May 2022
LEARN. CONNECT.SHARE
Websites of Interest

Alabama Works

Alabama Career Center


AmeriCorps.gov

AmeriCorps-Seniors

Mobile County
Commission

Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama

www.irs.gov

www.sarpc.gov

Mobile Public Library

Legacy 166

Imani Community Theatre

Stand-Up Mobile

South Alabama Regional Planning Commission

Mobile Area Black Chamber of Commerce

Mark your Calendar


5/21
Camp Chandler Tonsmeire Preview Day

5/24
Alabama Primary Election Day

5//31
Memorial Day
‌

Welcome,

I'm known to most as a friend, colleague, non-profit advocate, entrepreneur, and CEO of IndigoBlu PR. 

 
If you don't know me, I hope you'll learn more by subscribing to Virtual Voices News an electronic publication whose mission is to bring awareness to issues affecting the community by learning from, connecting to, and sharing resources and information.

Virtual Voices will also share relevant news and information on a bi-weekly basis by connecting with professionals who will share their insight on subjects ranging from health and wellness to financial literacy, volunteering, advocacy, employment, and more. 
ORGANIZATIONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama making a difference in the community

Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama is a non-profit youth organization empowering youth and teens ages 6-18 in the South Alabama area. Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Programs such as the Let’s Read Initiative and the DIY activity-based STEM curriculum to the Guitars Not Guns encourage academic success and promote a healthy and creative means of expression through music, art, and sports.

Leadership skills are developed in the Ignite program and preparation for college and the workforce through Career Launch, including mentoring, job shadowing, and interactive training opportunities. To learn more about the BGCSA and the programs and volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, please visit bgcsouthal.org.

Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama launches Africatown Shop to fund camp and educational experiences for youth 


Boys & Girls Clubs of South Alabama announces the launch of its Africatown 
Shop, an online store featuring merchandise from a youth-led art project, under the direction of Soynika Edwards-Bush, a local artist and art teacher with BGCSA. ALL proceeds from merchandise sales fund educational experiences for youth living in the Africatown area.  

Their assignment, according to Edwards-Bush, was to paint and use self-expression in their art. "I want kids to use their imagination and simply paint," Edwards-Bush says. "Their imagination and paintbrushes led them to share their community's history through their artwork."  The culmination of the youth’s project was a collaborative piece of art that will be a beacon to the Africatown community.  Bush explains the large-scale art piece spells the word 
"AFRICATOWN" with letters showcasing Africatown's unique culture, historical facts, and landscape. 

Bush couldn't be prouder of their work. What started as an art project blossomed into something much more-a history lesson and a renewed sense of pride in the community. 
"Youth are facing several challenges and distractions," Bush mentions. We need to rally behind them and support those trying to make a difference."  "Painting is an opportunity to get their hands dirty, nix the technology, relax, use theirimagination, and create. Give them paint, brushes and the freedom to CREATE." 

The painting has been photographed and applied to various items available through the Africatown Shop. 100% of profits from merchandise sales fund educational experiences for youth. To purchase products or learn more, visit https://www.bgcsouthal.org/africatownshop/. 
Stand-Up Mobile
Conversation leads to Advocacy

Stand up Mobile is a non-profit, non-partisan organization formed in February 2021 due to a conversation regarding voting between friends Beverly Cooper and Amelia Bacon. Their concerns for lack of voter turnout and representation led to Advocacy- the need to educate, inform and empower the community on the importance of voting and why they should vote. "We care about our communities," says Amelia Bacon, SUM co-founder. "In order to see change, we've got to be the change."

According to a Mobile County Voter Registration Statistics Report, over 26,000 inactive voters live in Mobile County. 52% of Mobile County residents are African American. 

SUM plans to decrease the number of inactive voters. "Were developing a ground game of educating our community, getting the word out and getting into as many places as we can to talk about voting and why we must vote," Beverly Cooper, SUM co-founder, says. 

Voting is a way for citizens to make their voices heard by elected officials representing their communities who are passionate about issues of concern to their constituents, such as affordable housing, healthcare, safety, and other issues. 
Community Events
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITES
Virtual News & Notes is a bi-monthly publication produced by IndigoBlu Public Relations with the goal of sharing information that's beneficial to your community and those who need it most..