Nashville PRIDE April 14, 2023

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volume XXXvii, Number 15

People Are Talking Halving of the Metro Council by state halted

Wally Dietz Nashville has been granted a temporary injunction blocking the state law to shrink the Metro Council in half.

A three judge panel released its ruling on Monday, preventing the law from taking effect before the election.

In a press conference, Metro Law Director Wally Dietz who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the city said: “Our system of government is based on checks and balances. When one branch of government violates the constitution or overreaches, our independent judiciary is designed to step in Continued on page 5

Council votes to return Justin Pearson to Tennessee State House

Justin Pearson (Courtesy of Twitter) After Justin Pearson led thousands in a March from the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis to the Shelby County Administration Building, the Board of Commissioners voted to send the ousted Democrat back to the Tennessee State House of Representatives.

The reinstatement comes two days after a Nashville Metropolitan Council vote to reseat fellow Democratic State Rep. Justin Jones, and more than a week after Republicans expelled the duo for protesting gun violence.

“It’s a victory, but the fight continues,” Pearson declared to the throng of marchers and a large media contingent in Memphis.

Board members in Memphis remained concerned about GOP backlash, some fearing the state Republicans will react by taking funding from the city.

According to Shelby County Commission Chairman Mickell Lowery, some of those fears stem from the city and county’s past with the state.

He pointed to 2018, when the state stripped Memphis of $250,000 in funding for its bicentennial celebration in retaliation for Memphis taking down Confederate statues the year before.

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Tennessee GOP power grab showcases racism, disregard for democracy

Vice-President Kamala Harris meets with TN legislatures. ( NNPA)

by Stacy M. Brown, members being in effect for roughly NNPA Newswire senior 60 years, the GOP wants Nashville to national correspondent create new council districts, which The reinstatement of Tennessee many say would usurp the power of Democratic State Rep. Justin Jones Black leaders. and the pending re-seating of his col“There is a compelling public league Justin Pearson proved a victo- interest in preserving the integrity of ry for democracy after Republicans the Metro election process that is callously used their super-majority already underway,” three state court power to expel the members. justices wrote, rebuffing the GOP’s But the win doesn’t overshadow attempt to wrest control. the GOP’s unscrupulous and continThe judges represented Nashville, ued power grab in a state where the Shelby County, and Athens, Tenn.

Ku Klux Klan first formed in 1866.

“The Court finds the implementaThe Nashville Metropolitan tion of the Act and its reduction proCouncil, which unanimously voted to visions at this late date results in an re-seat Jones, continues to face an upheaval of the election process, assault from state Republicans. risks voter confusion, and potentially This week, a panel of judges ruled comprises the integrity of Davidson that Republican lawmakers cannot County’s August 3, 2023, general cut in half the 40 seats on the prima- election,” the judges ruled. rily Democratic body.

Separately, the Federal Aviation The GOP’s attempt appears to be Administration has halted a Republia retaliation for the Council’s refusal can plan to have the GOP takeover to allow Nashville to host the 2024 Metro Nashville Airport Authority Republican National Convention. board appointments.

Despite the combined city-county Continued on page 5 government system of 40 council

Mass shooting at Louisville bank heightens gun control issue

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent In the wake of still another mass shooting in America, this time at an Old National Bank in Louisville, Kentucky, the nation is left reeling.

At least four people were killed, and eight others were injured, two of whom are in critical condition.

The shooter, whom police believe had a connection to the bank, is dead, and authorities are working to establish the motive behind the shooting.

Police responded quickly to the call, arriving within three minutes of the first reports.

They encountered the shooter almost immediately and exchanged gunfire, which ultimately led to the shooter’s death.

Police are still investigating whether the shooter died from the gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear expressed grief over losing two close friends in the shooting and having another friend injured.

The bank where the shooting occurred is also his bank, making the tragedy even more personal for him.

The mayor of Louisville, Craig Greenberg, asked people to pray for those fighting for their lives.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, said he was heartbroken when he heard the news.

Officials apprised President Joe Biden of the shooting, and the White House has said there will be more details to share later.

The shooting comes as the Nashville City Council reinstated former Tennessee Democratic state Rep. Justin Jones, whom Republican majority leaders ousted after he urged them to act on gun control.

Later this week, Jones’ former colleague, Democrat Justin Pearson, Continued on page 5

Gov. Lee signs order to strengthen firearm background checks Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed an executive order on Tuesday that strengthens gun background checks and is asking for lawmakers to put their differences aside and pass an order of protection law.

Lee’s Executive Order ensures that the existing background check process provides Tennessee law enforcement with up-to-date information and more closely guarantees the safe, lawful purchase of firearms.

Lee’s call for gun reform in the wake of the March 27 mass shooter who broke into The Covenant School and murdered six Tennesseans, including three nine-year-olds.

“I believe that this will protect victims and that it will hold dangerous people accountable and away from firearms and that it will preserve constitutional rights at the same time.”

Lee said that the specifics of the order of protection are yet to be determined and that cooperation between the lawmakers will be required.

“We should work to set aside our differences and accomplish something that Tennesseans want,” he said. “It’s going to require coming together and finding what we agree on together and moving forward on those things. “ Senate minority Leader Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, issued a statement urging the Republican super-majority to take up Gov. Bill Lee’s call for gun reform.

“In this moment, our families deserve action to stop future gun violence. The governor is right to make this a priority before the session ends.

“Our caucus announced last week five common sense reforms to reduce gun violence, including expanded

Gov. Bill Lee signing the Executive Order to ensure the existing background check process provides Tenn. law enforcement with up-to-date information and more closely guarantees the safe, lawful purchase of firearms. background checks and an extreme risk protection order law. When done right, these are smart and effective solutions to keep kids and families safe.

“We are ready to work with the governor and we urge our Republican colleagues in the legislature to move Continued on page 5

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April 14, 2023

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas violated ethics laws with multiple super-yacht cruises with Republican donor

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent For more than two decades, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has accepted luxury trips virtually every year from Dallas businessman and Republican mega donor Harlan Crow without disclosing them, a bombshell new report from ProPublica has revealed. documents Citing and interviews, the nonprofit and Pulitzer Prize winning legal news said organization Thomas who has a salary of $285,000, has vacationed on Crow’s superyacht around the globe.

Had Thomas footed the bill himself, one trip on Crow’s yacht would have set him back a cool half-million dollars.

What’s more, the controversial conservative justice often flies on Bombardier Crow’s Global 5000 jet. That’s a $70,000 trip.

Justices are required to report all gifts of $415 or more that are “anything of value” and not fully reimbursed.

There’s no record of Thomas reporting the gifts or reimbursing anyone for the trips.

“He has gone with Crow to the Bohemian Grove, the exclusive all-male California retreat, and to Crow’s sprawling ranch in East Texas,” the legal news site reported on April 6.

“And Thomas typically spends about a week every summer at Crow’s private resort in the Adirondacks.”

The extent and frequency of Crow’s apparent gifts to Thomas have no known precedent in the modern history of the U.S. Supreme Court, and ProPublica further notes that the trips appeared nowhere on Thomas’ financial disclosures.

“His failure to report the flights appears to violate a law passed after

Watergate that requires justices, judges, members of Congress and federal officials to disclose most gifts,” the site reported, citing two ethics law experts.

Thomas, the experts said, also should have disclosed his trips on the yacht.

“It’s incomprehensible to me that someone would do this,” Nancy Gertner, a retired federal judge appointed by President Bill Clinton, told ProPublica.

When she was on the bench, Gertner said, she was so cautious about appearances that she wouldn’t mention her title when making dinner reservations: “It was a question of not wanting to use the office for anything other than what it was intended.”

Virginia Canter, a former government ethics lawyer who served in administrations of both parties, said Thomas “seems to have com-

Deadline to file income taxes approaches African Americans still face systemic challenges

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent As the April 18 deadline to file 2022 income taxes arrives, many African Americans share their experiences with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Some have said that filing their taxes was hard and they ran into problems, while others were happy with the process. Recent statistics show that African Americans comprise a large share of taxpayers in the United States.

However, many still need help navigating the complex tax system and dealing with the IRS. One common issue

pletely disregarded his higher ethical obligations.”

“When a justice’s lifestyle is being subsidized by the rich and famous, it absolutely corrodes public trust,” said Canter, now at the watchdog group CREW. “Quite frankly, it makes my heart sink.”

Federal judges sit in a unique position of public trust. Each justice enjoys lifetime tenure, which is supposed to inoculate them from feeling any temptation toward corruption.

Intentionally, a code of conduct for federal below the judges Supreme Court requires them to avoid even the “appearance of impropriety.”

Members of the high court, Chief Justice John Roberts has written, “consult” that code for guidance.

However, the Supreme Court is left almost entirely to police itself.

The Nashville PRiDe Quick Reference Call (615) 292-9150 to advertise <AC@0<24 2/. 6:<9*6,. /79 2*+.;2,:

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K'(L K'(L Recent statistics show that African Americans comprise a large share of taxpayers in the United States.

African American taxSuch actions can payers report is difficul- come in many forms, ty accessing tax services such as being audited and resources. unfairly or getting less Many live in areas help than other taxpaythat need access to qual- ers. ified tax professionals, A recent study conmaking it harder for firmed that Black them to file their taxes Americans are three to accurately and on time. five times more likely to his can lead to costly face an IRS audit when mistakes, late fees, and compared with other other penalties. taxpayers. any have reported Evelyn Smith, an experiencing discrimina- economics graduate stution and bias while deal- dent at the University of ing with the IRS. Continued on page 5

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Reese was born in Selma and rose to national prominence as a civil rights leader after the city’s Bloody Sunday, the 1965 march during which 600 people were attacked on the Edmund Pettus Bridge by club-wielding state troopers wearing gas masks. year, the city hosts F.D. Reese Day. Yet the name Frederick Douglas Reese (1929–2018) is not widely known and doesn’t have its own chapter

in history books.

Reese was born in Selma and rose to national prominence as a civil rights leader after the city’s Bloody Sunday, the 1965 march during which 600 people were attacked on the Edmund Pettus Bridge by club-wielding state troopers wearing gas masks. Later that day, marchers gathered at Brown Chapel AME Church.

“I had prayer,” Reese has said. “I had scripture. While in the sanctuary, the telephone rang. It was Dr. King.

He said that he would invite ministers to Selma who would come to lend their assistance to the people of Selma. A group had chartered a Continued on page 5

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Table of Contents Front Page .......................... 1 National/State..................... 2 Local.................................... 3 Editorials ............................ 4 Continuations ..................... 5 Pastor,Pew & Pulpit .......... 6 Leisure ................................ 7 Health/Education ............... 8

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.

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Frederick Douglas Reese, Civil Rights icon

by Tamara Shiloh Throughout Selma, Ala., there are streets named Frederick D. Reese Parkway and F.D. Reese. In March of each

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas And many opine that Clarence Thomas,” politThomas has exploited ical columnist Jonathan that privilege and, along Chait wrote for New with his wife Ginny, York magazine. have thumbed their noses “The right-wing jusat democracy. tice has operated, in con“The most glaring junction with his wife, in example of the Supreme the center of a network Court’s ethical vacuum is Continued on page 5

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Local

Cancer…My Journey in time Pain in the game – stay in to win

Rev. Enoch Fuzz sits in support of Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones during his reinstatement as interim for his state House seat.

by Wanda Clay mately expelled from Wow, what a week! their elected positions.

What a weekend, preOur city was outceded by weeks and raged! Being a comdays of pain and tur- munity leader, Rev. moil and the demand Enoch Fuzz, pastor of answers to Corinthian Missionary for tragedies that continue Baptist Church, was to plague our nation. certainly outraged as There have been mass well. shootings with more Battling the pains questions of ‘what of stage four lung cannow?’ At the Legisla- cer (with its array of ture, two young Black other ailments) Rev. state representatives Fuzz spent all day Satdemanded to be heard urday morning in the by the masses concern- hospital emergency ing gun control— room. “I was experisomething new to our encing excruciating Tenn. legislative body. pain where my heart is These newcomers from located,” said Rev. last election Fuzz. “I thought it was the brought a refreshing heartburn for three look and spirit to that days, but after it didn't body. Rep. Justin Jones improve after taking a of Nashville and Rep. whole bottle of Pepto Justin Pearson of Bismol I surrendered Memphis were joined to going to the emerby veteran state Rep. gency room. After Gloria Johnson (they many tests, it was conwill go into history as cluded I had strained a the Tennessee Three). chest muscle. So I'm Following an unprece- back to play with pain dented attempt to be and stay in the game.” heard by the use of Although his health after issues are indeed a bullhorns attempting to be recog- problem, he is commitnized on the floor ted to the ills of the regarding the issue of Tenn. governing body. gun control, the two The pain that it causes young men were ulti- the community is a

ministry that Rev. Fuzz advocates for consistently.

“I was determined to support Justin Jones on Monday. Hundreds of people texted that they saw me on TV news, but hopefully they didn't see the pain.

The day after supporting Justin was a difficult time of recuperating and regaining energy to fight on, but I've decided to win the game. There's gonna be times that you play through the pain. No excuses, just take the shot or turn the ball over.”

Rev. Enoch Fuzz has decided that he will continue through whatever comes up. He will win the game. Without a doubt, he supports the needs of his community.

In like manner, Justin Jones has played with an exorbitant amount of pain for many years also.

While his pain is not physical, mental pains must be taken into account when staying in the game to win for the masses.

Keep the city council and the state legislature in your prayers as young people arise to make a difference for the future. Pray for peace and justice in the fight for equality, because it’s a constant battle. Even when there’s pain in the game, stay in to win!

During this season, continue to pray and take all possible safety precautions.

Keep praying for Rev. Fuzz in his health and healing. Pray, share and be encouraged by the postings and weekly readings of ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time.’

TSU Aristocrat of Bands debuts at the Grand Ole Opry

TSU’s Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands debut at the Grand Ole Opry April 4, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

by Alexis Clark and band … this opportunity Crawford.

Aimee Rollins, a is breathtaking,” said Cass Teague History was made at AOB’s director Dr. freshman from Atlanta the Grand Ole Opry on Reginald McDonald. who plays the clarinet, Tuesday, April 4, 2023. “To be a band of firsts, said the overall experiTennessee State Univer- we are excited. This is ence was another one for sity’s Grammy-award another opportunity for the books.

“Every time we perwinning Aristocrat of our students to learn Bands marched through beyond the classroom.” form it is a great time,” “It feels so good to Rollins said, noting that the doors of the Opry and up to the stage, fill- be here,” said Joshua the crowd’s energy was ing the aisles with Tiger Knox, an AOB drum lively. “When they come spirit for their historic major from Detroit, and experience somedebut in front of thou- Michigan. “Being able thing new, introducing sands of traditional to perform at this his- them to a new world of Opry fans, along with a toric stage makes every- music they didn’t know few dozen loyal TSU thing so great being here about before. With a lot alumni and Band sup- with my fellow band of TSU people in the crowd hyping us up, I porters. They were the members.”

TSU’s Aristocrat of really did appreciate it.” closer for the Opry proLouis York lead gram’s first hour and Bands is the first collegave a rousing perform- giate marching band to singer and music prowin a Grammy, the ducer Claude Kelly ance.

Fondly referred to as music industry’s highest described the experience AOB, the band has had honor, and they did so in of performing with AOB many firsts, with the category for Best at the Grand Ole Opry as “next level history.” appearances across the Roots Gospel Album.

AOB performed two Louis York, no strangers country at several iconic venues, including songs from their Gram- to the Opry, also perwinning formed a brief set earlier Kennedy Center in the my-award nation’s Capital, among album The Urban Hym- in the Opry program.

You can watch many others. Now, the nal. The band performed trailblazing band has “Dance Revival” and excerpts from practice added to its list of ‘first “Blessings on Bless- and the Aristocrat of to do it’s. Due to the ings.” The latter was Bands debut at the limited size available in performed with soulful Grand Ole Opry on the venue, only about 80 sounds from the Gram- Vimeo: https://vimeo. band members and five my-award winning duo com/815114564/d8d156 Sophisticated Ladies Louis York, who is fea- 9454. The Urban Hymparticipated in the 12- tured on that song on the nal is available on music platforms album, along with TSU streaming minute performance.

“Being at Opry alumna and flute profes- Apple Music, YouTube, tonight as an HBCU sor Ashley “FluteBae” and Spotify.

Nashville PRIDE

Page 3

“invest in Our Planet”: Celebrate earth Day April 22

(top row l-r) Gustavo Moradel, Lera Lynn, Phillip-Michael Scales, (bottom row l-r) kyshona, Stacey Kelleher, and Ellisa Sun.

by Cass Teague mental change, and sup- they’re giving away 500 The Earth Day 2023 port sustainable small free trees courtesy of the theme “Invest in Our businesses & nonprofits. Nashville Tree FoundaPlanet” is designed to Nashville Earth Day is a tion. persuade businesses, program of Centennial The live music porgovernments and citi- Park Conservancy, a tion of the program is zens around the world of 501(c)3 nonprofit organ- always a big hit of the the need to invest in our ization.

Earth Day in Music City. planet to improve our Nashville Earth Day This year’s lineup of free environment and give will feature engaging & performances is as folour descendants a better educational activities lows: 11:00 AM: Event and safer future. Earth from a variety of Begins; 11:30 AM: Yoga Day is an annual event exhibitors and vendors, with Small World Yoga; on April 22 to demon- including: local growers 12:30 PM: Stacey Kellestrate support for envi- & makers, nonprofits, her; 1:15 PM: Ellisa ronmental protection. sustainable small busi- Sun; 2:00 PM: Gustavo First held on April 22, nesses, and state / metro Moradel; 2:55 PM: 1970, it now includes a government agencies. Phillip-Michael Scales; wide range of events There will be yoga from 3:55 PM: Kyshona; and coordinated globally by Small World Yoga, live 5:00 PM: Lera Lynn.

EARTHDAY.ORG (for- music, Kidsville activiNew this year, an EV merly Earth Day Net- ties, local food vendors, Car Show, supported by work), including 1 bil- and craft beer. Plus, Continued on page 5 lion people in more than 193 countries.

The Earth Day theme “Invest in Our Planet” features five primary programs: The Great Global Cleanup, Sustainable Fashion, CliIS KNOCKING. mate and Environmental Literacy, Canopy Project, Food and Environment, and the Global Earth Challenge.

Nashville Electric Service actively seeks qualified Nashville Earth Day small, TN service-disabled veteran, minority and takes place on Saturday, women-owned businesses as vendors. Visit April 22 from 11:00 AM nespower.com to register for My Vendor Account to 6:00 PM at the Cenand view open bid opportunities. tennial Park Bandshell.

For additional information, contact NES This free family event Supplier Diversity staff at 615-747-3821 or brings the Nashville ProcurementAssistance@nespower.com. community together to 1214 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37246 celebrate our planet, inspire positive environ-

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April 14, 2023 Editorials www.pridepublishinggroup.com Shame on Republican majority General Assembly Page 4

by William T. Robinson, Jr. The Republican led Tennessee legislature is showing the country, as well as the world, who they are. Their draconian actions to manifest their power and position borders on being tyrannical and egotistical, setting a bad precedence in decimating our democracy as well portraying the state of Tennessee in a negative light. All the rationalizing and political rhetoric to justify their decision to expel state Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville and Rep. Justin Pearson of Memphis for violating house decorum rules, when a megaphone was used to get attention, is falling upon deaf ears.

No one is denying that the lawmakers expelled may have been technically wrong, but the punishment was excessive and didn’t fit the crime.

The truth is that the two Black representa-

Nashville PRIDE

tives expelled were intentionally ignored and disrespected by the House Republicans in their attempts to verbalized the concerns and demands of their constituents—to enact strict gun legislation following the mass killing of three nine-year-old children and three adults at the Covenant School, a private Christian school in Green Hills, a neighborhood in Nashville. Many people assume that the drastic action of expulsion by the super majority Republican legislature was done due to the disdain and lack of respect Republican legislators have for the two young, Black, articulate and intelligent representatives who were adamantly conveying the wishes of their constituents, whom Republicans have continuously dismissed and ignored.

The actions of this majority Republican leg-

islature should not be surprising, because they have unapologetically flexed their power for the most part refusing to cooperate on bipartisan legislature that would benefit all the citizens of Tennessee. They are threatening to withhold funds to cities if their subjective wishes are not met. The epitome of abuse of power is being executed and it appears to be legal.

In their attempt to exercise their power and punish Representatives Justin Jones of Nashville and Justin Pearson of Memphis, they only catapulted them to a national and international stage as heroes advocating for gun legislation and democracy. They also brought about attention to racism and the abuse of power so clearly seen and displayed by the Tennessee legislature. In fact, statements made by Republican lawmakers

Another lynching in Tennessee

by Julianne Malveaux (TriceEdneyWire) – The abolitionist journalist Ida B. Wells’s quest to document lynchings began when three of her friends, Tommy Moss, Calvin McDowell, and Will Stewart, were lynched because Whites were envious of their economic success.

Moss, a highly regarded pastor, postal worker (a great job in the South in the 1890s), and activist started the People's Grocery with two of his friends in the Curve area of Memphis—partly because the White owner held a monopoly and provided substandard service to Black shoppers. The White owner chafed at the competition with Black men daring to stand up to him. When two youths got into a scuffle over marbles, White men went to confront Black men at the People’s Grocery. Shots were exchanged, and three Black men were eventually incarcerated, then lynched. Tommy Moss was a dear friend of Ida B. Wells. Her outrage at that lynching propelled her into documenting lynching around the South.

What would Wells write today about how the Tennessee legislature politically lynched Justin Pearson and Justin Jones, two young Black Democrats who protested that legislature’s inaction after the massacres of three children and three adults at the Nashville Covenant School? The details are less important than the fact that the shooter used automatic weapons, had an arsenal, and was prepared to massacre others. In the face of this carnage, the Tennessee state legislature refused to act on measures curtailing the ownership of automatic weapons.

Thus, three legislators joined others protesting the inaction. In addition to the two Justins, a White woman legislator, Gloria Johnson, was threatened with expulsion. She avoided it by one vote.

Tommy Moss, Calvin McDowell, and Will

Julianne Malveaux Stewart were lynched because they dared take a stand against the economic exploitation of a White grocer whose monopoly power denied Black shoppers fair prices and hassle-free shopping experiences.

Justin Pearson and Justin Jones were expelled from the Tennessee legislature for taking a stand against the gun violence that their fellow lawmakers refused to take a stand on. The Nashville Metro Council unanimously voted to reinstate Justin Jones, but he may have to run to regain his seat in a special election. As of this writing, Justin Pearson is waiting to find out whether he will be reappointed to his seat by the Shelby County Board of Commission, although some worry that state legislators may retaliate against Memphis.

Ida B. Wells was a principled woman whose writing about lynching resulted in her newspaper, the Memphis Free Speech, being destroyed. She was threatened with lynching and left Memphis for New York, where she continued writing. She was undeterred by her pointed writing putting her in physical jeopardy.

Like Wells, the two Justins were undeterred by the potential consequences of their anti-gun protest. Like Wells, they are a profile in courage and conviction.

Both Justin Jones and Justin Pearson are under thirty. The resistance to their activism must encourage other young people to be similarly active. Unfortunately, too often, young people are discouraged from political participa-

tion. Many don't vote because they find it cumbersome or because they feel it doesn't make a difference. But the Justins are not only making a difference but inspiring others to do the same thing. People are thronging to Nashville, the state capital, to protest both the treatment of the Justins, but also the inaction of the legislature in the face of gun violence.

The Tennessee legislature behaved unjustly in expelling the Justins.

Their selective discipline of these young men is in sharp contrast to their treatment of Rep. Paul Sherrell, who advocated “hanging from a tree” as a form of capital Sherrell punishment. offered a tepid apology after members of the Black Caucus called his resignation or, at the very least, censure from his colleagues. He was not rebuked. He did not He was resign. unscathed by his abhorrent statements. He apologized for his “poor judgment,” but it was more than poor judgthat lynched ment Tommy Moss and his colleagues.

According to the Equal Justice Initiative, 236 Black people were lynched in Tennessee between 1877 and 1950.

Those murdered by racial terror included journalists, business leaders, and teachers.

These Black people were lynched because they were activists who stood up to the virulent racism that defines our nation. While Justin Jones and Justin Pearce did not find ropes around their necks, their political lynching is shameful but not unusual in a state where elected officials hark back to the days of lynching, where racists have killed 236 Black people. May the treatment of the Justins inspire us to resist racism. One of the signs outside the capitol said it succinctly: ‘No Justins, no Peace.’

(Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA.)

such as Cameron Sexton, Speaker of the House of Representatives, comparing the nonviolent protest initiated by Jones and Justin to the insurrection at the United State Capitol, only cemented the ignorance and refusal of Tennessee Republican lawmakers to adhere to common sense and the will of the majority of the state’s voters.

We can find divine intervention as we look at the abusive actions of Tennessee Republicans, because we also see the proliferation of young, intelligent, positive surfacing politicians with new ideas and directions accommodating the wishes of people who feel disenfranchised. Many feel we should replace an old, racist regime consisting of old, out-of-touch White men trying to subjugate people and hold onto power.

We can only hope the ‘Tennessee Three’: Jones of Justin Nashville, Justin Pearson of Memphis, and Gloria Johnson of Knoxville (who was not expelled by only one vote) are reflective of the diversity and collaboration of intelligent people working together to bring about the voice of the people they represent. An inability or refusal to work together in the best interests of all the people serves no one.

Maybe we should thank these Tennessean Republicans for helping to cause more young to become people ‘woke’ and become committed to vote and speak out to replace what we all see and know are old, divisive, self-serving and racist politicians. While Tennessee Republican lawmakers play hardball and think they are winning, they should remember

William T. Robinson, Jr. that sometimes when you think you are winning you are only losing.

There is the probability of a national boycott Tennessee against because of the reprobate actions of its Republican led state legislature that unapologetically abuses its power, ignores the wishes of the majority of its citizens, and continues to manifest racism.

Common sense dictates you don’t spend money with people who don’t respect you.

Rolling Fork needs to be ‘built back better’ – not simply rebuilt

by Jesse Jackson (TriceEdneyWire) – Rolling Fork, Mississippi, has been virtually erased by a tornado hurling winds of up to 200 miles per hour.

“It’s bad out here,” Jourdan Hartshorn told ABC News, “It’s literdevastation, ally Ground Zero.” Twenty-five people were killed in Mississippi and one in nearby Alabama. More storms are forecast for the coming days.

The scope and swiftness of the destruction was unprecedented. Residents only got a 20-minute warning, if that. The tornado was nearly a mile wide, and carved a path of nearly 60 miles on the ground.

Houses and gas stations were swept away; power lines downed.

People are wandering the streets in shock.

The population of Rolling Fork is virtually all Black. Mississippi is the poorest state in the union and Rolling Fork is one of the poorer towns in Mississippi. Now, many small farmers and small business people, workers and retirees have lost virtually everything.

Crisis triggers response. First-responders came to save those they could and care for the wounded. Police, fire, and rescue squads from the area rushed in immediately. Volunteers from churches and across the community helped those who were hit. Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency. President Biden mobilized the federal response.

Once more the Federal Emergency Management Agency was deployed to supply water, food, medicine and emergency shelter.

The governor and mayor vowed to rebuild. But Rolling Fork needs to be built back better, not simply

Jesse Jackson rebuilt. The trailers that many lived in were no match for the winds.

The poverty that afflicted too many left them even more vulnerable in the wake of the storm.

One thing that we must know: more storms are coming, and they will be more destructive. No one storm can be attributed directly to catastrophic climate change. But this storm was virtually unprecedented in its ferocity. And the southern states have experienced 236 tornadoes in March, a number not seen since the early 1950s. Extreme weather is not a future threat. It is a present danger, as Rolling Fork can testify. If we don’t take immediate and radical action to address climate change, then Rolling Fork will be repeated from fires or floods or droughts or hurricanes or cyclones across the country, and across the globe. We reap what we sow, and we have sown the furies.

These are people who have suffered a history of great pain.

From slavery to a violent repression of freedom after the Civil War to enforced apartheid, Mississippi’s Blacks still to this day struggle for equality. Ronald Reagan began his presidential campaign in Philadelphia, Mississippi, the site of the torture and murder of civil rights workers James Chaney, Michael Schwerner

and Andrew Goodman.

The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and its fight for recognition was a dramatic step in the Black struggle for political rights.

No small number of Blacks came to Chicago and other northern cities in the Great Migration, seeking a better deal in the North. And now they are victims of a calamity, one of far too many that are threatening lives across this country.

In Chicago, we will volunteer organize efforts to aid those displaced by the storm.

Benny Goodman, the U.S. congressman from the Delta and the only Democrat on the Mississippi delegation, will lead the effort to drive federal assistance. While we help those in immediate distress, we must do far more to address the roots of the calamity— poverty to from extreme weather. The great bluesman Muddy Waters, who came out of Rolling Fork, once sang: Have you ever been walking, walking down that old lonesome road?

Have you ever been walking, walking down that old lonesome road?

No place to go, whee, well brown, no place to room and board Things look so lonesome, when you ain’t got a shelter over your head Things look so lonesome, when you ain’t got a shelter over your head When you could have been at home, whee, well boy sleepin’ in a feather bed.

Let us show the generosity (and the wisdom) to ensure that even in Mississippi, there is shelter over their heads.

Authoritarians want to write their own rules

by Svante Myrick (TriceEdneyWire) – So here we go again.

Once more, the country is in the grip of a Donald Trump drama, when there are so many other important issues we need to address. As the world now knows, Trump has been indicted in New York on charges related to paying hush money to an adult film performer.

The charges are felonies because prosecutors intend to show that Trump hid the payouts in phony business records in order to commit yet another crime—possibly a violation of campaign finance law, or even a tax law violation.

It’s all a sad and disgusting mess. And this, like the other charges that could soon be made against Trump, reflect a

fundamental truth about him: a belief that rules can be bent, broken or rewritten to accommodate his personal agenda.

But Trump is not alone in this; it’s common to authoritarian types.

Take another Florida man: Gov. Ron DeSantis.

While the focus has been on Trump, machinations have been under way in Florida to change the state’s resign-to-run law. That law says an elected official cannot run for another elected position if its term overlaps with the term they're currently serving.

Republican legislators have come out in favor of repealing this law, which appears to be the one thing delaying DeSantis’ plunge into the presidential race.

DeSantis is certainly

not in a hurry to resign as governor. The job gives him way too many opportunities for his culture-war theatrics.

Rewriting the law would suit him just fine, though, and I am sure he has made that clear to the GOP leaders advocating for this in the state House and Senate.

While DeSantis appears likely to get election laws tailored for his benefit, a Florida elections bill just introduced in the state Senate does plenty to make it harder for people in his state to vote.

One especially disturbing provision is an obvious response to the embarrassing fallout for DeSantis after he trumpeted a crackdown on returning citizens who tried to vote. DeSantis

had egg on his face when these folks were arrested even though they had been issued state voter IDs. The new Senate bill says voter ID cards should have a disclaimer printed on them saying they are “not legal verification of the eligibility to vote.” That’s just mindboggling.

And that’s the issue with authoritarians, fascists and would-be tyrants everywhere: they’re all about rules and the sanctity of law until it comes to themselves. They want rules restricting your freedom, not their own, and if a law gets in their way they’ll ignore it or use their power to try to override it.

I don’t know if the next GOP nominee for president will be Donald

Trump, Ron DeSantis or someone else. I do know that the new anti-democratic, pro-authoritarian mood that has taken over the Republican party is real and dangerous. This is a party that doesn’t want to share power or play by the rules, that doesn’t want to investigate January 6 or Trump’s multiple offenses. It’s a party that openly worships strongmen here and abroad. Lately, the adulation has gone off the rails. Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, in New York for Trump’s arraignment, compared his arrest to that of Jesus.

We can’t accept this as the new normal. We have a right to demand accountability, honesty and ethical behavior from leaders ranging

from your local school board member to president of the United States.

I know there’s a lot of cynicism about politics and politicians. But as someone who has served in public office and devoted years to mentoring young elected officials, I can tell you that politicians are not all the same. For every Trump or DeSantis, there are many sincere, selfless people who want to serve their communities and their country.

If that describes you, run for office. If it describes an aspiring leader you know, support them at election time.

When we all do this, the authoritarians don’t win.

And they don’t get to rig the rules against you, me, and everyone we care about.

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

April 14, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Continuations

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Nashville PRIDE

Gov. Lee signs... from page 1 Tennessee GOP... from page 1 quickly to put gun reform legislation on his desk.”

Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in America.

“I’m encouraged by Gov. Lee’s openness to

put solutions on the table, and act quickly to pass legislation aimed at reducing gun violence,” said Nashville Mayor John Cooper.

“We’re eager to work with him and legislators to design new laws that

keep guns away from people who shouldn’t have them and make residents safer.” executive Lee’s order is on top of a $200 million proposal by Lee to increase security in schools.

Metro Council... from page 1 and protect constitutional rights and the public interests.

“That is exactly what that three-judge panel In passing the did.

Metro Council reduction act, the legislature was guilty of egregious overreach. The governor sided with the legislature. We had no choice but the go to court and protect Metro’s rights and the public’s interest

in having an orderly election.”

According to Metro Legal, the judges’ ruling shows that Nashville was illegally targeted and that it sends a “sign to the Legislature that it cannot do whatever it wants.”

“I am grateful that the court protected the integrity of an election process that has already begun,” said Nashville

Mayor John cooper.

“The people of Nashville should decide how our city is governed, as they did when they formed Metro 60 years ago.” legislative Other issues targeting the city still remain, including changes to the Sports Civilian Authority, Oversight Board, and Metro Airport the Board.

Mass shooting... from page 1 could also be re-seated after the GOP ousted him.

The pair protested the lack of action by the Republican-led body on gun control following a school shooting in Nashville that left three elementary school students and three adults dead. The Louisville shooting is just the latest in a string of mass shootings that have rocked the nation in recent years, with gun violence continuing to be a divisive and contentious issue.

Some politicians and interest groups have pushed back against calls for stricter gun control. They say that doing so would violate their rights under the Second Amendment.

As the nation mourns the victims of the Louisville shooting and grapples with the ongoing issue of gun violence, many are left wondering when, if ever, meaningful action will be taken to address the issue.

“Until then, the

country will continue to mourn the loss of innocent lives and search for solutions to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future,” said Rev. Mark Thompson, host of Make It Plain. “This isn’t going away. This is a movement. This is going to build and grow. You can’t do this; it’s not sustainable. I’m not sure the movement will stop if the two Justins are reseated. This is bad for the national Republican Party.”

Justice Thomas... from page 2 of conservative activists whose project is indistinguishable from his legal work.”

Meanwhile, ProPublica reported evidence that Thomas has taken even more trips on the super-yacht.

The report noted that Crow often gave his

guests custom polo shirts commemorating their vacations. ProPublica found photographs of Thomas wearing at least two of those shirts.

In one, he wears a blue polo shirt embroidered with the Michaela Rose’s logo and the words “March 2007”

and “Greek Islands.”

“Thomas didn’t report any of the trips identified on his annual financial disclosures,” the outlet noted. “Ethics experts said the law clearly requires disclosure for private jet flights and Thomas appears to have violated it.”

Frederick Douglas Reese... from page 2 plane from New Jersey, had flown to Montgomery and got a bus, came to Selma, walked in that church that night, and said ‘we have seen on the television screen what happened across that bridge today, and we have come to lend our bodies and our assistance to the people of Selma.

“That was one of the most exhilarating and inspiring moments of that day.”

Those moments would change Reese’s life.

On March 21 of that same year, Reese would embark on a 50-mile march, from Selma to Montgomery, hand in hand with King. His front-row presence made him a symbol of the civil rights movement, and his impact reached beyond Selma.

Reese was determined to see that all people would have the right to vote. This led him to inspiring teachers from Selma’s Clark Elementary School to stand on the steps of the Dallas County Courthouse. No teachers were allowed to register to vote that day, but the involvement of more than 100 Black teachers ignited a spark in the movement.

“The teachers’ march really excited other people who had taken somewhat of a backseat so to speak,” Reese, in 2015, told The Selma TimesJournal.

Reese’s work throughout the movement was not without accomplishment. It led to the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and later catapulted his leadership role in Selma, where he served on the city coun-

cil for a dozen years. He also ran for mayor.

Alabama State University President Quinton T. Ross, Jr. described Reese as “a giant of a man” and a “man of great courage who dared to take a stand against institutionalized racism and segregation in Selma, and by so doing, helped win the right to vote for all of the nation’s African American citizens.”

Learn more about Reese’s front-row presence and how he became a symbol of and leader in the civil rights movement in Kathy M. Walters and Frederick D. Reese’s ‘Selma’s SelfSacrifice.’

This reading reaches beyond Selma, offering a true testimony of how the movement was affected by history, culture, and society

The state Senate has supported chiefly the move in SB1326, and the House was scheduled to hear a similar measure this week.

Reportedly, the FAA Office of Airport Compliance and Management Analysis Director Kevin C. Willis said the agency “has questions regarding the potential impact of transferring the appointment authority of all board members from the mayor of the local community to offistate-appointed cials.”

NashCurrently, Democratic ville’s mayor appoints board members to the airport, but the GOP wants to take that power from him. The expulsion of the two Democrats, who vociferously called on their colleagues to act on gun control after the latest school shooting in Nashville claimed the lives of three elementary school students and three adults, came amid the continued GOP power grab.

The reinstatement of Jones comes on the same day a gunman in Kentucky, believed to be a disgruntled ex-employee, killed five people at a bank in Louisville.

It’s the latest in a

string of mass shootings that have rocked the nation in recent years, with gun violence continuing to be a divisive and contentious issue.

Some politicians and interest groups have pushed back against calls for stricter gun control. They say that doing so would violate their rights under the Second Amendment.

As the nation mourns the victims of the Louisville shooting and grapples with the ongoing issue of gun violence, many are left wondering when, if ever, lawmakers will take meaningful action to address the issue.

Across the country and in Tennessee, the backlash has been palpable, and even some have Republicans expressed regret for the actions of party members and House Speaker Sexton, who led the vote to oust Jones and Pearson.

“If my job, along with other members of the RNC, is to protect the brand of the Republican Party, this didn’t help,” Oscar Brock, a National Republican from Committeeman Tennessee, told the New York Times.

“You’ve energized

income taxes... from page 2 Michigan and visiting fellow at Stanford University’s RegLab, told CNBC that the audit rate differences seem to be driven by the agency’s focus on “lowdollar, high-certainty cases.”

Specifically, the study examines audits of filers claiming the earned income tax credit, a tax break for low to moderate earners. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible filers can receive it even with zero taxes due.

The findings show Black filers claiming the earned income tax credit were more likely to be audited than non-Black filers claiming the same credit.

“It’s a type of audit that the IRS does a lot,” Smith told the network.

“It’s cheap; it’s easy to perform; and Black taxpayers get caught up in that disproportionately relative to non-Black taxpayers.”

Those facts have proven discouraging for African American tax-

payers, who already have to deal with systemic racism and discrimination in other parts of their lives.

Despite the problems, many still have found ways to deal with the tax system and file their taxes successfully.

Some have sought free or low-cost tax preparation services provided by community organizations or the IRS. Others have relied on online tax software and resources to file their taxes independently.

Those who have had positive experiences with the IRS emphasize the importance of being organized, keeping good records, and staying on

nashvilleearthday.org website.

Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg writes in her phenomenal new book, The Climate Book (published on Feb. 14, 2023 by Penguin Press): “A stable climate and a well-functioning biosphere are basic conditions for life on earth as we know it.

That requires an atmosphere that does not contain too many greenhouse gasses…

There are no effective policies in place.

And there is no silver bullet or magic technological solution in sight.… There is, in reality, absolutely no reason to believe that the necessary changes will make us less happy or less satisfied. If we manage to do this right, then our lives will be given more meaning than selfish, shallow over-consumption can ever give us.

Instead, we can make time and space for community, solidarity, and love—the true tenets of a good life.”

top of tax deadlines.

They also say to find tax professionals or resources early on to ensure the filing process goes smoothly and without stress. Overall, the experiences of African Americans with the IRS show that the tax system needs to be fairer and easier to use.

“Taxpayers of all backgrounds should have access to highquality tax services and resources, regardless of where they live or their income level,” Alton Moore, a tax preparer and accountant, insisted.

“The IRS should get rid of bias and unfair treatment so that all taxpayers are treated equally.”

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The schedule for talks, as well as vendors, and other information, is available on the

young voters against us.

Worse than squandering support, you’ve made enemies where we didn’t need them,” Brock said.

“Even in Tennessee, we have swing districts in the State House and Senate, and if you’ve angered tens of thousands of students and presumably their parents, you could theoretically expose yourself to a united front.”

Black residents have rallied throughout Tennessee to call attention to the discriminatory politics occurring in the state.

Angelo Tate, 31, told NBC News that the GOP’s removal of Jones what he revealed believed was a hidden truth. “It’s messed up,” Tate said. “All [Jones] wanted to do was represent us, and he got penalized for it. He’s Black, he has our interests at heart, and he gets removed for protesting.

That is racial.

“It makes us feel like our choice and our voice is not valued and we seem to be moving backward politically.

“White men don’t care what we think,” Tate said. “They took our representative away from us. It’s like our vote doesn’t matter.”

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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. A most historical moment in the history of Africans born in America came swiftly this past week with the dismissal from the Tennessee state legislature of two elected officials both of African American descent. On the day that this event broke as national news I created and posted a Meme from my original thought saying: “Would you Look at God. Both these legislators have the word ‘Just’ in their names!

No JUSTin. No peace.”

The most disturbing thing for me is how the State Legislature can overturn the Elected Vote of the People.

This is a very systemic breech of the Judicial System that sets a precedent for dismantling the General Election. The ‘Demos’ elected these legislators into an elected body who now see their way to outlaw the vote of the Demos.

The response given by the Mayor and City Council to vote to return the dismissed legislator, seems to be heaping coal on this fire. The young people Nashville and of beyond filled the streets and the State House in Protest. A video released marks this history with them chanting, “F**k you Fascists”!

I have from the very beginning of the Pandemic, thought and said and wrote that the ‘State’s Usurp’ of the power of the Church in ‘closing the church’; (and in my thinking “banned the Church to cyberspace” IS ‘anathema’. The mass majority of the church (plural in mass) immediately ‘shut the doors of the church’ based upon an epidemic health crisis which traditionally belongs in the realm of

Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. the spirit because the state cannot heal… only God. The ‘lack of faith’ on the part of this nation’s religious leaders in that critical moment in the national life has given rise to a “STATE drunk with power” as a result of successfully removing the “separation of Church and State”.

In speaking “Truth to Power” as a representative of The Church, I saw the sacrificial few who took the State to task in standing against the Justice Systems to say, “You do not have the power to close “This Church!”. Most impressive, a Jewish Community in America who absolutely refused to give over to the State… power over the Religious life.

The mass of impotent religious leaders took to cyberspace with the same ‘tune’ they had been singing prior to closing the doors of the Church; neither preaching nor teaching a true and living Word to enable repentance, conviction, conversion, salvation, deliverance… “God Concepts, God Precepts” now foreign to the church of 2023.

What is most misunderstood by the people of God is that ‘Sin is by individual life Choice’! That CHOICE thang that is “God Given, God Gift-

ed” TO YOU for the living of YOUR LIFE, cannot be, absolutely must not be understood as you having the right nor the purpose to impose the ‘sin sickness’ of our personal life upon the “Communal, Congregational nor National” life. Just because I/you don’t have a real knowledge (HEART) for making the Church AND the State function for the good of the whole body of the “People of God” AND the “Demos of State” does not give one the impulsion for tampering with and destroying… Generational and Societal Value Systems.

If I were to use a most powerful Word here and now, from THE MOST VALUED SYSTEM of the planet, it would be from my text of dissertation study: “You leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men." (John 7:8 RSV).

In the midst of the Pandemic I realized that “God had closed the church”. Calling the Church to repentance! This ‘change of mind’ WITHIN the ‘Body of Christ’ CANNOT come from the same religious leaders who turned over the “Power of Church To the State”. The return to “Business as Usual” has given rise to a “power thirsty state” that is incapable of using it’s judicial powers to bring Justice to the January 6th Assault against the DEMOS. Then, to propel a “Hershel Walker type” as it’s model for the 2023 US Senate IS —Anathema!.. (and no response you or anyone has on this will ever be justified, never… only CHAOS, in the fullest extent of The State. by email: myfa thersmansionpress@ gmail.com.

Faithful Utterances: Growing up in our faith journey

by Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew Change is something that we all experience.

For most of us, we like the idea of security.

Even when things are not going the way we want, it’s easier to adapt to the familiar. Change forces us to recognize that we aren’t in control.

Even when the change is for the best, it’s the uncertainty and at the core, loss. It’s the loss of what we’ve become accustomed to even if it’s for something so much better. I remember when my daughter was a baby, and I couldn’t wait for her to get potty trained.

It seemed that we were always going to another level with her growth. I couldn’t wait for her to walk. With every age, there was something new to deal with and adjust to. No matter how I wanted her to grow from one phase to the next, it was always something new and different to experience. The night she graduated from high school, it hit me hard. All of those levels and phases were preparing her for something greater.

I was not raising a child, I was raising a child to become an adult.

Even when she left to go to college, I remember crying before she left home. Knowing that so much of who I was as a person was connected to being her mother. Being an empty nester is not only difficult in watching your children move into their identity as an adult, but it’s challenging for parents on so many levels. The relationship with your child changes to some degree.

I found myself

becoming more of a coach and consultant while also redirecting my focus to the leading of God in this new and next season. It's been a gift to watch her grow.

Our relationship has changed once again.

She’s a college graduate and a woman doing some amazing work with me. We are still mother and daughter, but it’s different now. She’s matured and so have I. It helps me to understand through the transitions we’ve both experienced in our lives. They mirror the changes that we go through in our faith journey.

Through it all, God has been there. Just as our children grow and mature, we as adults should continue evolving and growing.

Muhammad Ali said: “The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”

Time goes by so quickly and what we do with it is important. Too many of us are holding on to the past, wasting time and not growing up or growing in God. 1 Corinthians provides a glimpse of the importance of growth in our faith walk.

“I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it.

Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but

Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew only God, who makes things grow,” 1 Corinthians 3:1-7.

Our views and actions should also change over time. Just as we age and hopefully grow up, our faith walk should also grow. In the midst of all the changes we experience, we should know that God never has left or forsaken us (Deuteronomy 31:6). We should also know that all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28). We should also understand that we all have roles in life in different seasons.

Apollos had a role to play, and so did Paul.

Ultimately, we should know that God is responsible for us and with us in these seasons.

Despite the changes we see in our lives, we can rest in knowing that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,” Hebrews 13:8.

His love for us never changes and carries us through all of the transitions we face.

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

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

April 14, 2023

expressions of Faith I’m worth a fruitful death

by Elder Lady Brandy J. Lee, Guest minister “Truly I say to you, if a seed of grain does not go into the earth and come to an end, it is still a seed and no more; but through its death it gives much fruit. He who is in love with life will have it taken from him; and he who has no care for his life in this world will keep it for ever and ever.

If any man is my servant, let him come after me; and where I am, there will my servant be.

If any man becomes my servant, my Father will give him honor. Now is my soul troubled; and what am I to say? Father, keep me from this hour.

No: for this purpose have I come to this hour,” John 12:24-27 (BBE).

Our key verse comes after the event of Jesus’ greeting in Jerusalem, which is what we just celebrated: Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is the remembrance of the event in John 12:12-13 where the people gathered to see Jesus and greeted him with palm tree branches to bless Him as He arrived in Jerusalem.

“The day after, a great number of people who were there for the feast, when they had the news that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to him, crying, ‘A blessing on him who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!’” John 12:12-13 (BBE).

In verses 24-27, Jesus is speaking to the disciples imparting wisdom that is relevant to us today. Jesus is using the

Elder Lady Brandy J. Lee metaphor of a grain or seed to explain the importance of obedience, servant leadership, and the gift of eternal life with Christ.

Let’s learn about the science behind the grain seed. Based upon the depth of which the seed is planted within the soil determines the GDD (growing degree days).

Half an inch could yield 105 GDD, and two inches could yield 175 GDD. Temperatures also affect the growth rate of which it produces its fruit.

We fuss at God when we get buried deep into soil of situations and problems, but God does not merely see a vision of your current situation.

He has a holistic approach. God sees your eventual fruit! God allows the deepening, hot and cold temperatures, and flooding of your situations and life in order to produce a great harvest from you.

You have to die to yourself daily in these GDD days of high and sometimes low temperatures in order to branch out with great fruit!

We see examples of such processes within the preceding verses of John 12. First, we see Lazarus was pronounced dead; however, Jesus

raised him up from death.

They wanted to feed Jesus there when he raised Lazarus from his entombment after four days. Lazarus was invited to eat with Jesus at the King’s table. Martha, a friend of Jesus, served him.

“So they made him a meal there, and he was waited on by Martha, and Lazarus was among those who were seated with him at table,” John 12:2-2 (BBE).

Even after death, God blesses us with bounty beyond what we could imagine. We have been given the gift of eternal life through the life of Jesus Christ.

Lazarus was dead physically, but Jesus resurrected him both naturally and spiritually. His degree of growing was four days.

This also brought unbelievers into the Kingdom. Jesus is instilling into the people the wisdom and evidence that He is the Son of God sent to redeem them back unto the Father.

Through the resurrection of Lazarus, people believed in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. His miracle is the reason why they gathered to Jesus in meet Jerusalem—though they still received more that what they came for, eternal life.

The question remains with us today: Are we willing to die in order for God to get the glory and have our lives be restored into bountiful blessings?

Envision your life worthy of a fruitful death.

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page 7 Nashville PRIDE Leisure Sweetwater movie review Record Store Day is April 22

April 14, 2023

by Dwight Brown (**) This b-ball, biofilm dribbles but can’t shoot.

The direction, acting, script and tech team are all in play, but nothing scores.

Part of the problem is its subject. OG b-baller Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton was a pioneer.

His achievements are worth retelling, but a bit murky. Technically, he was the first African American to sign an NBA contract, and on November 4th, 1950, he played his inaugural game with the New York Knicks. However, Earl Lloyd of the Washington Capitols was the first Black man to play in an NBA game, which happened on October 31st, 1950. And, Chuck Cooper, of the Boston Celtics, was the first Black player to be drafted, and his first game was on November 1st, 1950. So, Sweetwater’s place in history is a bit crowded.

In the 1940s, 26year-old Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton (Everett Osborne) plays forward for the iconic Harlem Globetrotters, an exhibition basketball team whose roots date back to 1926. In the late ‘40s, manager Abe Saperstein (Kevin Pollak, A Few Good Men) guides the Globetrotters as they compete against famous all-white b-ball teams— and beat ‘em.

Sweetwater, a trickster on the court, gets scouted by New York Knickerbockers coach Joe Lapchick (Jeremy Piven, Entourage), who talks the Knicks’ president (Cary Elwes) into buying out Sweetwater’s contract. Saperstein is paid $12,500, and pockets $10K. Sweetwater only gets $2.5K. Behind the scenes at the National Basketball Association, owners debate Black players integrating the NBA. The Association’s president, Maurice Podoloff (Richard Dreyfuss, Jaws), is skeptical until he isn’t: “Change is happening, but I don’t know if my city can take it.” A lot is riding on Sweetwater’s NBA debut. The rest is history. scenes Beginning display the film’s only imaginative moments. A sportswriter (Jim Caviezal) rides in a cab in Chicago and engages in conversation with the elderly driver, who recounts his glory days in the NBA. It’s Sweetwater. That’s what happened to the champ who led the Knicks to the NBA finals and was on the 1957 NBA All-Star Team. No pension. No plush retirement. Driv-

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Everett Osborne in Sweetwater. ing a taxi to make a liv- from NBA courts look ing. The former pro like they were shot in baller’s poignant recol- office building base(production lections anchor the film. ments design Jack G. Taylor It’s a nice touch.

Mystic River). script

by Jr., The writer/director Martin Clothes look appropriGuigui truncates Sweet- ate, but not impressive Hasbourne, water’s life. Very little of (Tiffany his pre- or post- basket- Hustle). The standardball career is depicted. issue musical score (Jeff The dehumanizing expe- Cardoni and Guigui) and riences an all-black bas- the film’s low budget ketball team faces tour- contribute to an oldlackluster ing America in the fashion, height of segregation are made-for-TV-movie feel on view, but seem gener- that seems dated.

In real life, Sweetwaic. Turned away from hotels, harassed in white ter was six 6’8”. Everett restaurants. It’s all there, Osborne, a former pro but surface deep. The ball player in Australia, Globetrotters aren’t is 6’4”—almost that tall written as three-dimen- and he knows the game.

His acting skills are sional characters.

Their banter seems decent, but not on par stilted. Not like the con- with that of Boseman in versations and language 42 or Jordan in Creed— one would expect from they powered their urban Black athletes movies to success. A difwho work and live ferent type of directing together like family. The might have pulled a script does a slightly bet- more galvanizing perout of ter job depicting the formance back-room behavior and Osborne. Piven, Dreytalking points of the fuss, Pollak and Elwes, NBA board and its prej- all acting pros, are more convincing, but even udices.

Guigui’s direction is they seem out of sorts. proficient, nothing more. Like they’re performing Not artful, innovative or without a net.

The Michael Jordancapable of creating that exhilarating spirit sport based movie Air has movies require. The very little footage of live footage lacks umph. basketball games yet Scenes seem staged, not found a way to get its organic and the camera- audiences pumped up. work (Massimo Zeri), This movie had far more particularly during the potential for exciting basketball games, is movie fans but doesn’t.

Sweetwater can’t never immersive. If Michael B. Jordan could find the net. Like Shaq’s reimagine the way box- foul shots. Sorry Shaq.

Dwight Brown is a ing matches are shot in Creed III, this film could film critic for the NNPA have done the same for News Wire. To read more of his reviews, go to basketball.

Hallways leading DwightBrownInk.com.

By Cass Teague Record Store Day, the global celebration of the culture of the record store and the largest single-day music event in the world, takes place annually. The sixteenth Record Store Day will be celebrated on April 22, 2023. This is a day for the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, the customers, and the artists—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a record store and the special role they play in their communities. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day.

Festivities include performances, cook-outs, body painting, meet & greets with artists, parades, DJs spinning records, and on and on.

Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 at a gathering of independent record store owners and employees as a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1400 independently-owned record stores in the US and thousands of similar stores internationally.

The first Record Store Day took place on April 19, 2008. Today, Record Store Day is celebrated at independently-owned brick-and-mortar record stores around the world.

Learn more and find all about it at: https://record storeday.com/ Vinyl albums outsold CDs last year for the first time since 1987, according to the Recording Industry Association of America's year-end report released recently.

It marked the 16th consecutive year of growth in vinyl, with 41 million albums sold — compared to 33 million CDs. Streaming is still the biggest driver of the music industry's growth, making up 84% of recorded-music revenue, but physical music formats saw a remarkable resurgence in the past couple of years. Vinyl revenue grew 17% and topped $1.2 billion last year, making up nearly three-quarters of the revenue brought in by physical music. At the same time, CD revenue fell 18% to $483 million, the RIAA said.

While there are a lot of independent stores that participate in Record Store Day, not all of them will choose to participate in all promotions, or carry all releases. Just because a store is listed here does NOT mean it will have the goodies or records you're looking for. That said, find a store near

The Sporting Life: Free Comic Book Day May 6 edition

by Cass Teague Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is the biggest event in the comic book industry — a single day when participating comic book specialty shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. Founded on the belief that for every person out there, there’s a comic book they’ll love, this annual event offers a huge selection of free titles designed to appeal to a broad range of age levels and their tastes.

Every year, on the first Saturday in May, the industry comes together to give away free comics and encourage both curious, firsttime comic book readers and seasoned comic book fans to flock to the best place in the comic book community: local comic shops. Each one is unique in its community, with a style and personality all its own, and each one carries a full line of comics, graphic novels, toys and related products. Local

Enjoy 2000 AD Presents The Best Comic Ever free at a participating FCBD store. comic shops are the Image Comics, along hubs of the comics with a slew of indecommunity, where fans pendent publishers, put can come together to out free comics for fans discover new comics, to enjoy at the more make lifelong friends, than 2,300 local comic and find a sense of shops that participate in commonality.

Free Comic Book Day. Major publishers The diverse range of such as DC Comics, titles available each Marvel Comics, Dark year proves that there’s Horse Comics, IDW truly a book for everyPublishing, BOOM! one: from superheroes, Studios, Dynamite to popular film and teleEntertainment, and vision shows, to

beloved video games, and all-ages tales.

The complete listing of all forty-four FCBD titles, including thirteen Gold Sponsor and thirty-one Silver Sponsor comic books, can be found on the website: https://www.freecomicbookday.com/ In addition to passing out free comics on the first Saturday in May, many comic shops also host community events such as costume contests, creator signings, drawings by guest artists, raffles and prizes, photos with costumed characters, and other fun community activities throughout the day.

Every comic shop celebrates FCBD in their own unique way, giving fans a great opportunity to engage with their local comic shop and thriving community of pop culture enthusiasts.

Use the Official FCBD Store Locator on the website to find a list of participating shops close to you. Simply input your zip code and hit enter, and the Continued on page 8

Amythyst Kiah with her Record Store Day EP entitled “Pensive Pop” you and check with them one Record Store Day a directly. It's always a year, the organization good idea to be BFFs works with both indewith your neighborhood pendent and major labels record store. throughout the year to In the Nashville area, create contests, special the following stores are releases and promotions your best bets for in order to spotlight the Record Store Day: The benefits of supporting Great Escape Nashville, these independent, localThe Great Escape Madi- ly owned stores with son, Grimey's, Boule- music purchases vard Record Shop, Vinyl throughout the year.

Tap, The Groove, SwagAmythyst Kiah got gie Records, Ernest her first look at her Tubb Record Shop, The upcoming #RSD23 EP Vinyl Bunker, Third “Pensive Pop” backMan Records and Nov- stage at the @opry and elties, New Life Record that just makes it even Shop, CD Warehouse, more exciting. Pick up a Alison's Record Shop, copy of her new project and McKay Books. at your local record While there’s only store.

Cartoon Characters ACROSS 1. Unsuitable 6. Agency behind food labels, acr.

9. Pastoral sounds 13. More painful 14. “Maggie May” singer 15. Secret storage 16. Hajj destination 17. Inflated feeling 18. One in a quiver 19. *Scooby-Doo’s best friend 21. *Stone Age Fred’s best friend 23. Zip 24. Type of wave 25. “Mangia!”

28. Apple leftover 30. Unlike Pinocchio 35. Law school test acronym 37. Tiger's forte 39. Jack Black’s Libre 40. For____ kitchen counter 41. Jewish folklore creature 43. Singer Whitman of “Secret Love” fame 44. Formerly known as dropsy 46. Spanish Surrealist 47. Stay out of its way!

48. Make a remake 50. Shawm 52. Yoda: “Do or do not. There is no _____________” 53. Like hard times 55. Tube in old TV, acr.

57. *Jessica or Peter 60. *Anthropomorphic squirrel’s last name 63. Small and elegant 64. Mozart's “L’____ del Cairo” 66. Like a whistle?

68. Optical illusion creation (2 words) 69. “Time,” e.g., colloquially 70. Hint of color 71. “The Way We ___” 72. Farm pen 73. Skedaddle DOWN 1. What hedonism and idealism have in common

2. Rejections 3. Flatfoot's lack 4. Pie option 5. Calamitous 6. One of the Eagles 7. *Pluto or Snoopy 8. Acrobat maker 9. Rural building 10. Homesteader's purchase, sing.

11. Nabisco’s “Chips ____!”

12. To use a Singer 15. Dairy industry missing personseeking prop 20. Nordic gl¸hwein 22. Ooh and ____ 24. Troublemaker 25. *Fudd’s first name 26. Line to the audience 27. “It is silent,” in sheet music 29. Living space 31. Don Johnson’s Bridges 32. Plaudit and pomp 33. Bake an egg 34. *One of the Pickles 36. Like a broken horse 38. *Phineas’ stepbrother 42. Be a parasite 45. Just about (2 words) 49. Hula necklace 51. Builds a tower, e.g.

54. Very small particles 56. Opposite of ecbatic 57. Ready for picking 58. A bit cracked 59. Not the life of the party 60. Same as cagey 61. Lotto variant 62. Palm starch 63. Gift topper 65. *Garfield or Tom 67. Butterfly catcher Solutions from last puzzle

Page 8

Nashville PRIDE

Health/Education

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

April 14, 2023

Biden issues proclamation for Black Maternal Health Week

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent In 2022, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra implemented actions to improve maternal health and reduce health disparities. This year, the Biden-Harris Administration has continued to champion policies to improve maternal health and equity.

Vice President Kamala Harris convened a meeting with Becerra and other Cabinet leaders amplifying a whole-of-government approach to reducing maternal mortality and morbidity.

On April 10, President Biden issued another proclamation to begin Black Maternal Health Week.

The president called the week a reminder that so many families experience pain, neglect, and loss during what should be a joyous occasion.

Biden called it urgent that all act.

“Black women in America are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women,” the president said.

“This is on top of the fact that women in America are dying at a higher rate from pregnancy-related causes than in any other developed nation.”

He insisted that tackling the crisis begins with understanding how institutional racism drives these high maternal mortality rates.

Studies show that Black women are often dismissed or ignored in hospitals and other health care settings, even as they suffer from severe injuries and pregnancy complications and ask for help.

Biden said systemic inequities are also to blame.

“When mothers do not have access to safe and stable housing before and after childbirth, they are at greater risk of falling ill,” Biden said.

“When women face barriers traveling to the hospital for prenatal and postpartum checkups, they are less likely to remain healthy. Air pollution, water pollution, and lead pipes can have dangerous consequences for pregnant women and newborns. And when families cannot afford nutritious foods, they face worse health outcomes.”

He claimed his administration has penned the blueprint for addressing the maternal health crisis, an agenda that lays out specific actions the federal government would take to improve maternal health and secured funding from Congress to help implement it.

“Vice President Kamala Harris has been a leader on the issue of maternal mortality for years and led the charge to improve maternal health outcomes, including by issuing a call to action to address disparities in maternal care,” Biden stated.

“She continues to elevate the issue nationally, convening state legislators, medical professionals, and others so all mothers can access the care they need before, during, and after childbirth. Additionally, my American Rescue Plan gave states the option to provide a full year of postpartum coverage to Medicaid beneficiaries: up from just 60 days of coverage.

“As a result, my Administration has approved requests from 30 states and Washington, D.C. to provide

women with Medicaid coverage with a full year of postpartum coverage, and we have made this option permanent for every state that extends Medicaid postpartum coverage.

“My Administration has helped facilitate Medicaid expansion in four states since I took office, and I continue to call on the Congress to close the Medicaid coverage gap.

“We are also working to expand and diversify the maternal health workforce, helping health care providers hire and train diverse and culturally competent physicians, certified nurse midwives, doulas, and community health workers to support women during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care.”

The president’s budget includes $471 million to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates, improving access to care in rural communities, expanding implicit bias training for health care providers, and further supporting the perinatal health workforce.

“This week, as we continue our work to make pregnancy and childbirth safe, dignified, and joyful for all, let us remember that health care should be a right and not a privilege,” Biden said.

“Let us give thanks to the extraordinary maternal health care workforce, which serves its patients and their families every day. And let us join in common cause to end the tragedy of maternal mortality once and for all.”

Federal judge says health insurance companies don’t have to cover preventive care services appeal the decision. They say that the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) requirement that insurers cover preventive care services is a crucial part of the law’s goal to make more people eligible for health insurance.

In the meantime, patients and healthcare providers alike are left to grapple with the uncertain future of healthcare coverage in the U.S. Without the assurance of coverage for preventative care services, and patients may be forced to choose between paying out-of-pocket for these services or foregoing them altogether, potentially putting their health and well-being at risk.

“Once again, an extreme activist judge is taking a monumental swing at the Affordable Care Act, which has

The ruling comes as a result of a lawsuit brought by a group of insurers who argued that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exceeded its authority by requiring them to cover certain preventative care services without being able to charge co-payments or deductibles.

by Stacy M. Brown, ous health problems and higher healthNNPA Newswire senior care costs. national correspondent “The president is glad to see the In a big blow to health insurance in Department of Justice is appealing the the U.S., a federal judge has ruled that judge’s decision, which blocks a key insurers no longer have to pay for pre- provision of the Affordable Care Act ventive care services like cancer and that has ensured free access to prevenheart disease screenings. tive health care for 150 million The ruling comes as a result of a Americans,” White House Press lawsuit brought by a group of insurers Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated. who argued that the Affordable Care “This case is yet another attack on Act (ACA) exceeded its authority by the Affordable Care Act, which has requiring them to cover certain preven- been the law of the land for 13 years tative care services without being able and survived three challenges before to charge co-payments or deductibles. the Supreme Court. Preventive care The Affordable Care Act, or saves lives, saves families money, and Obamacare, was signed into law in protects and improves our health.

2010 to make it easier for millions of Because of the ACA, millions of Americans to get health insurance.

Americans have access to free cancer ne of the law’s key provisions was and heart disease screenings. This the requirement that insurance compa- decision threatens to jeopardize critinies cover certain preventative care cal care. services without cost-sharing, includ“The Administration will continue ing immunizations, blood pressure to fight to improve health care and screenings, and mammograms. make it more affordable for hardowever, the recent ruling by U.S. working families, even in the face of District Judge Reed O’Connor of the attacks from special interests.”

Northern District of Texas has effecCritics of the ruling include healthtively invalidated this provision of the care advocacy groups and politicians.

ACA. They say it will make it more compliIn his ruling, Judge O’Connor cated and expensive for millions of wrote that the ACA’s requirement for Americans to get health insurance. In a insurers to cover preventative care statement, Dr. Patrice Harris, president services “exceeds the powers of of the American Medical Association, Congress under the Commerce called the ruling “a clear step backClause” of the U.S. Constitution. ward for our health system.” he ruling is likely to significantly “Preventative care is a cornerstone affect health insurance in the U.S., of good health,” Dr. Harris said. “It’s especially for people who already have critical that patients have access to health problems like cancer or heart these services without cost-sharing to disease. stay healthy and catch health problems If insurance companies weren’t early before they become more serious required to cover preventive care serv- and more costly to treat.” ices, patients might be less likely to get The ruling is also likely to face the screenings and tests that could legal challenges in the coming months. catch these health problems early.

Several states and healthcare advocacy Experts said this could lead to seri- groups have already said they will

Comic Book Day... from page 7 Locator will generate a list of comic shops near you that are participating. Then, all you need to do is a pick a shop from that list and show up there on the first Saturday in May to get your free comic books. I personally like the Great Escape stores on Charlotte and in Madison.

2000 AD Presents The Best Comic Ever, one of the Silver titles, is a special collection of All Ages

stories from the wildest comic in the universe: 2000 AD Regened.

Featuring fan-favorite characters like Pandora Perfect, and starting points for new stories like Full Tilt Boogie, this issue is the perfect introduction to the incredible world of comics for rookie readers, or gateway to a whole new array of stories and characters for comic book readers looking for their next reading adventure.

saved millions of lives and made Americans healthier for the last 13 years,” Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) stated.

“The preventative care provisions in the law have ensured that, without concern for cost, Americans have been able to get screened for things like diabetes, breast cancer and heart disease.

“It also puts the brakes on critical preventative treatments like immunizations and PrEP for HIV. “The impact of this ruling, especially on working Nevadans and communities of color, will result in the loss of lives, increased costs for treatment of preventable illnesses, and increased inequities in our already unbalanced health care system.”