POSITIVE-INSPIRATIONAL-EDUCATIONAL Happy Father’s Day! FREE Friday SALUTE! June 18, 2021 Rosetta James Foundation Vol. 7, No. 41 ELDER OF THE WEEK Whatever the Father Does,” p. 6 ValleyWeeklyllc.com
Dr. Richard Showers, Sr.
“Old as she was, she still missed her Daddy sometimes.” - Gloria Naylor A Salute to Dads 2 June 18, 2021 UAH Alum Becomes Ms. Black Alabama USA 2021
Publisher Brittnie Granville, an In April, Brailynn’s provide clean water for Women’s History Month, The Valley Weekly, LLC alumna of The University first book in her series developing villages in Autism Acceptance Month, of Alabama in Huntsville “Adventures of the Au- Accra, Ghana, Africa. Endometriosis Awareness Editor-in-Chief (UAH) has been named Ms. some Kid,” “Brailynn Granville has also Month, Mental Health Dorothy W. Huston, Ph.D. ______Black Alabama USA 2021 goes to Paris, France,” used her title to Awareness Month and and is using her platform was published. The se- encourage literacy in others. Editorial Consultant/ to advocate for Autism ries focuses on encour- children by reading Born and raised in Flor- Senior Editor Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aging children to let and donating over ence, Alabama, the UAH Jerome Saintjones, Ed.S. ______awareness. their imagination take 150 books to local alumna has been involved Granville earned her B.S. them on educational elementary schools, with pageants for much of Editorial Assistants in Acquisition Manage- adventures around the helping dancers at her life, depending on her Linda Burruss ment from UAH in 2011. world. performing arts studio, inner strength to lift her Phyllis Chunn William Huston, Sr. After a stint with the federal Granville is a Social Club. Her passion speaking to groups of above the day-to-day chal- Gary T. Whitley, Jr. government as an Opera- member of multiple service for helping others has young girls and supporting lenges she was facing. tions Research Analyst, the organizations that give back expanded internationally to national causes during their - Russ Nelson, UAH.edu Advertising Associate alumna turned entrepre- to the community, includ- respective months, such as Phyllis Chunn support the Kliptown Youth neur, partnering with her ing the UAH Omicron Zeta Program in Soweto, South - Contributing Editors - daughter, Brailynn Camille, Chapter of Alpha Kappa Africa, with money and tim allston who is autistic, to create Alpha sorority, the National school supplies, as well as Minister Preston Brown a Mommy and Me brand Coalition of 100 Black Robert Drake contributing efforts to the Ron Hamm called ‘My RICH Little Women, Greater Huntsville Clean Water Initiative with Pastor Michael D. Rice Best Friend’ to encourage Chapter, and the Black Girl the KMJ Foundation to parents to create pas- Website Administrator sive streams of income as Calvin Farier sources to build wealth for Mailing Address: their children. The Valley Weekly She is also the COO of 415A Church Street - Suite 100 her daughter’s company, Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 651-9028 Brailynn Camille Enterpris- www.valleyweeklyllc.com es LLC, which is the parent Copyright 2021 company of the brand and a non-profit organization, Items for consideration for publica- INSIDE THIS ISSUE! tion in The Valley Weekly should The Ausome Kid™. The Valley Deaths, Page 3 be submitted at least TWO weeks purpose of the organization Preston Brown’s Champion Game Plan, Page 3 in advance to above address or by is to spread Autism aware- “Jahni” Moore’s PowerShots, Page 4 e-mail to [email protected]. ness, promote acceptance Items do not necessarily reflect the tim allston: Perspectives, Page 5 views of The Valley Weekly, LLC. and encourage inclusion of Washington in One Minute, Page 5 children and families who Rev. Michael Rice: Called 2 Preach, Page 6 Beyond a bank. Submissions to TVW do not neces- are impacted by Autism Valley Events, Page 6 Beyond expectations. sarily reflect the belief of the editorial and other special needs. staff and TVW is not responsible for Spotlight on Our Elders, Page 7 the authenticity of submissions. At Bryant Bank, our vision is to see every Alabamian experience a financially stable future The Valley Weekly Ad Rates Single Issue and live in a thriving community. Back Cover 10x10-inches $1,000
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Run Again for the May 14th issue June 18, 2021 3
THE VALLEY WEEKLY THE VALLEY WEEKLY You see, a good father will love you through his discipline. Just like VALLEY CHAMPION when our heavenly father GAME PLAN disciplines us. That’s PRESTON BROWN why we need to realize DEATHS that discipline is for our NELMS MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME A FATHER’S LOVE however, sometimes good, to bring out a good 2501 Carmichael Avenue NW THROUGH “time out” is just not purpose for our lives. Jer- Huntsville, AL 35816 - (256) 539-8189 DISCIPLINE enough. Like the writer emiah 29:11 says, of Hebrews says, it’s okay for I know the Graveside service for MR. SEAN MARTINEZ FRIEND (b. Hebrews 12:11 says, for discipline to “not be” plans that I have 1993) will be Saturday, June 12, at 12 p.m. at New Hope “No discipline seems pleasant. for you, plans CPCA #2 Cemetery with Minister Marcus Friend officiating. pleasant at the time, Now, the word disci- to prosper you but painful. Later on, pline means the practice good choices. and not to harm Public viewing for MR. JAMES WRIGHT (b. 1953) was held however, it produces a of training people to That’s why you, plans to give Thursday, June 10, at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home. harvest of righteousness obey rules using punish- God disciplines you hope and a and peace for those who ment to correct disobedi- His children as future. Graveside service for MR. SAM MOORE, III (b. 1977) was have been trained by it”. ence. Now I know that well, and it is designed You see, my fathers held Thursday, June 10, at Valley View Memorial Gardens. When I read this it doesn’t always have to produce a harvest of discipline was to benefit scripture, I thought to be physical, however righteousness and peace me, not to harm me. Just ROYAL FUNERAL HOME back to my own life it should get a child’s so that we can make like our Heavenly Fathers’ 4315 Oakwood Avenue when my father, the late attention. You see, I can good choices in our lives, discipline is to benefit us. Huntsville, AL 35810 - (256) 534-8481 Pastor John M. Brown, still remember the times just like my Father taught So let us not lose heart disciplined me but most when my father disci- me, our heavenly father when our earthly Fathers Graveside service for MRS. WILLIE ALINE NORVEL HAM- importantly when I plined me. And just for teaches us to choose this or our heavenly Father MONDS (b. 1944) will be 12:00 noon, Wednesday, June 16, disciplined my own chil- the record, most of the day whom you will serve, is disciplining us, but let at the Valhalla Memory Gardens (698 Winchester Road NE, dren as a father. You see, time it was not pleasant. will it be God or man. us celebrate the fact that Huntsville, Ala.) with Pastor Endia J. Scruggs officiating. my father and mother However, looking back Then He teaches us to God loves us and cares seek first the kingdom of enough about us to see Graveside service for MRS. NAOMI LILLIAN SHELTON believed in discipline and on those times I realized that we do well in all that CLARK (b. 1919) will be 11 a.m., Sunday, June 13, at Mead- so did I. I’m sure that that he loved me and heaven and it’s righ- owlawn Garden of Peace (450 Mount Lebanon Road,Toney, I can speak for both of cared enough about me, teousness and all other we do. Ala.) with Pastor Toussaint Williams officiating. my parents when I say to see that I wouldn’t do things will be added Happy Heavenly Fathers that they disciplined me anything to harm myself unto you. And just like Day, Dad, and thank you Funeral service for MR. KYREON TYRIQUE BONE (b. because they loved me. I or anyone else. This is my father shared with for loving me even when 2003) will be 2 p.m., Saturday, June 12, at Hopewell Mission- bring this up to say that the reason why any kind me, our Heavenly Father I needed discipline ... stay ary Baptist Church (292 Cemetery Road, New Market, Ala.). today we are living in a of discipline is neces- instructs us on how to encouragedm my broth- time where many parents sary, and we need to live a righteous life when ers and sister. Funeral service for MR. MARVIN LEON ROBINSON (b. are “sparing the rod”, as share with our children he says in His word, “I Make sure you pur- 1954) will be 12:30 p.m., Saturday, June 12, at Royal Chapel it pertains to discipline. the reason for discipline. set before you life and chase a copy of my book, of Memories (4315 Oakwood Avenue NW, Huntsville, Ala.) Now I am not suggest- Because it is designed death, choose life so that A CHAMPION GAME with Elder Sandy Kinslow officiating. ing that we spank our to produce a generation you and your children PLAN FOR LIFE, at ama- children all the time, of people that will make will live. zon.com Committal service for MRS. SADIE MAE BURKS (b. 1920) was held Thursday, June 10, at Burks Cemetery (768 Pettus Road, Madison, Ala.). Dedicated To You. Funeral service for MS. ADRIANE WILSON (b. 1978) was Delivering Results. Tuesday, June 8, at James and Virginia Davis Chapel, 725 Beech Street, Louisville, Ga. Personal Injury | Auto Accidents | Probate & Estate Administration Corporate Law | Real Estate Law Divorce | Criminal Law SERENITY FUNERAL HOME 2505 University Drive NW Contact Us www.martinsonandbeason.com Huntsville, AL 35816 - (256) 539-9693 Phone: 256-533-1667 facebook.com/martinsonandbeason Fax: 256-533-1696 Funeral Service for MR. HERMAN COSTOS CANCEL (b. 1928), MR. ALEX WEST (b. 1990), MR. MACK GRIZ- [email protected] ZARD, JR., MRS. PATRICIA ANN GRAY, MR. NATHAN No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is DEAN and MS. SHELIA HOWARD will be announced at a greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. later date. 4 June 18, 2021 TVW Columnist Robert Drake Perspectives from a Former Governor For decades, Don Siegel- noted that prosecutors have looking to man was a dominating figure been given carte balance suppress that in Alabama politics, holding by the court to hold false right.” He the offices of secretary of state, evidence or false testimony added that West Virginia’s de- attorney general, lieutenant and to withhold exculpatory pendency on the tax dollar is governor and governor. He evidence. significant—even much more served as Alabama’s governor “U.S. citizens do not have a so than Alabama. “He (Man- from 1999 to 2003, the last constitutional right NOT to be chin) can’t support blocking Democrat to hold the position framed,” added Siegelman. He the African American vote, in the conservative state. went on to reference two black and still look to accept the Siegelman was released men who spent 25 years in government assistance his from prison in 2017 after serv- prison for a crime they did not state so desperately needs.” ing a six-year sentence for his commit. He emphasized that When asked what his own conviction on charges of brib- Congress must act and that state needs to do to move ery and obstruction of justice. immunity must be eliminated. forward, Siegelman replied: Siegelman maintained his The former governor is even “There is much that we innocence and unsuccess- urging President Biden to need to do and can do. But, fully waged a lengthy battle in consider an executive order keeping in mind the way to court, and in the media, to try instructing the U.S. Attor- improve the lives of working to overturn his conviction. ney General that in a case families is, in my judgement, How was the staunch where there is an allegation assuring that our children are Democrat able to rise through of the abuse of power by law able to reach their God-given the ranks in what many argue enforcement against people of talents, then making sure “Somebody, your father or mine, should have told us that not many people is the “reddest” of states in color, the family member of that kids are able to succeed America? And, how has time the victim should be allowed through the educational have ever died of love. But multitudes have perished ... for the lack of it.” shaped his perspectives? to have a lawyer present in the process is key. Finally, if they - James Baldwin “My experience in prison, grand jury. graduate high school, they are and the death of George Floyd “Benjamin Crump should guaranteed education. Do brought back several things to have been allowed to be in the their work, stay out of trouble, me,” commented Siegelman. grand jury,” said Siegelman. make their grades … then “One should find a purpose “Had that happened in the there is something in it for in every situation. God put Trayvon Martin case, charges them.” us here … Why are we here? likely would have been He further stressed the I concluded that God was brought. Having a lawyer in importance of focusing on saying to me, ‘Look, governor, the grand jury for the family is early learning and providing you see what’s wrong … Go a ‘check on truth.’” inroads to free college/higher fix it.’” He said another positive for education. He said interna- Like millions, Siegelman, having a lawyer present would tional leaders such as Toyota, too, has watched the injustices be “to assure that the grand Hyundai, Mercedes, Honda against African-Americans, jurors are racially balanced have justified their coming to seeing Michael Brown and and unbiased. It would also Alabama because they saw the George Floyd murdered, with be of comfort to the public state was “turning a corner” no justice brought for their when police have no charges and leaving its past behind. deaths at the hands of police. brought against them when “We must take the right posi- “The simple solution to hold- there is an appearance of tion on questions that reflect ing police accountable is to excessive use of force. Siegel- our past,” reflected Siegel- have a lawyer in the grand man believes his proposal man. “We must not allow jury when the prosecutor is would help instill more faith people to think that we are Thank you to our sponsors supposed to present ALL the in the criminal justice system. tied to our racist past. We’ve evidence regarding the police Further, on another note, moved on, and folks should YEAR-LONG PLATINUM SPONSOR misuse of force,” Siegelman Siegelman believes a pivotal see us through other eyes. Landers McLarty Subaru said. “Prosecutors get 99 moment is rising when Presi- Finally, how we treat the least a Frank Williams Dealership percent of the indictments dent Biden must make a deci- of these—the handicapped, they want, yet when it comes sion regarding the Democratic homeless, etc. No one should to holding police accountable Senator Joe Manchin from go to bed homeless, hungry BLUE EAGLE EVENT SPONSOR for the death of a black man or West Virginia. and without healthcare. There Stanley Construction woman, the percentage drops “It’s time for Manchin to is a great need to focus on precipitously.” choose a side,” Siegelman said. those issues.” DIAMOND EVENT SPONSOR He linked this to the fact “He’s either on the side of pro- Siegelman’s #1 book, “Steal- that there is no lawyer or tecting the right the vote, or ing our Democracy,” is avail- drakestate.edu Bryant Bank judge in the grand jury. He he will be on the side of those able at Amazon.com. June 18, 2021 5 Drake Friends of the Library Hold Tea COVID-19 Supporters of Drake State Community & Techni- Assistance cal College gathered on Saturday, June 12, for the Thanks, Dad, for My Life’s Alley-oop! Friends of the Library UNITED WAY “Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older, Afternoon Tea. The event COVID-19 he will remain upon it.” - Proverbs 22:6. was one of several planned to help the college celebrate Assistance Fund According to Solomon, when you role-model for children its 60th anniversary. Donate: first by example, as they mature they’ll follow that example. The S.C. O’Neal Library www.uwmadison-county.org My Dad and namesake, Thomas Gray Allston (1917- and Technology Center, 2004), served as my role model against the odds. Get Assistance: Call 211 named for Drake State’s No More “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” Here first president, is a hub of Dad never knew his father, as characterized by The Temp- information for students, SMALL tations’ 1972 hit song. He instead supplemented that lack with an ironclad faith in his heavenly Father, an unquench- faculty and the community. BUSINESSES able passion for lifelong learning, and being a below-the-ra- The Friends of the Library disastercustomerservice@sba. dar servant leader. Those early values and practices paid off. program is one way the The Potential 1972 Seismic Shift community can support gov After 21 years of marriage and raising us children in the (800) 659-2955 greater Boston area, in 1972 my parents accepted adminis- trative staff positions at Mom’s alma mater Oakwood Col- 1 lege. Because of her degree, she received a job that outranked COVID-19-RELATED Dad’s. She then became the family’s primary breadwinner. UNEMPLOYMENT Dr. Emerson Miller in his book, Why Black Men Don’t the college through the To learn more about Attend Church, recounted Alabama Department of Labor Drake State Foundation. the Friends of the Library that in the 1970s the doors Guests at the event were Program or other ways (866) 234-5382 of employment opportunity treated to a special menu to support Drake State, labor.alabama.gov opened but mostly for col- lege-educated Black women. prepared by Drake State contact the Drake State The income gap widened, culinary instructor Darvin Foundation Development MADISON COUNTY creating rivalry and tension McDaniel and were pro- Office at (256) 551-3289 or vided information about email [email protected]. HEALTH often in marriages. But not so with Dad. the Friends of the Library DEPARTMENT Not only did Dad never complain, but he served as Mom’s 2 program. The event was Captions: (256) 539-3711 biggest cheerleader. Consequently, Mom taught across made especially Photo 1: Front row (l-r) Dr. Mary eight consecutive decades. In retirement, she became an meaningful Stanley, Nell Bradford, Laura Clift; educational consultant in Russia, Hatchechubbee, Alabama Back row (l-r) Karen Stanley, Dr. by the atten- LATEST and Pensacola, Florida, the Cayman Islands, and finally in Deloris Smothers, Dr. Carolyn northern China. All this happened with Dad’s support for dance of Dr. Henderson, Dr. Patricia Sims COVID-19 Photo 2: Drake State Library Staff Mom and his role modeling for us kids. Mary Stanley INFORMATION and Mrs. Nell Carla Clift and Dennis Borden “What They See is What They’ll Be” Photo 3: Drake State Student Alabama Department of Public Before he headed to work nightly as a Massachusetts Gen- Bradford, two Ambassadors J’Marcus Dobbins, eral Hospital nurse’s aide, I watched Dad routinely reading long-standing Tarrylon Toney, Jaimie Spray, Health his Bible and its study quarterly, and Prevention and Time 3 supporters of Michelle Dees www.alabamapublichealth.gov magazines; that birthed my passion-turned-profession of Drake State. pairing news events with Bible study. Dad influenced my younger sister Tonya’s Crestwood Centers for Disease Control Hospital nursing career. Additionally, my older sister Dawn’s and Prevention playing piano and clarinet - and my playing piano and saxo- phone - also came directly from Dad’s example. cdc.gov While Mom as an educator read vocationally, Dad’s read- ing avocationally became my lifelong standard. TAKEOUT/DELIVERY Thanks, “namesake Dad,” for giving me your name, your standards, and your mantle of silver-mettle leadership. RESTAURANTS You can hear my sermonic tribute to Dad, by clicking on https://hsvchamber.org/ https://bit.ly/3v4HBVe and be blessed. Thank you. restaurant-deliveries- ______Thomas Gray (“tim allston”) Allston, III is the author of U.S. Politics take-out-food-service- The Rise of Silver-Mettle Leaders (now on Amazon), and the author- satisfaction providers/ narrator of The U.S. Coronavirus Crisis and the Rise of the “Silver- Mettle” Leaders audiobook, with a free sample chapter, when you visit us online at damson.com click on https://bit.ly/3xiZhP9. 6 THE VALLEY WEEKLY June 18, 2021
of fathers and children in CALLED 2 these words; So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I PREACH say to you, the Son can do REV. MICHAEL RICE nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Whatever the Father Does Father doing. For whatev- er the Father does, (visible Matthew 3:17; John 5:19 this earth, what is not a example) that the Son does Whatever mystery sur- mystery is the honor He likewise (viable and verifi- rounded the duality and brought to the sacred duty able emulation) (ESV). blending of the human of Fatherhood. Without Jesus would have trouble Day are looked upon in In Matthew 3:17 we and divine natures of being disrespectful, dismis- with the uneven way that our society. Not as many hear the voice from heaven Jesus when He walked on sive or divisive, I believe Mother’s Day and Father’s Hallmarks get sold on Fa- saying, This is My Beloved ther’s Day as on Mother’s Son in whom I am well Day. That is also due to a pleased. That is verbal en- is both irresponsible and THE VALLEY WEEKLY misunderstanding on the couragement. That is one irreconcilable behavior. part of fathers as to the of the most powerful things Jesus has shown the way; gravitas of that role. Jesus a father can do for his chil- walk therein. This will helps us with that because dren. As fathers, we cannot make Father’s Day happy VALLEY He paints a portrait of the adopt the ‘do as I say and and holy. roles and responsibilities not as I do’ mantra.’ That EVENTS JUNE 18 - TRIPPIE REDD (Michael Lamar White IV) in July HAPPENINGS, ACTIVITIES & MORE! 2018 announced his debut album, Life’s a Trip, which debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 Album Chart selling 72,000 album-equivalent units. White earned his highest Billboard 200 charting in November 2018 with A Love Letter to You 3, debut- Thru July 4 novators Conference Lakeside United Methodist ing at number three. - BlackCelebrityBirthdays.com Exhibit “Overcoming F.E.A.R.” Church “Tell Their Story: Remem- (False Evidence Appearing 3738 Meridian Street, N. bering the Scottsboro Real) Huntsville, Ala. Boys” www.alblackcc.org 10 a.m.-5p.m. “Every parent is at some Sponsors: “I cannot think of any Burritt on the Mountain, June 18 July 9 point the father of the Francis Tate with CEOTA, Alabama A&M University Reba McEntire need in childhood as unreturned prodigal, with John Allison and the Board of Trustees Propst Arena strong as the need for nothing to do but keep his Morgan County Archives, Ernest L. Knight Reception Von Braun Center and The Scottsboro Boys Center, 10 a.m. 8 p.m. a father’s protection.” house open to hope.” Museum Scottsboro, Ala. The Burritt Museum June 19 September 30 - John Ciardi Greater Huntsville June- Kenny G June 17-18 teenth Drive-In Freedom Concert Hall - Sigmund Freud 2021 Entrepreneurs & In- Festival (Free Admission) Von Braun Center 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 June 18, 2021 7 Rosetta James Foundation “Spotlight on Our Elders” ... Featuring Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Dr. Richard Showers, Sr., earned the B.S. degree in agribusiness educa- tion from Alabama A&M University. He went on to pursue the M.S. degree in trade and industrial educa- tion, also from AAMU.
Dr. Showers, represent- ing District 1, was first elected to the Huntsville City Council in 1988. Dr. Showers retired on July 1, 2005, from the Huntsville City School System, where he was a career technical education teacher. He is currently employed by the Huntsville Center for Tech- nology as a basic career education teacher.
Dr. Showers has served on numerous planning Association, Inc.; and life commissions and boards Huntsville Education Asso- member of Kappa Alpha that are instrumental to ciation, Community Action Psi Fraternity, Inc. the successful growth and Agency Trustee Board, development of Huntsville. Alabama A&M University He has been honored by These boards include: Trustee Board. Dr. Showers Alabama A&M University Planning Commission, is a deacon at the Union for his continuous support Metropolitan Planning Chapel Missionary Baptist of his Alma Mater and its Committee, Clean Com- Church. initiatives, as well as by the munity Committee, Histor- Greater Huntsville Inter- ical Preservation Authority, Showers is the president of denominational Ministe- Zoning Subcommittee, and the Alabama State Mission- rial Fellowship, Alpha the Local Emergency Plan- ary Baptist Laymen’s Move- Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ning Committee and the ment, first vice president (Martin Luther King, Jr., Top of Alabama Regional of the National Baptist Unity Award); the NAACP Council of Governments. Layman’s Movement, and Award for Excellence; and a trustee at Selma Univer- others. He is currently a member sity, Selma, Alabama. He of the National Educa- also is a life member of the He and his wife, Bettye tion Association, Alabama NAACP, life member of Ann, are the proud parents Education Association, the Alabama A&M Alumni of 5 children.
“Spotlight on Our Elders” is a weekly feature sponsored by the Rosetta James Foundation to promote volunteerism and ac- tivism in our community among those who are 70-plus. The Foundation also provides scholarships. Learn more about us at www.rosettajamesfoundation.org. Know an outstanding elder (70+) that you would like to see featured? Send us a photo and 250-word write-up to [email protected]. 8 June 18, 2021 A&M Program Creating Pipeline for Minority STEM Workforce Nearly a year ago, the NDEP program students at two-year institu- a team of science, will gain invaluable tions of higher learning. technology, engineer- hands-on experience, Dr. Ruffin stated that the ing and mathematics make informed deci- local footprint of Step 1 of (STEM) professionals sions when launching the three-step, three-venue from Alabama A&M their careers, and be project has heavily depend- University received prepared to success- ed upon students attracted a $3 million grant fully navigate and from Randolph School, from Department of advance within the New Century School of Defense’s National DoD. This is a win- Technology, Drake State Defense Education win situation.” Community and Technical Program (NDEP). “We have awarded College, Calhoun Commu- The aim of the three- certificates of comple- nity College and Alabama year project is to team’s proposal was titled Here, the primary tion of Year 1 to A&M University. However, develop a multidisciplinary “A 3-Step Approach Provid- public benefit of this effort almost 40 students,” com- the program also pulled support system that will ing a Pipeline of Skilled is to broaden DoD expo- mented Dr. Lassiter, stress- mentors from Huntsville’s Ruffin nurture tomorrow’s STEM Minority STEM Profes- sure and employability of ing that participants met businesses, local govern- technical careers within the pipeline from a growing sionals for the DoD Future participants with second- virtually twice a week in the ment sector and industry. areas of national security minority workforce. Workforce.” ary benefits to enhance 14-week STEM initiative, Now, the program is and defense. Guided by AAMU alum- “The NDEP program the retention and knowl- which started out primar- preparing to phase two For additional informa- nus, physicist and retired was one of the most edge base of minority ily comprised of university of the three-step process, tion, contact Dr. Lassiter U.S. Army Senior Research advantageous programs STEM students attending students. The initiative noted Lassiter. When all is at jonathan.lassiter@aamu. Scientist Dr. Paul Ruffin, that I have ever been able AAMU and its sister MSI then expanded to include said and done, AAMU will edu. For an informative the team’s NDEP proposal to participate in during institutions, University of exceptional high schoolers have played a role in con- overview, see a VIDEO was among a dozen selected my collegiate experience,” Houston-Victoria (UHV) and extended even further tributing significantly to the about the NDEP program. for $31 million in funding said James Sampson, a and Navajo Technical to graduate students and preparation of students in out of almost 200 submis- physics graduate student. University (NTU). This aim sions. Ruffin, in addition to “The amount of exposure, will be met at each of these being the principal investi- excitement and ability to locations and surrounding gator (PI), is AAMU RISE learn firsthand from expe- areas by supplementing the chief scientist and a current rienced professionals that traditional STEM classroom adjunct professor. was provided by the NDEP environment with multi- Rounding out the A&M program is something that step, year-round programs. group are Dr. Andrew Scott, should be recreated for “In NDEP, I learned co-PI and interim director any student interested in a more about other scientific of AAMU-RISE and profes- STEM field.” disciplines and tools,” said sor of electrical engineer- The AAMU initiative Kiah Warner, a partici- ing; Yvette Clayton, co-PI aligns with the goals of the pant from New Century and director of AAMU’s DoD to increase aware- Technology High School. Career Development ness of DoD science and “I learned more about Services; and Dr. Jonathan technology priority areas building my resume, and Lassiter, program manager to prepare students for job interviewing skills. I and AAMU-RISE research technical careers in national definitely recommend this associate. The AAMU security and defense. program to anyone wanting to learn more about cyber- security and technological advances.” “I am honored to be on a team that puts equal emphasis on students’ technical and professional NOW OPEN! skill development,” ex- plained Career Develop- ment Services Director and co-PI Yvette Clayton. “The students that participate in