Birmingham, Ala., Public Works employee Cortney Benson and his friend Carlton Pippen wrote a rap song, “Don't Trash My Hood,” to promote Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford's “23 in 23” initiative to clean the city's 23 communities in 23 days. Collectively known as the Over C's, Benson, also known as C-Block, and Pippen, known as Hi-C, say they hope their song will help restore pride in the community. The duo has performed for area schools, public meetings and made an appearance on a local news station. Residents can purchase CDs of the song, which also has had airplay on radio stations, and T-shirts bearing the slogan “Don't Trash My Hood” and the “23 in 23” logo. During the initiative, which ended in December, the city collected 17,369 tons of trash, cleaned 1,134 lots and towed 188 junk cars. To hear a clip of the song, visit www.birminghamal.gov/23in23.aspx.