Non-profit Cancels Planned Event Tied to Promoter of Mass Shooting Venue
Date: Saturday, 24 Aug 2024, 11:48:00 GMT
Author: Valerie Bell
Birmingham, Alabama: Non-profit Shuts Down Unlicensed Event
The operator of a prominent non-profit organization in Birmingham, Alabama has cancelled a Friday night event after discovering it was unlicensed and promoted by an individual linked to a previous event that ended in a tragic mass shooting. Allen Mobley, who runs the Felony Rehabilitation Association, stated that he was unaware of the promoter’s dubious past and only learned of it through recent investigative reports.
Previous Mass Shooting at Unlicensed Venue
The event promoter in question was also behind an event on July 13 in North Birmingham where a mass shooting occurred, resulting in the claimed lives of four people and the injury of ten others. Following a series of investigative reports highlighting the unsanctioned status of the event venue, the site of the mass shooting was identified as an unlicensed business now closed under a court order.
Felony Rehabilitation Association Taking Positive Actions
The Felony Rehabilitation Association that Mobley operates is committed to assisting convicted felons reintegrate back into society by helping them expunge their records. Speaking on the matter, Mobley explained how he had followed established protocols and registered the organization officially with the Secretary of State of Alabama and received approval from the IRS. Despite obtaining this status from the IRS, the organization was not registered with the Attorney General’s Office – an error Mobley said he was unaware of as his understanding was that he had followed the correct procedures for licensing.
Reevaluation in the Pipeline
After learning of the promoter’s connection to the mass shooting location, Mobley has decided to reassess his organization’s event approval procedures. He stated, “This is a red flag for me, now I am going to go in front of my board and talk to them and have a meeting on this subject, because I have never had a situation like this ever happen, ever.” He further emphasized his desire for the non-profit to continue promoting positivity and that the next event at his organization will be a non-alcoholic fish-fry.
Involvement of Upgrade Entertainment
The flyers that promoted events at the organization’s address had listed Upgrade Entertainment, a business Mobley admits to owning. Currently, local news outlets are working to confirm the status of the business with city authorities. Regardless, the city has maintained its commitment to ensuring lawful business operations within its jurisdiction.
Taking Proactive Measures
The city spokesperson emphasized the city’s commitment to maintaining a lawful business environment with stringent inspections, rigorous licensing requirements, and ongoing collaboration with local agencies. The city is also working on upgrading digital systems to quickly identify and address unauthorized activities to protect the integrity of its local economy.
Future Operations
While the unsavory link to the past mass shooting has brought unforeseen challenges, Mobley remains determined to keep his non-profit on a positive path. He continues to be adamant that the funds from renting out the venue for events should go towards supporting the Felony Rehabilitation Association’s mission. It remains to be seen how this new development will impact the operations of the non-profit and how it will continue to deliver on its mission amidst the controversy.
