Category Archives: Alabama

Cancer Doesn’t Care

AL, Alabama, Birmingham, Cancer, Commitment, Dads, Esteem and Fitness, Facebook, Family, Google, Health & Fitness, Humanitarianism, Jefferson County, Leukemia, Life & Death, RELAUNCH, Social Media, Twitter April 11, 2013 Leave a comment

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Birmingham radio personality, Sly King

Sylvester (Sly) King is a radio personality in Birmingham, AL. Sly has never been directly affected by a blood cancer disease neither has anyone in his family, yet he has been inspired to fight against blood cancers by raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

When I first read he was a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2013 Man of the Year I was like, “I have gotta feature this on my site.” As many of you know, I loss my father to Leukemia 14 years ago this month. Like Sly, I know cancer doesn’t care about race, gender, age, finances or religious affiliation. Although cancer doesn’t care, I do and so does Sly.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)

The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society helps blood cancer patients live better, longer lives.

Statistics show that “approximately every 4 minutes one person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer disease” and “approximately every 10 minutes someone in the U.S. dies from a blood cancer.” That person could be King, his wife, his 3-year old daughter, or it could be you. He has chosen to be proactive. Before this life-altering disease affects the live of someone he knows and loves, he has chosen to join forces with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to raise funds to ensure continued research, Approximately every 4 minutes one person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer.provide financial assistance to those in need, and deposit back into the lives of those young and old who deserve the best care available. Cancer does not care, but King does. Be proactive and join him in this fight.

Join Sly and I in the fight against blood cancers. Click here to Make A Donation

A Father’s JULE… Happy Father’s Day 2012

Alabama, Black Love, Cancer, Commitment, Dads, Esteem and Fitness, Facebook, Family, Family Traditions, Father's Day, Habit, Health & Fitness, Leukemia, Life & Death, Love, Prayer, Social Media, Twitter June 17, 2012 Leave a comment

I AM MY FATHER’S JULi

When I imagine father’s of course I imagine my own. Though he left this earth 14 years ago, he buried so many golden nuggets in the treasure chest of my heart. Funny how you don’t recognize a jewel is a jewel because that’s all you know… that is until the person giving them to you isn’t there anymore and you realize that you are holding jewels just not the bearer of them anymore.

My father gave me so many jewels even while he battled Leukemia in his last days, he still garnered up the energy to give me one last jewel… *yes, insert a face full of tears here*

WHEW… So on this Father’s Day I salute father’s. I love my father so much. If your father is still on this earth, despite your disdain for him, his absence or whatever, don’t let a day come in the future where you live to regret not giving him a chance even if he never gave you one. TOUGH, huh? I know, but I’m so sincere… Don’t hold off ever telling anyone in your life that you love them, because tomorrow is simply “A Pending Transaction.”

Here are 3 very beautiful stories about fathers from 3 friends. A Fathers Day Tribute

Comedians Stand Up For Lupus

AL, Alabama, Birmingham, Commitment, Community Service, Entertainment, Faith, Health, Lupus, Social Media April 9, 2012 1 Comment

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Hometown Comedian Raises Awareness for Lupus with Comedy Show

On Friday April 13, 2012, comedian Jermaine “Funnymaine” Johnson will host a comedy show in the name of Lupus awareness and research. The show will take place at The Worship Center Christian Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

T-Shirts that read “Fight Lupus” will be available on Johnson’s website, and at both TWC locations for a donation of $15, and will serve as admission into the show. Proceeds from the show will go to the Lupus Foundation of America.

Johnson’s mother lost a battle with Lupus in April of 1988. Since then, Johnson has been committed to raising awareness about the disease that affects close to 1.5 million Americans in hopes of finding a cure.

“Lupus may not affect a large number of people in comparison to other diseases, but if we’re talking numbers then ‘One’ is I all need to get active. That’s the number of mothers I’ve had, and she was taken away by lupus.”

Johnson, a well known comedian, had the idea to use his talents and star power to create a show that is entertaining and informative. The show will feature performances by other comedians and musical guests, as well as videos and testimonials regarding the disease.

“I can promise that everyone who attends the show will laugh from start to finish at some good, clean comedy and leave more informed about lupus. And, long after the show is over, I hope that the ‘Fight Lupus’ t-shirts will continue to spread the message. ”

T-Shirts of all sizes for the show are available. Online donors can also choose to pick up their shirts at the event.

For more information and to make donations to the Lupus Foundation, visit http://www.FunnymaineComedy.com

When Girls Kill… Meet The Murderer’s

4 Little Girls, African American History, Alabama, Birmingham, Bowie State University, Community Service, Crime, Education, Esteem and Fitness, Facebook, Facebook Urban Mentors, Faith, Family, Florida A&M University, HBCU, Jefferson County, Mentoring, Middle Tennessee State University, Social Media, Twitter, When Girls Kill, Youth Awareness September 21, 2011 Leave a comment

Killed not by a bomb in 1963 but by 4 other girls in 2011... WHEN GIRLS KILL

Thursday, September 15, 2011 marked the 48th anniversary of a bombing that rocked a nation… The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL was bombed during Sunday School services, killing 4 little girls… WE REMEMBER THEM and we also now should remember 4 more girls who have died not by the hands of racists but by the the hands of 4 more girls who now face murder charges… But more than remember, we must now protect, serve, mentor and support our youth. This is part 2 of a 3 part series which reveals the victims, the suspected murderers and more. ~~>  Read the Series Here

When Girls Kill… 4 Little Girls GONE in 2011

4 Little Girls, AL, Alabama, Bowie State University, Crime, Education, Esteem and Fitness, Facebook, Florida A&M University, HBCU, Mentoring, Middle Tennessee State University, murder, Social Media, Twitter, When Girls Kill, Youth Awareness September 17, 2011 Comments: 2

Part One of Three… The 4 Victims

Killed not by a bomb in 1963 but by 4 other girls in 2011... WHEN GIRLS KILL

Thursday, September 15, 2011 marked the 48th anniversary of a bombing that rocked a nation… The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL was bombed during Sunday School services… WE REMEMBER THEM and we also now should remember 4 more girls who have died not by the hands of racists but by the the hands of 4 more girls who now face murder charges… This 3 part series will reveal the victims, the suspected murderers and more. Meet the victims::

MURFREESBORO, TN… Wednesday, March 2, 2011… (exact time unknown), 21 year old Tina Stewart was stabbed multiple times by her roommate after an apparent physical altercation. When police arrived they found Stewart stabbed to death in her apartment.

BESSEMER, AL … Saturday, August 13, 2011… 12:02 am 18 year-old Meoshia Townsend was shot in the head while seated inside a car parked at the McDonald’s on Ninth Avenue, following a verbal altercation. Townsend was taken to University Hospital where she died at 1:40 am.

TALLAHASSEE, FL … Sunday, September 4, 2011… approximately 2:03 am, police rush in response to a report of a stabbing at 3025 South Adams Street. EMS  found an unresponsive 20 year-old Florida A&M University student athlete, Shannon Washington. Washington had been fatally stabbed in her neck. Washington was taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

BOWIE, MD… Thursday, September 15, 2011… just after 8 p.m. in the 14000 block of Jericho Park Road in Bowie, police responded to a reported stabbing at Christa McAulliffe Residential Center on the campus of Bowie State University. 18 year old Dominique Frazier was stabbed to death by her roommate. Fire/EMS took Frazier to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The One Time I Support Alabama Crimson Tide!

AL, Alabama, Colleges, Commitment, Education, Esteem and Fitness, Facebook, Faith, Family Traditions, Google, Habit, Returning to College, Single Mother's, Social Media, THE U, The University of Miami, Twitter, University of Alabama June 4, 2011 Leave a comment

This my friends should come as no surprise that I am a die-hard University of Miami fan who truly detests the Crimson Tide… However, in contrast to my disdain (athletically for UA) I am a champion, supporter and believer in higher education.

Please support Nikki on her quest... Back 2 Bama!

Having said that, I would like to introduce you to Ms. Nikki Gamble. Nikki is a single mother who attended UA several years ago, but due to circumstances that arose, she endured a “Pause” in her academic pursuit. Today, Nikki is ready to press “Play” and return back to “Bama” and finish her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Here is her story… Back To Bama

Fleet Feet: My Foot Experience

Alabama, Birmingham, Commitment, Esteem and Fitness, Fashion, Fleet Feet, God Body Diet, Habit, Health, Shoes March 6, 2011 Leave a comment

I’ve began working on becoming more fit. One February evening after class I headed over to the park for an evening jog. I did my usual stretches and warm-ups and began my evening run. Nearly half way around the park, I began to experience severe waves of pain up and down my shins. I slowed my pace and the pain seemed to only intensify. I looked to my right and I saw my car off in the distance and I began to cry. How am I gonna make it way over there. I began to walk heel toe, heel toe, as if that would somehow help. I tried walking on the sides of my feet, I tried everything, my legs were on fire!!! I approached the incline and I began to sing the song playing on my Pandora Radio station out loud trying, just to think about something else besides the pain I was feeling. Twelve minutes later, I arrived at my car.

Those seemed like the twelve longest minutes of my life. I immediately kicked off my shoes, slid my seat back and just stretched my legs. Tears streamed down my face as I called a friend to tell them about the pain.

Time to Go Shopping

A few days later, I went to FLEET FEET, a shoe store specializing in proper fitting footwear. I pass this store weekly with my visits to Whole Foods and my regular visit to pick up Aveda products in the same shopping plaza. I just never wandered in. (I wish I’d done this years ago, LITERALLY)

Upon entering the store, I received a warm southern greeting. I knew I was in good company by the surge of positive energy that filled the sales floor.

The salesman who helped me was Greg. He was warm, friendly and quite knowledgeable.

Have A Seat & Remove Your Shoes

As soon as I sat down I began laughing. Who comes to buy running shoes wearing knee high boots??? ME!!! I laughed even harder when I remembered that I stepped in water that morning before work and had to change my sock so I simply grabbed another one not caring that it wasn’t a match to the one I was replacing it with… So here I am in these knee high camel colored boots with mismatch socks on and now having to show them to a complete stranger.

The Evaluation

Greg had me walk for him in a straight line to see my feet in action. (I think) He then measured my feet and discussed different aspects of feet and how our feet operate and absorb friction. We talked about my then current running shoes. I was so embarrassed to admit I’d had the same pair of New Balances for 5 years! (No wonder my shins were on fire).

Did you know you should replace running/walking/training shoes often? As in perhaps 2-3 times a year depending on how many miles you put on them.

Did you know your running/athletic shoes should be the largest size shoe in your closet? No, neither did I!!

Fitting

Greg had me slip on a pair of socks (LOVED THEM). He brought out several pairs of shoes, 2 pair of Brooks, a pair of Nikes and a pair of Asics.

“Trying on shoes is like dating… May have to try a few before you discover the perfect one, or in this case the perfect pair.”

Now I know I was there for the foot health, but I’m still a lady and it was quite important that my shoes are cute! The first pair that I tried on weren’t the cutest, but they felt GREAT! The second pair were the Nikes and they were not only ugly they didn’t feel sexy. (Yes sexy is a feeling) The third pair were nice but I still wasn’t quite feeling them. So Greg went to the stockroom an brought back a pair of Asics. They reminded me of the Mystery Mix Now & Later candies from my childhood, but I was still feeling pretty connected to that first pair I’d tried on.

Sensing my “love affair” with the first pair, Greg encouraged me to try another shoe, and that’s when I landed my ASICS! They had the right fit, nice and light and they were stylish and “sexy”.

The Fleet Feet Guarantee

I was sold on the Asics, so I purchased them along with a “medium-fit” pair of white and heather grey socks. Greg told me to enjoy my new purchase and if I decided that the shoes weren’t the right fit or comfort, I could bring them back and try another pair. (NEVER IN MY LIFE HAS A SHOE SALESMAN SAID THAT, and I have a lot of shoes!) Needless to say, it’s been a few weeks and I love my the fit and comfort of my shoes.

www.fleetfeetbirmingham.com Tell them I sent ya!!!

Upgrading your Fitness!

I Love ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA

African American History, Alabama, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Birthdays, Colleges, Education, Family Traditions, Google, Greek Lettered Organizations, Howard University, Talladega College January 16, 2011 Leave a comment

When I graduated high school I was headed to Clark Atlanta University. Then on my 18th birthday my mom decided that I was going to Talladega College instead. I was pissed, I cried, I cussed (not at her of course… Heck naw), I had a major attitude about the decision.

But TC gave me an awesome Financial Aid package so out the window went CAU. August 1996 I arrived in Talladega, AL. Over the next four years at TC I fell in love.

I had always crushed on AKA, for it had been in my heart from the start. But the AKA’s at Talladega made that crush a life long love affair. These AKA’s weren’t interested in stereotypes, unless the stereotype included being the BEST OF THE BEST! They were the leaders, they were fun, they were cool, they were caring, they partied hard, they served the campus and the community, they weren’t just conceited they were definitely convinced.

Two years after my enrollment, I began to “court” AKA. Our courtship wasn’t an easy one. It was filled with late nights and long days. Like with most courtships, ya gotta put away that ponytail and baseball cap and let your hair down *winks*. The harder it became to court AKA, the more I wanted it. Then one Sunday in November, AKA made my childhood dream come true, it was no longer my secret crush it was a’las my true love!

CHI CHAPTER, Talladega College… Life long friendships, a sisterhood that no fight or disagreement can destroy, best friends, role models, a perpetual bond of sisterhood thats what CHI is to me! Chi, Chi, Chi, Chi, Chi… forever! AKA forever!

I thank GOD for my mother and her decision to send me to Talladega. I love you mommy and Soror Von!! CHI sister’s & all ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA sister’s, HAPPY 103rd Founder’s Day!!

 

**I forgot to hit publish on 1/15/11, blame my head not my heart. I was in tears once I finished this.**

Cam: “It’s A God Thing”

Alabama, Atlanta, BCS Championship, Cam Newton, Faith January 10, 2011 Leave a comment

War CAM Newton…

Cameron Jerrell Newton was this seasons most valuable, unstoppable and odds defying player in college football!

From his arrest while at the University of Florida, to his mid season media crisis followed by his amazing victory against in-state rival, the University Alabama, to his SEC Championship win against South Carolina, Cam has shown that dignity and grace are necessary tools to success even when you’re going through hell personally in a very public way.

Tonight following an exciting victory in the BCS Championship Newton gracefully reminded us that while we may know the story, it’s GOD who deserves the glory.

“Its A God Thing… I’m an example of how God can turn something that was very bad into something Great.” Congratulations to the very handsome, undeniably talented, God fearing  Cam Newton, the 2010 Heisman Trophy Winner & BCS National Champion!

Click here to watch the Post Game interview of Cam Newton & Gene Chizik

N!&&a on Twitter… The Power of Social Networking

Alabama, Atlanta, Birmingham, Dr. King, Esteem and Fitness, Faith, Family, Greek Lettered Organizations, Kwanzaa, Mentoring, Race, Race Relations, Racism, Roland S. Martin, Social Media, Twitter, Youth, Youth Awareness December 28, 2010 Leave a comment

All photo's are from Google... I do not own these images! I will remove them if deemed necessary.

Late, and I mean LATE last night on the ever so popular social networking site Twitter a discussion took off regarding the inflammatory nature (to some) of the use of the term Nigga. Nationally recognized journalist, Roland Martin and a young man from Alabama engaged in what I considered an open conversation about the term.

In my eyes, Martin, a 42 year old Houston native failed to recognize the teaching opportunity that arose via his conversation with the young man from Alabama. Shortly thereafter, a Twitter feud emerged. Having followed Martin for some time on Twitter and throughout the years as a journalist I was disappointed to say the least. I saw the disagreement as an opportunity to begin bridging the gap between yet another generation in the African American community.

Recognizing the potential opportunity being presented through the “Twitter Feud” aka Birmingham vs. Roland Martin, I asked Martin to come to the historic Magic City and join us at our next Tweet & Greet and make it a forum instead of a party so that we can discuss the generational interpretations and use of Nigga.

Many young people see the word as just a word, understanding the history behind it they refuse to allow it have POWER over them. I’ve used the word, and variations of it. I’ll admit that. However, its the malice intent that is associated with it that upsets me not the use of it generally in the context that it was used initially last night.

We’ve extended an invitation to Mr. Martin to come to Birmingham and sit down to discuss this, but he has continued even at this very moment to disrespect and belittle the very people he claims to want to help.

Last night he was so gung-ho about being an Alpha Man (A PHI A) not afraid to check another brother, that he failed to remember one common trait about brotherhood; you’re only as strong as your weakest link. I wish he would have embraced the brothers and others by being a leader.

The Kwanzaa principle Ujima teaches us that we must work collectively and responsibly to correct wrongs in our community. Today we renew our efforts to build and maintain our community, while working with others to solve our problems. I wonder if Mr. Martin knows that? Perhaps if he did, he would not still be ranting and raving on Twitter and instead he’d offer solutions.

The funny thing about last night with Mr. Martin and still this morning, his defiance and belittling tone towards the young people of Birmingham has incited the same if not more fury and anger as the word Nigga itself…

**To be con’t**

Also checkout my friend Chad and his assessment of Roland Martin’s tirade… Mo Better Truths

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