Birmingham Realtist Association Innagaural Awards & Scholarship Gala
Rewarding Excellence & Celebrating Our Mission
Rewarding Excellence & Celebrating Our Mission
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The <strong>Birmingham</strong><br />
<strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong><br />
Presents<br />
Inaugural<br />
<strong>Awards</strong><br />
<strong>Scholarship</strong><br />
&<br />
<strong>Gala</strong><br />
The Ultimate Blue<br />
&White Affair<br />
REWARDING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE<br />
& CELEBRATING OUR MISSION<br />
Sunday, December 29, 2019<br />
Boutwell Auditorium<br />
6:30 pm
CONGRATULATIONS<br />
<strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong> & NAREB<br />
for a Successful Year!<br />
Call us today!<br />
Latoya Cunningham (205) 200-0975<br />
Rod McCall (205) 835-3966
The <strong>Birmingham</strong><br />
<strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong><br />
Presents<br />
Inaugural<br />
<strong>Scholarship</strong>&<br />
<strong>Awards</strong><br />
<strong>Gala</strong><br />
The Ultimate Blue<br />
&White Affair<br />
REWARDING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE<br />
& CELEBRATING OUR MISSION<br />
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A Message From Our<br />
Presents<br />
President<br />
Good evening and thank you for partnering<br />
with the <strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong><br />
in our efforts to provide scholarships to<br />
deserving graduating seniors from<br />
<strong>Birmingham</strong> City High Schools.<br />
As we draw closer to a new year, I reflect<br />
upon what has been a tremendous 2019 for<br />
this organization as we worked tirelessly to<br />
continue the NAREB mission of<br />
"Democracy in Housing ".<br />
This year's <strong>Gala</strong> will not only seek to reward students for their hard work<br />
but to also celebrate the work of those who's mission is to educate, equip<br />
and empower the community through home ownership. Again, we are<br />
most grateful to have your presence.<br />
Blessings and Happy New Year!<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Marcus Brown<br />
Marcus Brown<br />
2019 President<br />
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Congratulations from<br />
NAREB Leadership Presents<br />
Greetings Fellow REALTISTS and Friends,<br />
On behalf of NAREB National President Donnell Williams & Chairwoman<br />
Michele Calloway, it is with great honor and pleasure that I welcome you to<br />
the <strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong>'s Inaugural <strong>Awards</strong> & <strong>Scholarship</strong> <strong>Gala</strong>!<br />
This dynamic group has been exemplary throughout this entire year,<br />
and this auspicious event is a direct reflection of NAREB's rich tradition<br />
of honoring excellence!<br />
The theme of this event is "Rewarding Academic Excellence and<br />
Celebrating Our Mission" and we applaud the B.R.A., the sponsors,<br />
supporters, and attendees for providing the distinguished scholars and recipients<br />
with well deserved recognition and honor. We are anxiously anticipating being able to further<br />
celebrate the great outcomes that these scholarship funds will yield after being utilized for higher<br />
learning and personal & professional growth and development!<br />
As you peruse the pages of the souvenir journal, and as you enjoy and take part in the phenomenal<br />
program that has been planned, please take a few moments to read and listen to and about all of the<br />
powerful partners and sponsors who made this event possible. Also, take a moment to congratulate<br />
and thank them for their hard work and efforts and for their support of B.R.A.'s efforts.<br />
As we celebrate the honorees, let’s embrace and not forget the NAREB mission of “Democracy in<br />
Housing” as we continue to serve and empower both the real estate industry and community members<br />
at large through financial literacy, education, advocacy and action. Because of strong Chapters such<br />
as the <strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong>, NAREB continues to provide platforms for its members to<br />
enhance their knowledge and expertise in the field of real estate, and to provide consumers<br />
opportunities for home ownership and wealth building.<br />
Congratulations again to the members of the <strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong> and I thank everyone<br />
for your support and encouragement of this life changing & memorable event and I look forward to<br />
many more!<br />
In the REALTIST Spirit,<br />
Sharon Henry<br />
Sharon Henry<br />
Regional Vice President<br />
NAREB’s Region VI – Georgia, Florida, Alabama<br />
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<strong>Gala</strong> Chairperson<br />
Greetings<br />
edge realty group<br />
1957 hoover court, suite 314<br />
hoover, al 35226<br />
Greetings <strong>Realtist</strong> Family!<br />
As Chairman of the 2019 <strong>Scholarship</strong><br />
<strong>Gala</strong>, I would like to thank everyone<br />
who supported and participated to<br />
make this event a success.<br />
To the Sponsors, Committees,<br />
Strategic Partners, Officers and<br />
members of the <strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong><br />
<strong>Association</strong>, it has been an<br />
awesome experience and pleasure to<br />
chair this committee!<br />
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Respectfully,<br />
Sharon Wilson<br />
Sharon Wilson<br />
REALTOR/REALTIST, Edge Realty Group<br />
<strong>Gala</strong> Chairperson<br />
B.R.A. Board Member
Board of Directors<br />
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no<br />
path and leave a trail."-Ralph Waldo Emerson<br />
Executive Board<br />
Marcus Brown<br />
President<br />
Jeffree Wynn<br />
1st Vice President<br />
Therita Lawler<br />
Secretary<br />
Caprina Harris<br />
Treasurer<br />
Sharon Wilson<br />
Assistant Secretary/<br />
Financial Secretary<br />
Committee Chairs<br />
Cerita Tucker-Smith<br />
Board Member At Large<br />
Danielle Matthews<br />
Education<br />
Damian Gilbert<br />
Political Action<br />
Justin Williams<br />
Public Relations<br />
Laurane Simon<br />
Membership<br />
Christa Andrews<br />
Nominating<br />
Robert Butler<br />
Grievance & Arbitration<br />
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History<br />
"History is written by the winners." - Napoleon<br />
<strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong>s have been associated with NAREB® since the organization's<br />
inception in 1947 with Mr. W. H. Hollins of <strong>Birmingham</strong> being one of the 12 pioneering<br />
founders. The Local Board was organized and rechartered as a local affiliate of NAREB®<br />
under the name of the <strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong> (B.R.A.) in 1997. The ten<br />
dedicated African American real estate professionals who successfully executed this goal<br />
were Dee Slaughter, O'Dell White, Anthony Barnes, Cecil Copeland, Mary Washington,<br />
Willie Casey, Deborah Lumpkin, Horace Harville, Robert Butler and Gwendolyn Wilson.<br />
Over the years, the B.R.A.'s reach within the Greater <strong>Birmingham</strong> Metro community and<br />
impact on the real estate industry has been broad and deep. B.R.A. has held numerous<br />
home buying workshops & seminars; spearheaded several community service days where<br />
members assisted with the beautification of elder community members' homes; hosted a<br />
Home Counseling Certification course in conjunction with the University of Alabama -<br />
<strong>Birmingham</strong>, which was a pre-curser to the current home counseling models; established<br />
the <strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> School of Real Estate; and cultivated relationships with Fair<br />
Housing, JCCEO, SCLC, <strong>Birmingham</strong> Home Ownership Council and the Urban League.<br />
B.R.A. members have represented their state and communities as State Senators &<br />
Representatives, in the US Congress, on the City Council of <strong>Birmingham</strong>, on The Alabama<br />
Real Estate Commission and The Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board, and in leadership<br />
roles within the local Realtor organization (B.A.R.). In the true "<strong>Realtist</strong> Spirit", the<br />
<strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong> members will continue to carry on the mission of<br />
fighting for "Democracy in Housing".<br />
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The <strong>Birmingham</strong><br />
<strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong><br />
<strong>Scholarship</strong> Program<br />
"<strong>Scholarship</strong> is to be created not by compulsion, but by awakening a<br />
pure interest in knowledge." - Ralph Waldo Emerson<br />
The 2020 <strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong>'s (B.R.A.) <strong>Scholarship</strong> <strong>Gala</strong> is the heart<br />
and brainchild of the B.R.A. leadership team. This inaugural event will provide<br />
much-needed financial support for worthy minority high school graduating seniors<br />
who will be pursuing post-secondary education opportunities. The B.R.A. has<br />
thoughtfully identified a selection committee that will choose and recognize<br />
outstanding student leaders to whom the funds raised tonight will be awarded to.<br />
Students selected for the B.R.A. <strong>Scholarship</strong> are individuals dedicated to serving<br />
others through volunteer activities within the <strong>Birmingham</strong> community, to being well<br />
rounded and active students who participate in a myriad of extracurricular activities,<br />
and, of course, to academic excellence. Contributions to the scholarship fund are taxdeductible<br />
and proceeds from this event go directly to support student scholarships.<br />
The leadership and member base of the <strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong> thanks you<br />
immensely for your support of what will become a time honored tradition of our<br />
organization.<br />
7
Distinguished Program<br />
Participants<br />
Art Franklin is a multiple Emmy Award Winning journalist, whose career spans more<br />
than 35 years. The Detroit native and University of Michigan Alum first came to<br />
Alabama in 1991 as an anchor at WBRC-TV6. At WBRC Art gained notoriety as the<br />
first African-American male to anchor in <strong>Birmingham</strong> to anchor in prime-time. Art’s<br />
broadcasting career began in radio at WDZZ-FM 93 in Flint, MI where he worked as an<br />
announcer, production manager, sports anchor and news anchor before leaving for his<br />
first job in television at WILX-TV (NBC) in Lansing, MI. At WILX, Art recorded<br />
another first, becoming the first African-American male to anchor a regularly broadcast<br />
newscast in Lansing when he was named the weekend anchor. He was also the station’s<br />
Capital Reporter and Business Reporter.<br />
Art was hired away from WILX by the NBC station in Norfolk, VA WAVY-TV10 to<br />
become the station’s military affairs correspondent. In addition to regular reporting<br />
from the Pentagon, it is at WILX that Art was sent on overseas assignments to places such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan,<br />
Bahrain, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and the Caribbean. It was during this time that he covered the conflict in the<br />
Persian Gulf. While at WAVY-TV, Art anchored the station’s public service program called the Bottom Line. He<br />
was also a fill-in anchor for its weekend and noon newscasts. Art was known as Mr. Broadcast in Norfolk because<br />
of his second job in Norfolk News Director of WOWI Radio, where he was part of the morning team and anchored<br />
a two-hour live radio talk show at the station.<br />
When Art left <strong>Birmingham</strong> in 2003, he wrote a book called, Give It All You Got, a motivational book for young<br />
men. He returned to television in Atlanta at WXIA 11Alive News the NBC affiliate before becoming an anchor at<br />
WAGA-TV FOX 5 where he worked until starting a Public Relations firm.<br />
Art returned to news and <strong>Birmingham</strong> to be the morning anchor at the CBS 42 Morning News with Art Franklin. As<br />
managing editor, Art is charged with being the editorial content manager of the newscast.Among Art’s more than 75<br />
journalistic and community awards are Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement – News Excellence – for spot<br />
news coverage in Atlanta in 2005, Outstanding Achievement Television Programming Excellence in 1995, Scripps<br />
Howard Excellence in Journalism Award, 1994, RTNDA Best Documentary, 1994, Alabama Associated Press<br />
Award – Best Documentary 1994, Alabama Associated Press Award Best Reporter 1995, Virginia UPI Best<br />
Reporter 1989, and Hampton Roads Black Media Professional Best Spot News Coverage 1990.<br />
Together, Art and his wife Michele have four children. They moved from Los Angeles, CA back to <strong>Birmingham</strong><br />
where they met many years ago. They call their move back to the future. They remain members of Faithful Central<br />
Church in LA but are in search of a church home in <strong>Birmingham</strong>.Art’s biggest passion outside of his family is<br />
tennis and more tennis.<br />
Having developed a reputation as a stellar cover singer is not a problem for Ensley native<br />
Nadia Tellis. When it comes to making her own music, Tellis said, “I want to be<br />
relatable.”“I want to make feel-good music you can ride to. I want it to be easily<br />
understood.”<br />
The Huffman High School and Stillman College graduate got her start singing background<br />
with Ruben Studdard, winner of the second season of television singing competition show<br />
“American Idol,” in 2004, but Tellis had “been performing with and for several different<br />
local musicians [in the Southeast] since 1997.” She grew up in a “music family” with her<br />
gospel-singing parents, Robert Sr. and Sandra Tellis, who “met in the choir in college,”<br />
and aunts who used to perform with her mother in local talent shows in the 1970s.<br />
Tellis said, performing and penning music “takes me on an emotional roller coaster.”“Whatever I’m going through<br />
at the moment affects my song selection or what I pen and convey through my own personal music.”<br />
Nadia Tellis performs frequently at the Plum Bar downtown <strong>Birmingham</strong> and BB King’s Blues Club in<br />
Montgomery. Her official new track “Mirage” is available on several streaming services, including iTunes, Apple<br />
Music, Tidal, and Google Play. Follow her on social media: @Nadiatellismusic on Instagram and @NadiaTellis on<br />
Facebook.<br />
8<br />
Tonight's DJ is none other than DJ B Brian! B Brian is<br />
one of the Southeast's premier DJs.
The <strong>Birmingham</strong><br />
The <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Birmingham</strong><br />
<strong>Association</strong><br />
Presents<br />
<strong>Realtist</strong> Inaugural<br />
<strong>Association</strong><br />
<strong>Scholarship</strong>&<br />
<strong>Awards</strong> Inaugural<br />
<strong>Gala</strong><br />
<strong>Awards</strong><br />
<strong>Gala</strong><br />
PROGRAM<br />
Presents<br />
<strong>Scholarship</strong>&<br />
<strong>Gala</strong><br />
PROGRAM<br />
Welcome<br />
Invocation<br />
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" (Please stand)<br />
Pedro Moore (saxophonist)<br />
Dinner is Served<br />
Greetings on Behalf of the City of <strong>Birmingham</strong><br />
Councilman John Hilliard<br />
Greetings and Introduction of Keynote Speaker<br />
Michele Calloway, NAREB Chairwoman<br />
Sharon Henry, Regional Vice President - NAREB Region VI<br />
Keynote Speaker<br />
Donnell Williams, NAREB President<br />
Special Presentation<br />
Remarks<br />
Marcus Brown, President of <strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong><br />
Closing Remarks & Acknoowledgements<br />
Sharon Wilson, <strong>Gala</strong> Chairperson<br />
Dancing and Entertainment 9
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<strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong><br />
Leaders, Members & <strong>Scholarship</strong><br />
Recipients!<br />
Congratulations!<br />
Congratulations!<br />
Caprina Harris<br />
Broker/Owner<br />
Leditrich Goodwin<br />
Associate Broker<br />
Viola Broadnax<br />
Sales Agent<br />
Stacy Young<br />
Sales Agent<br />
Jesse Williams<br />
Sales Agent<br />
Jeffree Wynn<br />
Sales Agent<br />
Eric Evans<br />
Sales Agent<br />
Rhonda Bryant<br />
Sales Agent<br />
Deliverying<br />
3EE<br />
Expertise<br />
Efficiency<br />
Excellence<br />
3<br />
Real Estate Service!<br />
We Sell<br />
Alabama!<br />
Single Family Homes<br />
Multi-family<br />
Investment<br />
Alabama!<br />
Condos<br />
Military<br />
205.854.8484<br />
205.616.5580<br />
@wesellalabama<br />
alabamarealtybrokers3.com<br />
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Our name is our<br />
mission.<br />
Your dream<br />
of home<br />
ownership<br />
is within<br />
reach.<br />
DON'T LET ANYTHING HOLD<br />
YOU BACK<br />
At ServisFirst, we want everyone to experience the joy of home ownership. We have a<br />
specific plan in place to help make that happen. It's called the ServisFirst Affordable<br />
Housing Program.<br />
OUR NAME IS OUR MISSION<br />
At ServisFirst, we take the time to listen to your needs. Because then, and only then,<br />
can we get a full understanding of what it takes for us to deliver the best solution for<br />
your success.<br />
WANT TO KNOW MORE?<br />
Contact<br />
Renee Green-Jones<br />
Mortgage Loan Officer<br />
ServisFirst Bank<br />
324 Richard Arrington Blvd North<br />
<strong>Birmingham</strong>, Al 35203<br />
Phone (205) 949-2206<br />
Fax (205) 949-2214<br />
Cell (205) 243-3502<br />
NMLS#504216<br />
RG@servisfirstbank.com<br />
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WHO WE ARE<br />
We believe in finding the best dwelling across the<br />
southeastern region to help satisfy our clients.<br />
COMMUNITY EDUCATION<br />
BUILDER SERVICES<br />
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT<br />
18<br />
1957 Hoover Court<br />
Suite 314<br />
Hoover, AL 35226<br />
Office: 205-582-2818 Fax: 888-764-3268<br />
ww.edgebham.com
Damian C. Gilbert<br />
Production Manager, VP<br />
NLMS #487759<br />
Regions Mortgage<br />
1900 5th Ave North, 19th Fl<br />
<strong>Birmingham</strong>, AL 35203<br />
Phone # 205-910-8009<br />
Fax # 205-847-3181<br />
damian.gilbert@regions.com<br />
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Presents
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Congratulations<br />
on their<br />
to the<br />
Inaugural 2019<br />
<strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong><br />
<strong>Scholarship</strong> <strong>Gala</strong>!!<br />
Therita Lawler<br />
THE CUTTING EDGE IN<br />
REAL ESTATE<br />
www.TheritaLawler.com<br />
Listings<br />
Buyers<br />
Short Sales<br />
Tenant Placement<br />
Therita Lawler<br />
Associate Broker<br />
REALTIST<br />
REALTOR<br />
ABR<br />
CRS<br />
2624 Oakleaf GRI Circle<br />
Helena, Alabama 35022<br />
Contact me for your FREE consultation!<br />
2019-2020<br />
Treasurer of<br />
NAREB's Region VI<br />
2019 Secretary of<br />
The <strong>Birmingham</strong><br />
<strong>Realtist</strong> <strong>Association</strong><br />
Full-Time Real<br />
Estate Professional<br />
Since 1997<br />
Associates<br />
2231 Victory Lane, Suite 900<br />
<strong>Birmingham</strong>, AL 35216<br />
888.923.5547 (O)/205.587.6423 (C)<br />
Associates<br />
Powered by:<br />
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Lawler &
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Hayah Beauty is a luxury, natural hair care salon located<br />
in the heart of downtown <strong>Birmingham</strong>, Alabama.<br />
Our mission is to provide a therapeutic and empowering<br />
experience while inspiring beauty from the inside out.<br />
2207 3rd Ave N <strong>Birmingham</strong>, AL 35203<br />
205-703-8022<br />
hayahbeauty.com<br />
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2019 Year in Review<br />
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2019 Year in Review
Many Thanks!<br />
To our 2019 Strategic Partners for your<br />
continued support of our efforts & mission!<br />
PLATINUM LEVEL<br />
GOLD LEVEL<br />
SILVER LEVEL<br />
BRONZE LEVEL
&<br />
Special Thanks To Our Gracious<br />
EVENT SPONSORS<br />
Bancorp South<br />
Cadence Bank<br />
Iberia Bank<br />
Regions Mortgage<br />
Synovus Mortgage<br />
BHM Law Group<br />
Servis1st Bank<br />
<strong>Birmingham</strong> <strong>Association</strong> of Realtors<br />
Sharon Wilson<br />
Therita Lawler, Lawler & Associates<br />
Alabama <strong>Association</strong> of Real Estate Brokers<br />
Alabama Realty Brokers<br />
Without your support, we couldn't continue to<br />
the fight for "Democracy in Housing".<br />
WE'RE STILL FIGHTING..........<br />
Program created by:<br />
@birminghamnarebrealtists<br />
@birminghamrealtists
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