The Third Annual Magic City Black Expo

The Magic City Black Expo returns February 5, 2011 to the BJCC, North Exhibition Hall.  If you own a business this is a great opportunity to sell your products and services to thousands of patrons looking for businesses just like yours.  If you are a promising Urban Entrepreneur you could win $10,000 in start-up funds.  Contact the Magic City Black Expo for more information at (205) 937-6569 or at www.magiccityblackexpo.com.

The Magic City Black Expo
February 5, 2011 from 10am – 7pm.
BJCC North Exhibition Hall

Kela y. Pryor, CPA

Kela Y. Pryor, CPA offers accounting services for individuals and small business owners and has over 15 years experience providing accounting, financial management, and tax services.  Kela has served in  staff, management, and consulting roles and has experience in many industries. This experience, as well as a commitment to continuing education, allows her to deliver exceptional service to her clients.

Kela was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama.  She attended the University of Alabama and received a degree in Commerce and Business Administration.  She received the designation of Certified Public Accountant in 2002 and is licensed in the state of Alabama. She is a member of the Alabama Society of CPA’s and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

In her spare time, Kela enjoys traveling, gardening, volunteer work, and spending time with family and friends.

Kela Y. Pryor, CPA is dedicated to delivering a high level of professional service.   Her primary goal is to provide advice that will assist clients in making informed business decisions and to realize their financial goals.

Find out more about Kela Pryor at www.kpryorcpa.com

TheCASHFLOW KICKS OFF BLACK HISTORY MONTH BY HOSTING IT’S 60-SECONDS BUSINESS PITCH EVENT AT THE THIRD ANNUAL MAGIC CITY BLACK EXPO ON FEBRUARY 5, 2011

The first 60-seconds Business Pitch Competition of 2011 hosted by TheCASHFLOW (www.thecashflow.com) and 100 Urban Entrepreneurs, a foundation of TheCASHFLOW, (www.100urbanentrprenuers) at the Magic City Black Expo on Saturday, February 5, 2011.

Urban entrepreneurs from all business disciplines will have an opportunity to pitch their business ideas to TheCASHFLOW panel of judges for a chance to receive $10,000 dollars in start-up financing from 100 Urban Entrepreneurs. Winners are required to attend an intensive eight-week mentoring program. The program offers urban entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to interact with other talented entrepreneurs from the program, access to TheCASHFLOW’s professional network and the program provides valuable resources to help build successful and sustainable business.

WHEN:
February 5, 2011; doors open at 2:15 PM

WHO:
TheCASHFLOW, 100 Urban Entrepreneurs

Judges: Magnus Greaves, CEO and Co Founder of TheCASHFLOW, Lucas Riggins, Co Founder of TheCASHFLOW

WHERE:
Magic City Black ExpoBirmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC)North Exhibition Hall2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. NorthBirmingham, AL 35203###

About TheCASHFLOW
TheCASHFLOW is the one-stop shop for young urban entrepreneurs dedicated to helping them start their own businesses and achieve financial independence. The short-term goal in partnership with our non-profit foundation, 100 Urban Entrepreneurs, is to provide 100 entrepreneurs with $10,000 in start-up capital, along with mentoring and guidance, while making our proprietary start-up tools and insights available online — for free — to all aspiring entrepreneurs. Our platform caters to ambitious young businesspeople of all levels of experience, and offers a unique blend of resources, e-commerce and community features. TheCASHFLOW is going into urban communities throughout the United States to find these entrepreneurs, partner with them — and help them handle their business. For more information please visit http://www.thecashflow.com.

About Magnus Greaves
Magnus Greaves is an entrepreneur with a track record of conceiving, launching, building and selling innovative companies. In 1998, he co-founded the futures-trading firm MacFutures, which grew to more than 500 traders and was sold in 2003. In 2004, he founded Doubledown Media, an award-winning magazine publisher with offices in New York, London and Dubai, which published five titles internationally in the niche area of men’s business/luxury. He is currently the founder and CEO of MYMAG (www.mymag.com), which partners with celebrities to create signature limited-edition print magazines that enable celebs to share their interests and passions with their fans. As the founder and CEO of TheCASHFLOW (www.thecashflow.com), Magnus combines his own two principal passions — finance and media — to create a more efficient way for young people to realize their entrepreneurial goals.

About Lucas Riggins
In the case of Lucas Riggins success didn’t come from waiting for opportunities but by creating them.  At the age of 18 he began to have introspective thoughts about his community and how his environment not only directly affected his choices but those whom he grew up with.  Lucas Riggins co-founded Terri Woods Publishing, a book publishing company that changed the face of urban manuscripts.  Most famous publishing for such streetwise urban novels as True to the Game, B More Careful and Dutch, Riggins began his career by self publishing and selling 1 million copies independently.  He then struck a distribution deal with publishing powerhouse Simon and Schuster.  In 2008, Lucas Riggins co-founded TheCASHFLOW alongside Magnus Greaves.

The HBCU Conference hosted by Alabama State University

The HBCU Conference hosted by Alabama State University

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) of Birmingham, Alabama Announces the 2011 M.A.S.K.E.D. Gala Fundraising Chair

Birmingham, AL – January 22, 2011—Much has been happening “behind the scenes” at the UNCF office in Birmingham, Alabama, including the selection of Glyn Agnew, Regional Director of External Affairs for AT&T.  Glyn has been in place for several months, working with UNCF Area Development Director Walvid King, and husband and wife team, Herschell and Majella Hamilton, who are serving their second year as co-chairs of the UNCF 2011 campaign.  Members of the gala planning committee and the leadership committee are preparing for this year’s annual UNCF M.A.S.K.E.D. Gala to be held on February 26, 2011 at the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham, AL.

King stated, “timing is everything, and now is the time to introduce the rest of the region to the man we’ve selected to successfully lead our fundraising efforts for this year’s gala”.  “I believe that Glyn’s passion for community driven initiatives which raise awareness and funds, definitely makes him the right man to assist us.  As we strive to support Alabama students in pursuit of their educational dreams, it is vital to have great leadership to drive the effort and help shape the future for UNCF”.

While the UNCF Birmingham location is noted for hosting one of the most highly anticipated black-tie fundraising events of the year, Walvid King and his team have been working effortlessly on the development of educational and community based initiatives in four categories: collaborative partnership building, fundraising sustainability to support educational capacity building initiatives, grassroots campaign efforts to increase awareness about UNCF-HBCU’s, and diversity and inclusion campaigns to support the growth and development of UNCF Alabama.

About UNCF
UNCF—the United Negro College Fund—is the nation’s oldest and most successful minority education assistance organization. Its mission is to increase minority degree attainment by providing financial support to its 39 member institutions, reducing financial barriers to college and serving as a national advocate for minority education.  UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees.  UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs.  Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. There are five UNCF schools in Alabama—Oakwood University, Tuskegee University, Talladega College, Stillman College and Miles College. UNCF’s recently redesigned logo and brand identity feature UNCF’s torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at HYPERLINK “http://www.UNCF.org” www.UNCF.org.

Brothers of Style, Inc. Black History Red and Gold Gala

“Impacting lives by promoting Education and Rewarding diligence”. B.O.S., Inc.

This event is being held in honor of Black History Month B.O.S.,Inc and partnering sponsors will like to honor 7 students that have exemplified excellence in education. The Students will be chosen from Parker and Wenonah High Schools., Arrington Middle School, Robert E. Lee and Hemphill Elementary. The High School Students will each receive a scholarship. The other students will each receive a plaque and a gift. Each Students will perform a Black History Speech, Cedric Sparks City of Birmingham Youth Services Executive Director will be the Keynote Speaker.

Hemphill School Students for the Black History Red and Gold Gala

1. Tynashia Moseley by Mya Angelo

2. Julian Houser Dream deferred by Langston Hughes.

Robert E. Lee Students for the Black History Red and Gold Gala.

1. Ahamad Johnson by: Ella baker

2. Tykesha Foy by Patrice Bath.

Arrington Middle School one Male Student for the Black History Red and Gold Gala

1.Tommie Neely a speech from President Obama.

Parker High School Student receiving a Scholarship

1. Chris Evans.

Wenonah High School Student receiving a Scholarship

1. Ryan Lewis

PING, Inc. Jobs scholarship for the summer

Parker High School                                            Wenonah High School

1. DeWayne Jones                                                            4. Ryan Lewis

2. Chris Evans                                       5. Jordan Ricks

3. Kenneth Durr                                    6. James Cohill

Date: Saturday, Feb 05, 2011

Time: 5p.m. until 9p.m.

Highland Racquet Club

3300 Highland Ave.

Birmingham, Alabama 35205

Tickets for the Gala are $25.00 per person dinner included

Host by: Xavier Alexander

Formal Attire

There are only 130 seats

205-747-7617

Brothersofstyleinc.@yahoo.com
brothersofstyleinc.info

City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services Hosts the 2011 Birmingham Cares MENTORPALOOZA

On Sunday, January 30th, the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services (DYS) will celebrate National Mentoring Month with the 2011 Birmingham CARES MENTORPALOOZA from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Boutwell Auditorium. Admission is FREE!

MENTORPALOOZA encompasses the Birmingham CARES Mentoring Fair, She’s First: The SHEquel, and He’s First: Boys2Men-tor in one event.  In addition to fun and games for young people and their mentors, adults can also take advantage of the opportunity to learn about some of Birmingham’s dynamic mentoring organizations, which include:

100 Black Men: Mentoring the 100 Way

Birmingham Urban League Young Professionals

C.H.A.M.P.S.

DHR Mentor

Lock-In Birmingham

Dream Girls

B.O.U.N.C.E.

And many more

Birmingham CARES is designed to: (1) Inspire families and youth to get involved in mentoring initiatives that are available to them; (2) To increase awareness of mentoring programs and organizations in the City of Birmingham; and, (3) To provide mentoring organizations with networking opportunities that will increase their mentor and volunteer recruitment efforts.

MUZIK & MORE LOOKING FOR LOCAL TALENT

Birmingham, AL—Muzik & More 3rd Avenue West, Birmingham’s premier spot for all things music is looking to help local artists launch into super-stardome. With a unique opportunity to carry CDs and merchandise from music artists, comedians and other entertainers, Muzik & More hopes to become the location for local and homegrown talent.

Store owner Aquil Abdur-Rasheed says providing a home for items featuring area artists has long been a part of his store’s and his family’s history for more than a decade. “We started years ago with the concept of taking care of home in mind. There are not many, or any places that allow new, local, unsigned or indie artists to simply walk in and possibly walk out with unlimited possibilities on the horizon,” said Rasheed.

Muzik & More is aiming to become the destination for all types of merchandise from the metro-Birmingham area’s prime pick of entertainers.  Rasheed is hoping to begin branding the concept of the “one stop local shop” where all types of genres are featured including hip hop, rock, blues, gospel, jazz, comedy, spoken word, country and more. “Birmingham has a vast wealth of local talent. We want local artist to feel at home in Muzik & More. Whether through the sale of CDs and tickets, promotional tours or signings, we want to be a blessing to them like they’ve been to our store and this community for so long,” he said.

Muzik & More is located at 1401 3rd Avenue West Suite 111 in the Crown Plaza Shopping Center near Family Dollar.
Operational hours are: Monday through Saturday 10 am-7 pm and Sunday 12 pm -6 pm.  For more information on Muzik & More please contact Aquil Abdur-Rasheed at: 205.786.7700 or 205.908.2940 by email at: muziknmore@gmail.com or connect at: facebook.com/muziknmore or twitter.com/muziknmore.

DRUMLine Live Trivia!

Congratulations to allanmc4 who was the first person to answer trivia question #4

Trivia Question 4:

In the movie, which rapper performed during the Morris Brown routine at the Southern Classic?

The first person to leave the answer as a comment below wins a pair of tickets to see DrumlineLive, Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the BJCC Concert Hall.

Congratulations to monicab23 who was the first person to answer trivia question #3

Trivia Question 3:

While Devon miles was an excellent drummer what was it that he could not do that was a requirement of all band members of the Atlanta A&T University Band?

The first person to leave the answer as a comment below wins a pair of tickets to see DrumlineLive, Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the BJCC Concert Hall.

Congratulations to miajanelle who was the first person to answer trivia question #2

Trivia Question 2:

What was the name of the college that Devon attended and what city was the school located in?

The first person to leave the answer as a comment below wins a pair of tickets to see DrumlineLive, Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the BJCC Concert Hall.

Congratulations to jedwardsiii who was the first person to answer trivia question #1

Trivia Question 1:

What was the name of the main character in the movie Drumline and what actor played the character?

The first person to leave the answer as a comment below wins a pair of tickets to see DrumlineLive, Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the BJCC Concert Hall.

Note – Only one winner allowed per contest so tell your friends!

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About DrumLine LIVE

DRUMLine Live, the show‐stopping attraction created by the music team behind 20th Century Fox’s hit movie Drumline, will parade on to the Birmingham‐Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) Concert Hall stage on January 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are affordably priced with tickets starting at $22.00. Tickets are available at the CTO at the BJCC and at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers located in select Publix Super Markets and f.y.e. record stores. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982‐2787 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For group orders of 15 or more, please call 205.924.3636 or E‐mail GroupSales@BroadwayInBirmingham.com.

Complete with dazzling choreography and explosive percussion, DRUMLine Live is a thrilling spectacle that pays homage to the show‐style marching popularized at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). With riveting rhythms, bold beats and ear‐grabbing energy, the staged show is a synchronized musical showcase of the HBCU experience.

“We’ve taken the excitement of an HBCU football game halftime show, increased the intensity by a thousand watts, and created a musical journey that will touch every emotion,” says Don P. Roberts, DRUMLine Live’s creator and director. “DRUMLine Live is a high‐octane musical roller coaster ride that will keep the entire family cheering for more.”

The legendary HBCU band experience comes alive with DRUMLine Live’s world‐class cast of percussionists, musicians and dancers. The 39‐member cast of performers honed its unrivaled talent with years of training in marching band programs across the United States such as Florida A&M, Tennessee State, Clark Atlanta and Florida State University, just to name a few.

Incorporating original compositions and soul‐infused interpretations of top 40 hits, DRUMLine’s musical journey infuses colorful, choreographed routines with vibrant costumes and heavy doses of drum riffs and cadences. Audiences across the globe have been brought to their feet by the stirring sound of trumpets and incredible feats of athleticism; and have been astonished by the precision, creativity, and pulsing force in the climatic percussion battle. With musical highlights from hip‐hop, American soul, gospel, jazz and other music genres, DRUMLine Live brings a unique style of drumming, mesmerizing musicianship, and lively choreography never seen on stage before.

Roberts was inspired to create DRUMLine Live after serving as executive band consultant for the 2002 movie Drumline starring Nick Cannon. Drumline was one of the first major motion pictures to capture the electricity of the black college marching band experience. DRUMLine Live had a successful 70‐ performance international tour in 2008‐2009 with sold‐out shows throughout Asia.

“For those who attended HBCUs, and for those who have never had a chance to catch black college football games, the energy and the talent in DRUMLine Live are simply going to blow you away.”

DRUMLine Live is co‐produced by Halftime Live, LLC, and Columbia Artists Management, Inc (CAMI). CAMI is an internationally producer of live entertainment including many award winning Broadway and Off‐Broadway productions such as FELA, Chicago and Blue Man Group.

Tickets for DRUMLine Live at the BJCC Concert Hall are on sale now and can be purchased the CTO at the BJCC and at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers located in select Publix Super Markets and f.y.e. record stores.

Tickets may also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982‐2787 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For group orders of 15 or more, please call 205.924.3636 or E‐mail GroupSales@BroadwayInBirmingham.com.

The Birmingham engagement of DRUMLine Live is presented by arrangement with Broadway In Birmingham and is a special offering of the 2010‐2011 Broadway In Birmingham season.

I’m ready for success, so why haven’t I made it?

If you asked a room full of people “who wanted to be successful”, you’d probably get a room full of people saying ME ME. With this being a given, why don’t the successful people greatly outweigh the unsuccessful? Don’t know huh?

Here it is. Successful people recognize opportunity and seize it. These are people that understand that we are all one person and one decision away from making it to the next level. Of course you are saying it can’t be that simple, but in reality my friends, it actually is.

Please note the crucial part of the equation. I said they “recognize” opportunity. You see, it first starts with opening your eyes to your surroundings. You have to be paying attention. This is not only to who you think you know, but more importantly to who you don’t know. If Facebook has taught us one thing it is this. People are connected by who we least suspect.

Another key point is that most major opportunities are often disguised behind hard work. Yup, believe it or not, you have to do a little work for success. Faith comes in to play where you must believe that what you’re working on will lead to where you want to go. Patience is the counterpart that allows you to wait and see it through. Wisdom shows us who is real and who is not.

If it’s one thing that I learned quickly it’s that the people who can truly help you are not the ones that are persistent in saying they want to help you or are trying desperately to make you trust them.

The real people are sitting back waiting on you to take the right steps to prove you’re worthy of them helping you. These are usually heavy hitters who don’t have time to waste on your excuses or empty promises. They don’t need anything from you, so it’s no use to try and sell yourself. Most times, they were offered an opportunity that changed their lives and so this is how they repay it.

The bottom line is this… All you have to do is be consistent about what you say you want to do.

At this level, no one is going to hold your hand and no one is definitely going to cry for you.

As people say daily, this isn’t for everybody, so my advice is that you Quit… But then again, if you take my advice, it just shows you aren’t fit or ready for success anyway.

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