What’s Fact and What’s Fiction in Harriet
Slate – Oct. 31
The fact that Harriet is the first feature-length film to tell the story of one of the most famous women in American history may sound improbable, but it’s no less improbable than many of the facts of her life. The new biopic is mostly true to what we know of the real Harriet Tubman, though writer-director Kasi Lemmons (Eve’s Bayou) and co-writer Gregory Allen Howard (Remember the Titans, Ali) take some considerable liberties with both the timeline of events and the creation of several characters. We consulted biographies, articles, primary sources, and a few contemporary historians so we could break down what’s historical record and what’s artistic license. There’s no evidence that the Brodesses hired a slave catcher, but according to a few historians whom I reached out to, it’s not entirely impossible that such a mercenary would have been black. Joshua Rothman, the chair of the University of Alabama history department, told me in an email that “there were surely black slave catchers”
University of Alabama fundraising total tops $200 million
The Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 31
The University of Alabama raised $202.7 million from 63,277 donors as part of its fundraising campaigns during the fiscal year that ended in September. “Our alumni and donors continue to steadfastly support and advance UA’s growth and impact as a national leader in higher education,” UA President Stuart R. Bell said in a statement released by the university. The university reported more than $200 million in gifts and pledges from 62,300 donors last year. It reported $120 million from 58,000 donors in 2017.
Rep. Jim Banks Continues Attack on Reddit Censorship of Trump Supporters
Breitbart – Oct. 31
Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) continued his campaign to pressure Reddit to reverse its politically biased censorship of r/The_Donald, the website’s largest conservative, pro-Trump community of 700,000-plus members, writing an op-ed for RealClearPolitics condemning the site’s actions. … “According to a Senate Intelligence Committee report, over a year-long period the 3,900 [Russian Internet Research Agency]-connected Twitter accounts posted 600,000 tweets regarding Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Well, researchers from the University of Alabama calculated that from July 2016 to February 2017 r/The Donald was responsible for an estimated 2,771,030 tweets linking to news stories.”
America’s Warrior Partnership Launches ‘Double Up for Veterans’ Campaign to Support Veteran-Serving Programs
Fox (Binghamton, N.Y.) – Oct. 31
America’s Warrior Partnership announced today the launch of its “Double Up For Veterans” campaign, a gift-matching program raising funds for and awareness of service programs for military veterans, their families and caregivers. From now through the end of the year, contributions of up to $25,000 that are donated through direct mail or the America’s Warrior Partnership website will be matched by the nonprofit’s partners. Operation Deep Dive A first-of-its-kind research collaboration conducted in partnership with the University of Alabama and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation to examine the factors involved in suicide and early mortality due to self-harm among veterans.
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Kids learn to express themselves at UA Rise Center Halloween party
Fox 6 – Oct. 31
The Rise Center at the University of Alabama brings together kids who have physical and mental limitations with those who do no. But everyone is treated the same. “The children are learning different ways to communicate in the classroom. So when they’re in a bigger environment with more people they’re adept to be able to enjoy themselves,” said Rise Center Assistant Director Bailey Chambers. Thursday, some kids got a chance to put what they learned in school to work during an annual Halloween party.
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The ridesharing impact on drunk driving
Fox 6 – Oct. 31
Uber and Lyft driving have become popular side hustles for people around the world. But for one driver the ride sharing services are more than just a full-time gig. “Oh my goodness, it has been awesome, I have loved it. It’s made my life so much happier,” Leigh Ann Browne, who is a full-time Uber and Lyft driver said. She’s been her own boss since August of 2018. “That’s probably the biggest benefit, I don’t have to hear or listen to anybody else except what my budget needs,” Browne said. There are a lot of reasons why she does it.
THE EDGE, OCT 30, 2019: MONARCH ESPRESSO BAR BORN WITH HELP FROM COMMUNITY
WVUA – Oct. 31
Two University of Alabama graduates started out in 2016 with a dream and a Kickstarter campaign. Now, Monarch Espresso Bar has been open two and a half years, and co-owner Audrey Vermilyea stopped by the WVUA 23 studio to discuss their success.