Guidelines for Submitting your Church/Community Announcements
These are free as long as there are no personal messages and the event is not being charged for (love offerings do not count). Please keep the announcement to one paragraph with who is presenting the event, what the event is, date, time, where it will be held and contact information. Email them to [email protected]. We can not take anything over the phone due to company policy.
2025 Holiday Deadlines: SCRJ will be closed for Good Friday, April 18. Deadline for Senior photos and biographies for Graduation Edition is the last Friday in April, April 25th. SCRJ will be closed for Memorial Day Mon., May 26 and has a late deadline of Tues., May 27 by noon for the May 29th edition. Deadline for Juneteenth events is Mon., June 16. SCRJ will be closed Fri., July 4th. SCRJ will be closed for Labor Day and there is a late deadline for Tues., Sept. 2 by noon for the Sept. 4th edition. Deadline is Mon., Nov. 3rd for Veterans Day announcements. Deadline is Fri., Nov. 21 for the Thanksgiving edition. We have to submit the paper early due to the printing company being closed for the holidays. SCRJ will be closed Nov. 24-30. Santa Letter deadline is by Fri., Dec. 5th. Deadline for the Christmas/Santa letter special edition for ads is Fri., Dec. 12. Deadline for BOTH the Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st editions is Fri., Dec. 19. We have to submit both papers early due to the printing company being closed for the holidays. SCRJ will be closed Dec. 22-Jan. 1 for the holidays.
Livingston Easter in the Park
Donations are welcome. Sat., April 12, 1 p.m. at Jaycee Park. Food, games, bounce house, prizes, DJ. Call 205-652-9525 for more information.
Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium Black Girls Defense Fund to Combat Dehumanization and Support Protection of Black Girls Mini-grants to Support Advocacy, Defense, and Protection of Black Girls
Selma, AL (March 20, 2025) — The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium (SBGWC) announces the opening of its Black Girls Defense Fund: Resistance and Resilience Grant Application, providing financial support to organizations fighting against dehumanization and protecting the fundamental rights of Black girls and women in the South. With grants of up to $2,000, this funding opportunity is designed to strengthen community-led efforts addressing the unique challenges Black girls face that include adultification, dehumanization, and violence. Black girls are in need of legal support, protection, and advocacy in a world that robs them of their innocence as children. These mini-grants serve as catalysts for change, infusing resources into advocacy efforts where they’re needed most. They honor the powerful work Black women-led organizations are already doing while providing support that helps sustain their essential work during a time of increasing challenges. In an environment where funding for issues impacting Black girls and women is becoming increasingly restricted, even modest investments can make a significant difference. These mini-grants fill important gaps in resources, helping community leaders maintain momentum and address immediate needs while they pursue longer-term support. When we strategically deploy funds to grassroots organizations already deeply embedded in their communities, we help ensure that vital advocacy efforts for Black girls’ safety and wellbeing can continue uninterrupted. The application period runs until April 10, 2025. Eligible organizations must be working to support Black girls, women or femme identifying youth and operate in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, or Texas. Applicants must either hold 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by another nonprofit organization. For more information and to apply visit www.southernblackgirls.org/bgdefensefund. Since its founding in 2017, SBGWC’s work has been driven by the urgent need to counter narratives and systems that dehumanize Black girls and deny them protection, care, and opportunity. The Consortium is committed to addressing the significant philanthropic gap affecting Black-led organizations while building protective frameworks for Black girls’ wellbeing and advancement.
Think You Have a Hearing Loss?
If you are 18 years of age or older the Hear Here Alabama project with the University of Alabama would like to invite you to participate in a research study. The study will help to increase access to hearing healthcare in rural areas of Alabama. As part of the study, you will be given a free hearing screening and be asked questions about your health. Testing will take place at: University Medical Center, 711 N Washington St, Livingston, Thurs., April 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The study will take about 30 minutes to complete. For completing the study, you will be given a gift card. For more information or to make an appointment call 205-348-4265.
Seeds of Change Conference
BCF is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Alabama’s Black Belt through education, the arts, economic development, health and wellness, and community engagement. As a key advocate for regional progress, BBCF is proud to support the Seeds of Change Conference: Empowering Food Access Solutions in the Black Belt of Alabama on Mon., April 7, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m., at Bryant Conference Center, 240 Paul W Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, which will focus on Empowering and Addressing Food Access in the Black Belt. By participating in this event, stakeholders will gain valuable insights into food security challenges and collaborative solutions that drive lasting impact. Complimentary Registration: https://wecanseedsofchange.eventbrite.com.
Easter Egg Hunt at Cherokee Park
Following church services, children residing in Sumter County are invited to participate in a complimentary Easter Egg Hunt at Cherokee Park, featuring eggs containing cash prizes. Free hot dogs will be provided. Also, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with free entry and a cash prize will be held. Sumter new baseketball goals will be up April 20, 3-6 p.m. Councilman Jaz @highlight (Free event.)
Annual Women in Ag Conference
Please join us for the 3rd Annual Women in Ag Conference, Fri., April 4 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. We will discuss Land Retention, starting a National Women in Ag Chapter, this year’s honorarium and more at New Generation Church and Fellowship Hall, 119 Louis Barnett, Jr., St., Eutaw. For more information call 205-652-9676. Register on Facebook @ Alabama State association of cooperatives or www.alabamastateassociation.coop.
Agricultural Outlook Meeting
Join Sumter County-Alabama Extension on April 15 at 12-2 p.m. at the Alfa Environmental Training Center for a free Agricultural Outlook Meeting. Presenters will Max Runge, Agricultural Economics Extension Professor and Ken Kelly, Farm & Agribusiness Extension Agent. Please RSVP by April 11 to Court Green-Johnson at 205-659-6796, or [email protected].
March’s Grow More, Give More Harvest of the Month is Asparagus
Find growing instructions as well as yummy recipes that use asparagus at www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/march-grow-more-give-more-harvest-of-the-month
CCA Presents: Mama, These Look Like Lost Souls, Free Art Class, Preston The Maestro, and Needs Volunteers
Soynika Edwards-Bush’s solo exhibition, “Mama, These Look Like Lost Souls,” is informed by her lived experience and was cultivated over two years as the 2020-2022 Artist In Residence at Alabama Contemporary Art Center, Mobile. The Coleman Center for the Arts is pleased to present this outstanding visual art exhibition, in collaboration with the Alabama Contemporary Art Center and made possible by funding from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. View “Mama These Look Like Lost Souls” at the Altman Riddick Museum Gallery, 630 Ave. A, York, though April 12. The gallery is open Mon. – Thurs., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and by appointment. We are moving the Art Class to Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Pop Start! No experience needed; all levels welcome! Art supplies provided, just bring yourself! Come work with Visual Artist Boze Riley @bozelivingtheartlife22 in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Sponsored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Join us for our monthly community art event April 5, 6-9 p.m., featuring local artisan vendors. This month, we are pleased to welcome back Preston The Maestro – the smoothest Sax Man in the Alabama Black Belt! Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Help us grow our garden and expand our garden programs. Our garden is open to the public; we are happy to collaborate with community groups, churches, and schools to provide garden programming. Email us at [email protected] for more information or to sign up as a volunteer.
Sucarnochee Folklife Festival
Make plans now to attend the Sucarnochee Folklife Festival on the Courthouse Square in downtown Livingston, Alabama on April 19, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Experience the folklife traditions and the generational skills of potters, quilters, blacksmiths and more from Alabama’s Black Belt. For more information contact the Center for the Study for the Black Belt at (2
Cottage Food Law Safety Training
Cottage Food Law Safety Training will be held on May 6, at the ALFA Environmental Training Center in Livingston, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Please register at www.aces.edu/go/cottagefoo
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is struggling to cope emotionally this holiday season, reach out. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress, resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Visit 988lifeline.org for more.
Join Us for the At Home
Beekeeping Series! 🐝
Calling all beekeepers! Our online series is back, offering educational information and updates on timely beekeeping topics. Attend meetings from the comfort of your home using your computer or mobile device. Each session includes a Q&A segment for all your beekeeping questions. Our next session is on July 30th! Don’t miss out. For more information, visit: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/bees-pollinators/at-home-beekeeping-series/ Dates and Topics: 2025 Dates and Topics: April 29 Honeybee Nest Architecture, Michael Smith, Auburn University. Recordings from this series are available for only two weeks after each session on the Lawrence County Alabama Extension Office Facebook page. For more information on the “At Home Beekeeping Series,” contact Allyson Shabel at [email protected].
Community Prayer
Community Prayer for the Sumter County area will be held every 1st Thursday of each month at noon for one hour at the Bored Well, the Courthouse Square, Livingston. We’re asking all residents, businesses, local leaders, pastors, governmental and city officials to join us as we come together as a community to pray. Submitted by Min. Leola Washington, Volunteer Coordinator for NDPTF, Sumter County.
School Events
SSCC Terrific Tuesday Concert Series
Shelton State Community College’s 2024-2025 Terrific Tuesday Concert Series continues this spring with a performance on the Martin Campus. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. All performances will be at 1 p.m. in the Alabama Power Hall unless otherwise noted on the schedule. Upcoming performances and artists include the following: April 1 Faculty from the Mississippi University for Women; April 8 Jameson Moore | Saxophone | SSCC Student Recital; April 15 SSCC Jazz Combo | *Martin Atrium; April 22 Honors Musicale. For more information, contact Lillian Wesley at 205.391.2399 or [email protected].
UA Preview: This Week at The University of Alabama
| March 31, 2025 📰 BEST BETS Celebrating Outstanding Students and Faculty The University of Alabama will recognize the achievements of outstanding students and faculty during Honors Week, culminating in the Tapping on the Mound ceremony on Honors Day on Friday. Why This Matters: The Tapping on the Mound ceremony has been a university tradition since the early 1900s. University honor groups Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, Blue Key National Honor Society and Anderson Society will induct members. Outstanding students and other special awards will also be presented. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at [email protected]. Student Veterans Lay Wreath at Tomb of Unknown Soldier Four UA student veterans laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., earlier this month. Why This Matters: This shared moment among the vets marked the first time any current UA student or student from a school in the Southeastern Conference participated in this ritual honoring U.S. military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice. For more information, contact Jennifer Brady at [email protected]. Student Singers Perform Internationally The University of Alabama’s premiere vocal ensemble, University Singers, completed an international tour over spring break, performing at three prestigious venues in Germany. Why This Matters: Forty student singers performed at Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche in Berlin, Providenzkirche in Heidelberg, and Nikolaikirche in Leipzig, where Baroque composer, Johann Sebastian Bach, once worked. It was the University Singers first international performance in 14 years. 📅 EVENTS Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre: Syzygy April 2-5; Rowand-Johnson Hall Slow Art Day April 4; Gorgas House Museum Crimson Couch to 5K Run/Walk April 4; Walk of Champions at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium Bark to the Beat Music 5K April 5; Butler Field Spring Fling April 5; UA Arboretum |