Children’s Crusade 50th Anniversary set for 2013

The Birmingham “Children’s Crusade” of 1963 is classified as the civil rights movement most important chapter.  The children of Birmingham brought segregation to its knees. Fire hoses, attack dogs and jail couldn’t break their spirits nor stop them from being catalyst for positive social change.  President John F. Kennedy stated during the summer of 1963 at a White House meeting to plan what eventually became the Civil Rights Act of 1964, “but for Birmingham, we would not be here”.

On Wednesday, April 25, at the Birmingham city council’s committee of the whole meeting, plans were presented for the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Birmingham Children’s Crusade, set for May 2 – 10, 2013.  Council President Roderick Royal sought the help of Foot Soldier’s International, a local nonprofit organization in an attempt to jump start the city’s 2013 year-long activities.  The presentation was opened with a five minute pictorial video depicting the environment in Birmingham that led to the crusade, then showing the dream alive where all children around the world are no longer divided but together in love.

On May 2nd, more than a thousand African American students skipped their classes and gathered at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church to march to downtown Birmingham.  As they approached police lines, hundreds were arrested and carried off to jail in paddy wagons and school buses.  The Birmingham campaign ended on May 10th when Martin Luther King, Jr. and local officials reached an agreement in which the city promised to desegregate downtown stores and release all protestors from jail if the boycotts and demonstrations would end.  Across the South, the triumph in Birmingham inspired similar campaigns; in a ten-week period, at least 758 racial demonstrations in 186 cities sparked 14,733 arrests.  On June 11, 1963 President Kennedy made a historic address on national television, describing civil rights as “a moral issue” and endorsing federal civil rights legislation.  King later wrote, “Looking back, it is clear that the introduction of Birmingham’s children into the campaign was one of the wisest moves we made.

The council president’s request of the Foot Soldier’s International organization is warranted.  One of the principles is a Birmingham native and was one of the children arrested.  Gwen Webb Appling became the 2nd black female hired by the Birmingham police department, is featured in the award winning documentary ‘Mighty Times the Children’s March’ and is an active civil and human rights activist.  J. D. Appling has been in the travel and tourism business thirty years and skilled in tourism economic development.

The proposed nine day commemoration includes a festival, educational opportunities, film festival, concerts, children’s crusade march reenactment and rally, a musical and much more culminated by a red carpet awards event.  The Appling’s believe this nine day event could become the largest in Birmingham; the economic impact could be enormous. Many organizations and current events are being cultivated for inclusion and tour packages are being created.  The objective is to not only make this a worldwide civil and human rights event but a must attend tourism and travel event.

In nineteen sixty three this city was a place and time that changed the world and we have another opportunity in 2013 to change it again.

The 50th Anniversary Commemoration
The Birmingham “Children’s Crusade”
May 2 – 10, 2013

WHY SHOULD WE COMMEMORATE THE “CHILDREN’S CRUSADE” OF 1963:
We must remind our children that the same mantle that God gave the children in 1963, exist today.  That Martin L. King Jr., Dorothy Cotton, Diane Nash, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, James Bevel and the many other civil rights legends did not die in vain; the dream is still alive and well.  We must always remind them that freedom ain’t free and they are only free when the shackles are removed from their minds.  Teaching them they should always turn to each other in love and not on each other with hate; non-violence is still the way.  Our goal is to remind today’s children of the power they possess, just as in 1963.  They must now seize the opportunity to develop their God given skills and talents to become our leaders of tomorrow.

MISSION STATEMENT:
The Birmingham “Children’s Crusade” added a new dynamic to the struggle in Birmingham and is classified by some as the chief watershed of the nonviolent movement in the United States, and the Civil Rights Movement’s most important chapter.  The children of Birmingham brought segregation to its knees, and today’s young people possess that same power; the powers of resistance, rebellion, character and love for humanity.  Fire hoses and attack dogs couldn’t stop those children from being catalysts for positive social change, jails couldn’t break their spirit.
In order to exorcise the painful effects of the events that took place May 2 – 10, 1963, it is our charge and mission to explore this era and tell this story.

ENVIRONMENT:
From 1957 to 1963, there had been 18 bombings in Birmingham, but no arrests. In 1957, the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth was chain whipped by a crowd because he attempted to enroll his children into an all-white school. Ruby, his wife was stabbed.  Again, there were no arrests. In 1961, a black man was dragged from the streets to a shack and then castrated. There were no arrests. Freedom riders were almost beaten to death in 1961 when they entered Birmingham. But there were no arrests. The black children of Birmingham felt oppressed at every turn, and in the spring of 1963 they played a vital role in restoring humanity to themselves and to a race-divided America.  Birmingham, AL., May 2 – 10, 1963, a place and time that changed the world.

After intervention from the U. S. Department of Justice, the Birmingham campaign ended on May 10, 1963 when Martin Luther King, Jr. and local officials reached an agreement in which the city promised to desegregate downtown stores and release all protestors from jail if the boycotts and demonstrations would end.

Across the South, the triumph in Birmingham inspired similar campaigns; in a ten-week period, at least 758 racial demonstrations in 186 cities sparked 14,733 arrests.  On June 11, 1963 President Kennedy made a historic address on national television, describing civil rights as “a moral issue” and endorsing federal civil rights legislation.

NARRATIVE

The city of Birmingham is known worldwide as the epicenter of the modern American Civil Rights Movement and has led some scholars to call Birmingham the site of the Second American Revolution.
President John F. Kennedy stated during the summer of 1963 at a White House meeting to plan what became the Civil Rights Act of 1964, “but for Birmingham, we wouldn’t be here.”
The Birmingham Children’s Crusade:
•    Brought national force to bear on the issue of segregation
•    Was a major factor in the national push toward the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited racial discrimination in hiring practices and public services in the United States
•    Showed that those who fought segregation would bring segregation to its knees
•    Shut down a city to fight social injustice
•    Defied police intimidation

APPROACH

As we review, dialog and discuss the bravery of those Birmingham students who sustained their courage and character for positive social change, we will ask them these questions.  What spurred thousands of children to action?  What gave you the power to rebel and resist?  How is it that children of all ages were the ones to garner the largest victory seen thus far in the civil rights movement?  How did character and the power of love form your actions?

We will ask today’s students similar questions.  What character qualities do I need to develop?  What sustains me?  What keeps me going in the face of adversity?  How can I be a catalyst for positive social change?  What skills will I need?

How can we inspire in today’s students a desire to experience anew the legacy of the children’s movement of 1963?  From our past they have the opportunity to develop their skills in personal growth, leadership, community involvement and relations, teamwork, communications, networking, public speaking and more.

The best and most appropriate approach is to commemorate the Birmingham “Children’s Crusade” and to rejoice in the triumphs achieved in the midst of the tragedies that occurred.  This 50th anniversary is our opportunity to turn pain and tragedy into triumph and victory.

RECOMMENDATION
Develop a week long commemoration, May 2 – 10, 2013, as the official “1963 Children’s Crusade”, declaring by Resolution and Proclamation the official “Birmingham Children’s Crusade” Week.

STRATEGY

• Activities will be centered around Kelly-Ingram Park and the Civil Rights District.
• We are creating an advisory board
• We will solicit input and marketing from the Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau
• We will solicit donations and contributions from corporate and community partners
• Establish a timeline with quarterly reports to contributing entities
• We’re open to suggestions from other organizations

PRELIMINARY ITINERARY

Thursday, May 2      Am – Kickoff Brunch with speaker (speaker – Council President Roderick Royal)
Afternoon/Evening reception at the Civil Rights Institute sponsored by city council

Friday, May 3        10:00am ‘Children’s Crusade’ March reenactment
Afternoon – beginning of ‘Children Crusade’ festival

Saturday, May 4    Continuation of ‘Children’s Crusade’ festival
•    Film festival – Carver Theatre (also show Mighty Times documentary)
•    Food and merchandise venders
•    Voter registration, medical screening, etc.
•    Spoken word, poems, etc. (centered around human and civil rights)
•    Concerts with local entertainment
•    Other events

Sunday, May 5        TBA

Monday, May 6        Civil & Human Rights rally

Tuesday, May 7        TBA

Wednesday, May 8        TBA

Thursday, May 9    Journey to Freedom: Songs and Readings from the Civil Rights movement

Friday, May 10        First Annual ‘Foot Soldiers International’ awards event – A Red Carpet event
•    Showing of “Mighty Times the Children’s March”
•    Participants in the documentary present
•    Producers and directors

Several of the events and activities will be fee based.

There are several collaborative events and organizations currently being cultivated for inclusion May 5th thru 10th.
1.    Birmingham Bar Association
2.    Aldridge Repertory Theatre, Inc.
3.    Leadership Birmingham Youth Forum
4.    Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
5.    Birmingham City School System
6.    16th Street Baptist Church
7.    The Southern Poverty Law Center

Registration Now Open for Lock-In Birminghams YMCA Youth Center Lock-In

Lock-In for ages 12-18 years old, Saturday – May 6, 2012 at the Phillips YMCA. 2400 7th Avenue South. Registration at 6:00pm.

Featuring …

• Zumba classes
• Self-defense
• What’s your Swagger?
• Rock Climbing
• Basketball Tournament
• Cyber Bullying
• Meet the Dog Nurse
• What’s in a Name?
• Spoken Word
• Are you Ready for College?
• and more!

For more information visit www.lockinbirmingham.org.

TRACY MARTIN & SYBRINA FULTON (TRAYVON MARTINS PARENTS) COMES TO BIRMINGHAM TO SHARE THEIR GRIEF AND TRAGEDY IN HOPES TO ERADICATE SENSELESS CRIMES

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton (Trayvon Martin’s Parents) comes to Birmingham to share their grief and tragedy in hopes to eradicate senseless crimes. After this emotional but joyful visit to Birmingham, Alabama, the Martin/Fulton Family believes their stories of pain and sorrow will help other families who have experienced the loss of a child. These two events with the Martin/Fulton Family will send a strong message to Alabama Political Figures on why the “Stand Your Ground Law” should be revisited and revised. This informative evening with the Martin/Fulton Family will take place on Thursday, May 3, 2012 with a Hoodie Freedom Walk (Kelly Ingram Park) 5th Avenue North and 16th Street Birmingham, Al 35203; Fundraiser For Trayvon Martin Foundation (The Cochran Firm) 1929 3rd Avenue North, Suite 800 Birmingham, Al 35203; and a Town Hall Meeting on Miles College Campus (Pearson Hall) 5500 Myron Massey Blvd. Fairfield, Al 35063 with the first event starting at 1:00pm; second event starting at 3:00pm; and third event starting at 5:00pm.

Tracy Martin said, “I felt overwhelmed that Mr. Matthews was compelled to show his support for Justice for Trayvon Martin by making a trip to Sanford, Florida to visit with our family. To know that Citizens of Birmingham, Alabama was praying and marching on behalf of my family brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. I look forward to thanking Birmingham, Alabama personally,” states Tracy Martin.

Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton’s goals are simple – make sure “no” parent on this earth has to lose a child to a senseless and immoral crime. The Martin/Fulton Family believes their tragedy of losing Trayvon Martin has given them a blessing that they would have never seen – become a voice for the voiceless and bring hope to the hopeless. Therefore, the mission of the Trayvon Martin Foundation will bring awareness to their movement: Advocating for crime victims and their families of senseless crimes; Educating young people on conflict resolution techniques; Increasing public awareness against all forms of profiling; and Enacting Trayvon Martin legislation to prevent the inappropriate application of “stand your ground” principles.

Sybrina Fulton said, “When invited by Mr. Frank Matthews to come and share our story to the Citizens of Birmingham, Alabama where the Civil Rights Movement was given birth, I was elated. My family mission is to use the lost of our son Trayvon Martin to eradicate senseless crimes on unarmed teenagers as well as put an end to unjust profiling. I look forward to the Hoodie Freedom Walk but most importantly to the Town Hall Meeting on Miles College Campus because we get to speak to students that look like my son Trayvon Martin,” states Sybrina Fulton.

“Birmingham is the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, with the injustices the Martin/Fulton Family experienced in Florida, we felt that it was imperative that the Martin/Fulton Family make the connection with Birmingham, Alabama, states Outcast Voter’s League President/Founder Frank Matthews. The Martin/Fulton Family now like Birmingham, Alabama has a national and global nexus, which has a direct relationship to civil rights injustices. For this reason, I deemed it necessary to bring the Martin/Fulton to Birmingham, Alabama and serve as their escort as well as chaperon during their visit to Birmingham,” states Frank Matthews.
“We are always looking to bring together the community to address social ills. This is a great opportunity for the City of Birmingham to once again be a leader in fighting injustices and to promote unity and healing, states Women of Will President Catrena Norris Carter. It is my honor to support this family who has suffered a great loss as they try and ensure that no other family has to experience this particular tragedy,” states Catrena Norris Carter.

An Epic Moment :: 2012 U Can Make A Difference Banquet

Councilman Jay Roberson served as the Master of Ceremony for the “U Can Make A Difference Banquet” as 200 guest attended to support the non-profit organization Appointed Time which was founded by Pastor Sam Dansby.

An emotional Karlos Dansby took the stage as the keynote speaker and delivered a message that was straight from his heart. He thanked his wife, family and father for all of the contributions they made throughout his life.  He described his journey from middle school to the NFL and described what he called epic moments that changed his life.

One of his first epic moments was sharing with his father his desire to quit football to focus on basketball and work a job.  He told the audience his father asked him why he wanted to quit basketball and his response was he wanted to work and help the family. His father told him he would provide everything he needed and told him one day he would want for nothing.  Through his fathers encouraging words he stuck with both sports and went on to win a state basketball championship with the Woodlawn High School Colonels. Other epic moments include marrying his wife, playing SEC football at Auburn University and getting drafted to the NFL.

Karlos shared with the audience that although he is blessed to be in his ninth season he feels like he is just beginning as he enters into the world of business.  Inspired by Magic Johnson, Karlos has a business venture with Butler’s Executive Grooming that has partnered with SAKS Fifth Avenue as well as a multi-million dollar new venture dealing with bio fuel.  Both ventures look to be promising and could set Karlos Dansby up to be a billionaire before he retires.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the  U Can Make A Difference – Difference Makers Award presented to the Wenonah High School Basketball Team.  The Dragons have won the 5A state high school championship for the past two years.   Pastor Dansby and Karlos presented the trophy to the team.

Appointed Time Outreach offers several programs under its umbrella which includes the Bibles and Balls Faith Based sports camps, Family Tech Day, the On Course Golf Tournament, healthy food and let’s move campaigns plus several programs that give student athletes a foundation for college level sports and education opportunities.

For more information on Appointed Time Outreach and all of its community programs visit www.appointedtimeoutreach.org.

From The Mountain 2 The Valley THE ONLY CIVIL RIGHTS RADIO TALK SHOW!

AUTISM AWARENESS LICENSE PLATE “COMMITMENT TO PURCHASE” IN PROGRESS

AUTISM AWARENESS LICENSE PLATE “COMMITMENT TO PURCHASE” IN PROGRESS

1,000 Commitments Needed by November 30^th to secure production

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – March 29, 2012 – The Autism Society of Alabama (ASA) is proud to announce the approval of the Autism Awareness distinctive license plate application.  ASA must confirm 1,000 commitments by November 30, 2012 to have the license plates manufactured and be available for purchase in the future.  Money raised will support ASA’s education and advocacy efforts, as well as their family camps, conferences, and seminars.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced the estimated number of U.S. autistic kids has skyrocketed by 78% since 2000.  1 in 88 children are diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and among boys, it’s on in 54.  ASDs are reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, yet are on average 4 to 5 times more likely to occur in boys than in girls.  About 40% of children with an ASD do not talk at all. Another 25%–30% of children with autism have some words at 12 to 18 months of age and then lose them.  Others may speak, but not until later in childhood.  According to the national Autism organization, Autism Speaks, more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes, or pediatric AIDS combined.

Autism supporters, who wish to purchase the Autism Awareness distinctive license plate, may visit their local county license plate issuing official’s office at any time during the year regardless of their tag renewal month, complete a “Commitment to Purchase” application including each vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN, and pay the $50 additional fee.   Applicants will continue to use their current, valid Alabama license plate (no registration changes are made at this point in the process).  Applicants can complete the Autism Awareness license plate “Commitment to Purchase” applications any time during the year, and 80% of the additional fee will be donated to ASA.

Wellness Health and Pharmacy is sponsoring families who would like a car tag, but it is not in their budget at this time.  In addition, applicants participating in the 2012 Walk for Autism throughout the state could potentially be sponsored.  Contact ASA to learn how you or someone you love could be sponsored.

If the Autism Awareness license plate receives 1,000 “Commitment to Purchase” applications, the new license plates will be ordered, manufactured, and delivered to the county offices.  The ASA will notify the purchaser if this occurs, and they will be responsible for taking the original “Commitment to Purchase” application and receipt to obtain the new tag.  The applicant will receive credit for the prepayment of the $50 additional fee.

Gaining the 1,000 license plate commitments would mean a great deal to the Alabama families affected by autism says ASA Board President, Bill Pearson.  Soon after his grandson, Henley, was diagnosed in 2002 at the age of 2, a good friend, a mother who had experienced a similar event, described what his daughter could expect. “She will wake up every morning with a knot in her stomach.” his friend said to him. An ASA Board member and mother of a child with autism recently told him of her feelings. “I felt alone; I just felt so alone.” she said.  As the Board President, he has been sent an Autism Society of Alabama testimonial from a parent who described the day of her son’s diagnosis by writing, “I promise you, the most alone I have ever felt was the day he was diagnosed. I had no idea what to do, where to get help, what Autism was… it was like getting kicked off a cliff.”  According to Henley’s mom, Bama Hager, “ASA helped us find our son’s therapist, whom we still use today.  We will always be grateful for the information they provided.”  These experiences are a few of thousands within Alabama and the Autism Society of Alabama exists to provide support, comfort and direction for as many as possible.

“We feel strongly that by securing a tag, we are ensuring more awareness and funding for our cause which now affects 1 in 88, and for boys, that number is 1 in 54,” Pearson said.  “Hundreds, if not thousands of children and families in our state rely on the Autism Society of Alabama.  We are excited to have the support of our fellow Alabamians and to be able to provide services for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families through education and advocacy. ”

About the Autism Society of Alabama

The ASA provides education and advocacy and supports families with camps, conferences and seminars. We are an advocate for those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder on many fronts including an annual Autism Matters Legislative Day in Montgomery. The ASA assists Networking Groups around the state with information to empower their communities. The ASA holds various education seminars including, Making a Difference in Mobile Autism Conference.  The ASA website provides access to resources for families and service providers. While traveling the state, the ASA staff responds to thousands of calls, emails and questions from parents, friends and service providers. Often the ASA is among the first contacts that a family member make prior to or after a diagnosis.

For more information about the license plate and to tell us your story and what the Autism Awareness license plate would mean to you, visit www.autism-alabama.org.

Sixth Annual Kappa Delta Shamrock Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk

Birmingham, Alabama, March 1, 2012–Kappa Delta Sorority at the Birmingham-Southern College will host their annual Shamrock run on March 31, 2012, beginning at 2 p.m.

Shamrock, both a 5k and 1 mile fun-run event, will be held at The Exceptional Foundation in Homewood at 1616 Oxmoor Road.  The registration fee for the 5K is $20.00, $10.00 for the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, and FREE for children 10 and under to participate in the Fun Run/Walk!

All proceeds from the event will benefit The Exchange Club Center for the prevention of child abuse in America and The Exceptional Foundation. They will join thousands of Kappa Deltas across the country in the fund-raiser to benefit local affiliates and chapters of PCA America.

The start and finish line are both located in The Exceptional Foundation’s parking lot.  During the race there is a children’s activity center inside The Exceptional Foundation. The 5K will begin at 2 p.m. with the Fun Run/Walk starting shortly after at 3 p.m. After the races we ask all participants to join us inside for the awards ceremony and a “Shamrockin’ Dinner” complete with door prizes and music! Awards are presented to overall winners and first place winners separated in the following age groups: 0-14, 15-19, 20-25,26-29, 30-35,36-39,  40-45,46-49, 50-55, 56-59, 60+ (male and female).

Paid, preregistrations will receive a t-shirt and one (1) complimentary ticket to the Shamrockin’ Dinner on the day of the race. “Day of race” registrations will receive t-shirts and dinner tickets on a first come/first serve basis.  Additional t-shirts and dinner tickets may be purchased on the day of the race for family members and other supporters.

According to recent PCA America statistics, the number of children abused or neglected in the United States grew by 33 percent to reach a level of 3,244,000 in the last decade. Confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect was estimated at more than one million in 1999. Three children die each day from abuse or neglect in the United States.

Founded in 1897, Kappa Delta Sorority began supporting PCA America in 1981, and began the nationwide Shamrock Event in 1983. More than $6 million has been raised through these events to benefit child abuse prevention efforts across the country. You can register online at www.active.com (search for “Kappa Delta”) or pick up a community registration sheet at various locations around town including the YMCA, The Trak Shak, or register day of race starting at 12:30.

Former Mayors Richard Arrington and Bernard Kincaid Join Current Mayor William Bell in Ribbon-Cutting for Arrington Plant Adventure Zone

New Universally-designed Space to Be Utilized for Re-Structured Plant Adventures

BIRMINGHAM, AL – On April 26, Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Arrington Plant Adventure Zone, a new inclusive outdoor classroom and program space that will serve the Birmingham community as a garden and activity space for new and current programs under the former horticultural therapy designation. Former Mayors Richard Arrington and Bernard Kincaid will join current Mayor William Bell at the celebration which will welcome the program that will move forward as Plant Adventures. The ribbon-cutting will begin at 10 a.m., with light refreshments to be served in the Hodges Room following the ceremony.

The Arrington Plant Adventure Zone features raised planters, adjustable-height tables and a broken mosaic mural as part of a universal design that encourages participation and interaction from everyone. When the original Horticultural Therapy program was established at The Gardens, it was the first program of its kind in the state of Alabama. As the program evolves into Plant Adventures, it will move from a medical model toward a holistic and inclusive view of human participation in the horticulture world. Research continues to point to the benefits of people-plant interactions. One of The Gardens’ roles is to facilitate such interaction in this unique, urban plant space and in outreach to the community.

About Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is Alabama’s largest living museum with more than 12,000 different plants in its living collections. The Gardens’ 67.5 acres contains more than 25 unique gardens, 30+ works of original outdoor sculpture and miles of serene paths. The Gardens features the largest public horticulture library in the U.S., conservatories, a wildflower garden, two rose gardens, the Southern Living garden, and Japanese Gardens with a traditionally crafted tea house. Education programs run year round and more than 10,000 school children enjoy free science-curriculum based field trips annually. The Gardens is open daily, offering free admission to more than 350,000 yearly visitors.

Miami Dolphins Karlos Dansby to Speak at the Inaugural U Can Make A Difference Banquet and Fundraiser

NFL All Star Linebacker, Karlos Dansby will be the keynote speaker at the Inaugural U Can Make A Difference Banquet and Fundraiser.

Raised funds will go to the support of the non-profit Appointed Time Ministries which provides community outreach through a host of programs.

Two of the programs offered by Appointed Time Ministries includes Bibles and Balls Inner City Outreach, a faith-based sports camp that focuses on the development of discipline, athletic skills, Biblical principals and faith building and Family Tech Day an annual event that promotes the use of technology in low income communities as well as encourages inner city youth to pursue careers in math, science, technology and engineering.  Appointed Time Ministries also offers support to parents and student athletes seeking athletic scholarships and an opportunity to try out for college recruiters.

The U Can Make A Difference Banquet and Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Sheraton Birmingham Ballroom from 6:00pm – 8:30pm.  Individual tickets are $75.00 and tables for (10) are $750.00.

For more information visit www.appointedtimeoutreach.org

About Karlos Dansby

A former participant in the Bibles and Balls Outreach program and son of Bibles and Balls founder, Pastor Samuel Dansby, Karlos Dansby was an All-State linebacker and wide receiver at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama. He caught 51 passes for 857 yards and five touchdowns on offense, 81 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries on defense as a senior. He also played basketball, as a power forward earning all-state honors as a junior.

As an Auburn Tiger Dansby was a Butkus Award semi-finalist regarded as one of the premier defenders in college football.

Karlos was drafted in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2004. Since being drafted, Karlos has  become one of the NFL’s most productive linebackers, recording 24.5 sacks and 9 interceptions, taking two back for scores.

On March 5, 2010, Dansby signed with the Miami Dolphins to a five-year, $43 million contract with $22 million guaranteed, which made it the richest contract for an inside linebacker in NFL history.

We are excited to have Karlos Dansby as the speaker for the Inaugural  “U Can Make A Difference” Annual Banquet. We ask that you join us as we raise funds to support the mission and inner city outreach campaigns of Appointed Time Ministries.

Appointed Time Ministries

Robin Givens caught in the Act at Miles College

Fairfield, AL (March 6, 2012) – Robin Givens has started her residency at Miles College visiting every other weekend to teach acting classes to performing arts students. Classes meet Saturdays Pearson Hall in the auditorium. Theatre students and community members will sharpen their performance skills through improvisational and characterization exercises. They will also gain in depth knowledge about the journey to a professional acting career. The residency last one year and will end in December with a grand finale production.

“She played to a full house for the first session. Students enjoyed the training and really got into the process”, said Alicia Johnson, Theatre Instructor. “This experience reinforces material the students are learning in class and adds another layer to help them to establish an even stronger foundation for their craft”.

Miles College students are participating in the workshop as a part of their course work at no additional cost. Adults in the community who want to sign up for the classes can contact the business office to pay the $100- per Saturday registration fee. Classes will be from 3 p.m. to 6p.m. The next sessions are March 10 and April 14 2012.

For more information, contact Alicia Johnson or Chalethia Williams at 205-929-1000.

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