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volume XXXvII, Number 13

People Are Talking Sens. Akbari, Lamar to DCS: Reunite the ClayborneWilliams children with their parents

Nashville, TN

March 31, 2023

Nashville holds citywide vigil to remember Covenant victims Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators release statement about Covenant shooting The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators has released the following statement following news of the Covenant School shooting: “The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators stands with Nashville and the families of Covenant Christian School as they deal with this horrible event. This tragedy should serve as a clarion call for responsible gun ownership. One hundred and twenty-eight mass shootings in America this year and today is day 87 of the year 2023!

When will enough be enough?

Our ‘prayers’ need to become more thoughtful and intentional regarding this issue.

Bianca Clayborne and Deonte Williams’ children Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Raumesh Akbari (DMemphis) and Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis), chairwoman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, issued statements urging the Department of Children’s Services to reunite five children with their parents.

Bianca Clayborne and Deonte Williams were on Interstate 24 heading to a family funeral in Chicago — kids asleep in the back of the car — when a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer pulled them over for “dark tint and traveling in the left lane while not actively passing.”

During the traffic stop, Williams was charged for simple possession of marijuana. While Clayborne waited for Williams’ release, DCS workers forcibly removed the five children from Clayborne. Despite desperate pleas from their parents, the department has now had the children in state custody for over a month.

“Our goal should be to keep families together because babies and young children belong with their parents,” said Senator Raumesh Akbari.

“It is outrageous that the state forcefully separated Bianca Clayborne, a breastfeeding mother, and Deonte Williams from their kids and have allowed this to continue.

“The state exercised extreme and flawed judgment in taking their children and it seems they’ve doubled down on this poor decision.

“No family is perfect, but an imperfection, like a simple marijuana charge, is no excuse for tearing a family apart. The state is supposed to support reunification.

If they don’t have a better reason, they must immediately return these five children to their parents.”

“I am demanding that the Department of Children’s Services and the Coffee County justice system release the children of Bianca Clayborne and Deonte Williams back to their parents,” said Senator London Lamar.

“It is unacceptable abuse of power for state officials to rip five children away from their parents Continued on page 5 The Nashville PRIDE Newspaper is on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: @pridenews

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Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show singing during the candlelight vigil for the Nashville shooting victims.

Mayor John Cooper and Council- cials, religious leaders, dignitaries, man Russ Pulley held a citywide can- and other Nashville community leaddlelight vigil on Wednesday to ership. mourn and honor the lives of the vicThe First Lady, Jill Biden, also tims and support the survivors and made an appearance. families of The Covenant School.

Mayor John Cooper thanked the Also in attendance were many first lady for “dropping everything local, state, and federal elected offi- and coming to Nashville” and said,

Continued on page 5 “I wish we didn't need to be here together."

Mayor Cooper told to the friends, family and parents of the victims that, “a grieving city joins you.”

Six people, three children and three staff members, were killed. The Continued on page 5

TSU Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner April 11

By Cass Teague The 2023 Tennessee State University Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. This auspicious evening celebrates influential women among us. The Nashville community and surrounding communities, as well at the TSU campus family, alumni, and students are invited to attend this occasion.

This year’s Honorees, by category, are Athletics: Jennifer Bell - Tennessee State University; Business: Dr. LaQuita Stribling - Randstad, Nashville Rotary; Community Service: Patricia Malone- Urban League of Middle Tennessee; Education: Laura Fitzgerald Cooper - Nashville Mayor’s Office; Leadership: Janet Rachel - National Coalition of 100 Black Women; Medicine: Dr. Charae Farmer - Meharry Medical College; and Media: Dr. LaDonna Boyd - R. H. Boyd PublishContinued on page 5

(top row l-r) Jennifer Bell, Dr. LaQuita Stribling, Dr. Charae FarmerDixon, Dr. LaDonna Boyd (bottom row l-r) Laura Fitzgerald Cooper, Patricia Malone, and Janet Rachel.

Citizens Savings Bank, Trust Co., Operation HOPE celebrate grand opening of HOPE Inside

Jeff McGruder, Councilman Brandon Taylor, Councilwoman Sharon Hurt, Rep. Harold Love, Sergio Ora, John Hope Bryant, Mayor John Cooper, Dr. George Brooks, Clint Story and Corey Hammonds. (photo courtesy of Chicagraphy Images by Lawrence Taylor, Jr.) Citizens Savings Bank and Trust dedicated to financial empowerment, Company, the nation’s oldest continu- conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony ously operating African American on March 23 to celebrate the grand owned bank in partnership with opening of a HOPE Inside location at Operation HOPE, the largest nonprofit the bank branch on Jefferson Street.

The celebration included remarks

by Mayor John Cooper who also presented a proclamation.

“I’m excited to celebrate a partnership between Citizens Bank and Operation HOPE with the opening of HOPE Inside, a space where all can gain knowledge and tools to create a secure future,” said Cooper. “HOPE Inside is creating a Nashville everyone can afford to live, work, and play in.”

A keynote address was delivered

by John Hope Bryant, founder/CEO and chairman of operation for HOPE, Inc. The event brought together dozens of business leaders, community members and elected officials in support of this initiative. HOPE Inside programs and services are offered at no cost to individuals to help them create a secure financial future. Contact Tonesha Talley at 615-785-5897 to sign up for HOPE Inside financial coaching.

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March 31, 2023 National/State www.pridepublishinggroup.com Black professionals’ ability U.S. Department of to focus disproportionately Education issues letter affected by rising cost of calling for end to corporal living, health concerns punishment in schools Page 2

Nashville PRIDE

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Black workers prioritize their mental wellbeing more than any other racial group, according to a survey by the employment platform Oyster.

The platform surveyed more than 2,500 desk-based (or so-called knowledge) employees and found that more than 58% of Black workers globally chose their mental well-being as their top priority. sian respondents came in second at 37.7%.

“Bearing the brunt of systemic racism, prejudice, and societal injustice, perhaps Black knowledge workers must put more energy into protecting their

mental health and can less afford to spend it elsewhere,” the report stated.

Study authors found the ability of Black knowledge workers to focus has suffered because of external factors like the rising cost of living and health concern, particularly in America, Western Europe, and Canada.

For instance, 60.1% of Black workers struggle with the cost of living, the survey found.

About 9.5% of respondents were Black knowledge workers, and the authors called it disheartening to see that they’re disproportionately affected by the ever-rising costs of living.

“In fact, Black workers are more affected by

pretty much every category than other racial groups, notably by global health concerns, including: 41.6% of Black workers (compared to 14.8% of White workers) were very concerned about this,” the authors wrote.

But nothing came close to spiraling living costs and personal concerns when factoring in the top external stressors, which the authors said was true across genders and geographies. workers White reported being least affected in nearly every category, an example of privilege in practice.

“What privilege does do is protect certain populations from being as affected negatively when taken as a group,” the authors wrote.

They said the racial wage disparity present at many companies (and in society in general) means it’s logical that Black workers are more affected by rising costs of living.

Systemic racism in healthcare and legislative environments means it’s logical that Black workers are more affected by health concerns and political instability.

Continued on page 5

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona wrote to governors, chief state school officers, and school district and school leaders and urged them to end corporal punishment in schools—the practice of paddling, spanking, or otherwise physical imposing punishment on students. The letter reinforces the Department of Education’s position that corporal punishment in schools should be replaced with evidence-based practices, such as implementing multi-tiered systems of support like positive behavioral interventions and supports, that create safe and healthy school environments.

Every student and edu-

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Affecting nearly half of Black mortgage borrowers, FHA makes housing more affordable Beginning March 20, a recent move by the Biden Administration will make owning a home more affordable for current and prospective home buyers. Arriving just in time for the spring buying season, 850,000 mortgage borrowers who used FHAfinancing for their homes as well as families choosing this popular mortgage program will benefit from lowered mortgage insurance premiums.

This monthly fee, paid along with principal and interest owed will be cut by 0.3 percentage points, thereby lowering regular monthly costs. The cut is also reflected in President Biden’s new budget proposal. With housing affordability straining many efforts to become homeowners, the lowered costs triggered by the insurance premium deduction can be an important difference.

“For this country to truly succeed, all Americans must have access to opportunity. That means expanding access to wealth-building and home ownership,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge in a recent interview. “Today, we are building on the steps we’ve taken to make homeownership more affordable, and HUD is acting to ensure people feel comfortable purchasing a home as they

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

Table of Contents Front Page .......................... 1 National/State..................... 2 Local.................................... 3 Editorials ............................ 4 Continuations ..................... 5 Pastor,Pew & Pulpit .......... 6 Leisure ................................ 7

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build toward their future. As we reduce housing costs for people with FHA mortgages, we continue our work to address longstanding disparities in homeownership.”

Although actual dollar savings will vary by market and locale, families who borrowed at the national median price of $270,000 for their home will see an annual savings of approximately $800. In markets where median prices are higher, higher dollar savings will apply. Conversely, in areas where median home prices are lower than the national one, savings will be smaller.

For example, in Detroit where the median priced home is $200K, the annual savings for FHA borrowers will be approximately $600. By contrast, FHA borrowers in Prince George’s County, Md., where the average home price is $300K, annual

mortgage premium insurance savings will rise to $900 each year.

FHA borrowers in Austin, Texas can look forward to an estimated $1,500 in yearly savings on the market’s homes valued at $500K. In Boston, Los Angeles, and New York, where the median price of homes is even higher, so too will be those borrowers’ savings.

The program’s costcutting is made possible by the growth in recent years in the fund’s accumulated reserves, now five times the amount required by Congress.

This financial heft strengthens the program’s financial stability and was accomplished by multiple factors.

Administratively, HUD updated underwriting policies that enabled lenders to include both rental history and student loan debt in determining Continued on page 5

NASHvILLE P*R*I*D*E

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

The use of corporal punishment is still legal in private schools in every U.S. state except New Jersey and Iowa, legal in public schools in 19 states, and practiced in 15 of the states including Tennessee. cator should feel safe “It’s unacceptable and supported inside of that corporal punishschool buildings. More ment remains legally importantly, schools permissible in at least should always be free 23 states. Our children from the threat of vio- urgently need their lence.

Continued on page 5

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

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

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

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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.

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Local

Cancer…My Journey in time With my voice

by Wanda Clay The nation and certainly the city of Nashville are again mourning the loss of children and staff of a school involved in another school shooting. There seems to be nothing being done about these recurring tragedies, and the public continues to wait on government policies to take action.

Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, remains a voice of the community while he goes through a journey of stage four lung cancer.

He has also been hosting small group dialogues with mayoral candidates.

“This week caused me to feel empathy for the Green Hills tragedy,” said Rev. Fuzz.

As help is needed from all levels of government, perhaps these mayoral dialogues may allow an insight regarding what the candidates might have on their agenda concerning gun violence, in addition to other issues.

“Now that I have my voice back, I’m doing a few sermons each month,” said Rev.

Fuzz, “teaching our adult Sunday school lessons and giving interviews to news media outlets on various community issues and events.” This is in addition to the aforementioned mayoral candidate dialogues.

Despite his issues caused from stage four lung cancer, he is using his voice to not only minister but to remain in contact with people in government and ensure they are connected to people of the community.

Readers may remember that Rev. Fuzz literally was unable to use his voice a few months ago due to a surgery to remove polyps from his vocal cords which resulted in several months of doctor-ordered silence.

Nevertheless, he continued to “use his voice” through the miracles of the internet, telephone, and texting.

Rev. Fuzz is blessed to be a voice for the people. He said that he currently feels better than he has in a years. While he is continuing to get the necessary messages out to the community, as well as the message from God, Rev. Fuzz makes it clear that he tries to

Rev. Enoch Fuzz be aware of his health.

He said he is ever cautious not to overlook the fact that he’s still getting well—and not there yet. teaching “After Sunday school, my voice was totally gone, which required me to lock down for the night,” he said. “Still my slogan is: ‘play with pain and stay in the game.’”

While we continue to pray for those families affected by the gun shootings and the surrounding issues of gun violence, please continue to pray for Rev. Fuzz and his voice while he remains on his healing journey.

As we continue to pray for his health and healing, we thank God for his ministry. Pray, share and be encouraged by the postings and weekly readings found in ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time.’

vanderbilt Divinity School names influential public theologian Yolanda Pierce as next dean Vanderbilt University has named Yolanda Pierce, dean of the Howard University School of Divinity and a prominent leader on the role of religion in public life, as its next dean of the Divinity School, according to C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Pierce, whose appointment is effective July 1 pending approval of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust, has served as dean and professor of religion at Howard University since 2017. She will succeed Emilie M. Townes, a leader and innovator in the re-envisioning of theological education, to become the 17th dean in the history of the school.

“During the search process, Yolanda Pierce stood out for her outstanding national leadership at the intersection of religion and public life,” Raver said. “Dean Pierce is not only an outstanding public leader, but also a deeply personal writer and scholar who will bring her profound insights to the role of faith and spirituality in society, particularly in the context of African American culture, to Vanderbilt Divinity School. She is the ideal candidate to continue Emilie Townes’ path breaking work in what we boldly call ‘Scholar Prophetarum, School of the Prophets’—preparing our students to be 21stcentury ministers, teachers and community leaders in a challenging world.”

A graduate of Cornell and Princeton universities, Pierce was selected by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to found the Center for African American Religious Life. As a public theologian and scholar, she has been recognized as a member of the American Academy of Religion and received numerous awards, including fellowships from the Ford Foundation, Mellon Foundation and the Pew Foundation.

Yolanda Pierce Pierce is a native New Yorker and firstgeneration college student who earned a doctorate in religion and literature at Cornell. She taught at the University of Kentucky, earning tenure as a faculty member in English and African American studies, before moving into theological education.

She then joined the faculty of Princeton Theological Seminary, where she was associate professor of religion and literature and founding director of the Center for Black Church Studies.

Pierce was the first woman selected to lead Howard School of Divinity, where her priorities have included growing the number of students and expanding the school’s programs and initiatives. Under her watch, Howard has launched a chaplaincy/ clinical pastoral education program certified by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.

In addition, the doctor of ministry program transitioned from residential to online. Pierce also has focused on securing funding to support enhanced student financial aid and program expansion.

“Dean Pierce has been instrumental to a period of growth at Howard School of Divinity, and she is committed to helping our

Divinity School flourish through cross-institutional and community partnerships while, at the same time, advancing the university’s commitment to belonging and inclusion,” Raver said.

“As one of our four original schools, the Divinity School holds a special place at Vanderbilt,” Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. “It has also played a crucial role in facilitating civil discourse and open inquiry on our campus. Yolanda Pierce will strengthen that tradition as an influential faith leader in the public square. She also brings the invaluable interdisciplinary perspective of one who has been a faculty member in both theological institutions and schools of arts and sciences. We are thrilled to welcome Dean Pierce to Vanderbilt and look forward to the Divinity School’s next chapter under her leadership.”

Pierce is the author of In My Grandmother’s House: Black Women, Faith, and the Stories We Inherit and Hell Without Fires: Slavery, Christianity, and the Antebellum Spiritual Narrative.

Her forthcoming book, Religious Ecstasy and African American Cultural Expression, continues her focus on the historical and contemporary significance of the African American religious tradition. She is a contributing writer for Christian Century and also has authored pieces for Time and Theology Today, among other publications.

Pierce, an ordained Christian minister, was selected in 2015 as one of The Root 100 Most Influential African Americans. She is a Continued on page 5

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Humble Baron open now at Nearest Green Distillery

by Cass Teague On March 23, 2023, Middle Tennessee’s newest sensation opened to the public. The brainchild of Nearest Green’s founders Fawn and Keith Weaver, the stateof-the-art entertainment venue has already claimed the Guiness Book award for the World’s Longest Bar. Featuring that 518-foot long showpiece bar that wraps stunningly around an indoor stage, Humble Baron allows guests to enjoy elevated fare and creative cocktails while watching live music.

With an impressive 198 seats, this luxurious bar features three distinct sections, each tailored to the needs of different parties. Whether you’re looking for intimacy and exclusivity or vibrant music and conversation, Humble Baron can accommodate any size gathering in style.

With its original decor, warm atmosphere, and attentive service staff, you’ll find your ideal setting here at this gem of a venue.

From business events to festive birthday bashes and elegant dinner soirees, step into Humble Baron for an unforgettable experience.

Humble Baron is a state-of-the–art music venue, with indoor and outdoor stages designed by the former technical director and engineer for Prince’s Paisley Park.

Humble Baron features DJs, Artists and Talent creating unforgettable nights you won’t want to miss. More than 17,000 square feet of dining luxury with an overall capacity of 500 people indoors and more than 15,000 outdoors, Humble Baron’s inspiration, Keith Weaver, describes the venue as a place,

Keith and Fawn Weaver enjoy the grand opening of Humble Baron at Nearest Green Distillery, March 23, 2023. (Photo by Cass Teague) “where EVERYONE tantalize the tongue, has a seat at the table.” bursting with flavor to a Humble Baron’s bar level never before expeprogram was crafted in rienced. partnership with Gin & Legend has it that the Luck, the hospitality name Humble Baron behind was inspired by a remark company renowned cocktail insti- made when a worker tution Death & Co. noted that Nearest Green Director of Beverage, co-founder Keith WeavDeAndre A. Jackson, er was doing hard physileads the bar’s cocktail cal menial work, and creating remarked, “ You’re a innovation, that will whiskey baron, why are cocktails impress the most dis- you working like that?” cerning palettes. to which Keith replied, Humble Baron is “Yes, but I’m a humble pleased to offer private baron.” events carefully curated So treat yourself, and and tailored to your discover why Humble every need including Baron is considered one bespoke menus of Hum- of the greatest culinary ble Baron classics and innovators today. Their crafted cocktails. Hum- team is committed to ble Baron is the perfect establishing the highest place to host a celebra- standards in hospitality tion with friends and from both a culinary and family. operations standpoint.

Immerse yourself in Humble Baron is located an unparalleled dining at Nearest Green Distillexperience, courtesy of ery, 3125 US-231, Shelthe acclaimed chefs at byville, TN 37160, Humble Baron. Redefin- Phone: (615) 913-2316. ing American classics, Their hours of operation their menu is meticu- are Fridays from 5 p.m. lously crafted to give 11 p.m.; Saturdays from you the greatest gastro- 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; and nomic delight. Savory Sundays from 11 a.m. and comforting tastes 10 p.m.

March 31, 2023 Editorials www.pridepublishinggroup.com ‘Doing the Right Thing Wisconsin race reminds us how important every election is

by Ben Jealous after he lost the 2020 Shouldn’t Be So Hard’ Whether it’s protectrace.

Page 4

Nashville PRIDE

by William T. Robinson, Jr. Shameless men claiming to be empathetic, but at the same time refusing to adhere to what is real.

Our children are being mercilessly massacred in schools—can’t these politicians feel?

Refusing to pass strict gun control legislation that will help so many continue to live – The cries of those mercilessly slaughtered inundate the air—but politicians are hesitant, what gives?

Is the money from the NRA or gun lobbyists worth selling your soul in the end?

Many weigh this gross betrayal as being a monumental sin, not to be presented as a win.

Blood money and catering to a base, you know, is wrong—makes you less of a human being.

You can rationalize and gas light, but those with open eyes know what they are really seeing.

It is all about doing what we know is right—to keep the masses from unnecessary death and harm.

But we have those making excuses and intentionally telling lies, pulling the public’s arm.

I wonder if stricter gun laws would be debatable for some if it was their love ones laid to rest?

For we have some politicians lying, making unfounded excuses, doing what they seem to do best.

Gun control vs. life is the question, and the unavoidable elephant in the room.

And reaching real solutions about saving lives, can’t come about too soon.

William T. Robinson, Jr. No lie or excuse can cover up what we all know is evident and real: The rage and hurt from the carnage of our children, is something we all should feel.

Unfeeling hearts listen to those in the pocket of the NRA, defending the right to bear arms.

But common sense dictates we ban assault weapons that reap the greatest harm.

Some are quick to say life is precious and sacred, and must be guarded at all cost.

But they don’t want to ban assault weapons, regardless of all the children we have lost.

Sad that money supersedes life, and we all know that is the case.

And heaven help us with the consequences we are bound to face.

How can we ignore the cries from those gun-downed, crying from their graves?

All we have to do is the right thing, and find comfort in all the lives we’ll save.

ing the planet or preserving our democracy, it can seem at times that our individual actions fall short against the biggest challenges. Let me tell you why that isn’t true.

We tend to overlook that issues like these arise in the first place because of the sum of a lot of individual actions.

If one by one, half of us switched to powering our homes and cars with solar and wind energy, emissions and fossil fuel extraction would drop precipitously.

It’s the paradox of the aggregate. One of us doing something has a minimal impact, a lot of us doing the same thing moves the needle—for the good or the bad.

Voting is no different. I’ve spent a good part of my career fighting to ensure people can vote and encouraging them to get out and do it.

Next week, on April 4, Wisconsin will hold a spring election, mainly for local races. It’s the kind of election that historically voters across the country skip. Voter turnout in the Wisconsin primaries last month was 21%, and that was a four-point improvement.

Badger State voters should see this election differently.

Ben Jealous This election will pick the swing vote on the state’s Supreme Court, which is dominated by a far-right majority that’s ruled against everything from broad use of ballot drop boxes to make voting more convenient to the right of citizens’ groups to challenge environmental permits (the dissenting justices said that decision “slam shut the courthouse doors” to Wisconsinites).

The Wisconsin race may even decide the next U.S. presidential election. Those justices may well be called on in 2024 to rule on election challenges in a state whose 10 electoral votes have decided presidential elections. It happened that way in 2020, and the conservative in this year’s race advised the national and state Republican parties and those who sought to submit fake paperwork for Donald Trump electors

A few more people stepping up to vote could decide this race.

Statewide contests in the Dairy State often turn on razor thin margins. Wisconsin has 72 counties.

If 140 more people in each one chooses to vote for the same candidate in the supreme court race, that’s one percentage point in the typical voter turnout in April. If more than 500 people in each county go vote for that person, that’s nearly four points. And even with that boost in turnout, a majority of voters would still have stayed home.

So Wisconsin voters can do a lot to save the country and protect the planet if they cast their ballots. Judging by past races, most Wisconsinites plan to skip this election. The rest of us can do something by texting anyone we know in Wisconsin to let them know how important this election may be.

Their State Supreme Court may end up deciding the next U.S. president.

(Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club. He is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Never Forget Our People Were Always Free, published in January.)

Conservative groups don’t speak for all moms

by Svante Myrick As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about moms and honoring motherhood. I’ve written before about how my mom instilled values in me, including respect for everyone’s rights—not just my own. Mom also worked multiple jobs to support our family through some very hard times. She represents my ideal of what a mother should be, without a doubt.

And maybe she would represent yours too, or my neighbor’s. I certainly think so. But the truth is I can’t say for sure, and I can’t insist on it.

Unfortunately, that is exactly what some on the Right are trying to do by claiming to speak for all mothers and even all parents. This effort to steal the moral authority

of motherhood only for themselves is wrong, and it has to be stopped.

The far-right group Moms for Liberty is a marquee example with an especially insidious name. The group is behind book banning efforts in numerous states. Its main targets are books and materials that address race, racism, gender and gender identity issues. It supports a bill that is coming to the floor of the U.S. House as I write this, called the Parents’ Bill of Rights.

This House bill would more accurately be called a bill of rights for some parents. Moms (and dads, like myself) who oppose the bill see it for what it is: a vehicle that opens the door to more book censorship and book bans, not to mention bullying and discrimination. Instead of creating a school

environment where children are challenged and thrive and all parents are treated as partners, this bill prevents students from learning and teachers from teaching. In fact, supporters of the bill rejected amendments to fund statewide family engagement centers and to designate a parent coordinator at every school.

Fortunately, the bill has little chance of passage in the Senate. But it mirrors ‘parental rights bills’ that are passing in state after state. Moms for Liberty is often behind these efforts. Of course, it’s not hard to see that what this ‘proliberty’ group is actually doing is infringing on your liberty—specifically, what political scientists call your negative liberty. That’s your right to pursue your interests free from interference

from others.

But interference with your choices is what Moms for Liberty is all about. What they and other groups like them are claiming is their prerogative to decide what is right not just for their kids, but for your kids.

The rights of moms, and all parents, with a different view do not enter into the equation.

That’s why it’s so important to speak up if we are parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, guardians or others responsible for raising and nurturing young people. Far-right groups like Moms for Liberty are well-funded, wellconnected and wellorganized. They have a head start. There is an urgent need to push back against the wave of censorship and repression that they have set in motion. I feel especially

strongly about this as a Black parent, because so much of the censorship is aimed at Black history and studies. The list of states that have either banned the AP African American Studies course or put it on the back burner for ‘review’ is up to six and growing.

For those who want to be part of the fight for inclusive education and against censorship, the American Library Association’s Unite Against Book Bans campaign website is a good place to start. It includes upto-date information and a toolkit. Attending school board meetings and speaking out are also really important.

As I said, I can think of no better role model, moral guide and inspiration than my mom. But I will always respect your right to feel the same way about yours. Groups

Svante Myrick like Moms for Liberty just won’t.

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

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

No one, not even a former president, is above the law

by Marc H. Morial, President/CEO National Urban League “An indictment of the former president, followed by an orderly due process, would show that no one is immune to following the law simply because he is famous, wealthy, politically powerful, willing to threaten the justice system, or possessed of intemperate and powerful followers such as Rep. Andy Biggs. Biggs has accidentally stumbled on the secret of rule of law, in which no one is above accountability” – David A. Graham.

It’s meant to be a dire warning, a call to arms for the MAGA army: "Remember, if they can do this to me, they can do it to anyone!"

Donald Trump howls.

Trump’s lieutenants, like Rep. Biggs (an election denier who refused to denounce White supremacy) dutifully parrot this line.

They are of course, absolutely correct, although they got it somewhat backward. If ‘they’ (meaning dulyelected or appointed prosecutors following the law) can do it to anyone, ‘they’ can do it to Trump.

It must be said, however, that Trump clearly means something differ-

ent when he says ‘they.’

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis, and New York State Attorney General Letitia James are Black.

Trump never misses an opportunity to stoke the flame of the racial resentment at the heart of his political appeal.

“One of the impacts of this rhetoric of antiWhite racism is that it invites everyday Americans to see themselves as victims of a Black takeover,” Tayo Bero wrote in The Guardian.

“This isn’t just absurd, it also lends credence to the far-right ‘White replacement theory’ that underpins Trump’s political strategy.”

Deplorable though his appeals to racism may be, they are an undeniably effective tactic in a broader strategy to divert attention from the crimes alleged in the myriad of cases against him. They are historic in their scope and gravity—inciting an insurrection; conspiracy to defraud the United States; obstructing Congress; racketeering; falsifying documents; violating the Espionage Act; obstruction of justice; removing and concealing federal records.

Altogether, Trump

stands credibly suspected of at least nine state and federal crimes that carry a total maximum penalty of nearly 70 years in prison.

Bragg, whose case is receiving the most attention this week, is investigating whether Trump falsified business records with the intent to conceal a violation of election law when he bribed a porn star to keep silent about their alleged affair.

James has accused Trump in a civil case of defrauding lenders and insurers by overvaluing his assets by billions of dollars.

Willis is weighing criminal charges in connection with Trump’s attempted coercion of Georgia’s Secretary of State to falsify election results, as well as false claims of election fraud to state lawmakers, a scheme to submit fake pro-Trump electors to Congress, efforts by unauthorized individuals to access voting machines in one Georgia county and threats and harassment against election workers.

In an unprecedented moment in American history, the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 insurrection

unanimously referred Trump to the U.S. Department of Justice for criminal prosecution on charges of insurrection, obstructing Congress, making false statements to the federal government, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Attorney General Merrick Garland has appointed a special counsel to investigate Trump’s efforts to overturn the election.

The special counsel also is conducting a criminal investigation of Trump’s handling of sensitive documents after he left office.

These are crimes, not

political differences. We, the people, are the victims. Impartial administration of justice is a universal principle of the rule of law.

In his reckless rant against the lawful pursuit of justice, Trump sycophant Rep. Biggs declared: “This type of stuff only occurs in third world authoritarian nations.” Setting aside the outdated and disrespectful reference to economically developing countries, the impartial administration of justice is precisely what does not occur under authoritarian rule.

What Trump and his henchmen are advocating is textbook autocracy: the concentration of supreme political power in the hands one person, who is exempt from legal restraints and the will of the people.

Trump isn’t whipping up his MAGA army to take to the streets against his looming indictments because he believes he’s innocent.

He’s not doing it because he believes the prosecutors are politically motivated. He’s doing it because he believes he’s above the law.

Until and unless we abandon the bedrock constitutional principles that define us as a nation, he is not.

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

March 31, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Continuations

Page 5

Nashville PRIDE

Citywide vigil... from page 1 Black Caucus... from page 1 victims are students Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs, who were all nine; substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61; custodian Mike Hill, 61; and the head of the school Katherine Koonce, 60.

The shooter who was fatally shot by two MNPD officers has been identified as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, a former student at the school.

According to MNPD Don spokesperson Aaron: "Officers went to the gunfire. When they got to the second floor and saw the shooter, a female. There was a five-member unit that was on the second floor at the time. She had two assault rifles and a handgun. She entered the school through a side entrance and went from the first school to the second floor. By 10:27 am, the shooter was dead."

President Joe Biden said: "We have to do more to stop gun violence. It’s ripping our communities apart, ripping the soul of this nation, ripping at the very soul of the nation.

And we have to do more to protect our schools, so they aren’t turned into prisons."

On Tuesday, Gov. Bill Lee addressed the tragedy in a recorded address.

“What happened at Covenant School was a tragedy beyond comprehension,” he said. “All of Tennessee was hurt yesterday, but some parents woke up without children, children woke up without parents and without teachers, and spouses woke up without their loved ones. We are enduring a very difficult moment. I understand there is pain. I understand the desperation to have answers, to place blame, to argue about a solution that could prevent this horrible tragedy.

“There will come a time to ask how a person could do this. There will come a time to discuss and debate policy.

“But this is not a time for hate or rage. That will not resolve or heal.

Everyone is hurting, and remembering that as we grieve and walk together, this will be the way we honor those who

were lost.”

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has set up a fund for donations to help with the tragedy.

“The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is heartbroken by the horrific and senseless shooting that took place on Monday, March 27, at The Covenant School here in Nashville. Because of the outpouring of love from our generous and thoughtful community, we have established the Caring for Covenant Fund to manage the donations made in to this response tragedy,” said Hal Cato, CEO of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Gifts can be made to the fund at <www. cfmt.org/covenant>.

All donations made to the fund, minus credit card fees, will be directed to The Covenant School to support the healing of those affected.

“Together, we will send a message of love and compassion to the entire Covenant community,” said Cato.

Black professionals... from page 2 Additional findings of the report: • 55% of Black workers see a safe, inclusive work environment as very important, almost 14% points higher than their White colleagues.

• 63% of Black employees indicated that regular raises affect their well-being at work, compared to 48.3% of White workers.

• Black employees value access to mental health support (64%) more than their White colleagues (22%).

Across all genders and geographies, the rising cost of living (75%) and personal worries or concerns (74%) are the top stressors impacting employees’ ability to focus on work, followed by: • Global health concerns (61%) • Economic downturn (55%) • War and conflict

(35%) • Political instability (34%) • Climate change (23%) Black knowledge workers’ ability to focus on work is disproportionately affected by these external factors, more than any other racial group—most critically: • 60% of Black employees report struggling with the rising costs of living, compared to their Hispanic (46%), Asian (39%), and White (30%) colleagues.

• Global health concerns impact 42% of Black workers, compared to 15% of White workers.

• Younger generations are almost twice as affected by rising living costs and personal concerns than their Gen X colleagues.

“Our data broken down by race was also very revealing. Black

employees valued a safe working environment almost 14 percentage points more than their White colleagues and were 20 percentage points more in favor of check-ins with their manager,” the study said.

“These employees also placed far more emphasis on regular raises (63.0% compared to 48.3% of White workers), which tracks given that our data also found Black workers were the most concerned with rising costs of living.

What we’re seeing is a greater need to support, include, and create equitable work environments so all employees can thrive. At the very least, managers should be aware that Black employees on their team may appreciate more face time and encouragement and be ready to provide this support as needed.”

FHA housing... from page 2 mortgage applicants’ creditworthiness. Also, HUD’s mortgage loan modification practices resolved delinquencies for financially-challenged borrowers, allowing them to keep their homes. Yet another policy change offered expanded housing counseling that prepares firsttime buyers with knowledge and information gleaned from 4,000 HUD-certified counselors working in 1,500 HUD-approved community agencies across the country.

These reforms, combined with key market measures like stable home appreciation, low foreclosure rates, and significant refinance volume, generated improved loan performance and savings that could be passed on to consumers.

For low-to-moderate income consumers, these developments ensure that this longstanding federallyinsured program will

remain an available, affordable, and sustainable path to homeownership. More than 80% of first-time homebuyers and 25% of buyers of color who secured these government-backed loans will benefit from the lowered fees.

In its recap of 2021 FHA lending to Blacks, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, found that 40% of Black mortgage borrowers were FHA-insured, including 42% of Black millennials.

Public and private sector housing stakeholders applauded the action.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is providing needed breathing room in the tight budgets of families who use FHA mortgages, many of whom are first-time home buyers, people of color, or individuals with lower-incomes,” said Mitria Spotser, vice president and federal policy director at the Center for Responsible

Lending. “By reducing the cost of mortgage insurance premiums, the Administration is putting money back into people’s pockets. This move helps families strengthen their financial backstop and manage unexpected financial events while maintaining homeownership. The Administration has been working to make our housing system more equitable, sustainable, and healthier and this is an important step in that journey.”

“Mortgage rates have doubled over the past year and home prices have increased more than 30% in some counties. In this competitive market, new and low- to moderate-income buyers are often left behind,” said Kenny Parcell, president of the National Association of Realtors.

“This reduction will help alleviate some of the financial stress those potential buyers encounter when purchasing a home.”

Yolanda Pierce... from page 3 member of several professional organizations, including the Modern Language Association, the American Academy of Religion and the American Historical Association.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to become dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School, an innovator in 21st-century theological

education, and to work with dedicated faculty and staff in the preparation of outstanding ministers and scholars,” Pierce said. “I have long heard about the school’s rich history as an advocate for racial and social justice, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation that Emilie Townes and others have established to

form this treasured community.”

Raver expressed thanks to members of the Divinity School Dean Search Committee, which was chaired

by Lorenzo F. Candelaria, the Mark Wait Dean and professor of musicology at the Blair School of Music, for their guidance and collaboration.

The TBCSL respects our Second Amendment right to carry, yet this issue of senseless mass murder has become out of control.

We have got to do more to protect children and all those providing an education for them.

We have done nothing to address the root problem: proliferation of militarized guns in our communities.

“We stand with President Biden as he

continues to call on Congress to pass the Assault Rifle Ban. Prayers are good, but faith without works is dead. There is pending legislation in Tennessee to decrease the age of open carry to 18 years of age and add long guns on the list of weapons for regular citizens to own.

As a first step, we believe this legislation should be pulled.

Tennessee has some of

the worst regulations on background checks when purchasing a weapon in the nation.

This we all agree on.

Our constituents deserve real solutions. This is not about ‘politicizing the issue.’ This is about our moral obligation as lawmakers to act. We cannot normalize mass shootings! Do not allow yourselves to become desensitized to mass school shootings. It is not normal.”

Women of Legend... from page 1 ing Company.

Scholarship The Gala will be hosted at Kean Auditorium on the campus of Tennessee State University. Parking is available in Lot labeled "Students Parking" on the above map, on the corner of 33rd Avenue and Alameda.

Enter parking lot from 33rd Avenue.

For more details and to purchase tickets, go to their website: https:// www.tnstate.edu/legendandmerit/ The annual event is sponsored by the TSU’s Women’s Center, whose mission is to provide vital and comprehensive services that address the needs of the whole person by hosting programs and workshops that speak to the emotional, intellectual, physical and financial well-being of the TSU woman.

“There are so many amazing women at Tennessee State University,” said Seanne Wilson, who has served as the director of the University’s Women’s Center since 2015. Wilson said many of TSU’s alumna

paved the way for Black women in Nashville and beyond. “Often times we are overlooked,” Wilson said.

“We’ve never had the shine we deserve.

Now women are starting to be seen and we are operating in power.”

Located in the heart of the campus, the Women’s Center vision and purpose at TSU is to provide resources for female administration, faculty, staff, and students, while establishing a safe, diverse and empowering environment. The Center's objective is to foster a more vibrant campus community by supporting active participation of female students in both their personal and educational pursuits at TSU. The Director and Women’s Center volunteer advisory boards hope to encourage retention and academic success for freshman, upperclassmen, transfer and non-traditional students by providing specialized support programs and referrals to

community resources inclusive of on- and offcampus communities.

The Center aids students in identifying opportunities for academic success and positive personal development.

The Women's Center supports women’s education, empowerment, mentoring of and women. Administration, faculty and staff are encouraged to support and utilize available resources of the Center.

The Women’s Center with collaborates Nashville community organizations to provide opportunities for its female population.

The Center develops and sponsors programming that enhances the skills of women and assists in their development as scholars and professionals.

The staff works closely with the university’s Women's Studies program to provide academic courses that explore issues of gender, sexuality and inequality through examination of the lives and efforts of women.

Clayborne-Williams... from page 1 over a misdemeanor possession charge when DCS cannot even take care of the kids they already have in custody.

“It’s also ridiculous that a month later DCS

is still fighting to keep these children away from their parents over weed, which is legal in the state where their family was driving for a funeral.

“The Depart-ment of Children’s Services and Coffee County need to do what is right and return these children to their family before any more harm is done.”

Corporal punishment... from page 2 schools to raise the bar for supporting their mental health and wellbeing,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

“Despite years of research linking corporal punishment to poorer psychological, behavioral, and academic outcomes, tens of thousands of children and youth are subjected to beating and hitting or other forms of physical harm in school every academic year, with students of color and students with disabilities disproportionately affected. Schools should be places where students and educators interact in positive, nurturing ways that foster students’ growth and development, dignity, and sense of belonging—not places that condone violence and instill fear and mistrust.”

Despite decades of research showing the short and long-term harms of corporal punishment, the practice

continues to be legal in at least 23 states.

In addition, the Department released guiding principles on how to maintain safe, inclusive, supportive, and fair learning environments for students and school staff, including specific recommendations for evidencebased practices to give students what they need to learn and grow.

The Department stands ready to support efforts to replace harmful disciplinary practices, including exclusionary discipline and corporal punishment. Through the historic funding under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and additional laws like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Department can support these evidencebased practices consistent with program requirements.

The Department will also

continue to support schools in their efforts to move away from the use of exclusionary and physical punishment through its technical assistance centers, including the Best Practices Clearinghouse, National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments, and National Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety, among other resources.

These actions today show a continued commitment by the BidenHarris Administration to raise the bar in education, advance equity, and support the well-being, safety and success of all students.

The letter builds upon the Department’s position from a similar action in 2016 under the direction of then Secretary John King, Jr. and 2014 under the direction of Secretary Arne Duncan in the Obama-Biden Administration.

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Page 6

Nashville PRIDE

Pastor, Pew, & Pulpit www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Faith of A Mustard Seed

By Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. In my daily walk to study as a workman who desires to rightly divide the word of God, I left 2022 in an environment of contradiction, chaos, and confusion— in the National life. I am more determined than ever to find voices that have penned with heart some very powerful, conscious and cognitive expressions of life concerning contemporary issues. In the talk of who gives a sort of ‘First Word’, I am continuously drawn to W. E. B. Du Bois in his "The Souls of Black Folks". I speak of it often as a ‘Primer’ for the life and times of The Negro in America.

Since 1903 remaining so timely and oh so... powerful!

"After the Egyptian and Indian, the Greek and Roman, the Teuton and Mongolian, the Negro is a sort of seventh son, born with a veil, and gifted with second site in this American world,— a world which yields him no true self-consciousness, but only lets him see himself through the revelation of the other world. It is a peculiar sensation, this double consciousness, this sense of always looking at one's self through the eyes of others, of measuring one's soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. One ever feels his two-ness,— an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings, two warring ideas in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.

The history of the American Negro is the history of this strife,—

Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. this longing to attain self-conscious manhood, to merge his double self into a better and truer self. In this merging he wishes neither of the older selves to be lost. He would not Africanize America, for America has too much to teach the world and Africa. He would not bleach his Negro soul in a flood of white Americanism, for he knows that Negro blood has a message for the world.

He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American, without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows, without having the doors of Opportunity closed roughly in his face.

Here in America, in the few days since the Emancipation, black man's turning hither and thither in hesitant and doubtful striving has often made his very strength to lose effectiveness.

— it is the contradiction of double aims.

The would-be black savant was confronted by the paradox that the knowledge his people needed was a twicetold tale to his white neighbors, while the knowledge which would teach the white world was Greek to his own flesh and blood.

The innate love of

harmony and beauty that set the ruder souls of his people a-dancing and a-singing raised but confusion and doubt in the souls of the black artist; for the beauty revealed to him was the soul beauty of a race which his larger audience despised, and he could not articulate the message of another people.

This waste of double aims, this seeking to satisfy two unreconideas, has ciled wrought sad havoc with the courage and faith and deeds of ten thousand thousand people,— has sent them often wooing false gods and invoking false means of salvation, and at times has even seemed about to make them ashamed of themselves."

Never underestimating the ‘Harvard Earned Degree’, a separate time must be given to this most important ‘Black Influencer’ Richard Greener having earned the first degree from Harvard in 1844; and the ‘1869 Trio’ of Edwin Howard, (Medicine), George Ruffin (Law) and Robert Freeman (Dental). But, in this space and time look now, not at the national pitting of Du Bois against Booker T. Washington (I have come to absolutely loathe how this nation continues to ‘dog fight’ the greatest of our scholars, et. al. —never really hearing and knowing the depth of each unique contribution); total and complete attention shall be given to these two Black Influencers: W. E. B. Du Bois (Harvard 1895) and Carter G. Woodson (Harvard 1912). by email: myfa thersmansionpress@ gmail.com.

Faithful utterances

Choosing patience over panic

by Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew We were expecting to arrive in New Orleans at 7:03 pm. Our 5 pm flight consistently was moved.

One after another announcement continued to push the flight back until after 11 pm.

The weather was insane when we left, and even after the rain stopped it moved to other areas prolonging our departure. By the time we landed, we had to wait over an hour for a taxi.

Initially, I selected a Ride Share app but the prices were ridiculous.

My exhaustion was compounded with frustration. At 2 am, we finally arrived at the hotel.

With just a few hours of sleep, it was time to get up for the New Orleans Book Festival. I was so blessed to have met so many amazing individuals, discussed my book to a full room and spent time with close friends. After going through storms and turbulence, God showed up and showed out. I’ve come to the realization that often distractions come in our lives to get us off track so that we miss the move of God. Storms happen in our lives and sometimes the rain comes so fast and furious that we can’t see our way. I know that in my past, I would have tried to find another way instead of trusting God to work it out. In the past, I might have rented a car and driven from the DFW area to New Orleans. The old me could not stand the uncertainty of waiting on others to make a decision about my future.

Over time, I have come to understand that there is purpose in everything,

even when it doesn’t appear that way immediately. I know this to be true: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose,” Romans 8:28.

Had I allowed my frustration to overwhelm me, I could have made a poor decision to do something drastic in my need for control. I couldn’t control the weather, the flight, or the taxi situation but I could make a decision to trust God. I chose patience over panic.

There are so many situations that we’ve witnessed on the news or social media of individuals allowing their anger, fear, and need for control to ultimately cost them their freedom.

What would have happened if they made a choice to remain silent, use wisdom and sought to understand?

We don’t hear a lot about the pursuit of patience but I recognize that so much time in our lives is dedicated to waiting. We wait in traffic. We wait at the doctor’s office or for games, concerts to start, etc.

Life is filled with moments of waiting. It’s what we do in those moments that determine our outcome. “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience,” Romans 8:25.

Maybe some of our lives would look different if we waited on God instead of trying to do things on our own.

I’ve learned that waiting isn’t the worse thing to happen. I’ve asked God to order my steps because I know that I can’t see every part of my journey. But God does. “The steps of a

Expressions of faith Covenant Commitment

by Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. “Never come into the presence of the Lord without an offering, for God has blessed you with providence and provision,” Deuteronomy 16:16.

God granted His people with a great amount. Three times a year, all the people appeared “before the Lord your God at the place He will choose: at the festival of Unleavened Bread, the festival of Tabernacles, and the festival of Weeks. And no one should appear before the Lord Jehovah your God without an offering [empty-handed],” Malachi 3:6:12.

The people of Malachi's day ignored God's command to give the tithe and the offering of their income for the work of the Temple.

Many people said: ‘I'm not going to take care of a pastor; he can work just like I can. But do you not know that the work of God’s house is a full time responsibility? No one cared to look at the blessings God promised, the need of the people, or seeing after the men of God. This was the attitude of the people towards God. If you don't give, then why worship?

If you don't give, then why are you praying? If you don't give, then why are you on Morning Prayer with

your Morning Covering? We should stop today if you are going to rob God. The focus of the people was selfish.

We worship God because He is God and deserves to be worshiped.

If you won't live the life, then why worship?

If you won't honor God, then why pray? If you will not do His will, then why read the word?

None of it makes sense.

Did people not remember that if you remain faithful to God (love, fear, honor and respect Him), God would openly bless you?

“I will open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sake, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, says the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for you shall be a delightsome land saith the Lord of hosts,” Malachi 3:10-12.

The Hebrew people would give back to God for all He made to let them use. They would give [support] the work of the kingdom to those who did the work. The priests gave the word of God, and the people trusted in the

Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. priests/pastors. The tithe was a covenant, a contract with God. This was not for personal gain but for the work of the kingdom.

We give for the work to be done; this is what we are devoted to do.

This is Holy unto the Lord. It is the right attitude towards God— genuine trusting in God and His word. We must be inspired to give to God for the work to be harvested.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your hearts to give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for your God loves a cheerful giver,” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8.

God blesses us daily.

It’s our opportunity and responsibility to give back to Him our tithe and offering. The more we honor God and our commitment to Him, we will begin to see the evidence of the glory of God in our lives.

Remain covenantally committed.

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

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

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

(615) 329-2325 Min. Dr. Charles A Beaman Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre Nashville 1130 8th Ave S Nashville, TN 37203 615-687-4600 7 days a week with Service every Sunday at 11AM scientology-ccnashville.org Senior Pastor: Rev. Brian Fesler

Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the LORD upholdeth him with his hand,” Psalm 37:23-24, KJV. Things will go wrong and they often do, that doesn’t mean that God isn’t in control or that God will not be with you or me through it.

Yellow lights have a reason. It’s a warning to know that we need to slow down and yield. Is it possible that what could be viewed as a roadblock could be designed for something greater, even something that is ultimately for our good and benefit? I could have missed one of the best opportunities of my life if I had chosen to do something rash.

There is purpose in patience. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him,” Psalm 37:7a.

Allow God to blow your mind as you wait on Him! (Dr. Froswa’ BookerDrew is the CEO of Soulstice Consultancy and the founder of the R2 Foundation (r2fdn.org) as well as the author of four books.

She is the host of the Tapestry podcast.)

March 31, 2023

Clark Memorial United Methodist Church 1014 14th Ave. North Nashville, TN 37208 Ph: (615) 329-4464 FAX: (615) 321-0975 Sunday Worship: 8:00 a.m./10:45 a.m.

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

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

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

Pastor Carlos A. Jones

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 31, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Leisure

The Frist Art Museum presents family-friendly Beatrix Potter exhibition

Beatrix Potter. Variant artwork for The Tale of Peter Rabbit, 1902–7. Watercolor, ink, and pencil on paper; 5 6/8 x 3 7/8 in. V&A: Linder Bequest BP.468. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London, courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd. friendly installation,

By Cass Teague The Frist Art Muse- Drawn to Nature feaum presents Beatrix Pot- tures rarely seen objects, ter: Drawn to Nature, including personal letthe first exhibition to tell ters, photographs, books, the broader life story of diaries, decorative arts, the beloved English sketches, and watercolauthor and illustrator. ors that explore the Organized by London’s inspirations behind PotVictoria and Albert ter’s stories and characMuseum — home to the ters. The engaging inworld’s largest collec- gallery interpretation tion of Potter’s artworks text includes special — the exhibition will be labels designed for chilon view in the Frist’s dren. Two cozy carpeted Upper-Level Galleries areas in the galleries— from April 7 through one with oversized flowerpots and another with September 17, 2023.

In the classic chil- giant spools of thread for dren’s storybook The seats—invite guests to Tale of Peter Rabbit, read Potter’s stories surfirst self-published in rounded by her drawings London in 1901, and 22 and watercolors.

The presentation at other children’s books, Potter imagined an the Frist is complementenchanting world of ani- ed by experiential learnmals and gardens. She ing activities in the Marbecame one of the most tin ArtQuest® Gallery, successful author-illus- including writing illustrators of the 20th centu- trated letters, drawing ry and also defied expec- objects found in gardens, tations for women of her playing in a puppet thetime by engaging in sci- ater, and creating animaentific studies, farming, tions with flora and fauna. and land conservation.

Based on scholarship Presented in a playful and colorful family- about Potter’s life and

work, the exhibition reveals that her books emerged from her passion for nature and were just one of her major legacies.

“From storyteller to natural scientist and conservationist, Beatrix Potter lived a truly remarkable and multifaceted life,” says Frist Art Museum senior curator Trinita Kennedy.

“Through interactive features, video, and engaging prompts in every gallery, this exhibition invites guests of all ages to explore the full breadth of Potter’s work and life.”

Thursday, April 6 a Curator's Perspective program will be held from 6:30–7:30 p.m.

CDT in the Frist Auditorium, free, first come, first seated. Annemarie Bilclough, curator of Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature, discusses the development of this fascinating new exhibition that explores the life of the beloved children’s author, the places and animals which inspired her stories, and her background as a scientist and conservationist.

Annemarie Bilclough has worked at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) for more than twenty years on a variety of projects, from exhibitions on art deco and arts and crafts to small displays on art inspired by maps and botanical illustration. She contributed work on medieval prints for the V&A’s Medieval and Renaissance galleries and on Rembrandt for the Europe 1600–1800 galleries and was co-curator of the 2017 exhibition Winniethe-Pooh: Exploring a Classic. Most recently she co-curated the display Making an Impression: The Art of Relief Printmaking (2019–20) and the Creating Alice section of the 2021 exhibition Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser. She curated Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature in partnership with the National Trust.

The Sporting Life: MTAC Blackjack Edition

By Cass Teague The Middle Tennessee Anime Convention (MTAC) --- Tennessee’s largest anime convention --- returns this April with a weekend-long extravaganza.

It will be held at the familiar locations Sheraton Music City & Embassy Suites Nashville from Friday, April 7 through Sunday, April 9, 2023.

MTAC is an annual Nashville-based community celebration of Japanese animation and culture, including costumes, music, gaming, and so much more, and operates entirely on a volunteer basis.

The event features a spectacular mix of celebrity guests, artists, industry professionals, feature events, professional speakers, fan discussion panels, workshops, Q&A sessions, vendors, contests and more.

This year’s MTAC is titled “MTAC Blackjack.” The name is styling this year’s convention around casino games featured in anime and gaming. The theme comes from the number 21 being key to the game Blackjack while also being the 21st MTAC. Notable guests for this year’s event include one of the leading African American voice talents in the world, Beau Billingslea, along with Marin Miller, Kyle McCarley, @ItsKing

Chris, and Alejandro Saab.

Beau Billingslea recently did an episode of the 2019 remake of Mad About You, and Oprah Winfrey’s new show Cherish the Day (on OWN). He plays Captain Abbott of the USS Bradbury in Star Trek: Into Darkness and Vice Admiral Stamm in Star Trek Continues. He has oncamera commercials now airing for Verzenio, Geico and Genesis; and he appears in the awardwinning PSA, the Other Note, which calls attention to the alarming suicide rate among our veterans.

He can also be seen in The Laughing Man short on Showbox Online. Beau’s sci-fi feature films include The Blob, My Favorite Martian, Leprechaun in the Hood, and Halloween H2O. A full listing of his 40 plus year television and feature film career can be found on IMDB. Beau is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.

In the world of anime, Beau has voiced countless characters including: Jet Black in Cowboy Bebop; The Fourth Raikage in Naruto; Barrett in Final Fantasy Advent Children; Cain in Last Hope; Bertuccio in Count of Monte Christo; Ogremon, Saggitarimon and Parrotman in Digimon;

Beau Billingslea Michael in Argento Soma; Seal Walrus in Wolf’s Rain; Gohei in Rurouni Kenshin; Dee Jay in Super Street Fighter II; Ben Jackson in Tiger & Bunny; Edward Liones in Bleach; Light Nostrade in Hunter x Hunter; Lingerin & Dogen in DuRaRaRa x 2 and many others.

He voices the Alien Goat Creature in Laws of the Universe Parts 0 and 1, and Abraham Douglas in the animated feature War of the Worlds: Goliath (winner of Best Animated Feature at the Los Angeles 3D Film Festival). He has narrated several series on The History Channel including Suicide Missions, Hero Ships and Modern Marvels. His video games include: Safari, Outlaws, Dynasty Warriors (Cao Ren & Dion Wei), Zico, Breakdown, Ace Combat 5, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (Barrett) and Mafia III.

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Nashville PRIDE

A Thousand and One

by Dwight Brown, Film critic for DwightBrownInk.com and NNPA News Wire (****) She’s like the girl next door. The young woman from around the way. The one you think you know, but you don’t.

Mary J. Bilge has radiated that kind of approachable vibe her entire career. It’s disarming and endearing.

That don’t-I-knowyou feel helps Teyana Taylor turn a very feisty and troubled mom into someone you’ll love. A wounded, kind-hearted person so believable you’ll want to comfort her and loan her your last dime.

It’s the 1990s. Sixyear-old Terry (Aaron Kingsley Adetola) thinks his mom lnez (Taylor) left him on a Harlem street corner when he was a baby. Now that she’s done with her jail time on Rikers Island, she’s trying to make amends. She steals him from foster care. Inez: “I’d go to war for you!”

She intends to raise the boy, hoping he has all the opportunities she didn’t.

Inez does hair. She can work and find a job. But there are no concrete plans. She treks from place to place trying to nest.

That thoroughly inventive premise spotlights the creative genius of first-time feature film A.V. writer/director Rockwell. From the jump, she weaves a captivating urban tale, eschewing stereotypes, cliches and tropes so prevalent in the genre.

Instead, she presents a compassionate mother/ child relationship that endures the Giuliani years, ‘stop and frisk’ and gentrification.

Watching this ferociously protective NYC-born mom try to beat the system and raise her son becomes more and more compelling.

The characters are rich, the narrative unpredictable, the dialogue as street smart, heartfelt and profound as that in a Bernice McFadden novel.

Terry to his mom: “I'm scared that I won't have a home no more. It’s gonna feel like we ain't never happened.” Inserting a compassionate boyfriend, Lucky (William Catlett, Lovecraft Country), into the mix is genius. In someone else’s hands, this father figure would be an abusive antagonist just to pour more drama on the protagonists and help audiences feel more empathy (The Color Purple). Instead, Rockwell makes the character flawed but paternal— unfaithful but loving. In one of the most touching scenes, little Terry, thinking he’s intruding on his mom’s relationship with her new man, asks Lucky: “Am I in the way.” Lucky: “You’re a blessing.” It’s enough to melt anyone’s heart.

Taylor’s searing portrayal, of a rebellious woman desperately in need of the kind of love she gives, would be nominated for an Oscar in a better world. She makes Inez’s successes and failures monumental.

Her maternal instincts, broken heart and ability to forgive high drama. The character is indelible because the talented actor inhabits the body of a fiery emotionally distraught person. Someone who’s been beaten down by life, is trying to become respectable but never forgets where she came from. Inez to the older Terry: “My body was a playground for thousands of ni--a’s until you were born.”

The supporting cast all seem emotionally connected. Adetola as young Terry, Aven Courtney as the 13-yearold boy and the stoic moody Josiah Cross (King Richard) as the adolescent blend together seamlessly. Cross, especially, is destined for stardom. While Catlett could play any Morgan Freeman part.

The camera lens is never intrusive (cinematographer Eric Yue),

Aron Kingsley Adetola and William Catlett in A Thousand and One. and the blue-collar apart- you’ve heard every ments look lived in (pro- urban fable possible, this duction designer Sharon family drama refreshens Lomofsky; set decorator the genre and sets a new Rockwell Lauren Crawford). The standard. pours more hard living character-relevant clothes may have been and love into this one swiped from T.J. Maxx hour and 57 minute film designer, than a dramatic TV (costume Melissa Vargas), and the series could in an entire music soothes, inspires season. It’s wonderful on or dramatizes where it every level, with food for should (composer Gary the soul.

When the movie Gunn). It all moves so fast. Time goes by quick- ends, you’ll love Inez’s ly (editors Sabine Hoff- spunk so much you’ll want to ask her out for a man; Kirstan Sprague).

Just as you think cup of coffee.

Earth Day ACROSS 1. Blood-related problem 5. Econ. measure 8. Blue 11. A perch for Christmas partridge?

12. Domain 13. Fill college entrance form 15. Archaic preposition 16. Chili seed 17. Ski run 18. *Swedish environmental activist 20. Makes lace 21. Pi meson, pl.

22. Digital map marker 23. *Rachel Carson's "____ Spring" 26. Heater 30. “Wheel of Fortune” vowel request 31. Trouble, in Yiddish 34. Epochs 35. Type of single-story house 37. Noble title 38. Sandler and Driver 39. Not "out of" 40. Advice on shampoo bottle 42. *Pollinator of plants 43. ____ Cray, a.k.a. the father of supercomputing 45. *Earth Day founder 47. Benatar or Boone 48. Lacking clarity 50. Singer-songwriter Tori 52. *1969 Santa Barbara disaster 55. To some degree 56. Dig like a pig 57. Honoree's spot 59. Apartments, e.g.

60. Swine and avian diseases 61. Primary source for Nordic mythology 62. Cash machine 63. It's all the rage 64. Swallow’s house DOWN 1. PC “brain” 2. Christian fast 3. The Hippocratic one 4. Group of minstrels, e.g.

5. *Environmentallyfriendly 6. Draws close 7. Spasm of pain 8. See him run?

9. “The Sound of Music” backdrop 10. Yellow #5 in list of ingredients 12. Highly-ranked ecclesiasts 13. On the move 14. Arranged in advance 19. Usually the last inning 22. Wound fluid 23. Delhi dresses 24. Absurd 25. Like a dryer trap 26. *Cuyahoga River disaster, Clean Water Act precursor 27. Omani and Yemeni 28. Tarantino in his own movie, e.g.

29. Ruhr’s industrial center 32. ____-friendly 33. Mourner's wish 36. *Refuse turned fertilizer 38. Consumed (2 words) 40. Monotonous routine 41. Teenagers' emotions 44. A mirage?

46. City in Netherlands 48. Between violin and cello 49. Not silently 50. Polly to Tom Sawyer 51. Disfigure 52. ____ Approach, music education 53. Serve soup 54. *Plastic tops of coffee cups 55. Sine ____ non 58. College entrance exam, acr Solutions from last puzzle

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Nashville PRIDE

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

March 31, 2023