News/Entertainment/Restaurant Scorecard/Varion/Celebrity News/What's Hot!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH VARION WALTON
It isn’t everyday Varion Walton finds herself on the other side of the camera. In a crucial, candidate conversations with new podcast host, JL. Orr, this 20-year news veteran talks candidly about the future of the news industry, artificial technology, bloggers vs journalists and much more. Check out the trailer to this week’s “Mere Motivation” with JL Orr, exclusively on YouTube.
The NAACP Image Awards have long been a beacon for recognizing and celebrating the incredible contributions of Black artists, storytellers, and change makers. this year's nominations are as inspiring as ever, and one documentary, in particular, has captured our attention. "How to Sue The Klan," which has been nominated for Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)(. This powerful film shares the riveting story of five Black women in Chattanooga, Tennessee, who courageously fought and won a legal battle against the Ku Klux Klan.
“How To Sue The Klan“ is more than just a film—it’s a compelling chronicle of resilience and justice. Directed by John Beder and co-produced by Chattanooga's own Nicole Brown, the documentary reveals the untold story of how Fannie Mae Crumsey and four other brave women stood up to the Klan in a groundbreaking civil suit. The film, executive produced by renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump, sheds light on a critical but often overlooked chapter in history.
Nicole Brown, an independent filmmaker in her own right joined forces with famed Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump, and Director John Beder in getting out the story of how the five Black women from Chattanooga, Tennessee used legal ingenuity to take on the Ku Klux Klan in a historic 1982 civil case. The film documents their sheer will to hold the Klan accountable for their crimes and bring justice to the community. Their victory set a legal precedent that continues to inspire the ongoing fight against organized hate today.
For more information about this highly acclaimed independent film, visit: How to Sue the Klan Website
(MOBILE, Alabama)
May 31, 2024 – The First Bank has donated $75,000 to Bishop State Community
College for scholarships and program support as part of a major giving campaign launched by the bank for historically black colleges and universities across the southeast.
The donation, accepted through the Bishop State Community College Foundation, will create The First Bank Endowed Scholarship, assist Bishop State’s Scholars Bowl program, as well as provide student services and athletics program support. “This significant level of investment will have far-reaching impacts on our students, enhancing their educational opportunities and college experience,” said Bishop State president, Olivier Charles. “We are deeply grateful to The First Bank for recognizing and supporting the contributions that HBCUs make across the nation.”
Bishop State dean of students, Dr. Carl Cunningham, said the donation will provide the Scholars Bowl program the resources it needs to excel. Bishop State hosts high school competitions and has its own team of college students who compete regionally. "Participating in the Scholars Bowl not only enriches academic knowledge and prepares students for future success, but it also fosters critical thinking, teamwork and confidence," said Cunningham.
The donation will also support Bishop State’s athletics programs and student services. Cunningham added that this support will further enrich the student experience and provide diversified opportunities for student engagement.
The new $20,000 endowed scholarship fund “will provide enduring support for our students, ensuring that generations to come can access quality education,” said Clinton Johnson, Jr., chairman of the Bishop State Community College Foundation. “These funds empower students to focus on their academic and personal growth, creating a lasting legacy of opportunity and success.”
As part of the philanthropic campaign, The First Bank awarded $1 million to 12 historically black colleges and universities across Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. “At The First Bank, we are proud to support higher education institutions like Bishop State Community College who are working diligently to provide equal access to educational opportunities and enrich the unique cultural heritage that forms the fabric of the culture in South Alabama,” said Jerome Brown, chief community officer for The First Bank. “By providing scholarships and enriching athletic programs and student services, more students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education, build financial security and engage with their peers.”
For more information, contact Courtney Steele, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. (Direct) 251-405-7135 Email: csteele@bishop.edu
# # #.
(New Orleans, LA.) It's an insanely popular drama series capturing the hearts of fans around the world.
Five years ago we had the good fortune of sitting down exclusively with famed Director Ava DuVernay as she introduced the brand new series. She told Varion Walton about this great cast made up of newcomers during Essence Music Festival 2017.
Ava predicted the OWN Television series derived from the novel "Queen Sugar" would turn heads, but nothing could have prepared us for what was to come.
Before we bid farewell to The Bordelons this fall, first, a look back at the interview that started it all. Check out this VISIONVOICEVARION Exclusive!!!
(ATLANTA, GEORGIA)--The Dream is possible, and Alabama's own Super Hero, Austin Perine, aka President Austin is showing us how "givers gain," with his big break on BET's House of Pain. For more than 3 years Austin has made national headlines for his caring heart and charity work in his native Birmingham and beyond.
New this week Austin makes his debut on Tyler Perry's hit sitcom "House of Pain," Wednesday, March 30th at 8p CST/9 EST. It's commendable to see hit filmmaker tap into the "Next Generation" of child stars with ties to the state of Alabama. Set your DVRs, mark you calendar, spread the word, this is going to be awesome for this Birmingham native.
