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.

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.

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.

fitness N Motion, A 5K Walk/Run

The Jefferson County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presents the Health Task Force Initiative, which was launched to provide concentrated expertise and focus on the Physical and Mental Health aspect of our Five Point Programmatic Thrust.  The mission of the Health Force is to educate and facilitate lifestyle changes for the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the communities that we serve.  The Jefferson County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. along with the Point of Grace Ministries and the American Diabetes Association presents the “6^th Annual Fitness N Motion, a 5K Walk/Run”.  Come and join us for nutritional counseling, cholesterol screening, blood pressure screenings, wellness massages, give-a-ways, and a kid’s fun zone!  The culminating event of the American Diabetes Association is sure to please kids and adults of all ages!

For more information about Fitness N Motion, please visit www.fitnessnmotion.org.

WHEN:            Saturday, March 17, 2012, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

WHERE:          Point of Grace Ministries

500 Commons Drive

Birmingham, AL 35209

A Healthier Workforce Begins with YOU!

Promoting healthy lifestyles at work can be an effective way of enhancing healthy behaviors – reaching your employees and their families.

Birmingham, AL, January 6, 2012:  The Deep South Center for Occupational Health & Safety will be offering a workshop designed to reach small to medium sized businesses across business sectors. Good health leads to the ability of people to be self-sustaining and productive, both on and off the job.  A healthy workforce is good for any business, regardless of size or setting.  A Healthier Workforce Begins with YOU! will be held Friday, February 24, 2012, 9 am -1 pm, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.  Come hear from inspirational speaker and performer, Sister Yomi, as she shares her insights on healthy living.  Her performance of humanitarian and abolitionist, Harriett Tubman, will take you back to another time as well as motivate and encourage you to embrace a healthier lifestyle.  Resources for businesses on workplace health and safety will be shared as well as information on career opportunities in environmental and occupational health and safety.

This workshop registration fee is $25. A light continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Professional points will be available to nurses and other professionals. For registration and more information on the workshop, call the Deep South Center for OH&S at 205-934-7178 or email dsc@uab.edu. The Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety is an Educational Resource Center at UAB and Auburn University.

Download PDF

Healthier Workforce February 2012

Birmingham Health Care Offering Free Dental Screenings

(Birmingham, AL, December 12, 2011) — Birmingham Health Care is offering FREE dental screening for adults and children on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its Norwood Clinic, located in the Synergy Regional Medical Health Center, 2401 15^th Avenue  North (the red tin roof building behind the former Carraway Hospital). The screenings will be offered now through Jan. 31, 2012.

To schedule an appointment, please call 205. 841-7760. Walk-ins are also welcomed and will get assistance on a first-come-first-served basis.

Birmingham Health Care is a federally qualified health center dedicated to providing affordable comprehensive and accessible primary medical and dental care health care services in the greater Birmingham region. For more information about BHC, visit the website at www.bhamhealthcare.com.

Birmingham Metro Diversity Coalition’s MLK Unity Walk to focus on nutritional disparities

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—The Birmingham Metro Diversity Coalition (BMDC) will sponsor its Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Walk on Saturday, Jan.14, 2012, to raise awareness of nutritional disparities in the Greater Birmingham area.
The walk is free and begins at noon at Railroad Park, located at 1600 First Avenue North.

Interested individuals or teams may register online by Jan. 6 at www.birminghammetrodiversitycoalition.org and then join us and walk for “Unity with a Purpose: Nutrition and Healthy Eating.” Walkers should arrive at the main assembly point by 11:30 a.m. for an opening ceremony, and the walk begins at 12 p.m. The outer loop walking trail at the park is approximately 3/4 of a mile.

The BMDC is mobilizing representatives from various local health organizations and agencies to be on hand during the walk to stimulate knowledge of health risks and to disseminate nutrition information. Families, businesses, community organizations, scout groups, school clubs, and faith groups are encouraged to participate.
Velma Williams, BMDC member and coordinator of the 2012 Unity Walk, said the nutrition focus was selected this year because it is timely and relevant.

“We want residents to have an opportunity to come together as a community—across geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic boundaries—to see the power of unity and diversity and to focus on health to make our communities a better place,” she stated. “One of the problems is decreasing access to nutritious food in low-income communities or food deserts. This is signified by increasing rates of obesity and diabetes.”
The event also will feature a memorial white dove release in honor of late civil rights icon Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth.

Thanksgiving Weekend Football @ it’s Best!

Wow ….  is all I can say about what will take place on the gridiron this weekend! After all its the kick off to rivalry week in College Football as we prepare for Conference Championship games and the BCS Bowl Bids plus two, maybe even three very good NFL games on Thanksgiving Day.

For starters Thursday will bring us three great games.  First the undefeated Green Bay Packers take on the energized Detroit Lions on Fox at 11:30am.  The Lions pulled off a come back win this weekend against the explosive offense of the Carolina Panthers and Cam Newton. For years we would just watch the Lions get beat down on Thanksgiving Day because it was on television and we were full of turkey but this  year will be different as the Lions are a serious contender. Then the Dallas Cowboys, who seemed to have found their mojo, suit up against the Miami Dolphins on CBS at 3:15pm.  Although the Dolphins are having a tough season don’t expect them to just hand the Cowboys a win.  Finally its a little family rivalry as the  Harbaugh brothers face off on the NFL Network at 7:20pm.  Jim and his tough Baltimore Ravens go up against the surprising San Francisco 49ers which is coached by his brother Jim.

I am a huge football fan and this is the time of the year I get glued to the TV…. meaning I won’t go out much! However for those of you that enjoy a little more social activity with your football don’t forget the Turkey Day Classic match-up against Alabama State vs Tuskegee University.  The Turkey Day Classic kicks off at 3pm in Montgomery, AL.

Then Friday, #1 LSU takes on #3 Arkansas.  There will be several other games on television but for the state of Alabama and the Crimson Tide this is the game to watch.  It’s the first time in history that the top three teams are from the same conference, let alone the same sub-division (SEC West).  It could bring about a three way tie in the SEC West as the offense driven Razorbacks look to upset the Tigers.  This game will kick off at 1:30 pm on CBS.

Saturday its the Iron Bowl … as the week goes on the madness of this game will start to unravel.  Fans of all ages will sport their gear, co-workers and family members will have words, mostly “Roll Tide” or “War Eagle” and the anticipation of the outcome of this game will leave one side celebrating for an entire year.  Of course there will be other football games on Saturday but I don’t think anyone in the state of Alabama will care. It looks as if highly favored Alabama wins they will appear in the National Championship game for the second time in 3 years. Kick off for the Iron Bowl is 2:30pm on CBS.

We will all be glued to the television this weekend or simply resting and enjoying family and friends.  However lets not forget to give thanks and show compassion to others during this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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