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Please take a moment to read some of the latest stories from Birmingham View.
SCLC National Convention Kicks Off in Birmingham Sunday
Actor and activist Dick Gregory, Rev. Jesse Jackson, journalist George Curry, Dr. Bernice King, Alabama State University President Gwendolyn Boyd are featured at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's (SCLC) national convention Aug. 10-13.
With the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) is poised to bring nearly 500 attendees to its 56th Annual National Convention in Birmingham. The event will feature perspectives on modern-day Civil Rights challenges and SCLC’s role in tackling those issues in the U.S. and abroad.
Since its inception in 1957 under the leadership and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the SCLC has been on the forefront of the fight for justice and equality in America.
SCLC President and CEO Dr. Charles Steele said he's bringing the institution's conference back to Birmingham, the world's capital of the modern Civil Rights Movement, at a time when the rights secured 50 years ago are under unprecedented attacks.
"I have a lot of young people today, 'I wish I could have been back there marching with y'all.' But I tell them, if you didn't march in the '60s, guess what? You have an opportunity to march now against the things going on today," he says.
Rev. Steel says he's hosting a contingent of Germans who, like other groups around the world, were impacted by the story of Birmingham and how Dr. King and other movement leaders helped an oppressed people to lift themselves up against their oppressors without resorting to violence and terrorism.
He says, "We have to tell OUR story. Black people are ashamed of our history, but the whole world is saying, 'Teach us to hang on like y'all did. Our story is what every group of people want to know: how did we get over, how did we survive? We've got the answer, but we live in the 51st State - The State of Amnesia," he says with a laugh.
Key sessions include: Civil Rights Veterans Roundtable Featuring Foot Soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement; Race and Racism in America; Global Achievement of Women Empowerment Luncheon honoring successful national women; discussion on the State of Green Energy; discussion on the "Stand Your Ground Law;" The State of Black Males in America; a dynamic Fashion Show with the Atlanta based Wilbourn Sisters Design; , On the RISE Professional Mixer, and ending with a closing Memorial Prayer Breakfast with speaker Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Click HERE to see the full convention agenda.
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C-Series on Voting Rights and "The Barber of Birmingham" Set for Aug. 16
Since last December, Transformation Birmingham has selected movies and documentaries for spirited round-table discussions to open minds and prepare hearts to look critically at various issues. These discussions feature a documentary and panelists who offer reflections on fostering an understanding of the root causes of issues facing Birmingham's African American community and the larger society. It is felt, by understanding the root causes; we can work collaboratively to solve issues like poverty, economic health disparities, achievement gaps in education, and environmental injustice.
The August discussion centers on voting and the impact of last year's U.S. Supreme Court decision that gutted a key protection in the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Part of the session includes a viewing of the documentary, "The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement," and identifying innovative strategies to improve voter registration/mobilization. The session will end with questions and break-out discussions.
Panelists for the discussion include:
· Dr. Horace Huntley, African American Studies Professor and Chief Advisor for Commissioner Bowman
· Rev. Dr. Percy Jones, History Professor at Miles College
· Scott Douglas, Executive Director, Greater Birmingham Ministries
· LaShon Menefee, Lead Community Organizer, Birmingham Faith in Action
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