Gen44 Birmingham $44 for the 44th President

Gen44 Birmingham invites you to join Valerie Jarrett at a reception with supporters like you!

Sunday, March 4, 6:30pm, Wine Loft, Gen44Birmingham presents an evening with Valerie Jarrett, Senior Political Adviser to the President.  $44 general admission and $250 for VIP Access.  VIP includes, drinks, food, and meet and greet with special guest, Ms. Valerie Jarrett.

All donations go to support the “Obama Victory Fund 2012″. Music provided by Birmingham’s own, BBrian.  Gen44 is the official under 40 fundraising arm of OFA2012, all ages, 21 and up are welcome. Purchase tickets online at https://my.barackobama.com/march4birminghamgen44reception?custom1=5659977

Black leaders not supporting only African American candidate on state ballot

She has been endorsed by the AFL CIO, Birmingham’s New South Coalition and others. This candidate is also the only African American and is the youngest person on the state-wide election ballot in Alabama this year.

Do you know her?

Her name is Miranda Joseph, she is running for state auditor of Alabama. Her website reads that she graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with an MBA in 2007. She has thousands of followers on her social network pages on Youtube, Facebook and on her website.

So, why are the African American leaders not getting on board with this candidate? Looking at campaign commercials, as well as knowing this candidate’s “open door” platform, Democrats should be on board with her to show that the party is more diverse from the image of a liberal, 1960s- inspired candidate from Birmingham.

It seems that African American politicians lack support for those that do not fit into the mold that was set during the 1960s, mainly carrying the civil rights banner, easily landing into office with promotion of African American issues as the focus. She is taking a more moderate approach to issues, a position that is being shared with other young African American professionals.

Why are the African American leaders not supporting this candidate; it could be the fact that she has secured a spot on the statewide ballot without having to give in to the power-hungry pundits in Montgomery or hold $100 plate fundraisers.

Her online presence details her travels around the state for almost a year; speaking at church anniversaries, college student organization meetings and even at family reunions on her own dime and with little help. Yet, it is reported that African American Democrats in Alabama have asked her for thousands of dollars for them to support/formally endorse her campaign. Shouldn’t they be supporting her already, instead of lining their own pockets?

It is apparent that her grassroots campaign has hit the Republican Party’s incumbent Samantha Shaw, who recently began a campaign to maintain her seat as state auditor for a second term. We don’t even ask her questions of how important her role is in Montgomery or why is there little information coming out of the state auditor’s office or interaction with the citizens of Alabama.

Now is the time for African American leaders to stop being hypocritical and not only hope for young people to become involved in politics, but embrace them once they step their foot into the shark infested waters of politics. These leaders should open not only their arms, but their pockets to candidates as Joseph.

Candidates as Joseph do not only use their race as a ploy to garner votes, but show their heart and show the voters that they genuinely want to make the state a better place for our children. It’s time for our leaders to lead by example, humble themselves and reach down to lift their next generation of leaders up.

The Next Mayor of Bessemer? A video interview with D.M. Blue

We recently sat down for a candid interview with D.M. Blue  Mayor candidate for the city of Bessemer. It was a very interesting interview to say the least.

Why are you running for Mayor of Bessemer?

What is your campaign platform ?

Daryl Blue on Improving Bessemer

What do you want the people to know about you personally and why should they
vote for you as the new mayor of Bessemer ?

For more information on D.M. Blue  visit:

http://www.blueforbessemer.com

or info@blueforbessmer.com

Smoot Makes History as First Woman to Qualify for the 7th Congressional District

(Birmingham, AL) — Jefferson County Commissioner Shelia Smoot continues to break records in politics, now as the first woman to qualify to run for the U.S. House of Representatives for the 7^th Congressional District.

And she continues to poll ahead of six other contenders who are also vying for the seat of U.S. Rep. Artur Davis (D)-Birmingham. Davis left his seat and is now running to become the first black governor for the State of Alabama.

Smoot was the first woman to officially enter the race for Congress when she filed paperwork with the Alabama Democratic Party at its executive committee meeting on Jan. 19. That means her name will appear on the party’s ballot in its June 1 primaries.

She also filed paperwork Thursday with the Alabama Secretary of State citing her intent to run for the 7th Congressional District. The district extends from Birmingham into western Black Belt counties including Greene, Pickens, Sumter, Dallas and Wilcox.

Smoot is no stranger to making history. She was the first black woman and the youngest person ever elected to the Jefferson County Commission when she won the District 2 seat in Nov. 2002. She won re-election in 2006.

Polls have shown Smoot leading the field of six candidates in the race since she announced her intent to run for Davis’ seat in 2009. A poll released just last month by the Feldman Group — commissioned by State Rep. Earl Hilliard, Jr., one of her opponents — showed Smoot as the front-runner in the race.

Mayoral Candidates unwind at the “H” Bar

Last week mayoral candidate Patrick Cooper certainly picked up some “cool votes” as he dropped in and had a beer at Birmingham’s popular and intimate “H” Bar which features live jazz every Tuesday and Thursday night.  Mr. Cooper spent a couple of hours in the local hot spot speaking to a large crowd of supporters and patrons one-on-one as he mingled within the crowd.

Commissioner William Bell stopped by the “H” Bar on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 to address supporters and “H” Bar patrons.  In a more formal setting Commissioner Bell took center stage and addressed unscripted questions from supporters and patrons providing answers on topics such as economic development, education and small business development.

The trendy “H” Bar is located in the Hotel Highland in Five Points South and features live entertainment Tuesday – Saturday night.  For more information on the “H” Bar visit www.thehbar.com.

MAYORAL CAMPAIGN HEATS UP WHEN FIVE LEADING CANDIDATES ANSWER YOUNG BIRMINGHAM’S TOUGH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE CITY

Leading candidates Attorney Emory Anthony Jr., Jefferson County Commissioner William Bell and Birmingham City Councilman Steven Hoyt face off answering the tough questions December 3rd 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at The Highland Conference Center, Vulcan Conference Room, 2012 Magnolia Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205.

Candidates Attorney Emory Anthony, Jr., Jefferson County Commissioner William Bell, Sr., Attorney Patrick Cooper, Birmingham City Councilman Steven Hoyt and Interim Mayor Carol Smitherman were invited to participate in this debate.  To date, Attorney Anthony, Commissioner Bell and Councilman Hoyt have answered the call.

The city of Birmingham finds itself at a crossroads. A few weeks ago a lively debate about the future of Birmingham politics broke out at downtown’s Surin West. The result? A group of young, working Alabamians decided to make their voices heard and organize a debate of the five leading candidates.  This informal group, led by Tracie A. Todd, included young African American lawyers, grass-roots organizers, bankers, teachers, politicians, and business professionals. The group has coined itself, “The Birmingham Roundtable.”  The Roundtable, in contrast to other groups/organizations, decided to host only the five leading candidates in an effort to effectively discuss the serious issues facing the city.

The Roundtable is dedicated to engaging young adults in the political and civic communities.  The number of participants is swelling as young adults are joining The Roundtable’s grass-roots campaign to put our generation’s voice back into the debate. Now is the time to get involved.  Join us at The Highland Conference Center on December 3, 2009 at 6:00 pm and evaluate our next leader. Calling all young adults in the city! It’s our turn to ask the questions.

This event is brought to you by The Birmingham Roundtable, a group of informed young citizens. We are always looking to add new voices and perspectives. If you are interested please contact Tracie A. Todd at tracietodd9@hotmail.com.

COMMISSIONER SMOOT ENDORSED BY NABCO

Shelia was endorsed by the National Association of Black County Officials earlier this month at their annual meeting. Commissioner Smoot was honored to be endorsed by her colleagues.

“Teddy Roosevelt said the credit belongs to those in the arena whose face is marred by dust and sweat and tears. These folks are the men and women in the arena. They understand the fight we face each and everyday. That is why it is a particular honor to be endorsed by these elected officials,“ Smoot said.

NABCO was formed in 1975 to provide an organizational structure for black county officials to review, share and develop responses to local and national issues. NABCO works to improve resources utilization, and to promote the sharing of knowledge and methods to improve government operations.

NABCO is a membership organization governed by an executive committee representing both elected and other county officials who operate in a major policy role within county government.  For example, NABCO played a key role in the Earned Income Tax Credit debate. They also have a number of public/private partnerships including teaming with the Kellogg’s Foundation in a program for “underserved children.”

Commissioner Smoot is the outgoing President of NABCO and has turned over the reigns to Robert Steele of Cook County Illinois. Shelia was disappointed to pass along the gavel but will not soon forget her tenure as President. “I learned a lot, particularly about the problems facing counties around the country. I learned we were not alone in our fight.”

Help Commissioner Smoot continue the fight all the way to Washington D.C.  Please make your donation of $25 dollars or more at this secure link to show Shelia you are behind her all the way!!

Debra Huntley
Campaign  Manager
Smoot for Congress
205-326-9811
www.smootforcongress.com

‘Lion of the Senate’ dead at 77

Editor’s note: Watch a special airing of the HBO documentary “Teddy: In His Own Words” on CNN at 7 tonight ET.

(CNN) — Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, the patriarch of the first family of Democratic politics, died late Tuesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 77.

“We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever,” a family statement said. “We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice.”

President Obama learned about Kennedy’s death at 2 a.m. Wednesday, according to a senior administration official. Obama later called Kennedy’s widow to offer condolences.

Read more…

Dr. Regina Benjamin from South Alabama is nominated as Surgeon General

President Obama has nominated Dr. Regina Benjamin as Surgeon General.

A graduate of Xavier University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the University of Alabama School of Medicine, Dr. Regina Benjamin chose to return to the region that she grew up in, starting a family practice in Bayou la Batre, Alabama (a small shrimping village along the gulf coast). After several years moonlighting in emergency rooms and nursing homes to keep her practice open, and with an MBA from Tulane under her belt, Dr. Benjamin converted her medical office into a small rural health clinic dedicated to serving the large indigent population in her community.

Her extraordinary dedication and self-sacrifice have already won Dr. Benjamin national recognition. In 1995, she became the first African-American woman, and the first person under 40, to be elected to the American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees. Dr. Benjamin also serves on the Board of Physicians for Human Rights.

Dr. Benjamin is a 1998 Mandela Award Winner, a former Kellogg National Fellow, has been featured as ABC Television’s Person of the Week, and in 1996 was chosen by CBS This Morning as Woman of the Year.

New Law Requires Hospitals to Disclose Financial Assistance Policies

June 16, 2009

Bill sponsored by State Rep. Merika Coleman gives patients easier access to financial assistance information

BIRMINGHAM AL. – A bill sponsored by State Representative Merika Coleman was signed into law requiring hospitals to fully disclose written information to patients  regarding their financial assistance policies. The bill, which will go into effect October 1, 2009, requires that each hospital bill or other summary of charges include a statement that a patient who meets certain income criteria may qualify for assistance. Hospitals will also be required to conspicuously post a sign in the admission and registration areas with the following notice:

“You may be eligible for financial assistance under the terms and conditions the hospital offers to qualified patients. For additional information, contact the hospital financial assistance representative.”

The bill is an effort to help ease the health care burden on needy families. “In these hard economic times, it was important to me to do something to help people struggling to pay their hospital bill.  The new law is a win-win for both the hospital and the patients”, said Rep. Coleman. Coleman is currently pursuing the District 19 Senate seat vacated by E.B. McClain and health care reform is a major component of her campaign platform.

The bill is one of two recent pieces of health care legislation sponsored by Rep. Coleman during the regular legislative session that passed; each aimed at helping to better ensure the health care needs of all citizens are met. Governor Bob Riley also signed into law Rep. Coleman’s bill  allowing all funds generated by Cooper Green Mercy Hospital  to be retained by the hospital’s general fund and to be expended as budgeted by the hospital. Before the law was enacted, all revenue above and over the budget was sent to the Jefferson County General Fund and used for other county operations.

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