Birmingham Association of Black Journalists to Host Town Hall Meeting on Education and Athletics

NEWS
PRESS RELEASE
Click to download Flyer

Birmingham Association of Black Journalists

April 19, 2009
For Immediate Release Contact:
Majella Chube Hamilton, BABJ member
205/937-4154 cell
or Marie Sutton, BABJ member
205/540-5552 cell

“DO SPORTS MATTER IN BIRMINGHAM CITY SCHOOLS?”
BIRMINGHAM ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS (BABJ) TO HOST 2ND EDUCATION TOWN HALL MEETING

WHO: Birmingham Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) has invited a powerhouse panel of administrators, coaches, organizational leaders, and parents as panelists and resources.
All parents and community residents are invited to attend and participate.

WHAT: Panel discussion followed by small-group, interactive breakout sessions will seek solutions to the systemic weaknesses and potential opportunities of athletic programs in the Birmingham City Schools. As with all BABJ Education Town Hall meetings, objectives of this gathering include generating community ideas, recommendations, and support for improving Birmingham City Schools athletic programs.

WHEN: Thursday, April 30, 2009 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Parker High School, New Gymnasium

EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION AND MORE:
Why do sports matter in the Birmingham School District?
How can funding be improved?
Do Birmingham students get the opportunities and skills they need to play competitively?
Does a focus on athletics compromise academics?
Where does accountability lie?

PANELISTS include:
Superintendent Barbara Allen, Birmingham City Schools
Ron Ingram, Communications Director, AHSAA
George Moore, Athletic Director, Birmingham City Schools
Emanuel Bell, Girls Basketball Coach, Wenonah High School
Rick Calhoun, Football Coach, Wilkerson Middle School
Mike Vest, Birmingham Athletic Partnership
Wendolyn Anderson, Volleyball Coach, Parker High School
Mary Parish, Parent and Assistant Basketball Coach, Phillips Academy
Woodlawn High School Student

Invited Guests include:
Terry Bouchillon, Athletic Coordinator, Birmingham Park and Recreation; Joe Brown, Sports Director, Northeast YMCA & Downtown YMCA Youth Center.

Pre- and Post-Event Interviews Available Upon Request.

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