By Gwen DeRu
LET’S CELEBRATE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S BIRTHDAY
….AND BLACK HISTORY MONTH!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY…TO YOU… LEBOISE DERU, LEKAMEREN DERU, JACARYS BRAXTON, LEKOTA DERU and DR. CAROLYN BOLIVAR HAMEEN!! …MANY MANY MORE!!
“WISHING YOU THE BEST OF EVERYTHING!”
(Photo: Credit: JohnHopeBryant.com)
A.G. GASTON 2015 CONFERENCE – The 2015 A.G. Gaston Conference will be held on February 17-18 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex and will shine the spotlight on the impact of poverty and how eliminating the racial wealth gap can boost the entire Birmingham metro area. The Green Power Presentation, “Eliminating Poverty in Birmingham,” will take place at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex on Wednesday, February 18 at 10 a.m. Following the panel discussion, the 11:30 a.m. A.G. Gaston Empowerment Luncheon will feature keynote speaker John Hope Bryant, founder of the Hope Coalition and author of “How the Poor Can Save Capitalism.” Other speakers are Michael V. Roberts, Mark Anthony Peterson, Eugene A. Mitchell, Margarita Anderson, and Randall Pinkston as Host Personality. Robert Dickerson, Jr. of Birmingham Business Resource Center and Gaynell Adams Jackson of Advanced Planning Services, LLC are hosts of the A.G. Gaston Conference. To register for the Feb. 17-18 conference, go to www.aggastonconference.com.
NOMINATE UNSUNG COMMUNITY HERO – There is economic empowerment through enterprise development, so nominate any Unsung Community Hero that is active in their church, philanthropic community activities or impactful in business community by Sunday at www.aggastonconference.com/information/community-service-award.com. The A.G. Gaston Community Service Award will be presented at the 11th Annual Conference at the BJCC on February 17 and 18.
FOR HISTORY LOVERS…
BLOODY SUNDAY MARCH WILL GO ON – The Bloody Sunday March has been commemorated on Sunday every year for 40-plus years. “The Bloody Sunday March is on for Sunday, March 8th,” said Sen. Hank Sanders (D-Selma) and many other elected officials around the State of Alabama. “We appreciate the President’s coming to Selma on Saturday, March 7th, but the Bloody Sunday March is sacred, and it must go on.” Sanders and other leaders held a news conference recently in the 3rd Floor Press Room of the Alabama State House concerning the Bloody Sunday March on Sunday, March 8th, and President Barack Obama’s scheduled visit to Selma on Saturday, March 7th. Sanders stated further, “We have had many calls from people around the country voicing concern and expressing confusion about the Saturday date for the President’s visit that was recently announced. It is important for everyone to know that the Bloody Sunday March will go on as it always has – on Bloody Sunday. It will be held on Sunday, March 8th.” Elected officials supporting this decision are Rep. Alvin Holmes (D-Montgomery), Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford, Rep. John Knight (D-Montgomery), Alabama Democratic Conference Chair Dr. Joe Reed, Rep. Thad McClammy (D-Montgomery), and Southern Christian Leadership Conference President Dr. Charles Steele. Bloody Sunday is sacred. “The Bloody Sunday March is sacred and cannot be aborted or redirected. It must be commemorated. It must be reenacted. It must be respected. It must be lifted. And it will on Sunday, March 8th,” said Sen. Sanders.
FOR BOOK LOVERS…
POEMS INSPIRED BY HISTORY – Poems Inspired by History is a poetry book by author Jill Dill Vincent, illustrating selected scenes of history, which will bring a greater potential for closure of misunderstanding as well as healing. Vincent says that introducing “Poems Inspired by History” throughout schools, organizations, and people of all faiths would set seeds to grow love, compassion and understanding for humanity. American Legion Post#134 has sponsored Jill Dill Vincent for nomination to receive a Pulitzer Prize, based on her writings in “Inspirational Poems Volume II”. Jill has recently accepted a position as Board Member for the Cancer Awareness Network for children, Birmingham, Ala. Founder of “High Five For Education,” a scholarship program, which is in the making; Jill continues to move forward reaching out with friendship and love for her fellowman. Upcoming events where Jill Vincent will be sharing bits and pieces of her books: AUTHOR’S EXPO – February 7th- Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Birmingham Public Library (Downtown Birmingham) Contact: Mr. Jared Millet at (205) 226-3727; EDUCATION SUMMIT – March 4-6, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (Birmingham) Contact: Dr. Kris Erskine – Operations Pastor – (205) 798-0371; and ECHOTA CHEROKEE STATE TRIBAL MEETING – April 11, Time TBA at 630 County Road 1281, (Falkville, AL 35622). Contact: Commissioner Chief Charlotte Hallmark – (205) 663-5089. Vincent quotes “learn from everyone you meet, enjoy life and be humble.” Continuing with her passion in writing and furthering her goals, Jill is a published author of novels, a business management service book; Little Receivables BIG CASH FLOW, Inspirational Poetry books and her latest; “Poems Inspired by History.”
FOR BUSINESS OWNERS…AND FINANCE…
DREAM BIG SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2015 AWARD – Tell your story. Showcase your talents. Apply today for the 2015 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Awards sponsored by Sam’s Club. It is open season for the 2015 Dream Big Awards. The hunt is on for the best of the best in American small business. You can participate in two ways: You can nominate a small business by completing the nomination form or eligible small businesses can apply directly by completing the online application form. Nomination is not required but all eligible small businesses must complete the application form. Nominations and Applications are due by February 2. 100 Blue Ribbon Award Winners are announced by February 16. Seven regional finalists are announced by March 18. The Small Business of the Year award winner is announced during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. on June 8-10. Winners will be announced on June 9. The winner will receive national recognition and a $10,000 cash prize. Learn more at www.uschamber.com/dreambig.
2015 ALABAMA’S MONEY EXPO – The Money Expo is March 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at George W. Carver High School, in Birmingham with Honorary Co-Chairs Melvin Carrington Smith and Stewart H. Welch. This financial educational expo will feature everything about money, including how to make it, grow it, keep it and share it with families and communities.
FOR SPORT LOVERS….
YOU ARE INVITED…..BASKETBALL GAME AND ALUMNI MIXER AT MILES COLLEGE – Basketball fans, Miles Alumni and others head to the game between Miles College and Tuskegee University, 1- 3 p.m. and mixer at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Birmingham Crossplex on Bessemer Road. Ladies’ game at 1 p.m. Men’s game at 3 p.m. and then more fun at the Mixer at 5:30 p.m. Watch the game and cheer for your team and then hang out at the mixer with friends. Make it a Golden Day and support the teams with samples of Golden Flake’s chips afterward the games at the exit of the stadium.
FOR OUTDOORS LOVERS…SATURDAY, 9 a.m. Dayhike, in Bankhead National Forest at Brushy Creek and Sougahoagdee Falls. The hike will be six miles long and is rated moderate. We will follow a beautiful trail which runs from the Brushy Creek Bridge along the creek. In the past there have been about nine waterfalls on this route, lovely cliffs, hemlock trees, canyons and some additional waterfalls. If time permits group may visit the nearby natural bridge (not the one at the town of Natural Bridge) in the Natural Bridge Recreation Area of the Bankhead National Forest. Carefully-supervised, well-behaved children age 10 and older welcome. Bring a picnic lunch and water. Optional dinner after at a delightful Italian restaurant in Double Springs. Meet 9 a.m. at the Hayden/Corner Park and Ride.
Info: David Freeman, (205)491-8845.
FOR MUSIC LOVERS…AND DANCE…
HERE ARE A FEW THINGS GOING ON…
THIS WEEKEND… TODAY…
**ASHLEY AND THE KEEPERS at Ona’s Music Room.
**STEVE GILBERT at The Nick.
FRIDAY…
**HALLELUJAH JUNCTION at Ona’s Music Room.
**ROSHAMBEAUX, KICK THE ROBOT, JOE SMITH AND THE GOING CONCERN at The Nick on southside.
SATURDAY…
**ONA WATSON AND CHAMPAGNE at Ona’s Music Room.
**TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE, 8 p.m. on Graymont Avenue across the street from Legion Field. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
**LEAVING EDEN, FORJE, STEVIE TOMBSTONE
at The Nick.
THERE IS THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER….IN THE ‘HAM… AT THE STARDOME AND IN DA HOOD AT TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE…LAUGHTER FOR THE NEW YEAR…
(Photo Credit – Timpulnick.com)
**AT THE STARDOME…TIM PULNIK, TODAY… Tim has been entertaining audiences in comedy clubs, theaters and corporate events throughout the United States and Canada for years. Bringing a unique mix of high energy, quick wit and quirky antics, he rocks the house when he hits the stage. Most recently, Tim has appeared on the USA Networks “Burn Notice”, ABC’s “Charlie’s Angels” and is the voice of the Offensive Coordinator in the popular football video game MADDEN 2011.
(Photo Credit: Denver.Impro.com)
DON’T MISS…TONY ROBERTS, this weekend… No Stranger to TV and Film, as an actor Tony has toured with a major theatre play, has been cast in a sketch comedy pilot for CBS entitled, JUST ADD WATER and has appeared in half a dozen movies. As a host, Tony recently hosted the vh1 pilot “Dance Slam Cam, ” and a Guest Lead in “Nite Tales” for BET and recently sat on the couch as guest on The Monique Show. Keep an eye on Tony Roberts…America’s next great talent!!!!
COMING SOON…, DL HUGHLEY – February 6-8, FINIS HENDERSON – February 13-15, SHERYL UNDERWOOD – February 20-21, MIRANDA SINGS – February 7-8 (Tell Bruce that Gwen sent you.) Enjoy some good laughter and fun times while you eat some great food with your friends. For more, call (205) 444-0008.
**MORE LAUGHTER…COMEDY IN DA HOOD at the New Tide and Tiger on Graymont Avenue. Comedians are invited! Call (205) 503-3880 for more.
Look for more.
**February 17-18 – A. G. GASTON CONFERENCE – Economic Empowerment through Enterprise Development AT THE BJCC.
**MARCH 5-9 – BRIDGE CROSSING JUBLIEE in Selma, Alabama.
NOW…. BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUTS!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU… LEBOISE DERU, LEKAMEREN DERU, JACARYS BRAXTON, LEKOTA DERU, CASSANDRA GRIFFEN MCINTYRE, PHYLLIS CONNELL, BETTINA BYRD GILES, MICHAEL GOULD, EVERETT SPRUILL, DR. CAROLYN BOLIVAR HAMEEN AND TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL YOU BIRTHDAY BALLERS…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!! ENJOY!! Celebrate ‘your’ month…I do…all 30 days ‘and’ some!
Well, that’s it. Tell you more ‘next’ time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@yahoo.com.)
