JUDGE DONAVAN MCGUIRE SWORN IN

PHOTO GALLERY

SELMAPOSTHERALD.COM REMEMBERS SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

SELMA’S GUNNAR HENDERSON MAKES HISTORY

SELMAPOSTHERALD.COM REMEMBERS EMMITT TILL , THE 1963 MARCH ON WASHINGTON AND USMC Sgt. John W. Barbee

BEAKING LOCAL SPORTS NEWS!!!

8/26/22

Selma defeats Southside 34-8  

Keith defeats Dallas County 28-6

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR BLACK CHURCHES

•!• The National Trust of Historic Preservation is now taking letters of
intent for its Preserving Black Churches Grant Program.

From the National Trust: “We are now accepting Letters of Intent for
the Preserving Black Churches grant program, a new $20 million initiative with
leadership support from Lilly Endowment

_Inc and the National Trust’s African Americrncultural Heritage Action Fund!
Black churches are a living testament to the achievements and resiliency of
generations in the face of a racialized and inequitable society.

The Preserving Black Churches grant program is an investment in Black
communities to reimagine, redesign, and redeploy historic preservation to
address the institutions’ needs and the cultural assets and stories they
steward.

***Do you know a historic Black church seeking funding to strengthen its
capital, staffing, and operations? Learn if it’s eligible to submit a
letter of intent (due Sept.2)
I

click here for more info: https://forum.savingplaces.org/build/funding/grant-seekers

OR send an email to blackchurches@savingplaces.org

HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANTS AVAILABLE

The National Park Service is accepting applications for the FY22 round of the African American Civil Rights Grant Program. $21.7 million is available. Grants are available under two categories:  

—History, which supports interpretive and research-based programs

—Preservation, which supports planning and “bricks and mortar” preservation/conversation work on historic buildings and structures.

NPS is very aware that there are a large number of significant Civil Rights sites in the Southeast that are outside of NPS boundaries and actively encourages tourism leaders to help identify the stories in their communities that need support.

More information on the grant program and links to the online application can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/african-american-civil-rights-grant-opportunity.htm?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The application deadline is November 8.

T-Mobile has opened the application portal for the Fall 2022 round of Hometown Grants. T-Moblie is working to build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities through its Hometown Grant program, which will award 100 communities each year with project funding up to $50,000. Partnering with Main Street America and Smart Growth America the grants are focused on revitalizing community spaces.  Projects funded include:

—Repairing the public swimming pool to make it more accessible

—Connecting visitors and businesses with the charm and history of its downtown with a modern public access wi-fi network

—Redevelopment of a waterfront park and amphitheater

—Remodel a downtown building to serve as a visitor center and local history museum

—Elevate a local park to a welcoming public gathering place with native trees and flowers

—Create a dynamic performing arts venue in the heart of downtown

—Fund public art projects to enhance community spirit and promote local arts and culture

—Add planter boxes with flowers and shrubs to revitalize a downtown corridor

—Create a nature-themed playground along a rail-to-trail to encourage outdoor play

—Build a permanent covered stage and paved roadway to bring more concerts and events to the community

More details on the program can be found here:  https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants. The application deadline for a Fall grant is October 1.

MARTIN NEELY PRESS CONFERENCE

USDA Recognizes National Homeownership Month with Rural Homeownership Celebration Event in Marion, Alabama

Celebration Event Includes Celebrating Success Stories, Recognizing Top Lender Partners and Nonprofit Organization Partners

MARION, Ala., June 27, 2022 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Alabama State Director Nivory Gordon Jr. hosted the agency’s Alabama National Homeownership Month celebration in Marion, Alabama. At the center of today’s event, USDA is highlighting programs that help people in rural areas buy, build and repair affordable homes and to pay their rent in Alabama’s smallest towns and communities.

“’Home’ is a word with many meanings”, said Gordon. “It’s the community that you’re from or that you live in. It’s the place that you’re connected to. It’s the structure in which you live, no matter if it’s a home that you own, or a place that you rent. Through USDA’s programs, we here in Alabama are hard at work helping families and individuals get into safe and comfortable places to live, to raise a family, or to proudly call ‘home’”.

Background:

USDA Rural Development Alabama is celebrating National Homeownership Month with an event to recognize success stories involving USDA’s housing programs, USDA lender partners, and USDA nonprofit organization partners.

Expanding opportunities for homeownership and rental assistance strengthens rural communities and helps families and individuals build wealth and achieve financial stability. This month, the Department is highlighting the ways that USDA has invested $401.7 million to help 2,243 families and individuals in rural and Tribal communities buy, repair and build homes through USDA Rural Development’s single family housing programs in fiscal year 2022 to date in Alabama. In fiscal year 2021, USDA invested $828.3 million to help 4,947 rural individuals and families buy, repair, and rebuild rural homes across the state.

In addition, USDA works to increase access to affordable multifamily rental housing opportunities in rural America. The Department is currently helping nearly 300,000 tenants nationwide afford to pay their rent through rental assistance. This assistance ensures low-income and elderly tenants pay no more than 30% of their income in rent. For more information, visit Multifamily Housing Programs | Rural Development (usda.gov).   

USDA is also highlighting ways it is working with lenders and community partners to open the door to homeownership for rural Alabamians who have been unserved or underserved for far too long. USDA is using this event to showcase affordable housing programs for lenders, community partners, families and individuals. USDA’s single family housing programs are:

• The Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program provides loans directly to families and individuals so they can buy or build homes in rural America.
• The Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program enables USDA to partner with private lending institutions, backing their loans to help families and individuals buy homes in rural areas.
• The Home Repair Loan and Grant Program provides loans and grants to help families and individuals repair their homes to make them safer, healthier places to live. 
• The Mutual Self-Help Housing Grant Program provides grants to qualified organizations to help them carry out local self-help housing construction projects.
• The Housing Preservation Grant Program provides grants to qualified organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of housing owned or occupied by low- and very-low-income rural citizens.

Single Family Housing Top Lenders of the Year Awards

USDA Rural Development Alabama recognizes lenders who partner with the agency through the Guaranteed Home Loan program. This program assists approved lenders in providing low- and moderate-income households the opportunity to own adequate, modest, decent, safe and sanitary dwellings as their primary residence in eligible rural areas. Eligible applicants may purchase, build, rehabilitate, improve or relocate a dwelling in an eligible rural area with 100% financing. The program provides a 90% loan note guarantee to approved lenders in order to reduce the risk of extending 100% loans to eligible rural homebuyers – so no money down for those who qualify.

In fiscal year 2022 to date, the top five lender partners participating in the program are:

• Top lender partner: Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation of Madison, Wisconsin. Fairway helped 153 rural individuals and families buy homes backed with an USDA loan guarantee. This is the second year in a row that Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has been the top lender.
• Second top lender partner: Renasant Bank of Tupelo, Mississippi. Renasant Bank helped 80 rural individuals and families to buy homes backed with an USDA loan guarantee.
• Third top lender partner: Hometown Lenders, Inc., of Huntsville, Alabama. Hometown Lenders helped 67 rural individuals and families buy homes backed with an USDA loan guarantee.
• Fourth top lender partner: FirstBank of Nashville, Tennessee. FirstBank helped 60 rural individuals and families buy homes backed with a USDA loan guarantee.
• Fifth top lender partner: DHI Mortgage Company of Austin, Texas. DHI Mortgage Company helped 55 individuals and families buy homes backed with an USDA loan guarantee.

Visit the Single Family Housing program webpage or contact a Rural Development Alabama Area Office to learn more about USDA homeownership programs in Alabama.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page. 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.  

CAMDEN TELEPHONE (334) 682-4116

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO SELMA

Selma, AL Sunday June 26, 2022 at the Walton Theater the Dolph Lungren’s premiere of Caslte Falls rolled out the Red Carpet for an event hosted by local actress Alicia Chestnut

Arts revive hosted “Meet the Artist” Wideman Davis Dance on Tueday June 14, 2022  THIS IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF PUBLIC EVENTS TO EVENTUALLY PERFORM “The Migratuse Reimagined project” IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ALABAMA DANCE COUNCIL AND IS A CONTINUATION OF “Migratuse Ataraxia” A VIDEO OF WHICH IS BELOW.The Meet The Artsit was held at ArtsRevive Carneal Building in Selma and was attended by local residents and the artists as the seating arranged them in front of each other.

ARTS REVIVE TO HOST “MEET THE ARTIST” WIDEMAN DAVIS DANCE ON TUESDAY JUNE 14 AT 5:30. THIS IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF PUBLIC EVENTS TO EVENTUALLY PERFORM “The Migratuse Reimagined project” IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ALABAMA DANCE COUNCIL AND IS A CONTINUATION OF “Migratuse Ataraxia” A VIDEO OF WHICH IS BELOW.

NOW SHOWING JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION

MOTORCYCLE CLUBS VISIT SELMA

DR. SCOTT HARRIS SPEAKS TO SELMA ROTARY CLUB

DR. SCOTT HARRIS ANSWERS QUESTIONS

DALLAS COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX NAMED IN HONOR OF LOCAL ATTORNEYS

https://youtu.be/jNp_O8hCh3U

SELMA WEATHER

KICK COVID HAS BEEN LAUNCHED BY ADPH

The Alabama Department of Public Health has partnered with Bruno Event Team to launch the KICK COVID vaccination and testing campaign. The objective of KICK COVID is to promote vaccinations and education regarding vaccine efficacy by leveraging the state’s passion for college football.
The statewide campaign will offer COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in prominent locations at select home games for each FBS / FCS football program this fall. Each school will have a dedicated promotional campaign targeted to both fans and students. Student athletes will be a significant part of the campaign messaging and promotion.
State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said, “With the highly contagious Delta COVID-19 variant circulating, and cases, hospitalizations and deaths increasing, we continue urging all eligible people to be vaccinated as quickly as possible. These new and popular venues will provide additional opportunities for people to learn more about the virus, the vaccine, and receive testing and vaccine on-site.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity to utilize the power of college football as a platform for promoting the need to get vaccinated,” said Bruno Event Team CEO Gene Hallman. “The 2020 season was lacking the passion that comes from large crowds cheering for their favorite team. We need to do everything possible to ensure players and fans can safely return to stadiums to experience college football as we know and love it.”
Participating schools and dates - *subject to change
·        University of West Alabama vs. North American University, September 16
·        Jacksonville State University vs. University of North Alabama, September 18
·        University of South Alabama vs. Alcorn State University, September 18
·        Alabama State University vs. Bethune-Cookman University, September 25
·        Auburn University vs. Georgia State University, September 25
·        Miles College vs. Central State University, September 25
·        Samford University vs. East Tennessee State University, September 25
·        University of Alabama vs. University of Southern Mississippi, September 25
·        Tuskegee University vs. Edward Waters College, October 2
·        UAB vs. Liberty University, October 2
·        University of North Alabama vs. Campbell University, October 2
·        Alabama A&M University vs. Jackson State University, October 9
·        Troy University vs. Liberty University, October 9
For more information regarding the KICK COVID Program, visit https://www.kickcovid19.com/ 

SLAIN OFFICER LAID TO REST

by Randy Williams

Selma, AL - On Thursday August 5, 2021 a sad chapter in Selma’s history came to an end as the first Selma Policeman murdered while on duty came to an end as Officer Marquis Moorer was laid to rest after a lengthy procession of law enforcement vehicles and well-wishers ended at Pineview Gardens in Valley Grande, AL. The final procession started at the Selma Police Department and the Cecil C. Jackson, Jr. Public Safety Building on Alabama Avenue. Led by a Motorcycle Brigade down Alabama avenue the procession turned right on Broad Street and proceeded on Broad until it turned into Alabama Highway 22 and followed it to Pineview Cemetery in Valley Grand as well wishers lined the streets solemnly along the way.

Law enforcement from all over came to Selma to pay their respects from as far away as Chicago, IL and Nashville, TN. Former Selma Police Chief Riley came back for the funeral.

 The day before with Lewis Brothers Funeral Home in charge his body laid in honor at the Carl Morgan Convention Center from 11am Wednesday morning until 6pm that evening family and community paid their respects.

A week before the viewing a suspect was arrested at an apartment complex near Tuscaloosa, AL without incident.  ALAE issued the following statement: “At the request of Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford, Special Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) initiated an investigation into the murder of Selma Police Officer Marquis Moorer on Tuesday, July 27.

Officer Moorer was shot and killed in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 27, at the Selma Square Apartments in Selma. SBI Special Agents and other assisting investigators worked nonstop, throughout the night following up on tips, leads and interviews. Agents were able to identify a suspect, Javonte Stubbs, 18. SBI Agents obtained a probable cause arrest warrant for Stubbs. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 28, Stubbs was arrested by the U.S. Marshals-Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and SBI Agents near Tuscaloosa and formally charged with Capital Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, Capital Murder-Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling, and Attempted Murder. Agents and Officers with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshal’s Service, 4th Judicial Task Force, 17th Judicial Task Force, and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office were instrumental in assisting and supporting the investigation, along with locating and apprehending the suspect”.  Stubbs a former Selma High School football star was arraigned on Friday August 30, 2021 in Dallas County Court. A press conference was held in Selma afterwards which District Attorney Michael Jackson answered a few questions.

SELMA CITY SCHOOLS PREPARE TO OPEN

HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE

Selma, AL - Friday August 6, Selma City Schools Superintendat Dr. Avis Williams held a press conference about the opening of schools. As Selma City Schools begin the 2021-2022 school year, the following guidance is offered based on recommendations from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC). 1. Selma City Schools will reopen for all scholar on August 16, 2021. 2. All scholars are expected to attend school in-person unless enrolled in Saints Virtual Academy (grades 6-12 only). 3. Vaccinations are encouraged for teachers and students over the age of 12. Vaccinated individuals identified as a close contact will not have to quarantine so long as the individual remains asymptomatic. 4. Continued social distancing in the schools will be beneficial to mitigate the further spread of COVID. 5 . Masking is required for all staff, scholars and visitors in all schools and offices and while riding school buses. 6. Temperature checks will continue for any persons entering SCS office and school buildings. 7. Schools will be required to report suspected and diagnosed cases of COVID to ADPH. 8. Individuals who test positive or are diagnosed with COVID will quarantine for 10 days. 9. Subject to the following exclusions, school officials will notify individuals who are close contacts to a diagnosed COVID case as soon as possible and send them home for 10 days. However, asymptomatic close contacts who are vaccinated, who wear masks, or who have tested positive for COVID and recovered in the previous 3 months will not need to quarantine. 10. All individuals should practice frequent handwashing and respiratory etiquette. 11. All students and staff who have symptoms of COVID should remain at home and be referred to their healthcare provider for testing and care. 12. Routine, extensive cleaning will take place in all learning and office spaces. 13. At this time, there are no restrictions on attendance at extracurricular activities. 14. The SCS COVID-19 Dashboard will be updated weekly. 15. We will continue to partner with local health service agencies, including Rural Health and ADPH, to provide vaccination clinics. Finally, please recognize and remember that COVID remains a threat outside of the school setting. Vaccinations, face-coverings, social distancing, and hygiene are the best tools to combat this pandemic in all areas of our society. Selma City Schools may modify this guidance based on changes to the ADPH and CDC recommendations or as conditions may warrant.

RAILROAD TIES IN BURNSVILLE CATCH FIRE

SELMA CITY SCHOOLS POSTPONE OPENING

RAILROAD TIES IN BURNSVILLE CATCH FIRE

SELMA CITY SCHOOLS POSTPONE OPENING

8/2/2021) Over the summer, several sources of moisture stemming from a leaking roof at School of Discovery caused mold to grow in various learning and office spaces. After an analysis of School of Discovery, the building was deemed unsafe for occupancy. Because of this, Selma City Schools will delay the start of the school year for all scholars until August 16th instead of August 9th. All teachers will still report back to work, as planned, on Tuesday, August 3rd, however, the week of August 7th will now be used as additional planning and preparation time for the upcoming school year. All students will report to school on August 16th. The school calendar will remain the same after August 16th. Knox Elementary will now be the home location for School of Discovery. Families with scholars set to attend School of Discovery this school year will receive direct communication from school administrators about next steps. This is an issue exclusive to School of Discovery and there are no concerns about mold at our other schools. Be assured, health and safety are our priority. Selma City Schools will maintain a mask mandate and other COVID-19 precautions as we continue to grapple with the pandemic.

TABERNACLE MB CHURCH REACHES YOU WITH BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

MLK FREEDOM CENTER OF OAKLAND CALIFORNIA VISITS SELMA

SELMA POLICE MURDER SUSPECT CAUGHT

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE OPENING NIGHT OF THE CENTRAL ALABAMA FESTIVAL

USDA'S STATE DIRECTOR ALLEN BOWAN INTERVIEWED BY RANDY WILLIAMS

GOVERNOR IVEY SPEAKS AT BROWN CHAPEL RESTORATION GROUNDBREAKING

CONGESSWOMAN SEWELL SPEAKS AT BROWN CHAPEL RESTORATION GROUNDBREAKING

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR SELMA

LATE COUNCILWOMAN NANCY SEWELL HONORED WITH A PROCLAMATION

CONGRESSWOMAN TERRI SEWELL AND BROTHER ANDREW ACCEPT PROCLAMATION

LAKE FRONT CORVETTE CLUB OF NEW ORLEANS VISITS SELMA

ELLIOT GRAY OF NEW ORLEANS

SELMA'S FIRST BLACK COUNCILWOMAN PASSES AWAY AT 81

Rep. Sewell Announces Details of the Celebration of Life Services for her Beloved Mother, Nancy Gardner Sewell

Birmingham, AL – Today, Rep. Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) announced the details for the Celebration of Life Services for her mother, Nancy Gardner Sewell, who passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday, June 10, 2021 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. 

“My brother and I were blessed to have an amazing mother who blazed trails in education, public service, and community activism,” said Rep. Sewell. “As the first Black Councilwoman for the City of Selma, Nancy Gardner Sewell paved the way for the journey that now I have the privilege to travel as Alabama’s first Black Congresswoman.”

“My mother was the epitome of a servant leader from her more than 50-year commitment to serving underprivileged children in the Alabama Blackbelt to holding international positions in her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and to her lifelong dedication to uplifting the Selma-Dallas County community,” continued Sewell. “We know that our mother, Nancy Gardner Sewell, sowed many seeds and that her legacy will live on in the many lives that she impacted.”

Arrangements are as follows:

Friday, June 18, 2021  

11:00am CST - HOMEGOING SERVICES FOR NANCY GARDNER SEWELL

*Beulah Primitive Baptist Church

3304 County Road 37 South

Hope Hull, AL 36043 

*NOTE: This is Nancy’s family church where she grew-up.  The church was pastored by Nancy’s father and is currently pastored by her brother, Tom Gardner III.

Saturday, June 19, 2021

10:00am-12:00pm CST - LYING IN REPOSE 

Historic Brown Chapel AME Church 

410 Martin Luther King Street 

Selma, AL 36703 

*NOTE: Mask required; No Photos allowed

12:00pm CST -  MEMORIAL CELEBRATION OF LIFE OF NANCY GARDNER SEWELL

*Historic Brown Chapel AME Church 

410 Martin Luther King Street 

Selma, AL 36703 

*NOTE: This is Nancy’s home church where she was a faithful member for over 40 years.   She taught Sunday School and served as a member of the Board of Trustee of the Historic Brown Chapel AME Church and Secretary of the Historic Brown Chapel AME Church Preservation Society, Inc. (Foundation).

Interment:

New Live Oak Cemetery

22 Dallas Avenue

Selma, AL 36701

TALENT SEARCH THANKS DALLAS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND SHERIFF

5TH ANNUAL WARD 7 STOP THE VIOLENCE HELD!!!

SELMA CELEBRATES MEMORIAL DAY