“There’s something about being around a long time that puts stuff in perspective.” - Reg E. Cathey, Jr. FREE

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Volume 4, No. 23 www.valleyweeklyllc.com Friday, February 16, 2018

AAMU Grad Promoted to Major General New Officers to Lead Forestry Commission Brig. Gen. Patrick OFS falls under NATO’s The Forestry she serves as scholarship Alabama at Huntsville in Burden, formerly pro- Resolute Support Mission Commission (AFC) elected chair for the organization, 1993. gram executive officer and works to train, advise Jane T. Russell a role she says She is the owner of Kier for U.S. Army enterprise and assist Afghan forces in of Lapine, Ala., she has greatly Realestate, LLC, a real information systems, support of counterterror- as new chair and enjoyed for the estate brokerage firm in will transition to a new ism efforts against Al-Qae- Katrenia Pruitt last 12 years. Huntsville, established by role as deputy com- da remnants. Kier of Hunts- Mrs. Russell and her late husband, Richard mander for the Com- Burden joined the ville, Ala., as her husband are Kier, in 1987. bined Security Transition military in 1987 and vice-chair. landowners and After 30 years, the busi- Command-Afghanistan, was initially assigned to Russell has operate a cattle ness continues to success- the Defense Department Army Field Artillery. He been a member of farm. fully serve Alabama clients. announced recently. served as deputy PEO for the Commission Russell Kier, Additionally, Kier The service branch ammunition and senior since February born in serves as national 2014, and Kier since Febru- Chicago, Ill., has assistant secretary assigned Burden to the commander at Picatinny elor’s degree in computer ary 2016. Although females strong family ties for the National position as part of Oper- Arsenal before he took science from Alabama have previously served as in Alabama, with Association ation Freedom’s Sentinel, on the PEO EIS position, A&M University and a chairs, this is the first time both parents be- of Real Estate a U.S.-backed coalition as well as previously held master’s degree in man- in the history of the AFC ing from Madison Brokers (NA- effort to increase stabil- multiple acquisition roles agement information that both officers have been County, Ala. She REB), and also ity and security across within the Army. systems from Florida women. earned a Bach- as minister and Afghanistan. Burden holds a bach- Institute of Technology. According to Alabama’s elor of Science in Kier youth commit- State Forester Rick Oates, psychology from tee coordinator “We look forward to work- Case Western Reserve for the Greater Huntsville ADC to Hold Annual Meeting Feb. 24 ing with these two leaders University in Cleveland, Interdenominational Min- as our agency faces the Ohio, and received a Busi- isterial Fellowship. The Madison County introduce themselves to challenges of the com- ness Management Certifi- She is a widow with two Unit of the Alabama the attendees, and they will ing year. Mrs. Russell’s cate from the University of adult children. Democratic Conference be permitted to distribute experience as an Alabama (ADC) will host its An- campaign materials. forest landowner combined nual Membership Break- The breakfast will begin with Ms. Kier’s corporate fast Saturday, February at 8 a.m., and includes a knowledge make them 24, 2018, at the Ernest L. one-year ADC member- great assets to the Forestry Knight Reception Center ship and a full Southern Commission.” on the campus of Alabama breakfast. INSIDE THIS ISSUE! Originally from Petrey A&M University, 4900 Tickets and reserved in Crenshaw County, Mrs. Meridian Street, Normal, tables may be purchased LWV Voter Drives, Page 4 litical strategist, Dr. Eddie Russell graduated from Ala., at 8 a.m. from Eddie C. Sherrod at “The Shift” Conference, Page 5 Greene. high school in Luverne The theme for this year’s (256) 508-1782 or (256) All state and local and earned a Bachelor of Private Screening of “Panther,” Page 6 event is “Political Transi- 881-9529, Eva Smith at candidates for elective Science degree in elemen- tion,” and the program will (256) 859-6512 or any A&M Freshman on “The Chi,” Page 7 office will be invited and tary education from Troy memorialize ADC’s long ADC member. Honoring State’s Finest, Page 8 given an opportunity to University. Currently, time member and po- Page 2 The Valley Weekly February 16, 2018 Oakwood University Black History Month Program Dr. David R. Williams Harvard Public Health and African-American Studies Professor February 8, 2017

OU Black History Month Observance Lecture: Dr. David R. Williams, Florence Sprague Norman and Laura Smart Norman Professor of Public Health at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and Professor of African and African American Studies and of Sociology at Harvard University, spoke at Oakwood University as part of its Black Champion Game Plan forby PrestonLife Brown History Month celebration on February 8. In Mark 9: 22, a con- thew 17:20, Jesus said: If cerned father asked Jesus, we have faith as small as a Spotlight on Our Elders ... Featuring “If you can do anything, mustard seed, then we can take pity on us and help move mountains. Now, a Mrs. Thelma Alexander Fuqua us,” because his son had mustard seed is small but severe mental problems. the life inside of the mus- Born in the small Missis- lege training was eligible to her family. In 1956, she So Jesus questions him tard seed is large. sippi River Delta town of teach under an Emergency and her family moved to and says, “If you can?” So, in order for us to Market Tree, Ark., Thelma Issued Teaching Certifi- Huntsville, Ala. This move Then, he goes on to say, grow our faith, first we Alexander Fuqua enrolled cate. With dedication to afforded her the opportu- “Everything is possible for need to put life into our at Alabama A&M Univer- the education profession, nity to complete her college one who believes.” problems that only Jesus can faith. Then we need to start sity in vocational home Mrs. Fuqua accepted the education. You know, the prob- handle, like we found with putting our belief before economics. opportunity In 1960, she received the lems that so many of us the woman with the issue of our sight. We need to stop After com- to teach and Bachelor of Science degree have is our un-belief. Any- blood who had been suffer- “not believing.” We need pleting two was em- in vocational home eco- time we have a challeng- ing for years until Jesus got to stop saying, “if you can” years of her ployed by nomics, and later received ing situation in our lives, involved and healed her with and start saying “when you college edu- the Lawrence the Master of Science our faith will be tested, the hem of His garment. can.” cation, it was County degree in elementary edu- just like we find with the When we cross this Finally, we need to ask interrupted School Board cation with a concentration father in this text. Now, bridge of faith, we allow Jesus to help our unbelief. due to World as an ele- in special education from there is a “faith bridge” Jesus to come into our cir- The only way to accom- War II. mentary and Alabama A&M University. that we need to cross over cumstance. But our unbelief plish this is to cross over The draft high school Mrs. Fuqua was a dedi- to handle difficult situa- keeps us from crossing over the “faith bridge” that caused a teacher. cated and loyal educator tions. These are situations and staying in a place that God has constructed for that we have to go deeper shortage of She taught who served 31 years in the God did not intend for us to us ... Stay encouraged, my spiritually to get any- brothers and sisters. teachers at all for four teaching profession. be. This is when we need to thing resolved. These are grow in our faith. In Mat- levels and anyone with col- years, married and started February 16, 2018 The Valley Weekly Page 3

Publisher The Valley Weekly, LLC

Editor-in-Chief Dorothy W. Huston, Ph.D. rom the Editor Editorial Consultant/ Senior Editor Jerome Saintjones, Ed.S. Brick and Mortar, iPads, Education and Stuff: Editorial Assistants Linda Burruss As children, we learned the old-fashioned way. The teachers taught, we Phyllis Chunn Flistened, engaged and learned. The best teachers provided opportunities for Gary T. Whitley different types of students to excel. So, most of us suc- ceeded. We didn’t have failing schools, even where those Advertising Associate Phyllis Chunn of us who were poor went to school because all of us were expected to be successful at something. We had robust academic and vocational programs. Writer/Sales/Photography Some of the students who enrolled in our vocational programs went on to own their own Reginald D. Allen businesses as barbers, cosmetologists, mechanics, brick masons, home builders, car dealers, day care owners, electricians, supervisors in local, state and national industries where they - Contributing Editors - Reginald D. Allen chose to live and work. Minister Preston Brown Others volunteered for various armed services, advancing as career service men and Ron Hamm women and officers. They saw their service as an opportunity to serve our country, support David Herron their families, and travel the world. Still others became teachers, preachers, doctors, nurses, police and law Melissa Wilson-Seloma enforcement officers, lawyers, researchers, television and media personalities, along with diverse and mean- ingful careers to which their passion led them. Website Administrator Calvin Farier Our village was made up of farmers, domestic workers--working class parents who expected their children to each do better than their parents. Teachers were respected as some of the highest authorities on teaching Mailing Address: and learning. Parents listened to the teachers rather than their children. If the teacher said The Valley Weekly it, that was the end of it. When children were failing a particular class, it was an indict- 415A Church Street - Suite 100 Huntsville, AL 35801 ment on the teacher, not the children. Failing teachers were not allowed to hang around. (256) 651-9028 Either you were committed to the education of children or you were in the wrong profes- www.valleyweeklyllc.com sion. Copyright 2018 So many do not understand that teaching is a profession. It is not for everyone. It Items for consideration for publication requires not only an understanding of the pedagogy of teaching but also a healthy dose of in The Valley Weekly should be sub- mitted at least TWO weeks in advance patience, pride and persistence. It didn’t matter that my parents did not finish grade school to above address or by e-mail to info@ or attend college, both my parents and teachers expected me to excel- valleyweeklyllc.com. Items do not necessarily reflect the views of -at something. A local citizen at the District 1 School Board meeting indicated last Tuesday evening Submissions to TVW do not nec- that the failing school scores are not a reflection of the children who attend those schools. essarily reflect the belief of the editorial staff and TVW is not “Thank you” District 1 School Board Member Michelle Watkins and Superintendent responsible for the authenticity of Matt Atkin for hosting the community for an open forum. Neither of you are hiding submissions. from the community or dodging the questions from parents and the media. You took The Valley Weekly the questions, the criticism and the compliments “head-on” and with a commitment that Ad Rates Single Issue you understand the challenges and are dedicated to addressing them. This position can Back Cover 10x10-inches $1,000 be respected. And, there are many organizations and individuals in this community who Full Page 10x10 inches $800 volunteered to pitch-in and help. Together, we can inspire, encourage and achieve success in our schools. The 3/4 Page 7.5x10 inches $600 late Dr. Marva Collins, my homegirl from Monroeville, proved that better than any other single individual Half Page Horizontal 5x10 inches $400 in America: Almost all children can learn something and excel, with properly trained educators and a dedicated Vertical community. I believe we have both in Huntsville. 10x5 inches $400 Let’s make and take time to help a child be successful. It will do a lot of good for all of us. We cannot have Fourth Page a progressive city, thriving industry, scientists and engineers from all over the world, forward-thinking young 5x5 inches $200 Eighth Page professionals and failing schools. There is something wrong with that picture--and, it’s not the children. The 2.5x5 inches $100 poor will always be with us. What will we do to make sure that we live rightly and justly with them? Sixteenth Page I will await you answer. Until next week ... 2.5x2.5 $50 Classified 1 col.x1 inch $6 (4 col. in. minimum=$24) Dorothy 6 Month/1 Yr.-10% & 20% Discount! Page 4 The Valley Weekly February 16, 2018

The 12th Annual Rosetta James Foundation “Honoring Our Elders” Celebration

PUBLIC FORUM: The Madison County State Legislative Delegation held a two-hour 2018 ublic forum in the Huntsville City Council Chambers Monday, February 5, 2018. State Rep- resentative Laura Hall, center, who moderated the forum, called it an opportunity to meet state senators and representatives to express views on local and state issues.

Mrs. Amy Mrs. Effie Mrs. Jacquelyn Elder Mr. Bob Petty Mrs. Alice Mrs. Rosa Lewis Draper Gaines Ifill Dorothy B. Sams Walker LWV Holds Registration Drives Johnson The Tennessee Val- drive was held for students 1-3 p.m. The date for Bob - Also Honoring Pioneers - ley Unit of the League of at Lee and New Century Jones High School has not Dr. Army Daniel Women Voters (LWV) High Schools on Monday, been set. Mrs. Loretta Spencer Mrs. Beulah Toney has planned a series of February 12. The voter regisration Dr. Arthur L. Walker registration drives at local Similar, drives has also drive at Jemison was can- high schools throughout been planned for Grissom celled due to weather and February. High School on Wednes- will be rescheduled. Save the Date! A voter registration day, February 21, from Saturday, 10, 2018 The Jackson Center (Cummings Research Park) - Moquin Drive Huntsville, Ala. 5 p.m. Tickets: $50/Each

For additional information, call Linda Burruss at (256) 536-9717

Because it’s a colorful world...

Design • Print • Mail • Promotional 256-539-1658 www.xcelprint.com February 16, 2018 The Valley Weekly Page 5

Region Mourns Death of Actor, Native Son The Tennessee Valley winning actor of “House of community and beyond is Cards,” “The Wire,” “Oz,” mourning the recent death and other dramatic ventures of Huntsville native and was a proud graduate of J.O. acclaimed actor Reg E. Johnson High School. He Cathey, who died Friday, also attended the University February 9, 2018, at age of Michigan and Yale School 59. of Drama. Just two short Over more than Deltas Deliver on Promise years ago, on three decades, It was an eventful and and past presidents of February 14, Cathey was praised tic Four” and “Hands of delightful occasion “Deliver- Huntsville Alumnae. 2016, Cathey took for his commanding Stone.” ing on Delta’s Promise” as Members reaching much delight in baritone voice and In 2015, he won an Huntsville Alumnae (AL) 25- and 50-year an- returning to his a unique sense of Emmy for his role in Chapter celebrated the niversaries within the boyhood church humor he brought “House of Cards” as sorority’s 105th Founders sorority were celebrated. of Holy Cross- to his roles. Freddy Hayes, the owner Day. The celebration, chaired Musical selections from St. Christopher’s He also had roles of a barbecue restaurant by Patricia Sims, Laura Clift the Huntsville Alumnae Episcopal Church in several network that Kevin Spacey’s char- and Amanda Watkins, was Chapter Sisters in Praise (right) as the speaker for TV series such as “Law & acter Frank Underwood held at the Huntsville Bo- captivated the audience, its 60th anniversary. Order,” “30 Rock,” “Grimm,” often visited. tanical Gardens Grand Hall. as well as an amazing The Emmy award- and in movies like “Fantas- WAAY-TV31 (Huntsville, dance tribute paying change. Ala.) news anchor Deme- homage to members enter- Huntsville Alumnae tria McClenton (Dothan ing Omega Omega. delivered on its promise in alumnae) served as Mistress The highlight of the eve- educational development. ‘The Shift’ Provides Awareness of of Ceremony. ning featured Past Hunts- Symbolizing 105 years, the The program proceeded ville Alumnae President, chapter’s goal was to collect with three local chap- Alabama State 105 books for the fairly new Valley Assistance ter presidents (Jackie Representative Cavalry Hill Library. The Through Patricia Haley The power of good desperate need of help but Perry, Huntsville District 19 A. Lau- chapter surpassed expecta- Foundation, Haley is spon- information rang true had no idea about where to Alumnae; Brijanae ra Hall as Found- tions with over 700 book soring a city-wide confer- one day when Dr. Haley find it. Law, Delta Delta ers Day speaker. donations! ence, “The Shift: From happened upon a woman Patricia Haley Minis- - Alabama A&M Representative Additionally, Huntsville Broken to Healed,” on stricken with breast cancer. tries is a two-year-old 501c University; and Maya Hall received a Alumnae delivered on its Glover, Omicron standing ovation promise in sisterhood by Monday, February 19, in The woman’s talent was her charity that works with Gamma, Univer- for her powerful attending Sunday church the Clyde Foster Auditori- livelihood, so severe illness cancer patients, offering sity of Alabama Huntsville) words igniting efforts of the services at Union Chapel um on the Alabama A&M meant that she was unable encouragement and assist- welcoming over 300 guests, sorority to continue deliver- Missionary Baptist Church University campus from 9 to support herself. ing with the provision of followed by greetings from ing on its promise through and a fellowship brunch. a.m.-3 p.m. “The woman lost every- needed medicine. Immediate Past President social action and education. Jackie Perry currently The conference will thing,” recalled Haley, a While she has been a Mychelle Leonard. A tribute Hall praised the unceasing serves as its President. To feature health screenings native of Jacksonville, Fla., resident of Huntsville for by Sheila Baxter recognized efforts of Huntsville Alum- learn more, visit http://www. and representatives from who admits that she, too, some 26 years, she has the accomplished charter nae as advocates of historical dsthuntsville.org various non-profit and experienced many prob- been active in ministry for community organizations. lems in her own life. 15 years. Haley believes At 6 p.m., a banquet will Haley said she told the that guidance and proper be held at the DesignLab woman about services of- information can have a on Meridian Street (former fered through United Way life-changing impact on Lincoln Mill area), with and her to contact the of- individuals. inspiration from Pastor fices for assistance. Haley For more information Carlton Byrd of Oakwood then began to wonder about the conference and University Church and the whether there were others the organization, call (256) Gospel Choir. out there who were in 683-7287.

February 16 - LEVAR BURTON - Actor and Television person- ality. He perhaps best known for his role as the young Kunta Kente in the award-winning TV mini-series, “Roots.” - BlackinTime.info Page 6 The Valley Weekly February 16, 2018 Local Entrepreneur Throws Private Screening of ‘Black Panther’ alley Deaths by Reggie Allen director Ryan Coogler, the presales for a Marvel film. young people of color to see V Sneaker Phetish, a local film features an all-star cast Since the film critic empowering characters that - Nelms Memorial Funeral Home - shoe boutique, is partnering including Michael B. Jordan, embargo was lifted, publica- look like them. Due to the with Cinemark Theaters to Angela Bassett, Forest tions like the Washington constant misconceptions Funeral service for MOTHER ALICE HEREFORD host a private screening of Whitaker, Martin Freeman, Post have flooded social and stigma against minori- (b. 1949) was scheduled for Saturday, February 17, “Marvel’s Black Panther” on Lupita Nyong’o and David media with riveting reviews, ties, the Huntsville native at Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Association Taber- Feb.18. Kaluuya. calling it “exhilarating, said he could not let this nacle with Pastor Mylon Burwell officiating. Owner David Daniels said While Boseman brought ground-breaking and more chance slip by. the concept for the private the character to life in than worth the wait.” “We thought this was Funeral service for MR. CLINTON C. SANDERS showing stemmed from the summer blockbuster Daniels isn’t the only one important to make sure the (b. 1948) was held February 11, at Nelms Memorial a previous collaboration “Captain America: Civil spreading the love. A video youth saw this imagery of us Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Phillip Ford with the Boys & Girls Club War,” King T’Challa made from Ron Clark Academy to counteract the negative officiating. of North Alabama, went viral after the imagery they see on a daily where the business middle school basis via news outlets or oth- Funeral service for MR. BERNIES BURNETT, SR., donated 25 pairs of announced plans to erwise,” Daniels said. “We shoes. After speak- send students to see the want the children to know (b. 1922) was held Saturday, February 10, at New ing with his business anticipated film. Last that Barack Obama isn’t the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. partner, the two month, Academy Award only thing a person of color decided to do “some- winner Octavia Spencer can aspire to be like. We can Funeral service for MR. MARLON MALONE (b. thing bigger” for the announced plans to buy have our superheroes and 1958) was held on Friday, February 9, at Nelms community in hope that his official debut in July 1966 out a Mississippi theatre on musicians and comic book Memorial Funeral Home. others would follow suit. alongside the Fantastic Four, opening weekend to “ensure characters, too. Not to men- “I have believed we must making him the first African that all our brown children tion that I’m just a nerd that Graveside service for MRS. ALICE MARIE KELLY be the change we want to American superhero to ap- can see themselves as a loves comics and the Black MCCOMB (b. 1945) was held on Monday, February see and that change begins pear in mainstream comics. superhero.” Panther story.” 5, 2018 at Meadowlawn Garden of Peace with Pas- at home,” Daniels told The As of January, Black Panther Daniels also saw this as “Black Panther” hits the- tor Tremaine Snodgrass officiating. Valley Weekly. “If I have holds the record for highest an early opportunity for aters nationwide on Feb.16. been blessed with the ability - Royal Funeral Home - to bless others, it’s not just my choice to do so, it’s my Dedicated To You. Funeral service for MR. O’NEAIL GOREE was responsibility to do so.” Delivering Results. scheduled for Sunday, February 18, 2018, at the First Tickets for the film Seventh-day Adventist Church (1303 Evangel Drive, became available at the Personal Injury | Auto Accidents | Probate & Estate Administration beginning of the month, Huntsville, Ala.) with Pastor Norman Miles officiat- Corporate Law | Real Estate Law Divorce | Criminal Law ing. but quickly sold out within 20 minutes. Due to high demand, additional tickets Contact Us www.martinsonandbeason.com Public viewing was held for Mr. Lawrence Young were released, yet sold out Phone: 256-533-1667 facebook.com/martinsonandbeason (b. 1930) Saturday, February 10, at Royal Funeral once more. The exclusive Fax: 256-533-1696 Home. Funeral service was scheduled to take place showing not only covers [email protected] in Detroit, Mich.) admission but a medium- sized popcorn and beverage No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is Memorial service for MS. CHERI DARLENE to wash it all down. greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. ROBINSON (b. 1954) was scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Sneaker Phetish and the Thursday, February 15, 2018, at the Doctrinal Bible Boys & Girls Club are team- HELPING ALABAMA BUILD LEGENDARY COMMUNITIES Church, 1215 Russell Street, Huntsville, Ala., with ing up again. In addition Pastor Larry Robinson officiating. to their new footwear, 20 children will be provided Funeral service MRS. ATHELSTINE MALONE (b. transportation to the popu- 1933) was held Wednesday, February 14, at the New lar cinema, located at Bridge Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America Street Town Centre. (28520 Wall Street, Madison, Ala.) with Pastor Er- “Marvel’s Black Panther”, the nestine Gordon officiating. 18th installment in the ever- expanding Marvel Cinemat- Funeral service for Mrs. Ruby Marie Payton (b. 1961) ic Universe, stars Chadwick Boseman as the titular feline was held Saturday, February 10, at the Union Hill and heir to the technology- Primitive Baptist Church with Dr. Oscar L. Mont- Downtown Huntsville | 320 Pelham Ave. SW, Suite 100 | 256.535.1045 advanced kingdom of gomery officiating. SE Huntsville | 1804 Four Mile Post Road SE | 256.217.5170 Wakanda. Helmed by Creed www.BryantBank.com | Banking & Mortgage Services February 16, 2018 The Valley Weekly Page 7

Where to Find Your FREE Copies of AAMU Freshman Student in The Valley Weekly Calhoun’s Career Services AAMU Public Relations Office Accepting F.A.M.E. Program Showtime Series “The Chi” Albert’s Flowers Calhoun Community College’s Career Services depart- “It’s a case where I can Me d .’ ment is currently accepting applications for the Federa- feel other people’s spirit. I “I did ‘Shameless.’ Alphonso Beckles, Attorney at Law tion for Advanced Manufacturing Education (F.A.M.E.) can understand how other Actually, I was with Rick Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program (AMT). people feel. So, when the in the jail scene. I had a Bob Harrison Senior Wellness Center The F.A.M.E. AMT Program is a partnership among acting opportunity came, big role in ‘Empire,’ states Calhoun Community College, Toyota Motor Manufac- Briar Fork CP Church about six years ago, I took Williams. He was an extra turing Alabama, and other area manufacturing busi- it.” on ‘The Chi,’ until March Bryant Bank – Church Street nesses and industries. Each year, approximately 15-20 Now, Alabama A&M 2017, when he auditioned students are selected to be a part of this exclusive two- University freshman and won the role of Chris’ Barber Shop year technical degree program, which includes cutting- Julian Williams has an “Chop.” “He’s a little gang- edge curriculum that supports advanced manufacturing IMDb page, and a recur- banger. And this gold ring Depot Professional Building technology, paid working experience, along with the op- ring role on the Showtime is a key to his name on the portunity to learn highly sought-after business principles drama series ‘The Chi.’ show,” states Williams. Dunkin Donuts and best practices of a world class manufacturer. The F.A.M.E AMT program is ideal for students who The series details the dan- Williams is a communi- Eagles’ Nest Ministries have a high interest in STEM or who have participated gers of living on the South cations major and theater in activities such as the BEST Robotics competition or Side of Chicago. minor. And yes, when Fellowship of Faith Church Project Lead the Way. Students interested in applying “I’m from Chicago and called, he flies to Chicago must test into credit-bearing math and English courses Nigeria,” states Williams. to shoot and returns to Fellowship Presbyterian Church based on their ACT or Accuplacer score. Williams began his career Huntsville for class. “I’m Health Unlimited “Once enrolled in the program, students have the op- as an extra, which led to going to continue acting. portunity to begin working with sponsor companies such roles on several television That’s my passion. I’m not House of Hope and Restoration as Brown Precision Inc., EFi Automotive, -Pacif- shows, including, ‘Chi- giving it up.” ic, Packaging Corporation of America, Polaris, Snap-on cago P.D.’ and ‘Chicago by Debra Daniel Huntsville Bible College Tools, Sonoco and Toyota. Starting salaries begin at $13.55/hour with the potential for performance-based James Smith - AllState Insurance raises and bonuses,” commented Kelli Morris, Director of Career Services and Co-op Learning. Lakeside United Methodist Church Interested students can apply online at www.cal- Lucky’s Supermarket houn.edu/amt until 11:59 PM CST on March 1, 2018. For more information, please contact Kelli Morris at Marshall England – State Farm Agent 256-306-2993 or at [email protected].

Martinson & Beason, PC

Nelms Memorial Funeral Home

N. Ala. Center for Educational Excellence satisfaction Oakwood University Post Office D L visit us online at damson.com Regency Retirement Village C Rocket City Barber Shop DLC Accepting Applications Sam and Greg’s Pizza Applications are being accepted for Cohort IX of Sav-A-Lot the Diveristy Leadership Colloquium until February 27. Sneed’s Cleaners Classes will begin March 6 and end April 24, run- Starbucks (Governors Drive, N. Parkway at ning 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday evening. Graduation will be held on May 1. Mastin Lake Road/University Drive) Applications are available online at www.diver- sityleadershipcolloquium.com. Questions should be Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church emailed to Mrs. Georgia Valrie at gsvalrie1971@gmail. com or call (256) 656-4698. Page 8 The Valley Weekly February 16, 2018

Honoring Some of the State’s Finest:BLACK Alabama-Born HISTORY MONTH African-American Notables by Jerome Saintjones* Hank Aaron, baseballer, Mobile Union Springs , Education pioneer, Gadsden , congressman, Troy , civil rights icon, Tuskegee Joel “JoJo” Adams, bluesman, Rural Mattie Moss Clarke, singer, Selma Brittany Howard, singer, Athens Joe Louis, famous boxer, LaFayette Wilson Pickett, singer, Prattville Montgomery , activist, Linden Lorenzo Clemons, actor, Birmingham Jimmy Hughes, singer, Leighton , minister/civil Condoleezza Rice, former Robert Frank Thomas, teen hitch- Arthur Alexander, singer, Sheffield Nat King Cole, icon, Montgomery , novelist, rights leader, Huntsville Secretary of State, Birmingham hiked to 1963 March, Gadsden Inez Andrews, gospel, Birmingham Burl C. “Jaybird” Coleman, blues Notasulga , pioneer, Shiloh Maurice “Rich Boy” Richards, Oscar Toney Jr., soul singer, Selma Robert Avery, activist hitchhiked harmonica player, Gainesville Bo Jackson, athlete, Bessemer Simmie Lee Knox, painter (official rapper, Mobile Cynthia Tucker, syndicated to 1963 March, Gadsden Mitty Collier, singer, Birmingham Katherine Jackson, matriarch of portrait of Clinton), Aliceville Lionel Richie, singer, Tuskegee columnist, Monroeville Charles Barkley, NBA star, Leeds Marva Collins, educator, Monroeville The Jackson Family, Clayton Gucci Mane, rapper, Bessemer Robin Roberts, television broad- Don Varner, singer, Birmingham Andrew Jackson Beard, inventor Laverne Cox, actress, Mobile Rosetta James, activist, Akron Willie Mays, baseball legend, Westfield caster, Tuskegee Sharon Warren, actor, Opelika of railroad coupler, Pinson William Dawson, composer, Anniston Mae Jemison, astronaut, Decatur Jerry McCain, electric blues John Solomon Sandridge, artist/ Dinah Washington, blues queen, Jo Jo Benson, R&B/soul singer, Anthony Daniels, Alabama’s first black Mick Jenkins, Hip hop artist, musician, Gadsden sculptor, Gadsden Tuscaloosa Phenix City minority House leader, Midway Huntsville Iverson Minter - “Louisiana Red,” David Satcher, former U.S. Thomas Weatherly, poet, Scottsboro Herman Blount aka “Sun Ra,” James Reese Europe, composer, Mobile Angela Johnson, children’s book blues guitarist, Bessemer Surgeon General, Anniston Palmer Williams, actor, Camden Visionary musician, Birmingham Maria Fearing, ex-slave educator author and poet, Tuskegee Johnny Moore, R&B singer of Eugene Sawyer, Jr., former mayor Bill Winston, televangelist, Tuskegee Willie D. Burton, Oscar-winning and missionary, Gainesville Orlando Jones, actor, Mobile Drifters fame, Selma of Chicago, Greensboro Jameis Winston, football player, sound engineer, Tuscaloosa G-Side, hip hop duo, Huntsville Vivian Malone Jones, pioneer in Albert Murray, novelist and Naomi Shelton, singer, Midway Hueytown Clarence and Curtis Butler “Butler , civil rights atty. (Rosa Parks higher education, Mobile literary critic, Nokomis Percy Sledge, singer, Leighton Holland Dai’mon “Mr. Envi’” Twins,” Detroit blues, Killen Tuskegee Study), Montgomery Tom Joyner, radio personality, Fayard Nicholas, “Nicholas Brothers,” Broderick “Rickey” Smiley, Witherspoon, rapper, Uniontown George “Wild Child” Butler, Blues Albert Hall, actor, Brighton Tuskegee Tap dancer/choreographer, Mobile comedian, Birmingham Ella Ramah Willis Wofford, harmonica player, Autaugaville , Folk singer, Livingston Percy Julian, inventor, Montgomery Cliff Nobles, American pop James Foster Smith, teen hitchhiker mother of Nobel Prize winner James Anthony Carmichael, Gram- W.C. Handy, “Father of the Blues,” Eddie Kendricks, R&B singer/ singer, Grove Hill to the 1963 March, Gadsden Toni Morrison, Greenville my-winning arranger, Gadsden Florence songwriter, Union Springs Odetta, folk singer, Birmingham Limmie Snell, soul singer, Dalton Roy Wood, Jr., comedian and , activist, Montgomery Erskine Hawkins, trumpeter, Birmingham , civil rights Jesse Owens, athlete, Oakville Octavia Spencer, actor, Montgomery actor, Birmingham Clarence Carter, singer, Montgomery Alexis Herman, former U.S. advocate, Marion Terrell Owens, football notable, John Stallworth, former Coleman Young, former mayor of Nell Carter, actress/singer, Birmingham Secretary of Labor, Mobile Mathew Knowles, talent manager, Alexander City Pittsburgh Steeler, Tuscaloosa Detroit, Tuscaloosa Reg E. Cathey, actor, Huntsville Andre’ Holland, actor, Bessemer father of Beyonce, Gadsden Satchel Paige, pitcher, Mobile Ruben Studdard, former “American John Henrik Clarke, Pan Africanist, Evander Holyfield, boxer, Atmore Carl Lewis, track star, Birmingham Henry Panion, conductor/profes- Idol”, Birmingham *Compiled over decades at sor, Birmingham Glenn “Doe B” Thomas, rapper, Alabama A&M University Albert’s Flowers Located Downtown in Medical District; Closest Florist to Huntsville Hospital Free Delivery to Huntsville Hospital and Local Funeral Homes 716 Madison Street - Huntsville, AL 35801 FLOWERS, GIFTS, EXOTIC FLOWERS Graduate of American Floral Art School 256-533-1623 256-536-6911 www.albertsflowers.com