At Senior Bowl Week practice on Wednesday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Saban, though, told reporters without prompting that he still considers Hurts as one of his players — indeed, a member of the Crimson Tide family.

Yet, things gotten even more real from there when Saban and Hurts greeted each other on the field at Ladd-Peebles shortly afterwards.

In a Hallmark moment that was captured by members of the media, Saban and Hurts share an embrace, each beaming from ear to ear.

WATCH: #Alabama HC Nick Saban reunites with former Crimson Tide QB @JalenHurts after today’s @seniorbowl practice. pic.twitter.com/8klYhYyL7J

— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) January 22, 2020

Hurts could be heard at first inquiring how Saban is doing, followed by the coach requesting to take a picture with Hurts.

“I’m proud of you,” Saban then told him.

The quarterback, who was called a “natural leader” this week by Bama’s outgoing defensive back Jared Mayden, subsequently complimented Saban’s fashion ensemble, especially his overcoat.

“Miss Terry get it for you?” Hurts inquired.

“Oh yeah,” Saban responded with a smile, prompting a chuckle from Hurts.

“Tell her to get me one,” Hurts quipped.

Saban then showed Hurts another piece of his wardrobe under the coat, leading Hurts to comment, “Man, she got you styling.”

“She got that, too,” Saban confirmed.

Saban then posed for another picture — this time with all of his players playing at the Senior Bowl, Hurts included.

The photo featured Hurts, Mayden, Terrell Lewis and Afernee Jennings:

It was announced Wednesday that outgoing Bama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis will not play in the Senior Bowl due to an injury.

Hurts on Monday was presented with a two-sided helmet ahead of Saturday’s Senior Bowl game; one side is a replica of his iconic No. 2 Bama helmet, and the other has the Oklahoma Sooners logo on it. That special helmet, however, will be preserved by Hurts rather than worn during the game.

Get tickets to the Senior Bowl game here.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

“No matter what your faith is, everyone understands that life is very precious and that life is a gift,” Aderholt continued. “I believe that as members of Congress and really as all citizens, we’re called to protect the vulnerable — and this is one of my core beliefs.”

“Being pro-life means not just pro-birth but being interested in the welfare of the child during his or her entire formative years,” the dean of Alabama’s House delegation advised. “That’s why I’m not only a longtime member of the pro-life caucus but also the co-chair of the congressional coalition on adoption.”

He showed appreciation for the Trump administration’s work on pro-life issues.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank this administration for the work they have done to defend the unborn, including changing the rules for Title X and expanding the Mexico City Policy. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration on these issues as we come to the time of January [22], where we remember the ruling of Roe versus Wade,” Aderholt remarked.

“I look forward to the day when there are no more abortions because there’s no more unwanted children,” he concluded.

Today, I spoke on the House floor on behalf of the millions of babies aborted since Roe v. Wade. I am unapologetically pro-life, pro-child and pro-family. I pray that we soon see the day that Roe v. Wade is overturned and the sanctity of life is returned to our nation. pic.twitter.com/i26eBRgC4r

— Rep. Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) January 16, 2020

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

“[I]t’s prepared me for everything I’ve gone through [in life], even in college, the adversity that I’ve gone through,” Lewis said. “Just knowing that it has to be a higher power working and living through me to be able to withstand everything that I’ve been through.”

“So, I definitely try to just basically give praise through my actions and stuff like that — and the way that I go about life and making decisions to honor God in any way, shape or form,” he continued.

Lewis then said that he tries to publicly profess his faith and testify “because some people kind of take it for granted and don’t realize what all God is doing for them.”

Here’s @_Real24_ of @AlabamaFTBL on what his faith means to him, how it’s gotten him through the hard times and how he tries to honor God with his words and actions:#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/540XUDZ52M

— Sean Ross (@sean_yhn) January 21, 2020

Yellowhammer News then asked Lewis if the University of Alabama football program under head coach Nick Saban is supportive of players who want to proclaim and openly live out their faith. Lewis spoke highly of the program in that regard.

“Yeah, they do a good job of having a great chaplain,” he responded. “They definitely give you the opportunity to be able to honor your higher power, honor God, stuff like that. So, they definitely keep it involved in the program. And you still have time to give your praise to the Lord.”

Read more of Yellowhammer’s coverage of Senior Bowl Week Media Day here.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

The quarterback would later say both programs have “great coaches.”

RELATED: Hurts on Saban: ‘We always had a love for each other … our relationship will never die’

Of the universities, Hurts added, “The appreciation I have for them both, the love I have for them both, it’ll never go away. The way that they’ve accepted me, both schools, not many people can say that they’ve experienced that or they have that … so I’m thankful for it.”

Hurts said that during Senior Bowl Week and in the game on Saturday, he simply wants to “be the best version of” himself. He listed executing, learning and being a “student of the game” as priorities.

The former Tide star was also asked if he has had the opportunity to visit with the outgoing Bama players at the Senior Bowl, his former teammates Jared Mayden, Terrell Lewis, Raekwon Davis and Anfernee Jennings.

“Yes, sir,” Hurts answered. “It’s been well [sic]. Great seeing them. Good to be out there on the practice field with them again. I think they have the same approach I have in terms of maximizing this opportunity.”

RELATED: Bama’s Jared Mayden glad to be reunited with ‘natural leader’ Jalen Hurts for Senior Bowl

Hurts later quipped that he plays with “a boulder” on his shoulder rather than merely “a chip.”

Asked about the reception he expected back in the state of Alabama and what it has been like so far, Hurts commented, “It’s been pretty hectic so far — in a good way. Just being back here, a lot of love. I’m appreciative of it all.”

“I get on the elevator, one of the workers at the hotel we’re staying at — she let me have it in terms of just screaming,” he continued with a smile. “‘Jalen Hurts is really on my elevator,’ just stuff like that. That’s special to me, and I know it won’t be like that forever. I’m just soaking it all in.”

You can watch Hurts’ full interview below:

Media Day followed the Senior Bowl Week introductory press conference that was held Monday evening.

RELATED: Senior Bowl Week kicks off in Mobile as director praises ‘beloved’ Jalen Hurts — ‘He’s come so far’

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Henry Pugh and the Musicians started off the morning by performing the music for the “Celebration and Prelude” at Dexter Avenue Baptist. The event was billed as a birthday party for King, who would have turned 91 in 2020.

“This is a celebration now, be happy!” Pugh admonished the audience while smiling.

True to the spirit of the morning, Reverend Handy, the church’s pastor, donned a birthday party hat in his first appearance in the pulpit.

Later in the service, Reverend Raymonda Speller brought the whole church to its feet with a powerful message about how Dr. King would not want people today to let causes that need champions pass by.

On Dexter Avenue, crowds were treated to performances by marching bands, like the much-praised Jefferson Davis High School Marching Vols.

The Jefferson Davis High School Marching Vols Band braving the cold for Montgomery’s MLK day parade. pic.twitter.com/JKaroGWPYg

— Henry Thornton (@HenryThornton95) January 20, 2020

Later, there were remarks at the capitol from Talladega Mayor Timothy Ragland, the first black American elected to lead that city. Ragland, who is considered by some a rising star in Alabama’s Democratic Party, urged the people in the audience to demand change from their government.

Mayor @TimothyLRagland urges change in his remarks to the crowd. pic.twitter.com/1UR9HwEDXl

— Henry Thornton (@HenryThornton95) January 20, 2020

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, also the first black man elected mayor of his city, took the podium after Ragland.

“We’re here today because of his leadership, we’re here today because of his courage, we’re here today because of his conviction,” Reed said near the beginning of his remarks.

“As a beneficiary in a different Montgomery than the one he lived in. … As the 57th mayor of this city, that he pastored in a church just one block from here,” Reed continued, noting the change that has come to the city in the 55 years since the march from Selma.

“Dr. King fought for all of mankind, he fought for all of us,” Reed remarked.

Viewers can watch Mayor Reed’s complete speech here.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@yellowhammernews.com or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.

He then served three tours as an explosive detection dog handler, followed by four tours as an explosive ordinance disposal technician (EOD tech) — the person disarming bombs. All of his tours occurred in the Middle East: two in Iraq and five in Afghanistan.

As detailed in a past Yellowhammer News article, Pierce technically entered the private sector upon retirement from the Marine Corps, however, he continued to serve the United States in a similar fashion. This warrior continued to save lives; while he was no longer the individual personally handling bomb-sniffing dogs or disarming bombs in war zones, Pierce became an expert trainer of military and law enforcement personnel who were doing exactly that at home and abroad.

Pierce’s post-Marines career came through Alabama-based Xtreme Concepts and its subsidiary iK9.

It was while working at iK9’s headquarters in Anniston on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, that Pierce came to be critically injured.

Now, this is a soldier all too familiar with brushes with death. However, it was following a training accident this past December that Pierce was faced with one his toughest tests yet.

According to information provided to Yellowhammer News, Pierce was injured while disposing of black powder and smokeless powder used during iK9 military working dog training exercises.

He reportedly suffered a broken arm, second degree burns and a deep laceration to one of his legs and was airlifted to UAB Hospital.

Following that incident, his mother, Carleen, started a GoFundMe, which set a goal to raise $50,000 for his medical and rehab costs while also detailing the severity of what he faced.

Carleen stated about the aforementioned injuries that Pierce also had third-degree burns and “multiple fractures.” He had either second or third-degree burns on his face, torso and arms.

“After his second surgery to save his right arm the doctors are still unsure if he will ever make a full recovery. He remains in the ICU Burn Trauma Unit,” Carleen wrote.

“While my family asks for continued prayers that the many surgeries he has ahead are successful and that we can keep him infection free we are now also asking for help. Matthew is the father of 3 children and to make sure that they need for nothing while he battles down this long road ahead is his biggest concern. If you could find it in your hearts to either make a donation or share this with your friends it would be greatly appreciated. I understand it’s the holidays but anything donated will go directly to his children or to his medical bills and long term care,” she added.

Fortunately, things have trended in the right direction since then.

On Monday, January 20, Carleen wrote, “I wanted to post another update as we are coming up on two months since the accident. My son has undergone all of his surgeries successfully and has been released from the hospital. He is dealing with day to day life of visiting nurses, occupational therapy and physical therapy. His right arm is proving most difficult and unsure if will ever regain full mobility. He is recovering nicely and showing how strong he truly is. I want to send a heart felt thank you to everyone involved. The medical treatment he has received has been tremendous and support from our family, friends and community has been above and beyond. We thank you all for continued prayers.”

Yet, while the prognosis is positive, Pierce is still faced with a costly and lengthy process moving forward.

This is one reason why Donald Trump, Jr., the president’s eldest son, on Monday tweeted his support of Pierce and urged people to support the GoFundMe.

This amazing Marine Corp vet who did 7 combat tours & disarmed over 700 IEDs had a terrible accident and has been in the ICU for weeks. His family now needs help paying for his medical bills. If you can, please consider donating to help them! https://t.co/x6dVLTe3Lg

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 20, 2020

Money quickly poured in after the tweet from “Don Jr.,” and the GoFundMe is now “trending” due to the high volume of donations pouring in.

While the money will certainly have a tangible effect in helping Pierce with his rehab, the backing from the president’s son is also sure to be an important morale boost for Pierce as well.

In an exclusive statement to Yellowhammer News, Pierce reacted to Trump Jr.’s tweet, saying he was “blown away” that Don Jr. was willing to rally support behind him.

“As I am starting my road to recovery, my family and I are so incredibly grateful for all the amazing people that have been willing to help,” Pierce added. “I am so very blessed. May God look over each and every one of them. Semper Fidelis.”

You can support the cause here.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

West during the sessions performed “Jesus Walks” from 2004, which brought his performance full circle to identify with his relationship with Christ. The talented choir led the audience in a moving version of “How Great Thou Art,” and “Closed on Sunday” was also reportedly a crowd favorite.

In a statement, Dawson said, “We were so thankful that Kanye West and his team were willing to come to Strength to Stand this year.”

The Strength to Stand conference is an annual event that has taken place in Pigeon Forge, TN, since 1994. The conference has served over 250,000 students since then, including 17,000 taking part this Sunday.

“It was an honor to have Kanye and the Sunday Service Choir along with Kanye’s pastor, Adam Tyson, join us for the conference to tell the world about Jesus!” he added.

Dawson recently interviewed on Yellowhammer Podcast Network’s “Living Life on Purpose” podcast with host Matt Wilson. Read more about that interview, in which Dawson spoke about West’s turn to God, and listen here.

Highlights of West’s Sunday performances can be viewed below or here:

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

In his first MLK Day remarks as mayor, Reed said, “I think it’s very important for us to remember that Dr. King led a life of service. He led a life of sacrifice. He led a life and left a blueprint for all of us to follow [of] how we can impact our communities.”

“Many of us may never be called to lead,” he continued, “but all of us are called to serve. And it’s with that that we should keep in mind this important holiday. Because while many will take a day off, it should be a ‘day on’ to remind each of us what we need to do in order to achieve a ‘Beloved Community.'”

“Dr. King was many things. … Dr. King led as any of us would: with some doubt, with some questions and even [at] times with hesitation. But he kept the faith, and he made sure that throughout all of that, he persevered to achieve the goal that he believed he’d been called to lead,” the mayor commented.

Reed called on people in modern times to take up the ideals and dedication of King to move not only Montgomery forward but the entire world as well.

“To keep us on the right path, we must remember that it’s important to challenge inequality wherever it is,” Reed said. “It’s important to challenge the lack of opportunity wherever it is. It’s important for us to stand tall in the face of challenge as Dr. King did so many times.”

He added, “For us to be more King-like, as opposed to being King-lite, we have to remember that Dr. King was not perfect. Dr. King was not a person who may not have done some things differently throughout his leadership, throughout his implementation. He did not do it by himself. But Dr. King, if anything else, stood strong, stood steadfast and stood very defiant about what was important — not just for himself, not for what was just comfortable for his circle of friends but for what was right and what was just for all of humanity. Let us remember that as we try and improve our communities…”

Reed concluded by urging listeners to take up “the baton” that King left for the world.

Watch:

RELATED: A list of MLK Day events across Alabama

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Birmingham

King left an indelible mark on the Magic City, with history especially remembering King’s famed Letter from Birmingham Jail. It is only fitting that the city have a bevy of events scheduled to remember the legend.

RELATED: Jefferson County to preserve jail cell where MLK was held shortly before his assassination

• MLK Unity Breakfast at the BJCC — 7:00 a.m.
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s “MLK Day 2020: King’s Dream in 20/20 Vision’’ — 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (The institute is offering free admission all day long)
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. wreath-laying ceremony in Kelly Ingram Park to honor their fellow fraternity brother, Dr. King — 11:00 a.m.
• Traditional MLK March, leaving from City Hall to Kelly Ingram Park — 11:30 a.m.
• The UAB MLK Day of Service begins at UAB’s Recreation Center — 11:30 a.m.
• SCLC Civil Rights Rally at 16th Street Baptist Church — 12:00 p.m.
• United Way of Central Alabama’s annual MLK Day of Service — 1:00 p.m.
• SCLC MLK “Love Fest” at the Boutwell Auditorium — 2:00 p.m.

Montgomery

• Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church — 9:30 a.m.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade, leaving from Troy University’s campus in downtown Montgomery — 1:00 p.m.

Huntsville

• Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast featuring U.S. Sen. Doug Jones at the Von Braun Center North Hall — 7:00 a.m.

Mobile

• The University of South Alabama’s and Bishop State Community College’s annual Dr. King March and Rally; March begins at Bishop State’s main campus, rally at Lyons Park immediately afterward — 12:00 p.m.

Tuscaloosa

• Tuscaloosa’s SCLC hosts its annual Unity Day, in partnership with the University of Alabama’s Realizing the Dream initiative; Read more here and here.

Auburn

• “Reclaiming the Dream: A New Vision For the Future” breakfast at The Hotel at Auburn University — 7:30 a.m.
• Day of service starts at The Hotel at Auburn University — 11:00 a.m.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

As part of the week’s celebration, a day of service opportunity will be offered at 11 a.m. Jan. 20 at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference in partnership with the East Alabama Food Bank. Participants will assist with packing weekend and overnight book bags for children who experience hunger. Individuals interested in volunteering can register here.

On Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m., Auburn’s Critical Conversations Speaker Series will continue with a talk by Eddie Glaude Jr., the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University. For more information on that series, go here.

On Wednesday, Jan. 22 a “Lunch and Learn” focused on the topic of “Financial Freedom as a Form of Social Activism” will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Haley Center, room 1403. The featured speakers for that event are Kiersten and Julien Saunders, personal finance experts and co-creators of the award-winning blog “rich & REGULAR.” A second “Lunch and Learn” event on “Race in America: A Reflection of the Last Decade” will occur from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Auburn’s Cross Cultural Center for Excellence in the Student Center.

The final event of the week involves a community service outreach effort at the East Alabama Food Bank from 7 to 9 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24.

For more information and to register for the MLK Celebration Week events, go to http://ocm.auburn.edu/mlkweek/.

This story originally appeared on Auburn University’s website.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

“The origin story of sea turtles is one of the great unsolved mysteries in evolutionary biology,” said Drew Gentry, a College of Arts and Sciences Ph.D. candidate at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and lead author of the study. “There is a great deal of evidence indicating that turtles may have evolved to live in the ocean several times over the past 150 million years. The trick is determining which of those species are actually the direct ancestors of the species we see today.”

MORE: Grad student uncovers Alabama fossils likely from oldest ancestor of modern sea turtles

To determine how A. parhami is related to present-day sea turtles, scientists performed a phylogenetic analysis. It is a method that compares the features of many different species of turtle to figure out how closely or distantly related those species may be. The analysis results in a phylogenetic tree, or genealogy, of sea turtles.

The UAB study found A. parhami is one of the youngest species to fall just outside of the group containing every species of modern sea turtle. This makes A. parhami of particular interest in the study of the sea turtle origins.

“Although it’s tempting to say ‘problem solved’ when we recover such a well-resolved tree, this is only one hypothesis in a long line of suggested sea turtle genealogies,” Gentry said. “Right now, there are several distinct trees proposed by different groups of scientists that are the front-runners in the race to solve sea turtle evolution, each with its own unique arrangement of fossil and modern species. Determining which tree most accurately represents the evolutionary history of these animals can be challenging, to say the least.”

In an effort to test the accuracy of each tree, Gentry and his colleagues examined the  proposed sea turtle genealogies and which most accurately fits the fossil record. That is to say, if the genealogy indicates that a certain species evolved first, does that species actually show up first in the fossil record?

Still lots to learn about ancient sea turtle unearthed in Alabama

Surprisingly, Gentry discovered that, although his proposed genealogy matched up relatively well with the fossil record, it was not the best fit. “Actually, a phylogeny proposed more than a decade ago matched nearly perfectly with the fossil record,” Gentry said. “The problem with that analysis was that it didn’t include nearly as many species as subsequent analyses, which may have influenced the results.”

Despite scientists around the world working for more than a century on sea turtle evolution, Gentry thinks there is still much to be learned.

“New methods for testing how fossil species are related to modern species are constantly being developed. Also, discoveries of new fossils have the potential to radically change our understanding of how certain features and species evolved in the history of life on our planet,” Gentry said. “Our study is just another piece of evidence in an ongoing mystery that shows no sign of being solved any time soon.”

The study, titled “Asmodochelys parhami, a new fossil sea turtle from the Campanian Demopolis Chalk and the stratigraphic congruence of competing marine turtle phylogenies,” was published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

This story originally appeared on the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s UAB News website.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

Eastern Division

• In an event that has become an Eastern APSO tradition, volunteers will prepare plates and serve food at the Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast in Talladega. The event starts at 8 a.m. in the Family Life Center at the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church. Eastern Division Vice President Terry Smiley will be the keynote speaker.

• Volunteers will serve Calhoun County residents at the annual MLK Breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Anniston City Meeting Center.

Gaston

The Gaston Chapter will celebrate King’s life and legacy by cleaning the town of Wilsonville from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Meeting at 8 a.m. at the town pavilion, members will pick up trash along Shelby County Road 103, Hebb Road and Highway 25.

Magic City

• Magic City APSO members will join Friends of Moss Rock Preserve in Hoover to clean up and remove invasive plants along walking trails from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Members will prepare and serve lunch to about 60 families at the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on MLK Day. The members will split into teams, cleaning the kitchen pantry, cabinets and drawers, refrigerator, playground and around the building’s exterior. A team will disinfect the toddler area and toys, as well. To prepare for the event, a team will spend time Saturday, Jan. 18, buying food, paper plates, cups and utensils.

• Volunteers will work from 8 a.m. to noon at the downtown YWCA, cleaning and refreshing the lobby and second-floor chapel. They will perform heavy-duty cleaning, such as sprucing up the chapel, baseboards and stairwells. If the weather permits, members will clean the first-floor interior windows and exterior windows.

Miller

Miller APSO members will work at Cordova Health & Rehabilitation, a long-term care and rehabilitation center, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of a beautification project. Volunteers will clean the facility’s courtyard, and several Miller APSO members will pressure-wash, perform landscaping and repair the gazebo.

Mobile Division

Mobile APSO volunteers will join together for Keep Mobile Beautiful’s communitywide partnership for the MLK Day of Service. The project will benefit the Strickland Youth Center, which assists troubled teens. Members will plant trees, some of which were funded by the Alabama Power Foundation’s Good Roots Grants project to improve the quality of the environment in communities, towns and cities across Alabama.

Southeast Division

Members will take part in the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber’s Day of Service from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers from other groups will help in serving the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Eufaula, Barbour County Humane Society, Fairview Cemetery, Jewish Cemetery and more.

Southern Division

In what has become an annual project, Southern APSO volunteers will assist at the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts at Troy University. Volunteers will help seat guests attending the MLK Celebration at the 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. shows.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

“People say others choose drug addiction,” said Massey, who mentors the women into new lives. “You don’t know their stories. There have been things that have gone on that have caused the behavior. We have clients from different states, and even have a woman from Russia. Some girls struggle with a lot of anger. I see people in emotional and physical pain.”

The rehabilitation center provides clients a free 12- to 18-month treatment program, including drug counseling and therapies provided by doctors, nurse practitioners and counselors who volunteer their time.

“We had a girl with a serious mental illness,” Massey said. “With help from our volunteer doctors, counselors and medication, the woman is now getting to a place where she can work through the issues of the past.”

Massey has found that emotional and mental health issues are a leading factor in drug and/or alcohol addiction. Left untreated or misdiagnosed, she said, many people self-treat through prescription medications, which can lead to hard drugs.

People need mental health help, and treatment will prevent addiction, she said. Untreated or undiagnosed mental health issues can be a big factor in addiction, Massey believes.

“I see God work here every day,” Massey said. “We’re here to tell people they don’t have to live that way anymore. Your brain thinks that emotional pain is the same as physical pain, and you’ve got to confront the pain. Some feel almost helpless. We encourage the women to stay in recovery.”

Clients find recovery and new life

Massey and her team have created a homey atmosphere where clients – many of whom were homeless – find respite and healing. Such was the case for Melissa Lamb, who left her home in North Carolina when she was 16 years old.

“There are ones who have been in domestic violence,” Lamb said. “I ran.”

A few years ago, Lamb attended the Massey’s church in Atlanta, before they were led to start a ministry in Alabama. When Lamb briefly relapsed into substance abuse, she lost custody of her daughter. She found it very difficult to regain her parental rights.

“I spiraled downhill,” Lamb said. “I needed a fresh start.”

Searching the internet for the Massey’s new church, Lamb saw that the couple had founded the City of Lights Dream Center. Lamb packed up her belongings and made her way to Alabama, sometimes living in a tent along the way.

“I called Jamie and told her, ‘I’m coming to check myself in,’” Lamb said. Massey picked up Lamb at the WalMart in Sumiton.

The past few months, Lamb has worked hard to re-stabilize her life. She wants to earn an associate degree from Bevill State and has plans to become a commercial truck driver.

“My daughter is that important to me,” said Lamb, who has a part-time cleaning job with a commercial company. “Once I could focus on what I needed to do, I can use healthy coping skills. I know now what to do to prevent a relapse.”

“The determination, heart and passion to succeed is influential with the women here,” Massey said. “We want to see moms reunified with their children. People have to get on their feet. They just need that chance.”

Lamb is grateful for the opportunity to start anew.

“Jamie is a miracle soldier, a warrior woman,” Lamb said.

Birthing the Dream Center

The Masseys moved from Atlanta three years ago to pastor Sumiton Church of God. Performing a demographic study of the area, they discovered needs within the community that couldn’t be handled on a Sunday morning. For several years, Jamie Massey had desired to provide a center where people could receive treatment for substance and alcohol abuse.

“Starting the City of Lights Dream Center has been an amazing journey,” said Massey, who operates the center through Jamie Massey Ministries. “This is definitely a God thing.”

Searching for a location, Victor Massey found the old T.S. Boyd school property, which had been closed a few years before and had been put up for bid by the city of Dora. The couple placed a modest bid on the property. The Masseys learned they were the only bidders.

Massey said the center has received much help from the Walker Area Community Foundation, the Walker County Coalition for the Homeless, and other churches and organizations seeking to improve conditions not only in Dora and Sumiton but all of Walker County.

For example, several members of the Miller Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) helped prepare the center for opening. Miller APSO members volunteered 400 hours. In 2019, Miller APSO gave a donation for school supplies to help with the Dream Center’s Back 2 School Bash for needy families.

Massey plans to use the entire 18 acres of the property. Coming phases, which will require property improvements, will include housing for single mothers and battered women and children. Behind the Dream Center, Massey added a new mobile home that will house a current client when her baby is born. She hopes to expand the center’s program to include men with substance-abuse issues in September 2020.

A Bevill State Community College instructor provides onsite job training to clients, helping with computer training and teaching business skills. Several clients are receiving tutoring to earn GEDs.

The Dream Center provides free day care after-school care to about 30 children of approved families, picking up the children by bus after school and delivering them home at 5:30 p.m. daily. The children are fed a nutritious meal made in the center’s community kitchen and engage in learning activities on computers donated to the center.

Many members of the Sumiton Church of God have volunteered their help.

“I thank God for a church family that is so supportive of this,” said Massey, who has shared the Dream Center’s mission with several churches and other groups. “I always say God must love this place. God has said, ‘I want you to love these people like I love them.’ We are helping change outcomes in Walker County, one person at a time.”

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

Goat Island Brewing is an Alabama Maker of interesting beers from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

The brewery is open to community events and fundraisers in Cullman.

“I like the fact that we are kind of a cultural community center,” Mullaney said.

With seven beers on tap – excluding a seasonal or a small batch – there is always something for any beer drinker. The Blood Orange Berliner Weisse is the bestselling beer on tap, and keeping up with the demand has been a little challenging. A new canning line should help.

The growth is welcome, but the beer has to be the star.

“We always emphasize quality and making sure everything we put out of here is up to the highest standard,” said Paul White, head brewer and operations manager.

Goat Island Brewing Company

The product: Craft beer.

Take home: A growler of Blood Orange Berliner Weisse.

Goat Island Brewing Co. can be found online and on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

“We not only picked up more trash in 2019. We also had more volunteers,” said Clelland, an Environmental Affairs specialist for Alabama Power who helps coordinate the cleanups with multiple partners. “Twenty years in and the enthusiasm and participation remain strong. I fully expect 2020 to be just as successful as 2019, if not more so.”

An Alabama River cleanup in Autauga County on Feb. 15 leads off this year’s schedule, which concludes the first week of November at Lake Martin.

Volunteers elevate Alabama through Renew Our Rivers from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Renew Our Rivers began in 2000 with a cleanup by Alabama Power employees along the Coosa River at the company’s Plant Gadsden. It has grown to become one of America’s largest river cleanup initiatives, with the help of community partners, volunteers and organizations.

“Alabama is a beautiful place with extraordinary natural resources,” said Susan Comensky, Alabama Power vice president for Environmental Affairs. “Protecting those resources, while providing reliable, affordable electricity for our customers, is at the heart of our company’s mission. The commitment by Alabama Power employees to Renew Our Rivers remains strong, but we couldn’t do it without the support of our community partners across the state who support the effort year after year.”

Renew Our Rivers is one of many initiatives in which Alabama Power partners with others to promote conservation and environmental stewardship in communities across the state. The 2020 schedule of Renew Our Rivers cleanups is below. For updates to the schedule, visit alabamapower.com/renewourrivers.

2020 Renew Our Rivers Schedule

Feb. 15: Alabama River

Contact: John Paul O’Driscoll at 334-850-7153

or johnpaulod@juno.com

Feb. 29: Bankhead Lake (Warrior River)

Contact: Ronnie Tew at 205-908-4857

March 7: Lake Eufaula (Chattahoochee River)

Contact: Brad Moore at bmooreless@gosuto.com

March 14: Valley Creek (Spring)

Contact: Freddie Freeman at 205-424-4060, ext. 4188

or ffreeman@bessemeral.org

March 21: Lake Mitchell (Coosa River)

Contact: Mike Clelland at 205-354-9348

March 28-April 4: Logan Martin (Coosa River)

Contact: Bud Kitchin at 256-239-0242

March 28: Minor Heights Community at Village Creek

Contact: Yohance Owens at 205-798-0087

or yohancevilcreek@yahoo.com

March 28-April 4: Lay Lake (Coosa River)

Contact: Judy Jones at 205-669-4865

April 11: Lay Lake at E.C. Gaston Plant (Coosa River)

Contact: Tanisha Fenderson at tfender@southernco.com

April 4: Cahaba River

Contact: David Butler at

info@cahabariverkeeper.org

April 14-15: Mobile River (Plant Barry)

Contact: Bo Cotton at 251-331-0603

April 18: Lake Jordan (Coosa River)

Contact: Brenda Basnight 334-478-3388

Date TBD: Plant Miller (Locust Fork)

Contact: TBD

April 22-23: Smith Lake (Winston County)

Contact: Allison Cochran at 205-489-5111

April 24: Smith Lake (Cullman County)

Contact: Jim Murphy at 205-529-5981

April 25: Weiss Lake

Contact: Sam Marko at 404-626-8594

May 1: Plant Gorgas (Mulberry Fork)

Contact: John Pate at 205-686-2324

or johpate@southernco.com

May 15: Lake Seminole

Contact: Melanie Rogers at mlrogers@southernco.com

May 16: Chattahoochee River (Plant Farley)

Contact: Melanie Rogers at mlrogers@southernco.com

May 18-19: Smith Lake (Walker County)

Contact: Roger Treglown at 205-300-5253

Aug. 8: Holt Lake (Black Warrior River)

Contact: Becky Clark at 205-799-2449

Aug. 14: Plant Miller (Locust Fork)

Contact: Madison Maughon at 205-438-0150

or mtmaugho@southernco.com

Aug. 15: Valley Creek

Contact: TBD

Aug. 15: Upper Tallapoosa River

Contact: Lex Brown at 256-239-6399

Sept: 8-9: Smith Lake (Walker County)

Contact: Roger Treglown at 205-300-5253

Date TBD: Village Creek

Contact: Yohance Owens at 205-798-0087

Sept.18: Smith Lake (Cullman County)

Contact: Jim Murphy at 205-529-5981

Sept. 24: Smith Lake (Winston County)

Contact: Jim Eason at msgjeason@yahoo.com

Oct. 2-3: Lake Demopolis

Contact: Jesse Johnson at 334-289-6160 or 251-238-1257

Oct. 13: Dog River (Mobile County)

Contact: Catie Boss at 251-829-2146 or clboss@southernco.com

Oct.17: Lake Mitchell (Coosa River)

Contact: Dale Vann at 205-910-3713

Oct. 20-22: Lake Harris (Tallapoosa River-Lake Wedowee)

Contact: Sheila Smith at 205-396-5093

or Marlin Glover at 770-445-0824

Oct. 26-31: Neely Henry Lake (Coosa River)

Contact: Lisa Dover at 256-549-0900

Nov. 6-7: Lake Martin (Tallapoosa River)

Contact: John Thompson at 334-399-3289

or 1942jthompson420@gmail.com

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

Pine Hills and Oak Hollars Child Classic grants wishes for kids from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Carter’s faith paid off. The event, now in its ninth year, has grown from a hunting trip for one child into an extended weekend experience for three kids at a time. The kids are selected through the United Special Sportsman Alliance, all recovering from a life-threatening illness, such as cancer, or a life-altering disorder like autism.

“This is just an opportunity that God has given us to be able to give these kids and their families a chance to get away and get their mind off of a lot of what they’ve been dealing with,” Carter said.

Beau Terry, 18, is one of the young people hunting in this year’s classic. Terry said he was thrilled to get the chance.

“It’s kind of like having a lot of uncles around,” Terry said. “It means a lot.”

In addition to the hunting trip, the kids are given hunting clothes, a DVD video of their weekend and a canvas picture. Carter said their smiles are a blessing to him and his volunteers.

“It’s awesome,” Carter said. “When God calls us to do something, there’s no sense in worry about how much and how, just step out on faith and roll with it because he’s got it figured out already. He will provide.”

For more information about the Pine Hills and Oak Hollars Child Classic, visit the organization’s Facebook page here.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

The Hall is located on Highway 72 in Tuscumbia, a charming city in the northwest corner of Alabama. Nearby is the town of Muscle Shoals, a town with a musical history so rich it warranted its own documentary.

In addition to celebrating its 30th birthday, the Hall of Fame is hosting an induction banquet on January 25.

The Hall will be inducting Gary Baker, Mervyn Warren, Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton and Elton B. Stephens. The institution’s website describes the acts as, “two Grammy Award winners, a legendary blues singer and the philanthropist who spearheaded the revival of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.”

Performing at the induction will be the Backstreet Boys, Taylor Hicks, Jamey Johnson, Bo Bice and Chris Thompkins. The Backstreet Boys are friends with Gary Baker and will be there to support his induction.

Also at the induction ceremony on January 25 will be the handing out of the first-ever AMHOF Advocacy Award, which will go to Mitchell Self. According to a detailed piece on the award in the Florence Times-Daily, Self was a legendary radio owner and promoter of the Muscle Shoals music scene. He died in 1990 after 20 years running WLAY in Muscle Shoals.

“As any family would be, we’re quite proud of the legacy he left,” Kevin Self, Mitchell’s son, said of his father.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@yellowhammernews.com or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.

Right or Privilege? Alabama Women and the Vote

Vulcan Park & Museum joins communities across the nation to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19^th amendment Friday, Jan. 17, 2020 through Jan. 2, 2021. The exhibit and programming will examine the specific challenges faced by suffragists in Birmingham and analyze the racial issues that caused the suffrage movement to be a primarily white campaign. It will explore the efforts of black men and women to achieve the right to vote. Entrance to the exhibition is included with general admission to Vulcan Park & Museum. Admission to the exhibit is $6 for ages 13 and older, $4 for children ages 5-12 and free for children ages 4 and younger. Vulcan Center Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6.pm.

ASU to Co-host Sixth Annual MLK Celebration in Montgomery

Alabama State University will co-sponsor the sixth annual communitywide celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Friday, Jan. 17, in Montgomery. The theme of this year’s event is “Because of them, I am.” A mixture of music and drama will feature the MLK Interfaith Community Choir, ASU Dramatic Guild and ASU BFA Dance Company. Performances are 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 for the matinee and $10 for the evening show. Admission for children ages 10 and younger is $7.50. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the show at the Davis Theatre Box Office, 251 Montgomery St. Learn more at keepersofthedream.org. For more details, call 334-229-6755 or 334-229-4104.

Miranda Lambert in concert in Birmingham

Country music singer and songwriter Miranda Lambert will perform at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Saturday, Jan.18. Lambert rose to fame in 2003 when she finished in third place on the USA Network’s “Nashville Star.” Her greatest hits are “Kerosene,” “Over You” and “Little Red Wagon.” Tickets start at $23.

The Market at Pepper Place 20^th Anniversary Celebration

The Market at Pepper Place is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the opening of the 2020 Indoor Winter Farmers Market. Choose from winter veggies, farm eggs, sheep cheese, herbs, breads, pastries, meats, poultry and other market goods. Hot coffee, tea and a selection of breakfast items will be available every week. Dogs are welcome, but must remain outside. The Market opens Saturday, Jan. 18-April 4, from 7 a.m. to noon. The venue is at 2805 Second Ave. South. For more information inbox info@pepperplacemarket.com.

Gulf Coast Comedy Fest 2020

Professional standup comedians and a surprise act will make it a great night of entertainment at the 3^rd annual Comedy Fest Friday, Jan. 17 in Foley. The audience is welcome to participate in the show. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Alcohol will not be served at the event, but purchases can be made at nearby restaurants. There will be an intermission for attendees to leave for refills. General admission is $32 and VIP tickets are $37. The venue is at 1501 S. OWA Blvd.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

Experience the thrilling sight of thousands of sandhill cranes, wild geese, ducks, herons and other birds Saturday, Jan.18 at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur. Retired Refuge Manager Dwight Cooley will lead visitors through bays and sloughs. Bring binoculars, a birding field guide and a spotting telescope, if possible. Children ages 8 and older must have an adult supervisor. To register call Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680 or inbox seoutings@bellsouth.net by 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. The outing is limited to 33 people.

Alabama Dance Festival

The Alabama Dance Festival is one of the largest gatherings of dancers and dance enthusiasts in the Southeast. Immerse yourself in master classes with world-renowned teachers, audition opportunities, teacher training, networking and performances by regional dance groups. This year’s guest company is Wideman Davis Dance. See a range of styles and traditions by schools, studios, companies and choreographers in the annual New Works Concert and Alabama Dance Festival Showcase. Register for classes at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Jan. 17-26.

Thurgood Marshall play Jan. 17-19

Steel Magic Theatre of Birmingham presents “Thurgood” at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater Jan. 17-19. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall changed the American legal landscape, setting the stage for civil rights pioneers such as Fred Shuttlesworth, Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The presentation tells the remarkable and triumphant story of Marshall, who rose from a childhood in the backstreets of Baltimore to the Supreme Court of the United States. Along the way, Marshall overcame many adversities, but through them all remained focused and positive to maintain the great country he wanted to serve. Tickets are online.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

Grayson Morris, who said he had been fishing since he was five years old, told the media that he “had no idea” when asked if he knew about today’s recognition from Bassmaster.

“When they made the announcement I was super surprised,” he added. “I can’t wait till March.”

In 2020, the Bassmaster Classic will be in Birmingham from March 6-8. It is the competition’s 50th anniversary. The fishing will take place on Lake Guntersville. Morris and Smith will be participating, but not as official competitors.

“I remember watching the Bassmaster Classic on TV when I was a little boy, and now I get to go out there and do that,” Morris happily told Yellowhammer News.

Academy Sports and Outdoors is giving the duo’s boat a new coat of paint for the special occasion.

“I think it looks good. It will look good out there at the Bassmaster Classic,” he said of the freshly-painted boat.

“To be the first high schooler’s, that’s a great honor,” Smith told reporters after the event. He also thanked his coaches for making everything possible.

“It’s going to be crazy to fish against those guys,” he said of the anglers he will be sharing a lake with come March.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@yellowhammernews.com or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.

The couple met in seventh grade at a 4-H science camp. The two subsequently started seriously dating when Coach Saban was a student at Kent State and Miss Terry was teaching in West Virginia.

Terry and Nick Saban have two children: Nicholas and Kristen.

Some of Coach Saban’s most endearing moments while coaching in Tuscaloosa have centered around his relationship with – and love for – Miss Terry.

RELATED: Nick Saban on birthday plans: ‘It’s going to be whatever Miss Terry tells me to do’

One favorite from this past season is when the legendary coach admitted Miss Terry made him run on the treadmill after he received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the Tide’s opener against Duke.

She is also respected as a recruiting asset, even showing off some impressive dance moves at a recent event.

Then, of course, there is the Nick’s Kids Foundation, which is largely run by Miss Terry. The Sabans’ philanthropy is renowned for the work it does for youth in Alabama.

RELATED: Sabans’ ‘Nick’s Kids’ awards $560,000 to 130 non-profits

Find out more about the foundation here.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

As a former candidate for governor in Alabama, confronting the issues facing society and the nation is familiar ground for him.

When asked by Wilson what he viewed as the greatest challenge facing the country, Dawson was unequivocal in his response.

“Pride,” he stated.

He remarked that pride includes both arrogance and false humility.

“I sense that with all of us, including me,” Dawson said. “I’m speaking to you going, ‘this is my struggle’ because if we could understand how powerful the principle is to humble yourself before the Lord, things can happen.”

He cited Proverbs 16:18, which says, “Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

“That’s the reason why I say it’s the greatest problem of our country because when we are so proud that we are not listening to anyone else’s counsel, we’re bent on doing it our own way, then we’re up to be left to our own destruction,” said Dawson. “And that’s what needs to take place in the country.”

He believes it will take Christ-centered leadership to overcome these problems.

“Leadership begins at the feet of Jesus,” he stated. “We have got to be servant leaders. We have got to exemplify that in our own lives. People say there’s one life in the church, one life outside the church. There needs to be just one life. Jesus is not what I do, He is who I am. Do I still have those struggles? Yes. But every day, I’m in a relationship with Him. I’m being molded into his image. John the Baptist said, ‘He must increase and I must decrease.’ That happens in that life transformation that we’re walking through. I’m not acting like I used to act. And, hopefully, in five years I’m not acting then like I’m acting now because I’m growing in that relationship.”

Having established his ministry in 1987, Dawson described his calling as an evangelist as “an exciting adventure” as he continues seeking ways to answer the question of “how can I present the gospel in unique situations?”

One of those unique situations is with 21-time Grammy Award winner Kanye West.

West, whose album Jesus is King was released late last year, is set to participate in Dawson’s Strength to Stand conference. The event is taking place in Pigeon Ford, Tennessee, on January 18 through 20.

“Kanye has had this conversion experience and most people are talking about, ‘Well, is it genuine, is it genuine?’” Dawson explained. “I’m reminded that those are the same questions they had about Saul. Saul turned out to be the greatest missionary we’ve ever seen. Now, most people know him as Paul, but in the New Testament he was Saul of Tarsus.”

Dawson sees the spiritual walk for someone like West as a leadership opportunity for other believers.

“Even people that are cynics toward Kanye, they cannot get over the fact that his entire countenance has changed,” he said. “Something has taken place in his life. So us as leaders, let’s exemplify it. Let’s be quick to meet people where they are. Scripture does say very pointedly, ‘Without vision, the people perish.’ We’ve got to have some leaders around here that can see further down the road than past the end of their nose and say, ‘This is where we need to go.’ People don’t mind following a leader if they trust him or her and they believe that he or she has vision for the future.”

West’s growth as a Christian is something to which Dawson has paid close attention.

“His pastor, a young man from southern California, he’ll tell you,” he noted. “Kanye to his own admission, he’s a better husband, he’s a better father, he’s a better son because of what Christ has done in, and what he’s doing through, his life.”

And it has left quite an impression on Dawson.

“Jesus says ‘I have come that you have life and that you have it more abundantly’ and what I see coming out of Kanye right now is pure life,” he concluded.

Listen to the entire episode of Living Life on Purpose to hear Scott Dawson explain how he became an evangelist, how he handles life’s pressures, who he works to compare himself to in his ministry and much more.

For more stories of how people have lived their lives with a purpose, listen and subscribe to Living Life on Purpose with Matt Wilson on iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spotify and Google Play. Matt’s guests include Andy Andrews, UAB head football coach Bill Clark, Congressman Gary Palmer and many others.

RIP Medical Debt’s website says the charity targets “the portfolios for those in or near the poverty level” as the recipients of medical debt forgiveness.

The generous action comes on the 70th anniversary of Saint Luke’s founding.

“Saint Luke in the Christian tradition didn’t just write one of the four gospels,” St. Lukes Associate Rector Cameron Nations told Over The Mountain Journal.

“There’s been this long association in the Christian faith of Saint Luke with doctors, nurses, any kind of health care and healing in general. So we thought, ‘What better way to celebrate our 70th birthday than doing this fundraiser?’” he continued.

The envelopes telling Central Alabama’s poorest citizens that their debt had been forgiven arrived right around Christmas.

For background on RIP Medical Debt watch:

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@yellowhammernews.com or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.

Since December 2016, Montgomery’s ICU Mobile has parked in central locations and offered free pregnancy testing, obstetric ultrasounds, community resources and referrals to women who may think that abortion is their only option.

During this time, ICU Mobile Montgomery has reportedly served 2,869 women, reviewed 2,572 Pregnancy Tests, performed 2,347 ultrasounds and seen 2,296 clients who decided to parent. According to a release, 206 women planning on getting abortions changed their minds after seeing their own baby on ultrasound through the Montgomery service. ICU Mobile staff in the location have followed up with clients 5,039 times, given clients over 859 Bibles and 101 clients and family members have professed their faith in Jesus Christ.

Now, the same services will be extended to the streets of Birmingham Monday-Friday, beginning February 6.

To lead up to the Birmingham launch, a “Blessing of the Bus” for the new Magic City-based ICU Mobile Unit will take place on Thursday, January 30, at 6:30 p.m. CT at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church. The public is invited to attend and tour the new mobile unit.

Walk-ins are welcome at all ICU Mobile parking locations. You can see the Birmingham location schedule here and the Montgomery location schedule here.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

As an organizer of The Freedom Rides of 1961 and the first white southerner to serve as field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, he worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Rosa Parks and many other civil rights leaders.

Famous for battles with the KKK, segregationist lynch mobs and violent police, Zellner is now the individual that a new generation turns to with questions on the racial, historical and cultural assumptions on which they were raised, as they ask themselves, “What is my place in this struggle?”

Zellner captivates audiences with the untold stories of the Civil Rights Movement and his dedication to fighting for the rights of others. Drawing on decades of experience guiding the movement and his ongoing active role, he presents a modern-day message for combating deep-seated racism, discrimination and prejudice and sparking widespread social change.

(Courtesy of the University of Alabama in Huntsville)