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
Smoot Makes History as First Woman to Qualify for the 7th Congressional District
January 22, 2010 by Russ McClinton
Filed under Community, Politics |
(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 7th 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
August 29, 2009 by Russ McClinton
Filed under Politics |
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
August 26, 2009 by Urbanham
Filed under Did You Know, Politics |
Editor’s note: Watch a special airing of the HBO documentary “Teddy: In His Own Words” on CNN at 7 tonight ET.
Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, known as the “Lion of the Senate,” died Tuesday at 77.
(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.
Dr. Regina Benjamin from South Alabama is nominated as Surgeon General
July 14, 2009 by Urbanham
Filed under Did You Know, News Worthy, Politics |
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.
Johnathan Austin Campaign Launch Party and Fundraiser
May 29, 2009 by Russ McClinton
Filed under Politics |
Johnathan Austin City Council District 5
TONIGHT - The friends of Johnathan F. Austin will be hosting a “kick-off” fund raiser Thursday, May 28 at Twist and Shout from 6-8:30p. Councilor Austin will be the guest of honor, and featured speaker at this event. Come meet and greet the city’s dynamic City Councilor as he will shares his goals and vision for the citizens and merchants of District 5, as well as the exciting progress made since his appointment in December 2008!
This event will be an incredible social gala with many different types of people with one goal: to continue to live, work, and play in Birmingham’s premiere loft and entertainment district, District 5!
Live Entertainment:: Casual Dress Code:: Centrally Located.
Twist and Shout
2011 Highland Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35205
6p – 8:30p
Does Pres. Obama Have an “Ethnic” Preference when it comes to Media?
While the New York Times awaits a postelection sit-down with President Obama, Ebony magazine already nabbed its interview, the first given when Obama was still the president-elect.
Once Obama was sworn in, he granted one of his first Q&A’s to the editor of Black Enterprise magazine. His first known radio interview went to host El Pistolero, followed last week by a friendly phone-in to another giant of Spanish-language radio, Los Angeles-based Piolin.
It may not qualify as a pattern, much less a new world order, but the nation’s first African American president has signaled that he may shake up the traditional protocols of Washington journalism.
But Obama’s forays into sometimes marginalized ethnic media outlets also renew a strategy dating to the Reagan administration and earlier — finding alternatives to reach around the mainstream media and speak to loyal constituents.
I suspect these niche operators will also be used by the Obama administration — maybe something like President George W. Bush used evangelical Christian radio — because the White House believes they are more likely to funnel the chief executive’s message with little scrutiny or criticism.
Although much of their coverage thus far has celebrated Obama’s history-making ascension to the White House, several reporters from the ethnic media assured me they would not be pushovers.
I agreed that was a standard that they, and we in the mainstream media, needed to adhere to if we want to maintain our credibility.
“It was important in our coverage to pay attention to a milestone moment,” said Derek T. Dingle, editor in chief of Black Enterprise. “But going forward, we need the same vigilance and critical eye as we had with the Clinton administration and the Bush administration.”
That’s especially tough for outlets less experienced in the capital, with fewer reporters and whose audiences, surveys show, overwhelmingly approve of Obama.
Pamela Gentry, who blogs about politics for BET.com, said those factors would not prevent her from asking pointed questions. When I spoke to her last week, she laid down a marker for Obama.
“As of yesterday, with the signing of the stimulus bill, this economic problem is now his,” Gentry said. “And we will have to look closely at how things go with his solution.”
That’s the goal for many reporters, but expect Obama to follow a well-worn path to the infotainment zone — radio and television outlets that take a much lighter look at the issues of the day.
During the campaign, Sen. Obama and his wife, Michelle, got a particularly warm reception from daytime hosts, such as Tyra Banks, Ellen DeGeneres and the women of ABC’s “The View.” (The latter chewed over Republican John McCain so thoroughly during one appearance that that his wife, Cindy, said the “View” ladies “picked our bones clean.”)
Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo, heard in Southern California on La Nueva FM (101.9), provided another comfy outpost for Obama and other presidential candidates, including McCain.
Obama last week honored a campaign promise to return to the program — which has an estimated 4.3 million listeners in about 50 cities. Sotelo is also one of the radio personalities who urged hundreds of thousands of Latinos to march for immigration reform.
In the nine-minute segment, Piolin (a nickname meaning “Tweety Bird”) greeted Obama effusively, calling him “my friend,” and asked, “How soon can we expect to see the positive effect of the stimulus package?”
The host, who first immigrated to the U.S. illegally, praised Latinos for their hard work and asked Obama for his help.
Piolin, who never got an interview with Bush, told me that merely having a line of communication to the White House represented a breakthrough.
“It’s important that the nation can be united,” he said, adding that he welcomes political leaders “using my show to make that happen.”
“To criticize is not my job. To move forward and be positive — that’s my job.”
Even though they may not wield a sharp rhetorical ax, hosts like Piolin keep alive issues that largely have fallen off the mainstream media radar, such as immigration reform.
Obama, whose remarks were translated into Spanish, committed to the radio host to assemble interested parties to set an agenda on immigration, though he committed to no specifics or timetable.
Like everything in the White House, Obama’s relations with ethnic media will remain under a microscope.
A story this month in the conservative Washington Times alleged a first breach in the young relationship. The piece described black reporters as “red hot” after they were given prime seats but not called on during Obama’s first news conference as president.
That account gained some currency in the blogosphere, where Obama was ripped as a hypocrite.
But several African American reporters I talked to weren’t buying it.
“The impression was left that we were all up in arms and snubbed,” said Cynthia Gordy of Essence. “That was just not how it was at all.”
It’s hard to draw many conclusions about media trends from the early days of any administration.
Bush granted his first formal interview to print reporters from cities like Memphis, St. Louis, Albuquerque and Milwaukee. He spent a time, that first term, courting the New York Times, which later became a sworn enemy.
Black and brown media are having their moment. That’s long overdue. But I agree with the journalists who told me that, to serve their audiences best, it’s time to turn from celebration to examination.
Source: LA Times.com
