Category Archives: Celebrity

Newswire : Alabama Legislature wants state workers to choose Juneteenth or Jefferson Davis’s Birthday

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By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
A bill introduced this month in the Alabama Legislature aims to revise the state’s holiday calendar by adding Juneteenth as a recognized state holiday. The proposed legislation, known as HB367, also proposes that state offices will no longer close on Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s birthday, sparking debate among lawmakers and activists.

The bill seeks to amend Section 138 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which currently lists holidays resulting in state office closures. Under the existing law, state offices close on holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s birthday, and Confederate Memorial Day.

Alabama GOP Rep. Chris Sells of Greenville, the original proponent of the bill, proposed that government employees could decide whether to take off the first Monday in June for Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s birthday or Juneteenth on June 19. Sells asserted that this proposal does not add another holiday to the existing 13 state holidays, addressing concerns raised by some state legislators. The national average of state holidays is 17, four more than Alabama currently recognizes.

However, Alabama Democratic Rep. Chris England of Tuscaloosa argued against the proposal, stating that there are already three state holidays recognizing the Confederacy, making it unnecessary to give employees an either/or choice between Davis’s birthday and Juneteenth.

The controversial bill comes on the heels of Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declaring April 2024 as Confederate Heritage Month in that state, which reportedly keeps alive a 31-year-old tradition that began in 1993. Beauvoir, the Biloxi museum and historic home of Jefferson Davis, which receives funding from the state, announced the proclamation in a Facebook post.

The Mississippi Free Press reported that Beauvoir is owned and operated by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a neo-Confederate organization that promotes “Lost Cause” ideology, a revisionist history that whitewashes the Confederacy’s racist past and downplays the role of slavery in the Civil War. The Free Press noted that Beauvoir annually receives $100,000 from the State of Mississippi for development and maintenance.

Meanwhile, the Alabama bill has faced criticism from activists and community leaders. Tuscaloosa County NAACP President Lisa Young expressed concerns over honoring Jefferson Davis, citing his legacy of racist comments and outward support of slavery.

“Confederate President Jefferson Davis left a legacy of racist comments and outward support of slavery, making many feel a holiday in his honor is inappropriate,” said Young. “One of Davis’s most infamous comments is ‘Our inferior, fitted expressly for servitude.’ We clearly know in 2024 that African Americans have contributed greatly to the growth of the United States and civilization across the world. So, we know that’s a falsehood. And we don’t want to celebrate anybody who held those beliefs.”

Young described Juneteenth as a learning holiday for the entire state. “Juneteenth represents the day the last slaves in the country learned of their freedom,” she said. “We do better when we know better.”

If passed, the proposed legislation will add Juneteenth to the list of recognized holidays in Alabama and introduce Mrs. Rosa L. Parks Day, set for the first day of December each year. If approved by the Alabama Legislature, the bill is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Mrs. Martha James honored at Women in Agriculture Conference

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Shown L to R: Ms. Ethel Giles, Ms. Edna James, Ms. Martha James, Ms. Doris Williams and Ms. Audrey Haskins.

As a member of the Alabama State Association of Cooperatives, Mrs. Martha James was recognized and honored as the oldest living female farmer, still working and caring for the land, at the Women in Agriculture Conference sponsored by ASAP on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Mrs. James maintains 160 acres of land in Greene and Sumter Counties in Alabama. She maintains more than 35 head of cattle; a Loblolly Pine Forest and raises vegetables for the Greene & Sumter Farmers Cooperative every year. She is a lifelong member of G & S Co-op, serving aa a mentor to other farmers.

Ms. James is a member of 2nd Baptist Church of Eutaw and attends the Greene County Community Center for Seniors. She is the mother of four children.

ASAP proclaimed Mrs. James as an Elder of the Coop Community and an example of Finer Womanhood. The Women’s Conference was held at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund Rural Training & Research Center in Epes, AL.

Madison Mills crowned as Ms. Debutante 2024

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L to R : Paris Henderson, Madison Mills and Katelyn Perry  and Debutantes : Kalyjah Allen, Paris Henderson, Shaniah Jones, Amber Lewis, Madison Mills, Tia Moore, Katelyn Perry, Ariel Richardson, Hannah Robinson. Escorts : Demarcus Allen, Darrack Davis, TJ Hatch, Jayden Lewis, Marcus Steele II, Tavis White , Camden Williams, John Foster

Greene County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated held its 38th Debutante Ball on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Eutaw Activity Center in Eutaw, AL. Nine lovely young ladies made their debut to families and friends.

Debutante Madison Mills of Tuscaloosa, AL was crowned Miss Debutante 2024. First Runner up was Debutante Katelyn Perry of Moundville, AL and Second Runner up was Debutante Paris Henderson of Epes, AL.

The guests enjoyed an elegant evening that was An Extraordinary Affair. Dr. Florence Williams is the Chapter President and Mrs. Nancy Cole and Ms. Sharon White were Committee Co-Chairs.

Eutaw City Council urged by Fiscal Advisor to increase water and sewer rates

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At its regular meeting on March 26, 2024, the Eutaw City Council was presented with financial reports, by Ralph Liverman, Fiscal Advisor on several of its funds including the General Fund, Sewer and Water Funds, 3 Cent and 7 Cent Gas Tax Funds. These reports were for the first five months of the current fiscal year, which began on October 1, 2023, until the end of February.

In his report, Liverman pointed out that both the Water and Sewer funds were running a deficit each month of the fiscal year. The city’s Water Fund had revenues of $283,399.14 with expenditures of $363,128.88, for a deficit of $60,004.72 for the five-month period. The Sewer Fund had revenues of $94,133.56 and expenditures of $178,569.62, for a deficit of $84,436.06 for the five months.

In his accompanying report, Liverman said, “The Council must raise both water and sewer rates and do it sooner rather than later! Current collections will not support your present expenditures and debt repayments to USDA Rural Development on loans to improve the system. He also urged a review of personnel, overtime, and other expenditures, looking for ways to cut expenses in this department.

Liverman also indicated that the City Water and Sewer Department needed to negotiate new rates with the Consolidated Catfish Plant, which had been receiving a special incentive rate since it opened 25 years ago.

Liverman said in the past, funds from electronic bingo were used to cover the Water and Sewer deficits, but the city was no longer receiving bingo distributions from the Sheriff of Greene County, to handle these and other expenses.

CPA Rick Harbin, the City’s auditor, also pointed out in a previous meeting, when reviewing the city’s audit report and finances, that an increase in water and sewage rates was needed.

The current rate for water, for residential customers in Eutaw is: $14.41 for the first 2,000 gallons and $5.39 for each additional 1,000 gallons. The sewer rate is $8.59 for the first 2,000 gallons and $1.55 for each additional 1,000 gallons. There are higher rates for small business and commercial customers.

Sarah Levelle, Chief Water Clerk stated, “We have had some rate studies by different agencies, recommending increases. We have not increased water and sewer rates since 2015 but the cost of all our supplies and workers has increased.”

The Council deferred action on water and sewer rates until its next working session where they could discuss the issue in more detail.

Liverman also recommended close attention to expenditures in the city’s General Fund, especially for street repairs and for the use of city owned facilities such as the R. H. Young Community Center (formerly Carver school) and the National Guard Armory. He said rental for the use of these facilities was not covering expenditures. He recommended closing one or both facilities. Earlier in the meeting, the Council had tabled a proposal for establishing rental rates at the R. H. Young Community Center, until the next scheduled work session.

The Council approved a resolution declaring ‘Tony Rice Day’ for April 25, 2024, the one-year anniversary of Rice’s untimely death in an accident, while working to repair a water main in Branch Heights. The Mayor also honored Dr. Sandrall Hullett, former medical director of West Alabama Health Services and the Greene County Health System, with a moment of silence on her passing.

In other business, the Eutaw City Council:

• Scheduled a Council Work Session for April 8, 2024, at 2:00 PM at City Hall.
• Approved a loan of $5,000 to the Eutaw Chamber of Commerce for painting a mural, with repayment from reimbursable state grant funds, which can only be received after an invoice is presented for work completed.
• Approved use of meeting space, at no cost, for a meeting on March 28, 2024, of the Black Belt Community Foundation, Greene County Associates, at R. H. Young Community Center. The meeting was to explain the availability of Arts and Community Grants by the foundation.
• Approved closing City Hall for a holiday on Good Friday, March 29, 2024.
• Approved payment of bills.

Newswire : Rescue of kidnapped Nigerian children reported

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Nigerian children reunited with parents

 
Mar. 25, 2024 (GIN) – The nightmare is over for some of the 287 Nigerian schoolchildren seized from their school and marched into the forests by an armed group.
 
Nigeria’s military said in a statement that 76 girls and 61 boys had been freed in the northern state of Zamfara, and were being taken back to Kaduna. The military did not confirm the total number of children abducted on March 7, or provide further details about the operation. 
 
The children were abducted by motorcycle-riding gunmen on March 7 from their school in Kuriga, a small town in the state of Kaduna. Terrified families watched helplessly as the children, aged 12 or younger were driven away.
 
It was the latest in a long series of kidnappings that have plagued Africa’s most populous nation. 
 
President Bola Tinubu had vowed to rescue the children “without paying a dime” as ransom. But ransoms are commonly paid for kidnappings, often arranged by families, and it is rare for officials in Nigeria to admit to the payments. According to Sahara Reporters, the kidnappers were seeking one billion naira for the students’ release.
 
Since the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Borno state, town of Chibok, by Boko Haram, an armed group, many of the girls were released, reportedly in exchange for ransoms, but 98 of them are still missing, according to Amnesty International.
 
The latest abduction comes days after some 200 people were kidnapped in Nigeria’s Borno state – at the center of the Boko Haram insurgency. The victims, who had ventured into the countryside to collect firewood, have not been rescued yet.
 
The armed men on motorbikes – referred to locally as bandits – had been menacing the community for some time, with the security forces said to be unable to deal with the threat. Kuriga had been persistently attacked by gangs seeking to kidnap people and make money from ransom payments.
 
The scale of this latest abduction and the fact that it involved children as young as seven has been overwhelming for many here.
 
“We watched them carrying our children away just right here and there’s nothing we could do. We don’t have military, we don’t have police in the community,” a mother was quoted to say through tears.
 
Kidnap gangs, known as bandits, have seized thousands of people in recent years, especially in the north-west.
 
Chris Ewokor of BBC News in Kuriga managed to get more of the story from 17 year old Musa Garba (not his real name). The teenager said he had to slither on the ground like a snake to avoid being detected by his kidnappers.
 
“We saw motorbikes on the road. We thought they were soldiers before we realized they had occupied the school premises and started shooting,” Musa told the BBC reporter.
 
“We tried to run away, but they chased us and caught us.” Musa said he kept looking for ways to escape and tried to encourage others to join him but they were too afraid. 
 
“After all was quiet, I started dragging myself like a snake on the ground.” Once it was totally dark, he got up and walked off until he got to a village where he got help.
 
In the last decade and a half, people in northern Nigeria have come under intense attack by armed militant groups. A second force, linked to the Islamic State group, has also emerged.
 

Newswire : Superstar Kenyan marathon runner dies in car crash

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Kelvin Kiptum


 Feb. 19, 2024 (GIN) – Kelvin Kiptum, a superstar of long distance running and the first man to run the marathon in under 2 hours, died tragically in a late night car crash in western Kenya.
 
He died along with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana , when he veered off the road into a ditch and hit a large tree, the authorities said. He and Hakizimana were killed instantly. A third person in the car, Sharon Kosgei, was injured. Kiptum was 24 years old.
 
His record of world records began with his first marathon in Valencia, Spain, in 2022, with a winning time of 2:01:53. At the London Marathon in 2023, he crushed the field to win in 2:01:25, the second-fastest time in history, 16 seconds short of the world record of 2:01:09 held by Eliud Kipchoge, also of Kenya.
 
Finally, he broke a new world record at the Chicago Marathon, obliterating the world record with a score of 2:00:35
 
Kiptum was born on Dec. 2, 1999, in Chepsamo, Kenya. As a young man, he worked as a goat herder and trained as an electrician before deciding to become a runner.
 
In an interview with the BBC, coach Hakizimana recalled the little boy herding livestock barefoot. “It was in 2009, I was training near his father’s farm, he’d come kicking at my heels, and I would chase him away.”
 
News of Kiptum’s death brought tributes from Kenya, throughout Africa and across the world of road running. William Ruto, Kenya’s president, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Kiptum was our future. An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark in the globe.”
 
Kiptum’s victories came at a time when nearly 300 athletes from Kenya were being punished for using banned substances, tarnishing the country’s image as a running powerhouse.
 
As a result, the 23-year-old record-holder — who has not been accused of doping — found himself defending not only what he had done in Chicago, but what he had not. His record time, he said, was the product of running 150 miles or more per week at altitude, not the use of banned substances.
 
“My secret is training,” he said. “Not any other thing.”
 
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe offered his condolences. “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach,” he wrote. “An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”, 
 
Kiptum’s survivors include his wife and two children.
 
Meanwhile, in Cairo, around 10,000 runners participated in a Run for Gaza marathon. Ticket sales will be used for much needed humanitarian aid for the people in the Gaza Strip
 
Runners from 30 different countries took part, with French participant Lauren Cocula telling the AP news: “If we don’t save people in Gaza, we are going to just fail humanity as humans so I think it is important.”
 
The event was organized by Egyptian minister of Social Solidarity Nevin Al-Qabbaj in cooperation with the Egyptian Tribal and Families Council, the Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad and the Minister of Youth and Sports.
 

Attorney Rob Lee announces candidacy for Circuit Judge

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To the Citizens of Greene County.

My name is Rob Lee and I am a candidate for Circuit Judge in the March 5, 2024 Democratic Primary Election. I have been practicing law for 25 years and have a wealth of experience in civil, domestic, and criminal law; all of which are important to serve as Circuit Judge. I am well-versed in the courtrooms of this circuit and other areas across the state. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama and my Law Degree from Mississippi College School of Law.

I was raised in Greene County and have lived in Eutaw, Alabama with my family for 26 years. My wife, Robin, has been an educator for 29 years and is from Thomaston, Alabama. She currently works as a Regional Literacy Specialist with the Alabama Reading Initiative. We have three children: Seph (21), Marilyn (17), and Bill (14). Our children attend the Demopolis City Schools and we are members of St. Stephens Episcopal Church.

As your Circuit Judge, I will serve with integrity and honesty and I will strive to uphold the law and rule accordingly. I look forward to meeting each of you as I continue to visit in and around your communities. I humbly ask for your support and your vote in the Democratic Primary March 5, 2024. Please join our team and help elect me, Rob Lee, as Circuit Judge for the 17th Judicial Circuit.

 

Newswire: World Health Officials say nearly 10,000 global deaths in December were related to COVID; signal deepening health crisis

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WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent


The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a staggering total of nearly 10,000 global deaths in December, raising alarm bells about a worsening worldwide health crisis stemming from the continued threat of COVID-19.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also noted pressing humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Ethiopia that exacerbates the ongoing challenges related to COVID-19.

While COVID-19 is no longer classified as a global health emergency, the virus remains a formidable threat, Ghebreyeus warned. He said newer cases, driven by holiday gatherings and the prevalence of the JN.1 variant, led to a 42% increase in hospitalizations and a 62% rise in ICU admissions.

Ghebreyeus urged governments to maintain surveillance and sequencing and ensure access to tests, treatments, and vaccines. He also noted other emergencies the WHO is responding to, including in Gaza, Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Sudan.
Ghebreyesus called it “indescribable” that “this Sunday marks the 100th day of the conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.”

He said Gaza continues to face an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe to go along with rising health concerns borne out from the pandemic. The conflict has displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s 1.9 million residents, who continue to endure “excruciating conditions with long queues for limited water and nutritionally inadequate bread,” the director general lamented.

He said only 15 hospitals are partially operational, and the absence of clean water and sanitation creates a breeding ground for diseases. WHO’s humanitarian aid efforts have encountered “insurmountable challenges” due to intense bombardment, movement restrictions, fuel shortages, and communication breakdowns, Ghebreyeus stated.

“People are standing in line for hours for a small amount of water, which may not be clean, or bread, which alone is not sufficiently nutritious,” he asserted. “The lack of clean water and sanitation and overcrowded living conditions are creating the ideal environment for diseases to spread. We have the supplies, the teams, and the plans in place. What we don’t have is access.”

Further, the director general stressed the need for the release of hostages and an imperative for all parties to uphold international humanitarian law, ensuring healthcare protection. He also sounded an alarm about the ongoing situation in Sudan, a nation that’s grappling with nine months of conflict where there’s escalating violence and mass displacement.

Ghebreyeus said Sudan residents have also experienced the rampant spread of diseases, including cholera. The WHO temporarily suspended operations in Al-Gezira due to security concerns, disrupting the annual harvest and heightening the risk of food insecurity. Even before the conflict, Ghebreyeus said Sudan faced food shortages, intensifying the crisis for vulnerable groups, particularly children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Meanwhile, in Ethiopia, the north-western region of Amhara is in the grip of a severe health crisis due to ongoing conflict since April 2023, he said. Communication challenges, damaged health facilities, and restricted movement impede humanitarian assistance. Conflict, drought, and displacement exacerbate hunger and disease outbreaks, with cholera, malaria, measles, leishmaniasis, and dengue spreading. Urgent access to affected areas is crucial, the director general affirmed.

Finally, Ghebreyeus insisted that just as governments and individuals take precautions against other diseases, “we must all continue to take precautions against COVID-19.” The WHO plans to release its Health Emergency Appeal for 2024, outlining how much there’s a need to protect the health of the most vulnerable people in 41 emergencies globally.

“In 2024, we aim to reach almost 90 million people with lifesaving support,” Ghebreyeus declared. “The coming year will be a test for humanity; a test of whether we give into division, suspicion and narrow nationalism, or whether we are able to rise above our differences and seek the common good.”

 

Full story will be in next issue of the Democrat: Gordon continues annual commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

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Through the dedicated leadership of Elder Spiver Gordon, Greene County has continued the annual tradition of commemorating the mission and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In recognition of King’s birthday, Gordon schedules programs to lift youth and adult leaders known as foot soldiers and warriors who contributed to the ongoing struggle for civil and human rights. A more detail account of the various 2024 King programs held in Eutaw will be in next week’s edition of the Democrat.

Top photo shows Gus Richardson leading the march, Monday, Jan.15, from the Unity Breakfast held at Eutaw Activity Center to the William M. Branch Courthouse for the Religious Women Freedom Rally.

Bottom Photo shows Eutaw Mayor Latasha Johnson bringing greetings.

Alabama Civil Rights Museum Movement sponsors activities in Greene County to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday

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The Alabama Civil Rights Museum Movement, Inc., (ACRMM) is sponsoring a series of programs commemorating the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to Greene County, the State of Alabama, and this nation.
Mr. Spiver Gordon, ACRMM President, organizes these events each year in celebration and as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of so many leaders who brought about civil, social, and economic changes in our lives. 
The work of Dr. King and SCLC, the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), the National Democratic Party of Alabama (NDPA) and others provided the courageous leadership that changed laws and practices on voting rights, holding public office, desegregating public education, public accommodations, and employment opportunities for Black people in particular.  As Mr. Gordon noted: “These rights are still not secured, especially the right to vote.  There are strong movements to diminish those and other civil rights going on right now.”
 The annual events of ACRMM, open to the public, are scheduled as follows: On Friday January 12, 2024, at 10:00 am, the Dr. MKL, Jr. Educational Seminar Student Development Session will be held at New Peace Baptist Church on Prairie Ave., Eutaw, AL.  Greene County High School students are the primary invitees.  Mr. Irene Byrd, Tuscaloosa, AL is the keynote speaker, with special guest, Minister
    On Monday, January 15 at 8:00 am, the MLK, Jr. Freedom Unity Breakfast will be held at the Eutaw Activity Center on Harris Ave., Eutaw, AL, Bishop Glen McCord, Chelsea, Alabama, is the keynote speaker. Special guests, Rev. Dr. Kelvin Cockrell, Hon Garria Spencer, Dr. Monty Thornburg, and others.
The Freedom Breakfast is followed by the Countywide Freedom March to the William M. Branch Courthouse. Religious Women Freedom Rally, 10:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker, Hon. Phyllis Craig Taylor, Durham, North Carolina. Special Guests, Dr. Carol P. Zippert, Pastor Carolyn Branch and others.  
There will be a Senior Citizens Luncheon at 1:30 PM, at the Eutaw Activity Center, following the Courthouse meeting.
Come join us for music, food, and celebration, “We can never let ourselves forget from whence we have come. We must keep the vigil to protect our rights and continue to serve and build our communities,” Gordon said.