Nashville PrIDE February 17, 2023

Nashville PRIDE recognizes Black History Month See page 3

ONlY

© 2023 Multicultural Media Group

NAshville PuRuiuDue ‘The Voice of a Proud Community’

50¢

Visit us on the web at www.pridepublishinggroup.com.

volume XXXvii, Number 7

People Are Talking NAACP opposes bill to abolish civillian, and community oversight of police

Gloria Sweet-Love, president of the Tennessee State Conference of the NAACP, addressing the murder of Tyre Nichols (photo

by Tyrone P. Easley, The New TriState Defender).

The Tennessee State Conference of the NAACP is calling on state lawmakers to oppose SB 0591/HB 0764.

“The bill will abolish the community oversight/civilian review boards in Memphis and Nashville,” said Tennessee NAACP president Gloria Sweet-Love.

“This is a slap in the face to Tennesseans concerned about police accountability in the wake of the killing of Tyre Nichols.”

The bill is sponsored by Sen. Mark Pody and Rep. Elaine Davis, who filed it the week of the video release showing Memphis police officers killing Tyre Nichols.

By proposing this bill, lawmakers are disregarding Memphis residents and Tennessee families traumatized by the Nichols’ killing,” said Sweet-Love.

According to a release by the Tennessee NAACP, the passage of this bill will significantly worsen police-community tensions in the following ways: • prevents oversight/civilian review board investigations of use-of-force incidences prior to July 2023, including an investigation of the officers who killed Tyre Nichols; • threatens ongoing investigations of dozens of excessive force cases in Memphis and Nashville, meaning that officers with known records of bad behavior will continue to work without reprimand; • possibly invalidates existing Memoranda of Understanding and formal policy agreements between oversight boards and police departments; • endangers the employment status of current oversight/review board staff; • gives mayors too much power in handpicking candidates to oversight/review board members without input from voters, impacted constituents, and civil rights groups.

“At the State of the State address, Gov. Bill Lee said the ‘courage [of the Nichols family], along with the compassion shown by the people of Memphis, is a picture of hope.’ However, abolishing review and oversight boards turns this picture of hope into one of despair and is a step backwards in the march towards police reform,” said Sweet-Love.

The Tennessee NAACP is calling upon state lawmakers, the governor, and the Memphis and Nashville police chiefs to oppose this bill, and in turn, to support a culture of healing during these trying times.

The Nashville PRIDE Newspaper is on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: @pridenews

Printed on 100% recycled paper

Nashville, TN

February 17, 2023

Racist Buffalo gunman gets life in prison after chaotic court appearance

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent An emotional sentencing hearing for the 19-year-old white man who killed 10 Black people at a Buffalo grocery store in 2022 was abruptly interrupted when an enraged man charged at the defendant.

Chaos ensued as the sister of victim Katherine Massey spoke to the avowed racist gunman Payton Gendron before his sentence for the racist killings at Tops Friendly Markets on May 14.

“You killed my sister,” Barbara Massey screamed out at Gendron.

“I will hurt you so bad. I’m not gonna be nice. Kat was my sister. I want to personally choke you out.”

She chastised the murderer, telling him, “You don’t know a damn thing about Black people. We’re human. We like our kids to go to good schools. We love our kids. We never go to no neighborhoods to take people out.”

Immediately, an unidentified man wearing a gray running suit leaped toward Gendron, prompting authorities to rush the shooter out of the court-

room. After everyone returned to the courtroom, Judge Susan Egan of Erie County remarked about the tense situation, acknowledging the pain experienced by the victims’ families.

“We must conduct ourselves appropriately because we are all better than that,” Egan said.

Gendron then offered an apology and acknowledged his crime.

“I shot and killed people because they were Black,” he said. “I believe what I read online and acted out the hate and now I can’t take it back. I wish I could,” he lamented.

Last May, Gendron traveled to Buffalo where he admittedly targeted a specific Buffalo zip code that he’d determined was all-or-mostly-Black.

He entered the Tops Supermarket and commenced his racially charged massacre.

A document he previously posted online championed the bigoted socalled “replacement theory,” so Gendron decided to kill as many African Americans as possible.

Egan sentenced Gendron to life in prison.

“There is no place for you or your

Chaos ensued as the sister of victim Katherine Massey spoke to the avowed racist gunman Payton Gendron before his sentence for the racist killings at Tops Friendly Markets on May 14. ignorant, hateful and evil ideologies in a civilized society,” Eagan told Continued on page 7

Davidson Co. Register of Deeds warns homeowners – deed letter is a scam Letter says deed was transferred – property owner must pay fee Local homeowners once again have received mailings falsely claiming that the deed to their property has been transferred and recorded, and that to obtain a copy, they must send a payment to a fraudulent address, according to Nashville Davidson County Register of Deeds Karen Johnson.

“We, along with the Trustee’s office, have had a number of calls from concerned homeowners who got false information about the deed to their property being transferred,” Johnson said. “We had one gentleman who had the good sense to come into our office to ask what the mailing meant and did he have to pay the $89 ‘service fee’ that was mentioned.

“These mailings alarm property owners, even causing some to worry that they might have lost their homes because the letter says their deed has been transferred.”

Johnson stressed that the Nashville Davidson County Register of Deeds

Register of Deeds Karen Johnson’s office is warning homeowners of a scam letter that is currently circulating.

Office, where all property documents among the fastest growing crimes in in Metro Nashville are recorded, never the United States, according to law sends out any such mailing informing enforcement. But local homeowners owners that the deed to their property can protect themselves and their prophas been transferred. “Nor,” she said, erty by signing up for the Nashville “do we ever mail out or email any Davidson County Property Alert Prorequest for payment of any kind.” gram.

The mailing in question says a “We strongly encourage all propercopy of the deed can be obtained if ty owners in Nashville/Davidson $89 (by check or money order, or by County to sign up for our Property providing credit card information) is Alert,” Register Johnson said. “This is sent to a St. Petersburg, Fla. address. It the best way to know quickly and officarries an official-looking ‘Clerk’s cially if any action has been taken on Property Office’ logo that is bogus.

Continued on page 7 Property and mortgage fraud are

Metro Nashville prepares for 60th birthday celebration

Mayor John Cooper and Deputy Mayor Brenda Haywood Mayor John Cooper and Deputy panel discussion titled ‘The ConsolidaMayor for Community Engagement tion and the Role of the African AmerBrenda Haywood announced the city’s ican Community.’ The event will be at plans to celebrate the 60th anniversary the Lentz Public Health Center on of Nashville and Davidson County 2500 Charlotte Avenue from 5:30–7 with a series of events and milestones pm. on Tuesday.

Continued on page 7 On February 27, Metro will host a

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Free tax prep program kicks off across Middle TN United Way of Greater Nashville and partner agencies have kicked off the 19th annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) free tax prep program.

Through VITA, IRS-certified tax preparers provide free tax preparation services to individuals and families who earned $70,000 or less per household in 2022, helping qualifying individuals receive important credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit that lift millions out of poverty each year.

Now through April, United Way is partnering to operate 20 VITA sites throughout Middle Tennessee, including nine locations in Davidson County: • Conexión Américas, 2195 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, Tenn.: Open Jan. 30-April 18, Monday Continued on page 7

Local

Nashville PRIDE

Page 2

Cancer…My Journey in time: When i need to say ‘no’

by Wanda Clay Sometimes what we see is not what it seems. People may see friends, family and loved ones carrying on after (or during) a serious illness as though they are back to their ‘old selves.’ We must be diligent in taking care of those individuals involved in circumstances which may not be as they appear. We have our needs, but they may have greater needs that affect the quality of their health.

It has been a couple years since Rev. Enoch pastor of Fuzz, Corinthian MBC, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Most recently he has preached sermons at his church, as well as participating in a number of community activities. There have even been appearances on the news to make a statement of great importance concerning an important issue.

Because we have seen these public activities, seen pleasant pictures, and have read the reports of his continuous slow healing, it is our desire that he is at 100% capacity to operate as he used to. But

Rev. Enoch Fuzz are we really considering the reality of his health issues? Or might we be acting selfish concerning our own needs for his assistance in a variety of areas in which we feel he can help?

Rev. Fuzz has made the following statement in asking the public to help him in his healing: “It's truly amazing how many people are asking for my time, assistance and input on their various things—fundraisers, community events, phone calls, Black history, observances, meetings, interviews and so on. I'm not gonna say ‘no’ to everyone, but I must cut back at least 75% for my health to regenerate.”

Rev. Fuzz has a wealth of knowledge and avenues to get what the people need, not by just listening but by taking action to make things happen. A 75% cutback is a lot for a person who has difficulty saying ‘no’ to any and all requests that are asked of him, especially because it is a part of what he was born to do. However, he asks that you not only continue to pray for his healing, but also help him to heal.

“Well, I know according to my doctors, Enoch Fuzz needs to rest in order to heal,” he said. “Rest and sleep are two of the most boring things in life to me but my doctors told me that they are the best thing I can do to heal my health.

And I will get well if I take care to rest. Please allow me to heal. It's gonna take another 18 months. Then I'll be able to help everyone.”

He asks for that help, simply said, and “Thank you.”

Pray, enjoy and share Rev. Fuzz’s Meta postings and weekly ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time’ and all aspects of his life’s journey.

The sporting life: quANTuMANia edition

By Cass Teague Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” is an epic sci-fi adventure featuring twists, turns and action-packed excitement. It’s the third film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) led by Super Heroes Scott Lang / Ant-Man (played by Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne / The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly). This is a must-see film for MCU fans, as it sets the stage for most of the next big things from Marvel for years to come and really introduces us to Kang. The visual effects are mindblowing, and Kang is simply terrifying and amazing, and one of the most intriguing characters in the MCU, played by one of the most captivating actors working today.

Scott Lang is an ordinary guy who accidentally became a Super Hero — an Avenger, no less, who literally saved the world.

Life is good in San Francisco, as Scott enjoys promoting his book and treasures his relationship with Hope, enjoying time together atop the Golden Gate Bridge as Ant-Man and The Wasp, and hanging out with Hope’s parents, Hank (Michael Douglas) and Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer). More than anything, Scott wants to make up for lost time with his daughter, Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), now 18. “He’s missed half her life,” says screenwriter Jeff Loveness.

“One of the most fun things about ‘Quantumania’ is that the first

two ‘Ant-Man’ [movies] are basically Earthbound—San Francisco,” says director Peyton Reed. “They’re really fun and you get to juxtapose the shrinking and growing to what we know around us. But what happens if we take these characters we’re familiar with and throw them into this environment that’s completely alien to them?"

“While retaining the intimacy of the family story, we decided we wanted to go really big,” says director Peyton Reed. “And to do that, we needed a world-class villain in a movie like this. As a kid who grew up reading all the comics, I always loved Kang the Conqueror. He was one of the great antagonists in the comics.”

Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors) is quite possibly the biggest threat the MCU has ever encountered, with multiple versions of the villain—each more terrifying than the last. Time, it seems, is Kang’s secret weapon, and he intends to use his unique understanding of it to conquer worlds far beyond the Quantum Realm.

Kang is able to expe-

Jonathan Majors is Kang in Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp Quantumania. rience past, present and future at the same time.

Known as He Who Remains in “Loki,” this new and profoundly dangerous version of Kang intends to up his game, triggering a concerted effort from Scott, Hope, Janet, Hank and Cassie to stop him before it’s too late.

“I think the film is ultimately about our relationship to time as human beings and how time plays within our relationships,” says Majors. “Love, friendship, legacy: That’s what the story is about and every character from Hank to Janet to Scott— all of us are touched by that and deal with the threat or promise of time in a different way.”

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

February 17, 2023

Black National Anthem questioned during the 2023 super Bowl

by William T. Robinson, Jr. The 2023 Super Bowl, LVII, between the Kansas City Chiefs and The Philadelphia Eagles was one of the best if not the best bowl ever Super played. It was the first time two Black quarterbacks were able to showcase their talent, remembering an overtly prejudiced time when Blacks were falsely deemed not intelligent enough to manifest skills, making them eligible or qualified to be NFL quarterbacks.

Many Americans saw Super Bowl 2023 as a sign that America was making some strides in diversity and equality which are definitely uniting virtues.

So can you believe there are some White conservatives, e.g.: Republican U.S. Rep. Taylor Marjorie Greene, Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert, and Florida GOP politician Lavern Spicer (just to name a few) claiming to be outraged at the inclusion of the National Black Anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ being sung on the field?

They claim that the song written by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson, an African American, is divisive. They assert that we all, as a country, should be united in owing all our allegiance to the national anthem, ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’

Make no mistake, in an effort to show they are Americans who love this country, many Blacks partake in singing ‘The Star Spangled Banner,’ regardless if the love they feel is not reciprocated.

They want to try to feel we are one nation and everyone is accepted and treated equally.

Reality dictates differently. Some Blacks may not participate in singing the national anthem but don’t feel they have the right to deprive others choosing to engage. Some conservative Republicans should take note.

Maybe not known to some, but Black America has a song they honor and revere.

Many Black Americans can truly identify with the strength, struggle, pride, resilience, and religious significant highlighted in the Black national anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’ It is a hymn advocating for liberty for Black Americans, praying and hoping White America can accept and understand

their cry for acceptance. But too many times it falls on deaf ears to Whites who don’t care and don’t even want to hear it.

There within itself, lies the problem. How can you hope someone can understand your pain and struggle when they don’t care? We are seeing the results daily and they are not falsified or diluted. White rebuttal to the Black national anthem says it all.

I guess the biggest dilemma Black Americans share in this country is in hoping to be loved and treated equally by their oppressors. Outbursts by Republican conservatives finding fault in the singing of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ during the Super Bowl only substantiate the hope and desire desperately sought by Black Americans to be loved--a desire that is unlikely to be realized. Some demagogues voicing outrage claim that the Super Bowl is not an event meant to help waken Americans. That supports a continuation of the status quo’s bias and discrimination.

No, no, no, America! We will not let a handful of privileged, entitled, myopic, self serving Whites sell a divisive narrative as they try to stir up more racial hate to feed their base, further dividing this country with their personal treks for power. Naysayers have a right to see the event as they want, but most viewers saw the song as a defining time for this country—especially African Americans who felt proud and inclusive.

Ironically, the Black national anthem has been sung several times during Super Bowl preshows (2021, and 2022) but this was the first time it was aired during the Super Bowl, causing some Americans to show their true colors. Why can’t more Americans White accept things that are not necessarily Eurocentric inspired?

This country’s racism and divisiveness is fueled by a group of people trying to dictate what is best for all of us, i.e., a Eurocentric agenda. Many Blacks seem to be fine with the status quo—no one is disputing that.

If you were White, it is easy to understand why you wouldn’t believe (or even care) how other ethnicities were treated, considering the inherent rights and privileges bestowed upon you at birth.

Whites who stoke the

William T. Robinson, Jr. fire and fuel White supremacy, exclusion, racism, hate and division are experts at spinning and manipulating this narrative. They make the victimizers appear to be the victims. Banning books, spreading lies, and divisive rhetoric are diversions used in their game plan to keep people from being ‘awoken,’ therefore, building their base. Keeping America from being appreciative of all its especially children, Blacks who literally built this country, serves no one. Bringing negative attention to the singing of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ during the Super Bowl is only fanning the fire feeding the extremist Republican base. your Determine own ‘take’ on the singing of the Black national anthem at the Super Bowl by actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph, but I would say Black America was very happy, proud, and unapologetic in sharing their uniting song with America and the world.

Black Americans hearing ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ undergo the same emotions of pride and reverence, if not greater, of so many Americans, hearing the ‘Star Spangled Banner.’ One can’t help but ask if African American feelings are irrelevant when compared to their White counterparts. So much for claiming inclusion when it seems to be all about White assimilation. Hypocrisy has set up roots in this country and apparently is a welcomed inhabitant.

I can attest that Black Americans in general were spell bound by Chris Stapleton’s rendition of the national anthem. He owned it. Sheryl Ralph Lee echoed a phenomenal heartfelt rendition of the Black national anthem.

Why can’t both anthems be accepted and appreciated in this melting pot that we claim is America? Then we can all truly feel like Americans.

ESTATE SALES/ VEHICLES/REAL ESTATE Have you thought about an auction?

“Most money in the shortest time” 1-877-292-6611 or 1-615-292-6619 AUTO AUCTIONS, INC. LIC #42

NAshville P*R*i*D*e

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

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

Table of Contents Front Page .......................... 1 Local.................................... 2 Black History ..................... 3 Church/Continuations....... 7 People Page ........................ 8 Advertise in the Nashville PRIDE Call (615) 292-9150

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

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

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

Nashville PRIDE (USPS 003861) is published weekly for $40.00 for one year, $80.00 for three (3) years by Multicultural Media 5331 Mt View Rd #1072, Nashville, TN 37013.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville TN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Multicultural Media PO Box 60487, Nashville, TN 37206. Service by NNPA wire.

Articles submitted for publication are subject to editorial rights of Multicultural Media. Multicultural Media accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited articles, photographs, or art. For subscriptions and advertising rates call: (615) 292-9150. E-mail - News and Editorials: npnews@ comcast.net Advertising: prideads@comcast.net.

CRD Land + Property Consultants • Agency • Land Sales Strategic Land • Zoning Planning

Call 615-714-1543

February 17, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

BHM 2023

Nashville PRIDE

Page 3

NMAAM hosts a yearlong celebration of hip hop’s 50th anniversary through the lens of industry photographers The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is joining in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. The museum opened its yearlong exhibit, This is Hip Hop, on Thursday, Jan. 19. NMAAM'S Features Gallery will exhibit iconic captures of Hip Hop's origins and cultural impact through the lenses of four legendary artists. During the celebration, the museum curated and spotlighted the history and development of Hip Hop and the genre's most iconic Learn more at performers. www.nmaam.org.

Over a half-century ago, DJ Kool Herc birthed the style and culture we now call Hip Hop when he accidentally played the first breakbeat at a house party in the Bronx, NY. Since then, Hip Hop has influenced social justice movements, infinite genres of music, fashion, art, and culture, and topped music charts all over the world.

The entire Hip Hop culture will be honored and celebrated internationally Continued on page 5

Four photographers with 40+ years of music industry experience will be featured in NMAAM’s yearlong exhibit.

Nashville celebrates Black history Month In 1926 Carter G. Woodson founded the first Black History Week, selecting the second week of February to commemorate the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays were the 12th and 14th, respectively. In the 1940s, efforts began to expand the week to a month, with West Virginia Blacks inaugurating the change.

Known then as Negro History Month, the expanded commemoration began to spread and by the mid-1960s had taken root in Chicago, where cultural activist Frederick H. Hammaurabi, who founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, made the change. Later in that decade, young Black college students all over the country (starting with Kent State in Ohio in February of 1969), who were becoming more politically conscious and active, began changing the name to Black History Month.

In 1974 then-President Gerald Ford met with civil rights leaders Vernon Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Dorothy Height, and Jesse Jackson and two years later made the celebration of Black History Month official. As he said at the time: “We can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

In 2016, Nashville History on Tour guide David Ewing uncovered the lost police arrest records and mugshots of U.S Rep. John Lewis, long forgotten in a Nashville police department archive, and unveiled these artifacts to the congressman.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History notes on its website about the adoption of Black History Month: “Since the mid-1970s, every American president, Democrat and Republican, has issued endorsing the proclamations Association's annual theme.”

Nashville is celebrating the holiday this month at events throughout the city. Listed below are just a few.

Nashville Public Library The Civil Rights Room in the Nashville Public Library is a space for education and exploration of the Civil Rights Collection. The materials

exhibited capture the drama of a time when thousands of African American citizens in Nashville sparked a nonviolent challenge to racial segregation in the city and across the South.

National Museum of African American Music The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) officially opened to the public in January 2021.

Discover the central role African Americans have played in shaping and creating all genres of American music.

From classical to country to jazz and hip hop, NMAAM has integrated history and interactive technology to share the untold story of more than 50 music genres and sub-genres. Tours initially follow a weekend schedule and will be held on Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am-6 pm.

Tennessee State Museum Learn more about Black History at the Tennessee State Museum. The permanent exhibitions feature Black History from the early days of the state’s beginnings through the Civil War and Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movements in Tennessee.

Throughout the month of February, the Tennessee State Museum will honor the stories of some of Tennessee's most noteworthy historic Black businesses with ‘The Legacy of Black Entrepreneurship in Tennessee’ series.

Each Thursday as part of its ‘Lunch & Continued on page 6

February 17, 2023 BHM 2023 www.pridepublishinggroup.com Black history Month special: Read Black Books Page 4

Nashville PRIDE

by Cass Teague There are plenty of options for those seeking good reads during Black History Month, both for adults and children. These titles are a few recommended readings for the month, but they are good to read any time, as well. Also, your local bookstores, especially Alkebu-Lan Images near TSU, have books of interest year round. Another great resource is your Nashville Public Library system, which is an award-winning system that has fantastic resources available free to residents of Nashville / Davidson County of all ages.

“Love is Loud” is the perfect introduction for young children to an inspiring and compelling civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis. As one of the few women leaders of the Civil Rights movement, Diane Nash worked to end segregation with strong words of truth and actions.

Diane Nash fought segregation not with anger or violence, but with love.

This picture-book biography by former ESPN sportscaster Sandra Neil Wallace and acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier honors Diane Nash,

You are cordially invited to a “Teach Me About Malcolm” Book Signing this Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM CST at Alkebu-Lan Images Bookstore, 2721 Jefferson Street, near TSU. Bring the kids! Refreshments will be provided, and author James Wilson, Jr. will read aloud from the book and sign copies.

Cover for Love is Loud. a significant figure in the civil rights movement. The book opens with images of Nash’s parents cradling her as a baby and then of Nash, as a small child, being hugged by her grandmother, highlighting the love that encouraged her activism. Written in direct but poetic phrases, it is a fitting portrayal of Nash, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022.

Errol Pierre is an author, college professor, and highly motivated business executive. His new book “The Way Up” incorporates 2 years of research and writing, 15 lessons from academic research, 11 interviews with Executives of Color, and personal/professional experiences detailing the realities Black people face in today’s workplace. The book delivers a pragmatic and actionable guide to help underrepresented individuals from all ethnic backgrounds uncover their passion to achieve their professional goals and elevate their careers.

“The Way Up” is an intensely personal narrative profiling Pierre’s own journey from working in a beauty salon warehouse to COO for Empire BlueCross BlueShield and offers career-transforming lessons learned along the way. The book also offers guidance from prominent executives

of color and takes a step-by-step approach to understanding the skills and strategies required to move from entry-level and middle management roles to the executive ranks.

Deeply inspirational, the book includes how to harness identitydefining moments and provides a perspective about career advancement that Pierre believes is particularly relevant to people of color: the path is not a corporate ladder, but a mountain that sometimes requires lateral moves and different prep to make it to the top.

“Teach Me About Malcolm” highlights Malcolm X's contributions to the world from an African-Centered perspective. A poetic ode to the late, great, Malcolm X. Children will take a glimpse into the life and times of Brother Malcolm from his childhood until his untimely demise.

Mimconnect’s “in Good Company” virtual Conference & Career Fair

By Cass Teague Nashville Native and Founder of Mimconnect, Netta Dobbins, is doing it again. After a short break due to COVID, she's bringing back Mimconnect's In Good Company Virtual Conference and Career Fair.

First launched at the top of the pandemic to help professionals of color enhance their career, more than 500 attendees were a part of that historic moment.

This year is sure be bigger and better than ever. More professionals looking for jobs in marketing, media, and tech industry are expected to attend.

The conference and career fair is on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 and it starts 9:30 a.m. CST. “In Good Company creates a virtual space for professionals of color to connect, network with companies to build truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environments, and hear from more advanced professionals and thought leaders to gain tips on navigating their careers,” said Netta Dobbins, Founder of Mimconnect. “I hope that

In Good Company becomes one of the staple events emerging professionals attend to secure their first corporate internships, dream roles, and beyond.”

Mimconnect’s 2nd virtual conference and career fair, “In Good Company,” is presented by Intuit Mailchimp, with guidance from The White House's Initiative on HBCUs. The conference is dedicated to advancing media, marketing, and tech professionals of color in their careers. The forum provides attendees with necessary tools needed to level up their career paths with opportunities to connect one-on-one with hiring managers, thought leaders, and executives from global companies.

More than a dozen panelists will share their journeys and insights into navigating the Media, Marketing and Tech fields and how they believe companies can prepare to build more diversity, equity, inclusivity and allyship internally. To learn more about the virtual conference and career fair and register for the conference, visit www.mimconnect.com.

Founded in 2016, Mimconnect began as an idea to help professionals of color in the media industry connect with one another. In two weeks of creating that group chat, over 300 professionals joined the community expressing how they were the only professionals of color in their company, were continually looked over for promotions, were having trouble navigating corporate America, and more.

After seeing how many professionals were going through the same issues, CEO Netta Dobbins realized there was an opportunity to build a platform even more impactful. Netta Dobbins is a DEI expert, entrepreneur, and strategist. She has deep experience working with C-Suite and HR teams to help build and scale more diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Today, Mimconnect is reaching thousands of professionals across the U.S.A. and focuses on helping them navigate their careers through an always-on digital community, access to job opportunities, and an invite to their annual digital conference and

Netta Dobbins of Mimconnect invites you to register now for In Good Company. career fair, In Good Company.

“This collaboration will increase the knowledge, access and available resources that are disseminated to Black and Brown students, while helping eliminate those barriers that our marginalized communities encounter when entering the workforce,” says Elyse Jones, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at the White House’s Initiative for HBCUs.

February 17, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

BHM 2023

Nashville PRIDE

Page 5

Why does Black history Month still matter?

by Dee Holland The origins of Black History Month began as Negro History Week in 1926. Scholar and historian Carter G. Woodson recognized, the father of Black history, chose the second week in February (containing the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln) to bring awareness to the role of African Americans in shaping U.S. history. President Gerald Ford decreed Black History Month a national observance in 1976.

Initially, Black History Month was a way of teaching students and young people about African American contributions to our country and world. The commemorative month of February remains necessary because racism and bias continue to shape every aspect of life in the United States. It was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States and honor all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from enslaved people first brought over from Africa to African Americans living in the United States today.

Such stories in American history and especially the civil rights movement had been largely forgotten and were a neglected part of our national narrative. But none were lost.

The annual celebration is a time of pride, but what does Black History Month mean today in America? Black History Month will always mean honoring the prominent African American

figures of our past, but in this time of division and turmoil we choose to encourage, promote, and reveal Black men and Black women who are becoming new examples of excellence. Because of social media, it is much easier. We have immense access to new information and don’t have to rely on textbooks for information about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Carter G. Woodson; George Washington Carver; Rosa Parks; U.S. presidents; and so many others who shaped U.S. history.

It’s also a time dedicated to shining a light on Black culture and the achievements of African Americans that are too often ignored year round.

Many still ignore Black History Month, but until our society acknowledges the contributions of all cultures, this focused time is essential to highlight our achievements and inspire and educate our youth about this important part of American history.

For Black millennials, the monthlong celebration offers an opportunity to reimagine what possibilities lie ahead. Black History Month is a reminder of our duty to be great. It reminds us of the struggles that have been overcome by African Americans and highlights struggles still to conquer on behalf of the Black community and world. It’s a remembrance of the strength, wisdom, and courage it took to go from African Americans being the least valued in America’s society to

Carter G. Woodson being the heads of America’s compa- age dialogue about race between all nies, industries, and the nation itself. employees. In celebration of Black There is an African proverb that history, efforts are made by countless says: “Until the lion tells the story, the people and companies across the hunter will always be the hero.” In nation to teach and learn aspects of today’s political and societal climate, U.S. history that have been left out. rife with lies of omission, inequity, Today, Black History Month is collusion, intimidation, and alternative seen as a commemoration of African facts, celebrating and sharing our sto- Americans who have impacted not just ries, our struggles, and our accom- the country but the world with their plishments has never been more activism and achievements. In the important.

United States, the month-long spotFebruary is an opportunity to start light in February is an opportunity for conversations about race. These con- people to engage with Black histories, versations are important to have in the go beyond discussions of racism and workplace because they support slavery, highlight Black leaders and companies’ diversity, equity, and accomplishments, and continue their inclusion (DEI) initiatives and encour- legacies.

Andrew Jackson’s hermitage holds enslaved Memorial service for Black history Month Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage will hold its annual commemoration of those once enslaved at the Hermitage Saturday, February 25, at 11 am. Held at The Hermitage Church, the service will feature music by The Eagle Honor Choir from Andrew Jackson Elementary School and special remarks from Vanderbilt University Professor Dennis C. Dickerson.

Attendees will then be led in a procession to the slavery memorial ‘Follow the Drinking Gourd,’ located behind the church. There, 150 flowers will be laid by attendees, marked with the names of all those known to have been enslaved at the Hermitage.

Professor Dennis C. Dickerson is the Rev. James M. Lawson Chair in History at Vanderbilt University. A native of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, he earned his B.A. from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, an M.A. and Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.Div. from Vanderbilt University. He also studied at Hartford Seminary and Memphis Theological Seminary. Previously, he taught as Stanfield Professor of History at Williams College, First Tennessee Professor of History at Rhodes College and as a Visiting Professor both at Yale Divinity School and at Payne Theological Seminary. In Spring 2014, he was a Siemens Fellow at the American Academy in Berlin.

At Vanderbilt University, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses

NMAAM celebrates hip hop’s 50th anniversary... from page 3 throughout the year. Your favorite DJs, MCs, break-dancers, beatboxers, and other legendary artists will showcase at events such as concerts, tours, battles, tournaments, and exhibits to make this year's golden anniversary of Hip Hop culture the most amazing one yet.

NMAAM's This is Hip Hop exhibit will showcase the work of four notable documentarians, representing the U.S.'s four major regions (Midwest, West, East, and South). Hip Hop enthusiasts will experience some of the most memorable moments and iconic performances in Hip Hop history through each photographer's unique experience.

Visitors will witness the extraordinary photography of Chicago- native Raymond Boyd (Midwest), whose indepth interpretations were created especially for the This Is Hip Hop display; Traci Bartlow (West Coast), whose 90s Bay Area Hip Hop photos were featured in Oakland Museums; Andre Leroy Davis (East Coast), an artist renowned for his must-see illustrations that satirize and comment on current events and culture; and the South's very own Shannon McCullum, a self-taught photographer from Atlanta with more than 25 years of experience in the music industry.

These documentarians have been featured in record labels, museums, and national music and culture magazines like Source Magazine.

The museum's mission to amplify the music and culture of America's roots continues to be the home “Where Legends Live Forever.”

The Hermitage Enslaved Memorial Celebration will take place Saturday, February 25, from 11 am–12 pm. in American and African American Obama: Man and President and history and special courses on the Civil American and African American Rights Movement, Religion and the Religious History.

Civil Rights Movement, Barack He was president of the American

Society of Church History and served between 2014 and 2019 as a member of the evaluation Committee to Visit the Harvard Divinity School. He has written Out of the Crucible: Black Steelworkers in Western Pennsylvania, 1875-1980 (1986), Militant Mediator: Whitney M. Young, Jr. (1998) and African American Preachers and Politics: The Careys of Chicago (2010). His new book, The African Methodist Episcopal Church: A History, is being published in 2020 by Cambridge University Press.

Currently, he is finishing A Brother in the Spirit of Gandhi: William Stuart Nelson and the Religious Origins of the Civil Rights Movement and James M. Lawson, Jr.: A Biography of Moral Insurgency.

He is married to Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson, B.B.A., a graduate of the University of Memphis, and they are the parents to four adult children and the proud grandparents to 11 grandchildren.

Page 6

Nashville PRIDE

BHM 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

February 17, 2023

Nashville soccer Club celebrates Black history Month through community activations

The Nashville Soccer Club and the United Way of Greater Nashville join My Brother’s Keeper for their literacy mentoring event at Napier Elementary School.

The Nashville Soccer Club is join- Brother’s Keeper, a local organization ing the community in observing and that seeks to improve social outcomes celebrating Black History Month, the by organizing cross sector groups of annual observance originating in the partners to transform inefficient, fragUnited States that began as a way of mented systems. First launched in remembering important people and 2021, the initiative of United Way’s events in the history of the African Blueprint for Early Childhood Success Diaspora. and My Brother’s Keeper’s ‘I Read, I “We are honored to celebrate Black Lead’ literacy campaign, allows volunHistory Month and the significant teer readers to share quality children’s voices, experiences and contributions books for students in kindergarten of Black Americans in Nashville and through third grade, with a focus on across the world,” said Brandon Hill, books that allow students of color to Nashville SC Head of Community see themselves in the pages.

Engagement. “This month provides a The Nashville SC and My Brothunifying moment to bring our fans, er’s Keeper is hosting a series of inplayers, and supporters together to cel- person reading events at MNPS eleebrate how far we have come and to mentary schools and community raise awareness of the important work organizations, that started with a kickstill required to move towards a more off event at Napier Elementary School just, equitable and peaceful world.” on Friday, Feb. 10. Nashville SC playThroughout Black History Month, ers, staff, and members from The MixNashville SC will participate in the tape, the club’s Black-led supporter following activations: group, assisted as volunteer readers Black History Month Commemo- within the program. rative Patch 2023: Nashville SC and The ‘Black History Month Panel the Nashville Black Chamber of Com- Discussion: Nashville SC’ will host a merce have launched a special edition special panel discussion about issues Black History Month commemorative of diversity, equity and inclusion as it patch that fans and supporters may relates to the Black community on purchase at the official NSC Team Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Main Store or online at <www.nashvillesc- Nashville Public Library. Panelists mobileshop.com> through Feb. 28. All include: proceeds from the patch sales will ben• CJ Sapong, Nashville SC forward efit My Brother’s Keeper Nashville. In and representative, Black Players for addition, those who purchase a com- Change memorative patch will have access to • David Ewing, Nashville historian, discount offers at local Black-owned tour guide and history consultant businesses.

Visit <www.nash• Ashford Hughes, MNPS Execublackchamber.com/Nashville-soccertive Officer for Diversity, Equity & club> to learn more.

Inclusion The Book Brothers 2.0 Campaign • Zulfat Suara, Metro Council is being launched to address early member-at-Large childhood literacy by the following • Desmond Armstrong, former U.S. organizations: the Nashville SC; Unit- Men’s National Team player and 2012 ed Way of Greater Nashville; and My National Soccer Hall of Fame Inductee

BhM calendar... from page 3 Learn’ program, a guest will join the museum’s curator of social history, Tranae Chatman, for a conversation on how they continue the legacy of their family businesses.

Frist Art Museum Nigerian Belgian artist Otobong Nkanga creates tapestries, drawings, videos, sculptures, and performances that feature narratives of wounding and healing, making metaphorical links between the landscape and the traumatized human body.

Mapping new paths toward recovery, Nkanga’s work conveys the necessity of acknowledging the violence caused by exploiting natural and human resources if we are to overcome the damaging legacy of extraction under colonialism and global capitalism. This exhibition is part of the Tennessee Triennial for Contemporary Art, a statewide series of exhibitions and performances coordinated by consulting curator María Magdalena CamposPons of Vanderbilt University’s Engine for Art, Democracy and Justice that explores the theme of repair and healing, particularly with regards to the Global South and its colonial history.

Nashville History on Tour Nashville History on Tour offers a variety of catered tours of Nashville. Tour guide, David Ewing, is a nationally recognized expert on the Civil Rights and helped locate the lost mugshots of John Lewis’ arrest for the lunch counter sit ins and helped present them to Congressman Lewis in Nashville.

Ewing also is featured in the new ‘U.S. Civil Rights Trail’ by Deborah Douglas. Explore how Nashville was one of the most important cities for marches, arrests and bombing stories and this movement was led

by John Lewis, Diane Nash, Rev. Jim Lawson and Rev. Kelly Miller Smith around John Lewis Way (formerly 5th Ave.) and Church Street; and Dr. Martin Luther King’s visits and speeches during the era. See the Woolworth building and the Civil Rights Room of the Nashville Public Library.

Learn about African American famous people, including: artist William Edmondso, the first African American artist to have a solo show at the MOMA; attorney, J.C. Napier; future Congressman John Lewis; architect, Moses McKissack; businessman Preston Taylor; and the world famous Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Nashville Software School Join a vibrant and inclusive ‘hackathon’ experience where developers of all skill levels and backgrounds come together to collaborate, learn new skills, and build

innovative projects on Friday, February 24, at 5 pm. With exciting mentorship opportunities, and fun social events, this hackathon is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and push your boundaries as a developer.

Whether you're an experienced coder or just getting started, all are welcomed to participate and contribute to the creativity and energy of the event.

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum pays homage to important moments in both Black history and music history through educational exhibits celebrating the musicians who created them.

The Motown exhibit is a re-creation of Motown’s first recording studio located in Detroit, Michigan, ‘Hitsville, U.S.A.’ highlighting not only the larger than life stars to emerge from Motown but the studio musicians who aided in creating a number of the most recognizable and celebrated songs of all time.

Similar to the Motown exhibit, the Stax Records exhibit aims to educate visitors on the history of Stax Records through the stories and success of the studio musicians who recorded there. Unlike the Motown and Stax Records exhibits, the Sun Studio exhibit focuses less on studio musicians and more heavily upon the vast, diverse, and skilled artists who recorded there. Among the recording studio exhibits include: displays that showcase the accomplishments of individual artists, such as B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix.

Fisk University Unite with young Black leaders who have a passion to see our generation transformed through the power and message of the Gospel, February 21, 6 pm.

Nashville SC Nashville SC will host a special panel discussion about issues of diversity, equity and inclusion as it relates to the Black community on February 21, at the Main Nashville Public Library. Panelists include: CJ Sapong, David Ewing, Ashford Hughes, Zulfat Suara, and Desmond Armstrong.

Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Held at The Hermitage Church, the Black History Month Memorial Service will feature music and special remarks, followed by a procession to the slavery memorial ‘Follow the Drinking Gourd.’ There, 150 flowers will be laid by attendees, marked with the names of all those known to have been enslaved at The Hermitage: Saturday, February 25, at 11 am.

Nashville International Airport® proudly congratulates

Joycelyn A. Stevenson, Esq. as the new Chair of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners—the first African-American woman to hold this position.

February 17, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Church/Continuations

Faith of A Mustard seed

By Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. Just to reset. The starting point of this phase of my writing began as revelation: “Knowledge is BibEducation is lical. not.” (Me). The direct result of my current continuing Sermonic Discourse concerning the text: “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Books of The Prophets. Hosea).

Seeing the numerous Biblical uses for ‘knowledge’; seeing none for ‘education’.

Already, on this course, “seeing Education as, first... Legislation”. Working through this definition of knowledge: “But when knowledge comes, the whole world is turned The upside down. meaning of things begins to emerge. And more importantly, the between relations things are seen for the first time. Questions are asked and answers are sought. A strong restlessness comes over the spirit and the enormity of error moves over the horizon like a vast shadow. Struggle emerges as the way of life. An appetite is awakened that can never be satisfied.”

(Howard Thurman) When I followed the link to Vanderbilt University’s OLLI offering of “The Underground Railroad and the Struggle Over Slavery” my interest was peaked. Among the WHO that I found there is the Professor Richard Blackett who gives me reason to reference the point that ties Luke and Acts to the same writer: “Theophilos” one who loves God. To exchange ‘Theos’ for Dr. ‘Istoria’philos, Blackett is indeed that one who loves history and is capable of awakening the insatiable —a

Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. small reflection of his quest for knowledge.

My education of the Underground Railroad fell far too short from day one. What a fine time, Black History Month 2023, to exchange my education for knowledge of the Underground Railroad.

To begin in this small space with the name William Still, a name that I had never heard to know. Positioned as a Clerk for the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery, he is known as The Father of The Underground Railroad.

When the Society formed the General Vigilance Committee in 1852 (in response to the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act), he served The Committee first as Secretary, then as Chairman. He recovered his records from hiding and published “The Underground Railroad: Authentic Narratives First-Hand and Accounts”. there is Then William Craft and Ellen Craft, a fugitive slave couple who escaped by Train from Macon to Philadelphia.

Ellen, her master’s daughter, traveled as white with her husband as her attending slave.

They published their story in “Running a Thousand Miles For Freedom”. These two books I purchased as the start to a bibliogra-

phy of this course.

Then, there is Henry “Box” Brown who facilitated his escape from slavery by shipping himself from Richmond to the Philadelphia Vigilance Office. After a 27 hr trip, William Still was there to open his Box. His Fugitive Slave escape is published as an autobiography: “Narrative of The Life of Henry Box Brown.”

Never to underestimate the work of Hariett Tubman. But to exchange the education of “slaves running through the woods, hiding behind trees” and climbing trees to keeps the dogs off —for the knowledge of “a very sophisticated system of well planned escapes” that ultimately impacted the very heart of the nation when President Millard Fillmore sent U.S. Troops to march the streets of Boston to engage the entire judicial system in the capturing of Fugitive Slaves.

One ‘homework assignment’ was to study four ‘Runaway Slave Reward newspaper ads’. I was drawn to the ones from George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson; raising my interest further into the number of U.S. Presidents who held slaves. I raised the question in class stating I found that 14 Presidents held slaves. Dr. responded Blackett saying “how many Presidents were from the North?” It was easier for the class to count the 3 northern presidents than the Presidents elected from Slave Holding States!

And he added, “all of the Secretary of States were Southerners...” by email: myfa thersmansionpress@ gmail.com.

Deed letter... from page 1 your property.”

There are several ways to sign up for the free Property Alert: on the Nashville/Davidson County ROD app (available at no charge at the App Store or on Google Play) or on the website,

<Nashville.gov/ROD>, at a link listed under Services.

Users can sign up to monitor as many names as they wish, and when they receive an alert that something has been filed under any of those

names, they can call the Register of Deeds Office through the app or at 615-862-6790 to speak with a real person or email <rod.infodesk @nashville.gov>. Then, users can quickly take steps to avoid damage.

Metro Nashville... from page 1 Additionally, city and community leaders both past and present will celebrate this special milestone with a public celebration at the Historic Metro Courthouse, 1 Public Square, on April 1 from 1–4 pm.

“Six decades ago, Nashvillians came together to consolidate our city and county governments to make our community stronger and more efficient,” said Mayor Cooper. “Since then, Nashville has undergone exponential growth and transformation. We are one of the most sought-after cities in the country and a world-class global destination. Yet, the design of our Metro government continues to effectively usher in this new era, all while continuing to make Metro Nashville a place where everyone can thrive.”

Metro will likely

announce additional events in the weeks ahead.

“Nashville’s African American community has played an essential role in our city’s history during these past six decades, and I’m grateful we are highlighting those efforts as part of Metro’s 60th festivities,” said Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Brenda Haywood.

“I’m also excited for the opportunity to look back and lift up the contributions of so many important people who have helped make Nashville the incredible city it is today. I look forward to all of our neighborhoods and communities coming together and celebrating the city we love.”

Today, there are some 40 consolidated governments in the United States. Many of these successful consolidation

efforts have used the 1962 Nashville charter as a model.

“The City-County merger of Nashville and Davidson County was the fourth such merger in the United States,” said Carole Bucy, Metro historian. “The new Metropolitan government became a reality on April 1, 1963, when the first Metro Council, mayor, and vice mayor were sworn into office.

The 1962 charter also gave more citizens the opportunity to participate in the governmental process through service on Metro's boards and commissions. The process has stood the test of time.”

To learn more about initiatives to help celebrate the consolidation of Nashville and Davidson County, its history, growth and more, e-mail MetroAt60@nashville. gov.

Nashville PRIDE

expressions of faith Ministry mind-set

by Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. Motivation for ministry moves you from ‘What does the church want from me?’ to ‘How can I grow in Christ?’ It is not for your pastor, friends, or church. It is out of your love for the work of Christ, your desire to become like Him and your own Christian growth and lifestyle. Motivation for ministry is ministry done on a ‘want to’ basis and not in response to a plea or under pressure of guilt.

How do we move toward a better innovated, motivated mind-set about the ministry of the Christ?

We move from thinking in terms of guilt, pity, friendship, and persuasion to thinking in terms of calling, gifting, invitation, and gratitude.

Calling: We are called by God into ministry through the words of Jesus Christ. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth,” Acts 1:8.

Discovering our personal calling means surrendering, seeking, and listening to God about what God would have us do in the world as witnesses to the Gospel.

Gifting: We have been given abilities, training, and resources.

What gifts do we have that could be used in ministry?

Invitation: We are invited to follow Christ and His ethics, to live

our lives following His model of love and ministry.

Gratitude: How shall we show our thanks to God for what God has done for us? Servanthood is the core of the salvation response.

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set before you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than His master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent Him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them,” John 13:14-17.

We preach, teach, illustrate, and reclaim the priesthood of all believers. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy,” 1 Peter2:9-10.

Pastors are coaches, not quarterbacks. When the Christ/church membership tosses the pastor the ball, the pastor tosses it back! Pastors do their work on the sidelines as coaches. Christ/church members play the game.

Pastors trust Christ/ church members to run with the ministry ball and to make the touch-

Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. down (win souls for the Kingdom of God).

Pastors are to equip people for ministry. “So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up,” Ephesians 4:11-12. Training, support, and encouragement go a long way in giving Christ/church members confidence in ministry.

Equipping also includes helping persons develop a spiritual and theological foundation for doing Christ/church ministry.

Pastors provide a structure on which to build our Christ/church ministries. People gain a way to relate their ministry to their faith, and to the life of the rest of the church.

This is the function of the innovation motivation for ministry.

Innovation Motivation for Ministry is a method of identifying needs. As you begin to now identify your motivation for ministry, be encouraged to be active with a better ministry mind-set.

Buffalo gunman... from page 1 Gendron. ““There can be no mercy for you, no understanding, no second chances. The damage you have caused is too great, and the people

you have hurt are too valuable to this community. You will never see the light of day as a free man ever again.”

Gendron also faces

27 federal charges, including murder and hate crimes. If convicted of those charges, he could get the death penalty.

Free tax prep... from page 1 through Thursday from 9 am-6 pm. Call 615-2709252 for an appointment.

• Nashville Public Library – Bordeaux Branch, 4000 Clarksville Pike Nashville, Tenn. 37218: Open Feb. 4-April 8, Saturdays 10:30 am-2:30 pm.

Appointments only.

• Nashville Public Library – Goodlettsville Branch, 250 Rivergate Parkway, Goodlettsville, Tenn. 37072: Open Feb. 4-April 15, Saturday 10 am-3 pm. (Closed Feb. 18 and March 25) Appointments only.

• Nashville Public Library – Pruitt Branch, 117 Charles E. Davis Blvd., Nashville, Tenn.

37210: Open Feb. 1April 12, 2-5 pm on Feb. 1 and 15; March 1, 15 and 29, and April 12; 11 am-2 pm on Feb. 11 and 25, March 11 and 25, and April 8. Appointments only.

• Redeemed Christian Church of God, 2128 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, Tenn. 37217: Open Feb. 4-April 15, Saturday noon to 4 pm; Sunday 2-4 pm. Walk-ins welcome.

• St. Luke's Community House, 5601 New

York Ave., Nashville, Tenn. 37209: Open Feb. 7-April 13, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am-1 pm; Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

• Tennessee State Avon University, Williams Campus, 330 10th Ave. N., Room AWC 250, Nashville, Tenn. 37203: Open from Feb. 11-April 15; Saturdays from 9 am-1 pm.

Closed March 11.

• Westwood Baptist Church Center, 2510 Albion St., Nashville, Tenn. 37208: Open Feb. 4-April 13, Mondays from 9 am-12:30 pm and 4-7 pm; Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 amnoon; Thursdays from 9 am-12:30 pm and 4-7 pm; Saturdays from 9:30 am-1:30 pm. Appointments only. Walk-ins welcome on Saturdays.

• Woodbine Community Center, 635 Spence Lane, Nashville, Tenn.

37217: Open Jan. 30 to April 18, Mondays (intake only) and Wednesdays from 9 am-1 pm; Saturdays from 9 am-3 pm. Walk-ins welcome.

The average taxpayer spends $300 to have their taxes prepped and filed at paid tax service pro-

viders. Thanks to the VITA free tax prep program, volunteers help low- to moderate-income individuals save crucial dollars that could go toward rent, food, childcare and gas. Last year, VITA volunteers completed almost 9,000 returns, helping taxpayers save more than $2.7 million in tax preparation fees. “With expenses in Nashville increasing, now more than ever it is important to keep more of what you have earned,” said Brian Hassett, president/CEO of United Way of Greater Nashville. “Our VITA free tax prep program works with so many of our neighbors to do just that. The VITA program helps thousands of individuals save by keeping their full tax return in their pockets so they can use their income for essentials.”

Taxpayers can find their nearest VITA site and more information about the program by visiting unitedwayfilefree. com or through United Way’s 211 Helpline by calling 211 or texting their ZIP code to 898211.

Avian Glen Vineyard CURBSIDE PICKUP AND DELIVERY NOW AVAILABLE! CALL 615-984-4344 FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Page 7

3545 Almaville Rd, Smyrna, TN 37167 Open 7 days a week, Noon till 8 www.avianglenwinery.com

Page 8

Nashville PRIDE

People Page

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

February 17, 2023

Urban League of Middle Tennessee’s 55th annual Equal Opportunity Day Luncheon Friends and supporters of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee (ULMT) honored the work of the league over the past 55 years on February 7. Despite the various challenges facing our community, the League has continued to serve and support those in need. This annual event is the organization’s time to reflect on and celebrate the power of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and bring together the largest gathering of business, community, and civic leaders to explore issues affecting our community and to celebrate the successes of the past year of African Americans and other minority communities across Middle Tennessee.

DIFFERENT NATIONAL ORIGINS.

SAME FAIR HOUSING RIGHTS.

,W LV LOOHJDO IRU ODQGORUGV DQG UHDO HVWDWH DJHQWV WR GHQ\ \RX KRXVLQJ RSSRUWXQLWLHV EHFDXVH RI \RXU HWKQLFLW\ 7KH )DLU +RXVLQJ $FW SURKLELWV KRXVLQJ GLVFULPLQDWLRQ EDVHG RQ QDWLRQDO RULJLQ ,I \RX EHOLHYH \RX KDYH H[SHULHQFHG D YLRODWLRQ RI \RXU ULJKWV ILOH D FRPSODLQW

$ $POUBDU UIF 5FOOFTTFF )VNBO 3JHIUT $PNNJTTJPO JG ZPV CFMJFWF ZPV IBWF CFFO POUBDU UIF 5FOOFTTFF )VNBO 3JHIUT $PNNJTTJPO JG ZPV CFMJFWF ZPV IBWF CFFO EJTDSJNJOBUFE BHBJOTU PS XXX UO HPW IVNBOSJHIUT EJTDSJNJOBUFE BHBJOTU PS XXX UO HPW IVNBOSJHIUT FAIR F AIR H HOUSING: OUSING: T THE HE L LAW AW IIS SO ON NY YOUR OUR S SIDE. IDE. 6DIHJXDUGLQJ ,QGLYLGXDOV IURP 'LVFULPLQDWLRQ 7KURXJK (GXFDWLRQ DQG (QIRUFHPHQW 6DIHJXDUGLQJ ,QGLYLGXDOV IURP 'LVFULPLQDWLRQ 7KURXJK (GXFDWLRQ DQG (QIRUFHPHQW 7KH ZRUN WKDW SURYLGHG WKH EDVLV IRU WKLV SXEOLFDWLRQ ZDV VXSSRUWHG E\ IXQGLQJ XQGHU D &RRSHUDWLYH $JUHHPHQW ZLWK WKH 8 6 7 KH ZRUN WKDW SURYLGHG WKH EDVLV IRU WKLV SXEOLFDWLRQ ZDV VXSSRUUWWHG E\ IXQGLQJ XQGHU D &RRSHUDWLYH $JUHHPHQW ZLWK WKH 8 6 ' 'HSDUWPHQW RI +RXVLQJ DQG 8UEDQ 'HYHORSPHQW 7KH VXEVWDQFH DQG ILQGLQJV RI WKH ZRUN DUH GHGLFDWHG WR WKH SXEOLF 7KH HSDUUWWPHQW RI +RXVLQJ DQG 8UEDQ 'HYHORSPHQW 7KH VXEVWDQFH DQG IILLQGLQJV RI WKH ZRUN DUH GHGLFDWHG WR WKH SXEOLF 7KH DDXWKRU DQG SXEOLVKHU DUH VROHO\ UHVSRQVLEOH IRU WKH DFFXUDF\ RI WKH VWDWHPHQWV DQG LQWHUSUHWDWLRQV FRQWDLQHG LQ WKLV SXEOLFDWLRQ XWKRU DQG SXEOLVKHU DUH VROHO\ UHVSRQVLEOH IRU WKH DFFXUDF\ RI WKH VWDWHPHQWV DQG LQWHUUS SUHWDWLRQV FRQWDLQHG LQ WKLV SXEOLFDWLRQ 6XFK LQWHUSUHWDWLRQV GR QRW QHFHVVDULO\ UHIOHFW WKH YLHZV RI WKH *RYHUQPHQW 6XFK LQWHUUS SUHWWDWLRQV GR QRW QHFHVVDULO\ UHIIOOHFWW WKH YLHZV RI WKH *RYHUQPHQW