4th ANNUAL PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

Representatives of over sixty (60) social service organizations, multiple education venues, youth service organizations and employers will once again join forces to Party With A Purpose (PWAP). The PWAP, which draws a record crowd each year, is Saturday, October 2, 2010, 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at the Ensley Park and Recreation Center, 2800 Avenue K, Ensley.

In addition to the multiple social service agencies offerings, guests can also polish interview skills and resumes; learn about home ownership assistance programs and entrepreneurial opportunities in the City of Birmingham. Young adults can open bank accounts; learn about services that can enhance their lives and take part in cultural arts activities. Organizations and activities that cater to adults and senior citizens are also planned. Plus everyone can receive free medical screenings. PWAP guests that give blood will be entered into a drawing to win a $1,000.00 gift certificate from a local tailor. It’s just one of the multiple give-a-ways planned.

“While all of us are susceptible to hard times, children and the elderly are at the most risk, and they make up the largest number of clients the Annual Party with a Purpose serves. The Party With A Purpose is our opportunity to engage our young people in constructive and wholesome activities and impart hope,” said Councilor Steven W. Hoyt.

In years past, it is estimated that “more than ten thousand people” have benefited from the Party With A Purpose. A success that stands out occurred in 2008 when a PWAP guest received a blood pressure screening that resulted in an immediate trip to the emergency room. Doctors proclaimed that test, that day, was a life saver. Also ten (10) people were hired on the spot, that same year.

“Each year hiring managers take part in the event. Not only do they hire on the spot, they also build a bank of qualified applicants. In these tough economic times, what we are offering with the Party With A Purpose will enhance lives as well as produce tangible results. The only thing better than having a good time, is making a positive impact at the same time,” said Councilor Hoyt.

The 4^th Annual Party with a Purpose is co-sponsored by Birmingham City Councilor Steven W. Hoyt and the greater business community, in cooperation with Mayor William A. Bell, Sr. and the City of Birmingham.

For more information contact Event Coordinators Vaneatria McKinnon at 205.254.2363 or Vaneatria.Mckinnon@birminghamal.gov or Deontrenese Guin at 205.254.2304 or Deontrenese.Guin@birminghamal.gov.Direct media inquiries to Council Public Information Officer Jacqueline Gray Miller at 205.908.7392 Jacqueline.Gray@birminghamal.gov

-continues-

2010 PARTY WITH A PURPOSE PARTNERS:

AIDS in Minorities	Alabama Ballet	Alabama Symphony
AIDS Alabama	All Kids	All Nations Church of God
Alabama Power	AAP Employment Agency	Alisha’s Group
Alagasco	Academy of Fine Arts	Bethesda Life Center
Birmingham Business Resource Center	Birmingham City Council	Birmingham Zoo
Birmingham Healthcare	Birmingham Museum of Art	Birmingham Water Works
Birmingham Career Center	Brooks & Associates	Birmingham Auto Dealers Assoc.
Birmingham Police Dept	Birmingham Fire Department	Birmingham Airport Authority
Birmingham City Schools	Brookwood Express Staffing	Ballet Folklorico
Cooper Green Hospital	Bush Hills Neighborhood Association	Belview Heights Neighborhood Association
Citizens Advisory Board	Central Park Neighborhood Association	Central AL Women’s Business
City of Birmingham	Christian Service Mission	Concession International
Conviction Featuring: Mose Stovall	Deputy Dog, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department	DJ Strict
Department of Youth Services	Danny Vu	Dr. Tom Ellison
Ensley Neighborhood Association	Ensley Highlands Neighborhood Association	Estrada Company
Excelsior Program	Evan G	Faulkner University
Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitor’s Bureau	EEOC	Fairview Neighborhood Association
Ellwood Staffing	Five Points West Library	FLAME Records
Faith Chapel Christian Center	First Tee Program	Five Points West Business Association
Fire Engine “Show and Tell”	Gateway	Greater Emmanuel Temple
Habitat for Humanity	Holy Family CristoRey High School	HICA
HR Strategies	Health Springs	James Lewis Tennis Center
Jefferson County Department of Health	Jefferson County Senior Services	Joseph’s House
Kelly Construction	Khedive Clown Unit	Khedive Temple 16
Kid One Transportation	Latino Rappers	Lawson State Community College
Lawson State Dance Team	Life South Blood Mobile	Lena’s Ole Hickory
PHP of Alabama	Limbaugh Toyota	Matt Renda (Temporary Tattoo’s)
Metro NAACP	Mounted Patrol	Miles College
Midfield Institute of Cosmetology	Miles College Upward Bound	Marino’s Grocery
McWane Science Center	Mary Kay Cosmetics Rep.	Malcolm Pirnie
Mission Birmingham	Mid-South Productions	Neighborhood Housing Services
Neo Jazz Collective	Men of Alpha Phi Alpha	Men of Omega Psi Phi
Negro League	100 Black Men	Play Date Birmingham
Oakmont Center	Regions Bank	Rural Metro Ambulance
Ree’Al	Rod G	Rust Mark
Corazon Azteca	Samford University	Rising West Princeton Neighborhood Association
Sassie the Clown	Sharrif Simmons	Strayer University
South Regions Minority Supplier Dev Council	Southeastern School of Cosmetology	Schaeffer Eye Center
State Farm	Sickle Cell Foundation	Southern Growth
Sparkle Dance Company	Seedco Financial	Square by Square Daycare
Town & Country Spinal Pain Center	Tom Pams – Golf Instruction	Thomas Neighborhood Association
Trinish Songbird	Tuxedo Neighborhood Association	UAB HealthFinders
University of Phoenix	UPS	US Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force
Urbanham	UAB Shaken Baby Prevention Program	JCCDC
SBA	UAB Eye Care	Vulcan Park & Museum
Voc Rehab	University of Phoenix	Volkert & Associates
4-Given	Valentine (The Horse)	Viva Medicare
Wade Sand & Gravel	Waldrep Stewart & Kendrick	Warriors of The Word
WAR	Wood Fruitticher	Yar-Tay
West Precinct Task Force

BIRMINGHAM ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS presents A TOWN HALL MEETING on BLUEPRINT BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS presents A TOWN HALL MEETING on BLUEPRINT BIRMINGHAM

Tuesday, September 28, 2010
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30)
Alabama Power Co. Auditorium, 600 North 18th Street,
Birmingham

WHY: Last week, the Birmingham Business Alliance rolled out its long-awaited strategic plan for the Birmingham metropolitan region. “Blueprint Birmingham” is described as a growth strategy for the seven-county area. But how will it succeed where so many other plans have failed?

The Birmingham Association of Black Journalists turns a critical eye to this initiative and has invited business leaders, government officials and the public to discuss the plan in this special town hall meeting.

“BABJ is not endorsing the Blueprint,” says BABJ President Steve Crocker, “but we think it is important that people have the chance to ask questions of the business and civic leaders who will have to implement it if it’s going to succeed.”

Part 1-The Blueprint and Leadership

Panelists:

Mayor William Bell, Birmingham
Ann Florie, Leadership Birmingham
Jay Grinney, CEO HealthSouth and BBA Steering Committee co-chair
Mayor Tony Petelos, Hoover

Part 2-Economic Development

Panelists:

Bob Dickerson, Birmingham Business Resource Center
Bill Ivey, TechKnowledge Birmingham
Patrick Murphy, Senior Vice President Economic Development, Birmingham Business Alliance
Lashunda Scales, Birmingham City Council

INVITED VIP GUESTS

Rodger Smitherman, President Pro Tempore, Alabama State Senate
Jabo Waggoner, Minority Leader, Alabama State Senate
Lindsey Allison, Chair, Shelby County Commission
George Bowman, Jefferson County Commission
Roderick Royal, President, Birmingham City Council
John Rogers, State Representative, Alabama Legislature
Mary Moore, State Representative, Alabama Legislature
Cam Ward, State Representative, Alabama Legislature
Linda Swann, Assistant Director, Alabama Development Office
Gaynell Hendricks, Chair, Birmingham Airport Authority

This is the latest in a series of town hall meetings presented by BABJ. Previous ones have tackled the subjects of crime and violence and the quality of the public education system.

The Birmingham Association of Black Journalists is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to encourage the employment and retention of journalists of color, provide opportunities for professional development, offer scholarships and guidance to students considering careers in the media, and work to inform the community it serves.

Art, Beats + Lyrics

Mark your calendars for Art, Beats + Lyrics returning to Birmingham on Thursday, October 14, 2010.  Gentleman Jack brings the traveling urban art show and exhibit back to Birmingham which is getting rave reviews in other cities.  Art, Beats + Lyrics did not make it to Birmingham last year so the return of the show from its last appearance in 2008 is highly anticipated by art and music lovers across the state.  Art, Beats + Lyrics features urban art that covers a wide range of work from great figures in African American history to art work inspired by hiphop and soul music plus so much more.

Art, Beats + Lyrics was established in 2004 when founder Jabari Graham faced being laid off from his job.  Jabari figured he could look for new employment or create it himself.  He had long toyed with the idea of creating a showcase for unrecognized urban artists.  Jabari decided to follow his dream, investing his savings and severance package to fund an urban art showcase in Atlanta’s eclectic Little Five Points District.  The exhibition was well received.  The venue held 250 people, but over 400 attended.  With that initial success, Jabari teamed with Dwayne “Dubelyoo” Wright.  Dubelyoo had been creating his own art shows and brought experience, connections with artists and the inside perspective, being an artist himself, to the showcase.  Together they repackaged the event and “Art, Beats + Lyrics” was born.  Positive reviews from their first show made their second show at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art an unparalleled success in both AB+L and High Museum history.  The museum was filled to capacity within three hours of the show’s opening.  With the success of that and several other shows the next step was to take the show on the road. The concept for the show was pitched to Jack Daniels and the partnership to produce one of the largest traveling urban art exhibition was born.

To attend Art, Beats + Lyrics you must register in advance online at http://www.gentlemanjackabl.com and print off your digital tickets.

Thursday, October 14, 2010
Martinis Lounge
2132 Lorna Ridge Lane
Hoover, Alabama 35216
7:00 pm – 12:00 Midnight

Print off your online ticket at http://www.gentlemanjackabl.com

Street Etiquette: The Black Ivy

My father and I had this conversation very recently about how students dressed in relation to his days as a youth and the present. He talked about how sharp the kids came to school and how much pride they took in making sure they were dressed for success. He stated that most of the time the students dressed better than the teachers. I’m not going to go on a tirade about today’s times because I would have to bash myself also in the process on my attire. I would say that the abundance of pride that they had then, we lack now. Travis and Joshua over at Street Etiquette today dropped a piece called “The Black Ivy” incredible work, I wont post many pictures because I would like for you to go over to Street Etiquette and check out the full project. Terrific concept, it is so uplifting to see African American brothers dressing with such style and character.  The silhouette the media paints of the African American male needs a make over and this is a great start.

From Street Etiquette

Travis Gumbs: With back to school season in full swing, it is the perfect occasion to unveil our latest project, The Black Ivy.For this feat, we teamed up with F.E. Castleberry of Unabashedly Prep, a great guy and even better photographer whose talent and work ethic was more than enough to fulfill the high expectations of this monumental juncture.

When Josh and I first started thinking about this concept, we saw it as the perfect opportunity to  intertwine style, character, education and art with a culture that we are not only familiar with, but actually a big part of. The Black Ivy serves as a tribute to the first black colleges that paved the way for our generation and created a common ground for hardworking, likeminded individuals. What the original Black Ivy league did for folks many years ago is what we strive to do today with individuals that inspire, motivate and spark the creativity of  beings around them.

Spotted via: Streetetiquette X Real.Life.Fashion

Are you ready for the #1 Black Classic in the Country?

Well it’s time to get ready for the 69th Annual State Farm Magic Classic presented by Coca Cola and what better way to do it than with a complete list of Official Classic Weekend events and activities to get you excited!

October 28, 2010

• State Farm Magic City Classic Alumni Pep Rally Pep Rally · 7:30pm · B&A Warehouse (Admission $10 and tickets can be purchased at the door).  Across from the new Railroad Park!

October 29, 2010

• Magic City Classic Scholarship Breakfast · 7:30am · Harbert Center (For more info, contact Nikki Anthony at 205-241-8112)

October 30, 2010

• McDonald’s Magic City Classic Parade · 8:00am · Downtown Birmingham
• Coors Light Pre-Game Tailgate Party and Sponsor Village · 11:00am · Legion Field -West Side Parking Lot
• Coors Light Pre-Game Show · 1:30pm · Legion Field
• State Farm Magic City Classic Presented by Coca-Cola · TBD · Legion Field
• Coors Light Halftime Show featuring AAMU & ASU Band Performances · Legion Field

For the latest information on the Classic visit http://www.themagiccityclassic.com and make sure you grab details on the FREE Spectator Shuttle System!

Party in Pink Zumbathon to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure

Three local Zumba® instructors, Yolanda Banks, Ashley Harris and Neki Garrett, are hosting a Party in Pink Zumbathon® to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure® on Friday, October 22, 2010 at the Trussville Civic Center from 6:30pm – 8pm. Doors will open at 6:00pm.

Zumba® is a cardio dance fitness program that fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves. The revolutionary fitness program is sweeping the nation. As of May 2010, the Zumba® program is being offered in over 60,000 locations in 105 countries, has sold millions of DVDs, and has changed the lives of Zumba® fanatics worldwide with 7.5 million participants taking Zumba® classes every week.

The Party in Pink Zumbathon® is a part of a national campaign between Zumba® and the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure®. Zumba® instructors all over the world are hosting and participating in this joint venture.

The Birmingham party will include local Zumba® instructors presenting thirty minutes of choreography and special guest Zumba® Educational Specialist Erick Santana conducting an hour masterclass for the attendees. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

For more information, please contact:
Primary contact:     Yolanda Banks, (205) 563-8750 orzumbawithyogi@yahoo.com
Additional contacts: Ashley Harris (205) 212-4697 or zumbajam@yahoo.com
Neki Garrett (205) 249-6561 or zumbaneki@gmail.com

For more information on Zumba®: www.Zumba.com

Download the flier!

The Alabama Family Fest with Chrisette Michele, Kelly Price, J Moss and more!

KOL Productions in association with The Guiding Light Church is hosting “The Alabama Family Fest” benefiting youth development and empowerment, on Saturday, September 25th 2010 at the Guiding Light Church, 1800 John Rodgers Drive, Birmingham, AL. The event will be an outdoor fun-filled afternoon with live performance by celebrities, choirs and radio personalities. Family activities, contests and vendors will be incorporated into the event, with prizes such as a flat screen TV, cell phone and iPod. Prior to the event, the public will have the opportunity to win tickets as well as try out for the position of opening act by registering online to be auditioned by industry professionals who have worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Michael Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Mariah Carey … To audition, please log onto www.Kolmm.com and register. The winner of the opening act contest will also have the opportunity to record with industry professionals and a possible recording contract.

The Alabama Family Fest will be an annual event and promises to be an afternoon of excitement and entertainment. log onto www.kolmm.com for advance tickets.

Birmingham author writes about love and relationships in new book

“Falling in love is an irrational interaction between two irrational people. Why else would two strangers open up themselves to the possibility of despair, humiliation, invasion of privacy and rejection? The answer is that they do it seeking their true soul mate. Sometimes it takes more than one irrational interaction before you find that person who is your true soul mate.

Jeremy Clayton search for love was derailed by a glass of water, his job, one lady’s need for drama, another’s abusive ex-boyfriend and another’s I-HOP breakfast. When his relationships ended Jeremy blamed the women. He finally realized that he was the common denominator in his relationships.

His friends and family knew how he felt and what he was dealing with and they gave him some encouraging words among them were, “stop looking for love, it will come along and when it does it will come from the person you least expected.” Live life, enjoy it and LOVE WILL HAPPEN.”

About the Author
James is working on his fourth manuscript, working with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and dividing his time between Jefferson County, Alabama and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. –This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Buy this book >>

The 12th annual Sidewalk Film Festival

Friday Opening Night Film & After Party
Advance: Students/Members – $15, General Admission – $20
Walk-up: Students/Members – $20, General Admission – $25

Saturday OR Sunday Day Passes (includes all regularly scheduled screenings)
Advance: Students/Members – $15, General Admission – $20
Walk-up: Students/Members – $20, General Admission – $25
Weekend Passes (includes Friday Opening Night Film & After Party, Saturday and Sunday Films)
Advance: Students/Members – $40, General Admission – $50
Walk-up: Students/Members – $50, General Admission – $65

For info on all films screening visit www.sidewalkfest.com

BET reality show winner to perform at New Hope’s Cultural Arts event

Birmingham, AL–New Hope Baptist Church will be hosting its annual weekend of spirit-filled music, dancing, fellowship & with BET’s Sunday Best’s winner Leandria Johnson and the 2009 finalist, Maurice Griffin.

The 8th Annual Music & Cultural Arts Ministry (MACAM) weekend will take place September 17th-19th, 2010 at New Hope’s West End location at 1740 Cleburn Avenue SW Birmingham, AL 35211. This year’s theme is “We’ve Got Something to Shout About!”

On Friday, September 17th 7pm, New Hope’s Movement Ministries will perform with Danyale Taylor; Houston, TX, as guest clinician along with several other local dance, step and mime ministries from around the city.

Then, on Saturday September 18th at 10:00am there will be a business fair showcasing several local businesses. New Hope Male Chorus will be featured in concert at 1:30pm.

The weekend will culminate Sunday, September 19th at 5:00pm with the New Hope Mass Choir in concert with the Silent Voices and will feature church choirs from the west side of Birmingham and special guest artists Leandria Johnson and Maurice Griffin.

Rev. Prince E. Yelder is Asst. Pastor- MACAM and Rev. Dr. Gregory L. Clarke is Pastor. There is no admission cost.  For more information call 205-925-9393 or go to http://www.newhopemass.com.

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