User:EPHill/sandbox

Ervin Philemon Hill, II (born September 8, 1972) is an African American Entrepreneur, Executive, Activist, Engineer, Educator, and 2017 Mayoral Candidate for Birmingham, which is Alabama’s most populous city. Prior to pursuing a career in community activism, Hill served as President and CEO of Legacy Sports Management International, LLC. In an effort to move the city forward, Hill’s platform focuses on “Building a Progressive Birmingham.”

Early life and family
Ervin Philemon Hill II was born on September 8, 1972 to Ervin Philemon Hill, Sr. and Bessie B.F. Hill in Birmingham, Alabama. Both of his parents are retired Birmingham City Schools (BCS) educators. His father and mother served Birmingham City School children for 30 years and 39 years, respectively. Hill’s maternal grandparents are David & Lucille Freeman and his paternal grandparents are Ervin Mackbride & Mattie Clara Hill. During the early part of his life, Hill was raised in the Ensley community. His grandparents owned and operated a Café within the same neighborhood. During his late teens, Hill’s parents relocated to the Titusville community. Hill is the oldest among his siblings, Erin Phil-Niesha Hill and Erwin Prentiss Hill.

Education
Hill began his educational journey at Ephesus Academy in Birmingham, Alabama. He went on to attend A.H. Parker High School, which has been highly recognized as Birmingham’s first school for African American students, established in 1900. Hill was apart of the Track & Field Team and played basketball for Coaching legend William "Cap" Brown. Not only did Hill participate in athletics, he also was a SECME student and a member of the Math & Science Team. Upon graduating from high school, Hill attended the historically renowned Tuskegee University where he was actively involved with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) organization and apart of the ‘Black Engineer of the Year’ organization. Furthermore, Hill was initiated into the Gamma Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Tuskegee University. After earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and gaining substantial experience in the workforce, Hill entered graduate school at Clark Atlanta University. At this institution, Hill established several clubs including the Chess Club, Golf Club, and Tennis Club. He also was an active member of the National Black MBA Association. Hill went on to receive his Master’s of Business Administration Degree in Marketing and Finance from Clark Atlanta University.

Engineer
In 1996, Ervin Philemon Hill II launched his career as a Mechanical Engineer with Raytheon Systems Company located in Los Angeles, California. In this role, Hill was primarily responsible for designing radar communication systems for fighter jet planes. While honing his analytical skills, Hill also successfully maintained a budget within the 400-500 million dollar range. He further solidified his engineering career with his next position as a Nuclear Systems Engineer for Southern Company located in Augusta, Georgia. Many of his duties included supervising multi-functional teams, managing mechanical operations, and developing operational procedures. Hill credits his engineering background as the foundation for his scientific approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Entrepreneur
After demonstrating his expertise as an engineer, Ervin Philemon Hill II went on to establish his entrepreneurial career in the field of Sports Management in 2005. Hill has organized and developed numerous sporting events across the city of Birmingham, most notably being the Magic City Diamond Classic. The annual event features in-state rivals Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University dueling for the top spot and bragging rights in HBCU baseball for the state of Alabama. Hill has also demonstrated his proficiency as an executive leader with events such as the “Transcending the Fairways Golf Exhibit” and the “Senator Fred Horn Inaugural Golf Classic.” Recognized as a prominent leader within the business community, Hill was selected to serve as Guest Lecturer and Adjunct Professor for the School of Business at Clark Atlanta University in 2016. He believes that the skills acquired from his work as an engineer and entrepreneur are transferable and can be applied towards managing city government.

Organizations & Civic Activities
As an advocate for the well-being of all children, Ervin Philemon Hill II has mentored several youth across the city of Birmingham and has volunteered with many educational causes. He has hosted Birmingham City School students at events such as the Talladega Super Speedway, Magic City Classic, Regions Tradition, and LPGA Classic. Hill has also developed divisions within his Sports Management Company to address adolescents’ interest in sports. These divisions include the Legacy Sports Junior Golf Association and the Legacy Sports Junior Tennis Association. In addition, Hill’s philanthropic efforts include his service to the community as a donor as well as charitable contributions made to Birmingham area schools.