Nashville PRIDE April 28, 2023

MNPS honors teachers, employees and principals See page 8

Vuyani Dance Theatre at OZ Arts Nashville See page 2

ONlY

© 2023 Multicultural Media Group

NASHVillE PuRuiuDuE ‘The Voice of a Proud Community’

50¢

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

Volume XXXVii, Number 17

People Are Talking Facebook pays $725M to users in privacy settlement Here’s how to claim your share

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has agreed to pay $725 million to settle a class-action lawsuit.

All Facebook users in the United States who used the network between May 2007 and December 2022 are eligible to receive a portion of the settlement.

The New York Times reports that a settlement administrator has launched a claims website where claimants may enter their information for payment via bank transfer, Venmo, or another service.

The size of the compensation will depend on how many people file valid claims and how long each applicant used Facebook during the period covered by the complaint, although it is expected to be quite small.

According to the article, claimants will split the reward, with the longer-term users receiving a more significant portion.

Furthermore, the Times reported that Facebook stood accused, along with data and political consulting business Cambridge Analytica, of exchanging user data or allowing it to be accessible to third parties without users’ permission.

In addition, the lawsuit claimed that Facebook did not keep tabs on how third parties used the information.

Meta “denies any liability or wrongdoing” and asserts that “as many as 87 million users,” primarily in the United States, may have had their information improperly shared with Cambridge Analytica during the 2016 election.

In one of the biggest data thefts in Facebook’s history, in 2018, Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed the private information of millions of users, according to the publication, triggering the lengthy lawsuit.

According to the paper’s reporting, Cambridge Analytica exploited the data stolen from Facebook to compile detailed profiles of millions of American voters.

It made it possible for the firm to provide support to former President Trump’s 2016 campaign.

If a valid claimant has an active Facebook account, they will receive one point every month.

To determine the amount of money available for each point, the settlement administrator will reportedly “add the total points assigned to all claimants and divide that number by the net settlement amount, $725 million minus administrative costs and other fees.”

Each beneficiary will receive

Nashville, TN

April 28, 2023

Titans’ stadium receives final approval from Metro Council The Tennessee Titans have received final approval from the Metropolitan Nashville Council to move forward with plans to build a new, enclosed stadium set on Nashville’s East Bank.

Metro Nashville Council issued the final approval on Wednesday, April 26, in a vote of 26-12. The Metro Nashville Sports Authority, the owner and landlord of both the current and new stadium, unanimously approved the stadium agreement on April 4.

“For more than 25 years, Nashville, Tennessee, has been the Titans’ home, and with the approval of the new stadium agreement, we are grateful to know the Titans will be a part of this great city and state for decades to come,” said Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk. “I remember the early days of our time here feeling all the promise and opportunity ahead, and I feel that same enthusiasm and excitement again today. We are thankful for the support of Mayor Cooper, Metro Council, the Sports Authority, the state of Tennessee, and most importantly, the people of Nashville and Tennessee as we all embark on this new chapter together.”

The stadium agreement includes a new 30-year lease and non-relocation agreement between the Titans and the

Rendering of the new Titans stadium scheduled to open in 2027. The stadium was approved by the Metro Nashville Council 26-12. (photo courtesy of Tennessee Titans) Sports Authority. The terms of the new new neighborhood set along agreement remove the current obliga- Nashville’s Cumberland River. The tion of Nashville’s General Fund to neighborhood, through new revenue maintain and upgrade the stadium and sources generated by its development, returns 66 acres of land to the city of is projected to bring in over a billion Nashville previously restricted by dollars to Nashville’s General Fund parking lots through 2039. The city has over its first 30 years of development. announced plans to include the Continued on page 5 returned property in the creation of a

Pres. Biden’s Entertainment icon and re-election human rights activist Harry Belafonte dies at 96 announcement

Harry Belafonte at the Vienna International Film Festival 2011 (photo by Manfred Werner, Wikimedia Commons).

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Renowned singer, actor, producer and legendary civil rights trailblazer, Harry Belafonte has died at the age of

96. His publicist confirmed that the beloved icon died of congestive heart failure at his home in New York.

In addition to his children Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer, Shari Belafonte, Gina Belafonte, David Belafonte and two stepchildren Sarah Frank and Lindsey Frank, Belafonte leaves behind eight grandchildren, including: Rachel Blue Biesemeyer, Brian Biesemeyer, Maria Belafonte McCray, Sarafina Belafonte, Amadeus Belafonte, Mateo Frank, Olive Scanga, and Zoe Frank.

Known globally for both for his artistic ingenuity and humanitarian ideals, Belafonte became an early, vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, a confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and financial backer of countless historic political and social causes and events, including the antiApartheid Movement, equal rights for women, juvenile justice, climate change and the decolonization of Africa.

Continued on page 5

‘Tennessee Three’ meet with Biden, Harris at White House

Continued on page 5 The Nashville PRIDE Newspaper is on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: @pridenews

House Democratic Caucus members Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson (affectionately known as the Tennessee Three) visited with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss their commitment to banning assault weapons and standing up for democratic values.

Printed on 100% recycled paper

tests resolve of Black voters

Many Black voters question whether Biden should be the nominee.

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent The news that President Joe Biden is seeking re-election has many curious about how well he will perform among African American voters.

According to the results of a recent poll conducted by TheGrio and KFF, Black people had a positive opinion of both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

There remains some debate among Black Americans about whether or not they will support Biden for president in 2024.

According to the results of the poll of 1,000 Black voters who were registered between August 24, 2022, and September 5, 2022, 69% of respondents were pleased with Biden’s performance.

When asked whether the Democrats should select someone other than Biden in the next presidential election, 58% of Black voters answered that they would rather see another candidate run than Biden.

Continued on page 5

Use the QR code to get your online issue for .75 cents OR get an entire year for $20!

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Page 2

Local

Nashville PRIDE

Cancer…My Journey in time Simple little things reveal greater things

by Wanda Clay As we go through our daily lives and daily tasks, we sometimes don’t notice some of the simple things. At a certain time in age, we may develop a few ailments that cause a bit of difficulty in going through a routine day. Nevertheless, it can be muddled through until we get used to that ‘new’ routine or method. It may take a little longer to get out of bed, to rise from a chair or walk across the room, but we make the adjustments without possibly realizing the change for quite a while.

When Rev. Enoch pastor of Fuzz, Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, he was met with a myriad of challenges to ordinary routine tasks. This journey quickly made him realize how simple things are taken for granted. Yet he is grateful for also knowing the blessing that comes with change and is careful not to take for granted those who consistently help.

He made this state-

ment: “When people are sick they need other people,” said Rev. Fuzz. “I'm blessed beyond measure to have my tremendous church members and my sisters who drive from Memphis twice a month to assist their brother. They do the chores that I'm not able to do because of the side effects of my illness—simple things like cleaning house, washing clothes and cooking. Then my church members who come three days a week to make the bed, supply clean linens and take out trash. All these are simple things but things I'm not able to perform because of shortness of breath, muscle spasms or swelling—simple things like going to the grocery store or making sure you take proper medicine. They even encourage and motivate me to try. I know first-hand the importance of support systems.

“We take simple tasks for granted like taking a shower or making up the bed, etc.

But when you can't

Rev. Enoch Fuzz breathe just putting on a pair of pants becomes impossible.”

While Rev. Fuzz continues to battle other ills in association with his cancer diagnosis, he remains diligent in trying to do all that he can in spite of the difficulties. He continues to pray and encourage the community through sharing his journey of ‘ups and downs’ and all the ‘inbetweens,’ along with the simple little things and the big things associated with his life and living with stage four lung cancer.

Those big things are recognizing the endless blessings of care and love.

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

Mayor John Cooper launches heat mapping website and sustainability resources to celebrate Earth Day 2023

2022 Nashville heat mapping In honor of Earth worsen extreme heat during extreme heat Day, Mayor John more than any other events.

Cooper launched an weather threat.

The Story Map can interactive tool to Nashville’s Heat be accessed at www.stoinform the public about Impacts StoryMap aims rymaps.arcgis.com/stoheat in Nashville. to raise awareness about ries/16fd1aafa83e423ba “The urgent threat of the issue of heat risk. 0ddf3ed110b068f. climate change has Specific features of the Cooper is also releasmade all of us familiar StoryMap include an ing a Family Sustainwith the threat of urban explanation of the urban ability Action Plan heat and other extreme heat island effect, results developed by his weather events. Educ- of the Summer 2022 Sustainability Advisory ating residents on these heat mapping campaign, Committee. This restopics is a big part of maps of the warmest and ource aims to engage how to both mitigate and most socially vulnerable and encourage families adapt to the effects of areas in Nashville, and households to make climate change. It is fun- actions residents and Nashville a more headamental to our city’s property owners can lthy, resilient, and suslong-term economic take to reduce heat risk, tainable city by reducing success,” said Mayor and actions Metro greenhouse gas emisCooper.

Departments are taking sions. The Family In the U.S., heat in collaboration with Sustainability Action waves harm more peo- community partners to Plan includes a carbon ple than all other mete- reduce heat effects. footprint calculator and orological hazards comThe StoryMap also steps households can bined, and dispropor- includes a survey that take to reduce their tionately affect commu- will give the city a better impact. The action plan nities of color. In understanding of resi- and related resources Nashville, climate dents’ perceptions of Continued on page 5 change is predicted to heat risk and behavior

NASHVillE P*R*i*D*E

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

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

Table of Contents Front Page .......................... 1 Local.................................... 2 National/State..................... 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.

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

April 28, 2023

Gregory Maqoma’s Vuyani Dance Theatre at OZ Arts Nashville May 4-6

by Cass Teague One of South Africa’s most celebrated artists, director/choreographer Gregory Maqoma is thrilling audiences around the world with this powerful new dance and live music production.

Gregory Maqoma’s Vuyani Dance Theatre (South Africa) performs Cion: Requiem of Ravel’s Boléro Thursday, May 4 through Saturday, May 6 at 8 PM each evening at OZ Arts Nashville, 6172 Cockrill Bend Circle.

Tickets start at only $25.

The award-winning theatrical experience is carried by the transformative singing of an African gospel quartet and features a rousing Gregory Maqoma’s Vuyani Dance Theatre will live score based on the perform at OZ Arts Nashville on May 4-6. stirring harmonies of Executive & Artistic international presentaIsicathamiya — an a Director. “The breath- tion of the season — and capella style originating taking musicians and if you join us, I think from the Zulu people. dancers of Vuyani you’ll agree we saved Inspired by the writings Dance Theater are the the best for last. The of South African novel- last visiting artists of our group has received ist Zakes Mda and Mau- 10th season — our most cheering standing ovarice Ravel’s legendary international (and most tions at every stop in this composition, the work popular) year ever! U.S. tour, and audience weaves a narrative of Since all of our recent members have described greed, power, and com- events have sold out, it as “life-changing” and munal mourning.

I’m writing to make sure “glorious.”

The hauntingly com- you get tickets in In support of the proplex and percussive per- advance for the per- duction, there are three formance is set in a formance I’m most special events. graveyard, following a excited about: South A FREE Sowetodesignated mourner as African choreographer Style Gospel Masterhe navigates the tension and director Gregory class, Monday, May 1, of a post-Apartheid Maqoma's Cion: 7:00 – 8:30 PM at Fisk South Africa. Maqoma Requiem of Ravel’s University’s Jubilee has described the pro- Boléro May 4-6.

Continued on page 5 duction as “celebratory “This is our final of our human experience,” and a ritual to free the souls of “those who have departed, those who were taken Have you thought about an auction? from the continent through slavery” so that “Most money in the shortest time” they may “find peace.”

1-877-292-6611 or 1-615-292-6619 “I’m thrilled to welcome 17 remarkable AUTO AUCTIONS, INC. LIC #42 guests from South Africa next week,” says Mark Murphy, OZ Arts

ESTATE SALES/ VEHICLES/REAL ESTATE

From Tennessee to any sea.

Book your summer travel today.

April 28, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

National/State

Anchors away! Tucker Carlson out at Fox; Don lemon fired from CNN

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Two controversial news anchors at competing cable networks are out of jobs.

News has Fox announced it has severed ties with race-baiting and MAGA supporter Tucker Carlson just one week after the network settled a defamation suit for $787.5 million in part because Carlson joined others in promoting the Big Lie that included claims that Dominion voting machines were fraudulent.

Dominion had alleged that statements made on Carlson’s show after the 2020 election were defamatory. company The claimed that messages between Carlson and his team were proof that knew claims they ballotDominion’s counting machines were used to manipulate the presidential election in favor of Democrat Joe Biden were false.

“We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor,” Fox News said in the

Don Lemon statement.

The company did not offer an explanation for Carlson’s departure.

At CNN, Don Lemon announced on Twitter Monday that he was absolutely “stunned” by the network’s decision to fire him.

Lemon’s termination comes during a year in which the longtime anchor and host repeatedly has run into controversy.

In February, Lemon startled viewers and cohosts when he implied that GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley, 51, was past her prime.

Earlier, Haley made comments suggesting that political candidates

over 75 should submit to mental competency tests, remarks Lemon and co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins didn’t appear to agree with.

“Nikki Haley isn’t in prime, sorry,” her Lemon said. “When a woman is considered to be in her prime — in her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s.”

“Prime for what?”

Harlow said.

Lemon then challenged his colleagues to Google when a woman is past her prime. provided Harlow Lemon with an out, offering that he may have been referencing childbearing years.

“Don’t shoot the messenger, I’m just saying what the facts are,” Lemon said. “Google it.”

In March, a story published by Variety listed allegations against Lemon that he mistreated female colleagues at CNN. “I am stunned,” Lemon wrote. “After 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly.”

News readers abandoning Facebook, Twitter in ‘Back to the Future’ moment for media

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent At the beginning of the 2000s, some of the most essential ideas in digital media were traffic, homepage blogs, and niche email newsletters.

And as the digital news media business starts to turn around again, they are the ones that media organizations are looking to and more, more according to a report from the global news platform, Semafor.

For the past decade, social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have been the virtual front pages of the internet, showing a mix of popular news and whatever articles and videos social algorithms thought you wanted to see.

For the past decade, social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have been the virtual front pages of the internet, showing a mix of popular news and whatever articles and videos social algorithms thought you wanted to see.

Digital publications tion’s New York Times popped up to get peo- or MTV. ple’s attention, and reports Semafor money followed in the that Facebook’s sharp hopes that the website turn away from news or the Brooklyn ‘dos and the merciful death and don’ts’ guide could of ‘blue check’ Twitter, really be this genera- Continued on page 5

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

Army removing Confederate name of Virginia Fort to honor Black heroes

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Fort Lee, Virginia, named in honor of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, will take on a new name that honors two Black Army trailblazers.

The fort will honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, the U.S. Army said in a statement on April 25. re-designation ceremony was held April 27, honoring the two Black officers whom officials said excelled in the field of sustainment and made significant marks in U.S. Army history.

Lt. Gen. Gregg rose from the rank of private to three-star general during his military logistics career, which began just after WWII and spanned nearly 36 years, the release noted.

Gregg, 94, will be the only living person in modern Army history to have an installation named after him.

Lt. Col. Adams was the first Black officer in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (later known as the Women’s Army Corps) in World War II and led the first

*

'(L K'(L

*74 $0A7D8::4 *74 $0A7D8::4 &(&( 'C829 (454@4<24 'C829 (454@4<24

"460:

2/. 6:<9*6,. /79 2*+.;2,:

( /%+ ) " = G=C 34A4@D4 )=280: )42C@8BG 8A018:8BG 0:: CA 5=@ 0 5@44 2=<AC:B0B8=<

Howard Gentry Criminal Court Clerk

$! )-/, ) ! .*,!

HGM:<M . :M OBLBM PPP <:L: G:LAOBEE> HK@

"0<3A20>4 4A86<

40@3 40@3 &@=>4@BG &@=>4@BG #08<B4<0<24 #08<B4<0<24 <2 <2 (4A834<B80: (4A834<B80: =;;4@280: =;;4@280: <3CAB@80: <3CAB@80:

"0<3A20>4 "0<3A20>4 4A86< 4A86< <AB0::0B8=< <AB0::0B8=< #08<B4<0<24 #08<B4<0<24 "0E< "0E< #08<B4<0<24 #08<B4<0<24 =<2@4B4 =<2@4B4 -=@9 -=@9 *@44 *@44*@8;;8<6 *@8;;8<6 @08<064 @08<064 @@860B8=< @@860B8=<

=AB4@ =AB4@ D4<C4 D4<C4 $0A7D8::4 $0A7D8::4 *$ *$ (( ""

)* )* # # ** )) $) $)

%$ %$ %% ..

For more information contact the Nashville Criminal Court Clerk's office at 615-862-5601 or go to ccc.nashville.gov and click on the Services tab.

C1@4G 8D4<A 0<3 AA=280B4A +<8=< )B@44B )C8B4 $0A7D8::4 *$

Get discounts up to

40%

Call my office for a quote 24/ 7.

Bobby Berry Berry,, Agent 703 Main Street Nashville, TN 37206 Bus: 615-271-2996 www.bobbyaberry.com www.bobbyaberry.com

. MK:BGBG@ BL ?K>> PBMA FHKGBG@ :G= >O>GBG@ <E:LL>L H??>K>=

Expungement Services Available

The Metro Nashville Criminal Court Clerk Expungement Service offers residents with criminal histories, the opportunity to have information about arrests, convictions and sentences deleted from Davidson County public records. There are specific qualifications that the petitioner must meet to be approved for the expungement of their records.

Being there is why I’m here.

/A> :OB=LHG HNGMR HNKM IIHBGM>= .I><B:E =OH<:M> .

IKH@K:F MK:BGL OHENGM>>KL MH L>KO> :L :=OH<:M>L ?HK :;NL>= :G= G>@E><M>= <ABE=K>G /AHNL:G=L H? <ABE=K>G <HF> MH MA> :MM>GMBHG H? %NO>GBE> HNKM >:<A R>:K :L : K>LNEM H? :;NL> HK G>@E><M /A>R A:O> <HFFBMM>= GH <KBF> ;NM ;><HF> OB<MBFL H? :G HO>K;NK=>G>= <ABE= P>E?:K> LRLM>F .

OHENGM>>KL :K> :IIHBGM>= ;R : CN=@> :G= >FIHP>K>= MH :=OH<:M> ?HK MA> ;>LM BGM>K>LM H? <ABE=K>G

Metropolitian Nashville & Davidson County

If you have a criminal record your ability to get employment, housing, and possibly education can be hampered by the public record that exists regarding your case.

$! )-/, ) ! .*,!

$=< &@=58B

Call today to advertise on the QR. (615) 292-9150 x101

E867B E867B "" 40@3 40@3 140@3>; 140@3>; 7=B;08: 7=B;08:2=; 2=;

<< 1CA8<4AA 1CA8<4AA 5=@ 5=@ =D4@ =D4@ G40@A G40@A

;>CB44A -4:2=;4 + 20<LB 14 BC@<43 3=E<

2HKD +E:<> $GCNKR NMHFH;BE> <<B=>GM +>KLHG:E $GCNKR 2BEE +K>I:K:MBHG 2> :K> A>K> MH A>EI

;>CB44A -4:2=;4 + 20<LB 14 BC@<43 3=E<

<AC:8< 4>4<30<B -4:2=;4

0:: 0:: B= 03D4@B8A4 B= 03D4@B8A4

<AC@0<24

<AC:8< 4>4<30<B -4:2=;4

A re-designation ceremony April 27 honored the two Black officers whom officials said excelled in the field of sustainment and made significant marks in U.S. Army history. predominately Black post is one of nine Army WAC unit to serve over- installations being reseas: the storied 6888th designated in accorCentral Postal Directory dance with Defense Battalion.

Department-endorsed “We are deeply hon- recommendations from ored to have Lt. Gen. the congressional NamArthur Gregg and Lt. ing Commission to Col. Charity Adams as remove the names, symthe new namesakes for bols, displays, monuour installation,” Maj. ments, and paraphernaGen. Mark Simerly, lia that commemorate commanding general of the Confederate States the U.S. Army Com- of America or those who bined Arms Support voluntarily served under Command and senior the C.S.A. commander of Fort Lee, Congress directed stated in the release. the formation of the Officials said the Continued on page 5

Page 3

Nashville PRIDE

() ! () $ *-%(!

"460:

T >KMB?B>= ) />LMBG@ T 'HP>LM ) " /%+"N:K:GM>> ( +KB<> T .:F>= G=C :R 34A4@D4 IIHBGMF>GML )=280: T HG?B=>GMB:E 8A018:8BG )42C@8BG T ->LNEML 0::=FBLLB;E> CA 5=@ 0BG5@44 HNKM 2=<AC:B0B8=< T ?M>K #HNKL *G LBM> 2HKD +E:<> $GCNKR O:BE:;E> <<B=>GM NMHFH;BE>'H<:MBHGL T /PH ):LAOBEE> +>KLHG:E $GCNKR +K>I:K:MBHG ELH2BEE LI><B:EBSBG@ BG MH A>EI :K> A>K> KN@2>E<HAHE M>LMBG@ :G= */ +ARLB<:EL ?HK C1@4G 8D4<A $G=BOB=N:EL :G= 0<3 AA=280B4A HFI:GB>L +<8=< )B@44B )C8B4 "" *% *$/ $0A7D8::4

&@8<B8<6 &@8<B8<6 C@B8AL &@8<B:: :: C@B8AL &@8<B =>G 4<B4@ 4<B4@ =>G -4AB -4AB 0;8:B=< 0;8:B=< (3(3 $0A7D8::4*$*$ $0A7D8::4 *((%..!.* .*!,0%!,0% 2 2*((%..! !3 !3 <NKMBLIKBGM:EE<HF<:LM <HF<:LM <NKMBLIKBGM:EE G>M G>M

$7 *-=.9;2:. ,*44

Call today to advertise on the Quick Reference!

(615) 292-9150 x101

HK

&0B4@<8BG

)&

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company , Bloomington, IL P090107 06/09

$=< &@=58B /A> :OB=LHG HNGMR HNKM IIHBGM>= .I><B:E =OH<:M> .

IKH@K:F MK:BGL OHENGM>>KL MH L>KO> :L :=OH<:M>L ?HK :;NL>= :G= G>@E><M>= <ABE=K>G /AHNL:G=L H? <ABE=K>G <HF> MH MA> :MM>GMBHG H? %NO>GBE> HNKM >:<A R>:K :L : K>LNEM H? :;NL> HK G>@E><M /A>R A:O> <HFFBMM>= GH <KBF> ;NM ;><HF> OB<MBFL H? :G HO>K;NK=>G>= <ABE= P>E?:K> LRLM>F .

OHENGM>>KL :K> :IIHBGM>= ;R : CN=@> :G= >FIHP>K>= MH :=OH<:M> ?HK MA> ;>LM BGM>K>LM H? <ABE=K>G . MK:BGBG@ BL ?K>> PBMA FHKGBG@ :G= >O>GBG@ <E:LL>L H??>K>= HGM:<M . :M OBLBM PPP <:L: G:LAOBEE> HK@

HK

&0B4@<8BG

() )&

! () $ *-%(!

T >KMB?B>= ) />LMBG@ T 'HP>LM +KB<> "N:K:GM>> T .:F> :R IIHBGMF>GML T HG?B=>GMB:E T ->LNEML =FBLLB;E> BG HNKM T ?M>K #HNKL *G LBM> O:BE:;E> T /PH ):LAOBEE> 'H<:MBHGL ELH LI><B:EBSBG@ BG KN@ E<HAHE M>LMBG@ :G= */ +ARLB<:EL ?HK $G=BOB=N:EL :G= HFI:GB>L

"" *%

/

Page 4

Nashville PRIDE

Editorials

Trump’s base is dwindling

by William T. Robinson, Jr. Some polls show the P.T. Barnum circus show (featuring Donald Trump) is dwindling.

Remember P.T. Barnum was an American showman and politician, famous for being identified with the slogan “There’s a sucker born every minute.” Many people feel that die hard followers of Trump fit that slogan when continuing to follow Donald Trump after he has made it plain and clear that he only loves himself.

Time and time again, Trump has shown he has no problem throwing his staunchest supporters under the bus. Many are quick to conclude that if you still support Trump, you shouldn’t be insulted when referred to as a sucker. However, you must consider that some people’s strong propensity for hate and racism supersedes their intelligence or ability to make sound decisions.

Many of those still supporting Trump and making excuses for his unsavory immoral actions claim they feel he is a savvy politician and they can relate to his political economic views. But many would concur that those still supporting Trump lack a moral compass and quite frankly (if the truth was told) see Trump as the last promise of the Great White Hope who will resurrect a bygone time where White supremacy reigned.

Let’s make no mistake: Trump plays to a White nationalist, racist base grasping at straws to retain dominance over others they see as inferior. White lawmakers in rural southern towns and communities know Trump is a joke but fear

William T. Robinson, Jr. losing support from many of their constituents reeking of adulterated racism. Many of Trumps supporters are southerners with hopes that the south will rise again, led by Trump keeping them loyal to him despite his and unscrupulous immoral demeanor.

Believe it or not, many of Trump’s White supporters claim to be die hard Christians, leading one to believe that maybe there is another Bible that many are not aware of. It is apparent that old, southern White men drenching in the sweat of racism, divisiveness, and hate are unlikely to change their stripes. But many of their young descendants are refusing to carry on their legacy of hate and racism. They include young, educated, intelligent conscientious White adults who are no longer prisoners of the lies and practices of their elders who attempt to indoctrinate them to hate and exhibit racism toward others. These young, White adults are destined to help turn the tide in eradicating hundreds of years of discrimination, degradation, and injustice toward Blacks and people of color.

While the moral compass may have subsided or disintegrated for

many older Whites, the light of truth and justice is alive and burning bright in many of their children. Reality brings about truth, and although White elders herald White supremacy—the theory is being challenged by their children.

The rhetoric many White children are being taught (degrading other races as inferior) is being denounced and challenged. Young White children are not buying the lies. They are growing up and interacting with their Black peers, whom they see as their equals.

Despite attempts to ban the history of Blacks, the internet allows young people to fact check the achievements and accomplishments of a people they were taught to be inferior. White racists supporting Trump are losing their young White base and the vote in the future will reflect this change.

If you are dismissing the attitude and views of our young people, especially young White adults, you are a fool.

The old regime of old, White men dictating racist and bigoted legislation will eventually end. This will come about with young people of all races united, going to the polls and voting these old dinosaurs out of office.

Those politicians blatantly flaunting racist and divisive rhetoric and practices will end up on the wrong side of history, leaving their family a legacy of shame. Like it or not, it will be the descendants of staunch racists who will help turn the tide to better this country, making it represent and respect all its people. The writing is on the wall.

Clarence Thomas does not belong on the Supreme Court

by Svante Myrick (TriceEdneyWire.com) – It’s been over 30 years since Justice Clarence Thomas was confirmed to the Supreme Court seat once held by the great Thurgood Marshall, and it’s safe to say that his reputation for behavior unethical (which was poor to start with) has only gotten worse.

What are we supposed to think about a justice’s career that started with allegations of sexual harassment, moved on to extreme coziness with conservative political donors, then multiple instances of questionable gifts and payments to himself and his wife, and now revelations that years of free trips and perks lavished on him by right-wing billionaire Harlan Crow went unreported— despite laws that clearly say he is in violation?

Even after the news of Crow’s largesse first broke, it got worse: Crow had also bought Thomas’s mother’s house in Savannah, a helpful real estate deal that Thomas never reported, either.

We could think that Thomas either doesn’t know or doesn’t care about the ethical standards expected of a Supreme Court justice, or the laws that apply to him as a public employee. But Thomas is a graduate of Yale Law School. Ignorance is not a believable defense here. So we have to conclude that Thomas just doesn’t care about the rules, or thinks that he can ignore them.

That’s not the kind of person who belongs on the Supreme Court. If he wanted to do the decent and honorable thing, Thomas would admit his wrong-doing and resign.

Calls for him to resign are coming from prodemocracy groups including the one I lead, top media outlets, and members of Congress.

But Thomas doesn’t

Svante Myrick have a history of doing the decent and honorable thing. So that means others will have to hold him accountable. The question is how.

There are plenty of calls for impeachment, but with a Republicancontrolled House the option would appear to be off the table. Meanwhile, the Senate will hold hearings and may call Thomas himself to testify. That is an important step. I would add that two other steps are absolutely essential right now: a Justice Department investigation and Supreme Court reform including an enforceable code of ethics.

The Justice Department has clear grounds to investigate Thomas under a federal disclosure law that applies to government officials including Supreme Court justices. The law authorizes DOJ to pursue both civil penalties and criminal fines from government officials who fail to report gifts as legally required.

Thomas has claimed that the generosity he received from Harlan Crow was just “personal hospitality,” not subject to reporting. Even if some of that were true, some perks, like free use of Crow’s private jet for Thomas’s personal travel, and the real estate transaction in Georgia are, according to most ethics experts, clearly in a different category.

The Justice Department can give a definitive answer as to whether Thomas’ actions were not only unsavory, unethical, improper and all the

rest—but also absolutely illegal. And it can call for imposition of a monetary fine. Even more important than the cash fine would be the impetus a finding of guilt would give to any effort to remove Thomas.

And then, to help ensure that trust in the Court isn’t further eroded by scandal after scandal, we need to have Supreme Court reform.

That means an enforceable code of ethics specifically for the Court, written to address the full range of ethical questions that could ever apply to justices’ behavior. In the longer term we should also have Supreme Court expansion, to counteract the far-right capture of the Court that was achieved by totally unethical means. But that is a larger conversation.

It has been painful to watch Thomas’ corrupt behavior and its effect on the Supreme Court.

This is especially true given the historic significance of the seat he occupies. We need judges on all our courts (not just the highest) who act with humility and who understand the impact of their decisions on everyday Americans.

Courts really do make a difference in the lives of everyday people. They should be led by trustworthy, fair-minded judges who value equality and justice, uphold the Constitution, and protect civil and human rights for all Americans.

That’s not Clarence Thomas.

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

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

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

April 28, 2023

investment in our planet that we need

by Ben Jealous (TriceEdneyWire.co m) – The theme for the 53rd Earth Day last Saturday was a timely one: Invest in Our Planet. This country has just begun to do that through the infrastructure and clean energy packages that President Biden and Congress approved in 2021 and 2022.

More money than we spent getting astronauts to the Moon will be spent in the next decade transforming our economy. We’re moving from an economy that destroys places and people with pollution and climate threats to one that can lift them up everywhere.

We have the technology and the demand, and now the federal investment, to power your house for less, to power your car for less, and to create good jobs that will last because they aren’t killing the planet.

Earlier in the week, we saw how misguided the opposition is to this commitment to a healthier, safer world powered by abundant sources when House Speaker Kevin McCarthy gave a speech at the New York Stock Exchange. That’s Ground Zero for private sector investing in this country, if not the world.

He made clear that he and his colleagues don’t want to begin a renewal of the American economy through cleaner jobs. They want instead to make things easier for the fossil fuel companies that raked in a record $200 billion in profits in 2022.

McCarthy, in fact, said he’s willing to risk

Ben Jealous the full faith and credit of the United States to extend our reliance on the dirtiest and most volatile energy sources and push even more money into the pockets of Big Oil and Gas. He told those investors and financiers in New York that he would tie support for raising the federal debt ceiling (how much we can borrow to pay what we already owe) to a grab bag of giveaways to corporate polluters in their energy package.

He's taking us hostage in this way because he knows that an energy bill will never become law if it undermines longstanding environmental laws that give the public a say in new projects and permits, if it cuts a new program to slow climate change by reducing methane emissions, and if it eliminates help to disadvantaged communities to get the low- and zero-emission technology they want.

His bill does all that damage and more.

He said he was looking forward when what he described will lock us in a gas-powered economy that we can’t afford. The idea that oil and gas companies need more help can’t stand up to the facts that they’ve made

more than ever, and they already have the right to drill in thousands of places that they haven’t used.

Beyond decimating environmental safeguards, the plan harms those at the bottom end of the economy with cuts to preschool access, nutrition programs for women and children, and medical care for veterans.

McCarthy and his colleagues try to put a folksy spin on their backward ideas by saying our families must stick to a budget and can’t spend more than they earn, so why should the federal government? Raising the debt ceiling isn’t about new spending, it’s about paying for what we’ve already spent.

A better analogy for what they want to do to the once-in-a-lifetime investment that we’ve agreed to make, and so clearly need, is this.

Imagine wanting to get healthy and buying expensive running shoes and a gym membership, then stopping for pizza on the way home from every workout. That’s what would happen if the handouts to dirty corporations ever came to pass.

We’ve given ourselves the chance to transform our economy in ways that will help save the planet. Now we must stand firm against self-interested polluters and politicians who want to threaten us into slowing down.

(Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization).

it’s always the guns

by Marian Wright Edelman Gun violence takes a relentless toll in our nation. Every day more than 300 people are killed or injured by guns in the United States, and most of their stories never make the news at all. But this was yet another week when multiple gun tragedies made national headlines.

One of those tragedies started out as a celebration: Alexis Dowdell’s ‘Sweet 16’ birthday party at a dance studio in Dadeville, Alabama on April 15. She and her family had been planning the party for months, and the dance floor was filled with young people and a DJ when gunfire broke out.

More than 30 people were injured and four were killed, including Alexis’ older brother, 18year-old Philstavious ‘Phil’ Dowdell. Alexis remembered Phil pushing her to the ground to protect her in the chaos, but the next time she saw him he was lying in a pool of blood. She told an interviewer: “I got on my knees and he was laying face down. And that’s when I grabbed him. I turned him over, I was holding him. I was trying to be strong instead of panicking. And so I said: ‘You’re going to be all right, you’re a fighter, you’re strong.” But Phil, a high school senior and star athlete who had a football scholarship to Jacksonville State University, was gone—along with another 17-year-old Dadeville High senior and two more young guests. Many of those injured remain hospitalized in serious condition.

The nonprofit Gun Violence Archive, which keeps track of mass shootings in the U.S. where four or more victims are killed or injured by guns, notes that there have been more than 165 mass shootings so far in 2023—more than one a day. On April 15 there were seven mass shootings, the most in a single

Marian Wright Edelman day so far this year. So the devastating mass injuries and deaths at a birthday party that night were heartbreaking, but they were not unusual for America. But those stories about the ‘everyday’ trauma and tragedy of mass shootings were also joined this week by the latest headlines about a series of ‘mistake’ shootings.

On April 13 in Kansas City, Missouri, 16-yearold honors student and musician Ralph Yarl was shot in the head and arm after mistakenly ringing the wrong doorbell while trying to pick up his younger brothers from a friend’s home. The man who shot him said that when the 5’8”, 140-lb teenager came to his door, he looked out and saw a six-foot-tall Black man and felt “scared to death.” Instead of asking any questions he immediately shot Ralph through the locked glass storm door. Two days later in Hebron, New York, 20year-old Kaylin Gillis was shot and killed after she and a group of friends mistakenly drove into the wrong home’s driveway.

The young people, who were in a rural area with no cell phone service, had already realized their mistake and were trying to leave when the homeowner started firing on them, hitting Kaylin inside the car where she was sitting in the passenger seat. And on April 18 in Elgin, Texas, two elite high school cheerleaders returning from practice were shot after one of them mistakenly opened the door to the wrong car in an H-E-B grocery

store parking lot. Eighteen-year-old Payton Washington, who was planning to attend Baylor University in the fall on an acrobatic and tumbling scholarship and who had already overcome physical challenges after being born with only one lung, was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition with injuries to her spleen and other organs.

All of these only-inAmerica atrocities took place the very same week that many Republican politicians were attending the National Rifle Association’s annual convention to pledge their allegiance to the gun lobby. Reuters Pictures shared a series of photos from the convention of children as young as six and seven holding guns whose triggers barely fit their small hands as they pointed them at the camera. Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, said afterwards in an interview: “Responsible gun owners and parents would not allow a child to put their finger on a firearm’s trigger while pointing it at other people—even if they’re props. It’s more clear than ever that the NRA’s goal was never to teach children about responsible gun handling but to market guns and gun extremism to a new generation.”

But there is a large majority of Americans who favor common sense gun safety laws, who did not vote to put the NRA in charge of our national security, who are not grooming our own children and grandchildren to become gun extremists, and who do not want our children and grandchildren to be shot or killed because they attended a birthday party, recognized the wrong car in a parking lot, or accidentally drove to the wrong address. In our nation with more guns than people, we know we need to do something about the guns.

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

April 28, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Continuations

Nashville PRIDE

Page 5

Titans’ stadium... from page 1 Harry Belafonte... from page 1 The team will also contribute nearly $48 million over the life of the lease to the Nashville Needs Impact Fund, a fund directed by the Metro Council to support city needs such as public education, public transit, affordable housing, and several other areas.

“Tonight is a huge win for Nashville taxpayers,” said Nashville Mayor Cooper. “We’ve eliminated a billion-dollar liability created by an aging stadium lease and created a platform for the city to thrive for decades. This was always about more than football. This vote unlocks the East Bank Vision for Nashville’s next generation. It enables a true smart growth plan for the decades ahead. It will expand our transit network, create affordable housing, build parks and civic space, activate the waterfront, and drive resilience and sustainability.

“It allows us to build a transformational northsouth boulevard. From neighborhoods across the city, this plan will cut commute times by getting cars off the interstate for intracity trips. It will allow frequent, fast, affordable bus service with dedicated lanes connecting residents to jobs and new opportunities. This is how a city

effectively manages growth. It creates a bright future for Nashville, and I’m grateful for Metro Council’s support and confidence in this plan.”

The stadium is currently estimated at 1.75 million square feet, with a capacity of approximately 60,000. It is anticipated to bring in year-round events, with aspirations to host Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours, College Football WrestlePlayoffs, manias, and more. It will also continue to host Tennessee State University home football games, extending the long-standing partnership between TSU and the Titans. The stadium will include a 12,000 square foot community space to host classes for local schools, job trainings, and other community-minded events.

Groundbreaking is expected to occur in early-to-mid 2024, with an opening anticipated in 2027. It will set a goal of achieving a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold certification. Titans games and other major events will continue to operate in the current Nissan Stadium until the new building opens.

“Today marks a huge milestone for both the Tennessee Titans organization and the city of Nashville as we move

forward with plans for a new stadium,” said Titans President/CEO Burke Nihill. “We are extremely excited about this building’s ability to host the world’s best and greatest events, but this agreement is about so much more than a stadium. This is a generational opportunity to address our city’s priorities and ensure its health and vitality for the next 30 years. Our city and our state have bright futures ahead, and we’re humbled by the opportunity to continue to be a part of it.”

Titans are The responsible for $840 million of stadium funding and any cost overruns. Five-hundred million dollars will come from a contribution from the state of Tennessee.

The remaining $760 million of the $2.1 billion budget will come from revenue bonds issued by Metro Sports the Authority to be repaid through a one-percent increase in Davidson County’s hotel occupancy tax, in-stadium sales tax, 50% of sales tax from future development of the stadium’s campus, rent paid by the team, and a pre-existing ticket tax of three dollars per ticket sold that will carry over to the new building.

The stadium budget includes stadium-related infrastructure required to open the building.

Facebook lawsuit... from page 1 that sum times their point total. Officers of Meta and their agents cannot participate in the settlement. However, users active on Facebook between May

24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, can apply until August 25 by submitting their mailing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and Facebook usernames.

The final hearing to accept the settlement is set for September 7 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

Pres. Biden... from page 1 Additionally, the results of the survey suggested that an astounding 70% of Black voters would cast their ballots for Harris if she were to run for president, revealing the possibility that African Americans would offer more support to Harris than Biden.

Further, there remains a greater degree of disagreement among Black voters who identify as Democrats or who lean toward the party. he poll reveals a consensus among respondents (49%) that the party ought to put forward Biden as its candidate for another term. he remaining half of voters have indicated that they would want the Democrats to select a different candidate for president in 2024.

Even among Black voters, there’s a wide range of viewpoints about the question of whether Biden should be the nominee.

Those under the age of 50 and those who lean Democratic are more

likely to seek a different candidate than those over the age of 50 who want Biden to run for a second term. This is especially true of Black Democrats.

Fifty-seven percent of Black Democrats and Democrats-at-heart aged 50 and over want Biden as the nominee, however only 42% of all Democrats and Democrats-at-heart want the party to choose someone else.

Meanwhile, the Republican Party has struggled to win Black voters, and the poll shows that this pattern hasn’t changed. The anger and obstruction that Repub-licans have shown toward Barack Obama throughout the years, in addition to their resistance to a voting rights law in Congress, make gaining the Black vote an uphill battle for the GOP. By identifying themselves with Christian nationalists and organizations with roots to White supremacy, some Republicans have made

it impossible to gain the support of Black voters. he track record that Biden has on racial issues has also been debated in the Black community.

His efforts to pass a comprehensive voting rights package and reduce gun violence have been unsuccessful, but he has honored campaign vows to select a Black woman as his vice president.

Additionally, Biden has fulfilled his promise to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court. Biden also must overcome the problems caused by some of his supporters privately and publicly bashing Harris, an issue that has alienated some Black voters.

Four years after announcing his campaign for the 2020 election that finally resulted in the defeat of the criminally indicted and twice-impeached Donald Trump, Biden again seeks to beat back a run by the MAGA leader.

Vuyani Dance... from page 2 Hall, 1000 17th Avenue North. Join ensemble members from South Africa’s Vuyani Dance Theatre for a dynamic vocal masterclass centered around Isicathamiya a cappella singing and harmonizing.

This workshop is designed for pre-professional singers, professional singers, and

lovers of a cappella harmonies.

A Friday Night PostShow Conversation on Friday, May 5, following the performance at OZ Arts Friday night ticket holders are encouraged to remain in the theater after the show for a special conversation with the artists of Vuyani Dance Theatre.

A FREE Contemporary Dance Masterclass on Saturday, May 6, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, at OZ Arts, 6172 Cockrill Bend Circle. Led by members of South Africa’s Vuyani Dance Theatre, this dynamic 90-minute class will introduce intermediate and advanced movers to the athletic styles of the company.

Virginia Fort... from page 3 Naming Commission in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act and charged it with providing these recommendations.

The Commission issued its three-part report to Congress in the summer of 2022. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III accepted all the Commission’s recommendations that September.

On Jan. 5, William

A. LaPlante, the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, directed all Department of Defense organizations to begin implementing those recommendations.

“The Naming Commission sought to recommend names that are ‘inspirational to the soldiers and civilians who serve on our Army posts, and to the communities who support

them,’” Simerly stated.

“They delivered exactly that with these two inspiring leaders and their tremendous accomplishments (from World War II through the Cold War) speak to the important history of this installation and to the courage, dignity, and devotion to duty that we strive to instill in every soldier training here at the home of the Army Sustainment.”

He was one of the organizers of the 1963 March on Washington and led a delegation of Hollywood luminaries, including: his best friend Sidney Poitier, as well as Paul Newman; Sammy Davis, Jr.; Marlon Brando; Rita Moreno; Tony Curtis; James Baldwin; Burt Lancaster; Joanne Woodward; Diahann Carrol; Bob Dylan; Mahalia Jackson; Peter, Paul and Mary; Joan Baez; Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis; and Tony Curtis.

The following is from Belafonte’s bio on the HistoryMakers: Born to immigrant parents in Harlem on March 1, 1927, Harry Belafonte spent much of his youth in his mother’s home country of Jamaica.

Though difficult, life in Jamaica was full of rich cultural experiences that influenced Belafonte’s art.

At the beginning of World War II, Belafonte returned to Harlem with his mother and brother.

He had trouble integrating into the new environment and later dropped out of high school to join the U.S. Navy. After Belafonte was honorably discharged, he went back to New York, where he worked odd jobs until two free tickets to the

American Negro Theatre (A.N.T.) changed his life.

Belafonte auditioned for the A.N.T. and earned his first leading role in Juno and the Paycock.

In 1953, he made his film debut opposite Dorothy Dandridge in Bright Road. He won a Tony in 1954 for his performance in Almanac.

At the same time, Belafonte developed his singing talents, having parlayed a series of nightclub performances into a record contract.

His third album, Calypso, topped the charts for 31 consecutive weeks and was the first record to sell more than one million copies. also Belafonte secured a television outlet with his hour-long special, Tonight with Belafonte, which won him an Emmy.

He became the first African American TV producer. His company, HarBel, went on to produce one Emmy nominee after another.

In the early 1950s, Belafonte developed a strong relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Belafonte worked tirelessly to mobilize artists in support of the civil rights movement.

In 1985, he again ral-

lied the global artistic community to raise awareness of the famines, wars and droughts plaguing many African nations.

USA for Africa raised more than $60 million for this cause with ‘We Are the World’ and ‘Hands Across America.’

A longtime antiapartheid activist, Belafonte hosted former South African President Nelson Mandela on his triumphant visit to the United States.

Belafonte maintained his commitment to service as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

“The lifelong commitment, courage, global leadership, and legacy of the Honorable Harry Belafonte will always be cherished and remembered by billions of people throughout the world,” said NNPA President/CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “Belafonte was a gifted, talented and transformative freedom fighter for all of humanity. The Newspaper National Publishers Association (NNPA) salutes the memory of Harry Belafonte and recommits to the struggle for freedom, justice and equality that Belafonte so boldly epitomized and embodied.”

Heat mapping... from page 2 can be found at www.nashville.gov/depa rtments/mayor/sustainability-resilience-environment/family-sustainability-action-plan.

Finally, Cooper recognized winners in the Sustainability Advisory Committee’s Photo Contest, which highlights environmental challenges and opportunities across the city.

The full photo gallery can be viewed at www.nashville.gov/ departments/mayor/sus-

tainability-resilienceenvi ronment/photocontest/gallery. Photos were on display at Nashville Earth Day at Centennial Park on April 22.

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 as a day to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

However, Nashvillians are encouraged to celebrate Earth Day every day by making a commitment to the environment and to sustainabili-

ty. Visit www.nashville. gov/departments/mayor/ sustainability-resilienceenvironment to learn about Mayor Cooper’s work on sustainability, resilience, and the environment.

Visit www. nashville. gov/departments/general-services/sustainability/socket/tips and www. nashville.gov/departments/water/zero-wastenashville to learn how you can reduce your environmental impact each day.

News readers... from page 3 the shutdown of BuzzFeed News, layoffs at Insider (the first public mass layoffs in the company’s history), and Vice’s growing need to sell are all signs that the social web that defined the 2010s for news consumers is over.

And the new era is strangely like an earlier one, which suggests that “the 2010s were a detour, not the new path forward.”

At the same time, streaming services are starting to look like TV and the news has also gone back in time, Semafor said.

Many news organizations have noticed people aren’t reading their stories on Facebook or Twitter.

They go right to them by opening the websites on their phones or computers.

The story of HuffPost, which Verizon left for dead and is now BuzzFeed’s only news business that is still going, can teach us a lot.

After cuts, the liberal site now earns money again thanks to its loyal homepage users and advertisers willing to pay for some of its safer content, such as lifestyle and identity coverage.

Digital media entrepreneur Jonah Peretti told the rest of the BuzzFeed team: “We’re going to put most of our news efforts into HuffPost. HuffPost is a profitable brand with a highly engaged, loyal following that doesn’t rely as much on social media.

“People who want to know what’s going on in the world and make sense of it will find the HuffPost site more useful as Facebook and Twitter face problems.”

HuffPost is not on its

own.

In a deal reached last week, Fox News will have to pay Dominion Voting Systems $787 million, and it’s possible that the people in charge of Fox News won’t be happy about this.

But Semafor noted that the network could take some comfort because the outlet’s website, which has always been one of the most popular in the U.S., has seen a significant increase in traffic in the past few months, especially to the homepage.

Howard Polskin, president of TheRighting, shared data from SimilarWeb with Semafor that showed that more than 70% of the site’s users went straight to the homepage last month.

A small portion came from a search, and a minimal number came from social media.

Today’s landscape looks like the following: • The Drudge Report is the country’s most popular news website.

Peretti is working on getting more people to visit HuffPost’s site. In addition, independent writers, including Matt Yglesias and Andrew Sullivan, share short daily posts summarizing news about politics, media, and technology.

• The most influential people in Washington are reading Mark Halperin’s D.C. tip sheet. The editor-inchief of Politico reads it all the time and is a fan, as are many well-known White House writers.

• More and more new media companies find that readers want news and analysis sent to their email inboxes.

Old news juggernauts, including the

New York Times, are making money by charging their paying members for exclusive content like news and crossword puzzles.

A digital media veteran, Josh Marshall, said today’s media environment looks very familiar.

Talking Points Memo, which Marshall started, was one of the first political blogs.

In the 2000s, its news and analysis gained a small but loyal following.

During the social media boom, however, BuzzFeed and Vice, which were much more extensive than TPM, ate up the small amount of advertising money those digital publications had.

TPM survived the chaos by staying small, building an early subscription business by cultivating a mediumsized audience of liberal readers, and refusing to chase scale.

Marshall told Semafor that this was “a little bit of being smart, a little bit of being lucky, and a lot of not being willing to give up the control I needed to get the resources to scale in a serious way.”

He claimed that, in some ways, the demise of the social web had given him hope because it had pressured publishers to pursue vira-bility at all costs and occasionally put the relationship between users and publishers as an afterthought.

“It’s shown again that size isn’t everything, and it’s made a site’s best chance of survival a close relationship with its audience,” he said.

“I think those are all good things, and they usually help us.”

Page 6

Nashville PRIDE

Pastor, Pew, & Pulpit www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Faith of A Mustard Seed

By Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. Many leaders 'take', 'grab hold of', 'snatch', 'steal' IDEAS and run away on a freight train that is in many cases, destined to run completely out of steam.

To be sure, there is the possibility and the probability that a collision is destined— perhaps death and destruction for those who would follow a 'false prophet' in the direction of a borrowed idea. I had disturbance in my spirit in the numerous agendas attached to the "50 Anniversary of The March On Washington" and find the need to dissect the ideas away from THE VISION. It occurs to me, that 'A Vision' has the kind of depth that 'writes on the wall' the ordered life events of the 'Visioneer'. (OK. I know.

No such word in the English Language. impotence?)

More But, the ONE WHO IS THE VISION has a life experience, long ordered by God, clearly destined— the handwriting is on The Wall; for such a time as this!

'The Visioneer' of the 1963 March on Washington is Asa Philip Randolph.

Son of an African Methodist Episcopal Church pastor, A. Philip Randolph was born in 1889 in Crescent City, FL. Valedictorian of his 1907 Class at Cookman Institute in Jacksonville, his aptitude and adept(itude) came early.

Moving north to Harlem, he found a comrade in Chandler Owen, Columbia Law, and together they opened an employment agency 'THE BROTHERHOOD OF LABOR'. By 1917 the two had well established their Magazine, 'THE MESSENGER' with Asa as Editor. He took the 'Message' of Blacks claiming their rights in Labor to the streets and could be

Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. heard from 'soapboxes' all over Harlem and beyond.

By 1925, a group of Pullman Porters received his message and asked for his hand.

He organized them as BROTHERTHE HOOD OF SLEEPING CAR PORTERS. It took 12 yrs, but in 1935 the American Federation of Labor (AFofL) reversed its previous position to grant an international charter. Now the first successful black trade union, in 1937 won the contract with the Pullman Company, breaking the resistance of a corporate giant.

The Original MARCH ON WASHINGTON was scheduled for July 1, 1941.

The Organizations/ Leaders of this march Walter included: White, NAACP; Lester Granger, National Urban League; Frank Negro Crosswaith, Labor Committee; J. Wilson, Finley Improved Benevolent Order of Elks of the World; and Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., pastor, Abyssinian Baptist Church, NYC. Randolph warned President Franklin D. Roosevelt that he would lead thousands of blacks in a protest March on Washington.

In his last minute failues to prevent the very thought of this, President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802, barring discrimination in defense industries and federal bureaus and creating the Fair Employment

Practices Committee.

1948 Randolph again moved to fight discrimination. This time, it was against segregation and Jim Crow in the Army, Navy and Air Force.

He had since WWI persuaded blacks not to fight and after WWII, founded the LEAGUE FOR NONVIOLENT CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE AGAINST MILITARY SEGREGATION, resulting in another President, Harry S Truman signing Executive Order 9981 commanding an end discrimination not only in the armed forces, but also in federal civil service jobs.

When the AFL merged with the CIO in 1955, Randolph was made a vice president and member of the executive council. History records George Meany saying, "Who the hell appointed you as guardian of all the Negroes in America?"

President And, Woodrow Wilson calling him "The most dangerous man in America."

In 1963 he again organized a March on Washington for "Jobs and Freedom". He took the podium for his speech saying: "We are not a pressure group; we are not an organization or a group of organizations; we are not a mob," he declared in a booming but controlled voice.

"We are the advance guard of a massive moral revolution for jobs and freedom. This revolution reverberates throughout the land, touching every village where black men are segregated, oppressed and exploited."

Some have indeed "stolen" the ideas and "legacy" of THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON; but it is to the Agenda of the A PHILIP RANDOLPH that INSTITUTE FIRST PLACE must be given. by email: myfa thersmansionpress@ gmail.com.

Expressions of Faith I’m worth a fruitful death (part 3)

by Elder Lady Brandy J. Lee, Guest minister “Greater love has no man than this, that a man gives up his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I give you orders to do.

No longer do I give you the name of servants; because a servant is without knowledge of what his master is doing: I give you the name of friends, because I have given you knowledge of all the things which my Father has said to me.

You did not take me for yourselves, but I took you for myself; and I gave you the work of going about and producing fruit which will be forever; so that whatever request you make to the Father in my name he may give it to you,” John 15:13-16 (BBE).

Will you be like the grain seed and be willing to be buried in order to produce much fruit?

Remain in God and He will bless you with your hearts desires. No longer do you have a title of servant but you are a friend of God. God has chosen you to be His own. You have been given the gift of life and your heart desires as you remain obedient—obedience, servant leadership, eternal life, and friendship!

You are worth a fruitful death!

God sees the value of your life as precious and worth dying for. Jesus redeemed us back to the

Father in order for us to have everything we needed and wanted.

Jesus took us for Himself, and has not passed along the torch of spreading the love and knowledge He has granted us with into the world. This spread is fruitful, and will produce even more fruit as we nurture it.

Knowledge is to be nurtured and we are to remain humble in remembering all that Jesus sacrificed in order for us to be priceless.

“Now it is clear to them that whatever you have given to me comes from you: Because I have given them the words which you gave to me; and they have taken them to heart, and have certain knowledge that I came from you, and they have faith that you sent me. My prayer is for them: my prayer is not for the world, but for those whom you have given to me, because they are yours (All mine are yours, and yours are mine) and I have glory in them. And now I will be no longer in the world, but they are in the world and I come to you.

Holy Father, keep them in your name which you have given to me, so that they may be one even as we are one. While I was with them I kept them safe in your name which you have given to me: I took care of them and not one of them has come to destruction, but only the son of destruc-

Elder Lady Brandy J. Lee tion, so that the Writings might come true. And now I come to you; and these things I say in the world so that they may have my joy complete in them,” John 17:7-13 (BBE).

No matter the situations we face day in and out, we must remain cognitive of God’s purpose and value granted on our lives. We were chosen as His own, taught with obedience and sacrifice, we became servants unto death for the glory of God, and are now called friends! Die to your humanness daily and take up your sanctification that God has granted unto you. You are worth a fruitful death.

What is buried has potential for growth with the right nutrients. As we continue to look to God, we are being watered, brightened, stretched, grounded, weeded, plucked, and bloomed into the greatest potential we possess.

So smile, because you are worth a fruitful death.

April 28, 2023

Faithful Utterances Grappling with grief

by Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew The last few weeks have been painful. It’s difficult witnessing the amount of loss. Friends have lost parents, spouses, children and colleagues. Reading the tributes and the expressions of love have been touching. The impact these individuals have had on others is immeasurable. Whether the impact was personal or professional, it was profound. They changed lives in congregations, campuses and communities. Their legacies will live on well beyond their brief time on earth.

Death isn’t easy. I find myself irritated when we tell those who are grieving not to cry, as if crying is somehow a lack of faith.

No matter how strong a person’s faith is it hurts. We can become so holy that we are no earthly good by quoting scripture without demonstrating compassion. We forget that they are human. Whether we know the end is expected or sudden, it is difficult to grapple with losing someone that you love. Crying is natural.

The pain is real, and grief is a process. Allow people to go through it.

Recognize that everyone does not process and deal with grief in the same way. Instead of judging, it’s our job to love, be there and offer support in addition to our prayers.

In John 11, Lazarus was sick. His sisters, Mary and Martha of Bethany sent word to Jesus about his condition. Jesus knew Lazarus had died and was on his way back to Bethany.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died,” John 11: 21. When Mary reached

the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.

“Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept.

Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” John 11: 32-37.

There’s so much in this text that is applicable for our lives today: 1) Jesus was aware of Lazarus condition. He knew before getting to Bethany of his death.

2) God understands our pain and hurts with us when we go through life changing loss.

3) Jesus is moved by our pain. God is not standing by unaware or untouched by our suffering.

4) Despite their pain, Mary and Martha, trusted God’s power in their pain.

5) There will always be those from the outside who have opinions about what should or did happen, and what we go through is our personal journey with Christ.

Lazarus had been dead for four days and I’m sure by that time, his sisters had given up hope. In our deepest, darkest hours if we call on Jesus, he shows up.

Even when everything is hopeless, we are never alone in our loss. A friend whose father passed a few years after my father’s death asked how I managed my grief.

I told her that it was a day-by-day process.

Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew Some days were better than others but without my faith in God, I would not have made it. I also knew that grief has a way of taking over and keeping us bound. If we are not careful, we can create living tombs that confine us from experiencing life to the fullest while we are here. I knew the best way to celebrate my father’s memory was to live a life that he could be proud of and one that glorifies God’s goodness.

Mary and Martha were not alone. There was a community offering support. If you are walking through a season of loss, know that you are not alone. If Jesus cried because of Lazarus’ death and witnessing the grief of his sisters, know that you should experience the range of feelings that come with loss of a loved one. Know that Jesus is with you throughout the process and that you can have hope in the midst of your pain (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). You are never alone!

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

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

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

April 28, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Leisure

Genius of little Richard explored in new film

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent To many, Little Richard lived a complicated life, from his outwardly gay and hypersexual ways to his brilliant but amazingly disrespected career.

Putting aside his personal and flamboyant lifestyle, one could find it hard to argue with Richard’s statement in Little Richard: I Am Everything, a new documentary by award-winning filmmaker Lisa Cortés.

“Michael Jackson was inspired by me.

Prince. James Brown, I discovered him. Jimi Hendrix was my guitar player,” Richard says in the 98-minute film that includes homages from others he influenced, like Mick Jagger, John Waters, and Billy Porter.

Indeed, in one telling moment, while Richard inducts the late Otis Redding into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Jagger sits in the audience listening intently and almost embarrass-

With Elvis Presley renowned as the king of rock ‘n’ roll mainly for mainstreaming Black music, the documentary leaves no doubt that Little Richard deserves that title and more. as Richard winning film Precious, ingly how the said Richard wasn’t just recounts Rolling Stones served as the king of rock ‘n’ roll the flamboyant ‘Tutti but the architect.

Frutti’ singer’s opening “Little Richard is act and how he helped part of music history and their careers. the inspiration to many Born Richard Wayne artists. Jimi Hendrix is Penniman in Macon, playing in his band,” Ga., in 1932, Little Cortés said in an interRichard left his home as view with Let It Be a young boy when his Known, the Black Press discovered of America’s live mornfather Richard was gay. ing news program.

Cortés, who won an “James Brown is Emmy for The Apollo, brought to Macon, Ga., and served as executive to record his first hit producer for the Oscar- because of Little

Page 7

Nashville PRIDE

Richard. He’s a conductor on this little rock ‘n’ roll train.”

With Elvis Presley renowned as the king of rock ‘n’ roll mainly for mainstreaming Black music, the documentary leaves no doubt that Richard deserves that title and more.

“People knew his connection to the Beatles, but he talks about these five guys that he meets in Europe,” Cortés said.

“But when he goes to Hamburg, Richard has one musician with him, a very young Billy Preston. So, he introduces Billy Preston to the Beatles. And as many people know, Billy Preston then goes on to be called what some people consider the fifth Beatle.

“So you see the connection there. And you understand that he’s the catalyst and the inspiration for so many.”

Throughout his illustrious career, however, the music world failed to recognize the genius of Continued on page 8

The Sporting life Disney’s Aladdin at TPAC in May Edition

Genie - Michael James Scott. (photo by Deen van Meer. © Disney)

by Cass Teague Calloway and Fats TPAC presents Waller. Featuring an Disney’s Aladdin May extended tap break, 2 - 7, 2023 in Andrew glittering gold cosJackson Hall, with tumes and massive tickets starting at only towers designed in art $35. Discover a whole deco style, the musical new world at Disney’s number “Friend Like Aladdin, the hit Me” is an homage to Broadway musical. Busby Berkeley’s From the producer of 1933 classic movie The Lion King comes musical 42nd Street. the timeless story of Michael James Scott Aladdin, a thrilling originated the role of production filled with the Genie for the unforgettable beauty, Broadway Cast. magic, comedy and Marcus M. Martin breathtaking specta- is Genie in the North cle. It’s an extraordi- American Tour Cast nary theatrical event for his National Tour where one lamp and Debut. three wishes make the Go to the official possibilities infinite.

PRIDE website for The character of my extended online the Genie was based column with more on jazz greats Cab details.

Celebrate international Jazz Day this weekend

(From left) Erena Terakubo, Jeremy Pelt and Gregory Porter perform at the 2022 International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert at the United Nations. (Photo: Steve Mundinger / Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz)

by Cass Teague and collaboration in modern history, statProclaimed at To kick off the Inter- ed, “On this InternationUNESCO in 2011 at the national Jazz Day week- al Jazz Day, musicians initiative of UNESCO end, PBS will debut a around the world are Goodwill Ambassador one-hour special on Fri- once again answering, in Herbie Hancock, and day evening, April 28 at great numbers, the recognized by the United 9:00 pm CDT, locally on resounding call for peace Nations General Assem- WNPT, channel 8.1. through music. Born out bly, International Jazz “International Jazz Day of struggles for justice, Day brings together from the United jazz inspires us to build a countries and communi- Nations” highlights the future that reflects its ties worldwide every 2022 All-Star Global spirit – united in the celyear on April 30. The Concert with perform- ebration of diversity.

Herbie Hancock Insti- ances by Herbie Han- Join us on this ‘Jazz tute of Jazz is cock, David Sanborn, Journey around the UNESCO’s partner in Shemekia Copeland, World’ and witness the the organization and pro- Gregory Porter, Lizz power of music.” motion of International Wright, José James, The flagship Jazz Jazz Day around the Hiromi, Marcus Miller, Day event, a spectacular world.

Ravi Coltrane, Terri All-Star Global Concert, The program for the Lyne Carrington, Zakir hosted by Herbie Han2023 celebration of Hussain, Brian Blade, cock, will take viewers International Jazz Day, Linda May Han Oh, on an international tour with participation from Joey Alexander and of sights and sounds more than 190 countries, more. It will re-air late showcasing jazz in all its will feature an extraordi- night Friday/Saturday diversity. nary selection of jazz morning at 1:00 am, and The concert will feaperformances from Aus- again late night Sunday/ ture performances from tria to Zimbabwe, high- Monday morning at 3:00 Beijing, China; Beirut, lighting the power of am.

Lebanon; Casablanca, jazz in bridging differUNESCO Director- Morocco; Johannesburg, ences and promoting General Audrey Azo- South Africa; Maronunity and peace through ulay, recalling the signif- dera, Zimbabwe; Paris, intercultural dialogue icant role played by jazz France; Rio de Janeiro,

Brazil; Vienna, Austria; and Fairbanks, Honolulu, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC, USA, featuring performances by Dianne Reeves, Marcus Miller, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Somi, Melody Gardot, Sérgio Mendes, Cyrille Aimée, Antonio Sánchez, John Beasley and many more.

The All-Star Global Concert will be webcast worldwide on Sunday, April 30 at 3 pm CDT on jazzday.com,unesco. org, hancockinstitute.

org, the International Jazz Day YouTube and Facebook channels, and other outlets. Jazz festivals around the world will also be commemorating International Jazz Day through special events.

To learn about the hundreds of other events planned in all 50 U.S. states and 190+ countries across the world, visit jazzday.com/ events.

Looking back on twelve years of International Jazz Day, Herbie Hancock remarked, “As

the world’s largest, most inclusive celebration of jazz music, International Jazz Day unites people across the globe. Jazz has always been about expanding boundaries – inspiring musicians toward the future and its infinite possibilities.

This year, we are thrilled that the All-Star Global Concert will reflect this expansive identity in a new way, by sharing with our audience a rich palette of sounds on more than a dozen stages in every corner of the planet.”

GREGORY MAQOMA’S

VUYANI DANCE THEATRE (South Africa) CION: REQUIEM OF RAVEL’S BOLÉRO

MAY 4-6 “ECSTATIC VITALITY… AN ARTISTIC PRAYER FOR COLLECTIVE BETTERMENT” — The New York Times

“VISIONARY” — The Guardian

Nashville Children’s Theatre presents Hip Hop Cinderella NCT announces 2023-24 season lineup

by Cass Teague Nashville Children’s Theatre is a community dedicated to bringing inspiring, educational, family-friendly programming to guests of all ages. NCT is the oldest children’s theatre in the country, and they’ve been bringing professional theatre to young audiences for nearly a century. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop, NCT presents Hip Hop Cinderella through May 21, 2023.

Here’s the story: The galaxy has lost its mojo, and it is up to Cinderella and her rapping robot companion Runka to get it back. This futuristic Continued on page 8

WITNES S A PO WERFUL FUSION OF ZUL U MUSIC WITNESS POWERFUL ZULU AND C ONTEMPORARY D ANCE CONTEMPORARY DANCE

TICKET TICKETSS FROM $25 OZ A R TS N AS H V I L L E .O R G

Hip Hop Cinderella plays through May 21 at Nashville Children’s Theatre

Page 8

Nashville PRIDE

Health/Education

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

April 28, 2023

Biden signs executive order establishing Office of Environmental Justice

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to expand on his administration’s environmental justice goals, which include delivering clean air and water to communities nationwide.

The first of its kind order establishes the Office of Environmental Justice at the White House.

“For far too long, communities across our country have faced persistent environmental injustice through toxic pollution, underinvestment in infrastructure and critical services, and other disproportionate environmental harms often due to a legacy of racial discrimination including redlining,” White House officials said in an online release.

“These communities with environmental justice concerns face even greater burdens due to climate change.”

The White House said Biden’s goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status or race and ethnicity, reaps the benefits of cleaner air and water.

“President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that every person has a right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live in a healthy community—now and into the future,” White House officials said.

“During his first week in office, President Biden launched the most ambitious environmental justice agenda in our nation’s history.

“To continue delivering on that vision, today the president will sign an executive order further embedding environmental justice into the work of federal agencies to achieve real, measurable progress that communities can count on.”

The executive order is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s wholeof-government effort to confront longstanding environmental injustices and inequities, White House officials said.

“For far too long, communities across our country have faced persistent environmental injustice through toxic pollution, underinvestment in infrastructure and critical services, and other disproportionate environmental harms often due to a legacy of racial discrimination including redlining,” they wrote.

“These communities with environmental justice concerns face even greater burdens due to climate change.”

Administration officials said the order aims to better protect overburdened communities from pollution and environmental harms.

Biden’s actions direct agencies to consider measures to address and prevent disproportionate and adverse environmental and health impacts on

communities, including the cumulative impacts of pollution and other burdens like climate change.

Additionally, the White House said it requires agencies to notify nearby communities in the event of a release of toxic substances from a federal facility, and to hold a public meeting to share information on resulting health risks and necessary precautions.

Further, the order honors and builds on the foundation of ongoing environmental justice work, officials said.

Under the executive order, agen-

cies will continue their efforts to advance environmental justice in ways that complement and deepen prior work.

The executive order uses the term “disproportionate and adverse” as a simpler, modernized version of the phrase “disproportionately high and adverse” used in a previous executive order.

“Those phrases have the same meaning but removing the word ‘high’ eliminates potential misunderstanding that agencies should only be considering large disproportionate effects,” officials said.

‘Truly Amazing’ – MNPS honors Teachers, Employees, Principals of the Year

Tayla Brown proudly displays her Teacher of the Year award.

Heavy rush-hour rains couldn’t dampen the spirit Wednesday evening at Music City Center as MNPS celebrated its Teachers of the Year, Support Employees of the Year and Principals of the Year with awards, photos and music.

More than 130 building-level Teacher of the Year winners, along with top support employees and principals, gathered with their family members, principals and district leaders for the event.

“The work you do both in and out of your classrooms every day, the effort you make, the hours you put in, the commitment you show: It is truly amazing,” Director of Schools Dr. Adrienne Battle told the winning teachers.

“At the same time, support employees are doing critical work behind the scenes every day to make sure our teachers, students, their families and other employees have what they need. Meanwhile, principals make sure it all comes together day after day so that teaching and learning can happen in a safe and healthy environment.”

Tayla Brown, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Cambridge Early Learning Center in Antioch, was named the overall MNPS Teacher of the Year. The other eight finalists for Teacher of the Year include: • Elementary school teachers: Meghan Bell, Crieve Hall Elementary; Allison Marlow, Paragon Mills Elementary

• Middle school teachers: Rachael Begarly, Croft Middle; Preston Weaver, Antioch Middle; Kenton Wesby, Isaac Litton Middle • High school teachers: Caroline Brooks Dubois, Nashville School of the Arts; Princess Gordon-Aziz, Nashville Big Picture High School; Meredith Lavigne, Pearl-Cohn High School The district also celebrated its Support Employees of the Year and Principals of the Year: Support Employees of the Year include: Lakisa Dobbins, Exceptional Education paraprofessional, Whites Creek High School; Howard Kiger, tutor, John Overton High School; and Joy Pillow-Jones, Community Achieves site manager, Jones Paideia

Elementary School.

Principals of the year include: Latoya Cobb, Amqui Elementary School; Dr. Rommie Vasser Jr., Rose Park Middle School; and Dr. Brenda Diaz, Nashville Big Picture High School.

The other six finalists for Principal of the Year include: • Elementary school principals: Brenda Steele, Old Center Elementary; James Urquhart, Norman Binkley Elementary • Middle school principals: Dr. Trellaney Lane, Isaiah T. Creswell Middle School of the Arts; Dr. Jeremy Lewis, Croft Middle • High school principals: Dr. Henry Johnson, W.A. Bass Learning Center; Susan Siegel, Murrell at Glenn School

little Richard... from page 7 Little Richard, and he continually reminded them of the egregious oversight.

In 1997, the American Music Awards finally gave Richard the recognition he craved and deserved.

In receiving the Award of Merit, the emotions Richard usually wore on his sleeve were revealed as plainly as ever. “It’s been a long time coming,” he said after composing himself during that ceremony.

The award’s inscription noted that Richard “is the founding father who

sent rock ‘n’ roll into orbit with his super-charged performances and spirit.

He’s served as an inspiration to his fellow artists.”

Unabashedly candid (and some might say conceited), Richard let loose.

“I am the originator. I am the emancipator. I am the architect of rock ‘n’ roll,” he said.

“I am the man that started it all. I want you to know tonight that rhythm and blues had a baby, and somebody named it rock ‘n’ roll.”

NCT 2023-24 Season... from page 7 remake of a classic fairytale is complete with a wicked stepmother, two social media obsessed stepsisters, and a dreamy prince who is throwing a Rap Competition to turn the beat around.

“Ella C” attends the rap competition but ends up leaving behind a glittering sneaker that sends the prince and her wicked stepmother on a warp-speed chase throughout the galaxy.

This musical is based on the Brothers Grimm Cinderella fairy tale. Ella C. deals with the grief of losing her father.

The Zurka family is wealthy and view themselves as superior to Runka, the house staff they refer to as “the help.”

A character is depressed and another promises a therapist and that he is not alone. The play runs 60 minutes, and there will not be an intermission.

Directed by Ernie Nolan, with Choreography by Dominic Moore-Dunson, Maya Riley is Ella, James Rudolph II is Runka, Gerold Oliver is the Prince, Sarah Michele Bailey is a Step Mother, Meggan Utech is a Step Sister, and Jordan Tudor is a Step Sister. Written by Scott Elmegreen, with Music and Lyrics by Rona Siddiqui, and Story Adaptation by Linda Chichester & David Coffman, this World Premiere production is presented through special arrangement with HipHopMusicals .com.

Coming this fall, Executive Artistic Director Ernie Nolan has announced

the 2023/24 season lineup, which is comprised of 6 productions, 5 of which are world premieres for family audiences. “Whether playing on the basketball court or swimming in the deep blue season, our heroes this season celebrate and embrace their unique qualities and personalities. They face the worlds they live in and announce, “I am courageously me!”

The world premiere of STRONG INSIDE, adapted and directed by Tyrone L. Robinson from the best-selling book by Andrew Maraniss, opens September 7 and plays until September 26, 2023. This portrait of fortitude is the inspirational true story of Nashville native Perry Wallace. Recruited and accepted to Vanderbilt, Wallace made history as the first African American to play college basketball in the deeply segregated Southeastern Conference.

“Perry’s story asks a powerful question,” says Nolan, “How do you do something you love while surrounded by hate?

Three Little Kittens opens August 12, 2023 in the NCT Snuggery. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory plays November 4 through December 17, 2023. The Gingerbread Kid runs January 27, 2024 until February 25. The Flopsy Bunnies: A Peter Rabbit Adventure runs March 9 - June 30, 2024 in the Snuggery. Disney’s Finding Nemo runs April 6 - May 19, 2024.

ARE YOU SEEKING TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD? At Belmont, we’re committed to creating a safe and supportive work environment where everyone’s gifts are recognized and appreciated. We believe that together, each of us can help make the world a better place. From administrators to maintenance crews, professional staff to security personnel, we want YOU! Visit our website now and discover the perfect opportunity for you.

JOBS.BELMONT.EDU