Nashville PRIDE May 12, 2023

California panel takes big step toward $800B reparation payments...

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Oprah Winfrey inspires students with powerful commencement address See page 8

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volume XXXvii, Number 19

People Are Talking Woman who slammed car into BLM protestors avoids jail – gets community service

Kathleen Casillo

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent A New York City mother of three who slammed her BMW into Black Lives Matter protesters in New York received just five hours of community service for her crime.

Kathleen Casillo, 53, walked free this week after striking a sweetheart plea deal.

She faced up to seven years in jail if she was found guilty of the December 2020 crime that injured six peaceful protesters.

The deal allows Casillo’s record to show that she’s guilty of the misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment.

If she completes the light community service and stays out of trouble for six months, officials and her lawyer said, her record will only show a disorderly conduct charge.

Casillo had asserted that she accidentally hit her gas pedal because the protesters were behaving aggressively, but video surveillance appeared to refute these claims.

Victims, loved ones, and social media users lashed out following the light sentence.

“You messed up lives.

You’re a criminal,” one woman screamed at Casillo as she entered an elevator at the Manhattan Supreme Court.

“They didn’t do anything. My husband’s back was turned when you hit him and sent him flying into the air. His back was turned.

How is that aggressive?”

While driving her BMW along 39th Street and Third Avenue with her 29-year-old daughter in the passenger seat on Dec. 11, 2020, Casillo hit the gas pedal and plowed into six protesters.

A video recording of the incident showed several victims hit so hard that they were hurled across the street.

Fortunately, no deaths occurred.

Prosecutors initially charged Casillo with reckless endangerment and assault.

The Daily Mail reported that prosecutors ultimately agreed to the plea deal after several previous offers were turned down because Castillo had no criminal record.

They claimed she didn’t intend to harm any of the protestors.

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May 12, 2023

TN Senate Democrats will push legislation to ‘stop future gun violence’ at August special session Senate minority leader Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, and Sen. Sara Kyle, D-Memphis, issued statements calling for common sense gun reform to feature prominently in Gov. Bill Lee’s August special session of the legislature.

“The General Assembly should embrace this opportunity to pass sensible gun laws that stop future gun violence, said Sen. Raumesh Akbari.

“The people demanding action have brought us to this moment and now we need every Tennessean who cares about this issue to tell their elected leaders to show up in August and support legislation that truly addresses gun violence.

“Once we see the official call for the special session, we’ll know exactly what kind of legislation can be introduced. But we already know that broad majorities of voters, from all parts of the state and all political backgrounds, support common sense gun reforms, like extreme risk protection orders, waiting periods, and universal background checks.

“House and Senate Democrats will have a comprehensive package of gun safety bills and we’re ready to get something done.”

Sen. Raumesh Akbari and Sen. Sara Kyle According to Sen. Sara Kyle: “In On April 11, in response to The Memphis, we know all too well the Covenant School shooting in deadly consequences of firearms Nashville, Lee signed an executive falling into the hands of people who order strengthening background would do us harm. Gun violence has checks for firearm purchases. buried too many of our citizens and According to a Vanderbilt ripped apart too many families.

University poll, an overwhelming “I appreciate the governor’s com- majority of registered voters (82%) mitment to a special session. Now it’s support a so-called ‘red flag’ law that time for this legislature to do its job would temporarily restrict access to and address the epidemic of gun vioContinued on page 5 lence.”

African American jobless rate hits lowest in U.S. history

Biden Admin. rolls out new airline requirements for refunding passengers in delays, cancellations

The employment report for April showed that the unemployment rate for Black people in the United States decreased by three-tenths of a percentage point, which is a significant drop.

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent According to the freshly published jobs report for April, the jobless rate for African Americans in the United States maintained its steady slide to new historic levels, just one month after hitting a record low for the previous lowest level ever recorded. The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the unemployment rate for African Americans dropped below five percent for the first time in U.S. history.

This is new ground for the labor force in the country.

The employment report for April

showed that the unemployment rate for Black people in the United States declined by three-tenths of a percentage point, a drop that cannot be considered negligible.

The employment report for April showed that the unemployment rate for Black people in the United States decreased by three-tenths of a percentage point, which is not an insignificant drop. That represents a 4.7% decrease overall.

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for Black men, in particular, and for Black youths, fell.

Continued on page 5

Jury finds Donald Trump sexually assaulted columnist

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent The long and humiliating path to ignominy for Donald Trump continued when a jury in New York found the twice-impeached and presently criminally indicted former president liable for sexually assaulting author E. Jean Carroll.

The jury, which awarded Carroll $5 million in damages, also deemed Trump liable for defaming the writer when he publicly discredited her claims.

In a minor victory for Trump, the jury did not determine that he had raped Carroll.

Donald Trump The trial lasted approximately one week in Manhattan, where a grand jury indicted Trump last month on more than thirty criminal counts related to alleged hush money payments he Continued on page 5

If an airline cancels a trip, the carrier must refund passengers for the unused portion of their ticket and any airline fees, such as those for checking a bag or asking for a seat assignment.

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent The Biden administration is developing rules requiring airlines to compensate customers and provide meals and hotel accommodations if they strand passengers due to airline-related issues.

The regulation vow comes weeks before the high summer travel season and continues the Democratic administration’s push to enhance airline customer service.

The new rules will require airlines to provide compensation and cover additional expenses, such as rebooking, if they cancel or delay a flight.

“When an airline causes a flight cancellation or delay, passengers should not foot the bill,” Buttigieg said.

If an airline cancels a trip, the carrier must refund passengers for the unused portion of their ticket and any airline fees, such as those for checking a bag or asking for a seat assignment.

Continued on page 5

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Local

Nashville PRIDE

Cancer… My Journey in time Thank you through my journey

by Wanda Clay This week we ask for special attention as you read thoughts and words directly from Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Baptist Missionary Church: “May 9 marks one year of doctor diagnosis that I had stage 4 lung cancer and possibly cancer in other parts of my body. It also marks the beginning of an intensive prayer campaign around the nation. It seemed as though people everywhere were praying for my healing. People were praying for me and I was praying for people.

One of my scariest moments during this journey was when the doctor told me that they saw some spots on my liver. They couldn't tell if the spots were malignant and cancerous or not without doing an MRI. Then he said if it's cancer there's probably nothing that can be done to extend beyond 15 months to live. I'll always remember during the MRI praying to God that He couldn't

let all the people down who were praying for me. I remember praying: "Lord there is no way You can get around answering the many people's prayers for me. When the doctor gave me the negative results from the MRI, I knew God was listening to the many prayers. By the way, negative in the medical field is positive news.

“On this three year anniversary of my Living With Cancer Journey, I need to say ‘thank you’ to Almighty God for His miracle of life; to the tremendous doctors, nurses, and support staff at the Nashville General Hospital; to the thousands of people who pray constantly for my healing; to the members of Corinthian Baptist Church who've been the best church members in the whole wide world; to my family, especially my sisters, Neva and Barbara, who have driven from Memphis twice a month over past three years to assist me; to my truly amazing and loving daughter, Bethani; and my dear

Rev. Enoch Fuzz friend, Shirley, who committed herself to help care for me. And the list of people goes on and on—too numerous to name them all, like Darlene, Amanda, Rev. Croney, Elois, Tony…. Now maybe you see why it's so important to me to pray for other people.

To whom much is given, much is required.”

Keep praying for Rev. Fuzz for his health and healing.

And know that he will be praying for you also.

Pray, share and be encouraged by the postings and weekly readings of ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time.’

Mayor Cooper appoints April Calvin as Nashville’s 1st director of Office of homeless Services Mayor John Cooper has appointed April Calvin as director of the Office of Homeless Services, a new department focusing on getting our unhoused neighbors in permanent homes and connected to the resources and services they need to remain in stable housing.

As director of the Office of Homeless Services, April Calvin will spearhead Metro’s homelessness response, utilizing her over 25 years of leadership and social service experience. Prior to this appointment, April served as ‘interim director’ of Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County’s Homeless Impact Division, which was a division of Metro’s Social Services Department. The Office of Homeless Services is a standalone department, with the director reporting directly to the mayor.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside April as we established Nashville as a ‘housing first’ city,” said Mayor Cooper. “She is the perfect person to lead our new department focused on finding unsheltered residents permanent homes with the resources to stay there.

Homelessness is not a challenge unique to our city, but it is certainly one we are tackling head on. April’s proven leadership will allow us to continue to do so quickly, efficiently and safely.”

“In this past year, we made great strides as a community in address-

April Calvin ing the needs of our unhoused residents,” said April Calvin, director, Office of Homeless Services. “Nashville has a community inside and outside government who cares deeply about getting our unhoused neighbors the help they need.

I’m excited about this new challenge, and eager to get to work on behalf of our city’s most vulnerable.”

The creation of the Office of Homeless Service is a critical piece of Mayor Cooper’s homelessness response plan. One year ago, Mayor Cooper declared Nashville a ‘housing first’ city and announced an ambitious $50 million homelessness response plan using federal funds.

Metro is currently in the first phase of the three-year plan, and is already outpacing its

goals. Last year, Metro’s Homelessness Impact Division set a goal to house 25 chronically unhoused people each month. They have met and exceeded that goal, now housing 31 per month. Additionally, 383 chronically unsheltered people are now in housing thanks to their work over the past 12 months.

The Homelessness Impact Division has also: • housed 383 chronically unsheltered people over the last year.

• increased staff capacity by on-boarding new staff, and creating new positions focused mostly on outreach and landlord engagement; • broken ground on an improved Metro Permanent Supportive Housing building set to open this winter; • found housing for 54 residents of Brookmeade encampment, effectively closing the camp on Jan. 4, 2023; • housed residents who were living at the Caldwell Wentworth Park Encampment and closed the encampment on March 15, 2023; and • met and exceeded goal of housing 25 chronically unhoused people each month, and now house 31 per month.

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

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May 12, 2023

Belmont faculty Amy hodges hamilton receives 2023 harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award Belmont University Professor of English Dr. Amy Hodges Hamilton was recently named a recipient of the 2023 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award, a yearly recognition presented by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission acknowledging individuals in higher education who provide exceptional public service to their communities.

“Receiving this award is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Hodges Hamilton said. “I completely believe in the power of this work and for it to be recognized on a statewide level is both humbling and affirming.

I am grateful for the opportunity to engage in the community and honor these stories, these reminders to pay attention, to reach out, and to listen.”

Hodges Hamilton’s passionate commitment to service and advocacy permeates her work as a teacher and scholar, beautifully exemplifying Belmont’s service-oriented values.

She serves as Belmont’s Title IX Faculty Liaison and Victim’s Advocate and coordinates the annual Women’s History Month celebration on campus.

She focuses on using writing as a tool for healing trauma in courses like ‘Writing in the Community’ and ‘Reading & Writing Social Justice.’

Rarely keeping her expertise within the walls of the classroom alone, the cancer survivor pushes herself and

her students to transcend academic boundaries and collaborate with community members as they move theory into practice. One such collaboration led Hodges Hamilton to facilitate a ‘Healing Trauma through Writing’ workshop at Healing House, a Nashville nonprofit residential recovery community. In her workshop, residents coming out of addiction and complex trauma are invited on a healing journey through writing prompts that evoke introspection.

“The gifts of the Healing Trauma through Writing program continue to emerge,” Healing Housing Executive Director Tracey Levine said. “In recovery, we say that ‘our secrets make us sick.’ Amy’s workshop has provided the evidence that our residents have long needed regarding the freedom of releasing the weight of their secrets.”

Hodges Hamilton’s service also includes her work as a board member at New Hope Girls and MERCY Workshop in the Dominican Republic, coordinating students from her classes with volunteer organiza-

Dr. Amy Hodges Hamilton tions including Healing Housing and a range of volunteer work with a long list of organizations including The Branch, Morningside at Belmont, Rest Stop Ministries, Thistle Farms and Tennessee Women’s Prison.

Five students and five faculty/staff recipients are selected each year for the Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Awards and receive a $1000 honorarium for continued dedication to outstanding community service.

The awards are named for the late Rep. Harold Love, who was known for the lengths he would go to help a constituent in need, even if it meant giving from his own pocket.

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Page 3 Nashville PRIDE National/State California panel takes big step toward $800B reparation payments to Black residents, formal apology May 12, 2023

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by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent California’s reparations task panel approved recommendations to compensate and apologize to Black communities for centuries of discrimination.

At a meeting in Oakland, the nine-member committee, which first met nearly two years ago, approved a lengthy list of reparations recommendations for state lawmakers to examine.

At the meeting, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (DCalif.), called on states and the federal government to implement reparations legislation.

Lee said reparations are morally justified and could solve historical racial imbalances and inequality.

The panel’s first vote accepted a detailed assessment of Black Californian discrimination in voting, housing, education, disproportionate

policing and incarceration, and others.

Other suggestions included creating a new organization to serve descendants of enslaved people and calculating what the state owes them.

“An apology and an admission of wrongdoing alone is not going to be satisfactory,” said Chris Lodgson, an organizer with the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California, a reparations advocacy group.

The task force’s draft recommendation requires parliamentarians to “censure the gravest barbarities” on behalf of the state in their apologies.

The task force noted that California’s first elected governor, Peter Hardeman Burnett, was a White supremacist who supported legislation excluding Black people from the state.

The draft report states that California, a

“free state” since 1850, did not pass any laws guaranteeing freedom for all. Instead, the state Supreme Court enforced the federal Fugitive Slave Act for over a decade until freedom arrived in U.S. states.

“By participating in these horrors, California further perpetuated the harms African Americans faced, imbuing racial prejudice throughout society through segregation, public and private discrimination, and unequal state and federal funding,” the study authors wrote.

The task team adopted a public apology, admitting the state’s past wrongs and committing not to repeat them.

It would be presented to the descendants of enslaved people.

California apologized for interning Japanese Americans and mistreating Native Americans.

The panel adopted

President Biden delivers howard University’s commencement address

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick has confirmed that President Joe Biden will deliver the commencement address at the historically Black university’s 155th ceremony.

Officials have scheduled commencement activities for 10 am on May 13 on the Upper Quadrangle of the main campus.

Erica Loewe, the White House’s director of African American Media, stated that in

addition to Biden’s address at Howard University, administration officials plan to attend commencements at HBCUs nationwide.

According to the White House, President Biden’s impending visit to Howard, the alma mater of Vice President Kamala Harris, follows the administration’s record-breaking investment of nearly $6 billion through the U.S. Department of Education to support HBCUs since 2021.

“Securing funding for the more than 100 HBCUs in the United

the draft report’s “cash or its equivalent” restitution for qualified residents.

Oakland’s Mills College of Northeastern University hosted over 100 citizens and activists. All lamented the country’s ‘broken promise’ to give emancipated slaves 40 acres and a mule.

Many claimed it was time for governments to fix the harms that prevented African Americans from living without fear of being wrongly punished, maintaining property, and earning wealth.

Former Black Panther Party chairwoman Elaine Brown encouraged protests.

The task force meeting was viewed as a pivotal moment in the push for local, state, and federal agencies to apologize for African American discrimination.

“There’s no way in the world that many of

“We’re focusing on what we define as ‘full repair,’” Oakland City Council member Kevin Jenkins. “A lot of people don’t have a clear idea of what reparations is especially in light of all the presidential candidates’ talk that is steadily being generated around reparations. N’COBRA understands that reparations means full repair of our people.” these recommendations residents $800 billion, or are going to get through 2.5 times its yearly because of the inflation- budget. ary impact,” said UniThe newest task versity of San Diego force draft report has a School of Law professor much lower figure. and reparations specialIn 2020, Secretary of ist Roy L. Brooks.

State Shirley Weber, Economists predict a former Democratic the state may owe Black Continued on page 5

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States has been a prominent feature of Biden’s agenda,” domestic Loewe wrote on Twitter.

In addition, the visit coincides with the publication of new data showing the lowest Black unemployment rate in U.S. history.

“It is an honor and privilege to welcome President Biden to deliver the 2023 commencement address and celebrate the 2023 graduating class,” Dr. Frederick said.

Biden will also receive an honorary Doctor of Letters degree during the commencement.

“This honorary Doctor of Letters is much deserved for his years of transformational service as U.S. senator, vice president, and now as president of the United States,” Dr. Frederick stated.

“We are excited to receive the president as this year’s distinguished Continued on page 5

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Justice Clarence Thomas got to know Crow and Thomas and his wife and had access to school financial information through his work as an administrator.

Before and after his time at Hidden Lake, Martin attended a second boarding school, Randolph-Macon Academy in Virginia, as Pro Publica further discovered.

“Harlan said he was paying for the tuition at Randolph-Macon Academy as well,” Grimwood said, recalling a conversation he had with Crow during a visit to the billionaire’s Adirondacks estate.

The amount Crow paid for Martin’s education over the years remains unclear.

According to public records of tuition rates, if he had paid for all four years at the two schools,

the price tag could have exceeded $150,000.

According to the report, Thomas should have reported the tuition payments from Crow in his annual financial disclosures.

Several years earlier, Thomas disclosed a gift of $5,000 for Martin’s education from another friend. It is not clear why he reported that payment but not Crow’s.

The tuition payments added to the picture of how Crow has helped fund the lives of Thomas and his family.

“You can’t be having secret financial arrangements,” said Mark W. Bennett, a retired federal judge appointed by President Bill Clinton.

Bennett said he was friendly with Thomas and declined to comment on the specifics of Thomas’ actions for the record.

But he said that he wouldn’t let his lawyer friends buy him lunch when he was on the bench.

While the approximately 3,000 people in attendance at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner and countless others watching on C-SPAN enjoyed Wood’s humorous but valid bit, many have Continued on page 5

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Justice Thomas received more inappropriate, unreported gifts from GOP mega-donor

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent At last month’s White House Correspondents Association Dinner, The Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood, Jr. delivered a hilarious takedown of a U.S. Supreme Court justice.

Perhaps Woods’ monologue came a bit too soon after new disclosures have revealed more hidden gifts provided to Justice Clarence Thomas from Republican mega-donor Harlan Crow.

Pro Publica reported that Crow paid a $6,000 a month tuition bill for Thomas’ grandnephew Mark Martin to attend the private boarding school, Hidden Lake Academy, in northern Georgia in 2008.

Thomas recently revealed that he’d been raising Martin “as a son” while the justice and his wife, Ginny, lived in the District of Columbia.

“Harlan picked up the tab,” Christopher Grimwood, a former administrator at the school, told the outlet.

He said Crow paid Martin’s tuition the entire time he was a student there, which was about a year.

Grimwood said he

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Editorials www.pridepublishinggroup.com Nashville’s most beloved Addressing the ‘real need’ in ‘real time’ home girl, continues to talked to people in

by Ben Jealous As someone who’s every region of the been organizing since I country in the last five make us proud was a teenager, I can months. Many continPage 4

by William T. Robinson, Jr. Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul, former talk show host, television producer, best-selling author, accredited actress and philanthropist graced her alma mater, Tennessee State University May 6 as the commencement speaker. There is not enough paper to mention all the awards and accolades that have been bestowed upon her. Winfrey’s accomplishments and humanity know no bounds.

Her return as commencement speaker eliminated any thoughts from those who love her dearly that she had forgotten about TSU, which holds her in the highest esteem.

Her presence was likening to a homecoming or adding the icing on a freshly baked cake.

Oprah cannot begin to imagine how much she is loved and respected by TSU and Nashville, especially the Black community. Many would argue that she is probably Nashville’s biggest export, showing the world what true excellence and achievement looks like. She represents the epitome of what a graduate of an HBCU can be. Her influence nationally and internationally is legendary. When Oprah speaks, everyone listens.

While extremely humble and down to earth, she is a no nonsense person prompting our youth to be the best they can be, regardless of their situation.

She is not one for manifesting exaggerated rhetoric. Winfrey represents action and serves as an example speaking for itself. She resonates hope, hard work, and belief in oneself that cannot be compromised or diluted by naysayers or haters.

She has shown herself to unapologetically be

Nashville PRIDE

William T. Robinson, Jr. Black, showing deference to those who paved the way and whose shoulders we, as African Americans, stand on.

Oprah’s message to the graduating class included being true to oneself and not letting fear hold you prisoner from accomplishing your goals. She warned against being an imposter to what you truly are meant to be, emphasizing embracing hope over fear. She dared the graduates to dream big and follow the spiritual voice within as a guide that is needed to navigate through this challenging world with its plethora of controversial issues.

She emphasized practicing love and empathy and manifesting it daily in your life. She emphatically attributed her success to listening to her inner voice and God’s grace. She reminded the students that those who came before had paid their debt and the graduates needed to be successful to show their appreciation.

Oprah praised the two Tennessee African American lawmakers, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, for upholding the legacy of giants like John Lewis by using their lives to prove the cynics wrong.

She said it was up to the youth of today to follow their inner voices to bring about necessary, much needed change.

Oprah’s speech was not just for the graduating class, but served as inspi-

ration and motivation for all those in attendance.

She offered wisdom, hope, motivation, and guidance—sprinkled with penetrating love. It would be hard to imagine a better role model for our Black youth, especially Black girls, looking for a positive example to emulate. She debunks all the negative stereotypes falsely attributed to African Americans, truly showing us what a real diamond looks like.

Words cannot come close to describing what Oprah means to African Americans. She is a beautiful, intelligent, spiritual, highly profiled, benevolent Black woman making a monumental difference inspiring others and making this world a better place. And yes, undoubtedly, this world is a better place because of Oprah, who shows us that one person can make a difference. Her spiritdriven benevolence and philanthropy has made a difference in countless lives and should serve as an example for many of her wealthy peers.

TSU and other HBCUs would like to thank Oprah for showing the world what excellence looks like. She exemplifies the importance of why HBCUs are so necessary. They are institutions catapulting students to learn their true history, love for themselves and others and aim for excellence—with an unprecedented challenge and goal to go serve and give back to their communities.

A point to remember: In light of Tennessee’s majority-led Republican legislature’s attack on TSU, an attack against TSU is an attack against its alumni like Oprah Winfrey and its other luminous graduates. But they have teeth and can bite if necessary.

haitian awareness is the ‘spirit of rebellion’

by Julianne Malveaux (TriceEdneyWire.com) – My maternal grandfather was Haitian. I didn't know him well; he died when I was about six. I don't remember whether he smoked a pipe or a cigar, but I remember the smell of smoke clinging to him on the few occasions I sat in his lap. I remember him trying to teach my siblings and me a few patois words. I don't know anything about my Haitian relatives because Pappa Jimmy, as we called him, never spoke of them. But whenever I hear news of Haiti, I feel an affinity, a connection, and I revel in Haitian history.

When I told a friend about my Haitian grandfather, he said: "That explains it." What? I asked. He said that Haitians are fighters, reminding me of the formerly enslaved Haitians who beat the stuffing out of the so-called ‘great’ Gen. Napoleon Bonaparte, repelling his ‘mighty’ armies. That victory has shaped U.S. land acquisition and foreign policy even now. The slaveholding President Thomas Jefferson doubled the size of the United States with his Louisiana Purchase when the United States acquired 828,000 miles of land west of the Mississippi River for a mere $15 million. Why was France so willing to sell? Self-emancipated Black folks were kicking the stuffing out of the ‘great’ Napoleon in an uprising that lasted decades. Napoleon needed money, Jefferson needed land, and both wanted to contain Black rebels and ensure their rebellion did not spread to the United States.

Haiti paid the price for its self-determination, and was ordered to pay France ‘reparations’ for its independence. The payments

crippled the Haitian economy and set the tone for the continuous exploitation of the island. France extracted $30 billion from Haiti, and we can hardly project how Haiti might be different if it had never had to make those predatory payments.

Most people don’t know about the role France paid in the political instability and violence Haiti experiences today.

Even fewer know of the role the United States played in the exploitation of Haiti or in the ways that the Haitian Revolution (which lasted from 17911804) played in the restrictive and exploitive laws the United States imposed on enslaved people, as they were fearful that enslaved people in the United States might emulate their Haitian brothers and sisters, rebelling against their oppressors much as Haitian revolutionaries did.

May is Haitian Heritage Month, but the mainstream media seems to have ignored this salient fact. Instead, there is a celebration in one town or another, a parade hidden in the back pages of the local press. May should be the month when we are reminded of our role in the violence on that turbulent island. Gangs have taken over the urban streets, but where did the gangs get guns? Guns are not manufactured in Haiti, so they must come from somewhere, probably the United States. Our nation's gun manufacturers are profiting from Haiti's pain, just as they are profiting from the pain victims of mass shootings are experiencing.

While I hesitate to throw a ‘pity party’ to compare suffering in one country to suffering in another, I cannot help but contrast the overwhelming support for Ukraine

Julianne Malveaux with the minimal support for the Haitian people.

Even when our nation rushed to support Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, when millions sent dollars, there were questions about who administered them and where they were directed. It is doubtful that even half of those dollars trickled down to the Haitian people.

Ibi Zoboi, a Haitian American New York Times bestselling author (her most recent book is Nigeria Jones, Harper Collins, 2023), reminds me that there are triumphant stories in Haiti that transcend the everpresent headlines around violence and disruption.

She speaks of the energy and spirit of those in rural Haiti who never make the headlines. She reminds me of former Haitian Ambassador to the United States, Paul Altidor, who often regaled me with stunning descriptions of Haiti outside Port-auPrince, where much of the violence is concentrated.

If no one else in the United States celebrates Haitian Heritage Month, African Americans must.

The Haitian revolution sowed the seeds for our own uprisings and slave rebellion. It also reminds us of the power of predatory capitalism, a power we must consistently resist. And it must tap into the spirit of the Haitian rebellion that took France down, defeating its most powerful general. If our foremothers and forefathers could do that, what might we do?

I am grateful for my Haitian heritage and for the brother who reminded me of where I get some of my rebellious spirit from.

tell you that it’s hard to get people to focus on two things at one time.

Pick a real need and work on it in real time—that’s the way to win people over.

We saw this play out when President Biden announced he would seek re-election.

Considering the record, Biden’s presidency has been a consequential one. Employment is as high as before COVID. While inflation is higher than in recent memory, it’s basically a third of what it was last June.

He’s made mistakes around supporting fossil fuels drilling, but President Biden has attacked the three things driving the climate crisis: vehicles, methane and power plants.

And he has time to finish the job, as he said in his last State of the Union Address by curbing further fossil fuel expansion.

So why was a common response to his announcement handwringing about an ‘enthusiasm gap’ among key voting groups, i.e., Blacks, Hispanics and young people? The White House can’t seem to cut through the clutter to convince people it has solved a ‘real need’ in ‘real time,’ even when it has.

The real need for many continues to be economic stability. I’ve

ue to feel the only economic mobility slopes downward. It’s something that President Biden and Congress actually have done something about. made They’ve unprecedented commitments to spend hundreds of billions to take a giant step toward keeping the Earth cool enough to stay livable.

It’s our generation’s equivalent of the Apollo moon missions. The changes will happen over a decade, their benefits may take even longer to see.

But there will be immediate impacts, and that’s what is giving people the solution they need, including: incentives for school systems to buy electric school buses, and families to buy electric SUVs, resulting in jobs; home energy efficiency programs, resulting in jobs; tax credits for private sector investment in clean energy, resulting in jobs.

The one thing we need to bring attention to and to protect are the jobs that come from reshaping the economy from destruction to renewal. They are good-paying jobs that in many cases don’t require a college education, the kind of jobs that have made the American middle class flourish. They employ mechanics, construction workers, electri-

May 12, 2023

Ben Jealous cians, technicians, and people to support their work. And whether it’s the most dollars invested, or most jobs created, the states benefitting are among the ‘reddest’ politically.

It makes sense that flipping the economy in this way would be a growth engine. The biggest subsidy our country ever gave private industry was allowing it to designate certain places and certain people disposable.

Poverty is what has always driven people to trade the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the land they love for a paycheck that feeds and houses them and their families. Turning that past on its head will create a lasting prosperity, one that doesn’t count on fuels extracted from under another country.

Opinion research makes clear that Americans care about the environment and will vote to protect it. They care about jobs more.

For those of us fighting to reverse the climate crisis and leave a healthier, safer planet to our children, from the White House to a local rally, we must show people that a cleaner economy tomorrow brings jobs they want today.

Purging the voice and will of the people

by David W. Marshall (TriceEdneyWire) – Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, or Independent, President Joe Biden needs to be reelected regardless of whether you like him.

During the 2020 presidential election, many people voted for Biden simply because he was not Donald Trump. The upcoming election in 2024 looks to be a rematch between Biden and Trump, with the risks and consequences being much greater than before. While we often encourage voters to be informed and objective concerning election issues and candidates, the United States has never had a presidential party nominee indicted in a criminal case or one who publicly suggested that all rules, regulations, and articles within the Constitution be terminated. Normally, those two issues alone would be enough negative baggage to prevent any candidate from being considered a viable party nominee.

The Republican Party of today is not what they claim to be, placing the nation at risk. In accepting Trump as the presumptive party nominee, the GOP is knowingly choosing a person who was twice impeached, disrespected veterans, POWs, women, minorities, mocked the disabled, dishonored a ‘Gold Star’ family, discredited the CIA, cheated vendors, perpetuated the birther conspiracy, is tied to past tax evasion fraud, a Trump University scam, union busting, housing discrimination, multiple bankruptcies, White supremacy, colluding with Russia, and nepotism, not to mention several pending investigations and a civil rape trial.

With all of Trump’s personal and political baggage, he remains a powerful force due to the many Republican enablers covering for him from their elected offices and the MAGA voters who see him as their cultural war champion.

Harris County, with its population of nearly five million people, is the largest county in Texas and the third most populous county in the nation.

Its county seat is Houston, the largest city in the state and the fourth largest in the nation. Houston has become the most diverse city in the country. While the number of people in Harris County who identify as non-Hispanic White declined by nearly three percent, all other racial groups (including Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives) increased. The changing demographics, along with the shifting electoral landscape of Harris County, is what scares the GOP. This once Republican stronghold, which now leans reliably Democratic, could turn Texas from red to blue in future presidential elections. Without Texas’ 38 votes in the Electoral College, the Republicans would be hard-pressed to win any future presidential elections without winning Texas.

Like 2020, the next presidential election is not about free and fair elections. The Texas Republican-controlled Senate passed a bill allowing the secretary of state to redo elections in Harris County, where several Democratic candidates gained strong midterm results.

The Democratic candidate edged out the closely contested race for Harris County judge, the highest position in the county.

The bill applies to all counties with a population over 2.7 million, of which there is only one, Harris County. If the House passes the bill and Gov. Greg Abbott signs it, the party claiming to be about free and fair elections has provided a builtin contingency if the 2024 election results in Texas fail to go their way.

It is safe to say that had Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams won her race for governor of Georgia, the legislation known as SB92 would never have been signed. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed the legislation that will create an oversight commission with the power to remove local prosecutors and district attorneys from their jobs. The measure comes as Fani Willis, a Democrat serving as the Fulton

County district attorney, Donald investigates Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. A special purpose grand jury has already recommended indictments in the matter, and Willis has said if there are charges, they would be announced this summer. Willis has opposed the legislation, warning that it would be “dangerous” to undo decisions made by voters.

“This bill was never deemed necessary until a historic thing happened in 2020. And let’s just talk about it and tell the truth,” said Willis, who testified before the Judiciary Committee of the Georgia Senate and criticized the bill as “racist,” noting earlier this year that Republicans were pushing the measure after the number of minority district attorneys grew from five to 14 in 2020. Now that Republicans can remove a district attorney, will they retaliate if Trump is charged with a crime?

The Republicans are not the party of law and order when they constantly refuse to address the nation’s gun violence by supporting a responsible assault weapon ban. The country experienced another mass shooting, with eight victims killed in an Allen, Texas, mall.

The GOP was not the party of patriotism when the Republican National Committee censured the two House Republicans who participated on the House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 attack.

Republicans are not the party of jobs creation when their proposed legislation to address the debt ceiling crisis includes eliminating over 100,000 American manufacturing jobs in the clean energy industry. Many of the jobs are in red states.

If there is one word that describes the mindset of GOP leadership, that word would be purge.

They are positioning themselves to purge votes, purge elected officials they disagree with, purge jobs, and remove the written history of Black Americans. The only way to effectively respond is to do our purging at the ballot box in numbers that cannot be disputed.

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

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

May 12, 2023

Continuations

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Nashville PRIDE

LKY SUNZ announces bid to Justice Thomas... from page 3 realized that when it trips around the world Do you understand how comes to Justice “like an Instagram rich you have to be to compete in FiA Formula One Clarence Thomas, the model” on Crow’s dime. buy a Supreme Court jokes on the American “Billionaires always Justice? A Black one on World Championship by the people. come up with something top of that. There’s only In the brutally funny new to buy,” Woods two in stock and Harlan monologue, Wood roast- joked. “[Crow] bought a Crow owns half the 2025/2026 season ed Thomas for taking Supreme Court justice. inventory.”

LKY SUNZ, a new entertainment and youth culture-focused motorsports team, has secured significant investment from Legends Advocates Sports Group, a USbased sports fund, alongside investment from Asian private individuals and corporates in support of their bid to join the FIA Formula One World Championship. The racing team will submit its application before the FIA's deadline in May and aims to be on the grid for the 2025/2026 season.

LKY SUNZ will become wholly operational outside of Europe, with its base in South East Asia, whilst forging close links to inner city communities across North America, Asia and Africa. This demonstrates the team's commitment to providing underrepresented communities opportunities in motorsports.

The founding members are experienced in operating across multiple territories and have a track record of building businesses in sports, including racing and Formula One. LKY SUNZ will be led by CoBenjamin founder Durand, a motorsports veteran who will take up the role of Chief Executive Officer. The other founders include Chair-

Chris Miles man, Paul Fleming, who brings over two decades of business experience professional across motorsport, real estate and financial services. In addition, Co-founder Andrew Pyrah takes the role of Chief Commercial Officer, adding a wealth of expertise across sports, events and entertainment.

Benjamin Durand, CEO of LKY SUNZ, commented: "We are excited to see our investors share our vision of fusing youth culture and racing to create a team that will disrupt Formula One. The sport's popularity has grown exponentially and every current stakeholder in the sport has been responsible for that, but our guiding principle is to bring something different into the sport to appeal to new audiences.

By being the only team operating outside the traditional F1 corri-

dors and developing bespoke programmes to attract talent from underrepresented communities, we can bring a diversity of thought yet to be seen in Formula One. "We of course aim to be competitive on the track, but we also commit to entertaining fans off the track. To support our plans, we have already onboarded an impressive team of motorsport executives, music and entertainment industry experts and creatives who will help bring this vision to life."

LKY SUNZ will build a state-of-the-art net zero green energypowered factory complex in South East Asia by 2025/2026. Initially, their race cars will be built and assembled at a European base. Chris Miles, Founder of Starting Grid, Inc. and Global Motorsports Marketing Advisor to the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN), an advocacy mechanism to amplify the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, will assist LKY SUNZ to forge pathways underrepresented for communities within the many facets of motorsports industry through its academies and educaprogrammes. tional www.lkysunz.com

California panel... from page 3 assembly member, authored legislation creating the task force to address the state’s historical culpability for African American harms, not as a substitute for federal reparations.

The task team initially limited reparations to descendants of 19th-century enslaved or free Black individuals.

As reparations for African Americans have had uneven success elsewhere, the group’s work has received national

attention.

Black residents in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, recently received housing vouchers as reparations, but few reportedly used them.

A bill to acknowledge the inhumanity of slavery in New York and form a panel to investigate reparations proposals has cleared the Assembly but not the Senate.

A decades-old federal proposal to form a

reparations panel for African Americans has stalled in Congress.

Oakland City Council member Kevin Jenkins called the California task group “a powerful example” of what can happen when people work together.

“I am confident that through our collective efforts,” said Jenkins, “we can significantly advance reparations in our great state of California and, ultimately, the country.”

Jobless rate... from page 1 After Black women reached a historic low in joblessness in March, their unemployment rate slightly increased, according to a jobs report.

Overall, the rate of

joblessness in the United States has fallen to its lowest point in half a century, at 3.4%.

The rate includes White workers, and their rate fell one-tenth of a percentage point, reach-

ing 3.1%.

Bharat Ramamurti, the deputy director of the White House National Economic Council, referred to it as “an incredible milestone.”

New airline rules... from page 1 Airlines frequently offer travel vouchers instead of refunds.

After significant flight cancellations last summer, the Transportation Department launched an online dashboard to urge airlines to improve customer service.

On the dashboard, passengers can check cancellations and refund policies.

Each of the 10 top U.S. airlines promptly committed to pay cash or vouchers for meals when a cancellation requires passengers to

wait at least three hours for another trip.

All but Frontier Airlines pledged to pay for overnight lodgings for stranded travelers.

After Southwest Airlines canceled roughly 17,000 flights in December, questions about reimbursement surfaced again. Southwest’s overbooking remains under investigation by the Transportation and Justice departments.

The Transportation Department is working with carriers to avoid cancellations and delays this summer when air

traffic could break precoronavirus pandemic records.

Last month, an audit by the Government Accountability Office found that airlines were responsible for numerous flight cancellations.

However, the Federal Aviation Administration’s technology outages and staff shortages have also contributed to flight disruptions.

The FAA told airlines to reduce flights at major New York airports this summer due to a lack of air traffic controllers.

Senate Democrats... from page 1 guns for individuals who are at a high risk of harming themselves or others.

On Wednesday, Lee signed school safety legislation into law that according to Gov. Lee will “increase funding in the Fiscal Year 23-24 budget to place an armed School Resource Officer

(SRO) at every Tennessee public school, boost physical school security at public and private schools, and provide additional mental health resources for Tennesseans.”

Tennesseans are invited to engage in the conversation in advance of the special section by

sharing feedback <stateoftennessee.formstack .com/forms/specialsession_public_safety>.

Gov. Lee will meet with legislators, stakeholders and Tennesseans throughout the summer to discuss practical solutions ahead of the special session.

Donald Trump... from page 1 made to cover up a sexual relationship with porn star Stormy Daniels.

Trump was the first former president to be criminally indicted.

Congress impeached him twice during his presidency, an unprecedented disgrace in American history.

Carroll, a wellknown columnist, alleged that Trump raped her in the mid1990s at the Bergdorf Goodman department store.

Trump slandered Carroll by denying the allegation, indicating she fabricated it to boost book sales and claiming she was not his type.

Trump has denied all the allegations.

Under the New York Adult Survivors Act, enacted in May 2022, survivors of sexual offenses may file a civil complaint against a perpetrator for damages even if the statute of limitations has expired, so long as they can also demonstrate that the offense qualifies as a sex

crime.

Carroll’s legal team presented eleven witnesses in seven trial days, including the author herself.

Earlier in the trial, the jury viewed portions of Trump’s October 2017 videotaped deposition for this case.

Trump vehemently denied Carroll’s rape allegations, claiming they were baseless and that he did not know Carroll.

In addition, he asserted that Carroll was not his type and had the right to disparage women who falsely accused him.

During the trial, former news anchor Carol Martin testified that Carroll confided in her immediately following the incident.

Martin informed the jury that the two friends had finished recording their respective programs and that Carroll had requested to visit Martin’s home close to the studio. Martin stated that Carroll was “agitat-

ed” during their hourlong conversation in her kitchen.

Carroll’s “effect was anxious and agitated, but she can be that way on occasion, so it wasn’t all that unusual, but what she was saying initially made no sense.”

Martin recalled that Carroll began her story by saying, “You won’t believe what happened to me the other night.”

Martin reported that Carroll told her she did not wish to report the incident and urged her to remain silent.

However, Martin stated that she regretted advising her friend and colleague not to report the incident, although Carroll had disclosed the alleged rape to another associate.

Martin testified, “I am not proud; this is what I told her.”

“I’m here because I want to reiterate and remember what my friend E. Jean Carroll told me 27 years ago. I believed it then, and I believe it today.”

howard University... from page 3 guest and recognize him for his relentless work uplifting our communities that have been historically left behind.

“I look forward to honoring President Biden, our honorary degree recipients, and graduating seniors at the Commencement Convocation.”

Biden was the first of four children born to Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden and Joseph Robinette Biden,

Sr., in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The Biden family relocated to Claymont, Delaware, in 1953.

Biden attended the University of Delaware and Syracuse University School of Law and served on the New Castle County Council.

The Wilmington, Delaware, Amtrak station bears Biden’s name.

The president was among the youngest individuals ever elected

to the United States Senate at age 29.

At 80, Biden has confirmed his candidacy for re-election, and a victory would make him the oldest elected president in American history.

Harris became the first African American and female vice president. Biden would be the seventh incumbent U.S. president to deliver Howard’s commencement speech.

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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.

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.

Page 6

Nashville PRIDE

Pastor, Pew, & Pulpit www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Faith of A Mustard Seed

by Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. the Revisiting 'Experience' component of theology, I turn to the 'Conversion Experience', so very personal in nature that the old spiritual says it best— "You don't know what the Lord told me... You don't know, you wasn't there.

You can't say when and you can't say where..."

Notable for word study is the concept 'strepho' which in scripture has the meaning 'to turn'; 'to twist'; 'to bend'; 'to change'. It is used in the Old Testament to refer to inner conversion through suffering or fear. After anointing Saul for the Kingship, he is told by Samuel that the Spirit of the Lord would grip him and he would be changed into another man.

Several forms of 'strepho' are used in scripture, here most notably two: 'apostrepho' (apostacy)— 'to turn away from; 'to turn aside'; 'to turn back'; 'to reject', and 'epistrepho'— 'to turn one's attention to'; 'to pay regard to'; 'to be intentive'; 'to turn one's heart to'; 'to take up a matter'. Key to the root and most all forms of this word is conscious action. It places this experience time and time again in the very heart of faith as the action relates directly to God. Turning away or turning towards God establishes a relationship that effects how the individual will subsequently experience life and the world in which he lives.

Most recalled in

Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. preaching are the conversion experiences of Isaiah and Paul. this single experience of a person's life is spoken of by the worlds greatest theologians as one that so alters, so turns, so twists, so changes the individual's life that 'they will never be the same again!'

The 'knowledge/revelation' gained by this experience dictates all future actions on the part of the 'changed man'. The world view of the indiis turned vidual towards truth— in seeking, in living and in propagation.

My birth Church used to sing a song that had an amazing level of participation. They sang— "Oh, oh, oh, oh somebody touched me!

(3 times) And it must have been the hand of The Lord." Then they sang a verse for each day of the week— "it was on a Monday when somebody touched me! (3 times) And it must have been the hand of The Lord."

Individuals would stand up for the Monday chorus and others would join those standing as each day was called. I remem-

ber wondering if and when I was supposed to stand. I knew that whatever they were singing about was so important, so special that each person remembered the very day that it happened to them.

The late Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery became that Preacher who would “Call to the America Mourner’s Pew. The “Mourner’s Pew, the Bench”.

Mourner’s The restoration of some of the most important traditions of the Church must be had. We are into a generation where individuals on a nonsense whim, seek to bring down traditions that were instrumental to the vitality of family and community —glue that held together societal life.

The Mourner’s Pew, the very first Pew in the Church where individual’s whose live were in trouble and distress could find rest for the weary soul. The thing is that it is the one place where you could Sunday after sit, Sunday, or night after night of Revival... ‘til you received the Power of God, Jesus, and/or The Holy ‘Ghost’ for conversion! inner ‘That Part’ that so alters, so turns, so twists, so changes your life that 'you will never be the same again!'

Experiencing God in such a way that your life is 'born again!"

New Life!

NEW BIRTHDAY! Jesus says that every person MUST have one!

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expressions of Faith Show me your way

by Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. “In the day of my trouble I will call [cry] upon thee [out to the]: for you will answer me.

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; neither are there any works like your works. All nations that you have made shall come and worship before thee, Lord; and all shall glorify your name,” Psalm 86:7.

Sometimes our trouble or pain is so great that all we can do is cry out to God and ask God to preserve our soul or to protect us. When we feel so poor and needing relief, all we can do is acknowledge the greatness of God and wait on Him for better days to come.

When you talk about God's greatness, it's a personal encounter for our lives. It isn't enough to acknowledge what God is doing or has done in our lives, but the fact that there is no one like Him. His words and actions have made worldwide impact since the beginning of creation.

In Psalm 66:4, the psalmist calls on the whole earth to worship the Lord. To worship means to bow down and to acknowledge God for everything.

This is why we take time each day to think of Him and thank Him for another opportunity live a life of praise and worshiping Him. His greatness is His awesomeness.

1) There is nothing or no one higher in the universe. He is ruler of all.

2) God is sovereign.

3) God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23).

We are impacted by His greatness. It speaks of His absolute rule over all things, His endless resources, His unimaginable power to do as He pleases and for whomever He pleases. He is a

Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. king of all, and the One who upholds us.

This is why all nations shall come and worship Him and glorify His name.

All the nations you have made will come and bow down before you, Lord, and will honor your name.

God promises not to save the nations, but to save His people out of the nations and make them grate.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord Yahweh. The people He has chosen as His heritage,” Psalm 33:12.

“Lord you are great, and you do wondrous things. You are God alone,” Psalm 86:10.

“I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart I will glorify your name for evermore.

For great is your mercy towards me: you have delivered my soul from the lowest depths of hell.

You are a caring God and we give you reverence, our whole heart appreciates you with honor and glory. In my life you protect me. In this life we will show You our loyalty in everything we do. We will reverence you with our whole heart, with our works, in our relationship, and with our giving. Our desire is to keep your will. We will walk and live in your truth.

We long to be in your presence reaching up to you for your almighty power and your infinite [covenant] love.

“For great is your mercy toward me. Whatever I am your mercy is most noticeable, visible, evident, easily seen, clear, and recognizable.

You have delivered my soul from the lowest hell. From the direst death you have kept me.

You have delivered from my enemies who would have done more than send me to hell had they been able but you block it and you would not let it be so. You are God and I will sing with a joyful note [sound] to you for you have kept me alive to do your will. Thank you for doing for me for you have done it before and I know that you will do it again. The proud [arrogant] are risen up against me, and ruthless men, violent men have sought kill me, to come for my soul; they will not let You guide them, but You came to my rescue,” Psalm 86:12-14.

“But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did. Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. David knew that the evil negated the goodness of God. God is full of compassion, and graciousness, long suffering and abundant in mercy and truth despite of the pride and the violence of men. Because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me,” Psalm 86:15-17. Once again David bases his current expectation on God's help. Every past experience of God's goodness to us is a promise of His continued blessing. David asked the Lord to remember His covenant promise with him. God, you are trustworthy. So I pray unto you for your instructions and inspiration for my life. I'm thankful, I will live in the faith, hope, and love.

We praise God for His blessings as we are calling on Him in the time of trouble.

May 12, 2023

Faithful Utterances Sweep around your own front door before you try to sweep around mine

by Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew I’ve noticed a trend.

There is a mom influencer who was blasted because of her choice to travel and leave her kids with her spouse. She received messages criticizing her, labeling her as a bad mother.

Frequently online, individuals are judged by strangers for their choices. This doesn’t just happen online, but I met a stranger who felt compelled to share their thoughts on something personal they knew nothing about but felt the need to give advice that was unsolicited.

In all of these situations, people make without assumptions really knowing people, having the full story, and an understanding of the true context. I see this play out increasingly with individuals who proclaim they are followers of Christ. We make the mistake of assuming people live in the world the way that we do. When others choose different paths and don’t follow what we do, instead of choosing to learn more and understand, our tongues and fingers become of mass weapons destruction.

I’ve never seen a person change the way they live or change their beliefs from being belittled, interrogated, or put down. If anything, people become defensive and become more resolute in their decisions and behaviors. As a society, we have become so quick to judge others and feel that our opinions actually matter to strangers (Proverbs 15:1-2). The energy expended in criticizing the lives and decisions of others could be used

to better our lives and conditions.

I find that people who are often so determined to ‘get others told’ fail to see their own shortcomings.

They don’t take the time to self-reflect. Maybe the reason why they are so willing to critique others is because they are unwilling to face their own mess. The Bible is noticeably clear on the need for introspection.

“How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye,” Matthew 7:35, NIV. What would happen if more people focused on becoming a better version of themselves daily? What would happen if we gave grace to others—the same grace we desire when we make a mistake or miss the mark? It’s important that we take the time to self-examine before we point fingers at others.

As believers, we cannot profess the word of God (which is rooted in love) and forget what God commands in how we treat others. “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be

Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew blessed in what he does,” James 1: 23-25.

We cannot talk about God’s forgiveness of our sins, put others on blast, and conveniently forget our mess. Matthew 18:23-34 is a parable that Jesus shares that is a reminder that the same judgement we apply to others will be applied to us. This week, instead of finding fault in others, take the time to invest in becoming a better you.

Ask God to “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life,” Psalm 139:23-24. Make it a priority to ask God to direct your life. If this becomes your focus, you won’t have time to look at what other people are doing (or are not doing.)

Decide to take the plank out of your eye before commenting on the speck in someone else’s and don’t forget to sweep around your front door first.

(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

May 12, 2023

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Nashville PRIDE

CeCe Winans named Brave New Works at Belmont inaugural OZ Arts May 18-20 Artist-in-Residence

CeCe Winans and 250,000 church worship Best-selling most-awarded female services. gospel artist of all time Belmont President CeCe Winans will part- Dr. Greg Jones said: with Belmont “Cece Winans is a forner University as an Artist- mer trustee, a parent of in-Residence in the fall two Belmont alumni and of 2023. As part of her longstanding friend of residency, Winans will Belmont University. She perform at Belmont’s has always been comFisher Center for the mitted to pouring into Performing Arts on the lives of our students September 15 on her and informing their jourBelieve For It Tour. In neys here at Belmont addition to the concert, and beyond. I am thrilled select Belmont students at the opportunity this will have the opportuni- residency presents to our ty to attend soundcheck campus community to and participate in a ques- lean into her knowledge tion and answer session and experience as an the world- award-winning artist, with renowned artist who has but also her kindness sold more than 17 mil- and integrity as an indilion albums worldwide. vidual.”

Winan’s residency at As a part of the resiBelmont also includes a dency, Winans will also Chapel Service and spend time engaging other unique and mean- with members of the ingful opportunities for Belmont community at interactions with stu- campus events and other dents. special opportunities The third single throughout the Fall. released from Winans’ Chaz Corzine, execu2021 Believe For It live tive director of the album, ‘Goodness of Fisher Center for the God,’ has topped 200 Performing Arts, said: million U.S. streams, “Cece’s upcoming in148 million video views, residence status is such a 110 million TikTok meaningful opportunity views and is #1 on for students: to learn CCLI’s Top 100 chart from and interact with measured from over an artist of her distinc-

tion.

She has inspired millions with her inspirational performances. It’s a tremendous honor that this artist who has performed for world leaders will be using her gifting to pour into students here at Belmont. We often refer to the Fisher Center as the largest classroom on campus, and we are honored to host such an industry giant.”

Her mantel today holds a staggering 15 Grammy Awards, 23 Dove Awards and 15 Stellar Awards. Her accolades include being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and receiving stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Nashville Music City Walk of Fame. In addition to named a being Trailblazer of Soul by BMI and garnering multiple NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Awards and ESSENCE Awards, this music pioneer continues to break through barriers.

During Belmont’s on Commencement May 6, Saturday, University President Dr. Greg Jones awarded Winans with an honDoctor of orary University degree for her impact on both and the Belmont Nashville Community.

Honorary degrees have been presented by American colleges and universities since 1962 in recognition of scholarly and creative attainments, as well as for meritorious humanitarian service. Belmont is selective in bestowing this award as the highest honor presented by the university.

Tickets to the Sept.

15 concert event can be purchased at <thefishercenter.com>.

See Brave New Works artists, Top L-R: Gabrielle Saliba’s company of Ride; Sangeetha Ekambaram; and Joi Ware; Bottom L-R.: Eboné Amos; Clay Steakley; and Becca Hoback.

By Cass Teague OZ’s focus on produc- themes of transformaOZ Arts Nashville ing and presenting the tion and rebirth in this celebrates local inno- work of local artists alluring performance. vation and creativity who reflect the city’s With evocative prowith its Second Annual diverse society, utilize jected imagery by digiBrave New Works Lab, new artistic forms and tal artist Juniper Thursday, May 18 technology in creative McGerald, it also feathrough Saturday, May ways, and provide tures pianist / conduc20. Four teams of dar- opportunities for mean- tor Jennifer Quammen ing Nashville artists, ingful eng-agement Mc-Guire, vocalist selected from over 50 with audiences.

Bakara Nkenge-Hinds, proposals, will preBrave New Works actor Ashley Wolfe, miere original new Lab Performances are and dancer Emma works for a bold as follows: Thursday, Morrison. evening of short-form May 18 at 8:00 p.m.; Eboné Amos | Girl, performances featuring Friday, May 19 at 8:00 Gurrl, Gworl — “iteradance, theater, music, p.m.; and Saturday, tions of freedom.” Surmultimedia, and inter- May 20 at 8:00 p.m. rounded by ghostly disciplinary collabora- Tickets, general admis- images that evoke contions, including Eboné sion, are $15 and $20, troversial tropes that Amos, Sangeetha and are on sale now at: have haunted generaEkambaram with Joi ozartsnashville.org. tions of Black women, Ware, Gabrielle Saliba, Artist applications incisive writer and choand the team of Clay for the next edition of reographer Eboné Steakley and Becca Brave New Works Lab Amos conjures a wry Hoback. open in the fall of 2023. and immersive theatriThe Brave New For more about upcom- cal experience conWorks Lab is designed ing performances at fronting (mis)represento give local artists an OZ, please visit: tations of Black womopportunity to freely www.ozartsnashville. anhood and the power imagine new creations org. of self-definition as and premiere those The 2023 artist line- resistance. An improworks and works-in- up includes: San- vised jazz piano score progress for curious geetha Ekambaram and by keyboardist Alex audiences. OZ supports Joi Ware’s “Per- ipheral Dolezal and production the artists by providing Convergence.”

The design by Barry Jones them with the resources soaring voice of sopra- set the tone for Amos’ needed to realize their no Sangeetha Ekam- theatrical journey. visions and bring their baram gives life to an Clay Steakley and creative ideas to life in eclectic men-agerie of Becca Hoback’s “The a welcoming and won- art songs, while Joi Fire Cycle: Stone drous space. The Lab Ware’s riveting chore- Sutra.”

Virtuosic aligns directly with ography explores Continued on page 8

2023 Black Music honors Celebrates Black Music Month

By Cass Teague Black music excellence takes center stage as Missy Elliott, SWV, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Jeffrey Osborne, and The Hawkins Family are the honorees for The 2023 Black Music Honors, in celebration of Black Music Month. The 8th Edition of Black Music Honors is cohosted by double Grammy winner LeToya Luckett and comedy staple DeRay Davis. Black Music Honors is an annual event that celebrates the illustrious achievements and exceptional contributions of urban music.

In its 8th celebratory year, Black Music Honors shines a spotlight on revolutionary artists and musicians who have made significant impact on African-American music. The televised special will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, June 3 and air in national broadcast syndication Saturday, June 10 through Sunday, July 2, in tribute to Black Music Month. The show will also air on Bounce TV beginning Monday, June 19.

Produced by Central City Productions, the highly anticipated live taping will take place at the renowned Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Ga. on Friday, May 19. The celebration will be co-hosted by singer and actress LeToya Luckett alongside comedic actor DeRay Davis. Central City Productions launches Stellar Network TV with the premiere of this

LeToya Luckett will co-host the Black Music Honors. years’ Black Music Honors, which pays tribute to the remarkable legacy of black musicians whose enduring greatness has left an indelible mark on the world.

This year's lineup of honorees include some of the most influential names in Black music history, such as hip-hop superstar, songwriterproducer, and cultural icon Missy Elliott; award-winning R&B vocal trio and one of the best-selling female groups of all time SWV; disco superstar vocalist, songwriter, record producer and all-around performer Evelyn "Champagne" King; widely-respected R&B / Soul crooner Jeffrey Osborne; and legendary gospel trailblazers The Hawkins Family.

“Black music is the heartbeat of our culture, and the honorees for this years’ Black Music Honors represent the soul of American music,” says Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson.

“We pay homage to the musical innovators who have paved the way for

future generations. Our tribute performances not only celebrate the honorees of yesterday, but also showcase the influence and impact of their iconic sounds and styles on today's artists with a beautiful symbiosis of past and present.”

A night of unbridled brilliance and pure musical bliss awaits at the 2023 Black Music Honors where exceptional performances, heartfelt speeches and timeless memories will be etched in the hearts of viewers.

The 8th Annual Black Music Honors show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; and Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director. Tickets for the live-taping event are available now at www. blackmusichonors.com or you can purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

Black Music Honors is an annual two-hour event that acknowledges the legendary AfricanAmerican artists who have influenced and made significant musical contributions to AfricanAmerican culture and American music worldwide. Black Music Honors is produced by Chicago-based production company Central City Productions (CCP).

For more information, visit www.blackmusichonors.com and connect on social media @blackmusichonors on Facebook and Instagram or @blackmusichonor on Twitter.

FEB. 24, 2023 - MAY MAY 21, 2023

Photo Credit - Andrew Feiler

FREE Admission 1000 1000 R Rosa osa L. P Parks arks Blv Blvd. d. Nash Nashville, ville, Tennes T Tennessee ennessee

615.741.2692 6 15.741.2692 • TNMuseum.org TNMuseum.org

Page 8

Nashville PRIDE

Health/Education

TSU’S Oprah Winfrey inspires students with powerful commencement address

President Glenda Glover and TSU Alumna Oprah Winfrey enter Hale Stadium for the 2023 Spring Undergraduate Commencement.

by Emmanuel Freeman motivational speech about moving forOprah! Oprah! Oprah! That was ward and how not to let obstacles get the deafening chant that permeated the in our way. She gave her testimony 12,000-seat Hale Stadium on Saturday about the obstacles she faced at TSU as Oprah Winfrey, Tennessee State and how she was able to overcome University’s most famous alumnus, them. I am very blessed to be able to made her triumphant return to her follow in her footsteps being a TSU alma mater as the spring undergradu- alum. I can’t wait to have similar ate commencement speaker. The impact on the world post-graduation.” throng of excited fans poured onto the “This has been a long time coming field trying to touch, get a glimpse of and to top it with Oprah, is mind blowWinfrey, or take selfies with the for- ing,” said Jada Carter, of Milwaukee, mer student who has gone on to gain Wisconsin, who received her degree in fame as a global media leader, philan- accounting. “I am very excited. This thropist, producer, actress and author. feels so unreal. I love to see Oprah.

Oprah’s speech later did not disappoint She is very influential. I really look up as many jubilant graduates, parents, to her. She is a very phenomenal indialumni, and others spoke about being vidual. She gave an outstanding cominspired by one of the most respected mencement speech.” and admired figures in the world.

Jada’s parents, father Henry, and TSU President Glenda Glover, at mom Viola, made the long trek from end of Winfrey’s speech, conferred on Milwaukee to see their daughter walk her the Honorary Doctor of Humane across the stage, but knowing that Letters, as a mark of respect and honor Oprah would be the speaker was an from her university. extra motivation, they said.

“Oprah is really here at my gradua“Tennessee State has been an tion, wow! This is the most exciting incredible opportunity for our daughmoment of my life,” said Lauren ter and bringing back Oprah as the Graves, of Louisville, Kentucky, who speaker for her graduation is incredireceived her degree in social work. “I ble and awesome,” said Viola Carter. think it is awesome to be able to see “It is amazing that she shows the stusomeone as successful as Oprah come dents how many opportunities are back and celebrate and inspire the next available to them. This lets our chilgeneration of successful individuals. It dren know the greatness that they can was an honor to be able to see her become.” today, and to know that I am part of an “Oprah’s commencement speech alumni that include her.” was inspiring and one that will help Kenneth Rolle II, outgoing presi- guide us to our next level of life,” said dent of the Student Government Regina Rogers of Nashville. She Association and urban studies major, earned her degree in arts and science. couldn’t contain his excitement.

“I really love her speech. I am going to “I am motivated and inspired,” he take her speech and apply it to my life said. “Dr. Winfrey just gave a great from here on.”

U.S. Rep. Thompson delivers keynote at graduate commencement United States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, the man who led the congressional investigation into the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, told Tennessee State University graduate school candidates to be aware of forces that are trying to change the course of democracy in the country by twisting facts and reality to suit their personal agendas.

Thompson, a civil rights champion, who represents Mississippi’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, was the keynote speaker at TSU’s graduate commencement.

Now serving his 15th term in Congress, Thompson reminded the graduates to make the best of their education and remember to give back to their institution to ensure its continued growth and success.

“So, for this institution and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities to survive in these turbulent times, you are going to have to support it,” he said. “Some of you

Congressman Bennie G. Thompson delivering the keynote address at TSU’s graduate commencement. will become doctors, lawyers, or whatever, but unless you understand what you are faced with right now and what you need to do in this country it is all for naught—because if graduates don’t come back and help, these institutions are in trouble.”

Class of 2023 graduation dates, locations

Academy of Hickory Hollow, 12 pm, Wednesday, May 17, The Cohn School Academy of Old Cockrill, 9 am, Thursday, May 18, The Cohn School Academy of Opry Mills, 9 am, Wednesday, May 17, Opry Mills Antioch High School, 2 pm, Saturday, May 20, Municipal Auditorium Bass Adult, 1 pm, Tuesday, May 23, Bass Adult School Cane Ridge High School, 6 pm, Saturday, May 20, Municipal Auditorium Cora Howe, 9 am, Friday, May 19, Cora Howe School Early College High School, 6 pm, Friday, May 19, The Cohn School East Nashville Magnet High School, 6 pm, Monday, May 22, Lipscomb University Glencliff High School, 2 pm, Sunday, May 21, Municipal

Auditorium Harris-Hillman, 11 am, Wednesday, May 17, Harris-Hillman School Hillsboro High School, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, May 23, Municipal Auditorium Hillwood High School, 6 pm, Wednesday, May 24, Lipscomb University Hume-Fogg Magnet High School, 2 pm, Wednesday, May 24, Municipal Auditorium Hunters Lane High School, 10 am, Saturday, May 20, Municipal Auditorium Maplewood High School, 6 pm, Wednesday, May 24, Municipal Auditorium Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet School, 6 pm, Wednesday, May 17, Municipal Auditorium McGavock High School, 6 pm, Friday, May 19, Municipal Auditorium MNPS Virtual School, 1 pm, Wednesday, May 24, The Cohn School Nashville Big Picture High School, 1 pm, Monday, May 22, The Cohn School Nashville School of the Arts, 7 pm, Monday, May 22, Grand Ole Opry Overton High School, 6 pm, Thursday, May 18, Municipal Auditorium Pearl-Cohn High School, 6 pm, Tuesday, May 23, Lipscomb University Stratford High School, 6 p.m.

Sunday, May 21, Municipal Auditorium Whites Creek High School, 6 pm, Monday, May 22, Municipal Auditorium

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May 12, 2023

U.S. Surgeon General warns of high cost of loneliness

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent The U.S. surgeon general on Tuesday declared widespread loneliness in the United States the latest public health pandemic, comparing its effects on people’s health to those of smoking a pack of cigarettes every day.

In his 81-page research, Dr. Vivek Murthy found more than half of U.S. residents have felt lonely at some point.

According to Murthy, healthcare experts have concrete proof that loneliness impacts a significant part of the U.S. population, causing sensations akin to hunger and thirst.

“The feeling the body sends us when something we need for survival is missing,” Murthy explained.

He stated that he wants to raise awareness of issues that impact most people and encourage them to speak out instead of enduring silence.

The Surgeon General’s declaration seeks to increase conversations surrounding loneliness, though Murthy doesn’t foresee any legislation or formal federal action ahead.

The declaration noted that, in recent decades, Americans reported feeling lonelier because of their declining involvement in religion, civic groups, and families.

Single-person homes had doubled over the past 60 years but worsened when COVID-19 struck, forcing most Americans to abandon school, workplaces, and social visits.

According to the advisory issued

by Murthy, individual health and the lack of social connection pose a significant risk to one’s longevity.

Among the symptoms, excessive cigarette smoking and death.

The advisory noted that a poor or insufficient social connection has ties to a high disease prevalence, a 29% increase in the risk of heart disease, and a 32% increase in the risk of having a stroke.

The potential for anxiety, depression, and dementia is increased when

an individual is lonely, the advisory cautioned.

Murthy said the lack of social connection may increase susceptibility to viruses and respiratory illnesses.

In older adults, it’s estimated that social isolation leads to more than $6.7 billion in additional Medicaid spending because of extra hospital and nursing facility costs.

The Surgeon General also warned that isolation and loneliness lower academic achievement and worsen performance at work.

Additionally, employers lose about $154 billion each year because of stress-related absences by employees.

“Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis,” Murthy asserted.

“This Surgeon General’s Advisory shows us how to build more connected lives and societies. If we fail to do so, we will pay an ever-increasing price in the form of our individual and collective health and well-being.

“And we will continue to splinter and divide until we can no longer stand as a community or a country.

Instead of coming together to take on the great challenges, we will retreat to our corners—angry, sick, and alone.”

Brave New Works... from page 7 dancer and choreographer Becca Hoback joins forces with expressive musician poet Clay Steakley to create a theatrical performance celebrating the body, community, and compassion.

Their inviting and sublime blend of movement, music, and spoken word is both a resplendent ritual and a winsome reflection on timely anxieties.

Hoback is joined on stage by celebrated local dancers Lenin Fernandez, Spencer Grady, and Phylicia Roybal.

Gabrielle Saliba’s “Ride.” Com-

pelling choreographer Gabrielle Saliba harnesses the collaborative energy and insights of her A-team performers, including Shabaz Ujima, Thea Jones, Richard Harrison, Jr., and Alex Winer, to explore the poetic intersection between turbulent movement and poetic stillness.

Saliba is a Nashville native who has coached and collaborated with some of the region’s most innovative and admired performing artists, serving as a self-described “movement midwife.