Here’s a look at African American individuals and issues making headlines throughout the country.
Alabama
The BBVA Compass banking franchise announced its sponsorship of a benefit concert for human rights in support of 50 Years Forward, a yearlong celebration in Birmingham commemorating the 50th anniversary of what many see as the turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. The BBVA Compass Concert for Human Rights, co-produced by Live Nation, will take place at the end of a weeklong remembrance of the events of 1963 involving the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. The incident helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement and change the course of history. The benefit will be held at The Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center on Sept. 14 with an all-star lineup that will be announced later this spring. “The concert will be a joyful celebration of how far this country has come,” said Alan Register, BBVA Compass Birmingham city president. “We expect people to come from across the nation to commemorate an important chapter in our history—and to also honor Birmingham for the pivotal role the city played. The hope is that the concert’s message will inspire the next generation of innovators, risk-takers and leaders to make a difference in our communities.”
District of Columbia
Speaking at the White House Forum on Military Credentialing and Licensing, first lady Michelle Obama announced the IT Training and Certification Partnership, a new public-private partnership that will enable thousands of service members to earn industry-recognized information technology (IT) certifications before they transition from military service. The administration also announced a new grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services that will help veterans with healthcare experience pursue professional nursing careers and earn a nursing license. Additionally, the event featured four roundtables that lay plans for the launch of additional public-private initiatives that will streamline the ability of service members and veterans to earn the civilian certifications and licenses required for high-demand jobs in emergency medical services, healthcare, and transportation sectors, as well as streamline the ability of service members and veterans to translate military experience into academic credit.
