Nashville Pride January 13, 2023

The Nashville PRIDE celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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volume XXXvII, Number 2

People Are Talking Legislation filed to cut number of Nashville Council members in half

Council Chambers On Monday, Tennessee Republicans filed House Bill 48 to reduce the size of the Nashville Metro Council in half.

The legislation is seen as retaliation for the blocking of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Nashville by the council “The GOP super-majority's continued efforts to overstep into local affairs and usurp the decision-making authority of local officials for the purpose of centralizing more and more power at the state level is concerning,” Democratic House Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons said. “Ultimately, Nashville families know what's best for Nashville.”

In 2015, Nashvillians rejected legislation to reduce the size of the council from 40 to 27.

“As recently as 2015, Nashville residents voted by a nearly twothirds margin to keep the Metro Council at 40 members. Far from strengthening local democracy, today’s legislation undermines the will of Nashville voters and effective local governance,” said Mayor John Cooper. “Contrary to claims by our state colleagues, this Metro Council has successfully facilitated historic accomplishments for our city, including: record investments in education; enhanced support for our first responders; and major economic development agreements that will directly benefit the state’s economy. Nashville is the engine of the state’s economy and the envy of cities across the country. That success has been built with Metro’s 60 years of good governing by our 40person Council.”

Tennessee Black Caucus elects new leadership

Rep. Sam McKenzie The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators elected its leadership positions for the 113th General Assembly of the Tennessee Legislature on Tuesday. Representative Sam McKenzie of Knoxville was elected chairman by a unanimous vote. He succeeds outgoing chair, Antonio Parkinson, of Memphis.

Other positions elected were Continued on page 7 The Nashville PRIDE Newspaper is on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: @pridenews

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January 13, 2023

In Memoriam: Remembering those we lost in 2022

(top row l-r): Yusef Harris, Vernon Winfrey, Tommie Morton-Young, Dr. Gadson Jack Tarleton, Jr., Rhea Theresa Tarleton, Queen Mother Catherine Hayes Carr, Kenneth T. Robinson, James Donald "J Don" Bowen, Dr. Ivan R. Davis, Sr., Darrell S. Freeman, (bottom row l-r): Marilyn Robinson, Dr. Bobby Lee Lovett, Dorothy (Dot) Kathryn Fort, Dr. Theophilus Bartholomew Boyd, III, Barbara Lee Ward Cooper, Arthur Overall, III, Robert C. Grant, Sr., Mai Olive Prather Shumake Lusk, Dr. Paul T. Kwami, and Mildred Floyd.

(March 3, 1926 - May 13, 2022.)

1939 – January 2, 2022)

By Cass Teague Mildred Floyd, (May 9, 2022, at Yusef Harris, (November 13, 1955 During the past calendar year, the the age of 93) PRIDE Family was rocked by the loss - January 3, 2022) Rhea Theresa Tarleton, (age 68, Thelma Thomas Clanton, (1922 of quite a few beloved colleagues and passed away May 26, 2022) friends. While this is not and cannot January 17, 2022) Deborah McCrary, (June 17, 1954 Queen Mother Catherine Hayes be a complete or comprehensive list - June 1, 2022) of those African and African Carr, (1928 - January 19, 2022) Lynn Paula Talley, (passed on Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams, American Nashvillians who passed in 2022, here are some whose passing (December 15, 1918-January 19, June 26, 2022) Darrell S. Freeman, (December we would like to share, especially for 2022) Santonio Beard, (February 14, 23, 1964 - June 28, 2022) those of our readers who might not Vernon Winfrey, (January 31, have known that they have transi- 1980 – February 5, 2022) Paul Elton Bass, (January 6, 1956 1933 - July 8, 2022) tioned. Space will not allow for Mai Olive Prather Shumake Lusk, descriptions of their careers and con- - February 13, 2022) Marilyn Robinson, (September 10, (March 12, 1923 - July 7, 2022) nections, etc.

Walter Riley King, (February 8, Many of the dearly departed were 1955 - February 25, 2022) James Donald "J Don" Bowen 1951 - (July 19, 2022) noted educators, physicians, religious Shonka Dukureh, (September 3, leaders and / or entrepreneurs; some (age 75, passed away March 5, 2022) Tommie Morton-Young, (1928 - 1977 - July 21, 2022) had distinguished military careers, Dr. Wosene Yefru, (March 8, 1944 while others were athletes and / or March 11, 2022) Miles Uriah Gipson, (July 19, - , 2022) artists.

Arthur Overall, III, (May 29, 1941 Their lives and contributions 1989 - March 29, 2022) Dr. Edna Margaret Lockert, (May - July 27, 2022) enriched all of our lives, and we are Dr. Ivan R. Davis, Sr., (August 4, grateful to have had them live and 8, 1929 - March 30, 2022) Dr. Michael Hudson Meadors, Sr., 1943 - 20 August 21, 2022) work in our community, while their Robert C. Grant, Sr., (March 14, influences were national and in some (March 16, 1943 - April 8, 2022) Kenneth T. Robinson (November 1943 - September 1, 2022) cases, global. We join their families Dr. Gadson Jack Tarleton, Jr., and friends in mourning their deaths, 16, 1952 - April 20, 2022) Dr. Theophilus Bartholomew (April 29, 1920 - September 3, 2022) while celebrating their lives.

Dr. Paul Kwame, (March 14, 1952 James Inman Bass, (1939 – Boyd, III (May 15, 1947 – May 3, 2022) January 2, 2022) Continued on page 8 Sister Sandra Olivia Smithson, Karan Howard, (December 23,

DOJ begins Supreme Court defense of student loan forgiveness

Lawyers from the Department of Justice said that Congress gave the president “clear permission” to go ahead with his student loan plan.

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent In a filing sent to the U.S. Supreme Court this week, the Department of Justice agreed with President Joe Biden’s plan to forgive student loans.

In 2022, the president promised to forgive all outstanding student loan debt for millions of borrowers, up to a maximum of $20,000 each.

Republicans are leading the way in suing the federal government to stop the plan.

The Department of Justice, however, said last week in a court filing that Biden’s actions are perfectly legal.

Lawyers from the Department of Justice said that Congress gave the president “clear permission” to go ahead with his plan.

A federal judge in Texas invalidated a program in October that would have helped 40 million people with their student loan debt.

Continued on page 8

CBC begins ‘busy’ 2023 meeting with Biden Administration over border policies

In the 118th Congress, the CBC will have 58 members, nine of whom are new to the chamber. ness during the first week of the

by Stacy M. Brown, new legislative year.

NNPA Newswire senior Despite this, Horsford and other national correspondent While House Republicans spent CBC members still managed to talk a week publicly bickering and 15 about one of their 2023 goals.

Members were worried about rounds voting to elect Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California as speaker, the Biden administration’s plan to the Congressional Black Caucus stop people from Cuba, Nicaragua, was already hard at work on behalf Venezuela, and Haiti from crossing the border. of its millions of constituents.

“America is a nation of immiIn the 118th Congress, the CBC will have 58 members, nine of grants,” Horsford said.

He argued that the right to whom are new to the chamber.

Steven Horsford, a Democrat access could save lives in many situations. Horsford and Clarke said from Nevada, was chosen as chair.

The rest of the executive com- that the government’s policy, which mittee is made up of Democrats is very similar to that of the Trump from New York, Louisiana, Geor- administration, should be looked at gia, and Washington: Yvette Clarke, again immediately.

Even though Biden’s new proTroy Carter, Lucy McBath, and gram intends to speed up the asylum Marilyn Strickland.

Due to the lengthy speakership process, “...the reality is that the vote, Congress could not do busiContinued on page 8

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Nashville PRIDE

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January 13, 2023

ScaleUp Business Conference coming February 2-4 America Nashville, Tennessee.”

The lineup of speakers and their topics is quite impressive. The speakers include Brittany Cole, CEO, Career Thrivers and Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, Nashville Entrepreneur Center; Slim and Husky’s Emmanuel Reed, Clint Gray & Derrick Moore; Marcus Johnson, Managing Partner and Financial Planner, Johnson Capital (top row l-r) D. J. Wootson, Shannon Terry, Dr. Isaac Adaye, Haley Devlin, Jason Moore, Marcus Whitney, (bottom row l-r) Slim and Husky’s Emmanuel Reed, Clint Gray & Derrick Moore,Joshua Mundy, Brittany Cole, and Marcus Johnson.

By Cass Teague tional conference where pm. The Conference Are you a business you won’t get a picks back up on Saturowner looking to Scale plan…Get your tickets day, February 4 from Your Business in the to the Scale Up 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.

New Year? Has your Conference now online The Host Hotel is Elebusiness been stagnant at: https://www.scaleup ment Nashville Vanderwithout a plan? Joshua businesscon.com. bilt West End, located at City Boulevard Mundy is hosting a small Scale Up cultivates a 4 business growth confer- unique environment Nashville, TN 37209, ence called “ScaleUp” to where diverse business just off Charlotte Avenue give you the tools you leaders and entrepre- near the Frances Guess need to Scale your busi- neurs connect and ele- Connector at 28th ness. This will be a vate their knowledge, Avenue North. conference understanding, and best working Your host is Joshua where you will be build- practices to scale up Mundy, the CEO and ing a strategic plan, their companies. Inten- Co-Founder of Pivot developing growth tionally designed, this Technology School, who strategies, and learning three-day conference says there are five top from 9 figure Earners. will expose and educate reasons you don't want ScaleUp cultivates a business leaders and to miss the Scale Up environment entrepreneurs on scala- Business Conference. unique where diverse business bility.

“This will be a tactical Conference conference where you leaders and EntrepreThe neurs connect and ele- Schedule begins on will actually put strategy vate their knowledge, Thursday, February 2, and plans together. We understanding, and best with a Networking have booked some of the practices to Scale. This Mixer and Registration best strategists in the three day conference for the event from 6:00 country to share wisdom will expose and educate pm – 8 pm. The Confer- and knowledge. Top Tier business leaders and ence kicks off Friday, Networking with your entrepreneurs on scala- February 3 at 8:00 am peers bility. So, before you and runs through 5:00 Membership to the buy that course that you pm. After a break, the ScaleUp Mastermind will probably not use Mastermind Dinner runs Community. And it is and attend that motiva- from 7:30 pm until 9:30 hosted in the Best city in

Planning; and Dr. Isaac Adaye, Chief Strategy Officer and Expert in Business Strategy; Jason Moore, Founder and CEO, Stratasan; Haley Devlin, COO, Stratasan; and Shannon Terry, Founder of Outsider, On3 and co-founder of Spiny.ai; and Marcus Whitney, Founding Partner of Jumpstart Health Investors (JHI), and Nashville SC Co-Founder and Minority Owner.

Their topics include such diverse and necessary items as Build to Sell, Accounting: Getting your Business Finances in Order, Marketing/Branding, Developing a Strategic Plan, Raising Venture Capital, Money Mindset: Shifting the Way you think, Building Systems and Automation to Scale, Estate Planning, TradeMarks and Contracts, Tax Strategies, and Much More…

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Cancer…My Journey in time Start this year the same as last year

by Wanda Clay This year, just like years past, starts out with a variety of familiar events, activities and habits. It usually starts with unresolved ‘resolutions’ to do things like lose weight, stop procrastinating, spend more time with someone— because we usually don’t make it through the first month with our first steps. However, I remind readers of an old saying: ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.’

Therefore, we are encouraged to keep trying if it is something that is really needed for the betterment of life.

So, we start the year off the same. But how will December 2023 look if we get some things started now at the beginning?

Rev. Enoch Fuzz begins this year with an invitation to the OneNashville meeting on Saturday, January 14 at 8 am at Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, 819 33rd Ave. N. for a day of community awareness fellowship and the observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. What the public is expected to do on this day is to continue to make efforts to gather in support of the community, the city, and the nation as involves individuals and their lifestyles. It all

Rev. Enoch Fuzz matters. There are special expectations citizens have for their government, and representatives and government also have expectations of their citizens.

There will be special OneNashville guests, including: Mayor John Cooper; Tony Garrintana; and TSU Executive Vice President Frank Stevenson. Bring your questions and suggestions. Elected officials and other community leaders will be present.

This is a great way to start the year by making special needs known to the proper individuals that may be able to assist.

Also, bring an appetite. Breakfast will be served, and it never disappoints.

Look forward to a great New Year. It may start out the same, so to make changes, your expertise could make a difference. Although he remains on his journey with stage four lung cancer, Rev. Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian, continues

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 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

Nashville PRIDE (USPS 003861) is published weekly for $40.00 for one year, $80.00 for three (3) years by Multicultural Media 5331 Mt View Rd #1072, Nashville, TN 37013. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville TN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Multicultural Media PO Box 60487, Nashville, TN 37206. Service by NNPA wire. Articles submitted for publication are subject to editorial rights of Multicultural Media. Multicultural Media accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited articles, photographs, or art. For subscriptions and advertising rates call: (615) 292-9150. E-mail - News and Editorials: npnews@ comcast.net Advertising: prideads@comcast.net.

Table of Contents Front Page .......................... 1 Local ................................... 2 MLK 2023 ......................... 3 Health/Education ............... 7 Pastor, Pew & Pulpit ......... 8

Contact the PRIDE by e-mail News and Editorials: npnews@comcast.net Advertising: prideads@comcast.net

each year to maintain his status as a community leader by constantly making efforts to make changes in our neighborhoods—which ultimately will make changes in our society.

Will this year start out like last year? We certainly hope so, so that works will continue to move forward. Things that did not succeed will be ‘tried and tried again.’

With those efforts, we also ask that we continue to pray.

It has always been a priority of Rev. Fuzz that people should pray. He not only wants prayer for himself, but seeks to pray together for communities, our city, our state, our nation and our world.

Pray, enjoy and share Rev. Fuzz’s Meta postings and weekly journey with cancer.

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Page 3 Nashville PRIDE MLK 2023 Nashville IMF organize 35th annual MLK Day activities January 13, 2023

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Nashville’s Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship (IMF) will once again celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during it’s 35th MLK commemorative Youth Rally, March and convocation on Monday, January 20. This year’s theme is ‘Protecting the Dream: Confronting the Assaults.’ The featured keynote speaker for the convocation will be Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.

A distinguished professor of African American and Diaspora studies, and of ethics and society at Vanderbilt University, Michael Dyson is a thought leader on race, religion and contemporary culture. He is the author or editor of more than 20 books on subjects ranging from Malcolm X to Tupac Shakur. He received an American Book Award for Come Hell or High Water: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster and three NAACP Image Awards. Dyson is a contributing opinion writer at the New York Times, an MSNBC political analyst and a contributing editor at the New Republic. He is an ordained Baptist minister.

Each year, thousands join in a week of activities prior to the national observance of MLK Day, in order to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. Events culminate with the annual Youth Rally and March (starting at the historic Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church) leading participants to the convocation, which will be held at Tennessee State University’s Gentry Center.

“It’s extremely imp-ortant that we

understand that Dr. King’s voice was all about making sure that we were supporting our young people, our older people, our entire city and all of its citizens in the fight for social justice and racial equality,” said MLK Nashville Committee Chair Cherly Mayes. “We want to make sure that that does not get lost or get watered down.”

Events kicked off earlier this week with the MLK inter-generational panel and the inaugural MLK Day Black Tie Gala.

“The purpose of the gala is to support HBCU students enrolled here in Nashville,” said Mayes.

“We will make a presentation to the presidents of the universities at the convocation on Monday, Jan. 16.”

Additionally, on Friday, January 13, there will be a Fair Housing Discussion sponsored by the Tennessee Human Rights Commission and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“Much has been written about Dr. King’s legacy with respect to jobs and voting, but far less so regarding his significant role leading up to the passage of the 1968 Fair Housing Act,” said event organizers. “This event is a unique opportunity to reveal King’s vision for desegregated housing, as well as review the complex path to legislation that is still debated for its inherent restrictions and challenges.”

The speaker for the event will be Dr. Karen Bishop Morris, an associate professor of English at Purdue University Northwest and director of the Northwest Indiana Writing Project.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson (photo courtesy of Oregon State University) Dr. Bishop Morris has devoted decades to moving individuals and organizations to the next level. For seven years she co-moderated Breaking the Glass Ceiling, a series spotlighting 65 female senior executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who shared their journey on the road to success. In 2019 Breaking the Glass Ceiling was featured on Lakeshore PBS as part of Women’s History Month programming where it was broadcast to over 3.5 million homes in Northwest Indiana, Chicago, and surrounding suburbs. She has also served in leadership positions with several national non-profit organizations, and has been recognized for her fundraising, program development, and strategy-building achievements. She served

Dr. Karen Bishop Morris previously on the board of directors for Girls Write Now (NYC), and Lawson House Chicago YMCA. She currently serves on the board of St. Catherine Hospital, one of four premier healthcare facilities in the Community Healthcare System, and Laini Fluellen Charities, an advocacy organization for women who are susceptible to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

In 2022, she received the Purdue University Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreamer Award for her work as moderator of a widely acclaimed series on race, racism, and anti-racism.

Morris will also facilitate the event ‘Nashville Reads MLK’ later this year.

Other events include: Labor/Human Rights Breakfast, Youth Symposium, Women of Faith Panel, and the Youth Book Drive.

Dr. Martin Luther King’s Montgomery Bus Boycott speech The Montgomery Bus Boycott speech is one of the first major addresses of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Dr. King spoke to nearly 5,000 people at the Holt Street Baptist Church in Montgomery on December 5, 1955, just four days after Mrs. Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to relinquish her seat on a Montgomery city bus.

That arrest led to the first major civil rights campaign in the Deep South in half a century.

The Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) was formed on December 5, 1955 by Black ministers and community leaders in Montgomery, Alabama.

The first mass meeting of the MIA attracted several thousand people to the spacious Holt Street Baptist Church, in a Black working-class section of Montgomery. Both the sanctuary and the basement auditorium were filled well before the proceedings began, and an audience outside listened via loudspeakers. In addition to reporters, photographers, and two television crews, Black leaders from other Alabama cities such as Birmingham, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa were among those in attendance. The meeting opened with two hymns, ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ and ‘Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,’ a prayer by Rev. W.F. Alford, and a scripture reading (Psalm 34) by Rev. U.J. Fields.

King then delivered an address that he had quickly composed before the meeting. He later recalled the questions in his mind as he considered what to say: “How could I make a speech that would be militant enough to keep my people aroused to positive action and yet moderate enough to keep this fervor within controllable and Christian bounds? I knew that many of the Negro people were victims of bit-

Black residents walking, Montgomery Bus Boycott, 1955. terness that could easily rise to flood arrested that morning on a disorderly proportions. What could I say to keep conduct charge (later dismissed) for them courageous and prepared for pos- allegedly preventing a woman from itive action and yet devoid of hate and getting on a bus. Rev. Abernathy read resentment? Could the militant and the the resolutions that he, King, and othmoderate be combined in a single ers on the resolution committee had drafted. The assembly voted overspeech?”

In his speech, King described the whelmingly in favor, resolving “to mistreatment of Black bus passengers refrain from riding buses until some and the civil disobedience of Rosa arrangement has been worked out” Parks, and then justified the nonviolent with the bus company. King appealed protest by appealing to African for funds, then left to speak at a American Christian faith in love and YMCA fathers and sons banquet.

The following is an excerpt from justice and the American democratic King’s speech: tradition of legal protest.

“We are here, we are here this A quiet pause followed King’s address, then great applause. Rev. evening because we’re tired now. And Edgar N. French of the Hilliard Chapel I want to say that we are not here advoAME Zion Church introduced Rosa cating violence. We have never done Parks and Fred Daniel, a student at that. I want it to be known throughout Alabama State College who had been Montgomery and throughout this

nation that we are Christian people.

We believe in the Christian religion.

We believe in the teachings of Jesus.

The only weapon that we have in our hands this evening is the weapon of protest. That’s all.

“And certainly, certainly, this is the glory of America, with all of its faults.

This is the glory of our democracy. If we were incarcerated behind the iron curtains of a Communistic nation we couldn’t do this. If we were dropped in the dungeon of a totalitarian regime we couldn’t do this. But the great glory of American democracy is the right to protest for right. My friends, don’t let anybody make us feel that we are to be compared in our actions with the Ku Klux Klan or with the White Citizens Council. There will be no crosses burned at any bus stops in Montgomery. There will be no White persons pulled out of their homes and taken out on some distant road and lynched for not cooperating. There will be nobody amid, among us who will stand up and defy the Constitution of this nation. We only assemble here because of our desire to see right exist.

My friends, I want it to be known that we’re going to work with grim and bold determination to gain justice on the buses in this city.

“And we are not wrong, we are not wrong in what we are doing. If we are wrong, the Supreme Court of this nation is wrong. If we are wrong, the Constitution of the United States is wrong. If we are wrong, God Almighty is wrong. If we are wrong, Jesus of Nazareth was merely a utopian dreamer that never came down to earth. If we are wrong, justice is a lie. Love has no meaning. And we are determined here in Montgomery to work and fight until justice runs down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

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Page 4

Nashville PRIDE

MLK 2023

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January 13, 2023

Nashville celebrates MLK holiday Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on the third Monday of January each year. The holiday was established to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister and civil rights leader who played a key role in the American civil rights movement.

King was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of a Baptist minister and grew up in a middle-class family. As a young man, King was deeply influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and the principles of non-violent resistance. He became involved in the civil rights movement while studying at Morehouse College and later earned a Ph.D. in theology from Boston University.

King's activism and leadership were crucial in the efforts to end segregation and discrimination against African Americans in the United States. He worked tirelessly to promote civil rights and equality, and his powerful speeches and non-violent protests helped to bring about significant changes in laws and attitudes towards race in America.

Despite facing significant challenges and dangers, King remained committed to his cause. He was arrested numerous times and was even the target of assassination attempts.

However, he refused to be discouraged and continued to fight for justice and equality.

On April 4, 1968, King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, where he had gone to support a strike by sanitation workers. His death sent shockwaves around the world and sparked widespread outrage and grief.

In the years following King's death, there were efforts to establish a national holiday to honor his memory. In 1979, a bill was introduced in Congress to create a holiday honoring King, but it was not signed into law until 1986. The holiday was first observed on January 20, 1986, and was later moved to the third Monday of January as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Listed here are a few of the local events honoring the legacy of Dr. King.

The Civil Rights Collection Ongoing The Civil Rights Collection at the Nashville Public Library features black and white photos from the Civil Rights era in Nashville and a circular table in the center of the room representing the lunch counters of Nashville locations of many sit-in protests that fueled the Civil Rights Movement.

IMF Celebration The annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration hosted by the Interdenominational Misters

Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library (Photo courtesy of US Civil Rights Trail) Fellowship (IMF) will take place Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist MLK Commemorative Event through January 16. This year’s theme Church, 2708 Jefferson St. Vanderbilt University’s Martin is ‘Protecting the Dream: Confronting Youth Rally – Monday, Jan 16, 8-9 Luther Kin, Jr. Commemorative Series the Assaults.’ The keynote speaker is am was established in 1985.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a globally Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Commemorating King’s life and legarenowned scholar of race, religion and Church, 2708 Jefferson St. cy, the university community gathers contemporary culture. Dyson is curMarch from Jefferson Street to TSU annually on this national holiday for a rently a professor at Vanderbilt Gentry Center – Monday, Jan 16, 9 am series of programs, including particiUniversity where he holds the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist pation in the city-wide march, commuCentennial Chair and serves as Church, 2708 Jefferson St. nity service, educational forums, and University Distinguished Professor of Convocation – Monday, Jan 16, 10 lectures.

African American and Diaspora am, TSU Gentry Complex, 3645 Dr. In honoring King, Vanderbilt Studies in the College of Arts and Walter S. Davis Blvd.

University affirms its own commitScience and University Distinguished MLK Day of Service ment to the goals of peace and racial Professor of Ethics and Society in the Volunteers from Belmont, Fisk, justice to which King dedicated his Divinity School.

Lipscomb, Meharry, Nashville State, life.

Activities include: Tennessee State University, Trevecca, The keynote speaker is Byron Pitts, Labor/Human Rights Breakfast – Vanderbilt and other area colleges and Emmy Award-winning journalist, Friday, Jan 13, 8 am universities will join in honoring the author, and co-host of ABC’s Scarritt Bennett Center – Laskey life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther Nightline.

Hall, 1027, 18th Ave. S. King, Jr. by volunteering together.

MLK Week Chapel ‘Infinite Hope’ Fair Housing Discussion – Friday, This year, Rev. Dr. James Lawson will with Dr. Kevin Cosby Jan 13, 5-7 pm kick-off the programming at the Cal On January 18, at 10 am in First Baptist Church Capitol Hill, Turner Family Center on Meharry Belmont’s JAAC Chapel, Dr. Kevin 900 Nelson Merry Street Medical College's campus.

Cosby will speak about how we can Youth Symposium – Saturday, Jan Let Freedom Sing have ‘infinite hope,’ a concept pio14, 9 am-1:30 pm The Nashville Symphony’s annual neered by Dr. King amidst the reality Scarritt Bennett Center – Laskey Let Freedom Sing concert honors the of oppression and injustice. Dr. Cosby Hall, 1027, 8th Ave. S. life, legacy, and triumphs of Dr. Martin is president of Simmons College of Women of Faith Panel – Sunday, Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights Kentucky, author of five books, and Jan 15, 4 pm movement. This free annual celebra- for over three decades has been pastor Scarritt Bennett Center – tion will be Monday, January 16, at the of the 15,000-member St. Stephen Harambee Auditorium, 1027, 18th Schermerhorn Symphony Center and Baptist Church, the largest African Ave. S. features classical works and popular American church and the largest priYouth Book Drive – songs that affirm equal rights and vate employer of African Americans in Monday, Jan 16, 7 am-2 pm, social justice.

Kentucky.

“ NO PERSON HAS THE RIGHT TO RAIN ON YOUR DREAMS.” – DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. With more than $6.7 billion raised for education, the Tennessee Education Lottery is proud to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by helping students throughout Tennessee realize their own dreams.

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Byron Pitts keynotes vanderbilt’s MLK Day event

By Cass Teague Emmy Award-winning journalist and author Byron Pitts, co-host of ABC’s Nightline, will be the keynote speaker for Vanderbilt University’s 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorative event. The event will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. CST on Monday, January 16 at Blair School of Music’s Ingram Hall, and is free and open to the public.

This year’s topic is “It Starts with Me: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems.” Dr. André Churchwell, vice chancellor for outreach, inclusion and belonging and chief diversity officer, will kick off the event, which also will livestreamed.

Register at be vu.edu/mlk to attend the event in person, or to watch the virtual event via Zoom.

Pitts is known for covering highprofile international news stories over the span of a decades-long career, including investigations related to this year’s MLK theme of transforming unjust systems. He became one of CBS News’ lead reporters during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and won an Emmy Award for his breaking news coverage.

As a war correspondent embedded with U.S. troops, he covered the Iraq War, including coverage of the fall of the Saddam Hussein statue in 2003. In the early 2000s, he also reported from the front lines of Hurricane Katrina, the war in Afghanistan, the military buildup in Kuwait, the Elián González case, the 2000 Florida presidential vote recount and the refugee crisis in Kosovo.

Pitts earned a national Emmy Award for news coverage of a Chicago train wreck in 1999. He was recognized for his work by the National Association of Black Journalists in 2002, and he has received numerous Associated Press awards and six regional Emmy Awards.

Pitts is the author of “Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Me Conquer Life’s Helped Challenges,” which chronicles his life from struggling with illiteracy in childhood to becoming a top news anchor.

The Martin Luther King Jr.

BE KIND. BE INTENTIONAL. BE A DREAMER. Emmy Award-winning journalist and author Byron Pitts Commemorative Series was established in 1985 at Vanderbilt University. Commemorating King’s life and legacy. The university designated Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid staff holiday in 2021 to further align with the university’s increased efforts to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion across the university community.

Their university community gathers annually on this national holiday for a series of programs, including participation in the city-wide march, community service, educational forums and lectures. In honoring King, Vanderbilt University affirms its own commitment to the goals of peace and racial justice to which King dedicated his life.

The January 16 event is just one of the events to honor Martin Luther King Jr. across the Vanderbilt campus and in collaboration with Nashville community partners. The annual MLK Joint Day of Service brings together hundreds of student volunteers from Nashville-area colleges and universities to continue the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through service. This year’s event will be on Saturday, Jan. 14, beginning at 11 a.m. at Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd. in Nashville. After the opening program, volunteers will go to various service sites.

Belmont’s 2023 MLK celebration features Infinite hope

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, Dr. Kevin Cosby will speak about how we can have ‘infinite hope,’ a concept pioneered by Dr. King.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Program was established in January of 1997 at Belmont University as a celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events are held each January as part of the observance of Dr. King's birthday. Each of these events are open to the Belmont community and to the public and all are welcome and invited to attend.

Events each year include a chapel service and a campus dialogue on diversity, race and ethnicity.

2023 annual Joint MLK Day of Service Saturday, January 14, 10:30 am4:30 pm, Cal Turner Family Center at Meharry Medical College Join local colleges and universities in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering throughout the Nashville Community. For a full list of service options and registration, visit <www.belmont.edu/sl/mlk-day/index.html>.

Contact Tim Stewart at <tim.stewart@belmont.edu>.

King Day in Memphis – Belmont’s Black Student Association Monday, January 16, all day, Memphis, Tenn.

Students to visit Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s. historic legacy at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel and experience the annual MLK Day Grizzlies’ basketball game.

Purpose: To provide an in-depth educational experience with a celebratory component for BSA members and greater Belmont community about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the city of Memphis, where most of his significant work took place.

Faculty and Staff Real Talk Tuesday, January 17, 11 am-1 pm, Massey Boardroom An open, frank, and honest dialogue focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion at Belmont University as well as nationally and globally. A confidential, safe, and brave space to voice all opinions. The slogan is: ‘If you are bold enough to bring it up, then we are bold enough to talk about it.’

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the MLK Celebration Committee. Contact: Gary Hunter <gary.hunter@belmont.edu> Martin Luther King, Jr. Week

Address: Infinite Hope – Dr. Kevin Cosby Wednesday, January 18, 10-10:50 am, Gabhart Chapel Dr. Kevin Cosby is the senior pastor at St. Stephen Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky. for more than 30 years with 5,000-members, the largest African American church and the largest private employer of African Americans in Kentucky. He is also the 7th president of Simmons College of Kentucky, a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). In 2005, Dr. Cosby was inaugurated as Simmons’ 13th president. In 2007, he led the once fledgling college to reclaim its original campus, lost during the Great Depression, and has since expanded to three campus locations. The college has expanded its curriculum and was accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). In 2014, Simmons was recognized as the 107th HBCU. During his first decade there, Dr. Cosby refused to take a salary and returned more than $700,000 to the college.

An author of five books, he holds a Bachelor’s degree (Eastern Kentucky University); a Master of Divinity degree (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary); and a Doctor of Ministry degree (United Theological Seminary). He is consistently acknowledged as one of Kentucky’s most influential leaders: Louisvillian of the Year (2007); top religious leader (Louisville magazine, 2011); Hall of Distinguished Alumni at Eastern Kentucky University (2012); Kentucky Gallery of Great Black Kentuckians (2015).

Dr. Cosby was one of the eulogists at Muhammad Ali’s Funeral (2016); Inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College (2017).

Dr. Cosby is married to the former Barnetta Turner. They have two adult children. Musical selections will be sung by the Black Student Association Choir. Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the MLK Celebration Committee.

Community Luncheon with Dr. Kevin Cosby 11:30 am-1 pm, Vince Gill Room Dr. Cosby will speak again. There is limited seating for this event. Sponsored by Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership. Contact: Dr. Jon Roebuck <jon.roebuck@belmont.edu> and Nick Baird-Chrisohon <nick.bairdchrisohon@belmont>.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Week Panel Discussion: ‘Seeing the Civil Rights Movement Through a Different Lens – The Jewish Perspective’ Thursday, January 19, 11 am-12 pm, TBD As a part of our MLK celebration week, members of the Nashville Jewish Community have been invited to campus to share their personal experiences of the Civil Rights movement.

This hour-long panel discussion will focus on how members of the local Jewish community participated and supported the African American Continued on page 6

For a better Nashville.

For a better world.

Proudly celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Page 6

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MLK 2023

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Tour of Atlanta follows King from birth to grave

Rev. Fred Bennett; Isaac Farris, Sr.; Christine King Farris; Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy; Dr. Roy C. Bell; Clarice Wyatt Bell; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Mrs. Coretta Scott King – Pascal’s Restaurant, Hunter St., Atlanta, Ga., 1962. (photo courtesy of Paschal’s) Courtesy of <civilright stravel.com> No location is so closely linked to Martin Luther King, Jr. as his hometown of Atlanta, Ga. Most civil rights road trips inevitably will find their way to the city.

Given its history and unofficial status as capital of the South, a traveler will find much to see here, starting with a walking tour of Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward.

Outside the historic neighborhood, you’ll notice that even the freeways honor civil rights heroes, like the section of Interstate 20 named for Ralph David Abernathy, who worked with King. And Atlanta itself is rich in attractions. You could spend days here exploring its history, restaurants and museums.

But the top civil rights sites can be visited in a day on a walking tour of Atlanta. You’ll probably spend most of your time in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, home to the National Park Service King Historic Site, which includes King’s birthplace and childhood home, along with historic Ebeneezer Baptist Church, his home pulpit. And of course, there’s the beautiful grave site, on the grounds of the King Center, where he and his wife Coretta Scott King are buried.

In addition, it’s worth a visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which is located downtown near Atlanta’s top museums and attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca Cola.

Beyond the urban core, you might want to see the home where King lived as an adult.

To understand the scope of Rev. King’s legacy, one only need visit the National Park Service’s Martin Luther King Historic Site. Exhibits expertly capture Dr. King’s era and follow him from childhood to his historic role on the international stage. Introductory films offer a moving biography along with excerpts from his most famous speeches. If you have time, consider the fascinating tour offered by Tom Houck, a former driver for Martin Luther King, Jr. Not only will he point out the sites, but he’ll also share his personal stories about working for King and witnessing first-hand some of the most important events of the civil rights era.

While the visitors center is certainly worthwhile with thoughtful exhibits and films, a highlight is being able to visit King’s birth home, where he spent the first 12-years of his life. A walk through the home, located a block from the center at 501 Auburn Ave., humanizes King and brings him to life. Visitors learn that King was a typical young boy, who didn’t like piano lessons, and rushed through grace at dinner time when he was hungry.

It’s clear King grew up in a loving family. His father and grandfathers were ministers and the neighborhood was part of Atlanta’s Black middle class. While the home dates to 1895, it has been restored and is wheelchair

accessible.

Unfortunately, getting tickets for the 30-minute tour may be the toughest part of your visit. The ranger-led visits are limited to 15 people per tour, and run from 10 am-4 pm. Worse yet, no advance tickets are available, and groups can get up to 45 tickets, which means available slots can go fast.

Tickets are usually gone by 11 am, and on school days, they may all be claimed even earlier.

To get tickets, the National Park Service offers the following tips: • Visit early in the day.

• Be prepared to wait several hours for the next available tour.

• Visit early in the week or Sunday morning.

One other way to visit is on Saturday open houses, which are held throughout the year. Check with the park for scheduled dates.

The good news is that you don’t need tickets to visit the park’s other main sites, such as King’s home pulpit, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was baptized and his father and grandfather served as pastor.

Located across the street from the King visitor center, the church is now preserved as a historic site (the current church is located next to the visitor center.)

The self-guided tour includes a 20minute film in the basement fellowship hall with an interview with King’s sister, Christine King Farris. Visitors also can walk through the sanctuary, where King preached. It’s also where King’s funeral was held.

In total, allow up to 30 minutes for a visit.

Officially called the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, the King Center includes exhibits on his wife Coretta Scott and Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of non-violent protest inspired Dr. King.

Rev. King was originally buried in Atlanta’s South-View cemetery, but his wife had him reinterred at the center in 1970.

She too is buried here at a moving memorial, surrounded by water. At anytime, you’ll find visitors from around the world pausing to meditate on his legacy and courage.

Inside the King Center, you’ll find exhibits devoted to King and his wife, along with Rosa Parks and Mahatma Gandhi. Highlights include a replica of King’s Nobel Peace Prize. The Center is also notable for having the most extensive gift shop in the entire park complex.

Just a few blocks away, it’s worth driving by Prince Hall Masonic Temple, where King’s organization, the Southern Christian Leadership Council, housed its offices. This is where King went to work on days he was in Atlanta. It’s located at 330 Auburn Ave. N.E., Atlanta, Ga. 30303.

While you’re in the neighborhood, you’ll also find an impressive statue of King outside the Georgia State Capitol.

SHARON HURT Council Member At Large

COUNCILWOMAN

HURT IS In .

BECAUSE “PEOPLE FIRST” IS A POLICY WE CAN ALL GET BEHIND.

When Nashvillians band together, we can achieve anything— the Power of Change is proof of that. Through the program, all residential and commercial NES bills will be rounded up to the nearest dollar each month starting January 1. Ranging from a penny to 99 cents per month, 100% of the funds will be combined to provide energy efficiency improvements for our neighbors in need. When we’re all in, a brighter future for Nashville is possible—and that’s the Power of Change.

Infinite hope... from page 5 community during the turbulent 1960s as the Civil Rights movement overtook our nation and our city. This unique perspective is open to all students, staff, and faculty.

Sponsored by the Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership; Contact: Dr. Jon Roebuck <jon.roebuck@belmont.edu> and Nick Baird-Chrisohon <nick.bairdchrisohon@ belmont.edu> Student Real Talk January 19, 4-6 pm, Massey Boardroom An open, frank, and honest dialogue focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion at Belmont University as well as nationally and globally. A confidential, safe, and brave space to voice all opinions.

The slogan is: ‘If you are bold enough to bring it up, then we are bold enough to talk about it.’ Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the MLK Celebration Committee.

Contact: Gary Hunter <gary.hunter@belmont.edu> Jemar Tisby: Martin Luther King, Jr. Week Lecture: Courageous Christianity- Chapel Address Friday, January 20, 10-10:50 am, Gabhart Chapel There is a great temptation to pretend that the way things are is the way God intends them to be. Dr. Jemar Tisby can help us learn the

truth about our compromises with racism, so we are better able to work together to help God’s kingdom come. Dr. Tisby is the New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism. He has a B.A. from Notre Dame; M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Ph.D. in History from the University of Mississippi; and is professor of history at Simmons College in Ky. His latest book is How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice. This program is part of Belmont’s Work Well series, designed to enhance the career readiness of all students. Co-sponsored by the MLK Celebration Committee, the Office of the Provost, the College of Theology and Christian Ministry and the Office of Career and Professional Development.

Luncheon with Dr. Jemar Tisby January 20, 11:30 am-1 pm, Harrington Dining Room. Sponsored by Office of the Provost and MLK Celebration Committee.

Contact: Dr. Todd Lake: <todd.lake@belmont.edu> Belmont’s MLK Celebration sponsors include the Office of the Provost, MLK Celebration Committee, and Faith-Based Engagement and Church Relations.

OPT OUT BY LOGGING INTO YOU R ACCOUNT AT N E SPOWE R.COM OR CALLING 615.736.6900

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Health/Education

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Darrell S. Freeman, Sr. Meet Paul Newhouse and the AheAD Study Incubation and Innovation

By Cass Teague Dr. Paul Newhouse is on a mission to attack the scourge of Alzheimer’s, and he and his global colleagues are conducting numerous studies at the Vanderbilt Center for Cognitive Medicine (CCM) to address this degenerative disease, which disproportionately affects African Americans.

120,000 Tennesseans have Alzheimer’s Disease, with that number expected to grow to 140,000 by 2025. People of color are 2 times more likely than whites to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias, yet less likely to enroll in research studies. WHY??

The big news this month in Alzheimer’s Research is the FDA approval of the drug Lecanemab, which has shown to modestly slow the progression of the brain-robbing disease. It is expected to cost over $26,000 per year, and is not yet covered by insurance.

Of concern is that few African Americans were enrolled in the study of this drug. Therefore, scant scientific data is available on the efficacy of the drug on black people.

This is why we need to enroll in clinical trials, so that we can know when drugs are released on the market, what their effectiveness relative should be for African Americans.

The AHEAD Study at Vanderbilt CCM needs

Professor Paul Newhouse, MD our help in getting African Americans to enroll in its study testing Lecanemab, which is aimed at slowing down the earliest changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The AHEAD Study is the first research study that aims to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease by enrolling participants as young as 55yo and using tailored dosing a approach. Lecanemab is aimed at delaying memory decline in people up to 20 years before the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appear.

Discovering a treatment that targets brain changes early means doctors may be able to one day prevent memory loss.

You may be eligible to participate if you are a healthy adult between the ages of 55 and 80 years old, have not been diagnosed with Alz-heimer’s disease, and have elevated or intermediate levels of amyloid in the brain.

Amyloid is an abnormal protein that builds up in the brains of people who

can go on to have memory problems.

Participants are tested for this protein as part of the study screening process.

Study participants make a four-year commitment to the study.

Each study visit includes a discussion of medications and general health.

Some study visits also require an assessment of memory and thinking abilities, emotional and psychological state, ability to carry out everyday activities, blood tests, medication delivered by IV, EEG (electrocardiogram), MRI scan, Amyloid PET scan (brain imaging) and/or Tau PET scan (brain imaging).

Study participants are compensated for every visit.

Dr. Newhouse is the Director of the Center for Cognitive Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Clinical Core Vanderbilt Director, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. He is also the Jim Turner Professor of Cognitive Disorders at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Professor of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Medicine.

If you want to learn more about the studies being conducted at CCM or to schedule a FREE memory screening to access your memory, call 615-936-4997, email: blake.wilson@ vumc.org or visit: vumc.org/ccm

Tennessee Black Caucus... from page 1 as follows: • Caucus Vice-Chair, Rep. Jesse Chism of Memphis • Caucus Treasurer, Rep. Vincent Dixie of Nashville • Caucus Secretary, Rep. Torrey Harris of Memphis • Parliamentarian, Rep. Yusuf Hakeem of Chattanooga • Sergeant at Arms,

Rep. Ronnie Glynn of Clarksville • Chaplin, Rep. Johnny Shaw of Bolivar Chairman McKenzie said that he’s “honored and humbled to be elected by this group to take the leadership of the Tennessee Black Caucus for this General Assembly. But I stand ready. We’ve got a great group of legislators in

both the Senate and the House and we’re going to get things done for this year. We are one body. We’re going to speak with one voice and we’re going to work to improve the lives of Black Tennesseans and all other Tennesseans as well. I think that we’re going to be extremely successful.”

Center announced

Mayor Cooper speaks at the kickoff ceremony for the new Incubation and Innovation Center.

Mayor John Cooper December 19, 2022. host tech boot camps, as and Fisk University have “For too long, well as programs includannounced the launch of Nashville paid wealthy, ing mentoring, classes, the Darrell S. Freeman, out-of-state corporations workshops, and events.

Sr. Incubation and to bring jobs here The Freeman Center will Innovation Center. The instead of creating and aim to be a jumping-off center will focus on sup- growing businesses by point for ideas that porting the next genera- investing in local entre- entrepreneurs can spin tion of startups and preneurs already living out into self-sustaining entrepreneurs and will in our city. With Burrus businesses or for further be housed at Burrus Hall, we’re investing in private investment.

Hall, which has stood at our own residents’ Similar models are the corner of 16th Ave. futures by transforming housed at top universiN. and Meharry Blvd. this historic building at ties throughout the since 1945. This innova- Fisk University into an nation. tive partnership will innovation and entrepre“Incubators are distransform Burrus Hall neurship center to create tinct ecosystems popuinto an incubation and the next generation of lated by curious and innovation facility with Nashville’s business inquisitive entrepremore than 13,000 square leaders,” said Mayor neurs, free agents, profeet of flexible space for John Cooper. “Born grammers, designers, and through the work of the dreamers, programming angel engagement. Once fin- late, great Nashville investors, tinkerers, and ished, the Freeman entrepreneur and busi- venture capitalists. This Center will provide ness icon Darrell center marks the next wraparound services, Freeman, this center will stage in Nashville’s resources, and program- be a place where emerg- remarkable developming for students, facul- ing business owners can ment,” said Fisk ty, and members of the access resources, make University Executive community as they connections to investors, Vice President Jens strive to scale their busi- take classes and more. Frederiksen. “The late nesses and test their As Nashville’s first pub- Darrell Freeman knew ideas. lic-private partnership this and he embodied Metro’s COVID-19 with our oldest institu- everything this center is Oversight tion of higher learning, about: determination, Financial Committee approved this initiative will help focus and innovation. $10 million of federal bring the opportunity of Over the next many American Rescue Plan Nashville to communi- years, students, faculty Act funding for the proj- ties that haven’t benefit- and community founders ect to refurbish Burrus ed from our city’s will follow in his large Hall on November 30, growth. This is how we footsteps and launch 2022, and Metro build wealth for all of businesses and support Council approved the our residents.” neighborhood growth funds unanimously on The new space will and development.”

Medicare wants to remind you to get the flu and COVID vaccines at no cost to you. The flu and COVID vaccines will help prevent you from getting seriously ill.

Paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Church/Editorial Faith of A Mustard Seed expressions Page 8

by Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. Using the text of Matthew 10:1, Paul Tillich preached a sermon, recorded in his work entitled ‘The New Being’ (1955).

“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity.” He uses a simple subject: ‘On Healing’.

He opens by recounting a recent three month trip to Germany where he saw a ‘sick people’. A people whose faces, as a whole and as individuals, were shaped by ‘burdens too heavy to be carried’, ‘sorrows too deep to be forgotten’. Living with anxieties, confusions, selfcontradictions, guiltfeelings. Hiding under denials, accusations of others, hostility, selfpity and self-hate.

Returning home to American to his post, at the time, as Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Union Theological Seminary in Harlem, he questioned the ‘appearance of a healthy people’— “we hear that of all illnesses, mental illness is by far the most wide spread in this country.

What does this mean?” “...There may be something in the structure of our institutions which produces illness in more and more people.”

He suggests a look at ‘ruthless competition’ which deprives of security— not only in the unsuccessful! On to the harshness of an insecure life and the

Nashville PRIDE

Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. choosing of mental illness as a place of flight. Fleeing into situations where ‘real life’ cannot touch.

“Don’t underestimate this temptation... ...It is human heritage and it is increased immensely by our present world.”

I have on numerous occasions gone to the Men’s Shelter in Nashville to drive some of these men to job sites, several of whom I have come to know by name and life story. Such a large and ever growing population. These men are fathers, sons, brothers, husbands who even these relationships are not enough to bring them back from their situations of life abandonment— ‘real life can’t touch them here!’

‘Real life?’ Easy for us to say. Real life for many of them is the unjust legal and penal systems; and institutions that will not allow for them a ‘real life.’

Burdens too heavy to be carried, sorrows too deep to be forgotten. Living with anxieties, confusions, selfcontradictions, guiltfeelings. Hiding under denials, accusations of

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others, hostility, selfpity and self-hate. Not to mention the smell... the smell... the smell of homelessness which those of us with socalled ‘real life’ find most offensive.

If Tillich’s eye were fast forwarded from the 1950s Germany to 2023 America, truth would again reveal itself; with this new exception: the faces are now so very cosmetically and surgically and chemically ‘altered’. This ‘alternate truth has become a mask, a veil, to hide the ‘burdens too heavy to be carried’, ‘sorrows too deep to be forgotten’. Living with anxieties, confusions, selfcontradictions, guiltfeelings. Hiding under denials, accusations of others, hostility, selfpity and self-hate.”

Could this be our greatest facade? Mental illness that has no consciousness of the need for healing.

Tillich’s ‘Kingdom Point’ in this message includes this faith statement: “Faith does not mean the belief in assertions for which there is no evidence. It never meant that in genuine religion and it never should be abused in this sense.

But faith means being grasped by a power that is greater than we are, a power that shakes us and turns us, and transforms us and heals us.”

Those feeling threats of existence, Jesus gave them back to themselves— as new creatures.

Reach out by email: myfathersmansion press@gmail.com

In Memoriam... from page 1 in Ghana - September 10, 2022) Dr. Dr. Henry Wendell Foster Jr., (September 8, 1933 September 25, 2022) Dr. Abraham

Frederick Peterson, Jr., (December 31, 1926 October 21, 2022) Barbara Lee Ward Cooper, (August 4, 1929- October 25, 2022 Dorothy (Dot)

Kathryn Fort, (November 27, 1944 - November 9, 2022) Dr. Bobby Lee Lovett, (January 19, 1943 - December 23, 2022)

CBC begins... from page 1 administration’s actions have the potential to threaten the safety and humanity of migrants,” Horsford said.

Horsford’s parents are native Trinidadians, while Clarke’s ancestors came to the United States from Jamaica.

During a meeting with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, which Horsford led, the topic of Haitian migrants was central.

“Members talked about the real-life experiences of their constituents with migration and their worries about the continuation of Title 42,” Horsford said.

“They also stressed the importance of giving everyone fair and equal access to asylum and other ways to move.”

Trump’s pandemicera Title 42 law allowed the United States to

deport hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers on public health grounds.

Horsford praised the CBC and Mayorkas for “taking the right step in the right direction” by collaborating on a government-wide strategy to address migration at entry points.

The caucus’ chair said the CBC is eager to collaborate with Biden on finding “humanitarian-focused solutions.”

The CBC has not yet released all its priorities for 2023 due to the delay in electing a speaker, but it expects a busy session.

Maxwell Frost (DFla.), the youngest new member at age 25, is the first person from Generation Z to serve in Congress.

Summer Lee, 35, is the first Black woman to

represent Pennsylvania in the United States House of Representatives.

After being sworn in for the first time on January 3, 1991, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, now 85, is beginning her 16th term this month.

“I do not know if we have ever needed you more than we do now,” said Marcia Fudge, the former chair of the CBC and the current secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The CBC “...has been the conscience of the Congress, the moral center that ensures that the people in communities whose blood, sweat, and tears built this country are never forgotten by this storied institution for over 50 years,” Fudge said.

Student loans... from page 1 Two people who didn’t qualify for aid under Biden’s scheme sued the initiative on behalf of the conservative Job Creators Network Foundation.

At the time, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the government strongly disagreed.

“The president and this administration are determined to help working and middle-class Americans get back on their feet, while our opponents, backed by extremist Republican special interests, have sued to prohibit millions of Americans from getting much-needed relief,” Jean-Pierre said.

The HEROES Act of 2003, according to the White House, gives the Secretary of Education the authority to forgive student debt.

“The program is consequently an illegal exercise of Congress’s legislative power and must be vacated,” wrote Judge Mark Pittman, a Donald Trump nominee. “In this country, we are not dominated by an all-powerful

executive with a pen and a phone.”

Federal student loan debt of up to $10,000 will be forgiven for borrowers with yearly incomes of less than $125,000 in 2020 or 2021, and up to $200,000 for married couples or heads of households.

Borrowers who also got a federal Pell grant might have up to $20,000 in their loans discharged.

Six states with Republican governors sued to stop Biden’s plan to forgive debts. This made the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals put a hold on the plan.

One plaintiff in Texas lost her right to have her federal student loans forgiven because the federal government did not service her loans.

Since the other plaintiff did not obtain a Pell award, the amount of debt relief to which he is entitled is just $10,000.

They said they had no way of voicing their disapproval of the program’s regulations because the administra-

tion had not followed the Administrative Procedure Act’s notice and comment rule-making procedure.

Elaine Parker, president of the Job Creators Network Foundation, stated in a statement: “This verdict supports the rule of law which requires all Americans to have their voices heard by their federal government.”

According to CNN’s reporting, Bernie Marcus, the former CEO of Home Depot, and a key Trump donor, established the Job Creators Network Foundation.

Two challenges objecting to Biden’s debt relief plan will be argued before the Supreme Court in February.

In February, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases.

In its petition, the Justice Department said: “The lower courts’ decisions have wrongly taken away the Secretary’s legislative authority to give targeted student loan debt relief to borrowers affected by national emergencies.”

January 13, 2023

of faith

Expectations of 2023

by Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. This year, we, the body of Christ, must arrive at the place that God has already prepared for us with no delays.

“Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house,” Proverbs 24:27.

In 2023, God is speaking His blessings on us as His children of obedience. Let’s hear what he is saying.

In 2023 I release fair dealings in every area of your life.

Great opportunities will come your way with no delay.

The right people will be in agreement with your decisions for your

life and will support you.

This year you will live a happy and peaceful life.

Situations of last year are changing for you right now.

‘I’m trying’ will not be your language this year. ‘I’m doing it’ will be your language.

You are not going to live a good life, but a great life.

Your finances, work ethics, physical health, relationships with family and friends, will exceed your expectations.

Other people will know what to expect from you. You will be understood this year.

You will add value to others as a special individual.

You will let go of all negative take-aways and

Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. have a positive attitude towards yourself and others.

You will appreciate what you already have and be open minded to receive more.

You will build confidence and focus on what you’ve accomplished.

This is what the Lord has spoken for 2023, so let’s walk on that spiritual path to greatness in Jesus’ name.

Overstepping boundaries

by William T. Robinson, Jr. We are living in a new time and era where selfish actions and vindictive outbursts seem to take precedence over what was once morally unacceptable.

I’m referring to an age divide, where older adults were taught to be respectful to the feelings of their elders.

That’s not what we are practiced seeing among the youth of today. I am basically referring to my experience reared as an African American. It was once unthinkable for a child to talk back or even challenge the directives of their parents or other adults. It was not important whether you agreed with the actions of these adults. It was about staying in your lane as a child and showing deference.

I don’t think you will find many older African Americans who considered being verbally defiant who didn’t hear the infamous words from their parents (especially their mothers): “I brought you into this world and I’ll take you out.” Talking back to your parents, even under your breath, wasn’t acceptable or tolerated. This practice of not talking back was even extended to older relatives and adults in the community. So I can imagine a lot of older adults as children growing up getting their feelings hurt and concluding they didn’t have a voice. But in retrospect, most of these children grew up to be fine, respectable adults revering the thoughts and feelings of their elders. In other words, these children got over hurt feelings, not always being heard, and realizing they were not on the same level as their parents or elders.

Now we live in a society of super sensitive children where we are led to believe that we must cater to or respond to their every emotion or concern lest we produce maladaptive adults.

The truth of the matter is that we have produced a lot of selfabsorbed, sociopathic young adults, apathetic to the feelings of others—especially the parents who raised them, giving them everything they wanted. We should not be

surprised that when we give our children everything (without reinforcing them to be humble, grateful, and appreciative, thankful) that they may feel overly privileged and entitled—often growing up unappreciative of what comes to them so easily.

In fact the first time spoiled children don’t get what they want, it is not unusual to see a tirade disrespectful occur. The young adult feels betrayed and retaliates with acts of rebellion. Parents raising their children as if they were adults (avoiding conventional wisdom stating that a child has his/her place) should be cautioned.

Children may have some crucial and legitimate concerns that need to be voiced, but they should be taught to do so respectfully.

They should honor their parents’ role as caring adults who know what is best.

Parents should never forget that they are the adults. Never allow your child to manipulate you or disrespect you, claiming to be your equal. Even as a young adult, there should be a level of respectful communication—even with parents who may have caused harm and whose actions may be inexcusable or indefensible.

Parents should be approached by children privately, without voicing displeasure in public. Hurt feelings should not be laundered in public in order to embarrass, demonize or vilify a parent.

Too many times our emotions get the best of us and we say and do things we later regret. But remember that once something is said, you can’t take it back. Apologizing profusely often can’t erase the hurt.

Today we see lots of personal drama on social media among high profile families where the children berate their parents for short comings. Many times the children appear to be undeniably hurt. But they launder their dissatisfaction in public, believing this approach is therapeutic or the only way to be taken seriously.

Some of the concerns of emotional abuse felt by young adults may be legitimate, but sometimes it

William T. Robinson, Jr. is more about entitlement and privilege. But you can’t argue that when a child grows up thinking he\she is equal to or on the same level as a parent that these problems occur.

Make no mistake: there are children crying out in pain and hurt. They need to be heard. But one needs to be cognizant that hurt feelings from a manipulative, selfish, disrespectful child who did not get what they wanted are not warranted.

We can and should hear what our children are saying, but it should be in a respectful manner. While some experts claim children’s rights equal adults, it is all a matter of opinion. Parents should raise the child, instead of allowing themselves to be disrespected while trying to be the child’s friend.

Some parents or elders may warrant being called out or accosted by their children because of their abusive destructive behavior. However, discretion and tact should be used— preferably, the parent or elder should be approached privately.

Deference and respect should be exercised.

However, we must be mindful that we don’t live in a perfect world.

Sometimes this approach is not always possible.

Today’s children seem to think it is all about ‘self.’ It is somehow acceptable to be verbally disrespectful of parents and elders.

Voicing concerns about disagreements is understandable, but children should use caution. Older children should respect their parents and elders when conveying how they feel, even when honestly trying to put them in their place.

Things may change because of the times, but deference and respect shouldn’t be debatable.

Some boundaries are to be respected regardless of the times.

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