Nashville PRIDE April 21, 2023

Historic Black church gets land retur ned from NHL

Penguins

See page 2

See page 4

Mrs.

Juanita Brown Ingram receives royal welcome

See page 8

Dealing with state legislature should be priority over new jobs for next mayor – Vanderbilt poll

For the second year running, the ‘ Va n d e r b i l t P o l l – N a s h v i l l e ’ s h o w s more than half of respondents believe the city is on the wrong track From the start of the Nashville poll in 2015 until 2021 Nashvillians viewed the city as on the right track This trend is amplified by a plurality of respondents indicating the growth of the city is making their quality of life worse, rather than better or having no effect

However other measures within the poll could indicate the sources of dissatisfaction are more complex than the issues that may first come to mind

“While the trend toward concern for the future of Nashville is clear, the origins of the concern are not said Josh Clinton, co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll, who holds the Abby and Jon Winkelried Chair and is a professor of political science Even though 56% think the city is on the wrong track 59% also approve of the job Mayor John Cooper is doing This sugg e s t s t h a t c o n c e r n s b e y o n d t h e mayor ’s control and likely related to concerns about growth, public educat i o n , a n d t h e i n c r e a s i n g t e n s i o n between Nashville and the state government are affecting people s optimism about the future of our city ”

p r e s e n t a t i v e s D i s t r i c t 5 2

Special Primary with its designated Election Day of June 15 After that Primary, there will be a TN House of Representatives District 52 Special Election with the designated Election Day of August 3

Continued on page 5

State will not appeal ruling on halving of Metro Council

A c c o r d i n g t o Te n n e s s e e A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l J o n a t h a n S k r m e t t i , t h e s t a t e w i l l n o t appeal the decision by a three judge panel to block the state law that would shrink the Metro Council in half

The judges ruled that the law would cause irreparable harm to the election process that is already underway S k r m e t t i s a y s t h a t h e believes that the law will still take place for the next council election cycle “ C l a r i t y a b o u t t h e l a w i s important, both now and in the years to come,” Skrmetti said While the Court did enjoin the s h o r t - t e r m , t r a n s i t i o n a l p r o v is i o n s o f t h e n e w l a w i n Davidson County the result of this litigation to date is that the cap on the size of metropolitan councils has been delayed but not been defeated ”

H o w e v e r, M e t r o L a w Director Wally Ditz said: “A u n a n i m o u s t h r e e j u d g e p a n e l ruled that the provision of the law mandating the reduction this year violates the Home Rule Amendment of the Tennessee Constitution The cap itself is unlawful and should not apply in the future for the reasons we cited in our brief and reasons we have yet to present to the Court

We intend to make our case to the panel and again express our appreciation to the court for its prompt attention to this urgent situation ”

The 56% who think the city is on the wrong track is more than double those who thought the same in 2017 Similarly 47% say Nashville’s growth i s m a k i n g t h e i r d a y - t o - d a y l i f e worse just under double the number in 2017 Ye t r e s p o n d e n t s v i e w s a b o u t

L e a r n a b o u t

H a t c h & F l e m m i n g s

F u n e r a l H o m e

By Cass Teague H a t c h & F l e m m i n g s F u n e r a l

Home is a full service funeral home l o c a t e d a t 3 1 4 D o n e l s o n P i k e i n Nashville, TN 37214 Edward Hatch i s o n e t h e m o s t t r u s t e d L i c e n s e d Funeral Directors in funeral service with over

Nashville’s economy and feelings of safety walking in their own neighborhoods have both been generally flat for three years, and views about the rapid growth of Nashville’s population have been flat for five years Daily com-

by Stacy M Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent

The National Urban League’s 2023 State of Black America report concluded that an uptick in police brutality specifically against Black Americans, is no coincidence

A c r o s s t h e n a t i o n , W h i t e supremacist groups and domestic t e r r o r c e l l s h a v e i n f i l t r a t e d l a w enforcement and the military ranks, posing a threat to homeland security and the public

The report highlights five topics revealed as troubling threats:

1) A hate manifesto: the rise in violent hate crimes across America

2 ) Tr a c k i n g p a r e n t a l r i g h t s ’ movement rooted in racism: the threat within education

3) Hate in the nation: the threat within America s political system

4) A threat to national security: hate within law enforcement and the military

5) The divided state of America: a surge of divisive policies

T h e S t a t e o f B l a c k A m e ri c a which also drew from information from the Brennan Center, noted that t h e F B I r e p o r t e d t h a t W h i t e s u p r e m a c i s t s p o s e d a p e r s i s t e n t threat of lethal violence” that has produced more fatalities than any other category of domestic terrorists since 2000

mute times are comparable to 2017, though that is likely a result of the dramatic increase in those working from home (15% in 2023 versus three percent in 2017)

Continued on page 5

makers working with shady political operatives and violent extremists are d a n g e r o u s l y c l o s e t o d e s t r o y i n g American democracy and replacing it with autocratic rule

T h e 2 0 2 3 r e p o r t t i t l e d Democracy in Peril: Confronting the Threat Within’ sounds the alarm about extremist ideas taking root in classrooms, law enforcement, the military, and the halls of Congress

“The mainstreaming of extremist ideology is an existential threat to American democracy, the rule of l a w, a n d d e c a d e s o f h a r d - w o n progress toward an equitable inclus i v e , a n d m o r e p e r f e c t u n i o n , ” N a t i o n a l U r b a n L e a g u e

President/CEO Marc H Morial said

m i n g s , a l i k e - m i n d e d C h r i s t i a n f u n e r a l d i r e c t o r w i t h 2 0 years of experience himself to join him Thus the vision for Hatch & Flemmings Funeral Home was created and they opened for business in September of 2022

If you have any questions about their services or pre-planning please

Continued on page 5

“ A n d F B I p o l i c y d o c u m e n t s have also warned agents assigned to domestic terrorism cases that the White supremacist and anti-government militia groups they investigate often have ‘active links’ to law enforcement officials,” the National Urban League s report stated “ C o u n t r i e s a r o u n d t h e w o r l d have been destabilized by military and law enforcement coups led by extremists holding right-wing ideologies To protect our communities and our democracy we must take this threat seriously

The authors of the report said that groups of state and federal law-

“No longer limited to passing out mimeographed leaflets on street corners or huddling in corners of the dark web, conspiracy-mongers and White nationalists openly spew their bile across social media and cable television

“They weave it into the public policy they impose on their cons t i t u e n t s I t c o r r o d e s t h e t r u s t between police, the military, and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve The report also draws on data a n d a n a l y s i s f r o m t h e S o u t h e r n P o v e r t y L a w C e n t e r, A D L , a n d

Continued on page 5

State of Black America reveals how hate continues rise in U.S.

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H Morial

(l-r) Rev. Edward Hatch and Rev Harry Flemmings

Cancer…My Jour ney in time Joy in the game

by Wanda Clay

and playing in the game to that of living life In essence it is not easy to go through life without some bumps, bruise s a c h e s a n d p a i n s J u s t l i k e a l l a t h l e t i c g a m e s , t h e p l a y e r s have to endure some bumps bruises aches and pains in order to remain on the team and attempt to lead their teams to a victory one game at a time Yet some games are less stressful than others and some situations in life are less stressful than other at times

He has been on a long journey with stage f o u r l u n g c a n c e r, s o Rev Fuzz has found that all ‘long journeys’ in life apply to health and wellness as well N e v e r t h e l e s s R e v Fuzz is dedicated to ‘staying in the race to finish the game’ at all costs Through the various issues that continue to arise he remains steadfast and maintains t h e t h o u g h t t h a t a l l things could be worse, because there are other

Rev Enoch Fuzz

people who are in a worse situations than himself

Most recently Rev

Fuzz made the followi n g s t a t e m e n t o f encouragement to anyone who may be in a similar situation

My doctor s appo i n t m e n t t o d a y w a s good news when talking about cancer Rev Fuzz said The cancer growth is stable, which means it's not getting better nor worse It s always good that your cancer is not spreading But the cancer tumor is there on that lung The b a d n e w s i s t h a t b r e a t h i n g i s m o r e tedious G e t p l e n t y r e s t w h i c h m e a n s y o u ' r e not allowed to do and go at the same pace

Nashville Entrepreneur Week is May 2 - May 4

y o u w a n t t o E a t i n g h e a l t h y i s g o o d b u t don t feel like you gotta eat the whole plate of food Since my activity i s l e s s i t m e a n s I require fewer calories No pain no gain so learn to play with pain a n d a l w a y s b e c o ns o l e d t h a t y o u a r e blessed beyond what is d e s e r v e d A n d m a n y p e o p l e a r e g o i n g through greater trials than you I still have joy ”

Living with cancer and having joy makes this situation a testimon y o f f a i t h Wi t h o u t maintaining that love and joy, living could be a little more difficult Athletes have a true love for their sport It enables them to play through physical and mental pains We must a l l l i v e l i f e j u s t t h e same It is possible if you have that joy within for your mission in life

Even when there’s p a i n i n t h e g a m e there s also joy in the game You can win K e e p p r a y i n g f o r R e v F u z z f o r h i s h e a l t h a n d h e a l i n g P r a y s h a r e a n d b e e n c o u r a g e d b y t h e p o s t i n g s a n d w e e k l y r e a d i n g s o f ‘ C a n c e r : My Journey in Time

Alive Hospice to hold advance care, Mother’s day, and butter fly release events

A l i v e H o s p i c e , t h e only nonprofit hospice in Middle Tennessee, is hosting several upcomi n g c o m m u n i t y e v e n t s d u r i n g t h e n e x t f e w months

On April 27th, Alive will host a free advance care event at the Larkspur Conservation (5201 A l a b a m a Av e Nashville, TN 37209) in Nashvville from 5:307:30 p m “ T h i s i s a c a s u a l , d r o p - i n e v e n t , ” s a i d A l i v e H o s p i c e i n a release Come when you can, and enjoy delicious snacks from Thistle Farms, beer, and door prizes on us!”

The event will feat u r e s m a l l g r o u p - s t y l e chats with experts in the f i e l d f r o m L a r k s p u r C o n s e r v a t i o n , S u n n y Care Services, and Alive w i l l h e l p y o u c l a r i f y what you can do today to better prepare, including: • C o m p l e t i n g y o u r advance care directive to outline your wishes for medical care • O rg a n i z i n g y o u r digital estate

• Making a plan for w h a t y o u w a n t d o n e with your body

• Visit our free guest n o t a r y t o c o m p l e t e i m p o r t a n t d o c u m e n t ation on the spot! To r e g i s t e r, v i s i t : AliveHospice org/LifeAndDeathTogether

Additionally, on May

1 3 , A l i v e w i l l h o s t a Mother ’s Day Memorial Windchime Workshop

According to Alive Hospice: “The Mother ’s Day holiday can be dif-

f i c u l t w h e n y o u a r e grieving Join us at this special event and create a o n e - o f - a - k i n d w i n d c h i m e d e c o r a t e d w i t h found objects personal mementos, and unique tokens that remind you of your mother “ T h e s e c h i m e s c a n be hung on a porch, in a g a r d e n o r i n a n o t h e r location where they can add music and memories to the air With each gent l e b r e e z e , y o u ' l l b e reminded of your mother s love All ages and abilities are welcome There is a $5/person to cover the cost of materials O n J u n e 1 0 , A l i v e will hold it’s Butterly Release at Green Door Gourmet “ E a c h s p r i n g w e r e m e m b e r l o v e d o n e s w i t h a l i v e b u t t e r f l y release symbolizing our l a s t i n g l o v e a n d t h e renewal of the season,”

s a i d A l i v e o ff i c i a l s

“We’re honoring loved ones who are gone from our sight, but not from our hearts When you participate you are also helping Alive’s patients a n d f a m i l i e s w r i t e a s p e c i a l f i n a l c h a p t e r together ”

All funds raised supp o r t A l i v e s n o n p r o f i t services including grief counseling, community education and financial aid

This annual event is f o r t h e w h o l e f a m i l y There will be a memoria l c e r e m o n y, a n d o u r G r i e f C o u n s e l o r s w i l l l e a d t h e c r e a t i o n o f

spring-themed crafts to make keepsakes for this special day

To order butterflies, or for more information o n t h e e v e n t , v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w a l i v e h o s p i c e o r g / n e w s - e v e n t s / annual-events/butterflyrelease/

By Cass Teague

N a s h v i l l e E n t r e p r en e u r We e k ( N E W ) i s Nashville s only FREE event dedicated to bring e n t r e p r e n e u r s o f a l l k i n d s t o g e t h e r f o r a week of education, collaboration and connection Whether you dream o f s t a r t i n g y o u r o w n b u s i n e s s o r y o u ’ v e already built a successf u l c o m p a n y, N E W exists for you It is time to support entrepreneurs that are scaling deep in the Nashville community N a s h v i l l e E n t r e p r en e u r s h i p We e k 2 0 2 3 : Together We Are Better is organized around the theme “Fostering lasting relationships, leveraging r e s o u r c e s t o a d d r e s s local community needs ” Founded in 2017, NEW has grown year-by-year T h i s y e a r N E W w i l l highlight entrepreneurial v e n t u r e s t h a t a d d r e s s local needs, build collaborative platforms, create d e e p c u s t o m e r e x p e r iences, hire local talent, and revitalize the community of Nashville N a s h v i l l e E n t r e p r en e u r We e k e v e n t s a r e being held on Tuesday May 2 through Friday, May 5, 2023 from 9 am – 4 pm CST daily at N a s h v i l l e Te c h C o mm o n s , l o c a t e d a t 5 0 0

I n t e r s t a t e B l v d N a s hville, TN 37210 To regi s t e r, a n d g e t u p d a t e d information on speakers and programs go their

website: nashvilleentrepreneurweek com

Their goal is to reach e n t r e p r e n e u r s o f a l l kinds As a free attendee you are free to choose t h e t r a c k t h a t b e s t describes you in order to hear curated content specific to your needs

Whether you re a onew o m a n s h o w, a n e w b r i c k - a n d - m o r t a r s h o p , or a high-growth tech start-up, they will have s o m e t h i n g w i t h y o u r name on it

A m o n g t h e i r m a n y featured speakers are a f e w n o t a b l e A f r i c a n

A m e r i c a n w o m e n , a l p h a b e t i c a l l y : S o n y a

C o t h a m - D a v i s A i r e k a

Harvell, Christal Hector, Genma Stringer Holmes, and Karen Williams

S o n y a C o t h a m -

D a v i s , a N a s h v i l l e n a t i v e i s a s e a s o n e d p r o f e s s i o n a l b a n k e r i n the Metropolitan Nashv i l l e & s u r r o u n d i n g areas Throughout Sonya’s 20 plus years as a

banker and business professional she has utilized her experience and passion for helping peop l e i n t h e c o m m u n i t y through leadership and service Aireka Harvell is a N a s h v i l l e n a t i v e a n d first-generation college graduate with a decade of experience in highscale customer loyalty with national brands like AT&T and Plenti Loyalty She is the founder and CEO of Nodat Inc a n A I - e m p o w e r e d a p p that uses artificial intelligence machine learning a n d n a t u r a l l a n g u a g e processing to create a virtual agent that helps c o n s u m e r s n a v i g a t e l o c a l s e r v i c e s a n d r e s o u r c e s a n d c r e a t e p e r s o n a l i z e d e x p e r ie n c e s t h a t c a n b e t t e r meet their needs Christal Hector is the c o - f o u n d e r o f Tu n eHatch a web-based plat-

White man arrested in shooting of 16-year-old who rang wrong doorbell

by Stacy M Brown

A White 65-year-old homeowner who allegedly shot and wounded Ralph Yarl, a Black teen, after the 16-year-old went to the wrong home to pick up his siblings will face two felony charges Clay County attorney Zachary Thompson announced early Monday evening Andrew Lester will face charges of assault in the first degree and armed criminal action Authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest and he s not currently in custody, Thompson said, according to CNN I can tell you there was a racial component to this case,” Thompson said at a news conference without elaborating

There is no indication that either Lester or Ralph spoke to one another before the Thursday evening shooting, he said The prosecutor added there is no evidence that the teen entered the home, and preliminary evidence shows Lester opened fire on the teen through a glass door with a 32 caliber revolver

Earlier, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorneys Ben Crump and Lee Merritt were retained by the Yarl s family

According to the Kansas City Defender the White man reportedly shot Yarl in the head through the glass door, then when Yarl was already bleeding out on the ground, shot him again “The family has described it as a hate crime and community members are calling for justice for the young victim reported The Defender, a member of the National Newspaper

Publishers Association (NNPA) The NNPA is a trade of more than 230 African Americanowned newspapers and media companies representing the Black Press of America

“This was not an error This was a hate crime You don’t shoot a child in the head because he rang your doorbell The fact that the police said it was an ‘error ’ is why America is the way it is, Dr Faith Spoonmore, Yarl’s aunt, told The Defender Authorities reportedly escorted the suspect to police headquarters following the shooting, briefly interviewed him and released the man Yarl s family said they are outraged that the perpetrator had not been held accountable

“This man intended to kill an innocent child simply because he rang the doorbell of the wrong house,” Dr Spoonmore said “He looked him in the face and shot him and the individual is free to go about his day as if he did a great deed While my nephew Ralph Yarl is a great kid, an intelligent kid, a Black

Lawsuits pile up against

honor DE&I pledges after murder of George Floyd

M Brown, NNPA Newswire

boy is left with so many broken pieces ”

Crump and Merritt, nationally recognized civil rights lawyers who has represented Ahmaud Arbery and Cameron Lamb, announced they would represent Yarl’s family Shaun King, a wellknown activist and journalist announced that he s also assisting with the case The Defender which was the first outlet to report on the shooting, said the Yarl family has urged supporters to help spread awareness about the case and bring attention to the issue of racial violence in America

“There is no excuse for the release of this armed and dangerous suspect after admitting to shooting an unarmed non-threatening, and defenseless teenager that rang his doorbell Crump and Merritt said in a joint statement We demand swift action from Clay County prosecutors and law enforcement to identify arrest, and prosecute to the full extent of the law the man responsible for this horrendous and unjustifiable shooting ”

Historic Black church gets land retur ned from NHL Penguins franchise

by Stacy M Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent

In Pittsburgh’s Hill

D i s t r i c t , t h e h i s t o r i c

B l a c k B e t h e l A f r i c a n M e t h o d i s t E p i s c o p a l Church will return to its former location o r e t h a n 6 0 y e a r s a g o , t h e c h u r c h w a s forced to relinquish its s a n c t u a r y t o a n u r b a n r e n e w a l p r o j e c t t h a t destroyed the core of an African American neighborhood

The church was compensated for a fraction of its value, according to the church

Now, the church has r e a c h e d a n a g r e e m e n t with the Pittsburgh Penguins the NHL team that owns the development rights to the site adjacent to its current facility

According to a report by The Grio, the Penguins have consented to allowing the church use a 1 5-acre plot of land that the church plans to u s e f o r h o u s i n g a n d other revenue-generating development

Kevin Acklin, president of business operations for the Penguins stated that the organization is “recognizing our role here as a steward” of the property and its history P r i o r t o 1 9 6 7 t h e Penguins played in a former community arena, and now they play in a newer arena nearby According to historians the Hill District was a center of Black culture i n t h e 2 0 t h c e n t u r y, r e n o w n e d f o r i t s j a z z

l a n d m a r k s d e p i c t e d i n many of acclaimed playwright August Wilson s works I n a d d i t i o n , B e t h e l

AME played an important role in that community t w a s f o u n d e d i n 1808 and is regarded as Pittsburgh’s oldest Black church From its inception, it was involved in i n f a n t e d u c a t i o n a n d

civil rights

I t o p e n e d a l a rg e brick church with rounded arches and a prominent tower in 1906 in the L o w e r H i l l D i s t r i c t , w h i c h w a s h o m e t o 3 , 0 0 0 m e m b e r s a t i t s zenith I n t h e 1 9 5 0 s t h e Pittsburgh Urban Redev e l o p m e n t A u t h o r i t y

o f

o w e r H i l l t o b e

demo-

employee ranks

H o w e v e r a c c o r ding to Bloomberg Law,

T h e c o m m i t m e n t s w e re m a d e f o l l o w i n g

Floyd’s death in 2020, with businesses quickly issuing statements and pledging to adopt new ways to combat racism

a h o s t o f l a w s u i t s c l a i m t h o s e p l e d g e s were never met A m o n g t h e m o s t e g r e g i o u s p a r t i e s a r e Wells Fargo and Delta Air Lines

B l o o m b e rg s a i d those companies falsely claimed that, over t h e p a s t t h r e e y e a r s , t h e y w o r k e d t o p r o -

mote diversity, equity, and inclusion F i v e s h a r e h o l d e r l a w s u i t s a l l e g e t h a t Wells Fargo ran afoul of federal law against discrimination

We l l s p e r f o r m e d s h a m i n t e r v i e w s t o n o m i n a l l y f u l f i l l a diversity-enhancing

lition of approximately 1 300 structures on 95 acres displacing more than 8,000 individuals, more than 400 businesses and numerous places of worship

B e t h e l c o n g r e g a n t s stated that the predomin a n t l y W h i t e C a t h o l i c church was not, however demolished Bethel’s leaders battled the church’s demolition unsuccessfully ultim a t e l y r e c e i v i n g $240,000 for a $745,000 property

The pastor of Bethel, Rev Dale Snyder, said: “This is a model for how we can heal the broken realities of America ”

The church intends to construct housing, a dayc a r e c e n t e r, a n d o t h e r p o t e n t i a l c o m m e r c i a l d e v e l o p m e n t s o n t h e

Continued on page 5

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Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old African American, was shot after accidentally ringing the doorbell of the wrong home while attempting to pick up his sibling

companies who failed to

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Metropolitan Nashville under seize

by William T. Robinson, Jr

If you are a resident of Metropolitan Nashville, you should be outraged at the blatant disrespect displayed by a majority-led Republican state legislature in monopolizing their power by defying the wishes of residents of Nashville It appears they have no regards to what the voters in Davidson County want and have shown it with their legislative power to attempt to control the city Exercising power to go against what citizens in a city want, only serves to polarize the city and the state They they should be working together in the best interests of all in the state

We all know Nashville is what many Tennesseans consider the starship of Tennessee with it multitude of venues whether it includes: educational institutions of higher learning, state-of-the-art restaurants, a city offering almost any major sport to catch one s attention or a never ending genre of

singing artists presenting concerts to serve anyone’s musical palate But what makes Nashville stand out most when compared to so many of its surrounding cities and towns is its diversity, liberalism, friendliness, and respect abundantly shared by so many of its local and newly relocated citizens There are now numerous citizens relocating from up North and the West who don’t share the prejudice and racism so prevalent in many rural southern Whites living in surrounding towns and cities

There are rural communities, towns and cities in Tennessee still harboring a taste of defeat of the Confederacy They are looking for a resurgence of past discriminatory practices effecting people of color and marginalized people by exercising their past displayed by White supremacy There are views that many of those relocating to towns in Tennessee don t agree with; however they but don t see what it can be

like here until it is too late

The continuous, disrespectful display by Tennessee’s Republicanled legislature misusing their authority causes many to reconsider coming to Nashville and many of those who have already relocated feel they may have made a mistake The Tennessee state legislature doesn’t respect the will or wishes of Nashville voters Tennessee state legislators are adamant in their refusal to enact strict gun legislation laws, to respect women’s reproductive rights, and to refrain from banning books They limit freedom of choice and stifle intellectual growth

They have manifested what many consider racist action against TSU, and have recently expelled two Black legislators (although, they have been re-instated) No doubt Tennessee is being dubbed by some as one of the most tyrannical, dictatorial, and racist states in the country

Still many would agree that Nashville

No time to forget the Gulf coast

by Ben Jealous (TriceEdneyWire com) –

How long do you think

it would take to overlook the worst offshore oil spill in history one that lasted 87 days during which four million oil barrels spewed into the Gulf of Mexico? Recent m o v e s b y t h e f e d e r a l government point to the answer being 13 years

O n A p r i l 2 0 , t w o days before Earth Day, w e l l m a r k t h e 1 3 t h a n n i v e r s a r y o f t h e explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling r i g o ff t h e c o a s t o f Louisiana that killed 11 workers and started an ecological disaster that lasted longer than three m o n t h s a s o i l p o u r e d into the sea

D e s p i t e b i l l i o n s d i r e c t e d a t m i t i g a t i o n , we still see the devastating impact in increased e r o s i o n a n d d a m a g e d plant life in the Gulf

C o a s t ’s d i s a p p e a r i n g wetlands; in marine life from dolphins to coral; in the health issues exper i e n c e d b y t h o s e w h o worked on the clean-up Ye t t h e I n t e r i o r D e p a r t m e n t i n l a t e March opened most of the remaining parts of the central and western G u l f a l o n g t h a t s a m e coastline to oil and gas e x t r a c t i o n t h r o u g h t h e sale of drilling leases

The Sierra Club joined o t h e r e n v i r o n m e n t a l groups to challenge the decision, made based on a flimsy impact review that found that burning a billion barrels of oil and 4 4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas that could be p u l l e d f r o m t h e a r e a won t damage the climate B e y o n d c o l l i d i n g w i t h t h e D e e p w a t e r Horizon anniversary the sale came in the same month that the federal g o v e r n m e n t a p p r o v e d t h e Wi l l o w p r o j e c t t o drill across a huge swath of the Alaskan tundra a n d t h e U N ’s c l i m a t e c h a n g e p a n e l a s s e r t e d

Ben Jealous

t h a t t h e p l a n e t c a n t a ff o r d a n y m o r e o i l wells

The administration’s excuse for selling leases w a s t h a t t h e h i s t o r i c c l e a n e n e rg y p a c k a g e a p p r o v e d l a s t y e a r demanded it But that deal cut with fossil fuel champions in Congress didn t demand that an area the size of Italy be put on the auction block or prescribe an outcome for the sale

B i g G a s a n d O i l ’s protectors in Congress say more drilling means lower gas prices and less dependence on foreign oil But not any time s o o n : i t ’s t y p i c a l l y a t least a four-year turnaround from a lease to oil flowing Only a quarter of U S oil production c o m e s f r o m f e d e r a l lands and waters and there are thousands of e x i s t i n g l e a s e s t h a t aren’t in production In the Gulf alone, there’s extraction from only a quarter of the leases sold before last month

T h e r e a l b r a k e o n m o r e d r i l l i n g i s investors’ hesitancy to pursue it Oil companies h a v e e n j o y e d r e c o r d profits and turned them b a c k i n t o s h a r e h o l d e r d i v i d e n d s n o t e x p l oration

Recent leases for offshore wind power have s o l d f o r f a r h i g h e r amounts than recent oil and gas leases The markets are placing bets on the future of our warming planet N o n e o f u s c a n

even with exponential growth problems, represents a city exhibiting an air of cooperation and mutual respect where everyone (especially marginalized and communities of color) have a voice or are represented But now this marriage/bond has been compromised and threatened by the state legislature reducing the Nashville Metro Council from 40 to 20, which is being contested Many would argue that Nashville is being punished because it refuses to commit to the whims of surrounding White communities and towns still fanning the flames of the racism of their ancestors who where staunch supporters of White supremacy They refuse to accept that their ancestor ’s fight to support slavery was unholy, immoral, and treasonous It resulted in a loss that some have yet to accept in going forward Unfortunately, many state Republican lawmakers are uniting to maintain power to continue to subjugate people

of color under the guise of claiming their policies are more beneficial for Tennessee They support policies to limit federal sponsored health care, ban books, suppress women s reproductive rights and allow more access to guns on the street without permits

This doesn t benefit the citizens of Tennessee especially the progressively growing city of Nashville

Denying financially disadvantaged citizens health care opportunities; putting more citizens in harm’s way by making it easier to carry weapons; and disenfranchising people by diluting their districts of representation borders on tyranny But these measure are easy to bring about when you monopolize your authority and overlook the will of decent, fairminded people looking for equality and justice

One can only imagine the esoteric people behind the scenes benefiting from the draconian actions of this Republican-led legislature However when you look at

William T Robinson, Jr

the whole picture, these Republican Tennessean lawmakers are only hurting the image of Tennessee by dictating policies and enacting laws against the will of the citizens in their quest to make Nashville (a strong Democratic stronghold) into a Republican city If other cities watch and don’t question or challenge the tyrannical actions of an out of control legislature overlooking the concerns and wishes of a major city, it is only a matter of time when their city will also be under attack with little legal recourse

This is about respecting the wishes of a city trying to do well and make a difference to benefit all its residents fairly

Making history in Tennessee

escape the dire effects of continuing to feed the addiction to fossil fuels for decades with Gulf leases and Willow The greatest impact will cont i n u e t o b e b o r n e b y t h o s e w i t h t h e l e a s t p o w e r a n d m o s t a t r i s k t h e s a m e p o o r communities and people of color who get crushed by severe weather from c l i m a t e d e t e r i o r a t i o n and who live in cancer alleys on the Mississippi R i v e r p o l l u t e d b y refineries Those same p l a c e s a s t u d y b y Robert Bullard at Texas S o u t h e r n U n i v e r s i t y found, are where most w a s t e f r o m t h e 2 0 1 0 spill ended up in landfills The greatest risk may b e t o f e w e r t h a n 5 0 remaining Rice s whales recently discovered living in the Gulf We re c a r e e n i n g t o w a r d t h e f i r s t h u m a n - c a u s e d e x t i n c t i o n o f a l a rg e whale in history

If the calculation to o ff e r t h e l e a s e s w a s p o l i t i c a l , i t p r o b a b l y winds up a subtraction e q u a t i o n T h e n e w d r i l l i n g w o n ’t h a p p e n quickly enough to lower prices soon But it may be enough to weaken the e n t h u s i a s m o f m o s t A m e r i c a n v o t e r s w h o said climate is an issue that determines if and how they vote

Looking ahead, the Interior Department is writing a new five-year p l a n f o r o ff s h o r e drilling The planet can’t afford a U-turn from the l e a d e r s h i p s h o w n b y r e j o i n i n g t h e P a r i s agreement and pushing t h r o u g h i n f r a s t r u c t u r e and clean energy packa g e s t h a t w i l l s p e n d m o r e o n a h e a l t h i e r Earth powered by abund a n t e n e rg y t h a n w e spent sending astronauts to the Moon That fiveyear plan should be short and borrow a line from President Biden in his last campaign: No more drilling, period

by Svante Myrick (TriceEdneyWire com)

- T h e r e a r e m o m e n t s when we know, suddenly and with total clarity, that we have just experienced a seminal moment i n h i s t o r y S o m e t i m e s those events are tragic And sometimes as in the last two weeks, they are beautiful and inspiring and renew our faith in humanity

I’m talking about the history that was made in Tennessee this month by ‘ t h e J u s t i n s ’ : R e p s Justin Jones and Justin P e a r s o n I w a s i n Tennessee for the fight to reinstate both of them to their state House seats after being expelled by t h e R e p u b l i c a n H o u s e l e a d e r s h i p T h e i r ‘crime’? Daring to call for common-sense gun safety measures

Never mind that the majority of Tennesseans want gun safety Never mind that hundreds of people were protesting in favor of gun safety at the state capital, in the w a k e o f t h e h o r r i f i c Covenant School shooti n g R e p s J o n e s a n d P e a r s o n , t w o y o u n g B l a c k f r e s h m a n l a wmakers had to go And to make it even more obvious how racist this was a third lawmaker w h o h a d s p o k e n o u t a l o n g w i t h P e a r s o n and Jones (Rep Gloria Johnson a White woman) was not expelled W h a t b e g a n a s a s h a m e f u l a t t e m p t t o h u m i l i a t e t h e s e y o u n g p e o p l e t u r n e d i n s t e a d i n t o a h e r o - m a k i n g moment It was incredible to see the energy of the coalition that rallied a r o u n d P e a r s o n a n d Jones It was even more i n c r e d i b l e t o s e e t h e grace and brilliance with which both of them carried themselves throughout this ordeal These t w o m e n a r e b r a v e , unflappable and principled to the core In just a

f e w d a y s , b o t h w e r e back reinstated by officials in their districts Both will be reelected in t h e s p e c i a l e l e c t i o n s ahead I am sure This event is historic a n d s i g n i f i c a n t o n s o many levels It s almost impossible to absorb it a l l We s a w n a k e d racism on the part of GOP lawmakers, and we saw it rebuked We saw a desperate effort to resist the will of the people through the anti-democratic act of expelling duly-elected lawmakers, also defeated We saw one of the clearest examples yet of the promise of youth leadership that is determined to right wrongs not just when it comes to gun violence b u t c l i m a t e c h a n g e , racial equity, reproductive freedom and all the problems that older generations have struggled to solve

We saw the future

T h i s g i v e s u s s o much to look forward to a s t h e P e a r s o n - J o n e s g e n e r a t i o n r i s e s t o power It’s been a truism f o r d e c a d e s t h a t a s y o u n g e r g e n e r a t i o n s age they become more conservative shoring up entrenched power structures But that has all changed P o l l s s h o w t h a t unlike past generations, m i l l e n n i a l s a r e n o t becoming more conservative as they get older

As a millennial myself, I can see why: we grew up with the invasion of Iraq an economy that failed us, a dangerously warmi n g c l i m a t e , D o n a l d Trump as president of the United States, and the loss of abortion protections My generation has a different vision Millennials and younger GenZ folks are fighting for our values, organizing across race age and every other difference, and carving a new path On the day he was

reinstated to his House s e a t J u s t i n P e a r s o n spoke out boldly about being expelled from the legislature saying you can’t expel hope ” He’s r i g h t N o t o n l y c o u l d t h e y n o t e x p e l i t , Te n n e s s e e s H o u s e R e p u b l i c a n s f u e l e d i t Their effort to stop the future from coming galv a n i z e d a l e g i o n o f y o u n g p r o g r e s s i v e s w h o s e h e r o e s a r e Pearson and Jones It won t be the last t i m e t h e O l d G u a r d p u s h e s b a c k a g a i n s t progress And there will be more threats to our d e m o c r a c y w h e n t h e y do But all of us will remember this amazing moment in history when two young Black men stood up, and the world rallied to their side So what we need now is an interracial, intergenerat i o n a l c o m m i t m e n t t o k e e p o u r d e m o c r a c y i n t a c t f o r t h i s y o u n g generation that will take t h e l e a d Te n n e s s e e showed us: that day is coming soon ( S v a n t e M y r i c k i s president of People For t h e A m e r i c a n Wa y Previously he served as e x e c u t i v e d i re c t o r o f People For and led campaigns focused on transf o r m i n g p u b l i c s a f e t y r a c i a l e q u i t y, v o t i n g rights, and empowering young elected officials Myrick garnered nationa l a t t e n t i o n a s t h e youngest-ever mayor in New York state history )

Attacks on Black people cause lasting trauma

by Julianne Malveaux (TriceEdneyWire com)

–

All Ralph Yarl was trying to do was pick up his siblings in Kansas City He went to a home on 115 Street instead of 115 Terrace, an unders t a n d a b l e m i s t a k e t h a t could have been easily rectified had the homeowner who opened the door with a gun instead s a i d : " w r o n g a d d r e s s " and provided directions to the right one I n s t e a d , t h e r a b i d White man shot the 16year-old in the head and

the arm Blessedly Yarl i s a l i v e h o s p i t a l i z e d and in stable condition T h e s h o o t e r h a s b e e n r e l e a s e d p e n d i n g c h a rg e s I s u p p o s e " s t a n d y o u r g r o u n d " m e a n s s h o o t ' e m u p Would the homeowner h a v e s h o t a W h i t e youth? Would a Black h o m e o w n e r s h o o t i n g have been released so quickly? As concerned as I am w i t h R a l p h Ya r l a n exceptional student by all accounts I am more concerned with how this s h o o t i n g m a y a ff e c t o t h e r B l a c k y o u t h ' s mental health and stabili t y E v e r y s i g n a l o u r society sends to young Black people is a signal that they are not valued R u n n i n g u n a r m e d t h r o u g h t h e w r o n g n e i g h b o r h o o d c a n g e t y o u s h o t a n d k i l l e d D r i v i n g u n a r m e d a n d s a f e l y i n t h e f a c e o f

White police irrationality can get you killed

Looking ‘menacing’ can get you killed Sitting in a classroom can get you killed Going to a birthday party can get you killed Too often, Black youth are killed by rabid and irrational Whites Equally often, f o l k s w i t h m o r e g u n s than sense kill them in classrooms and streets A n d t h e n s o m e t i m e s they are killed by each other How are they proc e s s i n g t h e t h r e a t s t o t h e i r s a f e t y a n d s u rvival?

In her book Lynching and Spectacle, Amy L o u i s e Wo o d w r o t e : “ E v e n o n e l y n c h i n g r e v e r b e r a t e d , t r a v e l i n g w i t h s i n i s t e r f o r c e , down city streets, and t h r o u g h r u r a l f a r m s across roads and rivers O n e m o b ' s y e l l c o u l d sound like ‘a hundred mobs yelling ’ and the

specter of the violence c o n t i n u e d t o s m o l d e r long after it was over " T h e s e a l l - t o o - r e g u l a r s h o o t i n g s o f B l a c k y o u t h h a v e a s i m i l a r effect What does any young Black man think of the shooting of Ralph Yah? Does it make him feel more endangered? More cautious? Angrier? Does it affect his mental health? The fact that Ralph Yarl s shooter has not been charged is discouraging It suggests that t h e r e a r e n o c o n s eq u e n c e s t o s h o o t i n g B l a c k p e o p l e To b e sure, since the murder of G e o rg e F l o y d , a f e w m u r d e r e r s , l i k e p u t r i d Minneapolis police offic e r D e r e k C h a u v i n , have experienced conseq u e n c e s A t t h e s a m e time too many get away with these public shooti n g s k i l l i n g s a n d lynchings Ralph Yarl’s

survival is a blessing

H i s c o m m u n i t y ' s advocacy for him is a tremendous support As a l w a y s , A t t o r n e y B e n C r u m p a n d h i s t e a m should be applauded for being on the case Who w i l l m i n i s t e r t o t h o s e w h o a r e i m p a c t e d b y this horrible shooting?

T h e B l a c k c o m m u n i t y must turn this pain into power and purpose The National Rifle Associat i o n n o w p r o m o t i n g ‘ j u n i o r ’ v e r s i o n s o f a s s a u l t w e a p o n s m u s t be checked Every time a mass s h o o t i n g o c c u r s , t h e y s h o u l d b e s u e d , a n d , m o r e i m p o r t a n t l y ( b u t not the same thing), if t h e y s e n d l e g a l r e i nf o r c e m e n t s t o d e f e n d the heinous attacker of Ralph Yarl they should be countered with fierce opposition The right to bear arms does not mean the right to shoot inno-

c e n t p e o p l e o n s i g h t Simple civility suggests that the erroneous ringing of a doorbell should not turn into a savage a c t b y a h o m e o w n e r But the media machine that portrays Black people as frightening and t h r e a t e n i n g i s a t l e a s t p a r t l y r e s p o n s i b l e f o r the deep-seated fear and hate that some Whites have toward us Too many of us have b e e n a n e s t h e t i z e d b y our trauma It hurts but i t d o e s n ' t h u r t I t ' s abnormal, but its attacks on Black people have b e e n s o f r e q u e n t t h a t they have become routine We pray for Ralph Yarl, cry for him, and c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e G o Fund Me appeal that his aunt put out Yet these p a s s i v e a c t s a r e n o t enough It is time for the kind of action that disarms fools and protects young Black people

Svante Myrick

Vanderbilt poll... from page 1

Vi e w s a b o u t Nashville’s economy are deeply split by income ” said John Geer co-direct o r o f t h e Va n d e r b i l t Poll, Ginny and Conner Searcy Dean of the College of Arts and Science and professor of political science Overall twothirds think the economy is very or fairly good, but if you look at those m a k i n g l e s s t h a n $ 4 5 , 0 0 0 a y e a r, t h a t number falls to 44%

What is clear is that how long a respondent has lived in Nashville a n d t h e i r a g e d e e p l y influence views of the

city s trajectory Those who have lived here for 20 or fewer years are evenly divided about the city being on the right or wrong track, but 63% of t h o s e w h o h a v e l i v e d h e r e l o n g e r t h a n 2 0 years view the city to be on the wrong track Of those aged 18–34, 50% view Nashville to b e o n t h e r i g h t t r a c k while that number falls t o 2 9 % a m o n g t h o s e 55–64 Neither household income nor party a ff i l i a t i o n c h a n g e d views of right track versus wrong track To differing degrees,

Black America... from page 1

UCLA Law

a minority of those who have lived in Nashville for 20 or fewer years view the city s growth as n e g a t i v e l y a ff e c t i n g t h e i r d a y - t o - d a y l i f e

F i f t y - n i n e p e r c e n t o f those who have lived in the city for more than 20 y e a r s f e e l t h e i r l i v e s have been made worse

T h o s e b e t w e e n 1 8 – 3 4 are twice as likely to say N a s h v i l l e ’s g r o w t h i s improving their quality o f l i f e c o m p a r e d t o those 65 and older

A majority of respondents (79%) also believe the city s population is growing too quickly

Special Election... from page 1

August 3 is also the date

o f t h e M e t r o p o l i t a n

G e n e r a l E l e c t i o n f o r M a y o r, Vi c e M a y o r, C o u n c i l M e m b e r s A t

Large (5) and Council Members (Districts 1 –

35) Early Voting for the H o u s e o f R e p r e s e n ta t i v e s D i s t r i c t 5 2 Special Primary begins

o n M a y 2 6 a n d r u n s through June 10 Early

Voting for the House of Representatives District

5 2 S p e c i a l E l e c t i o n begins on July 14 and runs through July 29

April 18 was the first day to pick up the petition for the House of Representatives District 52 Special Primary The D i s t r i c t 5 2 S p e c i a l Election was made necessary due to the dramati c o v e r r e a c h o f t h e Republican supermajorit y i n e x p e l l i n g d u l y e l e c t e d r e p r e s e n t a t i v e Justin Jones, along with Memphis area legislator for District 86 Justin J Pearson Both men were unanimously appointed by their local councils to return to the legislature

within one week of the event which had captivated the nation

A t p r e s s t i m e , n o dates had been set for t h e s i m i l a r p r o c e s s i n v o l v i n g D i s t r i c t 8 6 That will be determined by the Shelby County E l e c t i o n C o m m i s s i o n The general election for t h e Te n n e s s e e H o u s e D i s t r i c t 8 6 , h e l d o n March 14, was a first of i t s k i n d f o r S h e l b y C o u n t y, b e c a u s e t h e y only had a single candidate on the ballot, Justin Pearson!

Lawsuits pile up... from page 3

p o l i c y t h e l a w s u i t claims F u r t h e r, t h e b a n k ’s board acted on diversity a n d i n c l u s i o n i s s u e s only because of negative media coverage

Law firms have filed at least 40 suits alleging t h a t e m p l o y m e n t d i sc r i m i n a t i o n h a s o n l y increased since pledges were made

Sarah Fortt, worldwide co-chair of Latham & Watkins LLP’s envir o n m e n t a l , s o c i a l , a n d g o v e r n a n c e p r a c t i c e , told the outlet that she also noted a spike in “ ‘ r e v e r s e d i s c r i m i n ation’ claims ”

According to a published report, these lawsuits take the form of s h a r e h o l d e r d e r i v a t i v e p r o c e e d i n g s , i n w h i c h investors claim that a c o m p a n y s f a i l u r e t o a c h i e v e s p e c i f i c D E I goals caused the value of its stock to decline

“DEI-specialized lawyers, academics, and p r a c t i t i o n e r s c o n t e n d t h a t c o m p a n i e s m u s t balance the needs of the b u s i n e s s e m p l o y e e s shareholders, and cust o m e r s w h e n c r e a t i n g p r o g r e s s i v e i n i t i a t i v e s w h i l e a v e r t i n g l e g a l action from any of those

g r o u p s B l o o m b e rg w r o t e “ O n e s t r a t e g y o ff e r e d i s f o r m u l a t i n g policies aspirationally or in general terms ” L a w y e r s a s s e r t e d that instead of creating a strict quota to employ a specific number of people of color for its board a corporation might aim to match the proportion of people of color in its w o r k f o r c e t o t h a t o f people of color on its board

E l e n a P h i l i p o v a , director of sustainable f i n a n c e a t R e f i n i t i v noted that the most prosp e r o u s b u s i n e s s e s a r e genuine and authentic and have DEI objectives built into their DNA

Despite the lawsuits some corporations have moved to improve DEI w i t h i n t h e i r o rg a n i z ations

F o r e x a m p l e , i n

December 2020, Microsoft announced that it had achieved its goal of doubling the number of B l a c k a n d A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n m a n a g e r s , s e n i o r i n d i v i d u a l c o nt r i b u t o r s a n d s e n i o r leaders in the U S

However, the report noted that the company still has work to do to a c h i e v e g e n d e r a n d

racial parity at all levels

A d d i t i o n a l l y, s o m e companies are incorpor a t i n g i n n o v a t i v e a p pr o a c h e s t o i m p r o v e diversity and inclusion

For instance Airbnb h a s r e p o r t e d l y i m p l emented a program called Project Lighthouse to i n c r e a s e r e p r e s e n t a t i o n across race, gender, and other dimensions

T h e p r o g r a m i n cludes creating ‘belongi n g a s s e s s m e n t s ’ t h a t m e a s u r e e m p l o y e e s sense of belonging and connection to the company and then creating tailored solutions based on the results

Still, the report concluded that some corpor a t i o n s h a d i m p r o v e d diversity and inclusion while others faced lawsuits for failing to meet their DEI commitments

The most prosperous businesses are open and honest about their objectives, pay attention to their staff, and incorporate DEI objectives into all operations, Philipova told Bloomberg

It really needs to be g e n u i n e a n d a u t h e n t i c and built into the DNA of the organization and then being transparent about it,” Philipova said

Historic Black church... from page 3

and the extensive efforts to redevelop the site can s e r v e a s a m o d e l f o r o t h e r U S c i t i e s w i t h s i m i l a r u r b a n r e n e w a l scars from the mid-20th century I have never been a d e v o t e e o f h o c k e y, ”

The State of Black

A m e r i c a r e v e a l s h o w deeply extremist ideas h a v e c r e p t i n t o America’s most important institutions leading to a rising tide of deadly violence, harsh laws, and r a c i a l t e n s i o n s b e i n g used as weapons A special section of t h e r e p o r t t a l k s a b o u t

c a l l t h e m a t 6 1 5 - 6 4 98443 and a professional licensed funeral director will assist you The numb e r i s m o n i t o r e d 2 4 hours a day seven days a week, so call anytime Rev Edward Hatch first developed an interest in the funeral business at a very early age, inspired by knowing a local funeral director in h i s h o m e t o w n “ M y g r a n d f a t h e r ’s f r i e n d Clarence Bowman Sr b ack in Day to n , Oh io where I was born and raised says Hatch

“I knew at the age of 8 that I had a calling I just didn t understand it then To make a long story short, Mr Bowman gave me my start at 17 so I have been serving for 50 years and it’s hard to believe how time flies when you love what you do ”

H i s a p p r o a c h t o w o r k i n g w i t h f a m i l i e s

president and chief execu t i v e o ff i c e r o f t h e National Urban League This section shows how h i s l e a d e r s h i p h a s c h a n g e d o v e r t h e l a s t two decades Another special section of the report called ‘A Climate in Crisis,’ made in partnership with the American Council on R e n e w a b l e E n e rg y, makes a case for equal

who are grieving the loss of a loved one is that “I let them talk and express their emotions and then ask them about their relatives’ likes ” he says

So we can create a service that is fitting but not final to their memory ”

H a t c h s u g g e s t t h a t f a m i l i e s w h o a r e p r ep l a n n i n g t h e i r f u n e r a l a r r a n g e m e n t s s h o u l d plan now and get more than $10,000 dollars of insurance

The younger you are the less insura n c e c o s t s , ” h e s a y s Gofund Me was created to raise money for funerals ”

A s k e d a b o u t w h a t s e t s h i s f u n e r a l h o m e apart from others in the area Hatch says We have the most first-hand experience at handling the remains and making arrangements We don t a l l o w u n l i c e n s e d e m p l o y e e s t o m a k e a r r a n g e m e n t s o r q u o t e

e c o n o m i c o p p o r t u n i t y and environmental justice

“The mainstreaming of extremist ideology is an existential threat to A m e r i c a n d e m o c r a c y t h e r u l e o f l a w a n d d e c a d e s o f h a r d - w o n progress toward an equit a b l e i n c l u s i v e a n d m o r e p e r f e c t u n i o n , ” M o r i a l w r o t e i n t h e report

prices We are present on all removals, which is difficult at times but we b e l i e v e t h e o w n e r ( s ) should be an active part of the first call We offer f u n e r a l s , c r e m a t i o n s , memorial services and o t h e r s e r v i c e s w i t h i n e t h i c s a n d t h e l a w

Special requests are handled case by case ” H e s a y s h i s m o s t m e a n i n g f u l e x p e r i e n c e was very personal I had t o b u r y m y w i f e Mourning feels different when it’s you and you’re sitting on the other side of the table giving inform a t i o n t o a f u n e r a l director that you have asked families countless times I came away with a better perspective on serving families better Having a greater unders t a n d i n g o f g r i e f a n d after 20 years I realize it never goes away Some d a y s a r e g o o d d a y s some not so good

Entrepreneur Week... from page 2

The agreement was reached after years of p u b l i c r e q u e s t s a n d protests by the church

It is a microcosm of a larger conflict over the legacy of the 1950s project in which Black comm u n i t y l e a d e r s h a v e long sought redress from P i t t s b u rg h s p o l i t i c a l b u s i n e s s , a n d a t h l e t i c e l i t e s T h e P e n g u i n s hope that the agreement

A M E T h i r d D i s t r i c t B i s h o p E r r e n o u s M cLoud, Jr said, thanking the Penguins for turning him into a hockey fan during a news conference on the site Bethel is acquiring e s t a t e d t h a t t h i s a g r e e m e n t “ c o u l d a n d should serve as a model f o r r e p a r a t i o n s w o r l dwide ” The accord is a com-

ponent of broader efforts to collaborate with Hill D i s t r i c t r e s i d e n t s t o r e s t o r e t h e n e i g h b o rhood s former connections to downtown All of the main parties, including the city, county, and two public a u t h o r i t i e s a g r e e d t o i n c l u d e H i l l D i s t r i c t stakeholders in a plan in 2014 Church leaders state d , “ W h i l e t h e a g r e ement is a step toward reparations for the historic Black church and the Hill District there is still a long way to go in addressing the damage caused in the middle of the 20th century

Faith of A Mustard Seed

race-based redistricting plan that is the most d i s c r i m i n a t o r y s i n c e the 19th century Its racial impact is undeniable And the Voter ID bill is simply a modern p o l l t a x i n d i s g u i s e ; even more restrictive than the ones passed in A l a b a m a a n d S o u t h C a r o l i n a E n d i n g t h e popular Early Voting and Sunday Voting is an outrage They do not want the people to vote

n d P h y s i c s Te a c h e r ) F a t h e r moved the family to Wa s h i n g t o n C o u n t y NC At 15 he was elected President of the l o c a l N A A C P Yo u t h Council His leadership continued with his election as President of his student body at Plymouth High With total and complete consistency in his calling, he was elected President of his student body at North Carolina Central University His graduate Degrees are earned from Duke and Drew I first took notice of Pastor Barber in 2013 when I saw an online news break; how his ‘ v i s i o n m a d e i n c a rnate’ gave way to what he then called Moral M o n d a y s I m u s t admit that what caught my attention first was h i s a p p e a r a n c e i n a ‘Clergy Robe’ at the steps of the North Carolina State House I h a v e n e v e r w o r n a Clergy Robe except in the Preaching Context; s o I ’ m l i k e , O K Rever endddd! Some very real ‘Word o f G o d s t u ff y o u bringing Bring It! ON! Saying, I thought, attention to Church on Sunday and attention t o S a t e o n M o n d a y W O W w h a t a vision! On April 29, 2013 t h e C a r o l i n a J u s t i c e records the words of D r B a r b e r ; a t t h a t m o m e n t i n h i s t o r y President of the North C a r o l i n a S t a t e N A A C P : We h a v e w r i t t e n t o G o v e r n o r M c C r o r y a n d t o t h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y asking them to reconsider their assault on t h e p o o r t h e u n e mployed, our many citiz e n s w i t h o u t h e a l t hcare and our embattled public schools They have already voted and

passed legislation to: Deny federal funds f o r M e d i c a i d t o 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 p o o r N o r t h C a r o l i n i a n s • Ta k e u n e m p l o y m e n t b e n ef i t s f r o m 1 6 5 , 0 0 0 N o r t h C a r o l i n i a n s • R a i s e t a x e s o n 900 000 of North Carolina's poor and working poor by ending the E a r n e d I n c o m e Ta x Credit to pay for tax cuts to 23 millionaires That took over a billion dollars last year from public education, made plans to implement a voucher plan to hand out public money to p r i v a t e s c h o o l s , a n d r e d u c e e l i g i b i l i t y t o p r e s c h o o l f o r p o o r children •To re-start the death penalty and repeal the Racial Just i c e A c t t h a t h a s e x p o s e d t h e r a c i a l l y discriminatory application of the death penalty •To codify antilabor language in our state constitution •To roll back Early Voting, b a n S u n d a y Vo t i n g , end same-day registrat i o n a n d i m p o s e a n unneeded poll tax disguised as Voter ID bill that will cost the state millions, deny student i d s f r o m p r i v a t e schools, increase dise n f r a n c h i s e m e n t o f formerly incarcerated, charge parents a $2500 tax (poll tax) if their college student votes at c o l l e g e a n d n o t a t h o m e a n d l e a v e u s with voting laws more r e s t r i c t i v e t h a n A l abama and South Carolina

When you pursue policies that hurt most voters, you can't afford a big turnout Many of t h o s e p u s h i n g t h i s agenda got into public o ff i c e b e c a u s e o f a

Faithful Utterances: Crabs do not belong in buckets

by Dr Froswa Booker-Drew

I have a friend from my Seminary days who has her name on so many church rolls If y o u e v e r w o r s h i p e d w i t h h e r y o u w o u l d know that she is that one who moves deeply into the ‘Call to Discip l e s h i p ’ P e r i o d “Why you be joining all these churches? I asked She just said s h e d o n t k n o w, s h e just feels something? d u r i n g t h e c a l l t o Discipleship!

As I followed The R i g h t R e v e r e n d Wi l l i a m B a r b e r ’s Moral Monday Movement, I found in him a boldness for speaking ‘Truth To Power ’ TO Legislatures across the country In that, I was feeling something s o I j o i n e d t h e Moral Monday Movement I have said on n u m e r o u s o c c a s i o n s that he is that ‘Single Vo i c e ’ i n o u r t i m e s Even when the masses infiltrate to change the directives of the movement HIS Truth to Power can still be HEARD! Kinda like a n I s a i a h ; T H AT VOICE crying out in the wilderness: Prepare ye The Way of the Lord ! Soooooo On Monday this week April

1 7 t h

2 0 2 3 D r Wi l l i a m J B a r b e r arrived in Nashville to bring the “Moral Mond a y M o v e m e n t - P o o r People’s Campaign” to t h e Te n n e s s e e S t a t e House; to shine a global planetary Light of J u s t i c e o n t h e Te nnessee Legislature; still operating on the same premise of where this w o r k b e g a n T E N YEARS ago in 2013 Raleigh at the North Carolina State House b y e m a i l : m y f a t h e r s m a n s i o n p r e s s @ gmail com

Expressions of Faith

I’m worth a fruitful death (part 2)

by Elder Lady Brandy J Lee, Guest minister

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot (who w a s t o g i v e h i m u p ) , said: ‘Why was not this perfume traded for three hundred pence, and the m o n e y g i v e n t o t h e poor?’ (He said this, not because he had any love for the poor; but because he was a thief, and, having the money-bag took for himself what was put into it ) Then Jesus said, Let her be Let her keep what she has for the day of my death The poor you have ever with you, but me you have not fore v e r ” J o h n 1 2 : 4 - 8

BBE Are you able to see past your current situations and see your seat at the King s table?

Martha was counted the lowest and judged by Judas for anointing the feet of Jesus with spikenard (perfumed oil)

J e s u s i s t e a c h i n g Judas, who will betray him that Martha is not wrong for honoring the feet of Jesus with the

best Will a man rob God? Will you give God your very best? Are you willing to take your most p r i z e d p o s s e s s i o n a n d offer it as an offering and blessing unto God?

M a r t h a u n d e r s t o o d the assignment! H u m b l e n e s s s h o u l d be regarded first in all y o u d o a s a s e r v a n t leader Martha was the s i s t e r o f L a z a r u s a n d witnessed her brothers r e s u r r e c t i o n M a r t h a knew Jesus personally and considered Him a friend Yet she humbled herself and became obedient to the calling and h o n o r o f J e s u s C h r i s t and blessed him with oil D o n t f o rg e t t h a t Martha was one who did not fully understand or h o n o r J e s u s y e t S h e tried to get Jesus to tell Mary to help her around the house in Luke 10:40

Martha’s humbleness is evidence not only of wisdom and knowledge of His purpose, but the m a t u r i t y a n d s e r v a n t l e a d e r s h i p s h e h a d grown into personally

It’s interesting that so many of us have bought into this idea of feeling as if we are an imposter N o m a t t e r h o w m u c h we’ve accomplished, we find opportunities to dism i s s o r d i s c r e d i t o u rs e l v e s I r e a l i z e t h a t there have been so many times that others made me feel that if I worked harder if I was smarter or more of something it w o u l d b e e n o u g h A t w h a t p o i n t d o e s i t b e c o m e e n o u g h ? F o r people of color, we are constantly reminded that we are different We are ‘othered’ if w e d o n ’t b e l i e v e t h e same way, don t look the same, speak the same, or have the same experiences It is the onslaught of blatant reminders that you are not enough that you do not fit We’ve w i t n e s s e d t h i s w e e k Tennessee's Republicanled House voted to expel two of three Democratic lawmakers who called for gun law reforms The t w o e x p e l l e d w e r e B l a c k T h e t h i r d w h o was not, was White R e p s J u s t i n J o n e s , D-Nashville and Justin P e a r s o n D - M e m p h i s were both removed with votes falling along party lines in a disciplinary measure that's only been u s e d t w i c e s i n c e t h e 1 8 0 0 s S i t u a t i o n s l i k e this serve as a reminder and attempt to reaffirm that your difference is a problem It s designed to make us feel as if we are i m p o s t e r s I m p o s t e r Syndrome is defined as the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has b e e n l e g i t i m a t e l y achieved as a result of o n e ' s o w n e ff o r t s o r skills ” What causes a person who has worked hard and has experienced success to doubt their abilit i e s a n d d o u b t t h e mselves? In the Harvard

Business Review article ‘ S t o p Te l l i n g Wo m e n T h e y H a v e I m p o s t e r

Syndrome’ by Ruchika

Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey, the authors note:

“Who is deemed ‘professional’ is an assessment process that’s cult u r a l l y b i a s e d a n d skewed and In truth, we don t belong because we were never supposed to belong

Our presence in most of these spaces is a result of decades of grassroots activism and begrudgingly developed legislation ” Ultimately, it’s not t h e i n d i v i d u a l ( s ) t h a t should be questioned but environments that produce these feelings that need to be examined and exposed Growing up, I would often hear phrases about behavior of people o f c o l o r c o m p a r e d t o “ c r a b s i n a b u c k e t

Crabs in unison often pull down a crab trying to escape It was viewed as a problem that the crabs were not cooperative or remaining confined in a bucket that was not their natural habitat Instead, we should ask why the crabs are even in a bucket Could it be that their b e h a v i o r w a s i n response to the trauma of being contained in an e n v i r o n m e n t t h a t w a s not designed with them in mind? It is a stark reminder of the power of those who tell the story and the benefit of those who have the power to share and be heard

I bet the crabs would have a vastly different view of the experience It can become exhausting even overwhelming to be in spaces that push c o n f o r m i t y G o d d o e s not call us to conform to the world Our uniqueness and difference are strengths when we are told that they are not Remind yourself of who you are and whose you are Tap into the power of our faith as we perse-

Nashville

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: MondayThursday @ 6pm; Wednesdays @ 12 noon gordonmemorialumc org Rev Dr Paula B Smith, Pastor Jefferson Street MBC 2708 Jefferson Street Nashville TN 37208 615-329-2990

Elder Lady Brandy J Lee

Are we willing to be humble like Martha and understand when we are wrong and be willing to serve?

Will you die to yourself and produce fruit ?

Our degree of growing is based upon how we take in the nutrients of heat coolness and water The essentials of life are based and have a foundation in God He is our breath, life, guida n c e a n d p r o t e c t i o n The fruit of the Spirit of G o d s h o u l d r e s i d e i n you and remain Just as Martha did, die to your humanness and produce f r u i t b e c a u s e y o u ’ r e worth it

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/

Dr Froswa Booker-Drew

vere and speak truth to power • I can do all things t h r o u g h h i m w h o s t r e n g t h e n s m e ” Philippians 4:13, ESV • “I am God’s workm a n s h i p , c r e a t e d i n Christ to do good works that He has prepared for m e t o d o , ” E p h e s i a n s 2:10 • I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me Romans 8:37 • I am the head and not the tail and I only go up and not down in life as I trust and obey God,”

Deuteronomy 28:13

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew y o u , a n d b e f o r e y o u were born, I consecrated y o u , ” J e r e m i a h 1 : 5 , ESV Despite a world that c o n t i n u e s t o c r e a t e doubt anxiety and fear because of our difference we have to remain clear in God’s view of who we are You are more than enough!

If those rooms and spaces you enter do not welcome your presence, c r e a t e a b u i l d i n g t h a t does (Dr Froswa BookerDrew is the host of the Tapestry podcast and the author of three books for women She is also the v i c e p r e s i d e n t o f Community Affairs for the State Fair of Texas To l e a r n m o r e , v i s i t <drfroswa com> )

B a r b a r a A Wo o d s Washington, M Div

By Cass Teague

S i n a t r a B a r &

L o u n g e , b r i n g i n g a Manhattan meets Palm

S p r i n g s a m b i a n c e t o d o w n t o w n N a s h v i l l e s historic Printers Alley is now open in the Icono w n e d S o u t h e r n Tu r f building, a spectacular

Q u e e n A n n e s t r u c t u r e built in 1839 Celebrati n g F r a n k S i n a t r a ’s enduring cultural legacy with a warm and intim a t e a t m o s p h e r e , t h e d i n i n g m e n u o ff e r s many of the Chairman of the Board s favorites traditional Italian dishes a n d s t e a k s c o m p l emented by libations and careful attention to aesthetic detail

“We are thrilled that o u r D a d , w h o l o v e d good songs, good food a n d g o o d s p i r i t s , w i l l now be part of Music

C i t y s c r e a t i v e a n d vibrant landscape, say Nancy and Tina Sinatra

T h e s t a t e l y S o u t h e r n

Turf landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and o n c e h o u s e d a s p e a k e a s y a n d s a l o o n ; how cool is that?”

“We look forward to p r o v i d i n g o u r g u e s t s with a dining and enter-

By Cass Teague

Chevalier is a new film directed by Stephen Williams, written by Stefani Robinson, based on the life of the FrenchC a r i b b e a n m u s i c i a n Joseph Bologne, Cheval i e r d e S a i n t - G e o rg e s , played by Kelvin Harris o n , J r , a l s o s t a r r i n g

Samara Weaving Lucy

Boynton Marton Csokas and Minnie Driver Chevalier premiered at the 2022 TIFF Sept e m b e r 11 2 0 2 2 a n d was officially released in the United States April 21, 2023 by Searchlight

Pictures Please support this outstanding film in theaters now

The rise and resurgence of Chevalier de Saint-Georges a FrenchCaribbean violinist and composer who rose to fame through his musical prodigy But a complicated love life and the r a c i s m o f t h e a n c i e n régime leads to a falling o u t w i t h M a r i e A n t o i n e t t e , a n d S a i n t -

G e o rg e s r e a l i z e s t h a t things must change ”

Chevalier was directed by Stephen Williams, a Canadian film and tele v i s i o n d i r e c t o r

Wi l l i a m s h a s d i r e c t e d several modern-day television programs including work as a regular d i r e c t o r o n t h e A B C d r a m a s e r i e s L O S T , where he was also a coe x e c u t i v e p r o d u c e r Williams is married to J o c e l y n S n o w d o n a n d the couple has a daughter together, also in addition to Stephen s twin sons Gabriel and Justis

The couple now resides in the Los Angeles area S t e p h e n ’s b r o t h e r i s a c t o r P e t e r Wi l l i a m s , best known for playing the Goa’uld Apophis on the hit sci-fi tv series Stargate SG-1 In 1995, Stephen Williams wrote a n d d i r e c t e d t h e f i l m S o u l S u r v i v o r , w h i c h starred his brother Peter in the main role

As of this writing the film has an approval rating of 95% on Rotten

To m a t o e s T h e s i t e ’s critical consensus reads, “ S u p p o r t e d b y K e l v i n Harrison, Jr ’s outstanding work in the title role, C h e v a l i e r o ff e r s a n e n t e r t a i n i n g g a t e w a y into the incredible life of a brilliant artist In real life, Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges (December 25 1745 – June 10 1799) was a French Creole a champion fencer a v i r t u o s o v i o l i n i s t a n d composer, and as a free man of color conducting l e a d i n g o r c h e s t r a s i n Paris During the French R e v o l u t i o n h e v o l u nteered in the War of the F i r s t C o a l i t i o n a g a i n s t A u s t r i a a n d h e a d e d a regiment the American Cavalry Legion In 1796 h e l e f t f o r S a i n tDomingue then in full revolt and attacked by British troops Within a few months he returned to France and spent the remainder of his colorful life devoted to his violin S a i n t - G e o rg e s w a s

t a i n m e n t e x p e r i e n c e second to none said I c o n E n t e r t a i n m e n t Group CEO Bill Miller B e s u r e t o w a t c h f o r Ry a n t h e h a n d s o m e young singer there who perfectly channels “Ol’ Blue Eyes ” For more information visit sina-

born in the then-French colony of Guadeloupe the son of the wealthy married planter Georges d e B o l o g n e S a i n tG e o rg e s , a n d a p r e t t y e n s l a v e d S e n e g a l e s e African woman named Nanon At the age of seven he was taken to F r a n c e b y h i s f a t h e r, where he was educated at a private academy and s t u d i e d h o r s e r i d i n g f e n c i n g a n d d a n c i n g a l o n g w i t h t h e w h i t e French noble children At fifteen he was beating the strongest fencer and appointed “gendarme de la garde” by King Louis XVI Today, Chevalier de Saint-Georges is rememb e r e d a s t h e e a r l i e s t E u r o p e a n m u s i c i a n / c o m p o s e r o f p a r t i a l A f r i c a n d e s c e n t t o receive widespread critic a l a c c l a i m H e p u b -

tranashville com T h r o u g h o u t h i s s e v e n - d e c a d e c a r e e r, S i n a t r a p e r f o r m e d o n more than 1 400 recordings awarded 31 gold n i n e p l a t i n u m t h r e e d o u b l e p l a t i n u m a n d o n e t r i p l e p l a t i n u m a l b u m T h e O s c a r ®

w i n n e r a p p e a r e d i n more than 60 films and p r o d u c e d e i g h t L i f et i m e A c h i e v e m e n t Aw a r d s f r o m T h e R e c o r d i n g A c a d e m y Screen Actors Guild and N a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n f o r t h e A d v a n c e m e n t o f C o l o r e d P e o p l e

( N A A C P ) , a s w e l l a s t h e K e n n e d y C e n t e r H o n o r s , P r e s i d e n t i a l Medal of Freedom and

C o n g r e s s i o n a l G o l d Medal confirm his lege n d a r y s t a t u s a s a n i n s p i r a t i o n a r o u n d t h e world for his contributions to culture and the arts

F r o m h i s y o u t h , Sinatra displayed sympathy for African Americans and worked publicly and privately all his life to help them win

e q u a l r i g h t s I n 1 9 4 7

Sinatra remarked:

We've got a hell of a way to go in this racial s i t u a t i o n A s l o n g a s most white men think of a Negro as a Negro first and a man second, we’re in trouble I don't know why we can’t grow up ”

I n t h e l a t e 4 0 ’s , before either man was famous, Frank appeared in a New York theater

He went to Harlem to see the Will Maston Trio led by a young Sammy Davis Jr Afterwards he asked Sammy to come see his show After a week, no Sammy Sinatra went back to Harlem and asked Sammy why he didn’t show Sammy said he went, but they

w o u l d n ’t l e t h i m i n

Frank stormed back to the theater, tore up his

c o n t r a c t i n f r o n t o f t h e m a n d n e v e r p e rformed there again A common theme during t h e i r f r i e n d s h i p a n d

c a r e e r s : w h e n S a m m y wasn’t allowed to play, F r a n k w o u l d n ’t p l a y there either S i n a t r a p l a y e d a major role in the desegr e g a t i o n o f N e v a d a hotels and casinos in the 1950s and 1960s, often stepping in to demand apologies for racist incid e n t s a n d a b o l i s h i n g J i m C r o w p o l i c i e s before he would fulfill his show contract He also financially supported Martin Luther King, Jr W h e n S a m m y w a s r e f u s e d a L a s Ve g a s hotel room, Frank said, Give him my room! After Sammy s car accident where he lost his eye Sinatra paid all his m e d i c a l b i l l s A f t e r 5 decades and 40 years of performing together a r e p o r t e r a s k e d F r a n k why he was always so c h a r i t a b l e t o S a m m y F r a n k r e s p o n d e d i n three words, “He’s my brother ”

lished numerous string q u a r t e t s , s o n a t a s , a n d t w o s y m p h o n i e s I n addition to his many vio-

l i n c o n c e r t o s , S a i n tGeorges also composed s e v e r a l s t a g e w o r k s (opéra comique)

ACROSS 1 Centrally

(l-r) Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr and Frank Sinatra

Etching of a painting of 1787, Gabriel Banat - The Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Virtuosa of the Sword and the Bow Author: D'après Mather

Mrs. Universe Juanita Brown Ingram receives royal welcome on retur n to alma mater

by Emmanuel Freeman

It is always special when former TSU students return to campus but f o r J u a n i t a B r o w n I n g r a m , t h a t moment on Wednesday was extra special The red carpet was laid out as TSU officials, student leaders and community officials were on hand, to welcome the reigning Mrs Universe a 1999 graduate and former member o f t h e G r a m m y a w a r d - w i n n i n g

Aristocrat of Bands Ingram the first African American woman to wear the coveted crown, was on campus for Tea Time ‘A Conversation with Mrs Universe, organized by the Offices of S t u d e n t A ff a i r s , a n d A l u m n i Relations

It is exciting and an honor to be back to where it all began,” Ingram said at the event in Elliott Hall The former TSU honor student has gone on to world-wide fame as an attorney, author actress and award-winning TV producer

In addition to the Mrs Universe crown Ingram is the first African American woman to compete and win the titles of Mrs Indiana United States i n 2 0 0 7 , M s Wo r l d I n t e r n a t i o n a l

2012 Mrs UK Universe 2013 Mrs Great Britain World 2011, and Mrs UK International 2014

The Tea Time a A Conversation with Mrs Universe,’ moderated by Miss TSU, Sa’Mariah Harding, gave Ingram the opportunity to share with T S U s t u d e n t s w h a t b e i n g a M r s Universe has meant to her, and how TSU helped to shape her future In the a u d i e n c e w e r e t h r e e f o r m e r M i s s TSUs, organizations and class queens, as well as Jordan Smith the current Miss Fisk University

“I love the time that I was here I always said my experience at TSU is the reason why I am who I am today, Ingram said, adding that being a member of AOB gave her an extra motiva-

tion for success I marched all four years in the band here It taught me discipline, gave me tenacity, and the ability to overcome obstacles and to not shrink to a challenge So I think whether it was passing the bar or being Mrs Universe it really gave me the foundation to be who I am today

C r i s t a l P o w e l l R o a c h , a s s i s t a n t d e a n o f S t u d e n t A c t i v i t i e s a n d L e a d e r s h i p , s a i d b r i n g i n g M r s Universe to TSU was an effort to inspire “our students about the endless possibilities as they go after their own dreams, careers, and future goals

“She is an attorney she is an exec-

utive producer so she s done a plethor a o f t h i n g s T h a t ’s r e m a r k a b l e , ” Roach said “So, we just wanted the young girls to know what she does and who she is She is the first African American Mrs Universe, so that’s huge So we just wanted to create the opportunity

‘ A c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h M r s Universe ’ was part of ‘Alumni Talks: Queen & Co, a quarterly speaker series, where they bring in alumni to share success stories with students according to Debbi Howard, director of Alumni Relations

mer queens and the visiting Miss Fisk University for accepting our invitation to be here today,” Howard said

59/’60; Chandra Norman Lipscomb,

former

Study suggests Melatonin use eases risk

harm behaviors in adolescents

The study by Leone, et al , published in the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health s Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, anal y z e d 2 5 , 5 7 5 S w e d i s h y o u t h w h o began Melatonin treatment between ages six and 18 and found that while the rates of body injuries, falls and transport accidents were similar before and after the Melatonin initiation, the risk of self-harm was highest in the months immediately prior to medication and decreased thereafter

sarily apply to other countries or populations

Moreover, the study cannot prove Melatonin caused the reduced rates of self-harm, only that there is a correlation Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of Melatonin use for selfharm behaviors in youths

It is crucial for parents and healthcare providers to be aware of the warn-

ing signs of self-harm and to seek appropriate help for affected children and adolescents If you, or anybody you know are suffering from selfharm, reach out to local mental health crisis services

(Ayesha Hana Shaji is a 2022 graduate of the University of Texas at A r l i n g t o n , w h e re s h e w a s o n T h e S h o r t h o r n s t a f f E m a i l : < w w w ayeshahshaji@gmail com> )

by Ayesha Hana Shaji, Texas

Metro News staff

In a recent study, Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep wake cycles could potentially reduce risk of self-

This was especially true for female adolescents with depression and or anxiety The study concludes that sleep interventions could be considered in an effort to reduce the risk of self-harm in this population While the findings of the study are promising, it is important to note that the study was conducted in Sweden and may not neces-

21st annual Family Literacy Day celebrate ‘power of story’

Story time with Bella at Family Literacy Day at Rose Park at Belmont University in Nashville, April 1 (photo by Cara Davis)

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F r e s h m a n D a n i e l Q u a r t a r a r o described the class as fun and engaging: “You have a lot of opportunity to put your opinion in and see where it goes ”

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“It’s great to see all the families that have come in with their kids that are really excited to read and really excited to pick a book when they l e a v e s a i d F r e s h m a n C a r l y DeMartino

by Cara Baker Davis B