The fate of embattled Alabama State University President Joseph Silver will be discussed today when the full university trustee board meets this morning. Dr. Silver was placed on paid leave Monday. The controversy surrounding the action has led to student protests and dueling news conferences by ASU administrators and Dr. Silver.
Letter to Obama
A state senator who supported Barack Obama in both presidential elections is expressing concerns about his leadership. Democratic state Sen. Hank Sanders of Selma released a letter Thursday that he sent the president. Sanders voiced pride in some of Obama's actions, but deep concerns about other matters. The veteran black legislator said there is a widespread perception that Obama has not been accessible to African American leaders. He also said the president has avoided addressing racial issues and has appointed fewer African Americans to key positions than President Bill Clinton did. Sanders also said the Justice Department has been timid on voting rights issues.
Lengthy Prison Sentence
A Uniontown man faces up to life in prison when he's sentenced for killing one person and injuring four others outside a bar in west Alabama. Attorney General Luther Strange said Thursday a Perry County jury convicted 30-year-old Lamar Montrell Williams of multiple charges including manslaughter and attempted murder. Witnesses said Williams used a handgun to start shooting into a crowd outside of Lee's Country Inn south of Uniontown in the early morning hours of March 20, 2011. A 29-year old man, Jonathan Butler of Orville, was killed and four others injured.
Bus Boycott
The public is invited to attend a lecture series celebrating the 57th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The event is organized by Alabama State University's National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture. ASU's History and Political Science professor, Dr. Dorothy Autrey says guest speaker, Dr. Raphael Warnock will expound on the theme of "Tired Feet but Rested Souls." The event will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, December 3, 2012 at the First Baptist Church at 347 North Ripley Street.