The First Bank Donates $75,000 to Bishop State Community College!

 

From left: The First Banks' Ira Bates, John Erwin, and C. Jerome Brown present a $75,000 donation to Bishop State President Olivier Charles, Bishop State Community College Foundation Chairman Clinton Johnson, Jr., and Dean of Students Dr. Carl Cunningham. 

(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

                                                                        # # #. 

"ALL THINGS BAYFEST"--GRAMMY NOMINATED SINGER TAMIA!

(MOBILE, AL.)---Introducing the beautiful and talented Tamia!  The first night of the 19th Annual Bayfest Music Festival was hot in more ways than one with the performance of this Grammy nominated artist.  Just let me say her husband, NBA Superstar Grant Hill is no slouch either.  It was great witnessing them supporting each, truly embracing what can only be called a "beautiful life!"

Tamia takes more than a "few minutes" backstage greeting, smiling and being incredibly warm with each and every fan who was granted access for a during her performance at Bayfest 2013.  Great show from this very determined wife, mother and award winning artist!  Way to go lady in "balancing a beautiful life and truly having it all!"






Stay connected with our EXCLUSIVE, "ALL ACCESS" BACKSTAGE COVERAGE on www.facebook.com/vwnetwork

ANTHONY HAMILTON, ZAC BROWN BAND, T.I., TAMAR BRAXTON--BAYFEST 2013 IS SIZZLING!

(MOBILE, AL)---OCTOBER IS SIZZLING!  In just 3 days more than 150-thousand screaming music lovers will descend on Downtown Mobile.  BEFORE THE FIRST NOTE IS PLAYED,  Varion Walton is giving you a SECOND LOOK at 'All Things Bayfest!'  Executive Director Shana Jordan answers all of your questions about who's coming, if you can bring chairs and WHERE you can still the HOTTEST TICKET in town.  VISION/VOICE/VARION....."everyday, everywhere!"

18 DAYS AND COUNTING! BAYFEST WEEKEND PASSES ON SALE NOW!

STAY CONNECTED FOR TICKET GIVEAWAYS

(MOBILE, AL)--VISION/VOICE/VARION is your headquarter for "all things Bayfest!" This year the VVV crew is stepping it up, bringing you even more exclusive interviews, cool giveaways and all of the music you can handle.

THIS JUST IN: K-Rob, a Bayfest favorite is performing again, Sunday, October 6th.  But this time, Vision/Voice/Varion has learned K-Rob is opening act for his legendary uncle, Ron Isley and The Isley Brothers.  That's just a sample of some of the exciting entertainment news you can expect over the next two weeks. Varion Walton and her crew are gearing up to cover Bayfest 2013 from the opening ceremonies to the final closing song.

2013 BayFest Performer, K-ROB  Photo Coutesy: E-Photo

Bayfest's line-up for 2013 is second to none! The Zac Brown Band, Anthony Hamilton, Tamia, Hunter Hays, Tamar Braxton, R. Kelly and many more.  125 national and local acts performing on 9 different stages in Downtown Mobile.  

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO as Varion Walton talks with Shana Jordan, Executive Director of Bayfest about this year's line-up and how Alabama's Largest Music Festival continues to "the destination" for the first weekend in October.

Organizers expect more than 250-thousand screaming music fans looking for the hottest stars in country, R&B, Rap, Hip Hop and Rock and Roll. This year there's something to satisfy even the most discriminating music critic. Spread the word, tell a friend, "Bayfest 2013 is simply going to be epic!"

STAY CONNECTED TO VISION/VOICE/VARION FOR EXCITING BAYFEST TRIVA AND GIVEAWAYS!                           
                                                                  

CHECK OUT THE COMPLETE LINE-UP, PLUS GET YOUR WEEKEND PASSES NOW: VISIT: www.bayfest.com

BAYFEST ANNOUNCES LINE-UP FOR 2013

3 DAYS!  125 MUSICAL ACTS!   9 STAGES!

(Mobile, AL.)-- Check out the lineup for Bayfest 2013!  I am totally pumped about Anthony Hamilton The Zac Brown Band and Hunter Hays. Over the years, Bayfest has featured some of the biggest names in R&B, Pop and Country Music and this year is no exception!  Bayfest's announcement of it's line-up for 2013 proves why it is quickly becoming "Alabama's Largest Music Festival!"

                                   

Zac Brown Band

Varion Walton and Tamia-Essence- 2012  

The addition of Tamia and the Isley Brothers should also generate a lot of interest for R&B lovers.  Tamia, fresh from The Essence Music Festival has new music that's climbing the charts.  The Grammy Award nominated singer is making her way back to the stage after an extended hiatus. She and her husband,  former NBA Superstar Grant Hill  have been busy raising two daughters. After a five year absence,  this beautiful Canadian songbird is once again ready to balance touring and being a mother.                                                                 

Anthony Hamilton 

Another nice addition to the line-up includes the "legendary" Isley Brothers.  I had the pleasure of seeing Ron Isley and the Isley Brothers near Memphis, Tennessee last December.  Let's just say to all of your "Mr. Big" fans out there-- you're in for a treat.  Ron Isley still has it vocally.

BayFest will celebrate it's 19th year October 4th-6th.  Festival organizers expect more than 200, 000 music lovers to pack into Downtown Mobile. Past performers at BayFest include:  Luke Bryan, Kid Rock, Duran Duran, Kenny Chesney,  Mary J. Blige, Montley Crue and B.B. King and many, many more!  

Weekend passes are now available.  Cash in on the early bird specials today!

VISIT: www.bayfest.com.

BAYFEST 2012-- ALABAMA'S LARGEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

(Mobile, AL.) --Hard to be believe, but in less than 40 days more than 200-thousand people will be jammed packed into Downtown Mobile.  Bayfest Music Festival is almost here and VISION/VOICE/VARION has learned the line-up could be any better, or could it? Next Thursday don't miss our coverage of the big announcement of the final acts committed to this year's big music festival.

Bayfest is one of the Southeast's biggest parties and everyone is invited. This year's headlines feature some of the country's best known acts and in every genre imaginable.  Gospel, rock, rap , R & B, hip hop and jazz. Keep it here to "VISION/VOICE/VARION" for great ticket giveaways and how Bayfest is attracting music lovers from as far as Houston.

For more ticket information, visit--www.bayfest.com

Olympic Superstar Jackie Joyner-Kersee Visits Alabama

(MOBILE, AL.) It isn't everyday a Mobile County High School student gets to meet a 3 time Olympic champion. Track star and Olympic Icon Jackie Joyner Kersee was the guest speaker at the YWCA's Empowerment Summit at The Marriott Hotel. Taylor Mixon, a sophomore at Davidson High School was one of hundreds who lined up meet Kersee. Taylor, who is an aspiring track star in her own right got some pointers from the legendary track star on how to "go for the gold."

During her brief visit to The Port City I got a chance to chat briefly with this popular wife and mother being an Olympiad and what she thought of her first visit to The Gulf Coast?

"The Story Behind The Story"-The Nation's Reaction to USCG Search!

(Mobile, Alabama)--The bodies of two crew members from a crashed Coast Guard helicopter were recovered Thursday night form Mobile Bay, the Coast Guard said. Pilot Dale Taylor and Co-Pilot Thomas Cameron were found near the crash sight at the bottom of Mobile Bay.  Authorities say Drew Knight, a Coast Guard mechanic on board the doomed chopper, is still missing. Chief Petty Officer Fernando Jorge, a swimmer for the crew was found unresponsive the day of the crash and later declared dead. He was one of the first known casualties of this tragedy.

It's a heartbreaking headline that has folks along the Gulf Coast praying for the victim's families. Soon I would discover prayers and a tremendous amount of outpouring was also coming from my own family. Surprisingly, a story I assumed I had no connection to suddenly hit "close to home!"

A family member who used to live in the Palmer Woods, a subdivision in Semmes called me from New Jersey Tuesday night to tell me the pilot who perished in the crash was his neighbor. Across the miles my cousin, who is more like my little brother helpless watched with the rest of us, as our worst fears became reality.  My cousin would ultimately learn the man at the helm of the downed Coast Guard's helicopter Dale Taylor, was one of his closest neighbors from his old neighborhood.

That night my cousin shared this photo released by Dale Taylor's wife of their family. My grieving relative also shared something else I wasn't expecting, a "story behind the story!" He recalled Taylor as a doting husband and father who always had a smile and a kind word.  This week, the Coast Guard pilot is being remembered by those still living in this closed-knit community as "one of the nicest guys". Anytime I was out cutting my grass in the "sweltering" heat he immediately would come over and ask, "Can I help?" It's a real shame.  "He was really good guy," is how my cousin, an officer in the Air Force remembered this fallen hero.

Everyday God issues a lesson in life and today this tragic story is mine. What I know for sure...everyday servicemen and women like Dale Taylor put their lives on their line protecting our borders by land, sea and air. So the next time you see a service member making it home at the end of a long tour in the Middle East or at the end of a long day of training where you live, take the time to tell them "thank you" for all they do in keeping us safe because you never know when it might be your last.

2011 YEAR IN REVIEW: K-Rob Live on VISION/VOICE/VARION

                 K-ROB's "Golden Opportunity" for BayFest 2011


(MOBILE, AL.)  What do you get when you stir up soulful ingredients like a "choir boy" in the church, a direct link to a legendary R&B family along with the incredible influences of iconic crooners like Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway?  K-Rob, of course!  This rising star appeared Live on "VISION/VOICE/VARION" following his performance with BayFest 2011.  Check him out as he talks about mixing the nuances of today's R&B/Hip Hop with the "old school" flava.

(PREVIOUSLY RECORDED-- K-Rob Live on Vision/Voice/Varion during BayFest 2011)

Photo Courtesy: "E" of Elpwe's Photography

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON K-ROB                  
CLICK ONTO THE LINK BELOW:
http://www.myspace.com/kheights

MOONPIE OVER MOBILE!

NEW STAGE LOCATION AND FUNKY OPENING ACT ADDED TO MOONPIE FUN 2012 IN DOWNTOWN MOBILE

Event Televised Over Much Of The Country

MOBILE, Ala., December 13, 2011 – The corner of St. Joseph and St. Francis Streets in downtown Mobile will be the hot spot for New Year’s fun this year. Prepare for a “Fantastic Voyage,” as Lakeside warms up the crowd before legendary rockers Three Dog Night ring in 2012, along with the MoonPie Drop, a laser show and fireworks from atop the RSA BankTrust Building and in Mobile Bay.

The events will kick off with a Mardi Gras-style parade at 7:30 that will parade through downtown. From the funky “Fantastic Voyage” to rock anthem “Joy to the World” the music will be both diverse and family-friendly taking revelers on a musical flashback. Whether you prefer RC Cola or a glass of champagne, ring in the New Year in downtown Mobile. 

“We looked at several locations and wanted to bring the MoonPie Drop and stage location closer together to build more enthusiasm,” said Mayor Sam Jones of Mobile. “The combination of the great entertainment, the uniqueness of the MoonPie Drop and an anticipated large crowd have the makings of one amazing evening,” said Jones. “Our sponsors are making this possible and we are delighted that nearly 20 media markets will be counting down the new year live from Mobile, Alabama.”  

File Photo: Downtown Mobile

The new stage location, adjacent to Bienville Square, will allow for larger crowds, better protection from the weather and great views of the MoonPie and the fireworks shows. A new VIP area on the sixth floor of the RSA BankTrust Building parking deck will enable sponsors to get a bird’s eye view of the entertainment and the falling cookie. The 12-foot-tall electronic MoonPie will descend from the 34-story RSA BankTrust skyrise as the city welcomes 2012 and the beginning of Mardi Gras season.

This year’s MoonPie Over Mobile celebration will start with a Mardi Gras-style parade double the size of the 2010 parade and will feature floats, bands and a few surprises. Afterwards, a street party of live entertainment will help draw thousands of people downtown. Downtown Mobile will be one giant street party that will last into the early hours of the New Year.  

“Mobile’s New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring the MoonPie Over Mobile has become a cultural phenomenon in the entire USA,” said Mobile City Councilman Fred Richardson.  “Last year we had more than 40,000 people attend MoonPie Over Mobile and we hope to make it even larger this year,” said Richardson. “I look forward to this New Year’s Eve being the best that has ever been in our city.” First started in 2008, MoonPie Over Mobile gives locals and tourists a chance to experience New Year’s Eve with a bit of Mardi Gras flavor. “It is time to ‘Celebrate,’ just like the Three Dog Night song.” Richardson is credited for creating the MoonPie Over Mobile concept.

“All eyes will be on Mobile this New Year’s Eve,” said Kent Blackinton, general manager of Renaissance Riverview Plaza and president of the Mobile Hotel Association. “We are going to make a great party even better this year, and we are looking to fill the streets of Mobile and the hotel rooms in the city. Television views throughout the Central Time Zone can watch MoonPie Over Mobile live in a 35-minute telecast on Raycom stations, but we would rather have you being part of the excitement.” 

  

Why a MoonPie?

Mobile is the home of America’s first Mardi Gras celebration, and the MoonPie is the favored “throw” of the hundreds of Mardi Gras maskers riding the floats during the extensive Mardi Gras parade season.  MoonPies were first thrown from Mardi Gras floats in 1952. Today, Mobile consumes more than four million MoonPies annually, and has adopted the delicious treat as an informal emblem. For the MoonPie Over Mobile celebration, this southern city has teamed up with Chattanooga Bakery, the maker of the iconic MoonPie marshmallow sandwich, to create the largest electronic MoonPie as the featured attraction for its New Year’s Eve celebration. This is the fourth year an electronic version of the delicious treat will light up downtown Mobile.

Mardi Gras was first discovered in the New World in 1703 at Twenty-Seven Mile Bluff, the first settlement in Mobile. The first masked parading society, the Cowbellion de Rakin society, was formed in 1830. Mobile currently has more than 50 parading and non-parading organizations. An estimated 850,000 people attend parades, parties and other organizations associated with the carnival festivities. This number will likely increase in 2012.

About Lakeside

“The Lakeside journey began when a group of high school students from Ohio formed a band made up of talented musicians and has sustained them for more than 27-years. Recording moguls Motown, ABC and Solars have felt the Lakeside vibe producing many of the "Fantastic Voyage" mega hits that took the music industry by storm. The sound of funk hits such as "All The Way Live", "Raid" and "Outrageous", are known to draw people to the dance floor like a magnet to metal. And of course, there is the Lakeside anthem that sets the band apart from all the rest. Brought back by Coolio, "Fantastic Voyage" boasts to be the only song to knock Michael Jackson's "Heartbreak Hotel" from the number one position on the Billboard Charts in 1980. The hit single "Fantastic Voyage", continues to entertain new and seasoned fans.

About Three Dog Night

Legendary music icons, Three Dog Night, celebrate their 4th decade, performing to sell-out crowds and bringing along some of the most astonishing chart statistics in popular music including 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including three #1 singles, 11 Top 10's, and 12 straight RIAA Certified Gold LPs.

Perfectly re-creating their larger than life songs, Three Dog Night will perform their hits including “Mama Told Me (Not To Come)”,  “Joy to The World”, “Black and White”,  “Shambala”, “One”, “Liar”, “Celebrate” and many more songs that drive their success. Three Dog Night, which is made up of founding members Cory Wells and Danny Hutton on lead vocals, original band mates Jimmy Greenspoon (keyboards) and Michael Allsup (guitar) and completed by Paul Kingery (bass and vocals) and Pat Bautz (drums), now perform for audiences spanning several generations. After nearly 40 years together, Three Dog Night continues to grow its fan base and develop new ways of doing business.   Since 1986, they have performed over 2,000 shows including two Super Bowls.

Where Will MoonPie Over Mobile Be Televised?

Raycom Media will be doing a live 45-minute telecast from MoonPie Over Mobile. It will be telecast on the following stations:  WAFF - Huntsville, AL; WBRC - Birmingham, AL;

WSFA - Montgomery, AL; WDFX - Dothan, AL; WTVM - Columbus, GA; WPGX - Panama City, FL; WLOX - Biloxi, MS; WDAM - Hattiesburg, MS; WLBT - Jackson, MS; KAIT -  Jonesboro, AR; KTRE - Lufkin, TX; KLTV - Tyler, TX; KCBD - Lubbock, TX; WAFB - Baton Rouge, LA; KPLC - Lake Charles, LA; KSLA - Shreveport, LA; WMC - Memphis, TN; KFVS - Cape Giradeau, MO and KYOU - Ottumwa, IA. Locally, WKRG in Mobile will air the telecast. Other stations are certainly welcome to create their own live telecast. 

WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN "VISION, VOICE, VARION" BAYFEST TICKET GIVEAWAY!!

(Downtown Mobile) October 1--It pays to watch "VISION/VOICE/VARION". During a live drawing at The Hampton Inn & Suites Varion Walton announced the winners in this weekend's big drawing.

Cicone Prince, Tiffany McCall and Greg Walter are the winners of (2) free weekend passes BayFest 2011.  Check out their pictures and reaction to winning the "hottest ticket" in town!  (Greg Walter, not pictured!)

Cicone Prince--Mobile, AL.

I am so grateful to have won tickets from Vision, Voice, Varion! My wife and I will make the most of them at Bay Fest 2011 and we Thank Varion Walton for giving us this opportunity!
There will always be people in your life that make an indelible impact, whether a parent, teacher or mentor these individuals ignite passion, creativity and servant hood. Varion Walton is one of those people. Varion provides insight, inspiration and integrity that embodies professionalism in journalism that is impactful and relevant. Her approach to coverage, interviewing and communicating leaves you wanting more. I am grateful to know her and I look for nothing less than stellar reporting from her in the future. I will be tuning into Vision, Voice, Varion for the latest in News, Entertainment and Inspiration.
Thanks.

Cicone Prince

     

K-Rob's "Golden Opportunity" for BayFest 2011

(Mobile, AL.) September 5th--- EXCLUSIVE STORY ONLY ON VARIONWALTON.COM

"RISING STAR"   K-ROB

VarionWalton.Com is Your Exclusive "Backstage Pass" to "All Things Bayfest".  Be sure to check out all of  the exclusive stories leading up to the kick-off of Alabama's Biggest Festival October 7th, 8th and 9th.  Earlier this year Varion introduced the Gulf Coast to the latest member of The Isley Family 'moving and grooving" the ladies out of their seats with his "golden" voice.  K-Rob, nephew of the great Ron Isley is now taking advantage of a "golden opportunity" as he joins the line-up for BayFest 2011. K-Rob is expected to perform his rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Golden Lady" on the Miller Lite and Wind Creek Casino Stage Saturday October 8th.  To learn more about this "rising star" check out Varion's official website: www.varionwalton.com or www.reverbnation.com/krob.  

Also, visit www.facebook.com/pages/k-rob/57565201724
For more information on bookings, contact Joy Washington, public relations manager at 251-583-5590, or send an e-mail to bgccommunications@gmail.com.

Check out K-Rob's Official Website (click here to listen)

Big Name Acts for BayFest 2011

(Mobile, Alabama) August 27th--  Duran Duran, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, 3 Doors Down, Toby Keith-that's just a few of the big named acts on tap to performed at BayFest 2011. Check out the big announcement that made revealing more than 50 gospel, jazz, rock, pop and R&B acts for "Alabama's Largest Music Festival."