YWCA Central Alabama CEO Honored With A.G. Gaston Award

Suzanne Durham, CEO of the YWCA Central Alabama, was one of five honored with an A.G. Gaston Award at the 2010 A.G. Gaston Conference awards luncheon held Wednesday, February 17th.

Durham, who has been the CEO of the YWCA Central Alabama for over 30 years, was the recipient of the Ron Nored Award for Community Revitalization. This award is presented to a visionary who has helped to physically change a community’s landscape and cultural perspective.

In the past year, the YWCA Central Alabama has expanded its emergency housing for homeless families and transitional housing in the Woodlawn community beginning with the Interfaith Hospitality House (IHH) for families. Formerly a four-bedroom house in Woodlawn, the Interfaith Hospitality House has increased its capacity to seven family suites – each with their own bathroom – computer and homework lab, laundry facilities, children’s play room, congregate dining hall and living area, commercial grade kitchen and staff offices. In addition to the new IHH, the YW is in the process of rehabilitating 58 rental apartments adjacent to Interfaith that will serve as transitional and permanent housing for families as part of the larger neighborhood revitalization effort known as YWoodlawn.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award.  I knew Rev. Nored and his work and I gratefully accept this award on behalf of the dedicated board members of the YWCA and our hard working staff members that have made this 11 million dollar investment in Woodlawn a reality,” Durham says. She continues, “The City of Birmingham has also played a significant role in helping us realize our dream in our campaign to strengthen families and strengthen communities.”

Other award recipients included Odessa Woolfolk, founder/president emeritus of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, who received the A.G. Gaston Award; Michael Gould of Wingo’s, a restaurant in Ensley, who received the Best in Microenterprise Award for companies with 10 or fewer employees; Ed Sanders of Sanguard Security, who received the Best in Microenterprise Award for companies with 11 to 30 employees and State Rep. Mary Moore who received the Small Business Advocate Award.

If you are interested in donating to one of the YW’s programs, please click here.

Goldwire Heights new home development in Titusville

Welcome to Goldwire Heights. A quaint little neighborhood located in Titusville that features 31 thoughtfully designed and built homes. This neighborhood offers unique finishes and features that provide
a comfortable yet affordable lifestyle for your family. This fenced in neighborhood features sidewalks, street lights, and two common area parks. It is conveniently located just a few minutes from downtown Birmingham and has easy access to Interstate 20/59. There will be a ground breaking ceremony along with an opportunity to find out more about this new development on Friday, February 26, 2010.  Local officials including Birmingham Mayor William Bell will be in attendance as Birmingham launches a new chapter in neighborhood development.

For more information and directions contact Abra Barnes at (205) 222-9759

Abra Barnes, REALTOR, RE Instructor
VP-Marketing & Agent Development
Barnes & Associates P.C. REALTORS
205-328-3330 Office
205-222-9759 Cell
www.abrabarnes.com

“A REALTOR With Your Needs & Best Interest At Heart!”

MILES COLLEGE PRESENTS THE 2010 PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL, “AN EVENING AT THE ACROPOLIS”

Join us for an evening of elegance as Miles College Presents The 2010 President’s Scholarship Ball, “An Evening at the Acropolis.”  This black-tie gala will take place Friday, April 9, 2010 at The Birmingham Sheraton Grand Ballroom at 7:00p.m. with an Opening Reception that will begin at 6:30p.m.

This new event will feature dynamic performances from our music and performing arts students.  Plus, local rhythm and blues sensation Milean and soul artist Jaafar will perform selections from his debut album, “Travel Light.”

This is an evening of dining, dancing and entertainment you don’t want to miss! So join us for an evening of class, culture and civility as we prepare to raise scholarship dollars for Miles College students.
For advance tickets and table reservations please call (205) 929-1444 or email us at supportscholarships@miles.edu.  To find out more about “An Evening At The Acropolis” visit us on-line at http://www.miles.edu/acropolis.asp

Health Care Reform: Where Do We Go From Here? Thursday at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church

Announcing:

“Health Care Reform: Where Do We Go From Here?”

Presented by Oliver Fein, MD

- National President of PNHP

- Internist and professor of medicine and public health at Weill Medical College, Cornell University

- Health policy expert and member of President Obama’s

White House Health Care Summit

Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 7:30 pm

Sixteenth Street Baptist Church
1530 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203

Dr. Fein also hosted by 2nd-Year Medical School student leaders with the American Medical Student Association, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Equal Access Birmingham

Friday, February 26, at 12:00 noon

UAB Volker Hall, Lecture Room B – 1670 University Blvd., UAB campus (across from School of Public Health)

“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

On the road with Jona Crooner and the 5th Element

Birmingham homegrown artist Jona Crooner and the 5th Element Band have hit the road to perform for the United States Navy in a special Mardi Gras event in San Diego.  Check out this report from the road as they prepare for their next tour assignment.

It has been said that Birmingham is the City with a wide variety of talented yet undiscovered artists. On any given night you can hear a great show via one of The Magic City’s many nightspots. One such artist is Jona Crooner who is currently breaking the mold by launching his promotional tour to gain national exposure.  Mr.Crooner and The 5th Element band are currently on the road making history by being the first black band to visit and perform at a special invited :Mardi Gras”event at The Naval Base San Diego.”We are encouraging our Sailors to reach as Mr. Jona has done since he is a living example of what The Navy instills in their people…Honor,Courage and Commitment” says MWR Director Mr.Antonio Crawford,”Being that Jona went from an enlisted Sailor to now National Entertainer is proof that if you follow your dreams, you can achieve anything”.

Ask Jona about his outlook on being invited out and you will get a humble “I’m just happy to be here” as he works overtime with The 5th Element Band to truly represent all that is Birmingham. “God has blessed me with a tremendous oppurtunity and I believe that with him and the great and talented musicians down to ride with me we will most definitly leave a mark on the minds wherever we plug up..5th Element is the future”  Jona Crooner and The Band will be on the road until March and representing Birmingham at venues where most have never had the oppurtunity to hear Birmingham’s sound firsthand. “I want to thank all the people who believed in me and my vision when I started off and the great people here at The Naval Base San Diego for all that they have done for us,they really pulled out the red carpet and after this show…..who knows they might not let us leave” said Jona as he rehearses to put on the perfect show and continue to pave the road from local to worldwide.

The Fourth Annual Red Tie Red Dress Affair

On Saturday,  Feb 20, from 9-5pm, Miss Black Alabama, Ebonee Benson and Upgrade magazine presents: Dance 4 Hearts Dance Clinic at Momentum Studios.

Dance for Hearts promotes healthy lifestyles and heart fitness. Proceeds will benefit the National Blood, Heart and Lung institute (NBLHI) and the American Heart Association (AHA).

On Saturday, Feb 20, from 8-11pm, Upgrade Magazine will host the I Heart Red Cocktail Party at Gabriella’s on 17th Street North. This reception will feature the Diamondtini fundraiser benefiting C.H.A.R.I.S.M.A Inc. (Creating Health Assistance, Renewing and Inspiring the Spirit of Minorities through Awareness). Patrons will enjoy Diamondtinis, with one having a real diamond inside their drink.

On Sunday, Feb 21, from 6-10pm, Upgrade Magazine will host The Red Tie Red Dress Affair at the Wine Loft on 1st Avenue North (Downtown).

Upgrade will donate all the proceeds from the silent auction and raffle to GO Red. Go Red For Women celebrates the energy, passion and power women have to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke.

Birmingham business woman Nichelle Gainey makes TNJ’s 2010 list of 25 Influential Black Women in Business

NEW YORK, N.Y. (January 2010) — The Network Journal (TNJ) will announce its 2010 list of “25 Influential Black Women in Business.”  Included is Birmingham, Alabama business woman Nichelle Gainey, Founder & President, SilverStone International, LLC.  The honorees will be featured in the March issue of the magazine. In addition, TNJ will honor these movers and shakers during Women’s History Month at its 12th Anniversary Luncheon on March 11 at the renowned New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, located at 1535 Broadway (between 45th & 46th streets) in the business capital of the world, New York City from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

“The women we are honoring this year are in the forefront of American leadership and symbolize the diversity and advancement that has occurred across industry lines,” states TNJ Publisher and CEO Aziz Gueye Adetimirin.  The program entails a cocktail networking reception, lunch and a presentation of the awards. The Mistress of Ceremonies will be Brenda Blackmon, Fox/My9 News. The event annually attracts a ‘Who’s Who’ of prominent business executives in various industries. This year’s sponsors are AXA, Entergy, L’Oreal USA, Upscale Magazine, WNYC, and WBLS-FM.

About The Network Journal
Founded in 1993, The Network Journal is an award-winning magazine published each month, except for combined issues in July/August and December/January. It provides news and commentaries on issues that affect the growth of business and the advancement of professionals in the workplace for an audience of predominantly African-American professionals, corporate executives and small-business owners. Engaging more than 86,000 readers, The Network Journal is distributed nationwide, with a focus on the northeast region. For more information call 212-962-3791, or visit the TNJ Web site at www.tnj.com.

SilverStone International, LLC
To find out more about Ms. Gainey’s business SilverStone International visit http://www.silverstoneintl.com

Then Museum of Urban Arts Accounts 3rd Annual Youth Arts Competition

Theme: Hands for Haiti

Entries must be related to the history of Haiti or the earthquake relief effort for Haiti
(Due April 12, 2010)

Viewing of entries at MUA’s 4^th Annual Art Show and Awards Gala, April 18, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, AL – February 9, 2010 – The Museum of Urban Art (MUA) is pleased to announce a unique competition for Birmingham students to design artwork celebrating the history of Haiti, and bringing awareness to the specific needs of the country with regards to the recent earthquake disaster.

The top twenty (20) artist’s entries, whose work best captures the theme of the competition, will enjoy a special reception at the 4^th Annual Art Show and Awards Gala. A silent auction will be held featuring the top submitted works, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the relief effort in Haiti (*). The top 3 entries will be awarded gallery space associated with MUA for 3 months, with an opening reception (date TBA).

“The purpose of this year’s theme is to draw attention to the history and legacy of Haiti, and to evoke a sense of community and selflessness by promoting aid for Haiti during their time of need,” said Patrick Johnson, President of MUA’s Board of Directors. This competition will provide our young artists with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their work produced on a professional scale and will be viewed by future generations.

The contest is open to all current high school and college students in the Birmingham area. Applications are available on the MUA website, www.themuseumofurbanart.org/artcontest.pdf. Artwork may be produced on paper, canvas or other medium, including graphic design. If computer generated the artwork must be able to be printed in order to be considered. All applications and artwork must be received at the office of the City of Birmingham, Department of Youth Services, 808 North 18th Street, no later than 4:30pm on Monday, April 12, 2010.

About The Museum of Urban Art

The first museum of its kind, The Museum of Urban Art is an educational complex celebrating the contributions of urban artists and entertainers. The MUA seeks to use Film, Art, Music and Entertainment to empower young people by providing powerful, positive experiences and instilling the importance of good citizenship, respect for one another, honor, discipline and education in a safe and healthy environment. Visit the MUA on the web at www.themuseumofurbanart.org.

CBS Chief National Correspondent Byron Pitts speaks at Miles College

“CBS NEWS CHIEF NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT SCHEDULED TO SPEAK AT MILES COLLEGE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH”

Miss Black Alabama USA 2010 – Ebonee Benson

Platform: M.O.V.E- MOTIVATING OTHERS through VOLUNTEERING EFFORTS- Promoting Community Service and Involvement

“To move the world we must first move ourselves”
-Socrates

Legacy: My pledge throughout my year of service is to commit time to helping those who may not be able to help themselves by actively promoting my platform throughout the state of Alabama. Educating people on the importance of their role in society and how their individual contributions can ignite change around them is the primary focus of M.O.V.E. My job will be to involve myself in this conscious effort along with encouraging others to get involved in any way possible. Everyone has something to offer; a special gift. My goal is to motivate and inspire others to use these specific devices, these interests and talents to help those around them. Most importantly, I will be the front runner for Community Service and Involvement. I will be the example to follow. Where ever I am needed and can be of help, I will offer my best.

Community Service is a vital part of the survival and success of small and growing communities it causes for a healthier, livelier and more productive society. Serving in the community helps to address issues that are often overlooked by government and other social agencies. Collectively, it is our responsibility to take initiative and pride in the places we live. The possibilities and opportunities that volunteering create for those living around us are limitless. Cleaning a school, feeding the homeless, reading to the elderly, building a home for a family in need, etc, are all ways to better the quality of life for people in our society. We cannot begin to take steps towards the future without first making sure there is a future; and the future is here in our communities. It starts with us. Let our communities reflect our commitment and our work and restore the faith in humanity. Let’s M.O.V.E!

To support Ebonee Benson in the upcoming Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant please email missblackalabama2010@gmail.com or visit www.missblackalabama.com

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