilwoman Maxine Parker Receives Professional Certification

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham City Councilwoman Maxine Parker of District 4 has earned a professional designation for completing the requirements for the Alabama League of Municipalities Certified Municipal Officials Training Program.
The training program for elected municipal officials was created in 1994 by the Alabama League of Municipalities, under the direction of its Executive Committee, to complete the cycle of training for municipal officials. Until that time, no formal training had been offered for elected officials.
“In order to achieve this high honor, a municipal official must first complete training. All elected officials in the state of Alabama attend these workshops. The goal for receiving this training is to better serve the constituents of Birmingham,” Councilwoman Maxine Parker said.
Because of her attendance at statewide and regional educational conferences, Councilwoman Parker has received formal classroom training in subjects such as council meeting procedures, parliamentary procedure, the Open Meetings Act, public records, ordinance drafting, conflicts of interest, the State Ethics Law, duties of the mayor and council, tort liability, the competitive bid law, zoning and planning, annexation, municipal regulatory powers, municipal revenues and expenditures, personnel actions and leadership development.
The Alabama League of Municipalities was organized in 1935 and has since served as the recognized voice of the cities and towns in Alabama. Through the years, the organization has steadily grown and now serves more than 440 municipalities.

Education leader Daagye Hendricks seeks District 4 seat on Birmingham School Board

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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Daagye Hendricks, a mother, a business woman, and PTA member is seeking election to the Birmingham Board of Education representing District 4, which includes Norwood, Inglenook, Eastlake, Woodlawn, Kingston, and surrounding Eastern neighborhoods. Daagye is an Educator and mentor to students throughout the Region.

“We have challenges in the Birmingham City Schools, but we also have some notable success,” Hendricks said. “I am offering myself as a candidate for the Birmingham Board of Education in District 4 so that I can help ensure that we face our challenges with plans that will benefit all of our children.”

Hendricks said she would use her experience as a parent and room mother in a Birmingham school, her business and educational preparation and her passion for education and service to benefit all students.

“As an active parent, I realize the discrepancies between decisions made on our children’s behalf and the services we provide them,” Hendricks said. “Every child can learn, and resources, opportunities, and exposure are all that separate individual achievement of children.”

Hendricks and her 10-year-old son live in Norwood.

Unmarried and Single Americans Week

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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The Buckeye Singles Council started “National Singles Week” in Ohio in the 1980s to celebrate single life and recognize singles and their contributions to society. The week is now widely observed during the third full week of September (Sept. 15-21 in 2013) as “Unmarried and Single Americans Week,” an acknowledgment that many unmarried Americans do not identify with the word “single” because they are parents, have partners or are widowed. In this edition of Facts for Features, unmarried people include those who were never married, widowed or divorced, unless otherwise noted.
Single Life
103 million
Number of unmarried people in America 18 and older in 2012. This group made up 44.1 percent of all U.S. residents 18 and older. Source: America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2012 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2012.html> Table A1
53.6% – Percentage of unmarried U.S. residents 18 and older who were women in 2012; 46.4 percent were men. Source: America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2012 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2012.html> Table A1
62% – Percentage of unmarried U.S. residents 18 and older in 2012 who had never been married. Another 24 percent were divorced, and 14 percent were widowed. Source: America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2012 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2012.html> Table A1
17 million – Number of unmarried U.S. residents 65 and older in 2012. These seniors made up 16 percent of all unmarried people 18 and older. Source: America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2012 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2012.html> Table A1
87 – Number of unmarried men 18 and older for every 100 unmarried women in the United States in 2012. Source: America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2012 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2012.html> Table A1
56 million – Number of households maintained by unmarried men and women in 2012. These households comprised 46 percent of households nationwide. Source: America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2012 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2012.html> Table A2
33 million – Number of people who lived alone in 2012. They comprised 27 percent of all households, up from 17 percent in 1970. Source: America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2012 <https://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2012.html> Table H1 and HH-4
Parenting
36% – Percentage of women age 15 to 50 with a birth in the last 12 months, as of 2011, who were widowed, divorced or never married. Source: 2011 American Community Survey <http://factfinder2.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/11_1YR/DP02> Table DP02
40% – Percentage of opposite-sex, unmarried-partner couples in 2012 that lived with at least one biological child of either partner. Source: Source: America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2012 <https://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2012.html> Table UC3
804,000 – Number of unmarried grandparents who were responsible for most of the basic care of a co-resident grandchild in 2011. Twenty-nine percent of co-resident grandparents responsible for their grandchildren were unmarried. Source: 2011 American Community Survey <http://factfinder2.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/11_1YR/B10057> Table B10057
Unmarried Couples
6.7 million – Number of unmarried-partner households in 2011. Of this number, 605,000 were same-sex households. Source: 2011 American Community Survey <http://factfinder2.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/11_1YR/B11009> Table B11009
Voters
39% – Percentage of voters in the 2012 presidential election, who were unmarried, compared to 24 percent of voters in the 1972 presidential election. Source: Voting and Registration in the Election of 2012 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/socdemo/voting/publications/p20/2012/tables.html> Table 9
35% – Percentage of voters in the 2010 November election who were unmarried. Source: Voting and Registration in the Election of 2010 <http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/socdemo/voting/publications/p20/2010/tables.html> Table 9
Education
32.1% – Percentage of unmarried people 25 and older in 2012 who had a high school diploma or equivalent as their highest level of attainment. Source: Educational Attainment in the United States: 2012  <http://www.census.gov/hhes/socdemo/education/data/cps/2012/tables.html> Table 2
26% – Percentage of unmarried people 25 and older in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree or more education. Source: Educational Attainment in the United States: 2012  <http://www.census.gov/hhes/socdemo/education/data/cps/2012/tables.html> Table 2

Editor’s note: The preceding data were collected from a variety of sources and may be subject to sampling variability and other sources of error. Questions or comments should be directed to the Census Bureau’s Public Information Office: telephone: 301-763-3030; fax: 301-763-3762; or e-mail: <PIO@census.gov>.

“Reigning Noble Women” Celebrate 42 Years of History

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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The Alpha Rho Chapter of Rho Nu Tau Sorority (PNT), a professional service sorority originating at Miles College, celebrated 42 years of community service and achievement during Founders Day at the downtown Birmingham, Summit Club. The Founder’s Day Committee with Laura P. Watson, chairperson, and Mary Gaines, Gladys Williams, Jeffery Lynne Holman, and Barbara Grant organized a festive celebration luncheon with over 100 friends, family, and supporter present.
A prolific history of Rho Nu Tau Sorority (PNT) was revisited by guest presenter and former Milean, Gladys McGhee. She told of a young visionary, Jean Chandler who established Club Rho Nu consisting of aspiring women of distinction on Miles College campus. Later, 13 of these aspiring women diligently pursued and accomplished their vision to transform a college club into a sorority devoted to service and sisterhood. As a result, Rho Nu Tau Sorority (PNT) earned the distinction of uniquely being the first African-American sorority to be incorporated in the state of Alabama.
During the celebration, special moments of PNT presented by Gladys Williams were informing and inspiring to all. The mission of Rho Nu Tau given by Barbara Grant and Betty W. Brown presented all of the sisters to guests. Sean Watson (DJSW1), son of Laura Watson serenaded everyone with classic, contemporary jazz. Perfectly choreographed liturgical dances performed by Jasmine Watters, granddaughter of Royslyn Watters were enjoyed by everyone. The President of the Birmingham Alumni Association and Vice President of the National Alumni, Joe Young accepted the thousand dollar scholarship on behalf of the Miles College Scholarship Fund to be awarded to a worthy student in the fall. Expressions of appreciation for the many friends and family supporters came from the Anti-Basileus, Mary Gaines on behalf of Basileus, Veronica Blair. The celebration culminated with a moving rendition of the hymn by all sorors present including: Theresa Thomas, Helen Toney, Rosemary Hailey, Synetta Allen, Beverly Richardson, Royslyn Watters, Laura Watson, Jeffery Lynne Holman, Lue Ruth Colvin, Ellarea Reynolds, Thelma Boston, and Earnestine Fair.

ESSENCE serves Community of Mobile Super-Users with launch of new iPhone app

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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ESSENCE, the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women, announces the launch of its newest iPhone app. Available for download from the App Store, the app will continue to allow ESSENCE to serve its community of mobile super users. ESSENCE’s new app debuts with robust content from the magazine’s annual September Fashion issue, including its cover story featuring singer and X Factor host Kelly Rowland; a Fall 2013 style guide; expert beauty tips and more.
For more than 43 years, ESSENCE continues to implement innovative strategies to service its loyal community of 9.8 million readers. The launch of ESSENCE’s iPhone app is a natural progression for the brand, as African-American women continue to over-index in the mobile and social media landscapes. In July, ESSENCE also launched its 2013 ESSENCE Festival app, which helped attendees of the record-breaking Festival to stay in-the-know during the annual July Fourth Weekend festivities.
Recent stats show that African-American women lead their mainstream counterparts when using mobile to:
•   Read magazines
•   Watch TV shows/movies
•   Shop, research or buy products
The launch of ESSENCE’s app will also provide an opportunity for advertisers to see the strength of this still under-tapped audience, as the brand continues to develop and implement creative strategies to engage and service its core audience.
“One of the reasons for ESSENCE’s continuous success is our willingness to not only serve but to also evolve with our audience—who today have grown into a community of mobile super-users,” said Michelle Ebanks, President of ESSENCE Magazine. “With the launch of our latest iPhone app, ESSENCE continues to demonstrate its commitment to meeting the needs of our audience wherever they are.”

Homicide Investigation

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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The Birmingham Police Department reports that a suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with a homicide investigation. The victim was discovered on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at approximately 1:00 a.m. at 44th Place North and 8th Avenue Alley.

The victim has been identified as:
Justin Kindred, B/M, 23, of Birmingham, Alabama.

The suspect has been identified as:
William Golden, 19, of Birmingham, Alabama. A Capital Murder warrant with no bond has been obtained against the suspect.

The suspect was arrested by the BPD Crime Reduction Team on Monday, August 18, 2013 after information developed through the investigation that the suspect was responsible for the victim’s death. The suspect is in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.

Alabama Power Executive Joins Board of Trustees

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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TUSKEGEE, Ala. — Jonathan Porter, director of customer services for Alabama Power Company is the newest member of the Tuskegee University Board of Trustees. A native of Bessemer, Ala., Porter is an alumnus who graduated in 1995. He has been actively engaged on campus for a number of years and has facilitated workshops and served as a speaker for student events.
“I am truly humbled and honored to serve on the Board of Trustees for Tuskegee University,” Porter said. “I look forward to working with the Board for the advancement of Tuskegee University for generations to come.”
Alabama Power provides electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state of Alabama. Porter is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction to the residential and commercial/industrial customer service centers which operate 24 hours per day and seven days a week responding to approximately 7 million calls a year. He also leads initiatives with management from various company departments to enhance customer experience.
Porter has held various positions including: senior corporate recruiter, senior HR business representative, assistant business office manager, lead HR business consultant, and assistant to the executive vice president of external affairs, and Birmingham division area manager. Prior to joining Alabama Power, he worked as an underwriting analyst for Protective Life Corporation and as a manager at INROADS, Inc.
Porter serves as a member of the board of directors for such organizations, including: REV Birmingham, Jefferson County Education Foundation, Jefferson County Economic & Industrial Authority, and INROADS, Inc. (Southeast region). Porter has previously served on the boards of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, National Association of African Americans in HR, National Black MBA Association, and PING (Partnership in Neighborhood Growth). Porter serves as a distinguished member of the Newcomer Society of Alabama.
Porter graduated cum laude from Tuskegee with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He was also a 4-year letterman in football and was an All Conference Scholar-Athlete from 1991-1994. Porter later received his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1997.
He is also a 2011 graduate of Leadership Birmingham, graduate of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce’s Project Corporate Leadership program, graduate of the Alabama Power Company Leadership Development program, and past participant in the Alabama Leadership Initiative. Porter has been featured in the Who’s Who in Black Birmingham and was recognized as a “Top 40 Under 40” by the Birmingham Business Journal.