Nashville PRIDE January 20, 2023

Titans hire Ran Carthon as new general manager See page 3

NMAAM honors Dr. Bobby Jones with exhibition See page 7 © 2023 Multicultural Media Group

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volume XXXvII, Number 3

People Are Talking Rep. Jones named to Democratic leadership position

Justin Jones (photo courtesy of @brotherjones)

Freshman Rep. Justin Jones has been elected to a key House Democratic Caucus position.

The newly-elected Nashville lawmaker was elected by his fellow freshmen to the coveted role of Minority Assistant Floor Leader. In this role, he will assist Minority Floor Leader Bill Beck in organizing discussion and developing strategy on the House Floor. He will also assist the Democratic House Whip in counting heads and rounding up party members for votes.

Jones also received his committee assignments and was named to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and its accompanying subcommittee and the Education Administration and Government Operations Committees.

Lawmakers seek stronger investments in Tennessee children Democratic lawmakers are calling for new investments in children and families following a damning, new report from the Tennessee Commission on Children & Youth that says Tennessee is the worst state in the nation in foster care instability.

The State of the Child 2022 report gives a sobering assessment of health, mental health, economic stability, education outcomes, child welfare and youth justice in Tennessee. Particularly jarring was the section on foster care.

“Tennessee struggles with foster care instability at a level not seen across the rest of the country.

Tennessee has had the highest rate of foster care instability in the nation every year from 2016 to 2020,” the report states.

This study arrives as Gov. Bill Lee’s administration is grappling with crisis after crisis at his Department of Children’s Services, the state agency charged with investigating child abuse and managing foster care placements. For years now, DCS has struggled to build its roster of foster families amid staffing shortages resulting from low pay, insufferable working conditions and mismanagement.

The annual report on the wellbeing of Tennessee children painted a grim picture of foster care in the state, but that isn’t the only threat to kids.

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January 20, 2023

IMF holds annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration This week, the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship (IMF) wrapped up its 35th annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration.

Monday was the culmination of events with the annual march from Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church to the TSU Gentry center for the convocation.

“This is our first in person convocation since 2019, and we are very excited to be back in person,” said MLK Nashville Committee Chair Cheryl Mayes. “Our planning committee worked very hard over the last eight months to bring several amazing programs that included our inter-generational panel, fair housing discussion, the youth symposium, the women of faith panel, and today's youth rally leading up to today's convocation.

This year's theme, ‘Protecting the Dream: Confronting the Assaults,’ says so much about where we are in the world right now.”

The keynote address was delivered

by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a globally renowned scholar of race, religion and contemporary culture. Dyson is currently a professor at Vanderbilt University where he holds the Centennial Chair and serves as University Distinguished Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and University Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Society in the Divinity School.

The theme of Dyson’s address was ‘Stay Woke.’

“My brothers and sisters, given the brilliance of what you’ve already heard, I’ve come here to echo and reinforce what you've already heard,” said Dyson, making reference to the many

Michael Eric Dyson delivered the keynote address at the Nashville MLK Day March and Convocation held at TSU’s Gentry Center. (photo courtesy of Vanderbilt University) dynamic speakers who proceeded him. Emmett Till. So on that day, this Black “Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man, 34 years old, uttered 34 words dreamer, but he dreamed out loud and that have become immortal in the he dreamed awake. A lot of people try annals of American memory. to freeze Dr. King in 1963 at the sunlit “‘I have a dream, one day, my four summit of expectation with which he little children will live in a nation mounted the rostrum there at where they will not be judged by the Washington D.C. on August 28, and color of their skin but by the content of they chose that day because it was also Continued on page 5 the anniversary of the murder of

Urban League of Middle Tennessee’s 55th Annual Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) Luncheon February 7

(l-r) Dr. Joseph Webb, Dr. Shanna Jackson, Marla Rye, LaTanya Channel, and Clifton Harris, CEO of ULMT

by Cass Teague civic leaders to explore issues affect- Luncheon, the largest attendance in the On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, ing our community and to celebrate event’s 55-year history. Join them as friends and supporters of the Urban the successes of the past year of they celebrate another year of their League of Middle Tennessee (ULMT) African Americans and other minority work Empowering Communities and will gather to honor the work of the communities across Middle Ten- Changing Lives. league over the past 55 years. Despite nessee.

In past years, the EOD Luncheon the various challenges facing our com“Closing the Disparities” is the has included a single featured speaker. munity, the League has continued to theme for this year's 55th Equal This year, the ULMT will take a more serve and support those in need. This Opportunity Day (EOD) Luncheon, global look at the challenges our comannual event is the organization’s time beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, munities face as they work to close the to reflect on and celebrate the power of February 7 at the Music City Center, equity gap and to ensure that Africandiversity and inclusion in the work- 201 John Lewis Way South, in down- Americans and others in underserved place and brings together the largest town Nashville. Over 500 attendees communities achieve their highest true gathering of business, community, and are expected at this year’s EOD Continued on page 5

GROW by Gilmore Agency launches new internship program GROW by Gilmore, LLC, has announced their first-ever internship program for Spring 2023. The 12week program kicks off on February 1, 2023 and offers hands-on experience for current undergraduate and graduate students ideating, creating, planning, pitching, and optimizing social media content. Interns will also have the opportunity to present their final projects in front of judges and receive feedback. Interns will be stationed in either the marketing, busi-

ness, PR, or operations departments.

“I believe every brand is similar to the cycle of a flower and I help to germinate them so that they can bloom in the digital age,” said GROW by Gilmore founder Anyah Gilmore Jones. “In this same spirit of growing, I want to sow seeds of knowledge into people like me, our generation of influential marketers.”

2023 Spring Media Interns for GROW by Gilmore responsibilities include:

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• Assisting in the curation and management of content and managing posts for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn by requesting photo and video assets externally, uploading approved content and copy, submitting posts for approvals, and scheduling final posts to client’s social platforms and scheduling tools.

• Assisting with the creation of proposals, attend meetings, and take detailed recap notes to report back to Continued on page 5

Page 2

Nashville PRIDE

MLK 2023

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January 20, 2023

Rev. Rhett h. James honored during Dr. King program

BE KIND. BE INTENTIONAL. BE A DREAMER. Rev. H. Rhett James greets Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson at an unidentified event in 1962. (photo courtesy of Rev. H. Rhett James papers, gift of Gregory James)

by Joseph Green-Bishop, chair of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Texas Metro News contributor Community Center’s advisory board.

One of the most crucial figures in The center is supported by the city the American civil and human rights of Dallas. movements, Rev. Rhett H. James, who “The legacy of Rev. James is also helped to pioneer significant important, and proper recognition of desegregation efforts in Texas, was him is long overdue,” Wicks said. honored posthumously at the 41st “There are people in our city who do annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Jan- not know the significance of Rev. uary 14, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in James. He is one of the most important Dallas. citizens in the history of Dallas. He is Rev. James, who included among more than worthy of being honored.” his confidants, notables such as Dr. Rev. James, who died in 2004, King and President Lyndon B. John- became the pastor of the New Hope son, invited the civil rights leader to Baptist Church in Dallas in 1958. speak in Dallas in January of 1963, to Three years later he became the first an audience of nearly 3,000. It was the African American awarded a master of first time that Dr. King spoke in the theology degree from Texas Christian city.

University. Twenty years later he The ‘Trail Blazer Award’ will be earned a doctorate degree from the presented to his four children, Pamela University of Texas in Arlington, James Jones, Cedric James, Steven where he later became the first Black James, and Gregory James. professor on the school’s teaching “Rev. Jones was one of the most staff. brilliant minds that this community He was president of the Dallas has ever known,” said Candace Wicks, Chapter of the NAACP and frequented a Dallas native who serves as vice Continued on page 5

President’s proclamation on Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday, 2023

by President Joe Biden Today, we honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by continuing his unfinished work to redeem the soul of America.

Dr. King came of age in the South during a time when racial discrimination was the law of the land. Black Americans risked jail time for accessing public accommodations like drinking fountains, parks, restrooms, restaurants and hotels. Their voting rights were denied by complicated, onerous, and discriminatory rules.

Even if they attempted to register to vote, they could be fired from their jobs, be run off of their farms, or face vigilante violence.

Dr. King imagined a different future for America—an America he called the ‘Beloved Community.’

Building the Beloved Community required a key shift in human understanding. It meant looking beyond external differences to see the union of all humankind. It also meant finding a way to deal with our grievances without animosity, in a way that recognized the interconnectedness of all humanity and allowed us to move forward together.

From the pulpit to the podium to the streets, Dr. King devoted his life to the quest for this Beloved Community in our nation. His activism and moral authority helped usher in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He gave a voice to the restless spirit of millions yearning for change. He gave us a roadmap to unify, to heal, and to sustain the blessings of the nation to all of its people.

But the work continues because it remains unfinished. That is why my Administration has called on the Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to ensure that every citizen has a voice in deciding our future.

In keeping with Dr. King’s campaign for economic justice and the rights of workers, my Administration is striving to make the American Dream a reality for every family. By creating good-paying jobs, investing in the middle class, improving access to affordable housing and quality education, and closing the racial and gender wealth gaps, we can give hardworking families the dignity Dr. King would say they deserve.

Dr. King called for greater fairness in our health care system, and my Administration is pushing to put quality, affordable health care within reach of all people, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized Americans. By lowering costs and improving access, we can make health care a right and not just a privilege.

Dr. King preached that “darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light

President Joe Biden can do that.” In his memory, we strive to challenge violence and bigotry with grace and goodness. We work to embed equity and opportunity into all of the federal government’s policies and programs. And we serve to bring together a nation in our dedication to these ideals.

This Sunday, I will pay my respects and express my gratitude for his life and legacy by speaking at services at his cherished Ebenezer Baptist Church. On this day of commemoration, service, and action, let us hold up a mirror to America and ask ourselves: What kind of country do we want to be? Will we honor Dr. King’s legacy by rising together, buttressed by each other’s successes, enriched by each other’s differences, and made whole by each other’s compassion? I believe we can. It will require constant care for our democracy, stubborn faith in this great experiment, and a commitment to stamping out discrimination in all forms.

It will demand honest reflection about how far we have come and how far we have yet to go to be the best version of ourselves. But like Dr. King, I know that there is nothing beyond this nation’s capacity and that we will fulfill the promise of America for all Americans—perfecting the Union we love and must protect.

Now, Therefore, I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., president of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Monday, January 16, 2023, as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service projects in honor of Dr. King and to visit <MLKDay.gov> to find Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service projects across our country.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 13th day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand, twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the 247th.

For a better Nashville.

For a better world.

Proudly celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 20, 2023

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Local

‘Cancer: My Journey in Time’

Staying committed

by Wanda Clay This past week, Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church recognized the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. observance on Saturday, January 14. At 8 am members, friends and the community gathered at Corinthian Church as a part of this historic day of celebration and recognition.

The special guest speaker was Rev. Dr. Frank Stevenson, executive vice president of Tennessee State University and pastor of the City of Grace BapChurch.

Top tist Nashville developer, Tony Giarrintana was honored for his commitment to building housing, affordable along with Nashville Mayor John Cooper.

Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Baptist Missionary Church, organized the gathering because he believes it is important to stay committed to the variety of issues that plague the city of

Rev. Enoch Fuzz Nashville. It was an especially important occasion to recognize someone attempting to resolve issues like affordable housing.

With this in mind, it is also important to be a part of bringing together the presidents of the Nashville NAACP, the Greater Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Middle Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Rev. Fuzz remains committed to the ideals and principles of Rev. Dr. King, while he continues to recover from stage four lung cancer.

Stay tuned next week as we hear more of Rev. Fuzz’s commitment to being a voice for the community, and his never-ending support for Nashville General Hospital and its tireless efforts to heal patients.

The hospital has recently secured a van that will allow them to ensure patients are picked up for doctor appointments when they may not have transportation. We will also have an update on his condition with his journey with cancer.

While Rev. Fuzz stays committed, it is important for us all to stay committed to prayer for him. Also, pray for yourself, for your neighbor and for your world.

Prayer is always a priority for Rev. Fuzz along with the desire that people would always pray. Pray, enjoy and share Rev. Fuzz’s Meta postings and weekly journey with cancer.

Titans hire Ran Carthon as team’s new general manager

Ran Carthon

by Jim Wyatt ing one of our league's The Titans have offi- best teams.” cially hired Ran Carthon According to the as the team's new gener- 49ers, Carthon was al manager. responsible for evaluatCarthon spent two ing the top college seasons as director of prospects while assisting player personnel with in the construction of the the 49ers after serving pro free agency board five seasons as the direc- and evaluations in San tor of pro personnel in Francisco. He also San Francisco. worked with the football Carthon was one of administration staff with seven candidates to player market analysis interview for the posi- and unrestricted free tion with the Titans. agency strategy.

“We are excited to Carthon joined the add Ran to our organiza- 49ers after spending five tion as our new general seasons (2012-16) as the manager,” Titans Con- director of pro personnel trolling Owner Amy with the St. Louis/Los Adams Strunk said in a Angeles Rams. statement. “He brings a Carthon also spent variety of valuable expe- four seasons (2008-11) riences to our team, as a as a pro scout with the former player and a suc- Atlanta Falcons. cessful personnel execuPrior to his time in tive for multiple teams. I Atlanta, Carthon had a was impressed with his three-year playing career natural leadership quali- in the NFL after playing ties and his ability to in college at the Univerconnect with people. sity of Florida. He broke With talent evaluation into the league as an being critical to this role, undrafted rookie with the roster they have built the Indianapolis Colts in in San Francisco stands 2004 and played with out. He played an impor- the club through the tant role there construct- 2006 campaign.

While playing at Florida (1999-2003), Carthon competed in five bowl games and was part of the Gators 2000 SEC Championship team.

Carthon's father, Maurice, played in the NFL with the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts.

The hiring of Carthon capped a busy and important period that began back on December 6, when Strunk made the decision to part ways with general manager Jon Robinson, who was hired prior to the 2016 season.

After candidates were identified, Strunk led the process of finding Robinson's replacement.

The team interviewed seven candidates, including personnel evaluators across the NFL, before narrowing the search to a handful of candidates, and second interviews were conducted.

Strunk said a committee including herself; Kenneth S. Adams IV from the ownership group; President/CEO Burke Nihill; Senior Vice President of Business Affairs/Chief Legal Officer Adolpho Birch III; and Senior Vice President/General Counsel/Chief of Staff Dan Werly would be involved in the interviews.

Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel also joined the process before Carthon was hired.

“We want someone who is an exceptional talent evaluator, exceptional at roster building, and someone who is an excellent decisionmaker,” Strunk said in Continued on page 5

NAShvILLE P*R*I*D*E

Staff and Afillates Administration Publisher: Meekahl Davis, CEO Advertising Sales: Scott Davis Attorney: Karen Davis

Editorial Department Editor: C. Ailene Lydia Staff Writers: David Lawrence; Wanda Clay

Table of Contents Front Page .......................... 1 MLK 2023 .......................... 2 Local.................................... 3 Editorials ............................ 4 Continuations ..................... 5 Church ................................ 6 Leisure ................................ 7 Health/Education ............... 8

Contributing Writers: Alvin Campbell; T.A. Spence; Reeju Davis General Columnists: William T. Robinson, Jr. Church Columnists: Rev. Barbara WoodsWashington, Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. B. Bethel Writers/Photojournalists (fl): Cass F.L.Teague, Jr., Wanda Clay, Justin Darden,

Shiloh Long, Mayes, Inc., Marcus Jones Copy editor: Bill Dorian

Production Department James H. Lewis, Jr., manager; Webmaster Lawrence Davis Circulation Department Scott Davis

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Eleven projects in North Nashville funded through participatory budgeting

Mayor Cooper (c) with Bordeaux and North Nashville leaders at the Participatory Budgeting project unveiling.

Mayor John Cooper dents 14 years and older were on showcase at an joined the 2022 Bor- were eligible to cast bal- October 12 voting expo deaux North Nashville lots online, by mail and at the Hadley-Lillard Participatory Budgeting in person for their top Park Community Center. steering committee for five city project choices The Participatory Budgthe city project selection on a list of 25 potential eting steering committee unveiling. projects. Those ideas reviewed and adopted During the 2022 (which all came from final results on Decemcycle, Bordeaux and Bordeaux and North ber 15.

North Nashville resi- Nashville residents) Continued on page 5

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Page 4

Nashville PRIDE

Editorials

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

January 20, 2023

Sure way to finance the new stadium

by William T. Robinson, Jr. Nashville, the home city of the Tennessee Titans franchise, is progressing at an exponential rate. It is understandable that we would want to be able to compete with any other city when it comes to amenities attracting businesses and potential citizens. Thus, Nashville as well as the state of Tennessee, is looking at avenues to finance a $2.1 billon domed stadium consisting of 1.7 million square feet that will seat 60,000. This new domed stadium will put the Tennessee Titan franchise in a position to host a Super Bowl. But not all taxpayers are aboard when it comes to supporting a new open or retractable dome, citing understandable concerns.

Many taxpayers don’t see building a new domed stadium as a priority when compared to

concentrating on affordable housing, mass transportation or dealing with traffic woes or handling the escalation of crime that comes along with growth. Many of Nashville’s taxpayers claim they cannot afford to attend the games at the stadium and don’t feel they should be taxed or put out in any way to help build or maintain the stadium. Mounting taxpayers are leery. They don’t believe those who claim the stadium will be built with minimal tax increases, diverting most of the future cost.

We are told that tourists will incur some of the cost by increasing the hotel tax. The Titan franchise will secure a large portion of the cost, along with the NFL, and private investors.

However, you have a large group of taxpayers in Nashville who feel that the concerns of tourists shouldn’t outweigh their needs and

concerns. They feel the stadium is only for bragging rights for avid Tennessee football fans.

What if we could come up with a way that would ensure all if not a significant amount of the cost for the new stadium would be secured without putting the burden on the taxpayers? A poll

by Fox 17 News Twitter found that 89.9% of 5,000 Tennesseans polled favored legalizing marijuana. Legalizing marijuana would be the solution that makes the majority of Tennesseans happy. The monies generated could be used to finance the new stadium and maybe in some other areas, ease the financial pressure off taxpayers.

Possibly, the only ones standing in the way of this plan would be some lawmakers who are against legalizing marijuana regardless of the valid reasons being presented by supporters.

These lawmakers

adamantly dismiss the usage of marijuana even for medicinal purposes, ignoring their constituents begging to differ. But they cannot argue with study after study showing the medicinal advantages of marijuana as opposed to the usage of potent, addicting drugs used for pain. Tennessee lawmakers cannot even argue that by legalizing marijuana crime would increase. Studies from states that have legalized marijuana show that marijuana use has no adverse effects on crime rates. In fact, alcohol use has and will always play a bigger role in deaths, especially as attributed to driving.

Cutting to the chase: maybe if marijuana were made legal, many sentenced to jail or prison as related to marijuana charges would have to be released or be reevaluated—and the prison system represents big

money. Could some of these lawmakers be undercover lobbyists for the prison system? Gee, I don’t know. It just makes good sense to legalize marijuana, especially if it could be a way to finance the new stadium or other projects giving the taxpayers some relief.

Maybe Tennesseans should remember all the flack we got from lawmakers and even churches about bringing the lottery to Tennessee. But Tennessee lawmakers are tickled to death now and see the lottery as a blessing when considering all the money generated to fund education in the form of grants and scholarships. But at the time, the rhetoric by some lawmakers said the lottery would increase crime and pave the way to sending the state of Tennessee to hell—the same rhetoric by some Tennessee lawmakers overriding the will of the

William T. Robinson, Jr. majority of the citizens to legalize marijuana today.

Legalizing marijuana and using the monies to help finance and support the new domed stadium is only a suggestion to consider. You can take the ball and run with it or sit back and listen to the naysayers who have no concrete answers about making everyone happy.

Maybe supporters of a new domed stadium should take a closer look at the Tennessee legislators they elected.

Celebrating Dr. King Magic made by many

by Rev. Jesse Jackson, News Analysis (TriceEdneyWire.com) – The celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King’s generally birthday focuses on his ‘dream’ of an America in which children will “live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

In celebrating King’s dream, we should remember the challenge he put before the country. In many ways, Dr. King saw the civil rights movement as a symphony with three movements.

The first featured the struggle for equal opportunity, for ending segregation and providing equal access to schools, jobs, housing, health care, finance and more.

This was a battle waged at lunch counters, in bus boycotts, in the courts and in the streets.

The second movement (one that suffered some of the worst murders and beatings) was the fight for the right to vote. It was waged in dangerous voter registration efforts, like that which witnessed the Freedom Summer murders of Goodman, Schwerner and Chaney near Philadelphia, Mississippi. And in marches and demonstrations like the march over the Edmund Pettus bridge in Selma, that was met with a police riot. It culminated in the passage of the Voting Rights Act, after Lyndon Johnson pledged that “we shall overcome.”

The third movement, which King knew would be the most difficult, was the push for equality, for basic human rights for all people.

“What good is the right to sit at a lunch counter,” Dr. King said, “if you can’t afford to buy a hamburger?”

justice Equal required the eradication of poverty for people of all races, a transformation of a system that has left us, as Dr. King wrote, with “a gap of superfluous wealth and abject poverty,” and has “created conditions permitting necessities to be taken from the many to give luxuries to the few.”

Economic and racial equality, Dr. King understood, could not be achieved unless America curbed its growing and costly military adventures. So, Dr. King courageously spoke out against the Vietnam War, warning that the war on poverty was being lost in the jungles of Southeast Asia.

On his final birthday, Dr. King worked on putting together a Poor People’s Campaign, a multiracial coalition of working and poor people to march on Washington to demand equal justice.

He understood that justice required fundamental reforms, including: the right to a job or a guaranteed income, a living wage, universal health care, the right to affordable housing, and equal access to the courts. His assassination took him from us when his leadership was most needed.

The civil rights movement transformed America and helped to further its ideals. We have come a long way.

But Dr. King surely would be dismayed by how far we have yet to go. Today, legal segregation of schools has ended, but our schools are more segregated than ever.

The right to vote has been extended, but conservative judges have gutted the Voting Rights Act, and voter suppression, partisan gerrymandering and dark money undermine our democra-

Rev. Jesse Jackson cy.

Inequality has reached new and extremes. obscene has been America enmeshed in endless wars throughout this century. The Pentagon consumes more than half of the annual spending Congress votes on. Gun violence, mass incarceration and police brutality still rob too many of life and liberty. Now catastrophic climate change poses a rising and deadly threat.

Lasting change is hard. Every reconstruction gets met with a reaction. Cynical politicians stoke racial and national fears. Economic insecurities make us more likely to turn on each other than to each other. Dr. King’s example calls upon us not to adjust to these realities nor to accept them, but to act boldly to change them. “There is no gain without struggle,” he said.

Dr. King held no public office; he amassed no personal fortune; he commanded no military forces. Yet he led a movement that transformed the country.

Politicians, he understood, adjust to prevailing winds. It is people in motion that generate the wind and set the direction.

True leaders do not echo popular opinion, they mold opinion. Let us celebrate his birthday by following his example and mobilizing to fulfill the dream.

by Svante Myrick (TriceEdneyWire.com) For many of us, the Martin Luther King holiday every year brings memories of Dr. King’s great speeches and the incredible power of his words. Dr. King was a master orator who gave many inspiring speeches throughout his career. Lots of Black kids (myself included) grew up mesmerized by the majesty of the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, wishing we could one day speak that well.

As a youngster, especially one who struggled with a speech impediment, I thought great speeches were magic.

I still do. Except now I see that magic isn’t made in a vacuum.

Maybe you’ve heard a great speech given in an empty room. I know I have. No matter how wonderful the words, the impact will be small. In contrast, I look at the old photos of Dr. King’s speeches and there is a sea of upturned faces, many Black, some White: older people, young folks, men and women.

I think about these moments and I am struck not just by the power of Dr. King, but by the enormous commitment of the people behind the scenes: activists, organizers, and volunteers.

Those working behind the scenes enabled the people of Montgomery, Alabama to hear Dr. King promise that the arc of the moral universe does indeed bend toward justice. They enabled hundreds of thousands in Washington, and even more around the country, to hear his immortal

Svante Myrick ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. And in Memphis, they enabled thousands of striking sanitation workers and their allies to hear Dr. King the day before he was murdered, when he spoke of having been “to the mountaintop” and gave hope for a better future.

I feel deep gratitude for the hundreds, even thousands of people who played ‘supporting’ roles throughout Dr. King’s life: the people who passed out flyers, who offered rides, who brought friends and neighbors to listen when he spoke. And of course, there is gratitude beyond words for all those who marched, who faced police brutality and fought segregation. Because of them, Dr. King was able to change the world.

There’s a lesson in that for all of us. If you say to yourself: “I could never give the kind of speech Dr. King could give, so there isn’t much I can do to change hearts and minds” then you are half right, and half wrong It’s true that Dr. King’s talents were rare. But he didn’t move mountains alone. Nobody can. The lesson we should learn when we commemorate the life of Dr. King is how vital each of us can be,

together and separately, in changing the world.

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality,” Dr. King wrote, “tied in a single garment of destiny.” To me, his characteristically beautiful words mean that history is not made by a parade of individual heroes, stretching single-file through the centuries. It is made collectively, by the many.

In everyday terms, it means that the person who sets up the chairs or plugs in the microphones for an event is as important to its success as the speaker onstage. Each of us has a part to play and a gift to give.

And each of us has a responsibility to act.

Too often there is a temptation to wait for the next hero to come along to ‘save’ us, which can lead to doing nothing. That’s a downside of believing, falsely, that heroes can act alone.

So yes, we honor Dr. King for his incredible life. And we should also honor him by committing to serve our communities and work for change in any way we are able. That’s how we make magic.

Svante Myrick is president of People For the American Way. Previously, he served as executive director of People For and led campaigns focused on transforming public safety, racial equity, voting rights, and empowering young elected officials.

Myrick garnered national attention as the youngest-ever mayor in New York State history.

Martin Luther King or Robert E. Lee?

by David W. Marshall be an admirer of Martin grand jury charged him southern culture and cus- and support the freedom (TriceEdneyWire) – Luther King and what he with “wickedly, mali- toms are not bad. But we movement concerning Since 1983, the third stood for as a civil rights ciously, and traitorously” can never forget that the people of color. It seems Monday in January rep- leader? In many ways, carrying on a war against institution of slavery was hypocritical for the resents the day in which the South has never got- the Constitution and the the greatest influence on region of the nation comthe life of Dr. Martin ten over the Civil War. “peace and dignity” of southern beliefs and way posed of former slaves Luther King is celebrat- Robert E. Lee will the United States of of life. With slavery and Jim Crow states to ed with a federal holiday. always be a timeless America. During the came the economy of refer to itself as the Bible For southerners, devo- hero throughout the Civil War era, a Confed- cheap labor, racial Belt. When people from tion to their Confederate South despite leading an erate was a person who hatred, disregard for Bible Belt states consisheritage remains deep army that conducted saw themselves as a humanity, distrust of out- tently choose Jim Crow and long lasting. As a ‘slave hunts’ of free southerner first. Their siders, Christian over the teachings of result, several states Black Americans; allegiance was to their hypocrisy and White Jesus Christ, we would added the celebration of despite being a slave states over the federal supremacy. Each one not be wrong in quesConfederate Army Gen. owner who ordered his authority of the United became embedded in the tioning their Christianity.

Robert E. Lee to the slaves whipped and fam- States government.

The ideas of ‘love unique culture of the same day as the King ilies separated; despite This deep loyalty to South, and remained part your neighbor as you Holiday. While states leading a Confederate the beloved South of the southern identity love yourself’ or ‘treat such as Virginia, North army that slaughtered became a major part of long after slavery was others the way you want Carolina and Arkansas Black Union soldiers the southern identity and ended. to be treated’ often get eventually removed the while attempting to sur- culture which is still As a pastor, Dr. Mar- lost in a culture deeply joint celebration, Ala- render. After the war, he embraced today. It tin Luther King at times rooted in the economy of bama and Mississippi continued to fight would not be wrong to spoke about his disap- cheap labor, racial still honor Lee with against efforts to give question the American pointment with the hatred, a disregard for King. Both men are con- Black Americans their patriotism of someone White church. When he humanity, distrust of outsidered to be American rights as citizens.

Christian who still embraces Con- took on a leadership role siders, icons, but for opposing While Lee continues federate figures and during the civil rights hypocrisy and White reasons. to be seen as a Confeder- beliefs—especially as movement, he felt White supremacy. Since a large The joint celebration ate leader worthy of we are currently witness- ministers, priests and amount of the South’s is truly a contradiction of appreciation, does it ing the reemergence of rabbis of the South population consists of ideology. Would a per- matter to southerners White nationalism in would be their strongest Black citizens, is the son who admires Robert that he was indicted by a addition to challenges to allies. Instead, some Bible Belt description E. Lee and what he stood grand jury in Norfolk, constitutional and ethical were outright opponents, for the South inclusive of for as a Confederate also Virginia for treason? The norms. All parts of refusing to understand Black Christians and The editorials on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers or staff of

their interests—or does it primarily reference socially conservative Protestants? In a Pew Research Center’s Religious Landscape Study, nearly eight-in-10 Black Americans (79%) identify as Christian. By comparison, seven-in-10 Americans overall (71%) say they are Christian, including 70% of Whites and 77% of Latinos.

Meanwhile, about sevenin-10 Blacks are Protestant, compared with less than half the public overall (47%), including 48% of Whites. Is the cultural meaning behind the term ‘Bible Belt’ a true description of the South in a racial, moral and spiritual sense? For those still celebrating Confederate heroes, Robert E. Lee is the leader dear to their hearts, but history has proven Martin Luther King was the true American and one who led with love, compassion and faith. this newspaper.

January 20, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Continuations

MLK Day... from page 1 their character.’

“And ever since then, people done messed that speech up.

First of all, he said that it was a dream; it wasn’t no reality.

“So when folks remind us: ‘My God, you’re speaking about

race again and that’s not what Dr. King wanted’—you ain’t heard the speech, homie. He said I have a dream, that one day, but that day ain’t arrived yet.”

The annual celebration is the largest citywide event in honor of

the life and legacy of Dr. King, bringing thousands of attendees each year.

Coverage of the event can be viewed on the IMF’s Facebook page at <www.face book.com/mlkday nashville>.

Equal Opportunity... from page 1 social parity, economic self-reliance, power, and civil rights. This year’s EOD luncheon will feature a panel discussion led by Clifton Harris, president and CEO of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, and will feature four community leaders in the areas of education, workforce development, small business, and health who will discuss current issues in their respective areas as well as ways our communities can work collectively in addressing these issues.

“Helping our neighbors is important to the Urban League of Middle Tennessee,” says Clifton Harris, ULMT President & CEO. “We care about our neighbors- it's the motivation behind empowering communities and changing lives.

The

door of opportunities before us to help our neighbors in need is great. With your support, we are empowered to provide workforce employment services over the days, weeks, and months ahead for our neighbors. “We are stronger together.”

Featured EOD panelists are Dr. Joseph Webb, chief executive officer of Nashville General Hospital, a 150bed academic system with more than 22 clinics, serving as the index teaching hospital for the historic Meharry Medical College System, health expert; Dr. Shanna Jackson, president of Nashville State Community College and a member of the Urban League Board of Directors, education expert; Latanya Channel, director of economic growth and small business development

for the city of Nashville, small business expert; and Marla Rye, executive director of the Northern Middle Tennessee Workforce Board (NMWB), Inc. and President of Workforce Essentials, workforce development expert.

A limited number of reserved tables and individual tickets are still available for the event.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Urban League of Middle Tennessee’s website at www.ulmt. org or this link: http://bit.ly/3Wdk4PT The Urban League of Middle Tennessee (ULMT) is a historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of thousands in underserved communities across Middle Tennessee.

Rev. Rhett h. James... from page 2 the White House for policy exchanges while his friend, President Johnson, was president.

An ardent proponent of education, Rev. James received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Union University in Richmond.

He worked with others to relocate Bishop College from Marshall, Texas to Dallas. He also served as a teaching recruiter, and administrator for the Dallas Independent School District.

“Rev. James was a brilliant civic leader and

pastor,” said Rev. Ronald E. Jones, a former Garland, Texas mayor who, like Rev. James, pastored at New Hope.

“He was a giant as a pastor and a giant as a leader and human being.”

Rev. James retired from New Hope in 1986.

Rev. Jones was among the younger members of the clergy who learned principles of faith and responsibility from Rev. James while he pastored at the church.

Wicks said the event would be the first in-per-

son gala in two years.

“We were halted by COVID-19,” she said, adding that proceeds from the event will help seed academic scholarships for college students and will contribute towards the operating budget of the King Center.

“The work that we do in the areas of housing, education, healthcare, financial assistance and so many others is consistent with the life and work of Dr. James. Like him, The King Center is committed to assisting others.”

Eleven projects... from page 3 After more than 3,000 votes from residents living in the Bordeaux-North Nashville neighborhoods the following 11 city infrastructure projects were chosen: • WeGo Bus Shelter 300 feet from 4007 Clarksville Hwy. • Bordeaux Library land acquisition • Upgrades to Moormans Arm Road/Whites Creek Pike drains • Speed cushions on Haynes Park Drive, Kingsview Dr. and East Fairview Dr. • Improvements to Pearl-Cohn High School: new HVAC unit and practice field water unit • Playground equipment for preschoolers at Ivanetta H. Davis Early Learning Center • Traffic calming in historic North Nashville • Beautification of Hadley-Lillard Park • Improve Hartman Park with an interactive chalk wall • Bordeaux Gateway beautification and art • Looby Community Center and Library revitalization with a mural

and outdoor improvements Now, a volunteer-led participatory budgeting steering committee will work with Mayor Cooper and the Metro Council to move these investments forward.

“The participatory budget process is a revolutionary, grassroots approach to budgeting that allows Nashvillians to connect their neighborhood’s priorities with public spending,” said Mayor Cooper. “There is immense value in our Nashville neighborhoods stepping up and speaking up for their friends, families, and communities.”

One of this cycle’s final projects (upgrades to Moormans Arm Road/Whites Creek Pike drains) was proposed by Sara Davis, a North Nashville native and 2022 budget delegate.

“I can say this was the first time I have worked so intimately within our local government driving improvements for my community of North Nashville,” said Davis.

“Likewise, this opportunity really showed by action that our mayor, John Cooper, is committed to community.

Beyond fielding questions and concerns, Mayor Cooper empowered residents to make direct change in areas we feel most necessary.

Granting this program with upwards of $2 million, allowing residents to submit and approve the way funds are spent is a perfect model for advancing community engagement.”

The mayor introduced participatory budgeting (used in cities across the U.S. and the world) to Nashville for the first time with a $2 million investment in his FY2021 capital spending plan. He renewed that commitment in his FY2022 capital budget.

In December 2022, Metro’s Financial Oversight Committee recommended $10 million in ARP funds be used for a citywide Participatory Budgeting 2023 cycle.

Metro Council will vote on this recommendation this month.

Page 5

Nashville PRIDE

Internship program... from page 1 the team.

• Keeping up to date on all recent trends and news.

• Assisting in the ideation, creation, and execution content across social media campaigns that align with brand voices/brand vibes/target consumer.

• Helping maintain the client posting schedule.

• Tracking, analyzing, and gathering data on content performance across platforms to create monthly reports to to clients. present Additionally, recom-

mend improvements, pitch creative ideas for growing social engagement and scaling campaigns.

• Being the voice of GBG on social media through community management, tapping into the pulse of culture while also ensuring the brand message is consistent.

• Evolving social media strategy utilizing analysis quantitative and A/B testing.

The internship is remote-based and is open to college students and recent graduates.

Hours are flexible to accommodate students' course schedules, but generally run from 10 am to 5 pm, CDT, during normal business hours.

Prospective candidates with questions about the program, as well as college/university administrators, faculty, campus leadership, and others interested in more information to share with their communities can reach out to the coordinator, Anyah Gilmore-Jones, <hello@anyahgil at more-jones.com>.

Lawmakers... from page 1 From housing and childcare to mental health, maternal mortality and education, the 66-page report lists dozens of policy areas where the state should implement reforms to improve outcomes for children and families.

Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, Senate Minority Leader said: “The Kids Count report shows the adversity and uncertainty children are facing and underscores the need for immediate action.

We should follow this roadmap and strengthen the support systems that lead to better outcomes for children.

“We know schools with fully funded wraparound services, smart criminal justice reform and well-resourced

agencies can make an enormous difference in the long-term potential of a child.

“Investing in our children is investing in the future success of our state. If Tennessee continues to ignore the needs of kids and young families today, we’ll pay for it down the road.”

Rep. John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, House Democratic Caucus chairman, said: “While I understand that this administration wants to spin this report as positively as possible, to do so would be tone deaf. We should be ashamed that our foster care system is the worst in the nation.

“This report outlines the significant challenges we face caring

for Tennessee’s children, particularly those who have been abused or neglected. We have a duty to care for these innocent victims, and this should be a top priority.

“We will be filing several pieces of legislation to try and repair this broken system. Our bills will work their way through the legislative process, but it’s really the governor who should be leading the charge. He is to blame for our state breaching its duty to these children, so one would think he would be motivated to propose substantive solutions immediately. Our children are looking to us for care and protection now—not months down the line.”

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Ran Carthon... from page 3 an interview with <TennesseeTitans.com> at the start of the process.

“I also want someone who is a collaborator, someone who is able to find and build consensus to get to the best answers for the team, someone who is open to innovation and evaluating talent beyond the traditional avenues. Just really a talented person in all areas. But more than anything I want someone that can collaborate.

That is super important to me—being able to find this person who can

collaborate so we're all working together, rowing the same direction.

“I am excited about the process, and I am excited about finding the

right person. I think this is going to be a great reset for us going forward, a chance to bring in new ideas—a new way of doing things.”

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Page 6

Nashville PRIDE

Church

Faith of A Mustard Seed

by Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. In ‘HIS OWN WORDS’— from ‘The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.’: “India appeared to be integrating its untouchables faster than the United States was integrating its Negro minority. Both countries had federal laws against discrimination, but in India the leaders of government, of religious, educational, and other institutions, had publicly endorsed the integration laws. The prime minister admitted to me that many Indians still harbored a prejudice against these longoppressed people, but that it had become unpopular to exhibit this prejudice in any form. In part, this change in climate was created through the moral leadership of the late Mahatma Gandhi.

In part, it was the result of the Indian Constitution, which specified that discrimination against the untouchables is a crime, punishable by imprisonment.

The Indian government spent millions of rupees annually developing housing and job opportunities in villages heavily inhabited untouchables. by Moreover, the prime minister said, if two applicants compete for entrance into a college or university, one of the applicants being an untouchable and the other of high caste, the school is required to accept the untouchable.

Professor Lawrence Reddick, who was with me during the interview, asked: “But isn̓t that discrimination?”

“Well, it may be,” the

Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. prime minister answered. “But this is our way of atoning for the centuries of injustices we have inflicted upon these people.”

From the prime minister down to the village councilmen, everybody declared publicly that untouchability is wrong. But in the United States some of our highest officials declined to render a moral judgment on segregation, and some from the South publicly boasted of their determination to maintain segregation. That would be unthinkable in India.

Although discrimination has not yet been eliminated in India, it is a crime to practice discrimination against an untouchable. But even without this coercion, so successfully has the government made the issue a matter of moral and ethical responsibility that no government figure or political leader on any level would dare defend discriminatory practices. One could wish that we here in the United States had reached this level of America morality. must seek its own ways of atoning for the injustices she has inflicted upon her Negro citizens.”

From the SER-

MON ON GANDHI delivered March 22, 1959, in Montgomery: “The world doesn̓t like people like Gandhi.

That̓s strange, isn̓t it?

They don̓t like people like Christ; they don̓t like people like Lincoln. They killed him—this man who had done all of that for India, who gave his life and who mobilized and galvanized 400 million people for independence... One of his own fellow Hindus felt that he was a little too favorable toward the Moslems, felt that he was giving in too much for the Moslems...

Here was the man of nonviolence, falling at the hands of a man of violence. Here was a man of love falling at the hands of a man with hate. This seems the way of history.

And isn̓t it significant that he died on the same day that Christ died? It was on Friday.

And this is the story of history, but thank God it never stopped here.

Thank God Good Friday is never the end.

The man who shot Gandhi only shot him into the hearts of humanity.

Just as when Abraham Lincoln was shot, mark you, for the same reason that Mahatma Gandhi was shot— that is, the attempt to heal the wounds of the divided nation—when Abraham Lincoln was shot, Secretary Stanton stood by and said, “Now he belongs to the ages.”

The same thing could be said about Mahatma Gandhi (and Martin Luther King, Jr.) now: He belongs to the ages.”

Reach out by email: myfathersmansion press@gmail.com

Faithful utterances: Casting your cares

by Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew As a child, I remember growing up with so much love. We weren’t rich but I was secure in knowing I was provided for. As a teenager, things were challenging in our home. There were times we had abundance and other times when we struggled. When things were really hard, I remember feeling as if God abandoned me, abandoned us. It was so painful to go through such difficulty.

As an adult, those memories are with me.

It’s easy to become fearful because there are situations that happen when I’m not in control. Life happens and there are things that come up that no matter how much I prepare, they don’t always turn out the way I want or even expect. As a child, I didn’t have much control—but the expectation as an adult is that I can make things happen.

We are taught that we have control. There is a term called ‘locus of control.’ “Locus of control is the degree to which people believe that they, as opposed to external forces (beyond their influence), have control over the outcome of events in their lives.”

There are two types of loci of control—internal and external. “People who develop an internal locus of control believe that they are responsible for their own success.

Those with an external locus of control believe that external forces, like luck, determine their outcomes.”

The reality is that as much as we’d like to believe we have control no matter if it’s external

or internal, we don’t always have the ability to manipulate the variables in our favor. It can be exhausting in trying to make things always happen. Many of us are burned out, filled with anxiety and worry, because we are trying so desperately to make things happen.

Maybe you are like me: In your life there were times of instability, and as a result, your ‘go to’ mode of operation is either to make things happen or to become overcome with frustration and caution. What I have learned to rely upon is that God is in control, no matter what is going on or how I feel.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for us,” 1 Peter 5:7. When times were rough as a child, I knew that I couldn’t do it alone. As an adult, I realize that even more. Life is hard. It’s important to know—that the God who made you and I—is there even when it doesn’t feel, look or seem like it. Don’t shut God out because things are not going your way.

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.

God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes,” Matthew 6:34, MSG. We live in a time that we are so driven by our needs and wants. We believe that we can just make things happen. The problem is that when we depend solely upon ourselves to do everything, the weight of the responsibilities can be overwhelming. It also means

Expressions of faith Take Note

by Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,” Colossians 3:2.

How can we, as the born-again or born of the Spirit, develop a new heavenly mindset? People who hold to living the life of the Kingdom of God, are the ones advancing the Kingdom of God. “Men and women that forcefully/strongly hold to the Kingdom of God/Heaven are advancing it,” Matthew 11:12.

When you have a Kingdom mindset, you set the standard for daily living.

What is a Kingdom mindset?

A Kingdom mindset/mentality is to see things from God's point of view. It's a framework keeping God at the center of all that you do.

Before you do anything, consent with God. Make your petition known unto the Lord your God in prayer.

Look at the principles for Christian living.

Paul speaks of the new life we have in Christ.

“As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and estab-

lished in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding therein with all thanksgiving,” Colossians 2:6-7.

Paul then explains the behavior of your new nature.

“If you being raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God,” Colossians 3:1.

When you put on the new nature/new life, the old nature/old life fades away (dies). When you are in Christ you are a new person—a new person in your thinking, and in the way you live!

“If any man or woman be in Christ, you are a new creature and new creation: old things are passed away; and all things are new,” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

“In Him [Christ] is the fullness of the Godhead or God's nature, and you are complete/filled in Him, not missing anything; for Christ is the head of all principality and power, rulers and authorities,” Colossians 2:9-10.

In Christ, your moral and ethical behavior has changed. This regards the old man [nature] to your new man [nature].

This is the reason that

Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. Paul is calling on those that are born of the Spirit to keep their hearts and minds focused on heavenly things and not on earthly pursuits.

Remember you are dead to your old life. You should have as little desire for the sins of this world as a dead person would. We have been raised into a newness of life in Christ, because we are Christ's spiritual seed. This is why we must set our minds on things above, and not on earthly things. Your former life is hidden because of Christ and God. When you let Him live within you, He will shape you into what you should be. When Christ, who is your life, appears then you also will appear with Him in glory. Jesus Christ gives us power to live for Him now. He gives us hope for the future. So remember to think on things above as you take on your new nature.

Nashville PRIDE Directory of Churches 40th Avenue Church of Christ 616 40th Avenue North Nashville TN, 37209 www.40thavecoc.com Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study: Wed. 7:00 p.m. & Thurs 11:00 a.m.

(615) 329-2325 Min. Dr. Charles A Beaman Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre Nashville 1130 8th Ave S Nashville, TN 37203 615-687-4600 7 days a week with Service every Sunday at 11AM scientology-ccnashville.org Senior Pastor: Rev. Brian Fesler Clark Memorial United Methodist Church 1014 14th Ave. North Nashville, TN 37208 Ph: (615) 329-4464 FAX: (615) 321-0975 Sunday Worship: 8:00 a.m./10:45 a.m.

Herbert Lester, Jr.,pastor clarkumcnashville.org

Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew that we are edging God out (EGO) when we think we are in control.

Often, we make life more difficult because we choose to be the master of our destiny when we move God out. Jesus reminds us that there is a better way: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light,” Matthew 11:28-30. To do this requires us to let go and let God. Worry and anxiety happens, but it doesn’t have to dominate your life. Trust God instead of believing in the havoc and hopelessness that may appear. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God,” Philippians 4:6.

(Dr. Froswa’ BookerDrew is the host of the Tapestry podcast and the author of three books for women. She is also the vice president of Community Affairs for the State Fair of Texas. To learn more, visit <drfroswa.com>.)

January 20, 2023

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Cleveland Street MBC 608 Cleveland Street Nashville, TN 37207 615-227-1149 Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m./9:15 Church School clevelandstreet baptist@comcast.net www.clevelandstreet baptistchurch.com Dr. Donald Snead, pastor Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church 819 33rd Avenue N. Nashville, TN 37209 (615) 977-6855 Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Wed. Worship: 7:30 PM Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor Ezra Emmanuel Ministries 2606 Union Hall Rd. Clarksville, TN 37040 www.ezraemmanuelmin.org 9 a.m. Sunday worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Hr of Empowerment 931-378-1092 Overseer Danelle M. Stephens Gospel United Missionary Baptist Church 3700 Fairview Dr. Nashville, TN 37218 615-876-7022 9:30 Sunday School Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Pastor Carlos A. Jones

Greater St. John Baptist Church 2200 26th Ave, No. Nashville, TN 37208 (615) 263-9450 Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m.

Herbert T. Brown, pastor Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church 2334 Herman Street Nashville, TN 3728 615-329-2779 Sunday School @ 8:45am Sunday Worship @ 10:00am Bible Studies: Monday Thursday @ 6pm; Wednesdays @ 12 noon gordonmemorialumc.org Rev. Dr. Paula B. Smith, Pastor Jefferson Street MBC 2708 Jefferson Street Nashville TN 37208 615-329-2990 Morning Worship: 10 a.m.

Rev. Aaron X. Marble, pastor John Wesley UMC 901 Benton Avenue 615-298-2019 Sunday worship 8am/11am Daniel M. Hayes, Sr. pastor jwesleyumc@bellsouth.net http://jwesleyumc.org/ Lake Providence MBC 5891 Nolensville Pike Nashville, TN 37211 (615) 833-5539 Sunday worship: 8am/11am Rev. H. Bruce Maxwell, pastor The Living Word International Church 5100 Wyoming Ave. Nashville, TN 37209 615-297-7437 Worship Times: 11:00 a.m. 7 p.m.

(1st & 2nd Sun.) Bishop Adebanjo thelivingwordcogic.com Mt. Lebanon MBC 222 Franklin Lime Stone Rd. 11:00 a.m. worship service 615-596-0456 jamesgreen@yahoo.com Rev. James J. Green, pastor Mt. Vernon MBC 1022 New Providence Pass Madison, TN 37115 Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

615-860-0213 Bishop Willie Joy, pastor mtvernon1022@cocast.net

Nehemiah Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Thomas E. Hunter, Sr. 916 16th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37208 615-942-5261 Sunday School:9:00am Sunday Service: 10:00am Tues. Bible Study:6:30pm nehemiahmissionary baptistchurch.com New Salem A.M.E. Church 1800 4th Ave. N. Nashville, TN 37208 615-964-7246 Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

Pastor Eddie L. Sneed Payne Chapel AME Church 212 Neil Avenue (615) 262-3675 Sunday Worship: 10 am Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield Schrader Lane Church of Christ 1234 Schrader Lane Nashville, TN 37208 (615) 329-0950 Sunday Worship: 7:45/10:15 a.m./5:00 p.m.

Robert Gardenhire, Pastor Spruce Street Baptist Church 504 Spruce Street Nashville, TN 37203 Worship at 11 a.m.

(615) 329-4105 Pastor Raymond Bowman St. John A.M.E. Church 1822 Formosa Street Nashville, TN. 37208 (615) 320-1026 sainjohname@aol.com Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

Rev. Lisa Hammonds St. Luke A.M.E. Church 355 Blythe Ave. Gallatin, Tenn. 37066 615-452-3137 Sunday School 9:15 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am Rev. Dr. Barbara J.Crawford St. Matthew MBC 2412 Osage Street (615) 329-0173 Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Rev. W.B. Armstrong, pastor St. Paul A.M.E. Church 3340 W. Hamilton Ave. Nashville, TN 37218 (615) 876-7219 Rev. Harold Moses Love, Jr. www.stpaul-amec.com Word of Life Christian Center International 4100 Clarksville Pike Nashville, TN 37218 (615) 876-3086 Sunday Worship: 11:00 am Rev. Alexander Arthur

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Leisure Dr. Bobby Jones honored

by NMAAM with Living Legends exhibition January 20, 2023

By Cass Teague The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) unveiled its new exhibit, entitled “Living Legends: Dr. Bobby Jones” at an invite-only event on Sunday, January 15, 2023.

The exhibit opened to the public on Tuesday, January 17, and will be on view there through Saturday, April 15, 2023.

The legendary Paris, Tennessee native is a Grammy-award-winning Gospel singer, pastor, television host, radio broadcaster, and international diplomat. Dr. Bobby Jones has worked unyieldingly to bring his love for gospel music to the world.

He loves the Lord, his family, friends, fans, and supporters. He also has a tremendous love for gospel music, television, radio, and stage.

And he has sought to unite this world in peace and love and will always do whatever he can to contribute to the betterment of humanity.

Dr. Jones is a brilliant leader and a sharp thinker who has pivoted from a career as a professional university educator with an earned doctoral degree. He graduated high school at age 15 and earned bach-

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elor's and master's degrees at Tennessee State University, where he taught for 14 years while earning a doctorate at Vanderbilt University, before moving into his gospel music career full-time instead.

Museumgoers will experience four fascinating displays that commemorate his educational career, his historic Sunday Gospel show on Black Entertainment Television (BET), and countless honors and awards received throughout the four amazing decades of his entertainment career.

The exhibit includes a monumental video testimonial from BET Founder Robert Johnson, who admits that the Bobby Jones Gospel Show was the essential financial driving force of the Black Entertainment Television network.

“The exhibition is divided into four cases,” says exhibition curator Dr. Bryan Pierce. “The material provides information regarding his educational career, his time at BET, honors/awards he received, and his unique performance wardrobe. Items consist of clothing, trophies, a bust, and photos.

Furthermore, a video testimonial from BET

founder, Robert Johnson, will play on a kiosk beside the intro panel.”

Case 1 is devoted to Dr. Jones’ educational achievements, including his Vanderbilt Doctoral Hood and Gown, from when he was awarded his Ed.D. in 1989. Jones has many honorary degrees and an honorary doctorate hood and the certificate presented to him by Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, OH, along with his Tennessee State University Hood, from his Master of Arts in Education from 1965.

Case 2 is devoted to his BET Era, including a BET Award from his retirement in 2015; a BET Bust given to Dr. Jones to celebrate his 35years on the network, the longest-running television show on cable.

Also, one-of-a-kind items developed for his retirement from BET. Case 3 holds a variety of miscellaneous awards, including a Legends Award; a Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Performance by A Duo or Group (1983); Bobby Jones and New Life Grammy plaque presented during NARAS Awards telecast (1983); a Gospel Music Album of The Year- Contemporary (Black) Dove

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Dr. Bobby Jones (center) receives a President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph R. Biden at the opening reception for his NMAAM exhibit, assisted by Saletta Holloway (at left) and Richard Manson (at right). (photo by Elle Danielle / MOJO Marketing) Award; a Trumpet Award replica of the Music City 2011.

(2006); and a Thomas A. Walk of Fame Tile Learn more at Dorsey Award of Excel- awarded to Dr. Jones in www.nmaam.org. lence (1987), along with a collection of images of Dr. Jones at various stages of his career.

Case 4 is devoted to Performance, with a Black Gown with Silver Sequins worn by Dr. Jones, along with a pair of Dr. Jones’ signature Chanel glasses; and a

Movie Previews: House Party

by Dwight Brown, critic for Film DwightBrownInk.com and NNPA News Wire (**1/2) Bringing the ‘90s back is hard work—so hard this new House Party reboot only gets half the job done. But when it’s on, it’s on.

For those who were in a drug induced comma during 1990 (you know who you are), the duo Kid ‘n Play (Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin) threw a House Party that brought hip hop joy to the masses. How popular was it? Three more HP films followed. The event planners behind this 2023 party remix are equally ambitious. They hired Grammy-winning music director Calmatic (real name Charles Kid II, winner Best Music Video for Lil Nas X’s ‘Old Town Road’) to helm a project written by Atlanta co-writers Jamal Olori & Stephen Glover.

The pedigree is there, what about the attention to details?

Damon (Tosin Cole, Till) and Kevin (Jacob Latimore (The Chi) have been friends since childhood and losers forever.

In Los Angeles, you’re either rich or poor, and these struggling party promoters are broke bros. Their daytime grind is working for a house cleaning company, swabbing toilets, sweeping up, dusting, throwing out the garbage. They dream big, but their game is small.

Kev is desperate to pay for his young daughter’s tuition and his baby moma pressures him to come up with $10K. Typically, Damon (pretentiously pronounced da-MON) finds ways to solve Kev’s problems, but most often gets him into more trouble. His not-so-smart idea this time? Why don’t they throw a big, moneymaking, superstar-invited house party in the mansion they’re currently cleaning?

The owner will be gone for two weeks, they’ll hire security, rope-off the fancy rooms and clean up. What could go wrong? For

The Grammys Jacob Latimore, Lebron James and Tosin Cole in House Party. starters, the villa belongs Gregg) harass and beat ors pop (art director to LeBron James—and up the boys. They’re Frances Lynn his ego. Plus, someone silly, goofy antagonists, Hernandez), the sets— could call the cops. but their over-extended from Damon’s stanky Right? improv antics kill room to LeBron’s trophy The premise is ripe momentum and needed man cave—greatly for comedy. The script to be trimmed. Anyone reflect Hollywood’s rags sets the stage: chal- who’s seen the perfectly or riches stories (produclenges, solutions and timed HP trailer will tion designer Scott worst possible out- grow impatient. Anyone Falconer; set decorators comes. Quirky hip-hop who remembers the Laura Harper and Maya characters are assem- tightly paced Girls Trip Levy). The clothes are bled, and they all blos- knows that short, suc- ghetto hip, star chaser som. Kev’s lost love cinct scenes are key. flashy or glamorous Venus (Karen Obilom, On the other hand, according to the characDoom Patrol) is his boss the screenplay and direc- ters (costumes by Derica at the cleaning service, tion have their moments. Cole Washington, Zola). and their sexual tension The dialogue can be hys- Audiences will live for is burning hot. Her gal terical, especially when the music (music superpal Mika (Shakira Ja’nai it’s delivered by actors visor Keir Lehman, Paye), a modern, quin- who go for it: e.g., Queen & Slim; compostessential soul sister Damon’s Aunt Jean er Oak Felder The (colored hair, fake eye- (Renata Walsh) bitches United States vs. Billie lashes, long fancy fin- about his dirty room: Holiday). And it’s all gernails), is onboard.

“Clean up this room. It perfectly lit and shot Add in a crazed DJ smells like ass and ( c i n e m a t o g r a p h e r (comedian D.C. Young onions in here. Don’t Andrew Huebscher).

Fly), a spiritual advisor make me get my gun!”

Cole and Latimore fit with ties to the Calmatic is success- together well and if their Illuminati named Cudi ful with sight gags, dialogue was shorter, (Scott Mescudi, a.k.a., physical pranks and the they’d shine brighter.

Kid Cudi) and a nosy dance offs in party Obilom, Paye, Cudi and White neighbor (And- scenes. Though the crux Santino make their rew Santino) with a of the movie takes place marks and claim their roaming pet Koala bear at LeBron’s place, the turf too. Hard to believe and the casting is just most outrageous wacky LeBron James can hold crazed.

Star-studded stuff comes in a down his part of the cameos (Mya, L.A. sequence where Cudi screen, but he does.

Lakers’ Anthony Davis, takes the duo to an Overall, this movie Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, underground world, knows how to talk to its Odell Beckham, Jr.) are populated by weird demographics (young, icing on the cake.

Caligula-looking people. urban and don’t give a -All the good ingredi- The debauchery, deprav- --). If first-time feature ents are in place. So, ity and horrific violence film director Calmatic, what’s the rub? At one on view are so funny the screenwriters and hour, 40 minutes the viewers will lose their producers (including footage is too long. Too lunch, spill their drinks James) learn from their many lapses and dead or gag on their weed. mistakes and achievespots. Too many scenes That’s the frustration ments, audiences will needed to be clipped to with this update. It could R.S.V.P. to future House their core (editor have been better, tighter, Parties—even if they’re Matthew Barbato, funnier and even more on streaming services Dave). In a beginning frenzied. and not in theaters. In sequence, three rival Problems with the truth, this new HP didn’t menacing party promot- script and direction bring back the ‘90s. It’s ers (Rotimi, Allen aside, the production trying to funk up the Maldonado, Melvin team is stellar. The col- 2020s!

ACROSS 1. Spencer of Hollywood’s Golden Age 6. Eyeball, e.g.

9. “Tosca” song, e.g.

13. Theater passage 14. Bovine call 15. “____ came a spider...”

16. *Univision’s ____ Grammy Awards 17. Barley bristle 18. Turning token taker 19. *President with a Grammy 21. Diabolical 23. Sold at the pump 24. Russian monarch 25. Back of a boat 28. *”Shallow,” 2018 recipient from “A __ Is Born” movie 30. *Camila Cabello and Ed Sheeran’s nominated song 35. College dwelling 37. Footnote note 39. Shade of violet 40. Huron’s neighbor 41. Head of the abbey 43. Done in a pot 44. City in Bolivia 46. Not manual 47. Mend, healthwise 48. Eye cover 50. Egghead 52. Four quarters 53. Dog in yoga 55. Triple ____ 57. *____.com Arena 60. *”Vegas” and “Woman” nominee (2 words) 64. Unit of electrical energy 65. Hoover’s agency, acr.

67. Discompose 68. Shade of yellow 69. I in T.G.I.F. 70. Small, olive-gray bird 71. “Cheers” regular 72. Inquire 73. Open up DOWN 1. Bath powder 2. Iranian coin 3. ____ Spumante 4. Be needy 5. Gossipy ones 6. Arabian Peninsula country 7. Column’s counterpart

8. Holiday surprise for employee 9. Palo ____, CA 10. Agitate 11. Inwardly 12. *1970 two-time winner “The ____ of Aquarius” 15. Hindu retreat 20. Ancient Rome’s neighbor 22. Nail a criminal 24. Popular newspaper name 25. *”30” performer 26. Pillage 27. Beef ___, dim sum choice 29. *”Don’t Shut Me Down” group 31. Alan Alda’s classic TV show 32. Type of hawk 33. Type of flu 34. Multi-colored dog coat 36. One of three square ones 38. Shower with affection 42. Human trunk 45. Sliding fastener 49. Part of “i” 51. Past-life experience?

(2 words) 54. Capital of Bulgaria 56. Airbnb option 57. Chanel of fashion 58. German industrial valley 59. Big Bang’s original matter 60. Disc, alt. sp.

61. Popular dieter’s foe 62. Between ports 63. Chris Hemsworth’s superhero 64. *Award-winning Bon Jovi’s lead singer 66. *Coldplay’s collaborators Solutions from last puzzle

January 20, 2023 Health/Education Acclaimed journalist warns against indifference in vanderbilt MLK Day keynote Page 8

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nize not only the value of our diversity, but the power of equity and belonging, and that we come together to ask for bold and far-reaching solutions,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver in her opening remarks at the

Emmy Award–winning journalist Byron Pitts gives the keynote address for Vanderbilt University’s 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorative event. (photo by Joe Howell) Byron Pitts, Emmy told the Vanderbilt audi- ble for every person in Award-winning journal- ence. “If blessed people this room to change the ist, author and co-host of with opportunity are world,” Pitts said. “I ABC’s Nightline, warned indifferent, it’s like hold- believe this because of against the dangers of ing a deadly weapon.” the life I’ve lived.” becoming indifferent to Pitts’ keynote was Pitts is the author of helping others and chal- followed by a moderated Step Out on Nothing: lenged members of the question and answer ses- How Faith and Family Vanderbilt community to sion led by André L. Helped Me Conquer see their potential to Churchwell, vice chan- Life’s Challenges, which change the world cellor for outreach, chronicles his life from through service. inclusion and belonging struggling with learning Pitts delivered the and chief diversity offi- challenges and illiteracy university’s 2023 Martin cer at the university. to becoming a top news Luther King, Jr. ComPitts told stories anchor. memorative Series about his harrowing He urged the audikeynote address at the childhood in East Balti- ence to have a service Vanderbilt Blair School more and struggles with mindset and “find that of Music’s Ingram Hall learning. He did not read person to step out on on Jan. 16. The event until he was 13 and was nothing for.” was also live-streamed. told he shouldn’t be in Vanderbilt launched This year’s MLK Day school. Yet with the help its annual MLK Comtheme, set by The King of his faith, his mother memorative Series in Center in Atlanta, was ‘It and others who chose to 1985 to honor King’s Starts with Me: Cultivat- champion him, Pitts per- legacy through proing a Beloved Communi- severed through high grams, lectures, interacty Mindset to Transform school and college and tive teach-ins and comUnjust Systems.’ followed his dream of munity service.

“Don’t be at peace becoming a journalist.

“Real discovery only with indifference,” Pitts “I believe it’s possi- happens when we recog-

Black doctor debunks COvID-19 myths on TikTok to reach Black Americans communities nationwide.

Updated COVID vaccines are currently free and widely available. To find a vaccine location, visit <vaccines.gov>.

(For more information about Dr. Collman, follow her on TikTok @rkristamarie or visit her website at <drkristamariecollman.com>.)

Dr. Kristamarie Collman

by Paula Penebaker riences (rather than A growing number of wrongs of the past) tend Black doctors are using to heighten their distrust social media to reach of the health care system vaccine-wary members and lead to skepticism of their communities. about COVID vaccines.

Dr. Kristamarie CollOne in 275 Black man, a family medicine Americans have died of physician in Orlando, is COVID. Compared to one of them. other racial and ethnic A TikTok sensation, groups in the U.S., Dr. Collman has reached Black Americans have more than 500,000 peo- been contracting ple with trendy videos, COVID, becoming in which she pokes holes severely ill, and dying at in common misconcep- a higher rate. tions about the COVID“We can’t control a 19 vaccine. lot of things, but we can “I felt as though it control our decision to was my responsibility as get the vaccine,” Dr. a physician to make sure Collman said. that I was spreading corHer commitment to rect information, espe- trusted, science-based cially on social media,” information on COVID Dr. Collman said in a vaccines has landed her recent interview. “I want in Bustle, NBC, Popsugpeople to know that as a ar, NPR, and Women’s Black woman, as a Health magazine.

Black physician, that I Dr. Collman also has hear them, and I under- a blog called ‘The Glow stand their hesitancy. I Up’ and wrote a book understand their con- titled, Glow Up Your cerns.”

Life: The Rx for LookBlack Americans are ing and Feeling Good more likely than Whites from the Inside Out. to report poor interacHealth care heroes tions with their physi- like Dr. Collman and cians. others are helping to These personal expe- bridge the gap for Black

keynote event. “It is a great honor to host discussions like this—and it is also a responsibility that we do not take lightly.”

Vanderbilt community members joined the larger Nashville community on the morning of Jan. 16 for the annual

Nashville MLK Day March and Convocation.

Community members marched together from Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church to Tennessee State University’s Gentry Center, where this year’s convocation speaker was Michael Eric Dyson.