On Saturday, July 27th, I attended the world premier of the documentary, STAND: The Story of Miles College and its’ leadership role in The Civil Rights Movement. The producer of the documentary, Donna Dukes, the daughter of Frank VOLUME I • Issue 3 September, 2013 Dukes–the organizer of the “selective buying campaign” in , AL, that began at Miles College. The evening was full of historical moments, guests that intrigued the Miles College, Moving Miles Forward audience with their stories and the sometimes comical that black people spent more than $4 million dollars in revenue moments that took place during the movement. The stories included weekly prior to this boycott-this was in 1962 (Stand: Documentary, people like Eugene “Bull” Connor and how he played into the hands of 2013) The goal was to stop black shoppers from purchasing items Miles College and its illustrious dence Hall. The new student activities the organizers of the boycott. People like Dr. Lucius Pitts, the president from the segregated stores in downtown Birmingham, AL. The black leader, Dr. George T. French, Jr., have center will be named in honor of the of Miles College during that time, and the phenomenal role that Miles people could shop in the stores but could not try on the clothes before been moving miles forward at lightning current President Dr. George T. French, played in the movement that changed the world. purchasing them, nor could they eat at the delicatessen in the stores To take a trip down memory lane, Mr. Dukes, now 82 years old, was speed. From Father of the Year, to Presi- Jr. The new residence hall, will be named and they could not work in the stores. The people became motivated dent of the Year, From Man of the Year in honor of the Chairman of the Board a student at Miles College and the president of the Student Government by the injustices that existed in Birmingham, mainly the way they were Dates to Remember Association during 1961-62, and the creator of the selective buying treated and the opportunities they were given-shopping, spending their to the antici- of Trustees, campaign. During that turbulent time in American history, it was against money, but never shopkeepers, shop owners of the places that took October 1, 1968 Attorney Arthur Shores is pated grand Bishop Te- the law to have a ‘boycott’. As a result, Mr. Dukes created another the first black elected to the Birmingham City opening cel- resa E. Snor- advantage of their place in life. Council way to address the issues concerning the segregation that existed in It is difficult to capture in a limited amount of space the story of ebration, of ton, and the Birmingham. The campaign began during Easter week of 1962. The Miles and its leadership role, but there is a wonderful preview of the October 1, 1989 Colin Powell becomes first not one, not theater in strategy for the selective buying campaign was to stop all shopping by documentary on YouTube (type in Stand: Miles College Documentary). black chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff two, but three the Welcome “colored” (African American) shoppers which hit the merchants where It will inspire and enlighten you….It is a great day at Miles! q they lived- their financial means. The Wall Street Journal reported October 8, 1966 The Black Panthers Party new build- and Enroll- Gwendolyn Dees, Assistant Professor, Division of Humanities founded ings, the good ment Services October 14, 1964 Reverend Martin Luther times are defi- Center will “No. 1,” Cosby said. “Know your assignment. And if you don’t know, go to King, Jr. awarded Nobel Peace Prize nitely rolling be named the coach and say, ‘I need help’. There’s always somebody who knows the at Miles Col- in honor of Bill Cosby Gives Pep Talk play. You don’t want to bother people when they say, ‘Break!’ and you come October 20, 1958 Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, Reverend J.S. Phifer and 11 lege. K i r k w o o d out and say, ‘Where do I go?’ You’re not doing your team any good.” others arrested for protesting bus segregation On Thurs- Balton. “You have 10 other people on the field with you. Do your job!”, Cosby Dr. French & students discuss plans for the soon day, October A p p r o x i - exhorted. “Do your job. Don’t say, ‘Well, he’s good enough so he can do this October 24, 1961 U.S. District Judge H.H. to be dedicated buildings. and I can stay out of it. Put it in there.” Grooms orders desegregation of all city facilities 17, Dr. French mately 5,000 He left the team with two rallying cries---’Courage’ and ‘Make it happen’. will proudly present the three new build- attendees are anticipated for the cer- He asked the players to repeat the mantras, not with a resounding shout October 29, 1969 U.S. Supreme Court orders ings during the Ribbon Cutting Cer- emony. Guests will include hundreds of but with a reserved sincerity from within. He implored them to keep on fight- desegregation of all public schools ing on the field until there was no time left on the clock and for each man to emony and Grand Opening, of the New high school students, alums, board of look to himself to be the catalyst to change things. October 30, 1979 Richard Arrington Jr. W e l c o m e trustee mem- “I watch him all the time when I have a chance,” Miles quarterback David elected as first black mayor of Birmingham Thomas said of “The Cosby Show”. “Because my parents grew up off of it, Enrollment bers, com- my cousins and family members. So, it’s just been a part of my life, learning November 8, 1960 John F. Kennedy elected S e r v i c e s munity lead- life lessons from him has just been great. Seeing him today was just a big president Center, Stu- ers, political moment in my life.” q dent Dining officials, stu- Bill Cosby was in the Magic City this weekend as chair of the 50th Anniver- November 11, 1960 Veterans Day sary of the 1963 Civil Rights Movement. Saturday, he spoke at the “Changing Center, and dents, fac- Lives and Entrepreneurial Summit” at the BJCC. The Miles Wire is a newsletter for the Miles College faculty and staff November 17, 1951 Denise McNair was the 204-Bed ulty and staff But for a few minutes early Friday morning, he was just an ex-ballplayer, distributed by the Office of College Relations. If you would like more born R e s i d e n c e all gathered information about this publication, contact Alicia Johnson-Williams at dropping some words of wisdom on the younger generation of ballers to get November 22, 1963 President John F. Hall. to celebrate them ready for a big game. Cosby delivered an insightful and, of course, com- 205-929-1641 or email at [email protected]. Kennedy assassinated In addi- and to hear ical message to the Miles’ football team at the Golden Bears’ walk-through Editor: Alicia Johnson-Williams practice before they took on West Georgia on the road Saturday. tion to the s p e a k e r s ContributingWriter: Graphics & Design: Proofing: December 1, 1955 NAACP member Rosa “My kids they were so excited,” Miles coach Reginald Ruffin said. “We Parks refuses to give up her seat on a public grand- open- such as Gov- grew up watching, you know the history of Bill Cosby, “Fat Albert” and “The Gwendolyn Dees Bruce Thomas Tania Adams bus Cosby Show” and all the stuff that they’ve done for people and communities ing, cer- ernor Robert and not just black and white but all communities. (Cosby was) just showing December 14, 1959 Federal Judge H.H. emony, New Dr. French among those honored as Father of the Year Bentley, who you life lessons. It was very special.” Grooms rules that blacks can be seated Men’s Dorm by the American Diabetes Association. is among the The team huddled around Cosby near the 50-yard line at Albert J. Sloan- anywhere on Birmingham buses will be renamed in honor of Bishop Paul impressive list slated for the dais. Alumni Stadium. He talked to players about the basics of football and, in many ways, life. December 25, 1956 Bomb explodes at the A.G Stewart, Sr. and Bishop Lawrence All in all, every day is a great day, at home of the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth L. Reddick III. The dorm will now be Miles College. q known as the Stewart Reddick Resi- Miles College Welcomes Dr. Charles C. Woods Honored Golden Bears Golf Team Dr. Kevin. P. Walsh Inducted into The Society of the Golden Key

For the first time in Miles College is proud to The of West Alabama of which provide enrichment services for minorities in STEM school history, Miles announce the new Vice Presi- honored its top students for their fields. As Principal Investigator or collaborator, he has received College will offer golf dent of Institutional Planning academic achievement and lead- grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Insti- as a sponsored sport and Development and new ership Wednesday, March 20, tutes of Health’s Mentored Experiences in Research, Instruction, the school recently an- President’s Cabinet member, during the institution’s annual and Teaching (MERIT) Program, NASA, the College Fund, the nounced. The Golden Bears Golf Team begins Dr. Kevin P. Walsh. Dr. Walsh Honors Day convocation. In ad- Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center, and the its inaugural season dur- is very excited about joining dition to recognizing student U.S. Department of Education’s Minority Science and Engineering ing the 2013-2014 school the administrative staff and the honorees, the University inducted Improvement Program. year. opportunity to expand current three alumni into the Society of A few of Woods’ personal accolades include Miles College’s “This new golf team is development efforts by con- the Golden Key, the highest honor Teacher of the Year, AAMU National Needs Scholarship Recipi- a great opportunity for tinuing to connect with do- bestowed upon a UWA graduate. ent, Patricia Robert-Harris Fellow, and recipient of the 2001 UWA Miles College to show yet nors, partners, and other com- The Society of the Golden Key Alumni Achievement Award. He is a member of the American As- another component of munity support entities. He was established in 1963 to honor sociation for the Advancement of Science, the American Society the culture, class and ci- would also like to garner new outstanding alumni who have for Microbiology, the American Soil Science Association, the Na- vility that we instill in our relationships that will further brought distinction upon the Uni- tional Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, students.” says President strengthen the support of the versity by the quality of their lives and the Agronomy Society of America. q George T. French. “It is a college and grow additional and their achievements. Since the Coach Leonard Smoot testament of the standard Dr. Kevin P. Walsh Dr. Charles C. Woods of excellence that we ex- resources. initial charter, only 205 members pect from our students academically and holistically”. Dr. Walsh has a strong background in and have been inducted. Being charged with the task of building the Golden nonprofit fundraising. He earned his Ph.D. in Early Childhood Dr. Charles C. Woods of Alabaster received his bachelor’s and Bear program is first year head coach Leonard Smoot. A and Elementary Education with double minors in Philosophy of master’s degrees in biology from the University of West Alabama retired 24-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps Education and Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. in 1987 and 1992, respectively. He earned his Ph.D. in environ- (USMC), Smoot brings over 20 years of competitive golf Walsh is a 14 time recipient of Excellence in Teaching Award at mental microbiology at Alabama A&M University in 1996 and ac- experience. He has several top-10 finishes in competi- U.A.B. and has been featured in a 1992 New York Times article, cepted an Assistant Professorship in biology at Miles College in Sunday tive tournaments throughout Southeast Asia and Europe, “A Rising Argument That Teaching Values Should Rank With Les- 1995. Over the next eight years, Woods achieved the rank of Pro- 11:00 a.m. Service at Miles Chapel including wins at the Wago Championship (Okinawa, Ja- sons” Published: January 01, 1992” He has served as keynote fessor, while teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses, (hand out Mardi Gras Beads and Masks) pan) as well as the Staff & Officer Championship (Awase, speaker at numerous national conventions including the National and maintaining a significant and rigorous research portfolio. 3:00 p.m. Mask Decoration Japan). In 2002, Smoot became just the third African- 4:00 p.m. Coronation American to make the United States Marines Golf Team. School Board Association in Arkansas and the School Board As- Woods’ courses and special research interests include general 9:00 p.m. Masquerade Ball The Miles College golf team will take part in non-com- sociation in Louisiana School Board Association. and honors biology, environmental science, honors research, Monday petitive events during the fall semester, beginning with Dr. Walsh currently serves as the Greater Alabama Boy Scouts soil science, scientific writing, geology, embryology, bioremedia- 6:00 p.m. Talent Show Council Director of Learning for Life and Director of Human tion, and phytoremediation. His publications and manuscripts in- 8:00 p.m. Bonfire (Burial of the Thorobred) the National Black College Hall of Fame Golf Invitational, 9:30 p.m. Hot Wing Eating Contest September 27th-29th in Atlanta, GA. The Golden Bears’ Resources and previously served the organization as Director clude topics such as the microbiological characteristics of mine 11:00 p.m. Club Sub season will officially begin in spring 2014. of Education in Birmingham. His work with the Boy Scouts of spoils in Alabama and Tennessee and the relationship between “The motto for our golf team this season will be P.M.A., Tuesday America, gave him the vision to begin Birmingham’s Youth Lead- soil enzyme activity, viable plate count, and respiration, biomass, 11:00 a.m. High School Visitation Day/ fun fest which stands for Positive Mental Attitude. What this ership Development Program in 2009. The YLDP soon grew to and soil properties on microbial proliferation and wetland soils. 8:00 p.m. STS Bus Skating 8-12 means is that regardless of the situation, we want our serve over 500 students representing 53 different high schools He has presented on topics such as environmental sustainability, student-athletes to have a positive mental attitude as well Wednesday from around the greater Birmingham area. It also branched out environmental justice, and African-Americans and science at sev- 11:00 a.m. Miles College Trivia as the will to win, whether it’s on the golf course, in the to develop YLDPs in St. Clair and Blount/Cullman counties, and eral regional and national conferences and programs. classroom, or just functioning in society,” Smoot stated. 8:00 p.m. Comedy Show Coach Smoot states that he has already successfully re- more are on the way! The YLDP was designed to give young peo- In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Woods has been exten- Thursday cruited four players, two from Atlanta, GA and two from ple an in-depth experience in developing as students, leaders, and sively involved in professional development, leadership, and 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Dedication citizens. programmatic activities for student enrichment. He serves on a 5:00 p.m. Community Service Kimberly, Al. They are set to enroll as freshmen this fall 6:00 p.m. Fashion/ Talent Show and he looks to add more golfers to the team prior to the The Walsh of Leadership is a three night/four day number of Miles College’s committees, including the Compliance

Schedule of Events Schedule 7:00 p.m. Bourbon Street/Block Party start of the upcoming season. leadership experience for rising seniors to expose them to many Certification Team, the Institutional Planning and Assessment “My goal is to find good students that want to receive new and diverse individuals, ideas and situations that will chal- Team, the Judicial Council, the Honors Curriculum Committee, Friday 11:00 a.m. Stroll Off a quality education. We want to develop a successful golf lenge them as leaders. and the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee and serves as Chair 9:00 p.m. Concert program that can compete for SIAC Championships as Dr. Walsh will lead the development team and its efforts at Miles for the Faculty Development Committee and the Grants Writing well as NCAA Division II Championships,” says Smoot. Saturday College which include but are not limited to: grant writing, annual Committee. 9:00 a.m. Miles College Homecoming Parade For inquiries about the Miles College golf program, giving, donor cultivation, capital campaigns, and special fundrais- Woods has experienced considerable success with procuring 4:00 p.m. Miles College Homecoming Game contact Head Coach Leonard Smoot by email at lsmoot@ ing events. q external funding for a variety of initiatives at Miles College, many 8:00 p.m. Step Show miles.edu or by phone at 205-929-1617. q