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IN THE NEWS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2009
ARIZONA INFORMANT
G.I.F.T.S. Keep Bilal Russell Legacy Alive
The Arizona Informant (USPS 051-770) is published weekly, every Wednesday, by Arizona Informant Publishing Company.
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KICKIN’ H I G H N O W In the months before his death, Bilal, a South Mountain High School basketball star and Howard University graduate worked with emotionally disturbed kids at a non-profit social services agency in Phoenix. He loved the work, visiting foster kids who had a history of physical and emotional abuse, or neglect. Paulette and Larry Russell, said their son was a kind, intelligent man with a passion for helping young people. They said G.I.F.T.S. is helping them find focus and heal. We want to continue Bilal legacy and dreams. Since Russell's tragic death friends and family have begun remodeling his former home into a residence for neglected and endangered children. The organization's certification by the state is still pending, said Paulette Russell, Bilal's mother. Friday's fundraiser was organized by family and a group of longtime friends volunteering as "Friends of Bilal". The event sold more than 200 tickets and included a presentation introducing the G.I.F.T.S. mission, a raffle and an
— IN MEMORY OF FOUNDERS — CLOVES C. CAMPBELL SR. & DR. CHARLES CAMPBELL Roland W. Campbell, Jr. Co-Publisher, CEO Cloves Campbell, Jr. Co-Publisher, Board Chairman Chief Operating Officer Sports Editor Vincent R. Crawford Religion Editor Florence Darby Entertainment Editor Deborah René Community Relations Lanette Campbell Graphic Design & Production ADP/RCBradley Robert Daniels Leah Staten
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The event sold more than 200 tickets and included a presentation introducing the G.I.F.T.S. mission, a raffle and an auction of several items including a basketball signed by LeBron James, being held here by the lucky winner.
auction of several items including a basketball signed by LeBron James. Attending and offering support was R-Kal Truluck a former Arizona Cardinals professional football player. He spent his high
school years growing up in a group foster home in Rockland County, New York. He said he has started a similar charity, Lakeside Family and Children Services. Funds from the event will be used to fund future G.I.F.T.S
headquarters and events, said Kendra Stewart, program director of G.I.F.T.S. Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer for the non-profit organization can visit the Web site www.bilalrussell.com.
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South Chandler Self Help Foundation Health Fair Goes On Cont’d. from Page 1 One of the most fasting growing disease in the African American community especially among women, HIV/AIDS awareness is critical. A strong advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, R J Shannon of the Arizona Dept. of Health Services was on hand providing vital information to the community. Shannon noted it is important for African Americans to know there status by getting tested for the life you save my be your own. Other health related Health Choice of Arizona
provided information for adults and for children. Sponsored by SCSHF the health fair is just the beginning of more community empowerment events the organization will sponsor according to Terrence Hunter, vice president of the organization. SCSHF is a non-profit community organization that encourages selfreliance and spirituality while the family or individual is setting goals for success. The foundation provides social and cultural activities that educate and unite the community. For information call 480-330-2921 or 480430-8946.
Staff Reporters G. Napier Barnes III Bobby Burns Michael A. Dean Ima Denmon Karen Flemister Mike Flemister Floyd Galloway Wardell Holder Shereka Jackson Wayne Parham Deborah René Sandra D. Scott Jessie Vanderson Danny L. White Arne Williams
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Credo of the Black Press The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. ALVIN GALLOWAY/AZI PHOTO
Chandler community leader Dorsha’ Hale (seated right) talks with RJ Shannon of Arizona Dept. Health Services regarding HIV/AIDS awareness in the Black community.
Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR COMMUNITY CALENDAR - JULY WED 15 Social Security eligibility seminar for persons with disabilities. Learn about basic eligibility for Social Security and Supplemental Security Disability programs. Ample time for questions about establishing eligibility to cash payments and Medicare/ Medicaid (AHCCCS). Guest speaker will be Jim Pavletich, public affairs officer for the Social Security Administration. 1:00 to 3 p.m. at Disability Empowerment Center, 5025 E. Washington St., Phoenix, Nina Mason Pulliam Conference Center.
THU 16 Phoenix City Council
District 8 debate from 7:00 to 8 pm at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism on the ASU Downtown Campus at 555 N. Central Avenue in central Phoenix. Council District 8 is represented by Councilman Michael Johnson, who is being challenged by two candidates; Darlene Jackson and Jon Garrido. The event is free and all residents of DIstrict 8 are invited to attend. The location of the debate within the Walter Cronkite School will be posted at the front door of the school.
Phoenix Parks and Recreation Open House On Special Events In Mountain Preserves. Meeting to gather input on guidelines for the private production of organized and special events in the city’s desert and mountain preserves. Participants will be able to ask staff questions; and indicate preferences for use of the city’s preserves for organized or special events. Public input will be incorporated into a proposal for consideration and possible vote by the Parks and Recreation Board. 5:00 to 7 p.m. at South Mountain Environmental Education Center, 10409 S. Central Ave. in Phoenix.
Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals July Meeting. Meet and greet: 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. General meeting: 6:30– 7:30 p.m. at: Greater Phoenix Urban League office, 1402 South Seventh Avenue in Phoenix. Glendale Summer Band Concert. Movie theme night with a collection of Hollywood hits. At Glendale’s Murphy Park amphitheater, 59th and Glendale avenues. Refreshments available for purchase; please leave pets at home. For information call 623930-2820 or visit glendaleaz.com /parksandrecreation.
FRI 17 The Phoenix Chapter of
National Alliance African American Athletes Mixer at Oscar Taylor's (SW corner 24th st. Camelback). Entry fee. Meet national and local athletes and raffle for a Cardinals autographed football, autographed Amare' Stoudemire picture, and free hair styling by Terry Hall.
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