February 8, 2008

LIVINGSTON, Ala.--The University of West Alabama recently received a $10,000 gift from Waste Management Charitable Foundation in support of the upcoming Sucarnochee Folklife Festival and the Sucarnochee BBQ & Blues Cook-off. Given through the Sumter County Historical Society, the funds will support these ongoing initiatives, which provide arts and educational programming in the Black Belt region.

“Waste Management has always been very supportive of the University through its finances and equipment, and we are very appreciative,” said UWA President Richard D. Holland.
 

The grant, which comes from Waste Management’s corporate office in Houston, was awarded through a competitive entry process. The Foundation chose meaningful projects in communities where its employees live.
 

“Our heart is with UWA, and we try to help the community and the University every way we can,” said Mike Davis, Chemical Waste Management of Emelle district manager and UWA graduate.
 

“We are thrilled about the support Waste Management has shown with these community projects,” said Dr. Tina N. Jones, director of UWA’s Center for the Study of the Black Belt. “The corporation’s generosity will help us expand the programming for this year’s events.”
 

The first Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned Sucarnochee BBQ & Blues Cook-off will be held April 18-19 at the UWA intramural fields. Professional cooking teams will compete for cash prizes in pork, chicken, ribs and brisket categories, with backyard teams cooking ribs and kids grilling chicken. Live music and good food will highlight the event.
 

The fifth annual Sucarnochee Folklife Festival, held in downtown Livingston on April 19, will feature a 5K run, Cornbread Cook-off, walking ghost tour, live music, storytelling, folk art demonstrators and vendors.
 

For more information about these events, please contact UWA’s Center for the Study of the Black Belt at 205-652-3497.