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.
Tree Give Away
Enviva, in collaboration with ArborGen, will be giving away white oak, persimmon, and red oak trees Thurs., March 27, at the bored well in Livingston, 2-5 p.m.
Sumter County Rescue Squad Drive Thru Free Food Give’a’way
Sumter County Rescue Squad in collaboration with West Alabama Food Bank, BlackBelt Gospel Ministry, West Alabama Coalition for Community Dev., Com. Marcus Campbell, Com. Tommy Armistead, Com. Dumas Jones will have a Drive through free food give away Wed., April 2, 10-11 a.m. ID is required and first come, first served, at Sumter County Rescue Squad, 1509 4th Ave., Hwy. 11, York.
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.
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.
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.)
Harvest Ministries
Harvest Ministries, located at 6815 Co. Rd. 32, Lisman, will be open on Wed., March 26, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Free clothes, children clothes, shoes, household items, and much more.
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. Artist Talk and reception will be Saturday, March 22, 5 p.m., Art Gallery 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.
ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division Hosts 2025 Spring Boating Basics and License Course at Locations Across the State
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division is gearing up for another season of Boating Basics and License Courses offered at locations across the state. Each year, the Agency offers free hands-on classes that allow interaction with local ALEA Marine Patrol Troopers and important information on issues within the local bodies of waters that citizens in the area may visit frequently. Citizens who complete the Boating Basics course will receive a certificate in the mail after Troopers submit the individual’s information to the Agency’s Driver License Division. The Driver License Division will then add the vessel class to their Alabama Driver License. Please note that it may take up to 10 business days before the customer can go online to alabamadl.alea.gov or visit their nearest county probate office to purchase their updated Alabama Driver License. Children 12 years old or older are eligible for a vessel operator’s license, however, they will not be able to operate alone until the age of 14. Akron: March 27 – 28, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Akron Fire Department, 181 1st Street S., Akron, Contact: Sr. Trooper Jeromy Johnson – [email protected]. Greensboro: April 17 – 18, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Greensboro Fire Dept., 554 Armory St., Greensboro, Sr. Trooper Jeromy Johnson – [email protected]. Carrollton: March 22, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, 188 Cemetary St., Carrollton, Sr. Trooper Ryan Wise – [email protected]. For more information, or to enroll in a class, please contact the Marine Patrol Instructor via the email provided on the schedule. A one-time application fee will be charged. There will be a issuance fee for the license.
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: March 25 Colony Losses in the United States of America, Geoff Williams, Auburn University; 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
Alabama ONE Announces 2025 Aspire Foundation Scholarships
The Alabama ONE Aspire Foundation, committed to helping individuals achieve their financial goals, is proud to announce the launch of its 2025 Aspire Foundation Scholarships. These scholarships aim to support Alabama ONE members in their pursuit of higher education, reinforcing our commitment to growth, innovation, and community support. The 2025 Aspire Foundation Scholarships offer a range of opportunities for Alabama ONE members and their families: ARECU Scholarship: $2,000 awarded to Alabama Rural Electric Coop employees or family members to help with education costs at any college, university, vocational school, or trade program Alabama ONE Community College Scholarship: $2,000 awarded to active Alabama ONE members in good standing to help with higher education costs at an accredited community college, HBCU Scholarship: $2,000 awarded to active Alabama ONE members in good standing to help with higher education costs at an accredited Historically Black College or University, Merit Scholarship: $2,000 awarded to active Alabama ONE members in good standing exhibiting outstanding academic, athletic, artistic, or professional performance to help with higher education costs at any college, university, vocational school, or trade program, Needs Based Scholarship: $2,500 awarded to active Alabama ONE members in good standing exhibiting financial need to help with education costs at any college, university, vocational or trade program, Select Employee Group (SEG) Scholarship: $2,000 awarded to an active SEG member in good standing or for the child of an active SEG member, Skilled Trade Scholarship: $2,000 awarded to active Alabama ONE members in good standing to help with education costs at any vocational school or trade program. To be eligible, applicants must be active members of Alabama ONE. The application period closes March 28. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Alabama ONE Aspire Foundation’s scholarship page at www.alabamaonefoundation.org/scholarships/ for detailed information and to submit their applications.
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: March 18 Dr. Amy Catron, Cello | Vignettes | Mississippi State University Faculty; March 25 Educational Quintet | Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra; 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 17, 2025 📰 BEST BETS Addressing State’s Need for Psychiatrists The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences is launching the newly accredited UA Tuscaloosa Psychiatry Residency Program to address the critical need for psychiatrists in the state. Why This Matters: Alabama has the lowest ratio of all states of mental health providers per capita, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The state has a higher suicide rate than the national average and high rates of depression and substance abuse. For more information, contact Leslie Zganjar at [email protected]. SEC Honors Distinguished Professor Dr. M.N.V. Ravi Kumar, Distinguished University Research Professor with the UA College of Community Health Sciences, has been selected as UA’s recipient of the 2025 Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement Award. Why This Matters: The annual SEC Faculty Achievement Awards highlight the vital role educators play in advancing the mission of the SEC and its institutions, as well as their dedication to fostering academic excellence through teaching, innovation and service. Spring Commencement Dates Announced UA will hold spring commencement with eight ceremonies May 2-4 at Coleman Coliseum on the UA campus. Why This Matters: About 6,700 are expected to graduate, with about 6,000 of those participating in these ceremonies. Each year, UA awards around 9,500 degrees, with graduates infusing the state and nation’s workforce with highly educated talent. 💬 CURRENT COMMENT Dr. Alain Plattner, assistant professor with the department of geological sciences, is available to talk about Earth’s magnetic north pole shifting. An afternoon power nap can give a bigger boost than a cup of coffee? Dr. Adam Knowlden, associate professor of health science, is available to discuss the mental effects of an afternoon nap. 📅 EVENTS RISE Tournament of Champions Tennis Tournament March 20; Tuscaloosa Tennis Center Holi – Festival of Colors March 22; The Quad on the UA campus Sakura Festival and Haiku Contest March 22; Snow Hinton Park Pavilion Movement in the Museum: Grow and Flow Yoga March 25; Alabama Museum of Natural History |