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Greene County Democrat - July 23, 2025

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1700 ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ events held across the nation on July 17

Barbara Arnwine, president/CEO of the Transformative Justice Coalition, at a ‘Good Trouble Still Lives On’ Rally in Chicago

(TriceEdneyWire com) - When U S Rep John Lewis died on July 17, 2020, instead of somber memorial services, his family and civil rights leaders and activists held rallies and marches and got into what he had described as good trouble meaning pushing for truth and justice even when it means taking a risk

See Good Trouble, p 6

Arrests of Alabama immigrants soar as local deputies become ‘mini-immigration officers’

and Rebecca

Sheriffs assist in Alabama immigration arrests

Law enforcement agents are on track to arrest twice as many immigrants without legal status in Alabama as last year

An AL com analysis of federal data shows that Alabama is arresting more immigrants in an effort to meet President Donald Trump’s mass deportation promises The numbers reflect new ways local law enforcement are partnering with federal agents to make arrests

See Alabama Immigrants, p 6

Black Americans still face deep retirement gaps despite higher incomes

USA Senior National Correspondent

A report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute shows that Black Americans continue to face serious challenges in saving for retirement, even as their incomes grow

The 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey which included a special oversample of Black workers and retirees, found that the wealth gap remains wide at every income level Among households earning $75,000 or more, only 33% of Black Americans reported having $250 000 or more in savings and investments compared with 63% of non-Black Americans

See Retirement, p 7

From eggs to hotels, prices soar as inflation redefines daily life

USA Senior National Correspondent

School boar d a ppr oves multiple per sonnel and administr ative items Gr eene County Car eer Center demonstr ates unlimited car eer oppor tunities for scholar s

The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session, Monday, July 21 2025 with all board members in attendance As part of his report to the board, Superintendent Dr Corey Jones invited Ms LaMonica Little Career Coach at the Greene County Career Center for a presentation She gave an overview of the various activities including trips students were engaged in during the previous school year She noted that Greene County High School scholars are prepared for college, work force or military The areas of workforce training include welding heavy equipment operations HVAC various medical assistants programs and more Once students compete training and are certified in the field they are readily offered positions of employment Students are also provided all assistance available to earn scores for college entrance Ms Little demonstrated multiple trips students are afforded to universities industries state and national competi-

tions as part of their preparation She said that there are unlimited career opportunities for students if they will do the work “ If a student is still at home after graduation, then that student wants to just be at home ” she said Superintendent Jones also presented his 11 Goals for administrating the school system during the upcoming school term

Then board approved the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent * Rescind recall of Shana Lucy, Third grade teacher at Eutaw Primary School

* Rescind TEAMS Contract 2025-2026 – Lorissa Holder – GCHS, Science (1 Year Contract)

•Resignations: Jennifer Miller-Reeves, SPED paraprofessional – Robert Brown Middle School, effective July 1 2025; Samon Sanders – Truancy Officer Duties, effective May 30, 2025; Roshonda Clark, Second grade teacher - EPS

•Employment: Devin

Woods – ISS Instructor –RBMS; Dequandra Lyles –Elementary teacher –RBMS; Victoria Moore –TEAMS Science teacher –GCHS; Akeem Tyree – ISS Instructor – GCHS; Laquita Hunter – Longterm sub – Learning Academy; Kavalyn Bryant –First grade – EPS; Angela Pruitt – Third grade – EPS; Denetria Ruffin – Second grade – EPS; Zarquashia Taylor – Health Science teacher – GCCC; Glenda Hodges – Long-term sub (Special Services) - EPS; •TEAMS Contract 20252026 – Victoria Moore –GCHS, Science (1Year Contract); * Voluntary transfer of Demetris Lyles from 4th grade teacher at Robert Brown Middle School to 6th grade teacher at Robert Brown Middle School effective 2025 – 2025 school year

* Personnel for Summer Learning for the 20252026 school year: Brenda Lawrence – Nurse

•Salary for Mental Health Coordinator of $40 000 to be paid in accordance with the FY 2026

Mental Health Services Coordinator Grant

•Additional Service Contracts 2025 – 2026 for the following employees at Greene County High School: (Separate Contract): Head Girls Basketball – Torethia Mitchell; Assistant Girls Basketball – Lorissa Holder; Head Boys Basketball (Varsity) –Howard Crawford; Head Girls Track – Tracey Hunter; Head Boys Track –Howard Crawford; Asst Flag Football – Howard Crawford; •The following to perform after hours CCR related activities during the 2025-2026 school year, to include weekend and after school activities: Paula Calligan; Tomora MorrisHill; Shamyra Jones; Patricia Rhone; LaMonica Little; Tweila Morris; Tamika Thompson; Lorissa Holder; Janice Askew; Drenda Morton; Tura Edwards •Update to additional service contract to include Flag Football

See School Board, p 7

Sar ah Duncan Br ewer announces candidacy for Eutaw City Council, District IV

EUTAW, AL – Longtime community member and dedicated public servant

Sarah Duncan Brewer has officially announced her candidacy for the Eutaw

City Council representing District IV With a distinguished record of service within Greene County and a deep commitment to civic engagement Brewer is eager to bring her extensive experience and proactive vision to the city's leadership For the past two decades Mrs Brewer has been a cornerstone of the Greene County Board of Education Her career there began as secretary for the Superintendent, a role that provided her with foundational insights into the administrative workings of

local institutions She later transitioned to the critical position of HR Coordinator/Payroll Clerk for the Board of Education where she has been responsible for managing essential financial operations This 26-year tenure has honed her skills in organization fiscal responsibility and public administration Beyond her professional life Sarah Duncan Brewer is a devoted member of the Second Baptist Church, where her voluntary commitment to service spanning 35 years extends to her role as Financial Secre-

tary Her active participation in the church community underscores her dedication to the wellbeing and betterment of Eutaw residents

A staunch advocate for civic participation, Mrs Brewer has been a registered voter since becoming eligible consistently exercising her right to elect candidates into office for over 40 years This longstanding engagement with the democratic process has given her a unique perspective on local governance

Lor enzo Fr ench seeks City Council seat District 4

See Brewer, p 4

I believe public service is sacred I‘ve spent my life working in civic engagement, education, youth mentorship and public advocacy because I’ve always believed that if you

On July 19, 2025, the Eutaw Police Department arrested Joshua Daniels of Eutaw for discharging a gun into an occupied dwelling

On July 17, the Greene County Sheriff Department arrested Evelyn Tiller 46 of Eutaw, for Unemployment Compensation-Violation She was released on a bond of $3 000

See Inflation, p. 6

love a place you should serve it Platform - Rebuilding trust through: -Communication -Revitalizing communities with affordable housing and safe streets -Empowering youth through mentorship and education -Preserving Eutaw culture and legacy -Investing in new economic opportunities To complete this mission I need your help! This is a non partisan campaign powered by hope influenced by faith

The Eutaw Police Department reported the following incidents

7/14 - Reshonda Daniels reported fraudulent use of credit/debit

7/16 - Alphonso and Eula Morton reported home repair fraud

7/18 - Joe Webb reported an incident 7/19 - Carl Gibson reported a civil matter 7/21- Javeon Thomas re-

and achieved through hard work

Eutaw is a city that has always had a strong history of civil rights roots The City of Eutaw hasn’t always believed in equal representation in city government But through hope faith and resilient sacrifice things changed

How could you believe in equal representation in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and don’t believe in it in the 2000 s?

This campaign is about more than a seat It’s about restoring trust, renewing accountability and ensuring that leadership reflects the people it services It’s about building a community where transparency isn’t optional but expected, where decisions are made with not for the people

ported unlawful breaking and entering vehicle

The Greene County Sheriff Department reported the following incidents

As we work to revitalize our communities and drive economic growth, together we can create an environment where investment is welcomed, housing opportunities are expanded and families feel confident in building their future right here in Eutaw

Elect French City Council District 4

7/15 - Rachel Ray reported theft of property 2nd degree Item stolen included Samsung Galaxy A16, valued at $900; Moto Stylist cellphone valued at $400; Portable WIFI box valued at $200; Android Tablet, valued

Carol’s Notes

A Sorrow Coming

I know there’s a sorrow coming

I feel the weight of the sadness creeping in

All my being wants to deny what is already

In God’s hands

I hear the mantraEvery moment of every day is in God’s hands

There’s a sorrow coming

And the sorrow is not alone

I allow my heart to embrace a joy rising above it all I cling to that joy, the treasure chest Of lives touching lives

For even in a coming sorrow there are floating smiles

Summoned and sent

Cajoling a response of kindness and patience

Calm and quiet

Oh, there’s a sorrow coming I extend no welcome, but I carry it

Just the same

Greene County holds 59th Freedom Day Celebrations 1969-2025

Spiver W Gordon, President of West Alabama Civil Rights Freedom Movement organization,holding two posters of Luberta Crawford and Edna Chambers, whose stories he will be highlightingat the July 29th program at the William M Branch Courthouse The program will commemorate the 56th anniversary of the 1969 Special Election in Greene County which gave Black people control of the County Commission and School Board The public is invited to the celebration from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, next Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Williams M Branch Courthouse Eutaw, AL 35462

Everyone is invited to join us for Praise, Music, Food and Fellowship

Sponsored by Alabama Civil Rights Freedom Movement, Inc Spiver W Gordon, President at 205-372-3446

--Community Calendar--

July 27- St Paul United Methodist Church will host Friends and Family Day at 2:00 p m Rev Samuel Ezell Pastor of Zion Brush Creek Eutaw AL and Friendship Baptist Church, Akron, AL along with his choirs and congregation is the special guest Rev LaTonya M Brown is church pastor The public is invited

July 27 - Join us at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church as we celebrate our 159th church anniversary

We are thrilled to welcome Rev Moses Finch, Pastor of Christian Light Cumberland Presbyterian Church as our guest speaker for this special occasion

The anniversary program will start at 1:30 p m We invite all members, friends, and the community to join us as we reflect on our rich history celebrate our present blessings and look forward to a bright future

Come and be a part of this joyous celebration! We look forward to seeing you there

August 4 thru 6- Zion Hill M B C of Pleasant Ridge AL cordially invites you and your church family to our annual revival service starting at 7:00 p m nightly

Monday: Rev Brian Croom (New Light, Clinton) Tuesday: Rev Michael Lavender (St John Clinton) Wednesday: Rev Kenneth Kirkland (New Bethay Aliceville)

Rev Kenneth Gilmore is church pastor All are welcome to come fellowship

the Greene County Democrat online at www.greenecodemocrat. com

August 9,- Missionary Gospel Singers will celebrate their 19th Choir Anniversary Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the Southside Church of God in Christ in Tuscalosa, Al, 6:30 p m Elder Ben Jackson Jr is church pastor Climax: Sunday August 10 2025 at Mt Zoar Missionary Baptist Church at 2:30 p m Boligee, Al Highway 11 South/ County Road 138 Boligee, Alabama Rev Edward Culbert, Guest Minister Brother Garry (Bubba) SmithMaster of Order The publis is invited

August 17- Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church Boligee, AL will host their Pastor Rev Jeffery and 1st Lady Kelly 4th Annual Pastoral Apprecation at 1:30 p m Rev Randy Miller of Mt Zion Mt Hebron is the guest speaker morning speaker Pastor Jimmie Cockrell from Pine Hill Baptist Church Columbus, MS and its also a time for those who have been a part of our church body to "come home" and join us to celebrate their time as a part of our congregation

August

District 1 Greene Co Baptist Center

District 2 Eutaw Activity Center

District 3 Branch Heights Community Center

District 4 First Presbyterian Church

District 5 National Guard Armory

GIANT KILLERS: MORE THAN TWO (2) BILLION DOLLARS FOR CLIENTS

We, Chestnut, Sanders & Sanders, have won more than two (2) Billion – that’s billions not millions - of dollars for our clients We take on the giants – giant insurance companies, giant corporations, giant governments, etc We are the Giant Killers You need the Giant Killers to fight the giants when you have an injury from an auto accident or other harm

Specifically, if you have any of these injuries, call the Giant Killers

ROUNDUP – Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer - Call the Giant Killers

HERNIA MESH – Problems from hernia mesh implant - Call the Giant Killers

TALCUM POWDER, BABY POWDER & SHOWER TO SHOWER

BODY POWDER – These products may cause Ovarian Cancer –Call the Giant Killers IVC FILTER – IVC Filters to treat embolism may cause breathing problems and death – Call the Giant Killers

LUNG CANCER – Lung Cancer may be caused by various chemical products in the work place – Call the Giant Killers

SEVERE LUNG DISEASE – Severe Lung disease may be caused by exposure to various chemical products in the work placeCall the Giant Killers

XARELTO – If you took the blood thinner Xarelto and suffered serious bleeding – Call the Giant Killers

PELVIC MESH/TRANSVAGINAL MESH IMPLANTS – If you had a pelvic mesh implant following a hysterectomy or to treat pelvic organ prolapsed and/or urinary stress incontinence – Call the Giant Killers

Don’t

Poetry

1st Annual Kay Day Love Music Festival held

and Sheila Brown shown above presenting Ms Faye

two recipients of the proceeds from the festival

a

Blues 24-7 Entertainment and the JO-US Band held its 1st Annual Kay Day Love Music Festival July 12, 2025 at Blues 24-7 Concert Field in Eutaw AL in honor of Darryl and Sheila Brown's daughter, Keateia Kay Ryan White, who recently passed away from breast cancer Feb 13, 2025 Portions of the proceeds went to two people in the Eutaw area who are presently dealing with cancer. James and Darryl Brown have roots in the Knoxville and Eutaw area as the grandsons of A C and Rosie Lee Colvin, who lived in Knoxville They have 3 aunts and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews presently living there This will be an annual event with hopes of being bigger and better next year For more information call 205-246-6237

Rising high school senior tr ained in economic and community development

I am excited to see how they apply the knowledge that they’ve learned at ECDS and I look forward to meeting, working with, and learning from even more students next year!

For questions on participation, contact Mrs Bria Rochelle-Stephens at hc brochelle@hawks huntingdon edu

Montgomery AL –

Sha nihya Bolden, a rising senior at Greene County High School was one of thirty-five high school students representing twentyfive Alabama Chambers of Commerce to attend the sixth Huntingdon College Economic and Community Development Scholars Program Sha’nihya represented the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce

The two-day, one-night experience held on Huntingdon’s campus was hosted by Huntingdon College in partnership with the Huntingdon College Presidential Scholars Program and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama The immersive experience was designed to introduce Alabama students to the importance of economic and community development across the state and in their communities

Participants were selected by their local Chamber of Commerce and the Huntingdon College Presidential Scholars Program During the program the students had the opportunity to meet and learn about the facets of economic development from Dr Anthony Leigh, President of Huntingdon College Mr Jim Searcy Executive Director of the

Economic Development Association of Alabama, Mrs Paige Hutto, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, Mr Jess Skaggs, Chief of Staff for the Lieutenant Governor ’s Office for the State of Alabama and Mrs Bria RochelleStephens, Vice President for Strategic Academic Initiatives and Director for the Huntingdon College Presidential Scholars Program

To receive hands-on experience in economic and community development the students were divided into groups and assigned a city in Alabama to represent The group was tasked with creating a city logo assuming public office identities, then using their knowledge of their hometown to vie for a corporation to make their headquarters in the city

After completing assignments in the project, the teams gave their final pitch to President Leigh and guests The winning team was highlighted in a groundbreaking ceremony and ribbon cutting ceremony after the final presentations President Anthony Leigh had high praise for the students stating "Every year this program brings to-

gether the cream of the crop from high schools across Alabama All of these students are ambitious dynamic leaders They have eager-to-learn attitudes, and they are passionate about their local communities

They have a genuine spirit of involvement they are highly creative, and they obviously enjoy connecting with other students just like them Their Chambers of Commerce have noticed something special in each of them and they are all exceptional ambassadors for their hometowns and their individual high schools

Each of these students is a proven difference maker and they give me great confidence that Alabama's future is very bright

Mrs Rochelle-Stephens commented “I have been greatly impressed by the students who have participated in the program this year I have come to learn so much and have gained a deeper appreciation of the great cities and towns around our state because of the dedicated and personable students that represent them I have high hopes that the leadership of our local communities in Alabama will thrive with the talent and the ambitions these incredible students possess

Darryl
Tyree with
donation She is one of the
Keateia Kay Ryan White
Shown L to R: Sha'nihya's photo is with President Anthony Leigh of Huntingdon College

Earlier this week, groups protesting the current administration’s stands on civil and human rights held a “Good Trouble Lives On Day of Action honoring the fifth anniversary of beloved Congressman John Lewis’s death with his familiar words John Lewis especially loved reminding young people that they should never be afraid to get into good trouble by standing up for what they believed in, and college-aged young people preparing to serve in Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools® summer programs were blessed to have the opportunity to hear this message firsthand when he spoke at their National Training in 2014, telling them that when he was their age getting into necessary trouble” shaped his life’s mission

He described his childhood in rural Troy, Alabama where he worked on his family’s farm but was always desperate to get an education A teacher encouraged him to read all he could, and although he wasn t allowed in his segregated county library like so many of our generation he tried his best reading and rereading the few books they owned at home and borrowing his grandfather ’s newspaper every evening when he was done with it, since his family couldn t afford their own subscription He also listened to the radio to learn more about the news outside his small community and eventually started hearing about events that would change his life: “In 1955, 15 years old in the 10th grade, I heard of Rosa Parks I heard of Martin Luther King, Jr I heard his voice on an old radio, and it seemed like he was saying, John Lewis, you, too can do something You can make a contribution ” He decided then that was exactly what he would do

He tried to begin with the library: “So in 1956 16 years old, some of my brothers and sisters and cousins, we went down to the public library in the little town of Troy, Alabama, trying to get a library card trying to check out some books, and we were told by the librarian that the library is for Whites only and not for coloreds ” A year later as a high school senior he tried to apply to Troy State College (now Troy University), a White college close to his home, but his application was ignored John Lewis was stopped temporarily but he was not finished Without telling his parents or anyone else what he was doing he wrote a letter to Dr King asking for his help and Dr King responded by sending him a round-trip Greyhound bus ticket and inviting him to come to Montgomery to meet with him By then he had en-

rolled in his first year at American Baptist Theological Seminary (now American Baptist College) in Nashville, and over his spring break the 18-year-old decided to take Dr King up on his offer As he told our rapt audience “Meeting Martin Luther King Jr , meeting Ralph Abernathy meeting Rosa Parks, and later meeting Jim Lawson, who taught me the way of peace, the way of love the way of nonviolence, changed my life and set me on a path And I haven t looked back since ” He explained that his parents and community hadn’t taught him to challenge segregation: When I would ask my parents about those signs they would say, ‘That’s the way it is Don t get in the way Don’t get in trouble But his experience in the Civil Rights Movement taught him a different lesson and he always wanted others to do the same: “I got in good trouble, necessary trouble I say to you you re more than lucky, you are blessed, and you have to use whatever you see to pass it on to someone else Bless someone else Be bold Be brave Be courageous Speak up Speak out You must get out there and push and pull and help change things and bring about a nonviolent revolution, a revolution of values a revolution of ideas Someone must put out and say what is going on is not right, it is not fair, it is not just and we are here to do something about it If we fail to do it, history will not be kind to us ” He left the CDF Freedom Schools servantleaders with a final familiar encouragement: “Go out there and be a headlight and not a taillight Get out there and get in the way get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and be yourself It will all work out In just a few days young people at CDF Freedom Schools sites across the country will come together for their annual National Day of Social Action on July 23

This year, scholars in grades K-12 will be rallying marching and meeting with elected officials to demand strong civicminded education, sharing the urgent message that public education is a public good As the Department of Education itself is being systematically dismantled, these young people are still heeding John Lewis s message, and are determined to help change things and stand up for the education they want and deserve They are learning to be bright headlights and internalizing the core CDF Freedom Schools lesson you are never too young to make a difference

Marian Wright Edelman is Founder and President Emerita of the Children's Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities For more information go to childrensdefense org

Senate Sketches #1987.....by Hank Sander s How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

“How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?” I have encountered this question many times in various ways Lurking in that question is always the question: How did two Harvard Law School graduates end up in Selma, Alabama?” I have written about our journey to Selma one more than one occasion But the questions keep coming even after 54 years It’s a unique story that is worth telling again How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

Faya and I were awarded a joint Ford Foundation Fellowship that sent us to West Africa for nearly a year When we returned from Nigeria in 1971 we implemented our Reginald Heber Smith Fellowships a national fellowship providing free legal representation to those in need across the country that we had each received We wanted to work in Alabama, and there was only one legal aid entity in the entire State of Alabama that provided free legal representation for the poor That was the Madison County Legal Aid Society of Madison County We headed to Huntsville to practice Law How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

We weren’t at the Madison County Legal Aid Society in Huntsville for no time before we knew we were in the wrong place They wanted us to deal almost exclusively with evictions We knew that we did not attend and graduate law school just to oppose evictions We felt that we had a broader purpose in life When we became involved with public school discrimination issues our supervisor tried to stop us but we refused to be stopped We decided, however, to leave the Legal Aid Society I would leave first, and then Faya would leave a little later after I established a law practice How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

I wanted to practice law in Mobile because it was just 25 miles from Bay Minette where I graduated High School Faya did not want to go to Mobile Both her parents were from Mobile, but they had moved around a lot because her father was an African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) Minister They had lived in North Carolina Kentucky Tennessee and Alabama and were living in Birmingham at the time we returned from Africa How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

right place during our visits to various cities Faya said “absolutely not” She had visited Selma a number of times because her uncle Jethro Gaines, had lived there He owned and operated a store He was deceased at the time we were seeking a place to live and work Faya’s experiences in visiting Selma were not positive to say the least How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

After I could not persuade Faya to visit Selma, I decided to visit Selma by myself I just felt strongly One Saturday morning I left very early and drove from Huntsville through Birmingham to Montgomery and onto Selma I traveled about 250 miles There was a shorter route to Selma but I did not know that at the time I did not know anyone in Selma and had no idea of what I should do in Selma that day I was moving by the Spirit How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

I crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge traveled straight ahead on Broad Street for one block turned right on Alabama Avenue and traveled one block to Washington Street I saw so many Black people I had accidentally stumbled upon the Black Business district in Selma on a Saturday morning I stopped the car and got out There was something about the way the people stood and walked and sat and talked and interacted A powerful feeling came over me How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

I said to myself out loud “This is where I am supposed to be” I knew there was a Black Lawyer in Selma but I did not look for him In fact I cannot remember what else I did that day I had driven nearly 250 miles and had to drive another 250 miles back to Huntsville I was moving in the Spirit How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

bama to live and work for a while based on our marriage That’s why I did not fight harder to practice in Mobile How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

After several weeks of intense discussions, we reached a compromise I would choose where we would live and work the first five years and she would choose where we would live the next five years I had already chosen Selma for my spirit, or perhaps Selma s spirit had chosen me How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

I immediately left the Madison County Legal Aid Society and moved to Selma I rented a room from an elderly lady Faya continued to live and work in Huntsville for a few months She would visit me on the weekends I rented a dilapidated office space upstairs across from the Selma Police Department and City Hall It had to be renovated furnished and equipped This took some months I opened the law office on January 10 1972 Faya joined me in the law firm on April 1, 1972 J L Chestnut, Jr joined us on July 1, 1972

The three of us practiced law together for 35 years Faya and I have practiced together in Selma for 53 years and are still going How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

After the first five years, Faya and I sat down and talked I assured her that I was ready to keep my agreement and move to Harlem, New York City She said that she felt Selma and the Black Belt needed me She decided to exercise her option the next five years I felt that Selma and Black Belt needed Faya It s been 54 years How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

Now on to the Daily Diary

Priscilla Luster and Latisha Britton of Lowndes County; Elizabeth Rutledge of Selma; Collins Pettaway III of Selma; Cynthia Ross of Detroit Michigan; and Casey Drinkard of Cullman County

TUESDAY – I handled many matters, traveled to Lowndes County, returned to Selma, handled additional matters, participated in a conference call and worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following K C Bailey of Selma; Wallace Community College President Dr James Mitchell; Dr Adia Winfrey of Talladega; Twanya Dixon of the Bridge Crossing Jubilee; Dr Sonya Webb of the Lowndes County School System; Alabama New South Leaders Everette Wess Sylvia Fitts Dr Carol P Zippert and John Zippert; Robert Turner of Bullock County and Shelley Fearson; and Jeremy Bryant of Birmingham

Greene County School System start August 6, 2025

Faya and I drove to a number of cities in Alabama trying to find the right place to live and work No place was right I recalled that at the end of my second year of law school, I volunteered with Attorney Vernon Crawford of Mobile that summer One of the cases I worked on involved a conflict within SWAFCA (Southwest Alabama Farmers Cooperative Association) I had traveled with Attorney Crawford from Mobile to Selma for a hearing that lasted well into the night That was the only experience I had with Selma How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

I proposed to visit Selma because we had little success in finding the

I returned to Huntsville determined to persuade Faya to consider Selma Faya was still determined not to even consider Selma I called upon her sense of mission I told her that we were truly needed in Selma It was the center of the Alabama Black Belt Selma was the county seat of Dallas County and was majority Black It was bounded on three sides by Lowndes Wilcox and Perry counties all of which were majority Black The Voting Rights Act was not being implemented People still did not have everyday civil rights The one Black Lawyer in the whole West Alabama Black Belt was working by himself and had a serious drinking problem I tried every argument to no avail We both had very strong but opposite feelings about Selma How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

Faya was already making a big sacrifice by working in Alabama in Huntsville She had worked in New York City in Harlem during summers while in college and law school She had started a youth cultural group there that she loved She also loved the cultural arts scene in New York She really wanted to live and work in Harlem But she had agreed to come to Ala-

SATURDAY, July 12, 2025 – I handled many matters and worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following: Josephine Curtis and Charlene Williams of Selma; Former Alabama Senate Majority Leader Zeb Little concerning the death of Former Alabama State Senator Bill Drinkard; Selma businessmen Jerry Hasberry and Floyd Hatcher; Ester Brown of the Wings of Hope; and Carlos Williams of Mobile, Alabama

SUNDAY – I hosted the Sunday School Lesson with Dr Margaret Hardy on Facebook Live and Z105 3 FM Radio Station and worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following: Sharon Wheeler of Montgomery; Gail Townes of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Ainka Sanders Jackson of the Selma Non-Violence Center and the Bridge Crossing Jubilee; and Reverend Michael Bowen of Selma

MONDAY – I worked handled many matters, participated in a conference call and worked into the night Among others, I communicated with the following: Talladega businessman Roger Sims; Greene County School Superintendent Dr Corey

WEDNESDAY – I walked handled many matters participated in meetings and conference calls traveled to Lowndes County and returned to Selma and worked into the night Among others, I communicated with the following: Lowndes County School Superintendent Samita Jeter and Board members Steve Foster Travis Roger Ben Davis Robert Grant and Brant McCray; Geraldine Wofford and Marilyn Cosby of Selma; and Former Alabama State Senator Malika Sanders Fortier

THURSDAY – I traveled to Greene County, returned to Selma, handled many matters traveled to Lowndes County and returned to Selma Among others I communicated with the following: Robert Turner, Sr of Perry County; Barbara Amerson of Greene County; Melodie Ellis of Montgomery; and Dr Sonya Webb of Lowndes County

FRIDAY – I handled many matters and worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following: Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr ; Khadijah Ishaq of Selma concerning death in the community family, and Asha Fortier of Selma

EPILOGUE – We usually have a mind of our own Fate usually has a mind of its own The two meet from time to time Fate s mind is so powerful that it overpowers our strongest mind How in the world did you and Rose end up in Selma?

Jones, Jr ; Gina Pearson of Montgomery; Dorothy Hulett, Rosie Whiteing,

•Additional Service Contracts 2025 – 2026 for the following employees at Robert Brown Middle School: (Separate Contract): Tavaris Lacy –Head Basketball (Girls/Boys) –

Rescind (approved at June 13, 2025 meeting); Tavaris Lacy – Head Basketball (Boys); Dequandra Lyles –Head Basketball (Girls The board approved the following administrative items

* Partnership between the University of Alabama Health Resources and Service Administration Implementation IV Project and the Greene County School District to target 5th grade students at Robert Brown Middle on helping to build positive character skills

* Memorandum of Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and The University of Alabama for the district s participation in BAMA-STOP School Violence Program

* Agreement between Greene County Board of

Notice of Appointment

Letters Testamentary of Mary Elizabeth Lavender, Deceased having been granted on the 11th day of June, 2025, by the Honorable Rolando M Wedgeworth, Judge of Probate for Greene County Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having a claim against the estate are hereby required to present their claim within the time allowed by law, or the claim will be barred Paul Drake Lavender Jr and John D Lavender Jr

Co-Personal Representatives

Cynthia Lee Almond

Almond Attorneys

2704 8th Street

Tuscaloosa AL 35401

205-523-0198

3tcg 7/9 16 23

STATE OF ALABAMA

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

COLLECTION SERVICES DIVISION

INVITATION FOR

Retir ement

Education and Governors Local Workforce Areas and Sirius Workforce LLC to provide summer personnel for summer 2025 workbased learning program

* Agreement between the Greene County Board of Education and Greene County Ambulance Service to provide ambulance services during home football games for the 20252026 season

* Quote from Divot Assets in the amount of $8 500 to perform on site inventory for FY 2025

* Travel for Juniors, Seniors and chaperons to tour Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University on July 31, 2025

* Adjustment of the summer rate for teachers to $50 per hour for the CTE Summer Camp CTE Preparation and New Year Planning in relation to the CCR Grant

* Adjustment of the allday/weekend after hours rate for CCR related activities to $250 per day

* Agreement between the Greene County Board

BIDS FOR THE SALE OF PROPERTY LOCATED IN GREENE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 40-2923(b), Code of Alabama 1975 that the Alabama Department of Revenue is accepting sealed bids for the sale of the following real properties described below acquired as a result of a Levy Sale Sealed bids shall be submitted online at: https://www ebuy alabama gov until the closing date and time of 11:59 p m , Friday, August 15, 2025, at which time all bids will be opened and read in the Collection Services Division Bids will not be accepted after the above stated date and time

Brief Description of property offered: PARCEL 1: A PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 0 46 ACRE MORE OR LESS LYING IN THE NW ¼ OF SW ¼ OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 22 NORTH RANGE 2 EAST DE-

of Education and H&H Educational Services, LLC to provide psychometric services for the 2025-2026 school year

* Contractual Agreement for Greene County Board of Education and Denise Horton to serve as Instructional & Behavioral Aide for the system FY 20252026

* Agreement between the Greene County Board of Education and West Alabama Therapy LLC to provide physical and occupational therapy to IDEA eligible students for the 2025-2026 school year

* Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Kim Herren to provide developmental delay services for preschool children during the 2025- 2026 school year

*Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Tammy W Lewis MSCCC-SLP to provide speech therapy services for the 2025-2026 school year

* Agreement between Greene County Board of

Education and Behavioral Solutions of Mississippi for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Consultative Services (behavior services) for the 2025-2026 school yea r

* Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Demisha Stough to provide gifted services for the 2025-2026 school year (Second grade Child Find)

* Contract between the Greene County Board of Education and West Central Officials Association for football officials for the 2025 – 2026 school year at GCHS

* Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Corey Morton to serve as technology assistant and provide technical support for the district for the 2025 – 2026 school year

* Memorandum of Agreement for Special Education Services between Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc Head Start/Early Head Start and Greene County

---Le gal Notices---

SCRIBED AS: FROM THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTH LINE OF SAID NW ¼ OF SW ¼ OF SECTION 2 WITH THE SOUTHWEST RIGHT OF WAY OF GREENE COUNTY HIGHWAY 37 ( E U T A W - U N I O N ROAD) SAID POINT OF INTERSECTION BEING AT HIGHWAY LOCATION STATION 52+32 1, RUN S 42° 15’ W FOR 200 FEET; THENCE S 47° 45 E (PARALLEL WITH SAID HIGHWAY) FOR 100 FEET; THENCE N 42° 15’ E FOR 200 FEET TO A POINT ON SAID SOUTHWEST RIGHT OF WAY OF HIGHWAY 37; THENCE N 47° 45’ W ALONG THE HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY FOR 100 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING SOURCE OF TITLE: DEED BOOK 102 PAGE 269 PARCEL 2: A PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 0 46

ACRE MORE OR LESS LYING IN THE NW ¼ OF SW ¼ OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 22 NORTH, RANGE 2 EAST DESCRIBED AS: FROM

Debt remains a significant barrier 63% of higher-income Black households said debt is a problem while just 45% of non-Black households at the same income level said the same Nearly half of upper-income Black respondents said debt affects their ability to save or live comfortably in retirement

While many Black Americans expressed confidence managing day-to-day budgets fewer felt prepared to invest or plan for the long term The study showed that Black Americans with higher incomes were less likely to have personally saved for retirement, 77%, compared with 87% of non-Black Americans Retirement experiences also differed sharply Forty-four percent of Black retirees said they retired earlier than planned because of a health problem or disability compared with 32% of non-Black retirees

After leaving their main jobs Black retirees were more likely to work for pay to make ends meet, and more often said their retirement lifestyle was worse than expected Access to financial advice and planning remains uneven Just 31% of Black respondents reported currently working with a financial advisor, although nearly half expect to do so in the future Black Americans were more likely to seek help with reducing debt creating wills or estate plans and arranging life insurance than simply determining if they had saved enough to retire

Researchers Craig Copeland and Lisa Greenwald wrote, “Black Americans reported disproportionately lower financial resources and how they feel about retirement and financial security is clearly impacted by having less resources ” They continued “In particular, Black retirees are struggling with higher likelihoods of their retirement lifestyle being worse than expected and having to retire earlier than planned because of a health problem or disability ” “Still,” the researchers concluded, “there are some modifications in the financial system that could help improve their prospects such as increased assistance in balancing competing financial priorities like debt reduction supporting family and building long-term savings

Board of Education for 2025 – 2026 school year

* Payment of all bills claims, and payroll

* Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs Marquita Lennon CSFO

•Contract between the Greene County Board of Education and West Central Officials Association for football officials for the 2025 – 2026 school year at RBMS

•CNP Department rate increase for meal prices and salad prices beginning FY 2025-26

•Service Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Zachary Rutledge to develop and provide a Dual Enrichment (Welding Level I Lab) program for students at Greene County Career Center for the 2025 – 2026 school year

CSFO Ms Marquita Lennon presented the financial snapshots for the period ending June, 30, 2025 Points of Interest included: Operating Reserve - 8 33 months

8 34

THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTH LINE OF SAID NW ¼ OF SW ¼ OF SECTION 2 WITH THE SOUTHWEST RIGHT OF WAY OF GREENE COUNTY HIGHWAY 37 ( E U T A W - U N I O N ROAD), SAID POINT OF INTERSECTION BEING AT HIGHWAY LOCATION STATION 52+32 1, RUN S 47° 45’ E ALONG THE HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY FOR 100 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY; THENCE FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING CONTINUE S 47° 45’ E ALONG SAID HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY FOR 100 FEET; THENCE S 42° 15 W FOR 200 FEET; THENCE N 47° 45’ W FOR 100 FEET; THENCE N 42° 15’ E FOR 200 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING SOURCE OF TITLE: DEED BOOK 102 PAGE 267

The 2 Vacant Lots/property is located at or near Highway 208 Eutaw Alabama 35462; Parcel Identi-

general

fication Number: 18-0102-0-000-008 000#0& 1801-02-0-000-008 001#0; as described in Inst Num: 54116- Deed Book 208 Page 434

The parcels are being offered “as is” and “where is” without recourse against the State of Alabama Department of Revenue It is the responsibility of the bidder to inspect the property conditions before submitting a bid by driveby only, without trespassing on the property in any manner Bidders must agree to all terms listed online before submitting a bid If you wish to bid on this property, please complete the Sealed Bid Form online

The minimum bid for this parcel is $20 000 EACH bid submitted online must be accompanied by an EFT bid deposit payment of ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid Any bid submitted without payment of the bid deposit will not be considered The deposits of un-

successful bidders will be returned following the bid closing date

NO BID SHALL BE RECEIVED FOR ANY REASON ANY TIME AFTER THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE IT SHALL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BIDDER TO ENSURE ACTUAL RECEIPT OF THE BID BY THE COLLECTION SERVICES DIVISION PRIOR TO THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE

The Alabama Department of Revenue reserves the right to withdraw the property from sale at any time and the right to reject any or all bids

For more information about the sale contact: Alabama Department of Revenue Collection Services Division-Sealed Bid Sale P O Box 327820 Montgomery AL 361327820 Telephone: (334) 2421229 3tcg 7 16 23 30

Eutaw Ar ea Chamber of Commer ce Events

Thursday, July 31 there

will be a Chamber After Hours at the Historic Courthouse on the downtown Square 5:30-7:30

Please plan to attend and tour the newly renovated Courthouse Come and join us for snacks light refreshments and networking! Get to know other businesses and Let's Grow

Our City

Also on Saturday, August 2nd at 10:00 a m there will be a Political Forum held on the Courthouse Square for all the candidates to share information about their vision and discuss key issues, and

answer questions from the public in an open and respectful setting Our goal is to foster civic engagement by encouraging informed voting and dialogue between candidates and their constituents Please come and listen and be involved so you can exercise your right to VOTE!

On Saturday, August 16th at 5:00 p m the King and Queen Cantina will host their Grand Opening!

The Chamber will be celebrating with a Ribbon Cutting and there will be many other activities going on for the Grand Opening

Please follow them on Facebook and share all of these events

The Chamber is also conducting a survey to see how we can better serve our Members! The Google document is attached to this email, so please open it up and answer the survey so we can serve you better

GCCC par tner s with Leader ship Eutaw to host Car eer and Technical Education Camp

June 24- The Greene County Career Center (GCCC) is proud to partner with Leadership Eutaw to host a week-long Career and Technical Education (CTE) Camp! Designed to expose students to hands-on learning and real-world career pathways, the camp features a new industry focus each day, giving youth an early look at high-demand fields

Day 1: Healthcare – Students explored the healthcare pathway with guest speaker Ms Nicole Henley, BSN, RN, who shared insights into the nursing profession and introduced CPR basics Campers also created their own first aid kits, a practical and engaging activity

Day 2: Construction – Campers began the day with motivation and team-building icebreakers before taking a virtual field trip to a construction site They wrapped up by building and painting their own birdhouses, applying creativity and problem-solving skills along the way It’s been an exciting and inspiring start, and there’s more to come as students continue to explore different CTE pathways throughout the week!

Gr eene County Schools per sonnel par ticipate in SREB Confer ence in New Or leans

Greene County Schools personnel attended the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Making Schools Work Conference 2025 in New Orleans. The conference was held July 15-18, 2025 at the Ernest N Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA Greene County had an awesome group of GCS district leaders, school administrators, counselors, and teachers who showed up to learn, connect, and bring fresh ideas back to our schools The school system gives a big shoutout to Mrs LaMonica Little and Ms Paula Calligan, who did their thing presenting and representing GCS with excellence Their sessions were full of great ideas, real talk, and practical strategies.

August 10- Rev Derrick Wright of Pine Grove Sixteen Section Road will be the guest speaker for St. John Baptist Church morning worship service beginning at 11:00 a m ACCIDENTS & INJURIES AUTO & TRUCK ACCIDENTS, WRONGFUL DEATH, SLIP & FALL Office-205-933-7533 Cell – 205-901-6129 “I like Big Bucks and I cannot lie” 24 HOUR SERVICE –FREE CONSULTATION OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE FRANK S BUCK P C ATTORNEY 2160 14TH Ave South BIRMINGHAM AL 35255

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Greene County Democrat - July 23, 2025 by GreenecoDemocrat - Issuu