UNCF B’ham Gala – 3/1/08 April 13, 2008

Whenever, I’m anywhere there is an UNCF office I will volunteer. Many of you may know UNCF from their infamous slogan “A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste“…indeed it is. Thanks to UNCF, UNCF affiliated institutions, and UNCF Special Programs I have been able to attend college and continue with my educational pursuits without financial hardship. However the disclaimer: I am a hard worker, earned good grades and actively pursued opportunities that were important to me. Additionally, all of the scholarships/opportunities I received were based on my academic performance/merit. (I came from the class of people who make too much money for need-based grants and not enough money to pay for college). I donate my time  because I believe in the mission of UNCF and will donate (more) money as I progress in my financial status so that I may help fund the educational pursuits and good works of UNCF.

The picture above is from 2007 when I volunteered as the Silent Auction Manager for the Seattle UNCF Gala featuring Jazz artist Eric Darius. Unfortunately, I’m still waiting on my friend to send me pictures from the B’ham Gala 2008 event (featuring Midnight Star). While you wait just imagine me looking just as beautiful as the previous year (minus the frohawk).

Wine and Karaoke – 2/10/08 April 11, 2008

It all started at the Wine Loft downtown B’ham where we received VIP treatment (free drinks and food) as friends of one of the Sponsors. Upgrade Magazine hosted a fashion show featuring really HOT dresses from designer Maurice Brown …..I would have LOVED to leave the wine loft with that form fitting, backless, all white number perfect for Brazil….too bad I was unemployed at the time. We met some new friends and drifted off to do Karaoke. (You couldn’t pay me to do Karaoke in Tokyo…but alas I get suckered into it in B’ham…and it was <sigh> fun.)

 

 

 

B’ham Obama Rally – 1/29/08 April 8, 2008

 

The crowd at University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Bartow Arena came out in thousands on Sunday. Having being away from B’ham for so long and not aware of the city’s political tempature, I was pleasantly suprised and very moved by the young, but particularly old who came out in walkers, wheel chairs and canes in support of Senator Obama’s presidential run. It was a beautiful day in Alabama and particularly warming to see (and feel) the smiles of our elders who were illuminating with joy. I spent the day (along with a group of friends) volunteering with Obama’s Alabama Action team and seeing in real life…real time that Change is real.

The B’day Girl – 1/28/08 April 8, 2008

 

So, actually, the B’day Girl is not pictured because, well, I’ve been waiting MONTHS for her to send me pictures. This was my first night out after arriving from a stint in Tokyo. Jet (and culture) lagged, it was great hanging, LAUGHING, eating and celebrating my girl T’s BIG 27th B’day. We were hanging out at Steppers-and-Walkers on the North Side of downtown B’ham. If you’re in Birmingham anytime soon, and enjoy a laid back, semi-funky environment, good eats, and great music, please be sure to stop by Steppers-and-Walkers…it’s what’s hot right now.

MLK Day – 1/21/08 April 7, 2008

So it was great to be home again! Every MLK Day the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute has free admission for the community. My brothers, cousins, and friends (Adriane and Chris) all carpooled together to the Civil Rights District downtown and had a great day learning and sharing with one another. The museum was packed and we had to wait about 30 minutes before entering the museum. I was very pleased to see sooo many families and young people come out to celebrate MLK Day.  In the picture above, we stand in front of a statue of Civil Rights Leader, Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth.