Nashville PRIDE December 1, 2023

Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady dies...

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Meharry recognizes World AIDS Day 2023...

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Volume XXXVII, Number 48

People Are Talking Judge awards Aretha Franklin’s property to her sons

Aretha Franklin

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent A Michigan judge has allocated properties owned by the late legendary soul singer, Aretha Franklin, to her sons based on a 2014 handwritten will discovered between couch cushions. The decision came after a jury in the Detroit area affirmed the document’s validity four months ago, despite its somewhat messy appearance. The ruling replaces a prior 2010 handwritten will that had surfaced earlier in the estate proceedings.

The judge’s ruling outlines that Kecalf Franklin will inherit a property mentioned in the 2010 will, now valued at more than its initial $1.1 million assessment in 2018.

Another of Franklin’s sons, Ted White II, who favored the 2010 will, was granted ownership of a Detroit house. However, the estate sold the property for $300,000 before the emergence of conflicting wills. A third son, Edward Franklin, was awarded a property under the disputed 2014 will.

Still, the judge noted a need for more clarity in the 2014 will regarding the recipient of a property valued at over $1 million.

Despite the developments, disputes persist over handling Franklin’s music assets, with the will suggesting income sharing among her sons.

During an upcoming January status conference, the parties will try to address unresolved matters in the ongoing saga of Franklin’s estate. “This was a significant step forward. We’ve narrowed the remaining issues,” Charles McKelvie, an attorney for Kecalf Franklin, told the Associated Press.

The Queen of Soul, who died in 2018 at 76, sold more than 75 million records worldwide and left an indelible mark on the music industry with her powerful and soul-stirring voice. Her iconic career spanned several decades, and she became synonymous with hits like ‘Respect,’ ‘Natural Woman,’ and ‘Chain of Fools.’

Franklin’s remarkable contributions earned her numerous accolades, including 18 Grammy Awards, making her one of the most awarded female artists in Grammy history.

Nashville, TN

V.P. Harris announces commitments exceeding $900M for Women in the Sustainable Economy Initiative

by Stacy M. Brown Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday announced the Women in the Sustainable Economy (WISE) Initiative, which the White House says supports the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) theme of ‘Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All.’ Its goal is to strengthen women’s economic empowerment globally.

The initiative contains over $900 million in commitments from governments, private sector companies, foun-

Vice President Kamala Harris dations, and civil society. The funds will bolster women’s economic participation in key sectors such as clean energy, fisheries, recycling, forest management, and environmental conservation.

The WISE Initiative is a core element of the broader Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication to advancing women’s economic empowerment globally. The commitment aligns with the U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality and the U.S. Strategy on Global

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Women’s Economic Security. Notably, it builds on the administration’s previous announcement in Ghana, where $1 billion was pledged to empower women globally and bridge the digital gender divide.

According to a White House Fact Sheet, the initiative operates on three foundational pillars: 1) Promoting good-paying jobs: Ensuring women have the necessary skills, training, and access to decent Continued on page 5

Miss Black America Pageant Don Lemon guest speaker returns to Atlantic City for 55th anniversary celebration for TSU Fall

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent The Miss Black America Pageant is coming back to Atlantic City to celebrate its 55th anniversary. It will be held on the Boardwalk on Saturday, December 16. The return to the city where the ‘Historic Protest Pageant of 1968’ took place has generated considerable anticipation among many. As announced, a captivating parade and a series of exciting festivities are guaranteed as the prelude to the grand main event at the renowned Showboat Atlantic Hotel.

J. Morris Anderson, an individual who performed at the forefront of his time, established the Miss Black America Pageant, and made a lasting Continued on page 5

GOP tries to redirect blame and re-write history for Jan. 6 insurrection

Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day December 6 Tennesseans gather each year in December for the Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights You are invited to join the Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day on Wednesday, December 6. During the event, leaders are acknowledged and awards recognize human rights champions in three categories: Rising Advocate, Outstanding Service and Lifetime Achievement.

More on page 3

December 1, 2023

Prominent figures within the far-right faction of the GOP are now advocating for the establishment of a new select committee.

by Stacy M. Brown, Prominent figures within the farNNPA Newswire senior right faction of the GOP are now advonational correspondent cating for the establishment of a new MAGA Republican lawmakers are select committee. Under the leadership actively working to reshape the narra- of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Rtive surrounding the Jan. 6 insurrec- Ga.), the lawmakers request an investion at the U.S. Capitol. Their primary tigation focusing on the original comobjective is to absolve the twice- mission members to clear the Republiimpeached former President Donald can Party’s ‘MAGA’ wing of responsiTrump of any blame for the attack, bility for the 2021 Capitol assault. with a focus on redirecting scrutiny In a recent post on the social media towards the House Select Committee platform X (formerly Twitter), Greene that investigated the incident.

Continued on page 5

Commencement

Don Lemon at the 2018 Pulitzer Prizes, May 30, 2018. (Photo from Wikipedia)

by Cass Teague Tennessee State University will hold its fall commencement Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 9 a.m. in the Gentry Center Complex. Nearly 700 students will walk the stage to receive their degrees during the ceremony. This year’s speaker is award-winning journalist and former CNN anchor Don Lemon.

Lemon anchored the long-running CNN primetime program, Tonight, as well as CNN This Morning.

“I was honored to get the invitation from President Glenda Glover to be the guest speaker for this important milestone in a student’s life,” said Lemon.

“I look forward to sharing parts of my journey and what I’ve experienced as a journalist, in hopes of inspiring the class of 2023 to leave their mark on the world. Make it a better place for human beings, as they embody the TSU motto of Think, Work, Serve.”

Lemon has won a variety of distinguished awards for his work which has spanned nearly three decades, including an Edward R. Murrow award, multiple Emmys and a Peabody award, among others. In addition to CNN, Lemon has served as an anchor and correspondent at the NBC and MSNBC television networks, as well as at local stations in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and St. Louis.

Continued on page 5

www.pridepublishinggroup.com December 1, 2023 National Nearly 5.5M borrowers lower student Reactions pour in loan payments with SAVE plan following passing Page 2

Nashville PRIDE

2.9M borrowers reduce monthly payments to $0

by Charlene Crowell (TriceEdneyWire.com) -- Nearly 5.5 million borrowers have applied for the newest federal program for student loan debt relief since it was announced about three months ago. Nearly three million borrowers who enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan completely eliminated their monthly loan payments.

“Under President Biden, the Department created the SAVE Plan so that young people and working families can climb the economic ladder without unaffordable student loan debt weighing them down,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

“I’m thrilled to see that in less than three months, nearly 5.5 million Americans in every community across the country are taking advantage of the SAVE Plan’s many benefits, from lower monthly payments to protection from runaway student loan interest.”

The bulk of these loan savings benefit students with the greatest financial need (those eligible for federal Pell grants) including Black, Latino, Native American and Alaskan Native borrowers. Most SAVE borrowers will see their lifetime loan repayments cut in half.

As long as SAVE participants maintain their regular payments, their loan balances will go down due to the Education Department no longer charging interest.

Further, the SAVE program creates lower payment rates for both undergraduate and graduate loans. Required

payments for undergraduate loans will be cut in half to five percent from the previous 10 percent.

Borrowers who incurred both undergraduate and graduate loans, under SAFE, will now pay a weighted average of the original principal balances on their loans. The payment range for the combination borrowers is from 5-10% of income.

The $0 payment remains available for borrowers who earn less than $32,800 per year or those in a family of four making less than $67,000.

Borrowers earning more than these annual amounts also benefit with an estimated savings of $102 a month ($1,224 a year), compared to earlier income-driven repayment programs.

Geographically, every state and congressional district has SAVE participants. California and Texas each have more than 450,000 borrowers enrolled in SAVE, while congressional districts in Missouri, Ohio, and Michigan have the highest identified enrollment.

Consumer advocates are emphasizing the program’s targeted reach.

For example, this October, the Urban Insti-

tute, a nonpartisan research and policy organization said: “Payment reductions and larger loan forgiveness benefits under the SAVE plan will occur broadly across racial and ethnic groups but are skewed toward programs enrolling more Black and Hispanic students.”

Even earlier this year, the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) stressed to the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development how the escalating costs of higher education surpassed the financial capabilities of many Americans.

“Education was sold to working-class families as the great equalizer, giving unlimited opportunity to those who would seize it” wrote CRL. “Yet, according to the Federal Reserve, every $1,000 increase in student loan debt lowers the national homeownership rate by about 1.8 percentage points for public four-year college students.

“Between 2009 and 2022, median household income grew from $63,011 to $70,784, or about 12%. Comparatively, the average student loan debt grew nearly 32%, from

Education Dept. unveils disturbing disparities in pandemic-era schooling

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Education has released a wealth of data from the 2020–21 school year in a revealing exposé that reveals significant disparities in education access that the coronavirus pandemic challenges have exacerbated. The findings paint a stark picture of inequality in the nation’s educational landscape, prompting urgent calls for comprehensive reform.

“In America, talent and creativity can come from anywhere, but only if we provide equitable educational opportunities to students everywhere,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized in a release.

The Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC), a mandatory survey of public schools serving preschool to grade 12 students,

counts as a critical instrument in assessing equal educational opportunities mandated by federal civil rights laws.

The 2020–21 CRDC, the first since the 2017–18 collection was delayed due to the pandemic, draws from over 17,000 school districts and 97,000 schools, unveiling concerning disparities in education access nationwide.

“These new CRDC data reflect troubling differences in students’ experiences in our nation’s schools,” Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon said. “We remain committed to working with school communities to ensure the full civil rights protections that federal law demands.”

Key Data Points from the 2020–21 CRDC Harassment or bullying: • K–12 students reported over 42,500

allegations of harassment or bullying based on sex, sexual orientation, race, disability, or religion.

• Racial and gender disparities were evident, with Black students reporting 37% of racebased harassment, while White students reported 68% of sex-based and 70% of disability-based incidents.

School offenses: • Districts reported approximately 274,700 incidents, with 78% being threats of physical attack without a weapon.

• Public schools reported over 3,000 incidents of rape or attempted rape and sexual assault.

Student discipline: • About 786,600 K–12 students received in-school suspensions, with Black boys nearly two times more likely than White boys to receive out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

• Students with Continued on page 5

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$27,874 to $36,096, during that period.”

Student loan borrowers who have financially struggled to keep up with monthly payments may still enroll online at: <studentaid.gov/announ cements-events/saveplan>.

“The SAVE Plan will significantly cut monthly bills for most borrowers, reduce loan default, and ensure that students loans don’t need to come before life necessities,” said Under Secretary James Kvaal.

“With nearly 5.5 million people enrolled after only two months, it’s clear how much borrowers need a plan like SAVE. President Biden and our Administration remain committed to giving borrowers breathing room on their monthly payments and ensuring student loans aren’t a barrier to opportunity.”

(Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. Visit Charlene. crowell@responsible lending.Org.)

of Rosalynn Carter Former First Lady and global humanitarian remembered

by Stacy M. Brown, The Washington Informer In a wave of condolences, political leaders and public figures expressed their grief and admiration for the late Rosalynn Carter, former first lady and tireless advocate for various social issues.

President Joe Biden, visibly moved, shared his sentiments with reporters as he boarded Air Force One in Norfolk, Virginia, on Sunday night.

Habitat For Humanity, the Georgia-based charity closely associated with the Carters, expressed sadness at the news. The organization described Carter as a “compassionate and committed champion” who worked tirelessly to help families worldwide.

The late ‘first lady’

Rosalynn Carter, former ‘first lady’ of the United States. and her husband cofounded the Carter Center, which expressed its sorrow in a statement by highlighting their global initiatives to strengthen democracy, settle disputes, advance human rights, and eradicate crippling diseases. The center announced that, instead of flowers, contributions in Carter’s Continued on page 5

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Page 3 Nashville PRIDE Local Tennessee celebration Meharry celebrates of International Human World AIDS Day with Rights Day December 6 “Ignite the Night” Gala December 1, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Muriel Nolen, Executive Director, Tennessee Human Rights Commission. (photo by Julie Brinker)

By Cass Teague to Ludye Wallace, who Tennesseans gather served on the Metro each year in December Council of Nashville and for the Tennessee Cele- Davidson County for bration of International twenty-eight years, and Human Rights You are has served the Nashville invited to join the Ten- Chapter of the NAACP nessee Celebration of in various roles for Human decades.

International Rights Day on WednesOutstanding Service day, December 6. During Awards are going to the the event, leaders are following: Tamika and Braden, who founded acknowledged awards recognize human The HELP Center in rights champions in Nashville in 2014 to help three categories: Rising prison inmates get goodAdvocate, Outstanding paying jobs, continued Service and Lifetime education, and support Achievement. after they return to their Muriel Nolen, direc- homes; Jenn Garcia, tor of the Tennessee who has been dedicated Human Rights Commis- to serving youth in sion, will serve as master Davidson County and of ceremonies for the Middle TN with the affair. Rev. Davie Tuck- Oasis Center for nearly er, director of Metro 20 years; and Martesha Human Relations Com- Johnson Moore, the mission, will comment Nashville Metropolitan on the Universal Decla- Chief Public Defender, a ration of Human Rights Nashville native and the and how it applies local- first African-American ly. The president of the to be elected to this posiNashville Cordell Hull tion who has devoted her chapter of the United entire career to public Nations Association, defense work.

David Whitfield, will Rising Advocate speak on the 75th Awards will go to Kosar Anniversary of the Kosar, an organizer at UDHR. The theme, TIRRC, advocating on “Dignity, Freedom and behalf of immigrant/ Justice for All,” will be refugee communities explored by a special across TN; and Zacnite panel.

Vargas, President of the The Lifetime Ach- Tennessee chapter of ievement Award will go the National Association

of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) who has been instrumental in forming the Health Equity Coalition, addressing health disparities in Davidson County.

A committee of human rights organizations, nonprofits, and advocates, including the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Metro Human Relations Commission, Tennessee United for Human Rights, the Scarritt Bennett Center, the Nashville Cordell Hull chapter of the United Nations Association, the Church of Scientology and others, work together each year to plan the event.

“Human Rights Day is a day to remember past advances in human rights, to honor those who have made our lives better. It’s also a day to refresh and restore and be inspired for the following year, and a sort of annual reunion of the state’s various agencies and organizations who work daily to make human rights a fact,” says planning committee chair Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Church of Scientology in Nashville. “The day centers around the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and this year we focus on how human rights advance universal freedom.”

Tennessee United for Human Rights is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to forwarding the knowledge and protection of human rights by and for all Mankind. It is the Tennessee chapter of United for Human Rights International. The Human Rights Day event will take place on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 5:00 pm, at the Church of Scientology, 1130 8th Ave S, Nashville TN 37203.

Nashville Fire Department designated as State Type 1 CBRNE team by TEMA

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has credentialed the Nashville Fire Department as a State Type 1 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high yield Explosives (CBRNE) team.

This prestigious designation signifies the department's exceptional capabilities in handling hazardous materials and dangerous situations.

With over four decades of experience in hazardous materials response, the Nashville Fire Department has been at the forefront of protecting the community since 1978.

However, this recent credentialing from TEMA marks a significant milestone in their commitment to ensuring public safety.

“The Nashville Fire Department has had a HazMat team since 1978, making NFD’s team one of the first in the country.” NFD and

Nashville Office of Emergency Management Director Chief William Swann said.

“With this first-of-itskind credentialing from TEMA to NFD we are certifying that we are better trained and equipped to handle various dangerous situations.”

The State Type 1 CBRNE team designation is the result of more than 10 years of rigorous training, strategic equipment acquisition, and thorough audits conducted by both state and federal agencies. The Nashville Fire Department has demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in preparing for and responding to incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosive threats.

CBRNE incidents pose a significant risk to both public safety and societal stability. The NFD’s enhanced capa-

bilities will enable them to effectively mitigate these threats, ensuring the well-being of the community and minimizing potential casualties. By achieving this credentialing, the department has solidified its position as a leader in emergency response within the state of Tennessee.

The Nashville Fire Department's designation as the State Type 1 CBRNE team is a testament to their unwavering commitment to public safety. Their extensive training, acquisition of specialized equipment, and successful audits have positioned them as a trusted and reliable resource in times of crisis.

The department's achievement will undoubtedly bolster the confidence of the Nashville community and serve as a model for other emergency response agencies across the state.

By Cass Teague Meharry Medical College will celebrate World AIDS Day by honoring a Nashvillian whose work has affected the Nashville community with his compassion and activism in the cause of care for those with HIV and AIDS. The event, “Ignite the Night,” is an HIV awareness fundraising gala celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Metropolitan Interdenominational Church First Response Center Clinic and its founder, the Rev. Edwin Sanders, the pioneering faith leader who embraced the cause of ministry to those affected by HIV/AIDS, engaging in the fight against within the AIDS Nashville community.

The gala will take place on the evening of World AIDS Day, December 1st, in the ballroom of Meharry Medical College’s Cal Turner Family Center for Student Education.

The event begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. and a dinner and program at 7:00 p.m.

For 30 years, the First Response Center has served many affected by HIV who because of stigma or other factors would not go to a primary care doctor or one of the major facilities in town, so they had an alternative place to go.

Meharry’s president,

Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, President, Meharry Medical College Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, a renowned HIV/AIDS researcher, said he has been a supporter of the clinic since he first met Rev. Sanders in 2005.

“We were so proud to partner with the First Response Center,” Hildreth said. “From the beginning, Meharry was a partner in this. And that’s our mission too, to make sure that no matter who you are you can get the health care and achieve your best health.

That’s what the First Response Center Clinic did for many individuals who otherwise would not have gone to a clinic or one of the traditional facilities or a hospital for care. It filled a very important niche in that way.”

The philosophy of the Metropolitan Interdenominational Church which Sanders founded with his wife, Billye in 1981 is central to the

ministry of the First Response Center, Dr. Hildreth said. “They welcome all people with open arms.” Dr. Hildreth that because said HIV/AIDS transmission more often deals with the subject of sex, the community religious originally hesitated to embrace HIV/AIDS ministries.

“For someone in the faith community to openly embrace HIV and AIDS as an issue was a very courageous thing to do,” Hildreth said, “and Rev. Sanders was one of the very first faith leaders to do so in the Black South. We’re celebrating the fact that he had enough courage to do this because it paved the way for others to do the same.”

World AIDS Day is an annual call to action, where humanity unites against HIV and AIDS around the globe. It serves as a solemn commemoration for those who lost their fight against the disease and a beacon of hope for those living with HIV and AIDS by heralding victories such as enhanced access to treatment and prevention services.

Attendance for the event is by ticket only and tickets are still available. For more information on the gala, contact Sandra Williams at 615.327.6904 or via email at williamss @mmc.edu.

Carols, Cookies and Crafts at TSM Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin’? Tennessee State Museum’s magical holiday event is back for another year of live carols, delectable cookies and festive crafts!

Come join in this family-friendly free event on Saturday, December 9, from 10 am-3 pm.

Learn more at <TNMuseum.org>.

The museum is proud to have been named Best Free Programming in the Nashville Scene's 2023 annual Best of Nashville awards.

In the Writers Poll, Amanda Haggard counts our Carols, Cookies and

Crafts

holiday

event

among the standouts.

OPPORTUNITY IS KNOCKING.

Nashville Electric Service actively seeks qualified small, TN service-disabled veteran, minority and women-owned businesses as vendors. Visit nespower.com to register for My Vendor Account and view open bid opportunities.

For additional information, contact NES Supplier Diversity staff at 615-747-3821 or ProcurementAssistance@nespower.com.

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Page 4

Nashville PRIDE

Editorials

Open dialogue needed concerning conflict between Israelis, Palestinians

by William T. Robinson, Jr. The recent events in the nation of Israel against the Jews by Hamas have left many people alarmed and angry. But the truth for so many people is that they are truly confused and don’t know what is really going on, because they can only go by what the news media projects—which many claim to be bias, favoring the Jews over the Palestinians. Please do not try to hijack this article claiming it is anti-Semitic. I am only trying to articulate what so many people feel, not knowing the whole scenario that’s causing so much tension and hate between the Jews and Palestinians in that region.

Hate should not be an option in the pursuit of bringing about peace, a peace that should benefit all. This peace will require a coming together at the table and negotiating to prevent the continuing loss of lives.

Everyone should be able to agree a solution is warranted.

Hamas is said by many to be an extremist, terrorist group claiming to represent the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The group is supposed to have come about after they ousted the Palestinian Authority, because of that group’s inability in negotiating rights for the Palestinians and the continued expansion of Israeli occupation. It is stated that Hamas wants to destroy Israel and replace it with an Islamic state.

While Hamas claims they are acting in the interest of the Palestinians, their actions and merciless, heinous tactics are beyond inhuman and frankly are ungodly.

Kidnapping innocent civilians and using their own people as shields in their warfare is inexcusable and unholy. But some Palestinians would argue that the Israeli government is just as

ruthless in their persecution of Palestinians.

Many are quick to conclude that Hamas is doing the Palestinians a grave injustice. Depending on who you are listening to, the same may be said about inhuman treatment by the Israeli government towards the Palestinians who are under Israel’s sovereignty. Many claim the Palestinians are denied basic, human civil rights.

What seems to be puzzling to many is all the media attention seeming to focus on the damage done to the Israelis, while minimizing any sympathy for the thousands of innocent civilians Palestinian being killed. Can we surmise that all Palestinians support Hamas?

Some people are just casualties in a war in which they have no say and do not support.

There are so many questions needing to be answered by each group concerning their personal perspective of what is right or wrong. Wouldn’t a peaceful, worldwide forum with representatives from both sides (Israelis and Palestinians) be welcomed to bringing about better understanding and a solution that benefits both sides?

This is a complex conflict of ownership, surfacing after thousands of years over land of historic and religious significance for Muslims and Jews. It is also significant for Christians.

People are taking sides based on narratives from the two opposing groups to decipher the credibility of who is right or wrong. One would have to personally study the history of the Middle East region where conflicts and wars have endured for thousands of years.

In 1948 the nation of Israel was established by actions initiated by the United Nations with the

William T. Robinson, Jr. support of the United States. It is speculated that this move may have come out of guilt after the world watched as six million Jews were exterminated in Nazi gas chambers during the Holocaust.

Some conclude Christian Zionists favored the move as part of fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham in the Bible of a permanent Jewish homeland. In the process of establishing the state of Israel as the Jewish homeland, many Palestinians were forced to vacate their homes, uprooting their lives, properties and businesses without compensation. This is one of the major factors initiating anger and hatred by the Palestinians toward the Israelis.

Both sides may assume fault in their inability to resolve this conflict. The details of what is false or what is true depends on who you choose to listen to. That is why a world debate or forum would be welcomed to combat lies or untruths, making it possible to help us all understand the conflict and aid in reaching a peaceful agreement that both groups can live with.

But no one can argue that the terroristic, merciless killing of thousands of innocent civilians on both sides is not sanctioned by God. However, some are quick to say this conflict is prophecy being fulfilled. I would like to believe the world, as a whole, is praying for a solution that both sides can accept.

U.S. disasters disparately impact low income homeowners and renters

by Eleanor Kitzman (TriceEdneyWire.com) -- So far this year, the U.S. has been hit by 23 separate major disasters, the highest number since NOAA started keeping records in 1980. These disasters (which include hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, tornados, and hail) collectively have killed more than 250 people, caused over $57 billion in property damage, and are both causing and exacerbating health issues in regions across the country. Their impact is disproportionately felt by low-income homeowners and renters As weary homeowners try to recover from these disasters and prepare for ever more extreme weather, they face a new crisis: disappearing insurance coverage which threatens to bankrupt families and communities and could have a domino effect on the mortgage and construction industries.

Mounting losses from disaster-related claims have driven several major insurers to stop writing new policies in California, Colorado, Florida, and Louisiana.

In many states, double-digit premium increases, higher deductibles, and reduced coverage are becoming the norm. As private insurers retreat from the market, residual markets (nonprofit, state-chartered insurers of last resort) are forced to pick

up the slack at a scale for which they were not designed. The rate of uninsured homeowners has risen from five percent to 12% in just the last three years due to increasing costs.

We can only fix this insurance crisis by fixing our underlying risk crisis. The majority of homes in the U.S. were built to codes that did not anticipate the rapidly increasing extreme weather we are experiencing today. Many of these homes can be made more climate resilient, but risk mitigation if peril-specific.

There is no one-sizefits-all, and often those most at risk lack financial resources for even small improvements.

Investment in climate resilience will take creative thinking, innovative funding, and a collaborative effort, as we have seen in Alabama.

Over a decade ago, Alabama launched the Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) program.

SAH makes grants to homeowners of up to $10,000 to install a ‘Fortified Roof,’ a construction standard based on decades of research and testing by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). ‘Fortified’ has been proven to prevent or significantly reduce losses from hurricanes, high winds, hail, tornados, and other severe convective storms. Of

the $363B weather disasters since 1980, hurricanes have caused the most damage (1.3 trillion) and are also responsible for the highest number of deaths (6,890 since 1980). Fortified is widely recognized by the insurance industry.

The impact of SAH goes beyond just the homeowners who have received grants. There are over 54,000 Fortified roofs in the U.S. today, approximately 48,000 of them in Alabama, but only 6,500 funded by grants. Boosted by the success of SAH and the demonstrated effectiveness of Fortified, general interest in the roofs has grown. Alabama now has a network of trained inspectors and roofing contractors who are educating homeowners about Fortified, and entire subdivisions of new homes are being built with Fortified roofs.

Homeowner awareness increased significantly after Hurricane Sally in 2019 when Fortified homeowners reported little to no roof damage, unlike their neighbors who did not have Fortified roofs.

This commitment to resilience has enabled Alabama to maintain a stable, competitive home insurance market.

North Carolina and South Carolina also have Fortified roof grant programs and last year, the Louisiana legislature

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December 1, 2023

Stay informed and engaged

by David W. Marshall TriceEdneyWire. com -- Red flags will always be there if you pay close enough attention. In the case of George Santos, the red flags were revealed long before his election but simply ignored by too many people. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters: “I always had a few questions about Santos’ résumé.”

Ultimately, McCarthy would need every vote he could get to become House speaker, including the vote from the problematic New York freshman.

The congressman, who represents parts of Queens and Long Island, now faces a 23count federal indictment. After the recent release of the House Ethics Committee findings, evidence shows that Santos converted campaign donations for his personal use.

“The evidence uncovered in the Ethics Committee’s InvestigaSubcommittee tive investigation is more than sufficient to warrant punishment and the most appropriate punishment is expulsion,” said Rep. Michael Guest, the Republican Committee chairman from Mississippi. MAGA Republicans do know corruption when they see it— they just don’t always choose to act on it.

Before the 2020 election, the Santos campaign hired an outside research firm to provide an internal vulnerability report detailing aspects of the candidate’s past.

Such reports are typically used in the early stages of a campaign when candidates are preparing for potential attacks from their opponents. The report on Santos included questions that surfaced about his marriage, his family’s link to the Holocaust, and alleged ties to “companies that have been accused of fraud and scamming customers.”

The report’s conclusions were circulated among campaign strategists for top House Republicans and were so condemning that several campaign aides urged Santos to drop out of the race.

When he refused, his own aides resigned.

Nassau County Republicans are upset and united in calling for Santos’ resignation.

The subject has become such a major embarrassment to constituents in New York and members of the nation’s highest legislative body.

When former Rep. Tom Suozzi announced he would not seek re-

David W. Marshall election for New York’s 3rd Congressional District, Santos defeated Richard Zimmer by eight points, thus denying Democrats the opportunity to hold the House seat in a reliably Democratic district. It became a classic example of Democrats sleeping at the wheel by taking the Santos campaign (and voters) for granted.

While the Democrats assembled their own opposition research before the 2020 election, it missed the most damaging details in Santos’ backstory and credentials. In the case of the 2024 election, we are beyond the red flag warnings regarding election deniers who led efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election result and refused to accept President Biden’s victory.

The danger they pose has consistently been made clear to the American public when election deniers were committed to decertifying election results, remaining steadfast in promoting baseless and debunked theories, falsely claiming that President Biden’s election was stolen, and opposing the counting of Biden’s electoral college votes.

The question remains: will enough voters, particularly in deeply competitive races, still care about the events of Jan. 6 and its long-term consequences when considering important issues such as the economy, the Israel-Hamas war, and the southern border?

Will Black and Latino voters forget that attempts to overturn election results were targeted toward their communities and can likely happen again? As we are approximately 12 months away, the 2024 elections will determine the future control of the White House, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and various state houses nationally. Voters must stay informed and engaged without ignoring the critical facts and testimonies from the Jan. 6 House Select Committee.

We cannot afford to be asleep at the wheel

by not making Jan. 6 a crucial general election issue while remembering the images of rioters storming the U.S. Capitol.

We are fully aware that Republican lawmakers, along with their voters, recognize a corrupt and scandalplagued politician when they see one.

Unfortunately, they often ignore the lies and deceit if it becomes politically advantageous and serves the interests of their culture wars.

When they can get away with not holding corruption accountable, the nation pays a heavy price in rebuilding the trust in democracy and various institutions.

U n d e r s t a n d a b l y, people are getting nervous and upset over the economy, but the stakes are extremely high when election deniers go unchecked.

For all the warning signs facing President Biden, apathy and skepticism from young voters are major concerns. Young people are a valuable voting bloc for Democrats, and their votes and voices should never be taken for granted.

They, too, must be mindful of the consequences and be determined to turn out without apathy.

A spokesman for the Biden campaign called the election “deeply for consequential young people” and pledged to build on a strong turnout from younger voters in the 2022 midterm elections.

This can be a challenge going into next year. Some of the Biden administration’s biggest accomplishments, such as infrastructure funding and lowering prescription drug prices, don’t necessarily resonate as much with younger voters.

On the other hand, childcare, affordable housing, and student loans are bigger priorities for them. The attack on the U.S. Capitol has changed everything.

In the foreseeable future, the primary issue on voting ballots is not “Bidenomics” or the southern border crisis but rather election deniers and their willingness to overturn any democratically held election they believe was ‘stolen.’

(David W. Marshall is the 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. davidwmarshallau thor.com>.)

created a grant program modeled on SAH, which began awarding grants in October. Similar efforts are under consideration in a number of other states.

In another example of innovation and collaboration, in Lockport, Louisiana, a new development of 35 homes built to Fortified standards was 90% complete when Hurricane Ida made landfall in August 2021. The storm caused catastrophic property damage elsewhere along the coast but barely scratched the homes at Les Maisons de Bayou Lafourche. A climate resilience grant from the Louisiana Office of Community Development and Louisiana Homes Corporation helped support the project, where a majority of homes are set aside for people earning 50–60% of the area median income, with residency preferences for veterans, individuals with disabilities, and seniors—the people who are often

most at risk from climate disasters.

While established mitigation standards for other types of natural disasters are still emerging, programs like SAH and Les Maisons show us what’s possible in the face of increasing weather risks and unstable insurance markets.

According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, mitigation saves up to $13 per $1 invested.

Instead of spending billions of dollars on disaster recovery every year, we should be investing in resilience from the start. That means putting in place stronger building codes that incorporate proven, affordable climateresilient standards like Fortified. It also means dramatically scaling up funding and incentives to help retrofit existing homes to be more resilient.

Changing the way we do business to prioritize resilience requires partnership between the pub-

lic and private sectors, including: state insurance regulators, state legislatures, public and private insurance providers, home builders, contractors, and homeowners.

Philanthropy can also play a role by supporting promising approaches to building and retrofitting homes that protect the health and wealth of homeowners, especially those who are most vulnerable to climate-related harm. Stabilizing insurance markets starts with strengthening homes, families, and communities. We know what needs to be done, and we need to do it now.

(Eleanor Kitzman is the CEO/co-founder of MyStrongHome, PBC, which provides construction, finance and insurance services to coastal homeowners.

Kitzman served as insurance commissioner in both her adopted home state of South Carolina and her home state of Texas.)

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

Page 5 Continuations Nashville PRIDE Black America... from page 1 V.P. Harris... from page 1 Miss Saundra Williams, a Pageant as a national impact as the founder of December 1, 2023

jobs in energy, land, and water use and management.

2) Supporting women-owned businesses: Facilitating increased access to banking, financial services, networks, markets, and technical assistance for women in critical sectors 3) Eliminating barriers: Advancing STEM education for girls and addressing obstacles to women’s economic participation in energy, land, and water use and management.

Under the WISE umbrella, flagship initiatives include the Engendering Industries program, focusing on creating economic opportunities for women in sectors like water, agriculture, energy, and information technology.

The Climate Gender

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Equity Fund (CGEF), a public-private partnership under the direction of USAID, promotes financial inclusion for women-led organizations in climate finance for long-term economic growth.

Global commitments from governments include Australia, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, and Norway, each contributing significant to support funds women’s economic participation and empowerment.

Administration officials confirmed that the private sector, philanthropic organizations, and civil society are participants. active Major players such as Amazon, CARE, Citi, LinkedIn, Mastercard Impact Fund, PepsiCo, Reckitt, Unilever, and

the Visa Foundation commit substantial financial resources to promoting women’s economic empowerment.

In reinforcing the U.S. commitment, Harris announced a contribution of $163 million to advance women’s economic security domestically and globally. Collectively, partners are pledging over $900 million, marking a historic step towards fostering women’s participation in the sustainable economy. “This initiative not only aligns with the APEC theme but also represents a bold stride in the global pursuit of gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainable development,” administration officials said in a release.

Don Lemon... from page 1 His work as a journalist includes countless global breaking news stories from the anchor desk, as well as on location. He has covered the war in Ukraine, for which he received a Peabody award in 2022.

Also, the death of Osama Bin Laden, the inaugurations of the 44th and 45th Presidents of the United States, the school shootings in Uvalde, Texas and Newtown, Connecticut, and the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Freddie Gray, George Floyd and Tyre Nichols.

Lemon was born March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the son of Katherine Marie (Bouligney) and Wilmon Lee Richardson. His father was a

prominent attorney, who was part of a lawsuit successfully challenging segregation of public transportation in Baton Rouge. He is of mostly African-American ancestry, along with Creole; his maternal grandmother was the daughter of a black mother and a white father, who had French and Scots-Irish ancestry.

He attended Baker High School, a public high school in the town of Baker in East Baton Rouge Parish, and was voted class president during his senior year.

Lemon attended Louisiana State University and later graduated from Brooklyn College with a major in broadcast journalism. While at Brooklyn College, he

interned at WNYW. He worked for Fox affiliates in St. Louis and Chicago for several years, and was a correspondent for affiliates in NBC Philadelphia and Chicago before joining CNN as a correspondent in 2006.

CommenceTSU ment will include 328 undergraduate students and 324 graduate students. University officials encourage graduates and guests to arrive one hour before the ceremony due to parking.

While masks are not required, this is flu season and everyone is asked to exercise caution. Commencement will be live streamed from the University’s YouTube channel at www.tnstate.edu/livestream

Jan. 6 insurrection... from page 1 outlined her vision for the proposed committee.

She urged Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to create a Jan. 6 Select Committee to issue subpoenas to the original commission members, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and the witnesses who testified during the initial investigation.

“I’m calling on @SpeakerJohnson to create a Jan. 6 Select Committee. Releasing the tapes is not enough!

There needs to be investigations and accountability for all of the lies, deceit, and lives ruined,” Greene wrote in her post.

Johnson recently announced the release of thousands of hours of security footage from Jan. 6, 2021, when proTrump rioters attempted to disrupt the certification of President Biden’s election. The mob rushed the Capitol after a Trump rally, some with a noose in hand, and publicly called for the hanging of Trump’s Vice President Mike Pence and Pelosi. Five law enforcement officers eventually died because of the insurrection.

Despite concerns raised by Democrats and left-leaning groups about the potential security threats posed by publicizing the footage, Johnson claimed releasing the video would help with transparency.

“This decision will provide millions of Americans, criminal defendants, public interest organizations, and the media an ability to see for themselves what happened that day rather than having to rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials,” Johnson said.

The House panel that previously probed the Capitol attack presented substantial evidence linking the now fourtimes-indicted Trump to the incident. Following the panel’s unanimous

vote recommending the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate Trump for various charges, more than 1,100 individuals have been charged in connection with the insurrection. Trump now faces 91 felony charges, many of which are related to the insurrection.

In her post, Greene expressed the new committee’s goal of making similar criminal referrals. She asserted that, under a hypothetical second term for Trump, these referrals would lead to investigations by a Trump-led DOJ. Sen. Mike Lee (RUtah) joined the chorus of calls for scrutiny into the handling of the Capitol attack by the House Jan. 6 Committee. Lee questioned committee members’ “selective” approach, particularly former Reps.

Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), the only Republicans on the committee, after security footage was released.

“Why didn’t Liz Cheney and [Adam Kinzinger] ever refer to any of these tapes?” Lee wrote on X, suggesting that the committee may have overlooked crucial evidence favoring their narrative.

New York Democratic Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, ranking member of the House Administration Committee, condemned Johnson’s decision to release tapes, calling it “unconscionable” and threatening the safety of colleagues, staff, visitors,

and the nation.

“It is unconscionable that one of Speaker Johnson’s first official acts as a steward of the institution is to endanger his colleagues, staff, visitors, and our country by allowing virtually unfettered access to sensitive Capitol security footage,” Morelle said.

“That he is doing so over the strenuous objections of the security professionals within the Capitol Police is outrageous.

This is not transparency; this is dangerous and irresponsible.”

The Congressional Integrity Project (CIP) also expressed their concerns. Hannah Muldavin, a senior adviser at CIP and former spokesperson for the select committee, accused Johnson of prioritizing loyalty to the far right over national security.

“Speaker Johnson’s release of the Jan. 6 tapes is a serious security concern and shows that his allegiance like Kevin McCarthy’s before him, is to Donald Trump and the ultraright-wing faction of the House,” Muldavin said.

“Not only did Johnson vote against certifying the 2020 election, but he was a leader of the legal campaign to overturn it and continues to be a danger to our democracy today. The Jan. 6 Select Committee worked with U.S. Capitol Police to ensure no sensitive material was released to the public. Johnson releasing the tapes does the exact opposite.”

the ‘American Institute of Positivity.’ ‘The Seeds of Positivity,’ the term ‘Positivity,’ and the ‘Success Seekers Seminars’ hosted by the institute are all works Anderson authored. His influence transcends the pageant, as does his vision, which surpasses the conventional.

Aleta Anderson, Morris’s daughter, said that it’s critical to recognize the differences between the Miss Black America Pageant and a Black Miss America pageant. “I’ve been working with this pageant since I was a little girl,” Anderson said.

“The thing that it originally was meant is still there, and it means so much more in that it provides an opportunity for the young women to participate.”

Established in 1968, the organization carved its path, boasting a syndicated television network to showcase Black women’s often-overlooked beauty, talent, and intelligence in mainstream pageants. “Miss Black America was always a pageant of access,” Anderson told the Black Press. “It wasn’t a beauty pageant, but a story of Black beauty, and of confidence, and self-esteem. And it continues to be a part of our learning process as we now have all these platforms of exposure.”

college student from Philadelphia, made history as the first Miss Black America. She used her platform to showcase an enchanting traditional African dance and to challenge the long-standing exclusion of Black women from the Miss America pageant. “Miss America does not represent us because there has never been a Black girl in the pageant,” Williams once said. In 1970, Cheryl Browne became the first Black Miss America contestant, and Vanessa Williams secured the historic title in 1983.

Over 50 distinguished women will compete for the Miss Black America title this year, joining the ranks of past champions such as Oprah Winfrey, Toni Braxton, Bern Nadette Stanis, and Nicole Hibbert. Anderson underscored the pageant’s lasting relevance as a symbol of hope for young women. The pageant was originally created to celebrate Black beauty, confidence, and self-esteem. Now it has become a platform for challenging traditional ideas of beauty and providing needed exposure.

Anderson emphasized the pageant’s diversity, which transcended social, economic, and educational limitations. She described the Miss Black America

and global event that has shaped American history since 1968.

“We have so many young women in the pageant and just because it’s the Miss Black America pageant doesn’t mean it isn’t diverse,” Anderson argued. “The diversity exceeds socioeconomic status, and our education because the way we are educated is different. Every woman who has participated is vested and becomes a lifelong participant and we have so many coming back to Atlantic City to pay homage.”

The first-ever senior Miss Black America will be crowned, Anderson believes, marking a historic event that will give the competition a new dimension. She promised to commemorate J. Morris Anderson’s devotion to Black women by keeping the pageant going forward as a legacy program.

“I want everyone to walk away with the feeling that anything is possible and that they have the support and a window of opportunity,” Anderson said. “It doesn’t start in Atlantic City, it starts before. Getting there and showing up, being highly motivated, and having a feeling of going into this that they are now a part of something that provides an experience that elevates the rest of their lives.”

Rosalynn Carter... from page 2 memory could be made to the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program or the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.

“He had this great integrity and still does.

And she did too,” Biden said. “God bless them.”

After speaking with the family, Biden learned that Jimmy Carter’s children and grandchildren were by his side during wife’s final his moments. The White House later issued an official joint statement from President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, lauding Rosalynn Carter’s inspirational impact on the nation.

Former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush also paid their respects, praising Carter’s dignity and strength.

“There was no greater advocate of President Carter, and their partnership set a wonderful example of loyal-

ty and fidelity,” Bush stated.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia emphasized Carter’s compassionate nature and commitment to various causes. “The state of Georgia and the United States are better places because of Rosalynn Carter,” Ossoff said.

“May Rosalynn Carter’s memory be a blessing.”

President Vice Kamala Harris acknowledged Carter’s redefinition of the First Lady’s role and her life of service, faith, compassion, and moral leadership.

“Her legacy will be a beacon for generations to come,” Harris said.

Former First Lady Melania Trump expressed her condolences, noting Carter’s meaningful legacy and servant’s heart. “May she rest in peace,” Melania Trump wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

described Carter as a “saintly and revered public servant,” highlighting her historic diplomatic missions and advocacy for mental health. Pelosi offered condolences to the Carter family.

Bill and Hillary Clinton, in a joint statement, referred to Carter as a champion of human dignity. They praised her advocacy for mental health and childhood immunization and her work with the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama shared a personal connection, revealing that Carter offered advice during their periodic lunches at the White House.

“Today, Barack and I join the world in celebrating the remarkable legacy of a first lady, philanthropist, and advocate who dedicated her life to lifting up others,” Obama said.

Education Dept... from page 2 disabilities, representing 17% of K-12 enrollment, accounted for 29% of students with one or more out-ofschool suspensions.

Restraint and seclusion: • Approximately 52, 800 K–12 students were subjected to physical or mechanical restraint and seclusion, with boys, Black students, and students with disabilities overrepresented.

Access to advanced courses: • More than half of high schools nationwide do not offer calculus or

computer science, disproportionately affecting Black and Latino students.

• Black students, representing 15% of high school enrollment, accounted for only 10% in AP computer science and 6% in AP mathematics.

Access to teachers and other school staff: • Approximately 522, 400 students attended schools where fewer than half of the teachers met state certification requirements, with 66% being Black and Latino students.

• Four percent of high school students attended schools with no school counselors.

Access to the internet and devices: • Students’ internet access varied by state, with Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia reporting 99% or more of their schools connected to the internet.

• Florida (66%) and Alaska (52%), respectively, reported the lowest percentage of schools connected to the internet.

Nashville PRIDE Newspaper The Voice of a proud community

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Page 6

Nashville PRIDE

Pastor, Pew, & Pulpit

Faith of A Mustard Seed

by Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. The nerve of God to take me to some places in my proclamation of the word that I would never have gone standing in the preaching context. To be sure it was not part of the preparation that is written for this task. The nerve of God! I received the blessing of proclamation extended from the Covenant Community Church in Indianapolis for Thanksgiving Sunday 2023. I rose from my seat to begin this task with nothing in my hands. No pen, no manuscript, not even a Bible did I put in my hands for this task appointed in preaching.

I said that Dr. Benjamin Mays, (and I, on Monday’s rising, was in remembrance of the fact that while in Seminary I MISSED NEVER CHAPEL, Tuesdays & Thurs-days… the Interdenom-inational Theological Center Chapel was like ‘a Box of —your Chocolates never knew’) but in my will to let God take control of my ‘Preparation of THIS Sermon’ Dr. Mays’ name came up.

He often hung out in our Chapel as though during his latter years, in retirement, THIS was one of his chosen spaces.

I delivered the word that Dr. Mays spoke one day in Chapel when he was the Preacher, saying “When I was young I could deliver The Preached Word without any form of written manuscript. Now I’m old and I don’t stand in this place without… a manuscript.”

He put his glasses on and read his MesI then told sage.

Covenant that “I am the exact opposite of Dr.

Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. Mays in THIS. During the Days of my youth I maintained my manuscript —Preparation AND Delivery. Now”, I told The Church, “I am bold enough to stand in this place and just ‘Let God’ use me in Proclamation.” The NERVE of God! The text taken was from the sermon on the mount where Jesus says "no one can serve two masters either he will love one, and hate the other…”. Subject: “Serving Two Masters”.

So as not to linger in this space any longer concerning the word of God that came, to me first, and to the Covenant Church Community (to include several members of my family on this day; my Delta Line sister Shirley Lewis Johnson whom I've known since we were 18 years old as freshman at Tennessee state University; two of my students from Bennett College where I was their Chaplin;) not to linger on such a great and powerful blessing given to us IN the Church to close out the 2023 season of thanksgiving. “The NERVE of God!”... to be... Continued!

Into The Christmas Season is a ‘Do It NOW’ procrastination of my 2023 life. I guess it can be considered ‘A

New Year’s Resolution’: in the formation of a new “Study Group”!

It will be BIBLE/LIFE in scope so that the churched AND unchurched can find a place of reverence for their individual life… online starting January 2024. For the seriously inquiring minds of ultimate concern as well as any life who has the desire to ‘start their journey’ into... ultimate concern.

I have come to see Dr. Clark’s teaching that there is “ONLY TWO types of Sermons: 1 One) “Text Led”.

Where your TEXT (and only ONE TEXT; (so many Clark students NEVER GOT that the very minute you introduced a SECOND TEXT was when he came bursting through the door from the Lab waiving his infamous ‘Red Handkerchief’).

“ONE TEXT... Led” inTo LIFE. NO GOOD to spend your entire message in the TEXT (as most preachers do).

You absolutely have to SHOW US “LIFE” from your Text. It’s The “What About Me”!

And, 2 Two) “Life Led”.

From LIFE into the TEXT. This 2024 study will be “Life Led”. A methodology in the study of LIFE that will lead us into Bible. Indicate your will to join this group by text: (WOW) revelation!

Seeing just NOW that TEXT=SCRIPTURE, MESSAGE=SERMON… has evolved for this generation to text=phone communication, message=messy age of transmission of alternate truth, dares and lies? The nerve of... man! myfathersmansion press@gmail.com

Faithful utterances It glitters but it’s not gold

by Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew As a child, the expression ‘all that glitters isn’t gold’ was a reminder that everything that looks good isn’t always as it appears.

Many of us have purchased jewelry that to the eye appeared to be of value but it was only a shiny bauble, a piece of bright but cheap, glass jewelry. Shiny baubles can also be Christmas ornaments, something that we use only once a year. These items do not last. Yet we are not only attracted to things that glitter and shine for special events, but there is a desire to go after things that are often meaningless.

It's so easy to be attracted to things that look good on the outside. But we often do not take the time to discover more. I think about this even in relationships.

Up-and-coming artists and athletes are often bombarded with attention, especially from those with harmful intentions. These ‘newly arrived’ friends and love interests would have never given many of these celebrities the time of day before they became famous. But because of the opportunities, notoriety, and money, they suddenly have an entourage who will leave as soon as those things disappear.

When there is nothing left to benefit from, those starstruck individuals will be ‘on to the next one.’ The Bible reminds us about the importance of being ‘equally yoked’ in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. A yoke is a wooden beam sometimes used between a pair of oxen or other animals to enable them to pull together on a load when working in pairs.

If they are not working together, one will put

against the other—and they will not complete the task. When they are yoked together, they will pull together. Animals that were yoked were the same.

You would not see a donkey yoked with an ox because of the differences in height and strength. A young man asked me recently about advertising for clients. I shared that I’ve been blessed because my clients typically are from word of mouth. It’s important to me that my spirit connects to the client and the work. Otherwise, I will not be effective. I’ve realized over the years that all money is not good money. I’ve had clients in the past who have drained me, and the cost was much more than what I was being paid.

Being equally yoked is not just about intimate relationships. We must be concerned about the people we conduct business with and allow in our sanctuary spaces.

Without similar values and vision, it can result in moving in a direction that can be detrimental.

The story of Samson and Delilah in Judges 13-16 is an example of what happens when we are not connected to the right people. Samson from birth was to be set apart. He had a mission from God. His parents made sure he kept the vows given to him by the angel of God. But as he grew up, Samson decided to do things differently than what he was taught.

Samson’s parents questioned his relationship with his first wife, and she ultimately betrayed him. “But Samson said to his father, ‘Get her for me. She’s the right one for me,’” Judges 14:3. Samson was focused on what he wanted at the moment

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew and failed to think about the long-term consequences of this relationship. Ultimately, she was afraid of those in her community because of their demands to know the answer to Samson’s riddle. Upon the demise of this relationship, Samson continued to pursue women that were not in alignment with the plan for his life as a judge.

Samson’s desire for women became his downfall. This continued, which cost him his life because of his lust interest—Delilah. It's easy to look down on Samson. Yet, we all have allowed our desires to take control instead of seeking God first for wisdom. We want what we want. We choose partners based solely on looks or status instead of character and commitment. How can we make sure our desires are God’s desires for our lives? Everything that looks and sounds good can turn out to be a façade. When we only focus on what’s on the outside, it will damage us even more on the inside.

(Dr. Froswa’ BookerDrew is the host of the Tapestry podcast and the author of three books for women. She is also the vice president of Community Affairs for the State Fair of Texas.

To learn more, visit <drfroswa.com>.)

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December 1, 2023

Expressions of Faith It's all in Him (part 6)

by Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 2:5.

When we spend time with Christ we will have His mind, knowing the will of God for our lives, and living a victorious life. Let's continue to be ‘in the Him’ with the next move of God. Stop looking for validation and knowledge of God in you. Declare yourself! If you need people to accept you or to be confirmed by you, you will only be a people pleaser and not a true person to yourself and others. For you’re doing only what needs to be done to meet the approval of others—not to win in life the blessings of God. Believe in yourself and take God with you in everything you do. committed!

Be Through commitment, you can gain motivation pursue success. to in Include yourself achieving great goals for life. Staying committed is crucial. It will keep you fresh and focused.

Rather than focusing on the results, take the steps to achieve success in God. You are a conduit [channel] for change.

Change is the law of life and those of us who

know it and do it are certain to have a bright future. Our focus is not the past, but the present.

As powerful people, we step to the forefront and the front of the line to get things done. Without change, growth is not possible. This is why we have a special ability.

We are on the cutting edge for the blessing of God, which is upon us.

This is our assignment from God: Do what needs to be done, because it is the will of God for our life. Your life is about building, strengthening, and making life better. You don't have a take over spirit; you have a take charge spirit. We don't waste time; we get it done and done right. Do it and get it done for the glory of God. When God sees that your work is for His Glory, God will give you the victory. We do what you have been assigned to do for the glory of God. Then we move out of the way and watch God place His hands on us for His stamp of approval. This will make it even greater. Your are victorious in God. Do your part and watch God make it greater.

Succeed on purpose.

Do what you do on purpose. Godly people are more gifted than ungodly people. The work that we do is the will of

Bishop-Elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. God's divine purpose for our life. We are created to accomplish more in a day than most people do in a lifetime. We have great work practices and there is a guarantee that we are going to reach the goal, because we come in Jesus’ name. We live in a created, structured environment that is the Kingdom of God—a structured environment described and conditioned under which we learn, grow, develop, and understand what is expected of us. You will know the specific tasks that are expected of you in a certain order, and at a certain time, because it is the timing of God. You have clear thinking to focus on what's important. You are reminded by the Holy Spirit on what to do and how to do it. It's not an unstructured environment; it's a created, structured environment that says this is the will of God for your life.

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 scientology ccnashville.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 clevelandstreetbaptistchurch.com Dr. Donald Snead, pastor Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church 819 33rd Avenue N. Nashville, TN 37209 (615) 977-6855 Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Wed. Worship: 7:30 PM Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor Ezra Emmanuel Ministries 2606 Union Hall Rd. Clarksville, TN 37040 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

916 16th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37208 615-942-5261 Sunday School:9:00am Sunday Service: 10:00am Tues. Bible Study: 6:30pm nehemiahmissionar ybaptistchurch.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

John Wesley UMC 901 Benton Avenue 615-298-2019 Sunday worship 8am/11am Daniel M. Hayes, Sr. pastor jwesleyumc@ bellsouth.net http://jwesleyumc.org/

Spruce Street Baptist Church 504 Spruce Street Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 329-4105 Worship at 11 a.m.

Pastor Raymond Bowman

Lake Providence MBC 5891 Nolensville Pike Nashville, TN 37211 (615) 833-5539 Sunday worship: 8am/11am Rev. H. Bruce Maxwell, pastor

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

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

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

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.

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

December 1, 2023

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The Jacksons and Boyz II Men come to Schermerhorn Symphony Center in December

By Cass Teague A Nashville favorite, Boyz II Men returns to Schermerhorn Symphony Center to perform their first-ever holiday concert with a symphony. This concert will feature Nathan Aspinall, conductor, with orchestrated versions of R&B originals hits like “End of the Road,” I’ll Make Love to You,” “On Bended Knee,” and “Motownphilly,” along with Christmas and holiday hits. Performances are Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30 pm and Wednesday, December 6 at 7:30 pm The Jacksons visit Schermerhorn Symphony Center for one night, only, Monday, December 18 for a 7:30 pm show you don’t wanna miss. Experience the spirit of Motown from one of pop’s most iconic families. Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael – five brothers from Gary, Indiana known as the Jackson 5

– rose to fame for their extraordinary musical talent and spectacular They choreography. became pop royalty, and launched what became Michael Jackson’s legendary solo career.

Original members Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson perform hits including “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” “Sugar Daddy,” “I’ll Be There,” “Maybe Tomorrow,” “The Love You Save,” “Who's Lovin' You,” “Goin' Back to Indiana” and more. Presented without the Nashville Symphony.

In 2023, The Jacksons are celebrating 55 years as one of the most successful groups in music history.

The group found international success at Motown in 1969, their first single “I Want You Back” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Their next 3 singles “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I'll Be

The Jacksons play Schermerhorn Symphony Center December 18.

There” followed suit, bye” and “Dancing added their brother The Jackson 5 literally Machine.” To date, their Randy and changed their recordings name to The Jacksons. making music history Motown with 4 debut singles all alone have sold in They released five hit reaching No. 1. They excess of 200 million. albums between 1976 ultimately scored 17 Top In 1976, the group, and 1981, including The Forty singles on the Hot except for Jermaine, left Jacksons (1976), Des100, with hits like Motown for Epic tiny (1978) and Triumph “Never Can Say Good- Records, where they (1980), from which they

produced the smash singles “Enjoy Yourself,” “Blame It On The Boogie,” “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “Can You Feel It.” In 1983, the band, along with Jermaine, performed on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, and subsequently released the Victory album the following year, (with the Billboard No. 3 hit ‘State Of Shock’ featuring Mick Jagger). The brothers united for The Victory Tour in 1984 and it became the highestgrossing concert series ever staged in the United States. In 1980, The Jacksons were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

They were inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2016, “ABC” joined “I Want You Back” to be inducted into the Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall of Fame.

Movie Reviews: Napoleon

by Dwight Brown, Film critic It’s hard to be a fearless leader and a little cuckold at the same time. It’s enough to give a man a ‘Napoleon complex.’

The first question Francophiles will ask is why are a British director of Oscar-winning epics (Ridley Scott, and an Gladiator) character American actor (Joaquin Phoenix, Joker) collaborating on a bio/war film about a legendary, diminutive (5’6”), French leader?

Possibly because the film’s name alone sells itself and history buffs will be curious. Scott’s for stylistic rep overblown extravaganzas is another calling card (there will be blood—and war). And the prospect of watching quirky Phoenix analyze the leader and put his spin on the character is another draw.

Napoleon Bonaparte was born on the island of Corsica, on August 15, 1769, a descendant of Italian nobility. An outsider to the French monarchy, he aggressively championed the French Revolution in 1789. Rising from the military ranks, he ruled France from 1799 to 1804 as First Consul, then as its first emperor from 1804 to 1814.

Bonaparte was heralded as a battle-hungry, military strategist who fought wars all over Europe. He and his troops invaded and conquered Iberia (Spain), Italy and forced Austria, Prussia and Russia to coalesce and quake under French domination. Basically, he made most of continental Europe his bitch.

Aside from the warrior life, the conqueror had a wife named Joséphine (Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman), who was married before they met. She was sexy and he was smitten from the start.

During one of their first meetings, they sat across from each other in a parlor. She suggestively opened her legs and purred: “If you look down, you’ll see a surprise. Once you see it you will always want it.”

He did. They tied the knot. She became an empress, but could never bear children and give him an heir. It frayed their relationship.

The script by David Scarpa, a screenwriter with a sparse resume, is a cliff notes approach to Napoleon’s achievements. It’s peppered with rivals, colleagues and friends that passed

through the leader’s life.

It’s like the writer aimed for a cross between a PBS historical drama, a sweeping Doctor Zhivago-type war movie and a ‘backstairs at the palace’ soap opera—one where the empress beds a young man, which publicly humiliates her husband. The hodgepodge of subplots mixes, but not well. Scenes where Napoleon and Josephine make love don’t add an erotic touch. It’s like watching a mutt and the winner of the Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Dog Club Show mating.

And the dialogue isn’t always a big help, either.

Napoleon: “I found the crown of France in the gutter. I picked it up with my sword and placed it on my head.” Really?

Scott seems miffed at finding ways to make the characters threedimensional.

Partial blame goes to Scarpa’s thin writing, which doesn’t match the gravitas, intelligence and imagination of David Franzoni, John Logan and William Nicholson, the Oscar-nominated screenwriters of Scott’s Academy Award-winning Gladiator. That film made the Roman general Maximus larger than life, and no one’s fool. It turned an esoteric historical figure into an icon. This one turns an icon into an esoteric and eccentric wart. Scott is notorious for placing style over substance, story and characters.

Again, his towering production elements shroud the basics.

Noticeably, the first 30 minutes of the footage lack the exquisite lighting and saturated colors that would make the film visually stunning. That’s where cinematographer Dariusz Wolksi (The Martian) comes up short. Nothing gels. He and Scott seem to pick up steam during the war scenes. Once the ferocious ruler steps onto the battlefield, with horses charging, swords waving, cannons exploding and soldiers fighting to the death, the film finds its footing, it’s strength, it’s splendor. Audiences craving verve and galvanizing battles get what they want. Scenes of soldiers crashing through the Satschan frozen ponds during the Battle of Austerlitz, horses being blown to bits, and battalions swarming en masse are indelible For all the money he was paid for this role (estimated $10M), why didn’t Phoenix attempt a French accent. Yes, the

movie is in English, and this isn’t a French production, but fake it.

Make the audience believe in the littlest way that this man is from Corsica and not the U.S.A. The same can be said for the other cast members who play French military and political leaders, who don’t feign anything Gallic.

Kirby is English and doesn’t hide her home accent, but she deserves a pass. She’s the one actor in the entire film who is consistently mesmerizing, regardless.

She works the lighting with her poses. Her softness as she speaks is so beguiling. Her Joséphine is the temptress that turned a world leader into a clown, embarrassing him greatly but not enough for him to completely fall out of love.

Abubakar Salim as Gen. Dumas, the French army’s first four-star general; Edouard Philipponnat as Tsar Alexander, the emperor of Russia during the Napoleonic Wars; and Youssef Kerkour as French military commander Gen. Davout also excel. Ian McNiece as King Louis XVIII, whom Napoleon displaced for 100 days in 1815; and Rupert Everett, as British Field Marshall Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, Napoleon’s rival who ended 23 years of French domination in Europe at the notorious Battle of Waterloo, are excellent too.

Napoleon Bonaparte’s excursions last for two hours and 38 minutes (editors Sam Restivo and Claire Simpson), which by Killers of the Flower Moon standards (three hours and 26 minutes) makes it short and sweet.

If film fans trek to their local cinema, the meticulously staged war sequences, played like chess games, will keep them engaged and intrigued. Especially in IMAX theaters where the horrors will be a gruesome spectacle and views of the Sphinx will amaze. The film may play well one day on streaming services too, but some of the movie’s majesty will be lost.

Napoleon was a man who nearly conquered the world; a husband who lost his dignity; an emperor/warrior who died in exile. Surely there was a better way to tell his story—a better way to make a petite man a giant.

(Visit film critic, Dwight Brown, at DwightBrownInk.com.)

Joaquin Phoenix in Napoleon (photo courtesy of Sony/Apple Original Films).

THEME: Math 101 ACROSS 1. Loaded up 6. Tube in old TV 9. Pouches 13. Tequila source 14. Stick in water 15. Jig's French cousin 16. TV's "_________ Secretary" 17. Money in Myanmar 18. Photoshop maker 19. *Result of multiplication 21. *Whole number 23. *Say 2+2 is 5, e.g.

24. Arctic floater 25. Dashboard acronym 28. Fountain serving 30. Spanky or Alfalfa 35. Short for "hurry up" 37. Live bait 39. Turn upside down 40. Cassette contents 41. Retire from military, for short 43. Jason's vessel 44. Sicker 46. "Sight for __ eyes" 47. Puppy cry 48. Denver option, at a diner 50. Apartment 52. Green turtle's domain 53. Final 55. Personal trainer's place of employment 57. *Venn ____ 61. *Point in 2.5 65. Barrel racing meet 66. Gobbled up 68. On the rocks (2 words) 69. *Fields Medal to a mathematician, e.g.

70. Sports official, for short 71. 8 of something 72. Like Gulf Stream 73. Big bang maker 74. Required things DOWN 1. “I lift my _______ beside the golden door” 2. Petri dish gel 3. Carpenter's groove 4. Dodge, as in tax bill 5. Takes exception to 6. Native Egyptian, in Roman times

7. *Line with one endpoint 8. Path in the woods 9. Left or right, e.g.

10. Awestruck 11. *Three-dimensional figure with 6 square faces 12. Palm reader, e.g.

15. Cake with filling 20. Three people?

22. Neither here ____ there 24. Subcontract (2 words) 25. *1:2, e.g.

26. Sacred song 27. Canada's favorite tree?

29. “Nobody ____ It Better” 31. Fix a cat 32. First discovered asteroid 33. *Measured in degrees 34. Parkinson's disease drug 36. Banana remnant 38. Between dawn and noon

42. Brown shade 45. Retread, past tense 49. Non-alcoholic brew 51. Rockefeller or Bezos 54. Like today's phone 56. Kind of pie 57. No-win situation 58. Wisconsin neighbor 59. Jewish month of Purim 60. Disease-causing organism 61. Clever 62. Indoor allergy cause 63. Crushed it, as in a test 64. “___ Make a Deal” 67. *X Solutions from last puzzle

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