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Miles College, Tuskegee University Invited to 2024 National Battle of the Bands

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Birmingham Times
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The Miles College Purple Marching Band is among eight of the nation’s most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands in the lineup for the 10th Anniversary of the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB). (Miles College)

The Birmingham Times

The Miles College Purple Marching Machine and Tuskegee University Marching Crimson Pipers are among eight of the nation’s most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands in the lineup for the 10th Anniversary of the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB).

This year’s event, themed “Celebrating Champions of Culture,” not only honors the legacy of HBCU marching bands but also champions their enduring influence on music and culture. The celebrations are scheduled to begin in Houston, Texas, on Friday, August 23, and conclude on Sunday, August 25, at NRG Stadium with the band showcase.

“Celebrating 10 years of the National Battle of the Bands is a milestone that goes beyond music—it’s about the impact these bands have on their communities and the broader cultural landscape,” said Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and Executive Producer of National Battle of the Bands. “This anniversary is a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of HBCU marching bands, and we are proud to continue amplifying their incredible stories and contributions.”

In addition to Miles and Tuskegee; the 2024 lineup features:

  • Bethune-Cookman University, Marching Wildcats
  • Jackson State University, The Sonic Boom of the South
  • Prairie View A&M University, Marching Storm
  • Southern University, Human Jukebox
  • Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands
  • Texas Southern University, “Ocean of Soul”

This year’s event will feature a live performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Lecrae, adding a unique blend of inspirational music that complements the spirited performances of the HBCU bands.

“It has been an honor to witness the growth and evolution of the National Battle of the Bands over the past ten years,” said Janis Burke, CEO of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority. “Since its inception, the event has become a cultural phenomenon, bringing together communities, showcasing remarkable talent, introducing new programming to the city, and serving as a vehicle to provide scholarship opportunities to many. We are proud to take part in this exceptional event and can’t wait to see what the next ten years bring.”

Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President, PepsiCo Industry Relations and Multicultural Development., said his company in 2023, donated more than $400,000 to HBCUs to impact their marching band students and tackle on-campus food insecurity.

“We’re excited to build on our commitment of advancing HBCUs and the students it serves, as demonstrated by our ongoing investment in the National Battle of the Bands platform and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering equality and empowerment within the community,” he said.

Other events will include:

  • National Battle of the Bands Band Camp  from July 17-19, 2024, at HCC Northeast – North Forest Campus.
  • The Emerging Experience Entrepreneur Conference presented by JP Morgan Chase, set for Friday, August 23, at The Deluxe Theatre, will provide a platform for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow.
  • Back on the Yard Kickoff & Stroll Off Competition will electrify the atmosphere at Texas Southern University on the same day, Friday, August 23.
  • Feeding The Homeless, an NBOTB Cares Initiative, will take place on Saturday, August 24. This event demonstrates its commitment to community support and engagement, aligning with our mission to positively impact every community we touch.
  • Fan Fest Experience at NRG Center on Sunday, August 25, will include the HBCU College Fair, Career Fair, and The Pepsi Experience—offering an elevated platform with vendors, music, performances, and more, ensuring an enriched experience for all attendees.

This year’s event will also feature a Hall of Fame program designed to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the success and legacy of HBCU marching bands. This recognition highlights the significant role these individuals have played in the development of HBCU marching band culture. The Hall of Fame program will be introduced during August’s event and will induct its inaugural members.

The National Battle of the Bands’ mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), their marching bands, and their roles in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders. For more information and updates, follow @NationalBattleOfTheBands on social media or visit www.nationalbattleofthebands.com. 

Companies Put Their All Into Catching Digital Thieves

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Birmingham Times
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With artificial intelligence (AI) having the ability to create a virtual undetectable clone of your voice, one wonders, “How can I continue to prove who I am?” with today’s advanced technology.

Well, know that your financial institutions, along with countless other businesses are wondering the same thing. They want to buffer themselves from these new sophisticated scammers that fraudulently impersonate people to steal their money. There are several new companies that are working toward solutions to this question. This week’s article will highlight a couple and how they work to achieve this goal.

A typical fraud would have a criminal, armed with your account numbers and personal information, calling your bank or other financial account holders and impersonating you to get access to your money. Digital security companies such as Prove have come up with an interesting and clever solution to identify imposters by using the customer’s phone to help verify their identity.

The system will ping the phone’s SIM card to verify with the carrier that it is you at the other end of the transaction. It also checks how long the phone has been operational and the trustworthiness of the carrier to determine whether the phone is actually yours or if it is a burner using a cloned number. A new tool from the company uses your phone to prefill some of the information on an application via “secure handshake.”

“We connect those dots to answer the question: Is (the applicant) validating their own information,” says Mary Ann Miller, fraud and cybercrime executive advisor and vice president of Prove.

The other solution being used is identifying your behavioral patterns. BioCatch, an international tech company, has developed a proprietary algorithm that’s based not on devices or location but how you enter information and access your accounts on a day-to-day basis. For example, your bank account. Some people check their accounts once or twice a week, scanning to see if deposits or payments went through.

They log in, typically, either via financial institutions’ app or on a browser on their desktop. They type in their information in a certain cadence, with a certain amount of time spent between key presses and certain swipe patterns on their phone. All of this creates a behavioral profile.

When someone logs into the bank account and it doesn’t match the normal behavioral profile, BioCatch alerts the financial institution. The bank or credit card company could then confront the person logged into the account, asking for a one-time password. This request goes to the rightful account owner’s cell.

As we continue to strive to Keep an Eye on Safety for ourselves, you may want to check with your bank and/or other business accounts to inquire what steps they are implementing to help protect your identity and funds from scammers.

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS

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Birmingham Times
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Ruben Studdard is in town this Friday, for two shows 6 and 9:30 p.m. at WorkPlay Theatre. (Provided)

 BY GWEN DERU | The Birmingham Times

TODAY…
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!

**ALABAMA BLAZIN BINGO, 6 p.m. at Overtime Grill and Bar.

**FILM – 7 p.m. at the Sidewalk Film.

**RUBEN STUDDARD at Perfect Note.

**FUSION INVITE NIGHT at the Nick.

**3RD THURSDAY BLUES JAM, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**THIRST TRAP THURSDAY, 5 p.m. at 2400 7th Avenue South.

**LIVE BAND KARAOKE hosted by ELLE JAI at Perfect Note.

**KIKSTART at Water Mark in Bessemer with Free Food Boxes, 9 a.m.

**COMPUTER CLASSES AT THE FIVE POINTS WEST LIBRARY every Tuesday and
Thursday.

**EACH AND EVERY THURSDAY HAPPY HOUR, 5-8 p.m. at D’ZIRE with SPECIALS.

**THIRSTY THURSDAYS at D’ZIRE Bar and Lounge.

**KARAOKE, 5-9 p.m. at Courtyard Alabaster Bar and Grill.

**THIRD THURSDAY BLUES JAM, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

**TASTEMAKER THURSDAY – Every Thursday at Blaze Ultra Lounge, 228 Roebuck Plaza Drive, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. with DJ Ace Twon (95.7 JAMZ) in the mix hosted by Audio Life and GMC Promo.

**THIRSTY THURSDAY at Hookah 114 17th Street No.

**TEQUILA THURSDAY at the Vibe Bar & Lounge.

**THROW BACK THURSDAY at Tha Vibe Bar & Lounge, 3801 Richard Arrington, Jr., Blvd.

**FILMMAKER HAPPY HOUR- Every 3rd Thursday, at Sidewalk Film Fest. Meet with other filmmakers and discuss your newest projects.

**EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT KARAOKE, 6:30 at Ruth’s Place hosted by LADY WOO and with DJ SHAY.

FRIDAY…
**SYMPHONY IN THE SUMMER at Railroad Park.

**FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES, 8 – 11 p.m. at 7611 1st Avenue North.

**HAM HAM JAM JAM 2024: WINSTON RAMBLE TRIO, HAYSOP, HAM BAGBY & THE SEIGE at The Nick.

**RUBEN STUDDARD at Perfect Note.

**FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE WITH R&B DIVA DEIRDRE GADDIS & TONY MCNEAL at Perfect Note.

**EVERY FRIDAY, R&B at The Chandelier, 212 Cahaba Valley Road in Pelham with DJ MANISH mixing live. FREE Entry.

**EACH AND EVERY FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR, 5-8 p.m. at D’ZIRE with SPECIALS.

**LIT FRIDAYS WITH RIPCORD, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. at 4501 Gary Avenue in Fairfield.

**AFRO CARIBBEAN NIGHTS (Every Friday Night) at Ash’s on 2nd, 7 p.m. until with Reggae, Afro Beats, Dancehall and Top 40 Hits.

**FIREBALL FRIDAY at Tha Vibe Bar & Lounge.

**FRIDAY NIGHT RAP, Every 1st and 3rd Friday at Crescent Cultural Center, 1121 Tuscaloosa Avenue, SW.

SATURDAY…
**EVERY SATURDAY at BIRDSONG FARMERS MARKET, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 2824 5th Avenue South, at Automatic Seafood.

**MEN’S DREAM CONFERENCE, 2-4 p.m. at 525 Bradley Road in Gardendale, Alabama, 35071 with DAVID CRAIG, JUSTIN EVANS and ALEX JONES hosted by JAJUAN WIGGINS and AHMAD COLLINS. Call 205 515-0441 for more or email: jajuan_Wiggins@ymail.com.

**WINE DOWN HAPPY HOUR, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Saferoom Lounge Bar.

**SEED FEST is a MUSIC FESTIVAL, Saturday, 2-7 p.m., featuring the Grammy Nominated THE WALLS GROUP that will perform at 6 p.m. and with live music and inspiration by Birmingham’s Best Local Artists, food trucks. Free UAB Health Screenings, Free Wills and Power of Attorney. FREE ENTRY.

**SYMPHONY IN THE SUMMER at Railroad Park.

**EACH AND EVERY SATURDAY HAPPY HOUR, 5-8 p.m. at D’ZIRE with SPECIALS.

**EVERY SATURDAY SOLD OUT – THE SATURDAYS JUMP OFF, 10 p.m. at Onyx of Bham, 615 8th Avenue West.

**BEDHEAD & VARSITY BLUES at The Nick.

**SAXOPHONIST ERISA NICOLE at Perfect Note.

**RUN IT BACK SATURDAYS at Platinum of Birmingham.

SUNDAY…   
**WORSHIP AT THE SIXTH, 9:30 a.m. at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church.

*EVERY SUNDAY – SOUL FOOD SUNDAYS, 1-5 p.m. (Every Sunday) at 1918 Catering, 197 Vulcan Road.

**SUNDAY FUN DAY at DZIRE BAR AND LOUNGE, 4120 3rd Avenue South. Call 205-266-2594 for more.

**SUNDAY FUNDAY for the grown Folks Kickback at Tha Vibe Bar & Lounge.

**EVERY 3rd SUNDAY JAZZ JAM SESSION, 4-8 p.m. at the Ferus on 41st..

**CITY WIDE PRAYER MEETING, Every 4th Sunday, 4 p.m. for one hour at Birmingham Easonian Baptist Bible College. The Lord’s Supper will be served and hosted by the Knights of Pythias & Court of Calanthe.

**SYMPHONY IN THE SUMMER at Railroad Park.

**SUNDAY FREE SHOW WITH TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH at The Nick.

MONDAY…
**BIRMINGHAM BAND STAND with Special Guest NEST FROM NOLA at The Nick.

**RNB MONDAYS, 10 p.m. at Onyx of Bham, 615 Eighth Avenue West.

TUESDAY…
**KIKSTART at Water Mark in Bessemer, 9 a.m. with Free Food Boxes…until all gone.

**COMPUTER CLASSES AT THE FIVE POINTS WEST LIBRARY every Tuesday and
Thursday.

**DIAPER GIVEAWAY every Tuesday, 10 a.m. at the Titusville Library.

**EVERY TUESDAY SPECIAL TUESDAYS with Food, Drinks Specials at 1918 Catering, 197 Vulcan Road.

**EVERY TUESDAY – TUESDAY NIGHT TRAILS 5:45 p.m. at Red Mountain Park.

**EVERY TUESDAY is SOUL CAFÉ Happy Hour introducing the Soul Café Happy Hour, 5:30-9:30 p.m. with Soul Goodies, Soul Spirits and Soul Music including $5 Titos and Redmont, at The Vault.

**JOSE CARR’S JAZZ JAM, 7:30 p.m. at True Story Brewing Company 5510 Crestwood Blvd.

**CARIBBEAN NIGHTS with Reggae, Caribbean and Island Vibes, 9 p.m. – until… with DJ Serious Mixing and hosted by KJ and MANNY at The Vault, downtown.

**TASTY TUESDAYS at Platinum of Birmingham.

**BIRMINGHAM SONGWRITER’S ROUND with Host SUSANNAH SEALES at the Nick.

WEDNESDAY…
**INTERFAITH NOONDAY PRAYER SERVICES, every Wednesday, at Linn Park, in Downtown Birmingham.

**WORKOUT WEDNESDAY at Five Points West Library at 10:30 a.m. for chair yoga and other chair exercises.

**WEDNESDAY NIGHT POOL TOURNAMENT AND KARAOKE NIGHT, 5 p.m. at
Carter’s Hookah Lounge and Grill, hosted by Jo Sweetz with the Pool Tournament, at 7 p.m. and Karaoke at 8 p.m.

**EVERY WEDNESDAY, YOU, ME & RNB, 6 p.m. at 2206 Bar & Lounge, 2206 31st Street, with DJ You, Me & Playlist.

**BHAM BLUES EXPLOSION (GARY, TAYLOR, LEIF & RYAN) at The Nick.

**D’ZIRE WEDNESDAYS, EACH AND EVERY WEDNESDAY with Free Mimosas, 8- 10 p.m. with DJ GORGEOUS in the Mix at 4120 Third Avenue South.

**WEDNESDAYS WEEKLY JAZZ JAM, 7- 10 p.m. at True Story Brewing Company, 5510 Crestwood Blvd. Food until 9 p.m., Music until 10 p.m. and Drink until 11 p.m.

**EVERY 4th WEDNESDAY at FACE’S LOUNGE KARAOKE hosted by ARETTA, 6:30 p.m. at 7070 Aaron Aronov Dr. in Fairfield.

NEXT THURSDAY…
**READ THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES. Catch up on the news!

**ALABAMA BLAZIN BINGO, 6 p.m. at Overtime Grill and Bar.

**FILM – 7 p.m. at the Sidewalk Film.

**PAUL CAUTHERN at Iron City.

**BRODY SCHENK & DANNY HAMMONS at the Nick.

**3RD THURSDAY BLUES JAM, 7 p.m. at True Story Brewing.

NEXT FRIDAY…

**FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES, 8 – 11 p.m. at 7611 1st Avenue North.

**HANNAH’S DROP DEAD CABARET at The Nick.

**DASH RIP ROCK at The Nick.

**JAZZ SAXOPHONIST NELSON RANGELL at Perfect Note.

NEWS TO USE…

**ALABAMA BALLET’S FINAL PRODUCTION – BONNIE AND CLYDE is May 31 – June 2 at Dorothy Jemison Day Theater concludes Alabama Ballet lineup for the 2023-24 season. Performances are scheduled: Friday – 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.  The production is about the infamous bank robbers’ journey and demise and crafted by ROGER VAN FLETERN, who incorporates classical and popular music from the 1903s era to put a contemporary spin on the timeless tale.  For more, call 205-322-4300.

OPPORTUNITIES…

**CALLING ALL MUSICIANS – UAB Alys Stephens Center is calling all music talents, from bands and duos to rappers, solo musicians and vocalists of all ages to share an opportunity for showcasing their talent at the 2024 Arts Block Party. Deadline is June 20.  This is a PAID opportunity. For more information, email: ascbookings@uab.edu.

**LIFT YOUR SPIRITS: PERMISSION TO CELEBRATE – FLAMING WITH FRIENDS is the theme for a fundraiser for community grief support that will take place on July 28, Thursday, 6-9 p.m. at the Vestavia Country Club. The event gives people permission to celebrate life. There will be silent and live auctions with jewelry, pottery, artwork, kids and pet packages, entertainment, travel experiences, dining experiences and more.  Enjoy live music, dancing, a buffet and cocktails at a summer evening party.  For more info, cpsmith@communitygriefsupport.org or 205-492-3350.

**GRANTS FOR ARTS PROJECTS: MEDIA ARTS – Interested in receiving grant information, the Second Grants for Arts project deadline Part 1- Submit to Grants.gov is July 11, 11:50 p.m. Eastern time. Part 2 – Submit to Applicant Portal is July 16-23, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Earliest Announcement of Grant Award or Rejection is April 2025. Earliest Start Date for Proposed Project is June 1, 2025. For more information, go to: arts.gov. For questions and help, contact Emma Bartley, bartleye@arts.gov, 202-682-5591 or Avril Claytor, claytora@arts.gov, 202-682-5028.

THINGS TO DO…IN JUNE…

**JUNE 1 – YOGA AND BRUNCH with YAMALA MA’ATMAN, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at 1121 Tuscaloosa Avenue SW.

**JUNE 8  – THE MARVEL CITY CARIBBEAN FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, 11 a.m. at 1623 2nd Avenue North, Bessemer.

**JUNE 10 – YWCA CREW 2024 TEEN ENRICHMENT PROGRAM, June 10 – July 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more: FRC@ywcabham.org or 205-949-5550.

**JUNE 15 – 26th MAGIC CITY SICKLE CELL WALK at Railroad Park, 8 a.m. – Noon. Bring your family and friends for an informative, health-conscious friendly morning in the park. Join a team. Register at: sicklecellwalk.swell.gives. For more info, call, 205-780-2355 or walk@sicklecellbham.org.

FOR BUSINESS LOVERS…
** ENTREPRENEURS & INNOVATORS CONFERENCE is June 20 and 21st at the Tuxedo Ballroom in the Ensley Entertainment District. Registration is $159 before April 19 and $170 afterward until June 18th. The Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce is the host. To register and for more, go to www.AlBlackCC.org, OR info@ALBlackCC.org.

FOR GARDEN LOVERS…
AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS….
**EVERY FRIDAY – STORYTIME AT THE GARDENS, Every Friday, 10 – 11 a.m. FREE with registration.

**CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMP is at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on May 28-July 26 with a Morning Camp and Afternoon Camp.

**SUPERHERO TRAINING ACADEMY, July 8 – July 12, 9 a.m. – Noon with a morning and afternoon camp.

HAPPENINGS AT SIXTH AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH…

**WORSHIP SERVICE every Sunday .
**EVERY MONDAY MORNING MEDITATION WITH PASTOR CANTELOW, 7:15 a.m. Contact the church at (205) 321-1136 or (205) 321-1137.
**CHILDREN’S CHURCH & COLLISION CHURCH, each First Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for K-5th (Children’s Church), 6-12th (Collision).

AT GIFTED CITY CHURCH… EVERY SUNDAY!
**GIFTED CITY CHURCH, Sunday Worship is 10 a.m. at 228 Second Avenue North in the Downtown, City Center. Join the one-hour service with children’s service and complimentary coffee and tea. For more: info@thegiftpad.org.

Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time. People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send events, your things of interest and more to: gwenderu@yahoo.com and thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com.

“The stadium design came to life piece by piece and I honestly could not believe my eyes when I saw what we created together in the end. This is an experience I’ll never forget.”

By
Birmingham Times
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JORDAN PETTWAY, A SENIOR FROM MOBILE, APPRECIATED THE EXPOSURE GAINED AS TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY WORKED ON A PROJECT TO REDESIGN LEGION FIELD, BIRMINGHAMTIMES.COM, MAY 15.

Birmingham City Council to Anyone Showing Up to Watch Exhibition Driving: Don’t

By
Birmingham Times
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The Birmingham City Council wants to deter exhibition driving for not only individuals who participate, but even those who show up to watch. (Provided)

The Birmingham Times

The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday put teeth into the City Code to deter exhibition driving for not only individuals who participate, but even those who show up to watch.

According to amendments to the code, spectators in exhibition driving or street racing is punishable by up to a $500 fine and/or 180 days in jail.

“One thing that we’ve seen is there are a lot of people that participate in this who aren’t the necessarily the ones driving,” said Councilor LaTonya Tate, chair of the Public Safety Committee. “What we wanted to do is put something into law that dissuades people from even showing up for these dangerous events, even if they’re just planning on being passive participants – like people live streaming and taking videos.”

“With these changes, we are giving our law enforcement officers a much-needed tool in order to curb this behavior on our public streets,” Councilor Hunter Williams said. “Enforcement of these changes will be up to the discretion of our officers. The Mayor’s Operation Knight Rider has been a huge success so far. This will allow for additional enforcement beyond just drivers and will hopefully prevent large crowds from gathering at these events.”

Through May 12, Operation Knight Rider has led to 34 arrests, with three of the cases presented to the Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution.

The total arrests under the initiative since April 12 include 45 felony charges, 32 misdemeanor charges, 10 exhibition driving-related charges and nine charges of fleeing or attempting to elude police, police said earlier this month.

Officers have recovered nine stolen vehicles and impounded a total of 25 vehicles.

Additionally, police said, the operation has resulted in the seizure of 22 weapons – one rifle and 22 handguns, three of which were equipped with machine-gun conversion devices (“switches”).

During the operation, police have recovered 4.1 pounds of marijuana, 39 grams of cocaine, 228 grams of methamphetamine. They have also seized $11,723 in cash which Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said is suspected drug proceeds.

This past legislative session, the Alabama Legislature approved changes (HB 474) that will allow for video/livestreams/photos etc. to be utilized in the investigation and prosecution of individuals who are taking part in exhibition driving.

Prior to the changes, Birmingham Police Officers would have to witness the act in person to be able to make an arrest. According to the legislation, exhibition driving that causes serious injury would be a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison; incidents resulting in death would be punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Vehicles are also eligible to seizure and impoundment if they are involved in exhibition driving.

‘I Was Grateful [She] Came Into My Life … I Got on One Knee and Proposed’

By
Birmingham Times
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BY JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY | Special to the Birmingham Times

MAURICE AND SALISIA VALENTINE

Live: Pelham

Married: June 3, 2006

Met: Fall 2001 at Jacksonville State University at a Gospel party hosted on their college campus. However, the two reconnected and became better acquainted in early 2004 at the New Life Apostolic Center in Anniston. Salisia said they were set up by their Apostle, Andra Cunningham.

“Maurice was getting his resume together to apply for the Boys and Girls Club and he had Apostle Andra looking over it when [Apostle Andra] said ‘Hey, you need to ask CiCi to take a look at this’… I was in my art room and fixing to go home when Maurice came in and said, ‘Apostle told me to come and have you take a look at my resume.’ I was [annoyed]  because I was tired and ready to go home, but I did say I’d take a look at it,” Salisa recalled.

Maurice was not met with warmth, “I went up there and she was mean,” he laughed, “but [after we sat down together] her whole countenance changed. I love working with youth, I was a youth pastor at the church at the time as well, and the conversation shifted,” Maurice said.

“He pulled out his little raggedy CD collection that didn’t have a front or back cover [on the album] and proceeded to talk to me about Gospel rap,” Salisia laughed.

Over the following months, Salisa said began to admire Maurice as they worked together on projects at church and became friends.

First date: Spring 2004, at a mutual friend’s apartment in Anniston. Maurice was renovating his new home but wanted to cook for Salisia, so their friend allowed them to use her apartment for their first date.

“It was awesome, we had a great time. I didn’t know how to cook for real so I went and got a box of Alfredo pasta and hooked it up,” Maurice laughed. “And that was the first time we sat down and had a true conversation and it felt like I was talking to my best friend.”

“My contribution to the dinner was a red velvet cake, so I baked one. I do remember being so nervous I don’t even think I ate, and Maurice read me like a book. He said, ‘I know you’ve been hurt before, but all I want you to do is let me earn your trust.’ And that was different because I had never had anyone tell me that before,” Salisia recalled.

The turn:  Fall 2004. “We started dating but I didn’t want anyone from the church to know and be in our business, and [despite that boundary] one night after service, Maurice made a point to walk out of the church and yell my name. He said ‘CiCi! You not gonna give me a hug and say bye to me?’ and I was so embarrassed I ran to my car… [soon after] he told me I was going to be his wife and scared me to death, but after that we progressively [got closer],” Salisia laughed.

“About six months in I told her ‘You’re going to be my wife’, and she looked me dead in the eye and told me we had to establish a friendship first so that was my focus. But I knew in the back of my mind she was already mine,” Maurice said.

The proposal: At New Life Apostolic Center in Anniston on New Year’s Eve 2004, at watch night service. Maurice served on the praise and worship team, and Salisia on the dance ministry, and with permission from their pastor, he proposed during a song he was leading.

“Everyone was in on it except for her, the whole church, her parents, everyone,” Maurice said. “The dance team came out, and I took the lead on the song [Blessed, by Fred Hammond so that I could work my plan], and at a point, I stopped singing and told [the pianist] ‘Hold up, hold up’ and that was his cue to play softer music and I started walking down the stage towards Salisia, and I just started talking directly to her. I told her how grateful I was for her to come into my life and I got on one knee and I proposed to her.”

“I was in such shock, I don’t even think I hugged him. He put the ring on my finger and I went back to my seat. I was the girl who didn’t think she would ever get married and was in a relationship with this man of God who loved me enough to think of me as his wife; I was literally in shock. I think I shook my head ‘yes’,” Salisia said.

The wedding: At Friendship Baptist Church in Anniston, officiated by their pastor, Apostle Andra Cunningham of New Life Apostolic Center, in Anniston. Their colors were burnt orange and yellow.

Most memorable for the bride was a moment of reflection as she walked down the aisle. “Even though I didn’t want to get married, during my prayer time the desire was initiated and two of the things I prayed for was that my husband would be tall and that he could sing, and Maurice sang me down the aisle. [He sang ‘Still in Love’, by Brian McKnight] and I realized as I was walking down the aisle that the Lord had answered my prayer,” Salisia said. “Also, when I think about our wedding day I think of how much love and support we had. Everybody was so excited about our coming together…”

Most memorable for the groom was serenading his bride. “Having the opportunity to sing to my wife and seeing her walk down the aisle, it honestly did feel like we were the only two people in the room and it was such a special moment to me,” Maurice said.

They honeymooned in Gatlinburg, Tenn. “We just enjoyed the time together and setting up the foundation of the future,” Maurice said.

Words of wisdom: “Marriage is a sacred covenant, not merely a contract. My advice is that whatever reason brought you together and to the altar, that should be the reason that supports you beyond it,” said Salisia. “We went through a lot together, sickness, finances, and regardless of the ups and downs that you encounter with your spouse, you have to continuously see your spouse as your partner despite the circumstances you face. Keep the vows.”

“It sounds very cliche, but it’s true, ‘keep God first and never stop dating.’ Develop the ability to not only communicate with your mouth but communicate with your ear by having an ear to hear,” Maurice said.

Happily ever after: Maurice pastors Life Changing Christian Center in Pelham, and Salisia serves as the First Lady and stewards the prophetic ministry. The Valentines don’t have any biological children but have been long-time stand-in parents for a young man they consider a son, Isaiah Chapple, 23.

Salisia, 43, is an Anniston native, and Saks High School [Anniston] grad. She attended Jacksonville State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she obtained a master’s degree in nursing and a certification as a family nurse practitioner. Salisia is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and currently pursuing a doctorate and psych mental health certification from Samford University and works as the vice president of provider services at American Family Care, where she also operates as a nurse practitioner.

Maurice, 42, is a Montevallo native, and Montevallo High School grad. He attended Jacksonville State University where he took general courses before transferring to North Carolina Bible Institute where he earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in Biblical Studies.  He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and is currently enrolled at World of Life Counseling Center [Wichita KS, online] in pursuit of a certification in Pastoral Faith Therapy Counseling. Maurice is a full-time pastor and youth coordinator for the City of Montevallo.

“You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them. If you would like to be considered for a future “Hello’’ column, or know someone, please send nominations to Barnett Wright bwright@birminghamtimes.com. Include the couple’s name, contact number(s) and what makes their love story unique.

Birmingham Personal Injury Attorney | Guster Law Firm, LLC

UAB Shares Mental Health Tips During Graduation Season

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Birmingham Times
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As graduation season closes, many recent graduates battle with the mental health challenges that arise from entering adulthood. (Provided)

By Micah Hardge | UAB News

As we come to the end of graduation season, UAB’s director of Student Counseling Services shares several ways for recent college graduates to improve and maintain their mental health. Graduating from college is one of the biggest milestones in a young adult’s life. While a time for celebration, the postgraduation buzz is sometimes short-lived for many due to the realities of what comes next: finding employment, getting into graduate school, relocating to a new city, fighting imposter syndrome in a new career, comparison to others or simply trying to figure out what the best next move may be.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As graduation season closes, many recent graduates battle with the mental health challenges that arise from entering adulthood and dealing with the first period of their life that does not have a blueprint.

How can a recent graduate maintain their mental health in an already uncertain season? Angela Stowe, Ph.D., director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Student Counseling Services, offers several useful tips for recent college graduates to keep in mind as they work to maintain their mental health and the next round of life’s transitions.

Remember The Basics

Not having a strict schedule or people to answer to can make figuring out a new day-to-day routine challenging for new graduates. Set a daily schedule and routine of simple tasks to complete to help transcend the major changes a graduate experiences and ground them to a sense of normalcy.

“Build a daily schedule where you maintain a succinct routine of simple tasks, such as making your bed, getting dressed, walking your dog. Find the things that ground you,” Stowe said.

She also recommends setting out time out to do things that one loves to do, such as a hobby, exercise or activity. Doing something that brings joy is a great form of mental health support.

Utilize Your Network

Whether graduating with a specific plan or without, relying on family, friends, and undergraduate connections and mentors for guidance, emotional support and financial advice is often a major tool in maintaining good mental health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, connecting with family and friends can help decrease stress and support a person’s overall mental health. Stowe suggests reaching out to people who are supportive and good advocates for that graduate and their future.

“Having a support system and a network of connections can help combat those feelings of being alone and lost,” she said. “You are not the first nor the last person to experience the things you are dealing with.”

Set Healthy Social Boundaries

Establishing healthy boundaries with family, friends and most importantly on social media outlets is essential to taking care of one’s mental health, Stowe adds.

Every college graduate feels the pressure of the question “So what are you doing now” or “What’s next after graduation?” While many postgraduation questions come from a place of genuine curiosity and hold a positive intent, these questions can have a negative impact on a recent graduate who is still figuring things out. Setting conversational boundaries with family and friends in a respectful manner can offer a form of protection to one’s mental health.

“For example, you can say something along the lines of “Thank you for asking; however, I am currently keeping my next steps to myself at this moment in time until I am ready to disclose,” Stowe said.

Setting boundaries with social media usage and expectations is also important. Social platforms like LinkedIn, a prominent professional networking and social communication website, can be a useful tool to build a professional brand, network and discover career opportunities. However, considering many posts on LinkedIn showcase the extravagance of the various career opportunities people are receiving, some students and recent graduates have found that LinkedIn can have a negative impact on their mental health.

As on every other social media platform, negative thoughts associated with the postgraduation journey can form from watching others post about their successes.

“Remind yourself that no one is posting their failures,” Stowe said. “Monitor your feelings and limit your usage if it becomes too much. Managing that relationship between yourself and social media is crucial to taking control of your mental health.”

Manage Expectations

Graduates must set realistic goals and expectations while giving themselves grace when faced with adversity. Realistic expectations can look like understanding that applying for a job does not guarantee employment, or that rejection may very well happen. Accepting that not every opportunity will favor a specific person can be hard to acknowledge but is critical to protecting one’s mental health.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out to your mentors for advice and even coaching. Know that they can be a resource on resume tips, interview skills and even job opportunities as you navigate finding the job or opportunity that best fits you,” Stowe said.

For those who enter their first role postgraduation, many young professionals find themselves battling imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is linked to internal feelings of self-doubt in one’s knowledge and abilities regarding being in a position or a team environment. Stowe encourages graduates to remember that they are not going to have all the answers — expect that, even with a degree, there is still a learning curve to any job, and trust in your skills.

Celebrate Successes

Do not shortchange accomplishments. Stowe believes that celebrating how much has been accomplished thus far is warranted.

“Remember to be kind to yourself,” she said. “We are often our own biggest critic. Trust the process, and be proud of how far you have come.”

Jefferson County DA Says Death Sentence for Alabama Inmate Toforest Johnson ‘Cannot Be Justified’

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Birmingham Times
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Toforest Johnson's family members Tony Green (cousin), left, and Shanaye Poole (daughter) hold photos of Johnson, who is on Alabama's death row. (FILE)

By Ivana Hrynkiw | ihrynkiw@al.com

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After Lawsuit By Alabama Inmates’ Families, UAB Ends Contract to Conduct State Prison Autopsies

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Birmingham Times
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All three University of Alabama System campuses will be closing their diversity, equity and inclusion offices and opening new offices under different names. (File)
ByBy Howard Koplowitz | hkoplowitz@al.com

UAB Hospital’s pathology department will no longer be conducting the autopsies of dead state inmates after UAB severed its contract with the Alabama Department of Corrections, the hospital said Monday.

UAB’s decision comes after the hospital was sued last month by the families of five dead state prison inmates who accused the state’s biggest hospital of stealing organs from inmates after conducting autopsies.

“While the UAB Department of Pathology has been in compliance with laws governing autopsies to determine the cause of death of incarcerated individuals under the appropriate clinical standard – and a panel of medical ethicists reviewed and endorsed our protocols regarding autopsies conducted for incarcerated persons – we have terminated our contract with the Alabama Department of Corrections and no longer perform autopsies for ADOC,” the hospital said in a statement Monday to AL.com. “UAB has one of the highest ranked pathology programs in the country, is accredited by the College of American Pathologists and is staffed by credentialed physicians who are certified by the American Board of Pathology.”

The hospital declined to comment beyond its statement.

UAB’s decision comes after the hospital was sued last month by the families of five dead state prison inmates who accused the state’s biggest hospital of stealing organs from inmates after conducting autopsies. (Adobe Stock)

Lauren Faraino, an attorney representing several families suing the hospital, said the termination of the contract has no bearing on the pending litigation.

“The termination of the UAB/ADOC contract does not change anything concerning the lawsuits that have been filed. The damage to those families has already been done,” she said. “The law clearly required medical examiners to get proper consent for organ removal  during autopsies, and UAB did not.”

The families say their loved ones were serving time at either Limestone Correctional Facility or The Hamilton Aged and Infirmed Center when they died. The inmates each died within the past several years, and each had their autopsies conducted by UAB. Following their autopsies, the separate lawsuits allege, the inmates’ bodies were sent to funeral homes, where funeral directors discovered they were missing their organs. One inmate was sent directly for a private autopsy, where a pathologist made the same discovery.

The lawsuits each allege that the university took, and kept, inmates’ organs without consent of next-of-kin.

All people who die in custody have an autopsy, multiple prison officials testified in a federal court hearing earlier this year. Some of those autopsies are done at UAB, while the rest are conducted at the state level by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

None of the five families gave UAB permission to keep the organs, the lawsuits state.

The families of Arthur Olen Stapler, Jim William Kennedy, Anthony Perez Brackins, Kelvin Lamar Moore, and Charles Singleton are each suing the Alabama Department of Corrections, the University of Alabama system which operates the University of Alabama at Birmingham and its medical school, and other various people associated with those institutions.

All families say they tried contacting UAB’s Pathology Department after they realized the organs were missing, but were met with different answers as to why the organs were retained.

Two of the families got their loved ones’ organs back from UAB.

The family of Kelvin Moore, who died last summer, said they picked up a “sealed red bag with a container inside that (UAB) claimed contained Kelvin’s organs.” That happened after a supervisor in the pathology department told them, according to the lawsuit, it was the UAB policy “not to return organs to families after an autopsy.”

A private pathologist, who was hired by the family of Arthur Olen Stapler, got back some of Stapler’s organs from UAB—but not all.

According to the lawsuit from the Kennedy family, a representative from UAB told them: “UAB Defendants’ Department of Pathology takes organs ‘all the time.’” The family also said they were told by someone in the pathology department that “UAB is a teaching institution. And every teaching institution that does autopsies keeps their organs.”

The flurry of lawsuits were filed after another former prisoner’s family sued in federal court to say their loved one, Brandon Clay Dotson, was returned missing his heart. No one has said where the heart is.

Late last month, the Doston family’s lawsuit was dismissed without the family ever learning where the missing heart was.

U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama Madeline Hughes Haikala dismissed the case after the family and the state “filed a joint stipulation of dismissal.”

Birmingham Mayor Woodfin on MSNBC: The ‘Cost’ of Gun Violence and Mass Shootings

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Birmingham Times
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Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin (PoliticsNation screengrab)

By Birmingham Times

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