BIRMINGHAM CHANGE FUND welcomes DR. STEVE PERRY for inaugural CHANGE Luncheon and Grant Award Presentation

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., November 30, 2011. On Friday, December 16, 2011, at 12:00pm, fiery educator, author and CNN contributor, Dr. Steve Perry, will be the guest speaker for the inaugural CHANGE Luncheon, sponsored by the Birmingham Change Fund (BCF).  The Luncheon will take place at the Harbert Center in downtown Birmingham.  Additionally, there will be a VIP Meet & Greet Reception with Dr. Perry prior to the luncheon that includes a signed copy of Dr. Perry’s latest book.

The CHANGE Luncheon is open to teachers, parents and all community members interested in advancing education in the city and will also include the announcement of BCF’s 2012 Education Grant Recipient.  The aim of this three-year grant, of over $35,000, is to support effective and scalable extra-curricular initiatives that address gaps in math and science education for middle school students while also teaching valuable life skills. After opening the grant application process earlier this year and speaking with several organizations doing excellent work with students in the city, BCF is excited to announce this newest partnership to the greater Birmingham community.

“We took two years to do our homework,” says Birmingham Change Fund Chairman, Ed Fields, “We met with students, teachers, principals, parents, and the administration of the Birmingham City Schools, including our very capable and visionary administrator, Superintendent Craig Witherspoon.  We even met with Mayor William Bell to discuss the state of education in Birmingham.” After two years of study and discussion, members of the Change Fund learned that there is no magic bullet to address all of the educational issues in Birmingham. However, the greatest resource gap in the system could be well-meaning people who are concerned, but are unaware of how to contribute to resolving issues related to education.

Enter, Dr. Steve Perry, acclaimed education innovator who believes we all can make a difference in bettering the education of our kids.  No stranger to the Magic City, on his last visit, Dr. Perry revealed a soft spot for the city with such a storied past and a particular interest in seeing how Birmingham will meet the challenges of delivering the world-class education that all children deserve.  Having recently released the book, Push Has Come to Shove: Getting Our Kids the Education they Deserve – Even if it Means Picking a Fight, Dr. Steve Perry’s address will reveal a glimpse behind the curtain of America’s schools to deliver a message of hope that both challenges and empowers us all to do our part.

Advanced tickets are available for purchase for the VIP Reception as well as the Luncheon. Both sponsored tables and individual tickets are available, including a limited number of discounted tickets for school teachers.  For more information or to purchase a ticket, please visit our website at www.birminghamchangefund.org/change.

About Dr. Perry

Dr. Steve Perry’s heart pumps passion and produces positive change. Featured in CNN’s Black in America series, Dr. Perry is the most talked about innovative educator on the scene today.  Perry is the founder and principal of what U.S. News and World Report has cited as one of the top schools in the country, Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut. Capital Prep has sent 100% of its predominantly low-income, minority, first generation high school graduates to four-year colleges every year since its first class graduated in 2006.  A strong advocate of personal and civic responsibility in all aspects of life, Dr. Perry emphasizes the social issues that aim at building up both the individual and the community so that the next generation can be better contributing members of society. When Perry speaks, he reaches the heart of his audience to motivate change in themselves and their community.  His secrets to success and calls to action are revealed in his new book, Push Has Come to Shove: Getting Our Kids the Education They Deserve – Even If It Means Picking a Fight.

About BCF

The Birmingham Change Fund is a giving circle composed of twenty (20)  African-American, young professionals who combine their time, talent and treasure toward changing outcomes in the city of Birmingham, Alabama.  With a focus on three core areas: Education, Economics and Healthcare, in 2009 BCF decided to hone in on understanding the opportunities around enhancing educational opportunities for students in Birmingham City Schools.  Having granted over $25,000 of their own, pooled funds to eight local organizations over the last six years, the 2011 Education Grant represents a step toward funding transformative yet practical solutions.

Since its inception BCF has invested both influence and resources throughout Birmingham in several ways with a desire to enhance effectiveness and aid in capacity building of grantee organizations. Serving as a portal for strategic giving, collective philanthropy and community-mindedness in the Birmingham community, BCF provides a unique opportunity to ensure that people of color are on the “supply-side” of philanthropy.  In furthering the discussion of philanthropy among African-Americans and young professionals, it is our objective to serve as a resource and an outlet for those interested in pooling their resources to impact an area of critical need at the core of our region.

SWAC Championship Weekend, Tyrese, Jazze Pha, Fashion and Football!

SWAC Championship Weekend  returns December 9 – December 10 with a complete weekend of activities!

On Friday December 9th the Metro Birmingham NAACP present A Night of Fashion in the Magic City at the Birmingham Museum of Art.  The fashion show will be hosted by celebrity producer Jazze Pha and Miss Alabama 2012 Ashely Davis. Tickets: $15.00

Don’t miss the SWAC Championship Kick Off Party sponsored by Seagram’s Gin and hosted by actor/singer Tyrese Gibson and Jazze Pha.  Featuring live performances from Just A Few Cats, Logan and Chris Coleman on the tables.  Tickets: $20.00.

December 10th is game day at the historic Legion Field. The 2011 SWAC Football Championship Game presented by Toyota kicks off at 12 noon with more of Tyrese, Jazze Pha, half time shows, vendors and more!

After the game its time to refocus and head to the after parties exclusively held at the Wine Loft and Martinis Ultra Lounge from 9pm – Until.

Game tickets are $20.00 in advance, $25 on the day of the game.  For tickets call (800) 240-2300 or visit southtix.com.

 

NAACP Fashion Show hosted by Jazze Pha and Ashley Davis

SHOW RECAP

Check out the footage from what has become one of the signature Fashion Shows in the City of Birmingham.

 

Video by Kenny Luk

The City of Birmingham, Alabama Power Company, Waldrep Stewart Kendrick, Malcolm Pirnie, Global Solutions, SWAC & Schaeffer Eye Center present The NAACP Fashion Show – A Night of Fashion in the Magic City.

Hosted by celebrity producer Jazze Pha and Miss Alabama 2010 Ashley Davis.

Featuring Nicci Hou, Francisco Azucar, Shaka King and Borris J. Powell and honoring former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Ralph D. Cook, Sr.

Friday, December 9, 2011 a the Birmingham Museum of Art – 2000 Rev Abraham Woods, Jr Blvd.

Featured radio personalities Isis Jones & DJ Chris Coleman of 98.7 Kiss FM.

Tickets are only $15 and can be purchased at the NAACP Birmingham Office which is located at 1520 4th Avenue North // Birmingham, AL 35203 between (12 noon – 6pm).  For more information call (205) 305-8912.

Doors open at 6:00 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm.

Birth of a New Tradition – Support Local Business Owners This Holiday Season

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.

Yes there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

Salvation Tour Debut at The Bessemer Civic Center

Heaven’s Press Production proudly presents the 2011 Worship Experience “The Salvation Tour” a gospel musical production written by Jan Bates of Birmingham, AL.   It’s a timeless Classic Story of Christ Foretold through song and dance.  “The Salvation Tour” will debut on Sunday, December 4^th, 7pm at The Bessemer Civic Center. The Salvation Tour features The Birmingham Community Mass Choir, The Magic City Boys and Girls Choir, Psalmist & Evangelist Debra White, and guest artist George ‘Hurricane’ Barlow. Get your tickets now at The Bessemer Civic Center, Cake Creations on the Bessemer Super Highway, go to www.ticketalternative.com or call 877-725-8849.  Don’t Miss The Miracle, Majesty and Message Sunday, December 4^th, 7pm at The Bessemer Civic Center, Doors open at 6pm. It’s an evening like no other…”The Salvation Tour!”  For additional information contact Jan bates at 205-356-6762.

Thanksgiving Weekend Football @ it’s Best!

Wow ….  is all I can say about what will take place on the gridiron this weekend! After all its the kick off to rivalry week in College Football as we prepare for Conference Championship games and the BCS Bowl Bids plus two, maybe even three very good NFL games on Thanksgiving Day.

For starters Thursday will bring us three great games.  First the undefeated Green Bay Packers take on the energized Detroit Lions on Fox at 11:30am.  The Lions pulled off a come back win this weekend against the explosive offense of the Carolina Panthers and Cam Newton. For years we would just watch the Lions get beat down on Thanksgiving Day because it was on television and we were full of turkey but this  year will be different as the Lions are a serious contender. Then the Dallas Cowboys, who seemed to have found their mojo, suit up against the Miami Dolphins on CBS at 3:15pm.  Although the Dolphins are having a tough season don’t expect them to just hand the Cowboys a win.  Finally its a little family rivalry as the  Harbaugh brothers face off on the NFL Network at 7:20pm.  Jim and his tough Baltimore Ravens go up against the surprising San Francisco 49ers which is coached by his brother Jim.

I am a huge football fan and this is the time of the year I get glued to the TV…. meaning I won’t go out much! However for those of you that enjoy a little more social activity with your football don’t forget the Turkey Day Classic match-up against Alabama State vs Tuskegee University.  The Turkey Day Classic kicks off at 3pm in Montgomery, AL.

Then Friday, #1 LSU takes on #3 Arkansas.  There will be several other games on television but for the state of Alabama and the Crimson Tide this is the game to watch.  It’s the first time in history that the top three teams are from the same conference, let alone the same sub-division (SEC West).  It could bring about a three way tie in the SEC West as the offense driven Razorbacks look to upset the Tigers.  This game will kick off at 1:30 pm on CBS.

Saturday its the Iron Bowl … as the week goes on the madness of this game will start to unravel.  Fans of all ages will sport their gear, co-workers and family members will have words, mostly “Roll Tide” or “War Eagle” and the anticipation of the outcome of this game will leave one side celebrating for an entire year.  Of course there will be other football games on Saturday but I don’t think anyone in the state of Alabama will care. It looks as if highly favored Alabama wins they will appear in the National Championship game for the second time in 3 years. Kick off for the Iron Bowl is 2:30pm on CBS.

We will all be glued to the television this weekend or simply resting and enjoying family and friends.  However lets not forget to give thanks and show compassion to others during this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Winter dance concert set for Dec. 2-3 at Birmingham-Southern College

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Fun-filled, classic, and contemporary Christmas tunes will be played out in dance at Birmingham-Southern’s annual holiday show “A Taste of the Season.”

This popular performance by students in BSC’s dance program will be held Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. on the mainstage of the College Theatre.

Approximately 18 female students and two male students will dazzle and entertain with holiday favorites such as “O Come, O Come, Emanuel”; “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”; and many more, including an excerpt from “The Nutcracker.”

Jackie Lockhart, BSC adjunct professor of dance and coordinator of the BSC dance program, is overseeing the production.  She is a 1985 graduate of Birmingham-Southern.

All the Christmas tunes and dance numbers and scenes are student-choreographed and student-directed. The production also will feature a variety of dance styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop, with each piece being wholly distinct and unique. One piece will transport the audience back to the 1950s with a USO (United Service Organizations) feel and Bing Crosby crooning in the background.

The show runs about one hour, with a 15-minute intermission. The event is open to the public and admission is free on a first come basis.

“We’re so excited to usher in the holidays by ‘dancing our hearts out,’” said Catherine Clubb-Brown, a sophomore English major from Memphis. “We just want to bring joy to our BSC family and to the Greater Birmingham community.”

For more information about the production, please contact Clubb-Brown at caclubbb@bsc.edu.

Unleash Magazine presents K9s & Kuties!

Check out local model Rebecca Sampson and her pet companion on the set of Unleashed Magazine – The Lifestyle Magazine for Dog Owners.

Check out the article at http://unleashmagazine.com/k9s-a-cuties/409-k9s-a-kuties

Get Pampered Party!

It’s time to GET PAMPERED!

Don’t miss the Get Pampered Party this Saturday, November 19th @ Pampered Salon.

There will be complimentary Hor D’oeruvers and drinks from 7pm – 10pm.

Grab a few friends and reserve your spot today!

rsvp@pamperedsalon.com

JJ LIVE at the Stardome! Thanksgiving Holiday ticket savings here!

Comedian JJ returns to the Comedy Club Stardome Thanksgiving Weekend!

Get your discounted tickets online at www.stardome.com and make sure you use the promo code URBAN to get a special discount.

Catch JJ November 25 through November 27, 2011 and don’t forget to stop by the Urbanham.com Facebook Fan page for a chance to win dinner and a comedy show with JJ! To enter visit www.facebook.com/LikeUrbanham and type “I WANT DINNER AND A COMEDY SHOW WITH JJ” in the subject line!  A winner will be picked on Wednesday, November 23, 2011.

Comedian Jeremiah Williamson, known simply as JJ, is one of the most sought after rising stars in the industry today. He has worked with comedy giants such as Chris Tucker, D.L Hugley and Steve Harvey. JJ’s television circuit includes “BET Comic View” and “Showtime at the Apollo.” He has entertained thousands at popular venues such as the Los Angeles and Miami Improv, the Chicago House of Blues and Caroline’s of New York.

Ticket Price: $20.00

 

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