Nashville PRIDE October 27, 2023

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volume XXXvII, Number 43

People Are Talking Hollywood stars, executives unite in plea for hostage release amid Israel–Hamas conflict

Chris Rock

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent A coalition of prominent Hollywood figures, including Chris Rock, Diddy, and Tiffany Haddish, have penned an impassioned letter to President Joe Biden, expressing gratitude for his leadership during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The group of Hollywood power players connected to the recently launched website ‘No Hostage Left Behind’ also urged continued attention to the hostages in Gaza in the letter.

The letter opened with a note of relief at the recent release of American and Israeli hostages. It cited the liberation of Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan, along with Israelis Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity. Despite a glimmer of hope, the letter emphasized that 220 people, including 30 children, remain in the terrorists’ custody and are constantly in danger of torture and death.

The letter discussed the history of terrorization that both groups have experienced at the hands of Hamas, while expressing sincere gratitude for what they called Biden’s unwavering moral conviction and support for both Jewish and Palestinian communities.

Hamas has governed Gaza for over 17 years and has left a trail of oppression and victimization. he letter emphasized a shared desire for freedom and argued for Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully, free from the brutal violence that they said Hamas promotes. It underlined the urgency of securing the release of the remaining hostages.

The coalition, which also includes Jerry Seinfeld, Lyor Cohen, and Adam Sandler, called on the global community not to rest until all hostages return home safely, regardless of nationality. The list of those captured includes individuals from various countries, including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Italy, Russia, Spain, and Ukraine.

President Biden has yet to respond to the letter.

Federal agencies issue $23M fine against TransUnion and subsidiary Two federal agencies recently reached a $23 million settlement with TransUnion, one of the nation’s three major credit reporting agencies, and a subsidiary, TURRS. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced the settlement on October 12.

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Fisk University celebrates its Homecoming November 5 - 11

by Cass Teague Fisk University celebrates Homecoming 2023 Sunday, November 5 through Saturday, November 11. Their theme this year is “A Jubi-Lee Production.” Expect to experience the fun and comraderie of an historically black college in full effect. Fisk has activities planned for returning alumni, as well as current and future (prospective) students and friends of the historic school, Nashville’s first University. The university’s Homecoming week celebrates long-standing traditions with a Royal Coronation, a

parade, sports events, a fashion show, and of course, parties.

The schedule of festivities begins Sunday, November 5 with the “ATL” Kick-Off Skate Party at 9:00 p.m. in the Henderson A. Johnson Gymnasium. Monday’s scheduled activities include a “School Daze” Day Party at 4:00 p.m. in Adam K. Spence Hall. It is followed later that night by the Battle of Jefferson Street Men’s Basketball Game at Tennessee State University’s Gentry Center at 7:30 p.m. with the Fisk Spirit Bus leaving at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday’s schedule of “Do the

Right Thing” includes a Day of Service from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at various locations, followed by the Aux Cord Wars at 8:00 p.m. in the Henderson A. Johnson Gymnasium. Wednesday’s scheduled events for “Harlem Nights” include Mr. & Miss Fisk Coronation at 6:30 PM in the Clinton B. Fisk Memorial Chapel.

Thursday’s slate, “Bel-Air,” begins with the All White Day Party from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Grove, followed by a Fashion Show at 5:30 p.m.

Continued on page 5

U.S. agencies brace for surge in hate crimes during Israel-Hamas conflict Minority communities on heightened alert

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent As the Israel-Hamas conflict escalates, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are issuing warnings of an anticipated surge in

hate crimes within the United States.

The agencies underscored the need for heightened vigilance not only against antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks but also against the backdrop of continued threats faced by African Americans and LGBTQ communities.

The DHS’s recent intelligence

assessment emphasizes an expected increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate attacks in the country as the conflict progresses. The agency also cautions that the ongoing war could elevate the threat of terrorism and targeted violence on American soil.

In a separate memo addressed to law enforcement agencies in Washington, D.C., the DHS pinpointed potential targets, including places of worship, First Amendment-protected demonstrations, events, and U.S. military assets. The memo, first reported by ABC News, disclosed a troubling spike in swatting calls targeting Jewish temples in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island, featuring hoax bomb threats since the eruption of the latest Israel-Hamas conflict on Oct. 7.

“At the top of our agenda will be our shared efforts to help keep our communities safe from violent crime,” Attorney General Merrick Garland Continued on page 5

Rising interest rates, prices keep homeownership as distant goal, especially for African Americans

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent In the wake of escalating mortgage rates and soaring housing prices, the dream of homeownership in the United States is slipping further from the grasp of many Americans, particularly African Americans. Recent reports from financial and real estate authorities reveal that prospective homebuyers, burdened by the growing costs of homes and borrowing at higher interest rates, face an increasingly challenging landscape. Meanwhile, disparities in homeownership persist, disproportionately affecting minority communities, and access to mortgages remains an uphill battle.

According to <Bankrate.com>, the current average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate stands at a staggering 8.01%, marking a 12-basis-point increase over the past week. Mortgage refinance rates are also rising, with the average 30-year fixed refinance interest rate reaching 8.09%, up by four basis points in the same period. The rising interest rates compound the dif-

Meanwhile, disparities in homeownership persist, disproportionately affecting minority communities, and access to mortgages remains an uphill battle (photo courtesy of <iStockphoto/NNPA>). ficulties those in search of a home loan The National Association of face.

Realtors (NAR) reported that, even as The surging home prices and esca- millions aim to purchase homes, the lating mortgage rates put immense reality is starkly different from just a financial strain on buyers, especially Continued on page 5 African Americans.

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October 27, 2023

Justice Department’s initiative secures $107M in relief for redlining victims

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent The Justice Department’s Combating Redlining Initiative announced the recovery of over $107 million in relief for communities of color nationwide who have long suffered from unfair lending practices.

Within the sum, the Department unveiled a $9 million agreement with Ameris Bank, aimed at rectifying allegations of redlining primarily in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida.

Redlining, a prohibited practice, involves withholding lenders credit services from individuals in communities of color based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. “Today’s case underscores that redlining remains a contemporary issue,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a news release, emphasizing the ongoing initiative’s importance. “The Justice Department is committed to rectifying the harm caused by discrim-

The redlining of Black communities, racial covenants, real estate steering and restrictive zoning laws that together perpetuated segregated housing were never acknowledged (photo courtesy of <iStockphoto/NNPA>). inatory lending practices, with over two dozen active investigations underway across the nation.”

In October 2021, Garland launched the Combating Redlining Initiative, marking the department’s most comprehensive endeavor to combat this systemic issue. The initiative collaborates with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, federal financial regulatory agencies, and state attorneys general offices to

enforce federal fair lending laws, including the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Since its inception, officials have secured 10 settlements with financial institutions, facilitating increased credit access for communities of color in various cities, Houston, including Memphis, Philadelphia, and Jacksonville. The DOJ said the settlements have empowered marginalized communities,

enabling them to pursue homeownership, a right unjustly denied them for far too long.

Ameris Bank later reached a resolution in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, contingent on court approval. The DOJ’s complaint alleged that Ameris Bank deliberately excluded majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Jacksonville from its mortgage services, steering applicants away from home loans. The bank’s lending focus disproportionately favored White areas of the city.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stressed the significance of combating modern-day redlining, noting that it fosters equal economic opportunity and enables communities of color to fulfill the American Dream.

“Combating modernday redlining is one of the most important strategies for ensuring equal economic opportunity today,” Clarke said.

“By taking on the discriminatory lending practices of banks and mortgage companies, we are helping to ensure that more Black, Hispanic, and other communities of color are able to buy a home, generate wealth, and fulfill the American Dream. This settlement marks a new pinnacle in our efforts to bring an end to redlining and provides.”

U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida heralded the agreement with Ameris Bank as a historic moment, signaling a positive shift for Black and Hispanic communities previously denied vital economic resources.

“For far too long, redlining has negatively impacted communities of color across our country,” Handberg said. agreement “Today’s with Ameris Bank represents the first redlining case brought by the Department of Justice in the state of Florida and signals a step forward for Black and Hispanic communities in Jack-

sonville that were previously denied access to economic resources for generations. This settlement means that Ameris Bank will provide financial remedies to Jacksonville’s underserved communities, and it demonstrates our commitment to guaranteeing equal access to housing and credit resources for all Americans.”

Under the proposed consent order, Ameris Bank will invest $9 million to expand credit opportunities in Jacksonville. This includes a $7.5 million loan subsidy fund for residents of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, $900,000 for targeted outreach, and $600,000 for community partnerships to bolster access to mortgage residential Additionally, credit.

Ameris Bank will open a branch in a majorityBlack and Hispanic neighborhood, allocate at least three mortgage officers to loan serve these communities, and implement comprehensive compliance measures.

Modern generations prioritize mental Federal agencies issue $23M fine health breaks as experts dismiss against TransUnion notions of emotional weakness

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent In a time of heightened connectivity and constant information exchange, the significance of mental health breaks has taken center stage in discussions about overall wellbeing. Some colleges and universities have gone to great lengths, closing campuses for up to a week, underscoring these breaks’ crucial role in maintaining mental wellness. While past generations often ‘plowed through,’ professionals and educators insist that doesn’t mean individuals today are mentally or emotionally weaker.

“This generation is more informed about the importance of self-care, and I think they are better advocates,” said Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe, the dean and professor of social work at historically Black Howard University. “As a result, it sometimes feels like their coping skills aren’t that strong, but they are much more open than my generation.”

She noted that Howard officials are especially sensitive to the intersectionality of racism and other issues that add pressure, particularly to students.

“You’re dealing with racism and other ‘isms’ that bring added pressure to you if you’re a student at Howard, and you’re dealing with your academic responsibility,” Dr. Crewe said. “So we try and address the whole student, not just where they are in the

and subsidiary

While past generations often ‘plowed through,’ professionals and educators insist that doesn’t mean individuals today are mentally or emotionally weaker. academic space, but how mental health is a part of their academic performance and growth.”

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded Howard University a grant for mental health awareness training in August. The funding has helped the university teach graduate and undergraduate students about mental health by emphasizing how historically oppressed people have different triggers that relate to their wellbeing. “So, we incorporate that in our education and talk about things like the enslaved person being mentally incompetent because they wanted to run for freedom,” Dr. Crewe said. “We incorporate that in the training and understanding of how racism has resulted in us falling into stereotypes—working twice as hard, three times as hard, which increases your allostatic load which turns out to impact things like diabetes and

hypertension. All those chronic conditions are sometimes related to how success looks like with you having to do more with less and that increases your vulnerability to mental health challenges.”

Mental health breaks are incredibly important in our modern era because we are all more interconnected than ever before, said Dr. David Rakosfsky, president/ owner of Chicago-based psychotherapy business Wellington Counseling Group. Dr. Rakosfsky said the surge in technology and the rise of social media have intensified the pressures on individuals.

“We don’t agree with the idea that today’s generations are emotionally and/or mentally weaker than prior generations,” Dr. Rakosfsky said.

Licensed grief and trauma therapist Arielle Jordan echoed that sentiment.

“The idea that this generation is weaker emotionally or mentally

compared to previous generations is a common misconception,” Jordan said.

She said taking mental health breaks, whether in schools, workplaces, or other settings, is viewed not as a sign of weakness but as a proactive step toward safeguarding mental well-being. Licensed Professional Counselor Kayla Clark noted a growing inclusivity of society from a mental health standpoint has people more attuned to the emotional experiences of others. She challenged the notion that previous generations thrived without mental health breaks, suggesting that they, too, may have benefited from such respites.

by Charlene Crowell TriceEdneyWire.com -- Two federal agencies recently reached a $23 million settlement with TransUnion, one of the nation’s three major credit reporting agencies, and a subsidiary, TURRS. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced the settlement on October 12.

The regulators said the firm’s use of inaccurate, outdated, and incomplete eviction records to screen prospective tenants harmed consumers looking for rental housing and violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

The settlement, when approved by a federal court, will require the firm to repay $11 million to affected consumers, an additional $4 million civil penalty, and $8

million to CFPB for lying to consumers.

TURRSS failed to provide consumers with the names of thirdparty vendors from whom it received criminal and eviction records included in its tenant screening reports. Further, no effort was made to ensure the accuracy of tenant screening reports. As a result, reports included inaccurate and incomplete eviction records that hampered consumers’ ability to obtain housing.

“Americans across the country were put at risk of wrongful housing denials because TransUnion failed to follow the law,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “We are ordering TransUnion to cease its years-long illegal activity, clean up its broken business practices, redress its Continued on page 5

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Cancer… My Journey in time

All down hill

by Wanda Clay Wow what a journey! Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, has been on a journey with stage four lung cancer for over three and a half years.

Readers have received updates every week during this entire journey. Sometimes it has been an up hill journey, weaving through the unknown and not knowing what to expect from one day to the next.

Rev. Fuzz has been faced with many challenges. In the beginning, something new appeared each week, whether identifying the diagnosis, advocating for Rev. Fuzz or trying to figure out the route for correcting this serious medical condition.

He was also faced with a variety of changes that were not familiar to his lifestyle. Fuzz also found himself challenged with a variety of other ailments that were not about cancer, per se, but accompanied the ills created by cancer.

Rev. Fuzz faced these issues, but still had the ability to carry out his duties as a pastor. But it all was made easier with the cooperation and assistance of his church members, as they took care of any needs he had. Rev. Fuzz was also faced with the changes in a social lifestyle that is very involved. As a community leader, he met various community challenges, while still maintaining his illness to the best of his

ability—with the needed adjustments.

With the help of family, church members, friends and the community, his doctor’s care and many other positive contributing factors, Rev. Fuzz still has cancer.

Yet, he continues to maintain.

Because of the multi-facets of his life, Rev. Fuzz has maintained and continues his life’s assignment and life’s journey while living with stage four lung cancer. There has been progressive healing of his cancer at this stage. He has adopted a mantra within the last few months that says: “Today is a good day to live.” Thus it is.

While the journey has sometimes been an uphill climb, Rev. Fuzz said: “We will end the cancer journey updates with this week’s edition. It’s been 3.5 years and my healing is all downhill from now on.

I will live with cancer, and the most important thing I’ve learned is that you can live. You can live with cancer and today is a good day to live.”

Living with cancer is good news. Rev. Fuzz says he will live with it, and the healing is downhill from now on. This simply means that things are easier to deal with now. Most of the unknown can no longer create fear. He knows there is a likely solution with medications and proper health care.

Regarding updates on his condition (made

Rev. Enoch Fuzz in so many different formats), readers are encouraged to learn that Fuzz’s medical condition is not only about physical and medical health but a lot more. Readers should have learned that illnesses are associated with social welfare: uplifting others in the midst of one’s own situation, sharing information so others will be encouraged, continuing with whatever is possible physically safely and wisely, along with the importance of mental support. All that while continuing to have an advocate for a doctor to handle medical needs, and following the doctor’s orders— not to mention rest and prayer!

While there will not be weekly updates, readers are still asked to pray and continue to practice unselfish love.

Continue to watch for Rev. Fuzz’s posts on Meta and be encouraged.

(Writers note: It has been an honor and a privilege to be trusted with sharing Rev. Enoch Fuzz’s journey with cancer for nearly 200 consecutive weeks!

I am grateful to be trusted with my friend’s journey.)

North Nashville celebrates open streets on Arthur Avenue Community-led activities on road free of cars encourages re-imagining of Arthur Avenue

Following opening remarks, the Elizabeth Park Senior Dance Team performed. Attendees enjoyed all kinds of activities along the route including a community art project with artist Charles Key at the Elizabeth Park basketball court.

On Sunday, October to bring the streets to is a worldwide move22, Walk Bike Nashville life, Arthur Avenue ment designed to stir the and the Nashville became car-free from imagination to rethink Department of Trans- Buchanan Street to 10th public spaces. portation and Multi- Avenue North so com“This event is a celemodal Infrastructure munity members could bration of streets for peo(NDOT) hosted Open enjoy a streetscape acti- ple. Unlike a typical fesStreets presented by vated with artists, music, tival that lines the route Amazon. businesses, and activities Continued on page 5 With over 24 partners of all kinds. Open Streets

Nashville International Airport unveils new satellite concourse Nashville International Airport (BNA) has opened its first freestanding, eight-gate Satellite Concourse: a major milestone of the BNA Vision expansion program. The Satellite Concourse, encompassing Gates C4–C11, is designed to primarily accommodate the operations of Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines.

“The opening of our new Satellite Concourse is a milestone for BNA as we continue to work to accommodate the exponential growth we’re experiencing while simultaneously enhancing the passenger experience,” said Doug Kreulen, president/CEO of Nashville International Airport. "As we con-

The new Satellite eight-gate concourse (Gates C4–C11) is designed to primarily accommodate the operations of Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines. tinue to work towards From there, a fleet of building a world-class electric shuttles will run airport for a world-class continuously, every city, we are excited for three minutes, accomour passengers to experi- modating up to 69 pasence the newest addition sengers per shuttle. to BNA.” During the soft openPassengers access ing on October 21, the the Satellite Concourse new facility will feaat the shuttle station tured several retail and from the main terminal, concession options, adjacent to Gate C13.

Continued on page 5

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Frist Art Festival November 4 and 5 and new Spanish American exhibition

by Cass Teague Celebrating a full house of stunning art, the Frist Art Museum will hold a weekendlong Frist Arts Fest on November 4–5 spotlighting the exhibitions Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage, Raqib Shaw: Ballads of East and West, Art and Imagination in Spanish America, 1500–1800: Highlights from LACMA’s Collection, and The Power of Resilience.

On Saturday, Multiplicity artist Tschabalala Self will discuss her work with Frist Art Museum senior curator Katie Delmez in the auditorium, followed by two special performances of to the parts that make us whole, a dance piece choreographed by Eboné Amos. In the café and courtyard, Soul’d Creative Collective will pay tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop with music by Chuck Indigo, interactive breakdancing, live art demonstration, and more.

On Sunday in the auditorium, there will be a traditional folkloric dance performance by the Ballet Folklorico Sol de Mexico; a classical South Asian kathak dance by the Upasana Performing Arts Center; and a step performance

by The Marching Eta Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., from Fisk University. In the Upper-Level Galleries, there will be two performances in partnership with Nashville Opera featuring Rubén Dario Gómez, Marcela Pinella, and Isaac Eicher.

All weekend, artists and organizations featured in The Power of

Enjoy the Frist Arts Festival November 4-5.

Check the schedule on the museum website for details and schedule.

Resilience will host an and geopolitical shifts artists’ market and speak brought people into closabout their works in the er contact than ever exhibition. There will before in real and imagalso be a traditional ined ways, propelling Mexican Ofrenda on the creative refashioning view presented by Casa of the material culture de la Cultura; guided that surrounded them. exhibition tours; art- After the Spaniards making activities in the began colonizing the Martin ArtQuest Gallery Americas in the late fifand in the studios with teenth century and set the Nashville Collage out to spread ChristianiCollective, Casa de la ty, artists working there Cultura, and Turnip drew from a range of traGreen Creative Reuse; ditions—Indigenous, food trucks; games; a European, Asian, and photobooth; and more.

African—reflecting the Admission to Frist interconnectedness of Arts Fest is free for Frist the world. Private homes members and guests and civic and ecclesiasages 18 and younger. For tic institutions soon all other guests, the regu- teemed with imported lar $15 adult admission and local objects. will apply both days.

Spanish America was Advance tickets are not neither a homogeneous necessary. All normal nor a monolithic entity, discounts are suspended and local artists, includduring the weekend. ing those who remain Imagination in Span- unidentified, were not ish America, 1500– passive absorbers of for1800: Highlights from eign traditions. While LACMA’s Collection acknowledging the proruns through Jan 28, found violence that 2024 in the Museum’s marked the process of Upper-Level Galleries. conquest and colonizaImperial expansion, con- tion, this exhibition quest, colonization, and explores the intricate the transatlantic slave social, economic, and trade marked the period artistic dynamics of spanning from 1500 to Continued on page 5 1800. Cataclysmic social

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October 27, 2023

Troubling times may be contributing to the end as we know it

by William T. Robinson, Jr. We are daily seeing catastrophic occurrences in nature whether it be fires brought on by droughts, floods, mudslides, earthquakes or unprecedented storms in the form of tropical storms (hurricanes, tornadoes). Environmental disasters have become commonplace. While some are quick to say it is natural and is to be expected, man has done much to contribute to these disturbances, because of his failure to exercise more caution in implementing environmental regulations. We have done a poor job fighting gas house gases, which are known to be destroying the ozone layer.

We should be leery of those who fail to adhere to the fact that global warming is real, and we should do everything possible to slow down this ever occurring progression. The climate is only one of several warning signs that we may be living in the last days. Some would readily argue that our socially hedonistic ways and

love affair with money has taken on an unholy air. Acquiring money, whatever the cost and the ostentatious display of materialism has reached an all-time high.

We are being taught that success and happiness are contingent on attaining personal wealth.

Possessing inner peace without making lots of money is a waning concept for ‘losers.’

Many of our churches are selling contentious ‘prosperity ministry,’ alluding that God blesses those who give more over others who may not be able to. We are living in a time where immorality, and blatant lying are becoming acceptable without any dire consequences.

This is seen in so many of our politicians or elected officials that feel comfortable in manifesting hateful and racially dividing rhetoric. In fact, vices once deemed unacceptable have become commonplace and acceptable by a society willingly lauding and catering to indecency.

The rise of indecency or immorality is nothing new, but it’s rampant

among so many of our young adults. It can be found in the way they disfigure their bodies, e.g., excessive tattoos and body piercings.

Some say this is sacrilegious to our bodies, which should be seen as spiritual temples. There is no shortage of scantily dressed individuals and those adamantly accepting lewd and salacious dance movements such as ‘twerking.’

Young people are quick to defend contentious, demoralizing behaviors, saying older generations were no saints either. But they fail to understand that immoral behavior is wrong, regardless of who practiced it or when it took place.

The pursuit of sexual satisfaction seems to have no boundaries. We as a society parade our insatiable desire for sexual fulfillment in TV, movies, song, dance, and strip clubs offering little if any self-control.

We have become lovers of sex regardless of gender restraints—with some even catering to sex with children. It is as if nothing is considered

High price of police misconduct

by David W. Marshall TriceEdneyWire.com-Each year during the month of October, the National Faith and Blue Weekend is held in communities throughout the nation. The purpose of this community engagement initiative is to use local faith-based organizations as a means to develop relationships between police department officials, residents, businesses and community groups. The various Faith and Blue events gives members of the community, particularly those who may be skeptical of law enforcement, the opportunity to see police officials in an entirely different and non-threatening light.

The bond between the police and the residents they are sworn to serve and protect will also be critical based on the fact that one side will always need the other. If a person holds the position of serving the people, how can you effectively do so if there is little or no understanding of the people? Robert Contee was an ‘assistant chief’ of the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. at the time he stated: “I think we’ve gotten smarter about things in terms of the way that we deal with the communities that we serve. We’ve learned that you can’t arrest your way out of problems.”

Two years earlier, D.C. police began enrolling every recruit in a 10-hour curriculum at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“Officers coming here need to understand not just the city, but the people in this city,” Contee said. Individually, there are police officers who are making a difference and it often gets overlooked. Daniel Hahn, who served as Sacramento’s first Black police chief, never wanted to be a cop. Growing up in the Oak Park, a historically Black, working-class neighborhood of Sacramento, his early interactions with the police were largely negative. “Officers weren’t held in high regard in my neighborhood,” Hahn said in an interview.

The racial tensions which are common between the Black community and the police

David W. Marshall present a unique challenge for the Black police officer who has to navigate between two worlds: a Black world, and then the ‘blue world.’ Many Black officers want to “be the change agent” but then realize they’re fighting against an entrenched police culture with a legacy of racism protected by police unions and resistant to self-examination and change.

There are approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, the most common are smalltown police departments with 10 or fewer officers. Every law enforcement agency, large or small, is a fixture within their respective community. As a result, any form of racism which is a part of society will spill over into the police’s ‘blue code of silence.’ Jacinta Gau, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Central Florida, said Black police chiefs are often hired because they are seen as ‘reformers’ who can “clean things up and alleviate or eliminate racial tensions.” Black police chiefs are believed to able to bridge two communities historically at odds with one another. In reality, while cultural competency and bias training are being instituted in departments nationwide, the necessary changes will not be institutionalized if the institution itself is committed more to individual who discriminate. The substantial financial loss a local jurisdiction ultimately pays for police misconduct has not been an effective reason to embrace the level of cultural changes needed within police departments.

“Behavior is more likely to conform to culture than rules,” stated the 2015 report from President Barack Obama’s task force on

21st-century policing.

While police misconduct can devastate the lives of victims, their families and residents of the community, the misconduct can be a major financial price for cities and taxpayers to pay.

Police misconduct costs cities millions of dollars each year in legal fees, settlements and judgements. Despite these significant financial costs, there is little accountability for the officers responsible for the misconduct. In many cases, officers who engage in misconduct are not disciplined, and may even continue to serve on the police force. It is rare for settlements to include any form of admission of guilt or wrongdoing.

Not long after the National Faith and Blue Weekend, Baltimore’s Board of Estimates panel approved a $48 million settlement to three men who were wrongfully convicted of murder as teenagers and spent 36 years in prison.

It becomes another example of why there remains a lack of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Baltimore is not alone.

The city of Minneapolis paid $27 million to the family of George Floyd.

The family of Breonna Taylor’s family was paid $12 million.

Aside from high profiles cases, most claims of police misconduct are resolved quietly and with smaller sums.

Local justifications say payments to resolve misconduct allegations, ranging from excessive force to illegal search and seizures, are more cost-effective than fighting the lawsuits in courts. The amount paid by cities along with the identity of the officers are often hidden from the public even though their taxes are covering the cost. The professional men and women in blue who serve and represent their department with dignity are often forgotten when all of the attention goes to the ‘bad apples.’

(David W. Marshall is founder of the faith based organization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book God Bless Our Divided America. He can be reached at <www.davidwmarshallauthor.com>.)

sacred anymore, and self-control is not an option.

At times, it appears little if any redress is given to many of the ills we see blatantly occurring in our society.

Instead of acknowledging the demeaning effects of some in their actions, too often those involved in flagrant transgressions spend their time rationalizing and trying to justify the unjustifiable. It seems this world’s desire in courting indecency and immorality has reached an all-time high and the light is readily succumbing to the dark.

The family is not without fault. So many parents have failed to instill religious or spiritual values and responsibility into their children.

We have produced an outpouring of selfish children and young adults who un-remorsefully show little if any respect to their parents or the elderly. We find daughters rebelling against their mothers, with sons disrespectfully rebelling against their fathers.

The family which is supposed to

resonate with love, trust, and responsibility has been compromised and is teetering upon changing drastically or failing all together.

Pending wars among countries and religious groups are only reminders of man’s inability to live in peace adhering to divine spiritual laws. The outcome of some of these wars may eventually bring about the annihilation of mankind, but that doesn’t seem to be a deterrent for us. Unfortunately, our major wars are fueled by maniacal dictators or self-serving governments seeking power and control, with little if any consideration for the lives of the masses involved.

I guess the most motivating factor contributing to our descent into oblivion can be our refusal to practice selfcontrol. It appears we want what we want and refuse to feel guilty, rationalizing that selfpleasure supersedes everything as long as you are not personally hurting someone physically. Our lack of forbearance or desire to

William T. Robinson, Jr. practice it can be seen as an Achille’s heel bringabout eternal ing demise, if we so choose.

As we look around and question the drastic events occurring in our we must world, acknowledge that our benevolent God is not happy. Our refusal to adhere to His divine laws, even to the point that some are attempting to take credit for all of man’s achievements and accomplishments, voids God from the equation.

That leaves us open to dire consequences. I can only pray that some of our houses are in order.

Can you honestly say your house is in order? If not, hopefully every day is another day to try to get it right.

lawsuit challenging virginia governor’s arbitrary denial of right to vote is step toward justice

by Marc Morial TriceEdneyWire.com -- “The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy and should be accessible to every eligible resident. It has been proven that participating in the civic process reduces recidivism, and individuals take pride in their communities when they can fully contribute to Virginia. True democracy does not deprive individuals of participation based on the whim of one individual. It's time to correct the wrongs of our 1902 Constitution and leave the power to one succinct process that cannot be modified by a single person's emotions in the moment” -Sheba Williams, executive director, Nolef Turns.

Felony disenfranchisement is undeniably rooted in White supremacy.

In order to be admitted to the Union after the Civil War, the former Confederate states were required to ratify the 14th Amendment, which guaranteed the privileges of citizenship (including the right to vote) to formerly enslaved Americans. Prohibited by federal law from barring Black voters, southern states quickly enacted measures known as the Black Codes, establishing severe penalties for minor and vaguelydefined crimes like vagrancy. At the same time, these states rushed to prohibit anyone with a felony conviction from voting.

As a result of this racist legacy, one in 19 Black Americans of voting age is disenfranchised, a rate 3.5 times that of all other Americans.

While many states have revised their laws and policies regarding felony disenfranchisement over the last three years, Virginia is the only state that places the voting rights of all residents with felony convictions at the sole discretion of a single individual, Gov. Glenn Youngkin. That soon could change, thanks

to a lawsuit filed by Fair Elections Center on behalf of Nolef Turns, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with felony convictions, and two disenfranchised VirGregory ginians, Williams and George Hawkins.

A federal judge last week denied Youngkin’s request to dismiss the case. The National Urban League applauds U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney’s decision, and condemns Youngkin’s actions which made the lawsuit necessary.

Under the three governors who proceeded Youngkin, Virginia used specific, objective, and neutral criteria to restore rights to people with felony convictions—criteria such as sentence completion, or release from incarceration.

“In this way, they used their authority under the Virginia Constitution to remove arbitrary decisionmaking from the process and create a uniformly administered, non-discretionary restoration system,” the plaintiffs wrote in their complaint. But Youngkin threw out this policy and grabbed the power to deny individuals’ voting rights for himself.

As of October 2022, more than one in 20 Virginians with felony convictions remain disenfranchised even after completing their full sentences including parole and probation—the sixth highest rate in the nation.

To be clear, the lawsuit does not call for Virginia to restore voting rights for all those with felony convictions, a policy that the National Urban League would endorse.

It merely asks that Virginia set clear rules governing decisions on restoring voting rights, rather than leaving the decision to the whim of the governor without explanation or justification.

The Virginia NAACP this week ann-

Marc Morial ounced it will sue Youngkin for public records detailing how he makes decisions on voting rights restoration requests. He has withheld the records since the organization requested them in May. "Black Virginians are more overly represented in our correctional facilities. So it impacts Black Virginians more so than any other ethnic group," Virginia NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr., said. "We want to make sure that if people have done their time and have applied for their rights to be restored, that either they are given a reason or their rights have been restored."

The case also could have implications for Kentucky, where Gov. Andy Beshear restored voting rights via executive order to most individuals with state felony convictions. But those with out-of-state, federal, and non-qualifying state felony convictions still are subject to the arbitrary decision of the governor “with no rules, laws, or criteria governing these restoration determinations.”

As a relic of Jim Crow White supremacy, felony disenfranchisement is inconsistent with the principles of fairness and democracy we claim to hold dear as a nation. While Fair Election Center’s lawsuits won’t restore the voting rights of people on felony-level probation or parole in the 26 states that still deny them, or to the individuals who have successfully fulfilled their sentences in 11 states that still deny them, they are a step toward justice.

The editorials on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers or staff of this newspaper.

October 27, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Continuations

Page 5

Nashville PRIDE

U.S. agencies... from page 1 Homeownership... from page 1 said at a conference in Florida.

Garland acknowledged the palpable fear gripping communities nationwide considering Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel.

The FBI has reported an uptick in threats against faith communities, particularly those of Jewish and Muslim faiths.

In response, Garland directed all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the FBI to maintain close communication with state, local, and federal law enforcement partners in their districts.

Garland pledged the DOJ’s commitment to providing the necessary support for law enforcement partners, particularly in the face of rising threats of hate-fueled violence and terrorism.

However, the heightened alert extends beyond the Jewish, Muslim, and Arab com-

munities. Minority communities across America are also on edge. African Americans, long-standing targets of hate crimes, and LGBTQ communities are particularly concerned about the potential for increased violence.

Officials confirmed that organizations and community leaders representing those groups are collaborating with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of their members.

The Department of Justice has initiated measures to address hate crimes targeting these communities, pledging to stand alongside them in the face of adversity.

A recent incident in Pensacola, where law enforcement agencies and ATF ballistics experts worked together to convict a shooter involved in an attempted robbery, served as an

example of the department’s commitment to combating violent crime.

A successful operation called ‘Agua Azul’ that seized sizable amounts of illegal substances proved the DOJ’s dedication to destroying the global fentanyl supply chain, the DOJ said.

A recent conviction for a racially motivated attack close to the scene of the 1923 Rosewood Massacre also proves that the Department continues to pursue justice in cases of hate crimes, Garland noted.

He concluded that the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice: “remain resolute in their mission to uphold the rule of law, safeguard communities, and protect civil rights, even in the face of escalating international conflicts.”

Homecoming... from page 1 on The Oval. The Gold & Blue Scholarship Bash: A Benefit for Fisk University by the Nashville Fisk Alumni Association starts at 7:00 PM at W.O. Smith Music School; 1125 – 8th Avenue South; Nashville, TN 37203.

Friday’s Pep Rally kicks off “Drumline” at 1:00 p.m. in the Henderson A. Johnson Gymnasium, followed by the Alumni Day Party at 2:00 p.m.’ Tent on the Yard.

Saturday’s “Welcome Home Fiskites” begins with an 8:00 a.m.

Homecoming 5K Walk/Run Fundraiser sponsored by the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta

Sigma Theta Fall ’83 Line. At 10:00 a.m. the University will have a Meet the President event in Fisk Memorial Chapel. Also at 10:00 a.m. the Tailgating will commence all across The Yard, leading up to the Homecoming Parade at 1:00 p.m.

The John Lewis Center for Social Justice will host an Open House from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

The Center is located at the Corner of Phillips and 16th Avenue North.

Homecoming basketball games are at 3:00 PM (Lady Bulldogs) and 5:30 PM (Bulldogs/ mens team) in the Henderson A. Johnson Gymnasium.

The games will be live-streamed for a viewing party on the Yard, so all can see.

The Alumni After Party runs from 8:00 p.m. until midnight in the Tent, while the 11th annual “SoFisktication” event, organized by The F.I.R.M., begins at 10:00 p.m. at the Hard Rock Café at 100 Broadway in downtown Nashville.

Additionally, throughout the weekend, various Fraternity and Sorority groups will be celebrating, as well, and there will be private events at locations throughout the Metro area.

Have a Happy Homecoming, Fiskites!

Mental health... from page 2 “Yes, older generations ‘plowed through and showed up physically.’ I encourage other curiosities about those people,” Clark said.

“What did their intimate relationships really look and feel like? How satisfied were they with their jobs? How well were they able to emotionally connect with and support their children? How did they enjoy life outside of work?

“We are moving in a direction as a society that is much more inclu-

sive from a mental health standpoint. We have grown to understand people and their differences in experiences, which has taught us the importance of believing in people’s emotional experiences.”

Chris Rabanera, a psychotherapist, and founder of <TheBaseEQ. com>, supported that perspective.

“We live in a different period with more information about mental health than ever before,” Rabanera said.

“I’m sure there are

increases in levels of mental health. I’m also sure that mental health issues weren’t addressed as they are now. An example would be ADHD. ADHD was not included in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) until 1968, 15 years after the first DSM was published.

Does this mean that ADHD wasn’t around until 1968? Of course not. It just wasn’t recognized. We are recognizing mental health issues better than ever.”

Federal agencies... from page 2 victims, and pay penalties.” Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection reacted similarly.

“Consumers struggling to find housing shouldn’t be shut out by tenant screening reports that are ridden with errors and based on data from secret sources,” said Levine. “Protecting consumers looking for housing is critical to a fair economy, and we are proud to partner with the CFPB in obtaining this record-breaking order.”

According to the complaint, TransUnion and TURRS never took legally-required steps to ensure the accuracy of the data it received until April 2021 when the corporation learned of the related FTC investigation. The firms’ failure to follow reasonable procedures resulted in the use of error-laden consumer credit reports that wrongly showed multiple eviction records when only one may have occurred. As a result, many borrowers were denied rental housing, subjected to additional and undeserved fees, and had to spend hours or days trying to correct errors in their credit reports.

“An unfair denial of rental housing has

effects beyond just the loss of rental application fees. It means losing out on the opportunity to live in a person’s preferred neighborhood, the neighborhood that makes sense for them in terms of schools, work, and more—and it may mean having to pay even more for housing down the line,” said Eric Halperin, CFPB’s enforcement director.

FCRA, a key consumer protection law passed more than 50 years ago, requires firms that collect consumer credit data, as well as those that use it in making credit-related decisions, to ensure accuracy of the information. Further, companies are required to investigate disputes and advise consumers when an adverse action is taken on the basis of credit reporting.

TransUnion, which has gathered an estimated 190 million consumer credit profiles has a long history of anti-consumer behaviors. For example, in 1992, FTC Commissioners issued a ceaseand-desist order against the corporation after it was found to have sold information, without consumers’ consent, to a third party who used that information to solicit consumers to purchase goods and services. A

legal finding delivered in the case in 1998 agreed with the FTC, saying in part: “Trans Union invades consumers’ privacy when it sells consumers’ credit histories to third-party marketers without consumers’ knowledge or consent.”

In 2017 the CFPB took action against TransUnion and Equifax, another major credit reporting bureau, for deceiving customers and luring them into costly recurring payments by pushing credit-related products that offered false promises. In 2022, CFPB sued TransUnion, claiming the company did not meet the conditions of the earlier law enforcement order. That lawsuit has not been resolved.

CFPB encourages consumers to utilize dedicated whistleblower hotline and email to report suspected wrongdoing. The email address is <whistleblower@ cfpb.gov>. As an alternative, consumers may also phone the toll-free Whistleblower Tip Line at 855-695-7974.

(Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at <Charlene. crowell@responsible lending.org>.)

few years ago. In December 2020, 30-year fixed mortgage rates hit an all-time low of 2.68%, down significantly from 3.78% a year earlier. In tandem with the lower rates, housing prices skyrocketed. The median sale price of a single-family home has now risen above $416,000 in the second quarter of 2023, up from less than $360,000 in late 2020.

U.S. home price indexes have reached historic highs, surpassing the reach of many medianincome households.

Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, noted that in late 2020, the monthly mortgage payment on a typical newly sold home was approximately $1,100 in principal and interest. Today, it has more than doubled, further exacerbating buyers’ challenges.

The NAR’s calculations indicate that a buyer now needs to earn $107,232 annually to afford a median-priced home, based on recent rates and a 20% down payment, allocating 25% of their gross monthly income to housing expenses. This figure surpasses the real median household income of $74,580 in 2022, as the U.S. Census Bureau reported. Yun emphasizes that those who don’t earn six figures will face significant hurdles in affording a home in many markets.

The NAR’s monthly

housing affordability index, which reflects the ability of a medianincome individual to purchase a home above the median price, has plummeted from nearly 170 before the COVID19 pandemic to a preliminary total of 91.7 in August, the lowest reading since October 1985.

These challenges in homeownership are hitting minority communities hard, with African Americans at the forefront of the struggle. The homeownership gap between Black Americans and other racial groups is widening, particularly compared to White households. While the overall homeownership rate in the U.S. has increased over the last decade, the Black homeownership rate has grown less than one percentage point, reaching 44% in 2021.

This falls significantly behind Hispanic Americans at 50.6%, Asian Americans at and White 62.8%, Americans at 72.7%.

NAR’s deputy chief economist and vice president of research, Jessica Lautz, underscores the disproportionate impact on Black buyers. Black homeowners allocate a more significant portion of their income to housing expenses, with 30% being cost-burdened.

This is followed by Hispanic Americans at 28%, Asian Americans at 26%, and White Americans at 21%. Over half of Black renters spend over 30% of their

income on rent, with nearly 30% classified as severely cost-burdened, spending over 50% of their income on rent. In contrast, 22% of White renters are severely costburdened.

These affordability extend challenges beyond the cost of homeownership. Black and Hispanic homebuyers also face higher denial rates for mortgage loans. According to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data, 20% of Black and 15% of Hispanic loan applicants were denied mortgages, compared to 11% of White and 10% of Asian applicants. Black Americans were denied applications for nearly 17% of home purchase loans, 17% of refinancing loans, and a staggering 51% of home improvement loans.

“The data paints a stark picture of the American housing market, where the dream of has homeownership increasingly become unattainable, particularfor African ly said Americans,” Nathaniel Ogilvie, a District of Columbia real estate broker. “We already have so many disparities that keep African Americans from affording homes, so addressing the housing affordability crisis and ensuring equitable access to mortgages is still a pressing issue that must be addressed nationally and must be addressed with Black Americans in mind.”

Frist Art Festival... from page 3 these societies that led to the creation of astounding new artworks— many shipped to other locales in their own day.

This exhibition of paintings, sculptures, and

decorative arts underscores the generative power of Spanish America and its central position as a global crossroads.

The works are drawn

from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s notable collection of Spanish colonial art, which has largely been formed in the last fifteen years.

Open streets... from page 3 with booths and vendors, you’re more likely to see activities and art projects, and large stretches of the streetscape that is open to all users to do what they want. Neighbors socialize, kids run free, and all users gain a whole new perspective of what this large public space could be,” said Walk Bike Nashville Executive Director Meredith Montgomery.

An opening ceremony kicked-off the event at noon with featured speakers including

Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Councilman Brandon Taylor, Councilman Kupin, and Jacob Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure Director Diana Alarcon.

More than 30 non-profit partners, local businesses, and artists hosted activities, performances, and engagement with the attendees. Two community art projects were also installed at Elizabeth Park during the event including a street mural and an artistic

fence installation at the basketball court.

“We’re excited to partner with Walk Bike Nashville on Open Streets this year. Making streets safer and more accessible for everyone is the number one priority of the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure,” said NDOT Director Diana Alarcon. “Events like this highlight the importance of streets being designed for people, not just cars.”

Airport unveils... from page 3 offering passengers the chance to savor some of Nashville's favorites, including: • Distillery District Market, offering a wide variety of full-bottle Tennessee spirits and other popular products.

• Gulch Goods, a retail showcase for talented local artisans and travel essentials.

• Nashville Supply Co., a colorful retail store featuring local products, self-checkout stations, and other shopper conveniences.

• Food service is sourced from local

restaurants and companies that cover all day includes coffee, breakfast items, hot and cold sandwiches, quality grab-and-go, and more.

These will be offered until the four restaurants open soon.

To celebrate the soft opening, complimentary coffee by Bongo Java and Costa Coffee will be served to passengers until the end of October.

The grand opening of the Satellite Concourse, at a later date, will include additional concession options: • Bongo Java, Nash-

ville’s oldest coffee company, operating since 1993 • Fat Bottom Brewery, a full restaurant replicating the iconic Nashville-based brewery and offering a full menu, delicious grab-and-go, and a stage for live music performances • Jimmy John’s, the popular national brand creating its high-quality sandwiches • TX/MX, a colorful restaurant celebrating ‘Tex Mex’ cuisine, flavorful libations, and Nashville’s own Las Paletas popsicles

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Nashville PRIDE

Pastor, Pew, & Pulpit

Faith of A Mustard Seed

by Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. “I pity from the bottom of my heart any nation or body of people that is so unfortunate as to get entangled in the net of slavery.” “… it was recognized and protected for years by the General Government.

Having once got its tentacles fastened on to the economic and social life of the Republic, it was no easy matter for the country to relieve itself of the institution.”

(Booker T. Washington).

In continuance of this definitive NEED TO KNOW that “Knowledge is Biblical. Education is not.” (Me. By way of Vision).

When we consider the dire need to recognize that ‘The Scripture’ DESTRUCrecords TION as a direct result of there being ‘no knowledge’, it is no small thing that the greatest of the planet’s Philosophers sought to understand how it is that we even come... “to know”! But to arrive at a punctiliar in our lifetime where Events are occurring with no thought for Truth (living… not simply artificial intelligence, BUT alternate truth); not even seeking to KNOW or understand… The Why! And to hear more daily the old “Who Knows?”

AND the very visible reality of ‘WHO even WANTS To KNOW?’ Dying Churches and Institutions that no longer take concern for life in the face of Mass Injustice. While ‘no Justice means no Peace’, “no Knowledge means … DESTRUCTION”.

It’s Biblical.

Dr. Booker T. Washington continues from his truth and knowledge of being born into the American system of Slavery. “The whole machinery of slavery was so constructed as to cause labour, as a rule, to be looked upon as a badge of degradation, of inferiority. Hence labour was something that both races on the slave plantation sought to escape.

Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. The slave system on our place, in a large measure, took the spirit of self-reliance and selfhelp out of the white people. My old master had many boys and girls, but not one, so far as I know, ever mastered a single trade or special line of productive industry. The girls were not taught to cook, sew, or to take care of the house.

All of this was left to the slaves.”

I began a course presently on “Healthcare, Inc. Understanding the U.S. Medical Industrial Complex”. I was drawn to this class from living through a very bitter battle of this Nation turning the tables on this issue upside down onto Barack Obama in labeling it “ObamaCare”.

But in all these thing the ‘getting knowledge nor understanding’ could ever be seen. Only mass hysteria, complete chaos and total confusion.

First, for me, lies in the Title that came through like a light bulb the very first day of class: Healthcare IS an “Industrial Complex”!

“The slave owner and his sons had mastered no special industry.

They unconsciously had imbibed the feeling that manual labour was not the proper thing for them.” (Booker T. Washington) My understanding that ‘Knowledge is Life’ causes me to always, always want to “Know Better”; so this eye opening study of the U.S. Healthcare being an ‘industrial complex’ sent me to a difinitive mean-

ing and understanding of industrial complex as well as it’s use. Here we go.

By definition ‘Industrial Complex’ is... socioeconomic. Business become entwined in social and political systems and institutions.

Creating and bolstering a profit economy from these systems.

Credited with the first use of the term is President Dwight Eisenhower in his Jan. 17, 1961 farewell speech.

Eisenhower described a "threat to democratic government" called the military–industrial complex. “The total influence—economic, political, even spiritual—is felt in every city, every statehouse, every office of the federal government. ...Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together.”

“The exploitation of prison labor by private corporations is one aspect among an array of relationships linking corporations, government, correctional communities, and media.

These relationships constitute what we now call a prison industrial complex. The term "prison industrial complex" was introduced by activists and scholars to contest prevailing beliefs that increased levels of crime were the root cause of mounting prison populations. Instead, they argue, prison construction and the attendant drive to fill these new structures with human bodies have been driven by ideologies of racism and the pursuit of profit.” (Angela Y. Davis) The pharmaceutical industrial complex... agriculture, entertainment, media, education, criminal justice, security, Indtransportation... ustry grown... very complex. myfathersmansion press@gmail.com

Faithful utterances Some stuff should stay sacred

by Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew You’ve probably been inundated with the news of Jada Pinkett Smith discussing content from her new book, Worthy. She’s been on the media circuit sharing about Chris Rock previously asking her out; Tupac asking to marry her while he was incarcerated, and that she and Will Smith have not lived together since 2016. In 2020, we were all blown away when August Alsina revealed in a YouTube interview with Angela Lee that he and Pinkett Smith had been romantically involved.

He said they met through her son, Jaden in 2015. At the time, Alsina said that before he embarked on a friendship with Pinkett Smith, he spoke with Smith.

“He gave me his blessing,” Alsina said. Alsina described the intense relationship and how it broke him down and that he had never experienced love in such a way as he had with Pinkett Smith. Pinkett Smith was known for bringing guests on her Facebook Show, RedTable Talk, in which she would bring on celebrities to discuss their experiences in overcoming difficult situations with mothers and daughters, adding their perspectives to the conversation.

In July 2020, Jada was a guest on her show to address Alsina’s comments with her husband present. During their discussion, she revealed that her relationship with Alsina took place several years before. It was cringeworthy listening to Will ask Jada questions about her relationship or as they described, “entanglement” with August. She said she sought a rela-

tionship with Alsina because she "wanted to feel good. It had been so long since I felt good," she said.

I remember watching the episode witnessing how uncomfortable Will Smith looked. The conversation went from bad to horrible when at the end they said unanimously: “We ride together, we die together. Bad marriage for life.” For many, Will and Jada Smith represented the perfect marriage.

They were viewed as a couple that had longevity, success, and support for one another. They were considered to be the standard for a relationship and even labeled by many as relationship goals.

They were placed on a pedestal for what a perfect relationship and family looks like. As a society, we have a problem with making celebrities a standard for success. As much as they are not relationship goals, this is a teachable moment: Your relationship should be yours and the intimate details of your private life should not be on exhibit for public consumption.

Some things in your life should remain secretive and sacred.

God values marriages because it was the first institution established after the creation of man and woman: “But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.

Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’

So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate,” Mark 10:6-9.

Marriage is sacred and when we allow everyone into our relationship, we

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expressions of Faith It's all in Him (part 2)

by Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. "We did not receive the spirit of the world, but we received the spirit that is from God so that we can know all that God has given us. We speak about these things, not with words taught to us by human wisdom but with words taught to us by the spirit. So we explain spiritual truths to spiritual people," 1 Corinthians 2:12-13.

"This was once hidden from us but now is revealed. For the mind of Christ involves the wisdom from God," 1 Corinthians 2:7.

The Holy Spirit indwells and enlightens you, infusing [inspiring, charging] you with the wisdom of God as you yield to the Spirit's leading, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform you and renew you. Let me lay this foundation this is Paul's words.

“I am only using the gift that God gave me. I laid the foundation as a wise master builder.

Apollos is building on that foundation, but you should be careful [take heed] how they build on it,” 1 Corinthians 3:10.

Apollos is spiritual but there are others out there who are not spiritual and thy desire is to build on it, meaning ‘build’ on you. The foundation that has already been laid, which is Jesus Christ, and no one can lay down any other foundation. A foundation of gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay. Your work will be manifest [seen]

by fire.

Manifest [seen] by fire?

Whatever is built on you [housed] will be seen and tested, because your work is obvious [seen, visible, clear] so that all can see it. God will disclose [reveal] it.

If you are real or not, God knows. His judgment will be on that house that is built on any other foundation that is not Jesus Christ. It will be revealed [tested] by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of that sort [what kind] of house it is. Is it of God, or something else? It will show your faithfulness or your sin.

Don't you know that you are God's temple [house] and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person, because God's temple is holy and you are that temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

"If the building, house, temple that has been put on the foundation, which is God, still stands, the builder will get a reward. But if the building is burned up, the builder will suffer loss. The builder will be saved, but it will be as one who escaped from a fire. God will give you another chance but all that you have done will be lost. All of your possessions, accomplishments will be lost," 1 Corinthians 3:14-15.

You cannot build a true church temple on any person or principle except Jesus Christ.

When you are built on

Bishop-Elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. Christ and the word of God, you will be elevated to the life of the church. Christ will elevate you. Only good work will be rewarded.

Unfaithful work will be discounted and destroyed.

"People should think of us as servants of Christ, the ones God has trusted with His secrets," 1 Corinthians 4:1.

Paul urged the Jews in Corinth to think of Peter, Apollos and himself as servants of Christ.

We have been entrusted with God's secrets/mysteries. We are here to do only what God has given us to do. We are not here to do what we desire; we are sent by God to do His will and His will only. This is why we have made it plane that we are not important.

Only God is. We are only using the gift that God gave us. If you know anything about the gift/will of God you would have never crucified the Lord of Glory.

This is a sign that you don't know. This is why we are here to help you believe.

Nashville PRIDe Directory of Churches 40th Avenue Church of Christ 616 40th Avenue North Nashville TN, 37209 (615) 329-2325 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. and Thurs 11:00 a.m.

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 scientologyccnashville.org Senior Pastor: Rev. Brian Fesler Clark Memorial UMC Worship service: Sundays 10:00 am 1014 14th Ave. N. 615-329-4464 Senior Pastor: Rev. Toi King Cleveland Street MBC 608 Cleveland Street Nashville, TN 37207 615-227-1149 Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m./9:15 Church School clevelandstreetbaptist@comcast.net www.clevelandstreetbaptistchurch.com Dr. Donald Snead, pastor

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew are destined for disaster.

There were details that Will and Jada should have dealt with as ‘one,’ and not allowed the world an opportunity to serve as armchair referees and commentators.

Instead, they needed wise, Godly counsel. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise,” Proverbs 1:5.

Instead of going to the public, seek God and those with Godly wisdom. Relationships can be challenging. There are moments of bliss and moments that are bothersome. Relationships are never perfect because we as individuals are not perfect.

We bring our faults and insecurities to relationships. It’s unrealistic to believe that it is always good or always bad. Let this situation be a lesson on the importance of discretion. The biggest mistake that many of us make is going to social media to air our personal business. “…aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs,” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, ESV. Stop airing your dirty laundry to everybody.

Some stuff should stay sacred.

October 27, 2023

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 931-378-1092 ezraemmanuelmin.org 9 a.m. Sunday worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Hr of Empowerment 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: Mon. - Thurs. @ 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. 615-596-0456 11:00 a.m. worship service jamesgreen@yahoo.com Rev. James J. Green, pastor Mt. Vernon MBC 1022 New Providence Pass Madison, TN 37115 615-860-0213 Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

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 nehemiahmissionarybaptistchurch.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 (615) 329-4105 Worship at 11 a.m.

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

October 27, 2023

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Nashville PRIDE

Richard Roundtree, trailblazing Movie Previews: The Holdovers “Shaft” actor, dies at 81

Richard Roundtree

by Stacy M. Brown, “prototype” and praised NNPA Newswire senior him as “the best to ever national correspondent do it.”

Richard Roundtree, “Shaft, as we know it the iconic actor is and will always be his renowned for portraying creation,” said Jackson. the suave private detec- “His passing leaves a tive in the groundbreak- deep hole not only in my ing Shaft film series, has heart, but I’m sure a lotta died at 81. His longtime y’alls’ too.” manager, Patrick Born on July 9, 1942, McMinn, confirmed that in New Rochelle, New Roundtree succumbed to York to John and pancreatic cancer at his Kathryn Roundtree, the residence in Los Angeles young Roundtree on Tuesday. The leg- showed promise in athendary actor, who also letics and academics. He battled and triumphed attended New Rochelle over breast cancer in High School, earning 1993, underwent a dou- recognition for his conble mastectomy. tributions to the school’s “Richard’s work and nationally ranked footcareer served as a turn- ball team. In 1961, ing point for African Roundtree’s athletic American leading men,” prowess earned him a McMinn said. “The scholarship to Southern impact he had on the Illinois University in industry cannot be over- Carbondale, Illinois. stated.”

However, his passion for Roundtree’s legacy acting and modeling extended beyond the prompted him to leave 1970s classics. He school in 1963. reprised his iconic role Roundtree’s career in the 2000 Shaft film, took off when Eunice sharing the screen with Johnson of Ebony magaSamuel L. Jackson, who zine recruited him to portrayed his nephew. model at the Ebony The film was a revival Fashion Fair in 1963. He that aimed to captivate a joined the Negro wider audience, and Ensemble Company in Roundtree and Jackson 1967, where he delivreturned in the same ered a memorable perroles for the 2019 rendi- formance as boxing legtion starring Jessie T. end Jack Johnson in The Usher.

Great White Hope.

In a heartfelt social The pivotal moment media post, Jackson in Roundtree’s career hailed Roundtree as the came in 1971. He landed

the role of Shaft in the Gordon Parks-directed film.

The film’s success catapulted Roundtree to stardom, culminating in two sequels: Shaft’s Big Score (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973). In recognition of his exceptional talent, Roundtree received the Golden Globe Most Promising Newcomer Award in 1972.

According to the HistoryMakers, throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Roundtree graced the silver screen in an array of films, including Earthquake (1974), Escape to Athena (1979), A Game for Vultures (1979), and Day of The Assassin (1979). He also made a memorable appearance in the 1977 ABC television miniseries Roots.

In the ensuing decades, Roundtree continued to leave an indelible mark in the enterindustry, tainment appearing in various television series such as Soul Food, Desperate Housewives, Heroes, and Grey’s Anatomy. He secured a recurring role in the 2013 television show Being Mary Jane Gabrielle alongside Union and Margaret Avery. Roundtree further graced FOX’s television series Star with his presence in 2017 and 2018.

In 1993, Roundtree faced a rare form of male breast cancer with unwavering determination. His resilience led him to become a prominent advocate for breast cancer awareness, lending his voice to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Know Your Score Men’s Health Initiative.

Roundtree earned numerous awards, including the MTV Lifetime Achievement Award for his iconic portrayal of Shaft, an Image Award nomination in 1998, a Peabody Award in 2002, and a Black Theater Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.

Dominic Sessa, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Paul Giamatti costar in The Holdovers.

by Dwight Brown of Mary (Da’Vine, Joy Payne (Sideways) takes This gathering of Randolph), the school his own sweet time. The three lost souls, pushed cafeteria’s manager, who student, professor and together by circum- coaches Hunham. “You manager need help. Yet stance and location, don’t tell a boy that’s all they have is each takes a bit of time to been left behind at other. Finding out if they weave its sardonic Christmas that nobody can turn their holiday magic. But it gets there. wants him.” Can they all break into a healing 1970 New just get along?

In process becomes a long, England, Barton is an Eigil Bryld’s (In usually compelling 133elitist all-boys, live-in, Bruges) grainy cine- minute journey. private high school. matography and Ryan Interactions between Over winter break some Warren Smith’s (True Giamatti and Sessa kids aren’t going home. Detective) sparse set evolve from teacher/stuThey’re the ‘holdovers.’ design make New dent to warden/prisoner, The most unpopular and England winters look as to driver/passenger, to rigid professor at the cold, uninviting and uncle/nephew and finalschool, Hunham (Paul melancholic as they are. ly savior/survivor.

Giamatti, Sideways), is David Hemingson’s very Randolph as Mary is the drafted into being the simple script creates godmother and referee caretaker. indelible characters, an who makes sense when kids’ Unfortunately for him evocative setting and a the others don’t. The the most rebellious and wry comic/drama tone. pain this mom carries disrespectful student in Nothing in the film from the death of her son the school, 15-year-old feels rushed (editor is etched on Randolph’s Angus (Dominic Sessa), Kevin Tent, Sideways). face. Yet the actor also becomes the last teenag- The dialogue and story- finds ways to show her er standing after the oth- line take their time enduring spirit. Each ers leave. revealing what past trau- actor gets to the heart of Angus knows how to ma is behind each char- their character in due press the professor’s acter’s façade. As all is time. Wait for it. buttons, with mischief revealed about this heart-warming A smart-aleck newly formed surrogate winter’s tale that should and answers. Hunham: “You family, the three become be savored, just like a sip just earned yourself a disarming then charm- of cognac by a fire on a big detention.” Angus: ing. The terse, funny dia- cold snowy night.

“Being with you is logue, which softens (Dwight Brown is a already one big deten- into confessions, helps. film critic fir NNPA tion.” Fortunately, that Like an old sage nar- News Wire. Read more brat’s malicious behav- rator, not willing to of his reviews at ior is counterbalanced show his cards too early, <www.DwightBrownink. by the calming presence director Alexander com>.)

ThEME: halloween ACROSS 1. Down in the dumps 5. Letter-writing friend 8. Trampled 12. Hokkaido people 13. D. H. Lawrence’s “____ and Lovers” 14. Near the wind, archaic 15. Mideast ruler 16. Hipbones 17. *Pumpkin, e.g.

18. *“The ____”, movie 20. Jackson 5 member 21. Twinings product 22. ______ canto (singing style) 23. Appetite whetter 26. Chucking 30. Pilot’s announcement, acr.

31. Short sock 34. Kuwaiti leader 35. Dapper 37. “_______ the ramparts ...”

38. Origami bird 39. Popular picnic side 40. Weary walk 42. Often precedes “whiz” 43. Larry of Oracle 45. Most idle 47. Napkin holder 48. Gamy, alt. sp.

50. *What witches’ brew does in 52 across 52. *“Eye of newt and toe of frog” holder 55. Shell-less gastropod, pl.

56. Siren’s song, e.g.

57. A Flock of Seagulls’ hit (2 words) 59. Ottoman title 60. Type of mine passage 61. Head of family 62. Aid in crime 63. *World’s largest Halloween Parade location, acr.

64. Bulgarian or Serb DOWN 1. Ovine utterance 2. Margarita fruit 3. Windows alternative in computers 4. “Europa ____” movie (1990)

5. Disease in Philip Roth’s “Nemesis” 6. Licorice-like flavor 7. Future atty.’s exam 8. *Michael Jackson’s spooky classic 9. Disorderly retreat 10. M lange 11. “Silent Spring” subject, acr.

13. Make ill 14. Subsequently 19. Settle a debt 22. Contrary conjunction 23. End of “incense” 24. In the least (2 words) 25. Birth-related 26. Group of cows 27. JPEG data 28. “To the ____,” or “to a great extent” 29. Roll out the red carpet 32. *Kandy ____ 33. Romanian money 36. *Stephenie Meyer’s vampire saga

38. Relinquished 40. Spinning toy 41. Gin plus lime cordial 44. Chip dip 46. *”Monster Mash” words, e.g.

48. Tasteless and flashy 49. Gold-related 50. Spill the beans 51. Yorkshire river 52. Kin group 53. Word of mouth 54. California wine valley 55. R&R destination 58. *All Saints’ Day mo.

Solutions from last puzzle

Page 8

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October 27, 2023