Nashville PRIDE May 19, 2023

CNN employees, Republicans pan Trump’s disastrous Town Hall See page 2

ONlY

TSU music business program gives students access to industry executives and artists See page 8

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volume XXXvii, Number 20

People Are Talking White ex-Marine charged with manslaughter in death of Black homeless man

Jordan Neely

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent On the day that the White House has demanded a “thorough investigation” into the murder of a homeless Black man earlier this month on a subway car in New York, the suspect, an ex-Marine will face second degree manslaughter charges.

“We can confirm that Daniel Penny will be arrested on a charge of manslaughter in the second degree,” the Manhattan District Attorney’s office announced in a statement May 11.

While riding the ‘F train’ on May 1, Jordan Neely appeared agitated as he sought food.

Penny inexplicably placed Neely in a chokehold for nearly 15 minutes.

Neely died shortly after the incident, and while police questioned Penny, they released him without charges.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had said he would let a grand jury decide whether to file charges.

“Jordan Neely’s killing was tragic and deeply disturbing,” a White House spokesman said this week, ahead of President Joe Biden’s visit to the Big Apple.

“Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. We firmly believe that the events surrounding his death demand a thorough investigation.”

Neely’s passing sparked protests and a national debate and brought attention to the occasionally harsh and violent treatment of homeless people, particularly those with mental illness.

Advocates and Neely’s supporters expressed anger that police only briefly held Penny and that he has not faced charges.

Penny’s attorneys have defended him despite a national uproar over the incident.

They claim that Neely was the aggressor, and his alleged mental illness exacerbated the situation.

“When Mr. Neely began aggressively threatening Daniel Penny and the other passengers, Daniel, with the help of others, acted to protect themselves until help arrived,” Penny’s lawyers stated.

“Daniel never intended to harm Mr. Neely and could not have foreseen his untimely death.”

Neely’s relatives responded, alleging Penny never helped Neely and didn’t care about him.

According to Neely’s attorneys, Daniel Penny’s press release was not an apology, and the former marine hasn’t expressed regret for his deadly act.

“It is a character assassination and a clear example of why he believed he was entitled to take Jordan’s life.”

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May 19, 2023

President Biden selects Black fighter pilot as next chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Special from Blackmanstreet.Today (TriceEdneyWire.com) – President Joe Biden has named Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Quinton Brown, Jr., a Black Air Force fighter pilot, as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs Staff. He will succeed American Gen. Mark Milley, according to multiple reports.

General Milley is scheduled to retire in October.

If confirmed by the Senate, Brown would become the first Air Force general to hold the position since Gen. Richard Myers stepped down in 2005, and only the fifth airman in the 73year history of the job.

Brown, an F-16 fighter pilot, would bring nearly four decades of military service to the nation’s top military job, including stints as a Pacific and Middle East commander.

He is also the second Black service member to serve as chairman, following Army Gen. Colin Powell, who served as chairman from 1989 to 1993.

After he was commissioned in 1984, Brown served as an instructor at and later still was the commander of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School.

He then led fighter pilots in Italy and South Korea before taking on key positions in major commands at the heart of U.S. national security.

In 2014, Brown was the director of operations for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration for U.S. Air Forces in Europe, shortly after Russia invaded Crimea. From 2015 to 2016, he com-

General Charles Q. Brown (photo: U.S. Air Force/Wikipedia) manded U.S. Air Forces Central as the China in the Pacific.

U.S. and its allies conducted an air Omar Nelson Bradley was the first campaign against the Islamic State Joint Staff chairman from 1949 to group—from 2018 to 2020, he led 1953.

Pacific Air Forces just as the U.S. As chairman of the Joint Chiefs of shifted its strategic focus from coun- Staff, Brown will face both social and terterrorism in the Middle East to deter Continued on page 5

Writers strike – want higher wages, job security, residual pay and more

Writers Guild of America pickets outside or Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California on May 2. The writers are in a labor dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers after their contract expired on May 1. (photo by Maxim Elramsisy, California Black Media)

by Maxim Elramsisy, California Black Media (CBM) – Rae Benjamin, a Los Angeles resident and writer for the Netflix series The Witcher, is among

more than 11,000 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) participating in a strike that has disrupted film and television production.

For almost a week now, writers

have been picketing major studios in Los Angeles and New York City, after failing to reach a new contract agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

The writers’ contracts expired on May 1 and negotiations with the Film and Motion Picture Association (FMPA) have not resulted in an agreement.

“For me, streaming residuals are really important,” said Benjamin, one of the few Black writers in the union.

“Whenever they re-air an episode television writers would get a check based upon that. When network shows were the only options, content was constantly re-aired, and it really rewarded people who worked on a popular show.

You could be making money from that show, years and years later, because it’s in syndication.”

Benjamin says the compensation structure is different for streaming companies like Netflix.

“They refuse to release data on how many people actually watch your shows, even though it’s easy to do.

Continued on page 5

Titans 2023 schedule includes primetime games at Pittsburgh on TNF; Miami on MNF A trip to London, two primetime contests, and some big division games down the stretch highlight the 2023 schedule for the Tennessee Titans.

The team's entire schedule has been released, including the team's three preseason contests.

The Titans open the season on the road with a noon game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 10.

The team's home opener will be the following week, at Nissan Stadium on September 17, against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Continued on page 5

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May 19, 2023

CDC surveillance reveals growing concerns about youth behavior – including on sex

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared information from the Youth Risk Behavior System Surveillance (YRBSS), showing that young Americans face increasing health risks daily.

According to the research, young people are dealing with various difficulties, including mental health, aggression, and poor health practices.

They are also viewing the definition of sex differently.

The CDC released data to identify specific risk factors, develop interventions, and gain the support of families and youth.

Data from around the country revealed that teenagers are battling suicidal ideation, bullying, dating violence, sexual assault, and poor nutrition and exercise habits.

For example, the percentage of children who spent more than two hours a day watching TV or playing video games climbed from 14.9% in

2013 to 55.5% in 2021.

Furthermore, 23.5% of youth got eight or more hours of sleep on a typical school night, and only 21.7% got 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily.

The study found that the percentage of young people who text while driving was also significant, with 47% of young people engaged in the practice.

Regarding mental health and suicide, the statistics revealed that 41.5% of youngsters felt gloomy or despairing nearly every day for two weeks or more, a considerable increase from 33% in 2017.

Female and homosexual, lesbian, and bisexual students were more likely to consider suicide than their male or heterosexual counterparts.

The data show that from 12.6% in 2007 to 6.1% in 2021, fewer young people reported having their boyfriend or girlfriend hit, slap, or physically hurt them.

However, 20.6% of young people received abuse verbally or emotionally from someone they were dating or

According to the research, young people are dealing with various difficulties, including mental health, aggression, and poor health practices. They are also viewing the definition of sex differently. going out with, and 7.7% students.

According to the sur- reduction from three of young people were The trend reportedly vey, 30% of teens in decades before, when physically forced to has continued, unsur- 2021 reported having more than half of kids engage in sexual activity prisingly, in the first sex, down from 38% in Continued on page 5 when they did not want years of the pandemic.

2019 and a significant to.

The YRBSS survey is done at high schools nationwide every other year.

For years, research has shown a fall in the rates of sex among American high school <AC@0<24

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CNN employees, Republicans pan Trump’s disastrous Town Hall

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent For some Republicans, Democrats, and journalists, CNN’s disastrous 70-minute town hall with Donald Trump proved what everyone thought it would be: a desperate network featuring a twiceimpeached, criminally indicted wannabe despot.

The Trump presidential campaign rally, poorly disguised as a town hall, even received criticism from CNN’s own journalists.

“It was an interesting night,” longtime CNN anchor Jake Tapper said.

“Trump’s first lie was told just seconds into the night with his false, familiar claim that the 2020 election was, quote, ‘a rigged election.’”

Tapper wasn’t finished with his criticism.

“And the falsehoods kept coming, fast and furious, about the January 6 insurrection, about the threat to Vice President Pence, about Pence’s ability to overturn the election, about COVID, about the economy, and more.”

The cable network’s media reporter, Oliver Darcy, proved equally disturbed.

“It’s hard to see how America was served by the spectacle of lies that aired on CNN Wednesday evening,” Darcy wrote.

For his part, Trump was as bombastic and dishonest as ever.

He claimed that his long-promised wall on the southern U.S. border was complete, although evidence and the naked eye proved him wrong

**

K'(L K'(L The Trump presidential campaign rally, poorly disguised as a town hall, even received criticism from CNN’s own journalists. long ago.

“That is CNN’s role In addition to re- and responsibility: to get affirming the Big Lie answers and hold the that the 2020 election powerful to account,” was rigged, Trump the statement said. declared that he would MSNBC host Joe pardon many of the con- Scarborough, once a victed rioters who bom- close friend of Trump, barded the U.S. Capitol called the program “a on January 6, 2021. disgraceful performDespite the violence ance.” and the vows of some “I’m constantly tellinsurrectionists to hang ing people not to cataformer Vice President strophize over Trump Mike Pence, Trump that he’s actually going incredulously said dur- to lose because he keeps ing the town hall that drilling down deeper and Pence was never in dan- deeper into his base,” ger.

Scarborough said. “It With Fulton County, was disgraceful on every Georgia, District Attor- level. ney Fani Willis poised to “It showed (I wouldlevel charges against n’t say it’s dangerous for Trump for trying to democracy because we influence the outcome of passed that a long time the 2020 election in the ago) but it showed the Peach State, Trump dou- corrosive effects of bled down on his false Trumpism over eight contentions. years.

He even offered a “The most shocking defense to pressuring the part was an audience secretary of state to who cheered on a presi‘find’ him more votes. dent who tried to over“Yeah, I called ques- turn American democrationing the election,” cy, an audience that Trump stated. “I said, mocked and ridiculed ‘You owe me votes the woman who a jury of because the election was her peers, Donald rigged.’”

Trump’s peers, found Still, CNN released a had been sexually statement praising the assaulted. town hall’s host, Kaitlan “Those Americans, Collins, for her “tough, their last night turned fair, and revealing ques- that into a punchline, tions.”

Continued on page 5

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

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Local

Cancer… My Journey in time Three difficult years

by Wanda Clay “It's been 3 long years of being really sick,” said the Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, in reference to his diagnosis of stage four lung cancer. As he stated, Pastor Fuzz has been really sick during his journey with cancer. Yet, he said that so many people have so much worse health struggles than he does. He said, “It’s hard to imagine how they make it each day.”

The Rev. Fuzz has endured hospital stays weeks at a time that are miserable times; needle sticks at all times of night; hallucinations from medications; pain filled days and nights; pain that medicine doesn’t help; swelling in legs and arms and times when he feels like there is no oxygen is in the air. In addition Rev. Fuzz said, “I remember days when it took over an hour just to simply get dressed.

Three years has been a struggle.” He recalls the times that he

thought the struggle was over only to find that a week later he would be admitted to the hospital for blood clots and “stuff you can't pronounce.”

While his diagnosis is stage four lung cancer, he reflects on the fact that there are other kinds of cancers that are very aggressive and spread through the body in just a few weeks; cancers that chemotherapy doesn’t help; and other diseases that attacks and destroys the body.

Fuzz said, “It's been 3 difficult years that now seem like a bad dream.

But, I realize so many people are worse off than me.” He recalls that the many nightmares of illness has made him more empathetic and that his empathy for illness is much greater after this experience.

While Pastor Fuzz is still in the midst of his journey with cancer, readers are still encouraged to keep praying for Pastor Fuzz in his health and healing. He also realizes

Rev. Enoch Fuzz that there are so many people in worse situations and he continues not only to empathize, but to pray continuously for those people as well. Pray, share and be encouraged by the postings and weekly readings of, “Cancer…My journey in time.”

Also, remember to put OneNashville on your monthly calendar: YOU ARE INVITED to ONENASHVILLE Community Awareness meeting Saturday May 20th at 8am held at Corinthian Baptist Church 33rd Ave. Discussion will be, Who to VOTE for?

Mayor? Vice Mayor?

City Council?

Report links ePA climate change, children’s health and well-being in Tenn.

A new EPA report states climate change can increase children's pollen exposures as seasons lengthen and temperatures warm.

In Tennessee and across the country, children's growing and developing bodies are uniquely vulnerable to climate change, accord-

ing to a new report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The report states climate change-related effects in childhood can

have lifelong consequences for learning, physical health, housing security and other complications.

Elizabeth Bechard, senior policy analyst for the group Moms Clean Air Force, said the report is a call to action which looks at five specific climate stressors and how they may affect children's health. She pointed out one of the stressors is the effect of extreme heat on children.

"There's a specific analysis in the report on how extreme heat may affect children's ability to learn in schools," Continuedon page 6

Financial empowerment Center celebrates 10-year anniversary, grand opening of new location

Nashville PRIDE

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Musicians Corner free concerts return to Centennial Park

by Cass Teague Musicians Corner, Nashville’s free concert series, returns with a five-week season of live music in Centennial Park, every Friday from 5 - 9 p.m. and Saturday from 12 - 6 p.m. from May 19 to June 17, a Sunday performance over Memorial Day Weekend (May 28), and a Thursday performance on June 8 by the Nashville Symphony.

The kid and pet-friendly concert series features Kidsville activities, local artisans, and food and beverage vendors.

June 16th, Centennial Park Conservancy and American Cancer Society present Night of Hope at Musicians Corner, with live music, food, and fun honoring and remembering those impacted by cancer.

Musicians Corner is located at the corner of 27th Ave N & West End. Musicians Corner kicks off Friday, May 19, with Harry Keyworth at 5:00 PM, followed by Lilly Hart at 5:40 PM, Gabriel Kelley at 6:25 PM, Alanna Royale at 7:15 PM, and the Seratones at 8:10 PM. Saturday, May 20, Luke Schneider is up first, followed by Hobo Cane at 1:00 PM, Roanoke at 2:05 PM, Jackie Venson at 3:15 PM, and Nikki Lane at 4:45 PM. Three shows Memorial Day Weekend begin Friday, May 26, with Amanda Fields at 5:00 PM, Crys Matthews at 5:40 PM, Josh Okeefe at 6:25 PM, Lillie Mae at 7:15 PM, and Hayes Carll at 8:10 PM. Saturday, May 27, as follows: 12:00 PM — A Tribe of Horsman, 1:00 PM — Alejandro Sierra, 2:05 PM — Denitia, 3:15 PM — Tristen, and at 4:45 PM — Amythyst Kiah.

Sunday, May 28: 12:00 PM — Multi Ultra, 1:00 PM — Kenny Sharp, 2:05 PM — William Tyler & The Impossible

Saaneah plays Musicans Corner at Noon on June 3.

Truth, 3:15 PM — Lola — Mon Rovîa, and 8:10 Kirke, and at 4:45 PM PM — Savannah Con— Ricky Young & Joel ley. Saturday, June 10: King of The Wild Feath- 12:00 PM — Cara ers.

Louise, 1:00 PM — Friday, June 2: 5:00 Banditos, 2:05 PM — PM — Hayes Peebles, LadyCouch, 3:15 PM — 5:40 PM — Karina Skyway Man, and 4:45 Daza, 6:25 PM — Maya PM — The Brummies. de Vitry, 7:15 PM — Friday, June 16 is the Caroline Spence, and at Night of Hope: 5:00 PM 8:10 PM announced. — Mandi Mapes, 5:40 Saturday, June 3, 2023 at PM — Gabe Baker, 6:25 12:00 PM — Saaneah, PM — Abigail Osborn, 1:00 PM — Rock Eupo- 7:15 PM — Bre ra, 2:05 PM — a surprise Kennedy, and 8:10 PM artist to be announced, — Blessing Offor. The 3:15 PM — Sam Tin- final Spring concert is nesz, and at 4:45 PM — Saturday, June 17: 12:00 Jordy Searcy.

PM — Molly Frances, Thursday, June 8, 1:00 PM — SmallTown brings a special perform- Strings, 2:05 PM — ance by The Nashville Wilby, 3:15 PM — Symphony at 7:30 PM; Coco, 4:45 PM — a surpreceded by 5:00 PM — prise artist to be Eli Fox, 5:40 PM — announced.

Autumn Nicholas, 6:15 Musicians Corner PM — Liz Longley. This returns in September for event ends at 8:30 PM. its fall series Friday Friday, June 9: 5:00 PM evenings in September, — Kristina Murray, 5:40 and the return of MusiPM — Alicia Blue, 6:25 cians Corner Fall Market PM — a surprise artist to Saturday, September be announced, 7:15 PM 30th.

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Alongside the Mayor’s Office and United Way of Greater Nashville, the Financial Empowerment Center hosted a ribbon cutting in celebration of its 10-year anniversary and grand opening of its new location.

On May 9, 2023, increase their credit is an incredible tool to the Financial Empow- scores and lower debt help anyone, regarderment Center cele- burdens. Since incep- less of their income, brated 10 years of pro- tion, the FEC has move toward greater viding free financial helped 9,457 clients financial stability for counseling and the reduce their debt by themselves and their grand opening of its more than $23 million families. Becoming new location at 217 S. and increase their sav- financially empowered 10th St. The event ings by more than $3.5 means you can save for kicked off with a press million. an emergency, purconference, followed “We are so grateful chase a car or a home, by a ribbon cutting, to Jackson Financial get a degree or start a open house and tour of and Regions for sup- small business. Whatthe new space. porting this important ever your goals may A partnership of the work and are thrilled to be, we are here to Mayor’s Office and finally welcome clients help.”

United Way of Greater to our new space and Financial counselNashville, the FEC return to in-person ing services are offered opened its doors in counseling sessions,” at no cost to any 2013, thanks to the said Erica Mitchell, Greater Nashville resisupport of then-Mayor United Way of Greater dent. Counseling is Karl Dean. Counselors Nashville’s executive available in English work one-on-one with vice president and and Spanish with clients to help them chief community access to language and establish new savings impact officer. “Indi- interpretation services habits, manage debt, vidualized counseling in most languages.

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Are concerns of native Nashville residents being taken seriously?

by William T. Robinson, Jr. Nashville has no shortage of candidates vying for political positions claiming to help make this city better. But too often when many of these politicians are elected, they fall short of their former commitments vowing to help constituents who voted them in. Maybe in attempting to gather votes candidates are guilty of making promises they know they are not capable of honoring—or maybe once they are elected they adhere to the practices of other politicians with self-serving motives.

Reality dictates that regardless of what a candidate may say or try to ‘sell’ the public, they are not in a position to change things with their one vote—especially if they don’t have the support of the majority of their peers. And whether the public accepts it or not, sometimes elected politicians support the views of big businesses and corporations against emphatic protests of their constituents. The rhetoric politicians come up with to support their positions is amazing, often going against the wishes of the majority of the people who voted them into office. Involving the citizens of Nashville in big choices is often an illusion.

Some say it’s because big decisions involving major cities have already been made by city planners or the ‘powers that be.’

Nashville is growing at an exponential rate and while it has dubbed the ‘It City,’ it doesn’t

William T. Robinson, Jr. seriously meet the needs and wishes of most of its indigenous and native Nashvillians. The truth is that many of the older and even younger indigenous residents of Nashville are being ignored and literally being forced out of the city. High property taxes and the inability to acquire affordable housing are two main culprits talked about by politicians. But they fall short of truly making a difference. Bringing more people and businesses to Nashville without adequately addressing mass transit or pending traffic problems borders on insanity.

We know exponential growth brings additional crime. The residents of Nashville are literally crying out for more law intervention so they can feel safe and protected.

Many politicians are not listening to their residents, especially older, native Nashvillians.

Time and time again, many Nashville politicians have voted against the wishes of their constituents, favoring big businesses. It seems that when these problems are discussed, the devised solutions may be compared to bringing a knife

to a nuclear war.

We have a plethora of candidates running for political offices in this city, especially for the position of mayor. It would be in the best interest of Nashvillians to do their homework and be knowledgeable about those candidates who are best able to serve the city—for instance, those adhering to the wishes of all citizens, especially native Nashvillians who have been left out and feel they have no voice.

Some politicians favor the economic growth of the city or state over the wishes of native residents struggling to stay afloat. While Nashville welcomes new residents, the wishes and needs of native Nashvillians should not be ignored.

Their concerns and wishes should be prioritized, and that means action.

Welcoming the interests of big businesses promotes jobs and economic growth, but too much growth puts an unwanted financial burden on those less able to afford it—literally pushing them out of Nashville.

Many Nashville residents feel prioritizing affordable housing, reducing crime, and making major inroads to tackle congested traffic supersedes a new Titans stadium. Nashvillians are still reeling and struggling with the last exorbitant property tax.

It shouldn’t be hard to understand why many residents feel abandoned by their council representatives. They are left feeling they have no voice.

America must not descend into ‘new feudalism’ where money rules and people suffer

by Jesse Jackson (TriceEdneyWire.com) – The pomp and circumstance of the crowning of King Charles III filled TV sets.

The British crown is ceremonial. King Charles will take part in rituals, but not rule, because that is in the hands of the British prime minister and the Parliament. Yet, beneath the vast spectacle of the Crown is another reality: the Crown is not only fabulously rich, it owns much of the land in the world.

The death of Queen Elizabeth II sparked many investigations into the wealth of the royal family.

Forbes put the royal family’s wealth at $28 billion, including fabulous castles, jewels, invaluable art, and extensive land ownings across Wales and England. The royal family also enjoys exemption not just from inheritance tax, but from taxes in general.

But the actual holdings of the Crown are far greater than that. Kevin Cahill was a researcher on the London Sunday Times ‘Rich List.’ He has written a stunning book, Who Owns the World, that details who owns land across the world.

He reports that the British Crown is the legal owner of about 6.6 billion acres of land: one-sixth of the earth’s land surface. Charles III will be the king of 32 countries, and the head of the Commonwealth of 54 countries in which a quarter of the world’s population lives. In many of these countries (among the largest on earth, including Australia with its territories and then Canada) the

feudal land laws that were created under the British Empire still govern. The British Crown owns the land. The users of it are essentially lease-holders, some for specific terms, some in perpetuity. If King Charles could sell all the land for which the Crown holds the title, he would be, by far, the richest person who ever lived.

Much of the land is held in a tax haven, what Cahill calls the modern equivalent of a “bandit’s lair.” Of the world’s 24 largest tax havens, King Charles will become sovereign of no fewer than 13.

Most of the land that the crown holds title over is governed in fact by government agencies who lease or dispose of it on behalf of the Crown. The Crown is not active in its governance, other than the extensive estates it owns in England. From most, it does not receive direct rents.

Its ownership, however, is a reminder of the force and impact of empire. In the days when the sun literally never set on the British Empire – with colonies stretching from North America to India to Hong Kong: the Crown and its agents collected rents, jewels, gold, minerals and more from the world. Needless to say, even after independence, this booty was never returned or repaid.

The America Revolution helped free the former colonies from this feudal arrangement.

Under free market rules, America’s land is privately owned, not owned by feudal lords. And America’s populist tradition helped ensure that land ownings (particu-

Jesse Jackson larly outside the South) were initially small in size. Under Abraham Lincoln, the Homestead Act distributed the lands in the west to settlers in small claims. Slaves had no right to be part of that distribution.

Today, with inequality reaching new heights, America’s (small ‘d’) democratic distribution of lands and property is under pressure. Billionaires are accumulating massive tracts of land and massive holdings of buildings. Private equity investors have transformed the housing market, turning more and more Americans into renters, while they own homes by the thousands.

Billionaires are also finding ways to avoid inheritance taxes, and to use tax havens and tax dodges to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.

The crowning of King Charles III was a captivating, antiquated spectacle. It was literally a throwback to a bygone age. Yet the ermine and the jewels, the crowns and scepters contain a caution.

Democracy thrives on opportunity, on a broad middle class, not a ruling elite with massive, accumulated fortunes and lands.

America’s democracy thrived by distributing the land, making public education available to all, and extending the right to vote. When

May 19, 2023

Bank broke $16.5B promise: redlining helped wealthy White communities, excluded Blacks

CRL Image of Redlined Map 2022

by Charlene Crowell ties KeyBank hood(TriceEdneyWire) – winked but also to For much of Black show the industry as a America, the availabil- whole that this kind of ity of affordable and conduct is not okay.”

A March 31 letter accessible full-bank services has historical- to federal regulators ly been an irritating reviewed a list of issue for consumers promises the bank and small businesses made before a merger with First Niagara was alike.

The Community approved and includReinvestment Act of ed: • Goals for loans, 1977 (CRA) was supCharlene Crowell posed to be a financial investments, and prod• From 2018 to yardstick that meas- ucts specifically aimed ured whether deposito- at benefitting LMI 2021 its share of home ry institutions were individuals and com- purchase lending to including Black and LMI bormeeting local commu- munities, nity credit needs home mortgages, small rowers dropped by low-to-moderate business loans, com- double digits. in • “KeyBank execuincome communities munity development (LMI). Over the ensu- loans, investments, and tives used the 2016 ing four decades, what philanthropic contribu- merger to dramatically expand the bank’s federal regulators have tions; • Bank branches home purchase lending ranked as ‘outstanding performance’ has had in LMI communities business,” states the little or no relation to across the bank’s geo- report. “But it effecthe nagging and per- graphic footprint and, tively excluded Black sistent financial frus- separately, the state of families from that instead expansion, trations experienced by New York; • An additional growing the home purthe communities some banks were supposed branch in an LMI com- chase arm of its profitmunity in East Buffalo seeking efforts by to serve.

A recently filed and keep open four focusing investments CRA challenge has the other branches in LMI on wealthier, Whiter potential to close the neighborhoods that the borrowers.

“Since 2018, the gap between promise bank initially planned first full year of data and performance at one to close; • Enhance its following KeyBank’s of the nation’s largest financial institutions, diversity and inclusion formal commitment to policies, expand its increase lending to KeyBank.

On April 27, more community engage- LMI borrowers, Keythan 80 national, state ment and marketing Bank has in fact done less lending to both and local organizations efforts; and • Create an LMI and Black borrepresenting 10 states told federal regulators advisory council made rowers with each passit was time to down- up of various commu- ing year.

This trend is visible grade the CRA ranking nity organizations that of the 180-year-old will meet periodically in nearly all of the institution. The appeal to assess KeyBank’s bank’s top markets. also noted in factual progress under the Plan Across those markets it detail how a five-year, and to be informed of generally trails the top 10 bank lenders in $16.5 billion promise the bank’s future.

Instead, an NCRC lending to LMI and of community investment that was to begin research report releaed Black borrowers in in 2017 was never ful- last November docu- 2021.”

Beyond a downments how the bank filled.

“If you or I break a used the merger profits graded CRA rating, promise to our bank, to benefit wealthy bor- advocates are also callthey hold us account- rowers at the exclusion ing for three additional able with fees. When a of Blacks. Further, Key actions: A redlining investibank breaks promises, Bank’s alleged redlinthe law says there are ing went beyond its gation of KeyBank’s consequences, and it’s Western New York mortgage lending; a our government’s job state markets and data integrity review of to enforce that included cities ranging KeyBank; and an accountability,” Nat- from Western cities examination of Keycompliance ional Community Re- like Seattle, Portland Bank’s investment Coalition and Denver, to the with public commit(NCRC) President/ Midwest heartland of ments made in connecCEO Jesse Van Tol Indianapolis, Colum- tion with its acquisibus and Cleveland to tion of First Niagara said.

“KeyBank got an the East in Philadel- Bank, including in its ‘outstanding’ rating phia and New York Community Benefits two years ago, and it’s City. Findings showed Agreement as well as job growth commitclear now that was the that Key Bank: • Had the lowest ments. wrong call. They If regulators downpromised to use their percent of mortgage merger with First originations to Black grade the bank’s CRA Niagara to buoy the borrowers among the rating, it would pause economic interests of 50 largest mortgage KeyBank’s ability to merge or open new under-resourced com- lenders. until it • Limited its branches munities, then turned around and did the home mortgage lend- demonstrates opposite in most of the ing in census tracts improved performance cities they serve, all the where Black residents in a future CRA exam.

(Charlene Crowell while passing the new are clustered; • It approved mort- is a senior fellow with profits from the merger Center for on to shareholders and gages for low-income the White applicants at a Responsible Lending. insiders.

Regulators have an higher rate than for She can be reached at Black Charlene.crowell@res obvious duty to act, not high-income ponsiblelending.org) only for the communi- applicants; and wealth got too concentrated, we taxed the rich and invested in what made the country strong.

Now, wealth is once more concentrated.

Big money dominates elections; corrup-

tion undermines our institutions from the Supreme Court to the local city councils. Let’s enjoy the ceremony of the British Crown, but let’s act to ensure that America does not

descend into a new feudalism where money rules, and people suffer.

In the end, for all its flaws, I choose a bottom up democracy (of, by, and for the people) over a top down monarchy.

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

May 19, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Continuations

Black fighter pilot nominated for Joint Chiefs of Staff... from page 1

General Charles Q. Brown Jr. climbs out of his jet, an F-16 Fighting Falcon strategic challenges, as Biden and Defense chairman, the vice chairthe military not only Secretary Lloyd Austin. man, the Chief of Staff strives to stay ahead of Brown is a native of the Army, the Chief of China but also struggles Texan. He earned a Naval Operations, the to attract new talent. bachelor of science Chief of Staff of the Air Though the chairman degree in civil engineer- Force, the Commandant has no operational com- ing from Texas Tech in of the Marine Corp., the mand authority over the Lubbock, Texas, in Chief of the National armed forces, Brown 1984.

Guard Bureau, and the would be the top miliThe Joint Chiefs of Chief of Space tary adviser to President Staff consist of the Operations.

Titans schedule... from page 1 The Titans will play two primetime games on the road: at Pittsburgh on Thursday Night Football on November 2, and at Miami on Monday Night Football on December 11.

The Titans are scheduled to play five of their last seven games at Nissan Stadium during the 2023 season, including the finale in week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The NFL has announced the Titans will play the Ravens at Hotspur Tottenham Stadium in London on Sunday, October 15.

In the preseason, the Titans will once again play three games in 2023: at Chicago, at Minnesota, and vs the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium.

The Titans have eight total games against seven playoff teams from last season. They play three division champions from 2022, including home games against Cincinnati and Jacksonville and visits to Tampa Bay and Jacksonville. The four contests against 2022 wild card qualifiers include home dates with the Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks, a road game against Miami, and a game in London against Baltimore.

The eight games against reigning playoff clubs are one more than the number the Titans had in 2022.

Overall, the Titans have the NFL's 28th ranked strength of schedule, with an opponents win percentage of .448 based off last year's record (127-157-4).

This season, ‘flexible scheduling’ for Sunday night may be used twice between weeks 5-10, and at the NFL's discretion during weeks 11-17; and for Monday night at the NFL's discretion in weeks 12-17.

In weeks of the season eligible for ‘flexible scheduling,’ the games listed for the Sunday and Monday night window are tentative and subject

Titans’ 2023 schedule Week 1 – Date: Sunday, September 10; opponent: at New Orleans Saints; time/TV: noon, CBS. Last year's record: 7-10.

Week 2 – Date: Sunday, September 17; opponent: Los Angeles Chargers; time/TV: noon, CBS. Last year's record: 10-7.

Week 3 – Date: Sunday, September 24; opponent: at Cleveland Browns; time/TV: noon, CBS. Last year's record: 7-10.

Week 4 –Date: Sunday, October 1; opponent: Cincinnati Bengals; time/TV: noon, FOX. Last year's record: 12-4.

Week 5 – Date: Sunday, October 8; opponent: at Indianapolis Colts; time/TV: noon, CBS. Last year's record: 4-12-1.

Week 6 – Date: Sunday, October 15; opponent: Baltimore Ravens (in London); time/TV: 8:30 am, CT, NFL Network. Last year's record: 10-7.

Week 7 – Sunday, October 22; opponent: BYE. Week 8 – Date: Sunday, October 29; opponent: Atlanta Falcons; time/TV: noon, CBS. Last year's record: 7-10.

Week 9 – Date: Thursday, November 2; opponent: at Pittsburgh Steelers; time/TV: 7:15 pm, PRIME VIDEO. Last year's record: 9-8.

Week 10 – Date: Sunday, November 12; opponent: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers; time/TV: noon, CBS. Last year's record: 8-9.

Week 11 – Date: Sunday, November 19; opponent: at Jacksonville, Jaguars; time/TV: noon, CBS. Last year's record: 9-8.

Week 12 – Date: Sunday, November 26; opponent: Carolina Panthers; time/TV: noon, FOX. Last year's record: 7-10.

Week 13 – Date: Sunday, December 3; opponent: Indianapolis Colts; time/TV: noon, CBS. Last year's record: 4-12-1.

Week 14 – Date: Monday, December 11; opponent: at Miami Dolphins; time/TV: 7:15 pm, ESPN. Last year's record: 9-8.

Week 15 – Date: Sunday, December 17; opponent: Houston Texans; time/TV: noon, CBS. Last year's record: 3-13.

Week 16 – Date: Sunday, December 24; opponent: Seattle Seahawks; time/TV: noon, CBS. Last year's record: 9-8.

Week 17 – Date: Sunday, December 31; opponent: at Houston Texans; time/TV: noon, FOX. Last year's record: 3-13-1.

Week 18 – Date: January 6 or 7; opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars; time/TV: TBD. Last year's record: 9-8.

Preseason schedule week 1 (August 10-13) – at Chicago, WKRN week 2 (August 17-20) – at Minnesota, WKRN week 3 (August 24-27) – vs New England, WKRN

to change. Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to be moved to Sunday or Monday night, in which case the tentatively scheduled Sunday or Monday night game would be moved to a Sunday afternoon.

In week 18, two games will be played on Saturday (3:30 pm, CT, and 7:15 pm, CT) with the remainder to be played on Sunday afternoon (noon, CT, and 3:25 pm, CT) and one matchup to be played on

Sunday night (7:20, pm, CT). Specific dates, start times, and networks for week 18 matchups will be determined and announced following the conclusion of week 17.

Amazon Prime is the exclusive home of the Thursday Night games.

For the Titans Thursday night matchup, the game will be available on Amazon Prime and additionally the game will be available on an over-the-air station in the Nashville market.

Trump town hall... from page 2 laughed and dismissed.

Cops getting the shit kicked out of them on January 6—beaten up over and over again, calling a cop a thug who actually was trying to stop people from the House floor from being killed. I could go on. I just could go on and on, basically saying he would turn over Ukraine to Vladimir Putin.”

Some Republicans also criticized the town hall. Republican Matt Whitlock, who worked

for the late Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), said in a tweet: “Trump’s performance tonight had plenty of fun fodder for his biggest fans,” but it was “toxic nuclear waste for the moderates and independents he (and Republicans everywhere) should be winning as Biden collapses.”

According to <Mediaite.com>, Republican political consultant Ryan Girdusky predicted that Trump would lose the

2024 election.

“Ten minutes into the CNN town hall, and it’s all January 6 and the stolen election,” Girdusky wrote on Twitter.

“This election is gonna be all about Trump and he’s gonna lose—again. If Kaitlan Collins wanted to actually embarrass Trump in front of his voters she would talk about him never building the wall, shutting down the economy, and rising crime while he was president.”

Page 5

Nashville PRIDE

Writers strike... from page 1 Because they’re refusing to do that we could not get accurately paid for our work. We can’t get paid the residuals and streaming that we’re owed,” she said.

In the past decade, streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, have disrupted the traditional cable television model by producing new shows with shorter seasons in an effort to attract new subscribers. week, the Last AMPTP offered annual salary increases for writers and made other concessions, but the WGA has yet to respond to the proposal.

“When you see what was put on the table, and then you see that the producers negated most things, even proposals such as making sure that we’ll have jobs and not robots take our jobs, and there’s no proposal for that,” said Benjamin.

“It’s a little scary to think that, hey, there’s an AI that might be able to write your entire show, and no one seems to be fretted about that at all.”

In a statement, AMPTP acknowledged that the emergence of Artificial Intelligence technology “requires a lot more discussion.”

“AI raises hard, important creative and legal questions for everyone. For example, writers want to be able to use this technology as part of their creative process, without changing how credits are determined, which is complicated given AI material can’t be copyrighted, the statement reads. proposal WGA’s stipulated: “AI can’t write or rewrite literary material; can’t be used as source material; and MBA (Minimum Basic covered Agreement) material can’t be used to train AI.” AMPTP rejected the offer and

countered with an offer of “annual meetings to discuss advancements in technology.”

AMPTP did not make a counter offer regarding proposals about duration of employment, which the writers say is too short and akin to freelance work.

“On network shows we would typically be employed for a long time, because there were more episodes. It would be 20 to 30 episodes of the show, which means you were employed 40 to 45 weeks out of the year,” said Benjamin.

“We would just take a break in between seasons and come back. So being a writer was a very stable career. Now, because of extremely short orders of streaming shows, it’s become more unstable. Worse than that, these companies don’t want to hire people for a reasonable amount of time to complete a show.”

Benjamin says show runners and show creators cut corners by hiring writers for a short time then build on their work with rewrites and edits.

“The actual writers get a job for two weeks, which is very little pay,” she said. “I think it also disproportionately affects Black creatives, because a lot of times they’ll hire us to do the cheapest amount of labor.”

Hills-based West writer Sid Quashie told the Los Angeles Times he made $250,000 for a script he sold to Walt Disney Studios in 2003.

Sixteen years later in 2019, when he sold a script to Netflix, he made under $100,000.

In 2007, the WGA went on a 100-day strike that cost the city of Los Angeles an estimated $2.1 billion and countless jobs as all corners of

the industry and others adjacent to it were impacted.

Only one week into the 2023 strike, there are already casualties. Late night shows were canceled abruptly. Daily shows stopped.

Productions for all shows are tenuous, with many on pause.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, who have received support from both sides of dispute, have the expressed their concerns and are advocating for a resolution. said Newsom Tuesday at the Milken Global Institute Conference that the work stoppage “has proconsequences found direct and indirect.

Every single one of us will be impacted by this, and we’re very concerned about what is going on because both sides are dug in. The stakes are high.”

“Los Angeles relies on a strong entertainment industry that is the envy of the world while putting Angelenos to work in good middle class jobs. I encourage all sides to come together around an agreement that protects our signature industry and the families it supports,” Mayor Bass said.

In the short term, platforms streaming more scripts with banked may have an advantage, as they can continue their productions.

Daily and weekly cable shows are at the greatest risk. During the last writer strikes, the producers turned to unscripted content, leading the creation of the reality show Cops and even The Celebrity Apprentice.

The Directors Guild and Screen Actors Guild are also in negotiations, with contracts set to expire at the end of June.

Youth behavior... from page 2 reported having sex.

According to Associated Press research, for today’s youth, the dialogue about sexuality is shifting from a binary to a spectrum, as are the types of sex they are having.

While the language of sex is changing, the key question on the CDC poll has remained the same since the government agency began its biannual survey in 1991: Have you “ever had sexual intercourse?”

“Honestly, that question is a little laughable,” said Kay, 18, of Lansing, Michigan, who identifies as LGBTQ and attends a public high school.

“There’s probably a

lot of teenagers who are like: ‘No, I’ve never had sexual intercourse, but I’ve had other kinds of sex.’”

The Associated Press said it agreed to use teenagers’ first or middle names out of fear of retaliation or backlash at school, at home, and on social media for speaking about their peers’ sex lives and LGBTQ+ relationships.

Several experts told the AP that the CDC findings could indicate a shift in how teen sexuality is evolving, with gender fluidity becoming more widespread and stigma associated with not being heterosexual decreasing.

They refer to another

finding in this year’s research, which discovered that the proportion of high school students who identify as heterosexual had declined to around 75%, down from over 89% in 2015, when the CDC began asking about sexual orientation.

Meanwhile, the proportion of people who identified as homosexual, gay, or bisexual increased to 15%, up from 8% in 2015.

“I just wonder, if youth were in the room when the questions were being created, how they would be worded differently,” said Taryn Gal, executive director of the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health.

Howard Gentry Criminal Court Clerk Metropolitian Nashville & Davidson County

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

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. “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” ― Marcus Garvey When we consider the True ‘Critical Race’ timeline of the American History’s towards Violence Black Nation, we can clearly see: Slavery, with all of it’s atrocities; to Incarceration of Freedmen; to post Emancipation Reconstruction Riot Massacres; to Lynching; to Bombing and Burning of Homes and Churches and Communities; to Black Codes and a long history of Legislative injustice; to Mass Incarceration; to the present Killings by Police in the streets across America. This can by no means be legislated away as — Theory!

It is against this background that a very real history of “Who We Are” as a people in this Nation is difficult, very difficult to underParticularly stand. when each history captured continues to fall short of our leaders who have been responsible for the movement of their Visions and Missions of our most effective Institutions.

All attempts to make our Histories the product of White America, fail when we refuse to transmit knowledge of our past history… particularly when our purpose is cut short by the violence levied against us.

There is now a News break from Channel 11 Atlanta calling attention to a difficult situation that NOT be MUST ignored in relation to The InterdenominaTheological tional Center, Atlanta which is not without — ROOTS. The Churches of Atlanta have provided a true Faith Based center for not just Atlanta, but Black Nation at large. It is from these Churches that the Edu-

Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. cation of Black Nation has been a ‘Phoenix’ in the sustaining of Black Life, globally. I am submitting here ‘pieces of history’ to the ‘LINKS’ that are not ‘Theory’ but are lost from the TRUE Histories… The ROOTS of Black Nation. Even the ITC.edu Website has failed us in capturing the history of this Institution… the One place where we should see —these Roots. So I say to you President Matthew W. Williams, please get THAT PART RIGHT, before you consider any FUTURE direction in which the I.T.C. should go. — Roots.

I have previously found the history of Clark University and Gammon Theological Seminary captured in The “1879 First Bulletin of Clark University”. The History is recorded there for posterity: “Early in the year 1869, a primary school was opened in Clark Chapel, Atlanta, Ga. (now Central Church),

by Rev. J. W. Lee and wife. Proving a success, it was adopted by the Freedmen's Aid Society, and Rev. D. W. Hammond, appointed Principal, with Miss Leila Fuller and Miss Mary Dickinson, Assistants. Later in the year, the Summer Hill school-house was purchased, and the school transferred to that building. Miss Lou Henly was the next Principal, with her sister, Miss Kizzie Henly, and Miss Kitty Johnson, Assistants.”

An important ‘piece of History’ is only noted in this 1879 Bulletin of Clark University: The venture of Whites and Blacks together occurred with the move of Clark Chapel into the downtown all white Lloyd Street Methodist Episcopal Church: following “The September, the school opened under the charge of Rev. I. Marcy, with Mrs. Mary and Miss Oldfield, Assistants. During the winter of this year, Rev. L. D. Barrows, D.D., taught a theological class in the basement of Loyd Street Church. In the spring the property on Whitehall street, was purchased, and the present institution put in operation. Dr. Barrows returned to the North, Rev. J. W. Lee (Pastor, Founder of the Clark Street Church School) was made President.”

“The name (Clark Chapel) and Clark University was given to the Institution in honor of Bishop Clark, who visited this section of country shortly after the close of the war, and organized the Southern work. His deep interest in this field of labor never ceased while he lived.

His library is now the property of the Institution, and his widow one of the trustees.”

It is a misnomer of history to think of Gammon Theological Seminary as having begun in Clark University. Nor to think that Bishop Davis Wagstatt Clark; nor The Freedman’s Aide Society/ Bureau have credit for the founding of these Two Institutions. Both Institutions were Founded as schools IN the Clark Chapel/Lloyd Street/ Central Church, Atl-anta. This history could ever be complete without the NAME of Clark Chapel’s Pastor, Rev. J. W. Lee who became the President of Clark University.

By email: myfathersmansion press@gmail.com

expressions of Faith Who gets the glory?

by Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. “Ask for what you want in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son,” John 14:13.

This text refers to the petition which must be made with only one view: that the father may be glorified by, or in, the Son. Ask yourself a question? In whose name are you glorifying? For whose sake is it made?

Who is doing it? The word of God says seek not your own glory but the glory of God. Christ promised to do it for the glory of His Heavenly Father.

This is a prayer assessed to the Father.

But the answer here, is

the Son, for the Son was one with the Father with no limitations but the promise of God. Whatsoever you shall ask, and it is asked in My name, to do My will, My work, living in My Spirit, seeking as I have sought to do the will of the Father.

This is a personal petition that cannot be completed except it is for the glory of God. We cannot ask in ignorance because it will not be granted.

What are you attaching to your prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord? When you understand God, then you understand the will of God. This is what is heard by his chosen people.

Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. The gift of the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon the disciples of Christ, and not on the world.

We must have a consciousness of God, not just his will or his purpose but Him as God. God is ‘isness’ and his ‘isness’ is in you, the sainted body of Christ.

All Christians now ask in faith, and according to the will of God it will be for fulfilled.

Report links... from page 3 Bechard said.

"When it's hot, and especially when there's a lack of air conditioning, it can be hard for children to learn, and they actually don't learn as well and don't do as well on tests."

The report looked at projected future income loss based on extreme heat, which Bechard emphasized affects certain geographic areas and populations harder than others. She added children of color and low-income communities are affected due to having less access to airconditioned spaces.

Bechard stressed Moms Clean Air Force works to protect children from air pollution and climate change, drawing attention to the report's findings on how climate change is making air quality worse in a number of ways from ozone, dust, drought conditions and wildfires to particle pollution in the air.

"That affects kids' respiratory health, that contributes to more cases of asthma, more emergency department visits with asthma, and even adverse birth outcomes," Bechard said.

Changing seasons, flooding and different types of infectious diseases (especially tickborne illnesses) are the other climate-related environmental effects listed in the report.

Bechard said it's important for Tennessee parents to know there are things they can do to mitigate or lessen the impact of climate change on their children.

The report suggested parents be aware of signs of heat-related illness for kids and check for ticks, as they try to keep their kids healthy and safe.

May 19, 2023

Faithful Utterances

I’m not your superwoman

by Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew I remember the first time I met her, she was so excited about the work she was doing. She was doing so many things and her enthusiasm was contagious.

Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to catch up and each time, we hugged and celebrated her success. Recently, our interaction was different. She was tired, felt defeated, and wasn’t sure what to do. She had so many irons in the fire and all of those many had responsibilities started to take a toll on her.

This fierce beauty has become frazzled, frustrated, and trying to figure out her next steps.

We hear the need for balance, but in a world that demands so much of our time and energy, it’s often challenging to comply. Even on social media, it’s easy to find individuals who boast of their time away and moments of self-care while juggling businesses and careers. I find it interesting to see the trend of announcing this to the world, when I am a believer of just making it happen.

It’s becoming more fashionable to say we are taking time to rest.

Yet we are a society that is burned out, experiencing more outbursts of anger with more polarization. It doesn’t make sense. All of us who feel compelled and called to do something that changes the lives of others go through moments of trying to figure it all out. It can be a heavy load. It can become so easy to burn the candle at both ends. As a result, we are no longer bright, and shining our light to others.

Just as the candle becomes a ball of wax with too much intense heat, we can become something else—dissolving into something that we were not designed to become.

How does this happen?

It’s when we begin to trust ourselves in makthings happen ing instead of trusting God to bring it to pass. We feel responsible for doing all the work and fail to remember that it is God that calls us to do the work. We adopt the principles of the world to make things happen, and we trust in ‘stuff’ instead of the Savior.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God,” Psalm 20:7. Our trust cannot be in stuff. It has to be rooted in something stronger than we are. Our growth and ability to do the work we’ve been called to do has to be led by God. It’s so easy to watch others and want what they have. You only see what they’ve experienced from the outside. We then develop a competition to do what we see others are doing, only to realize that our impact is contingent upon our relationship with God. What we are chasing is not sustainable. If it isn’t of God, it won’t work. “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf,” Proverbs 11:28. It's important to recognize that it’s easy to become yoked to ideas, people, partnerships, etc. that are choking the life out of us. They are dragging us, and the consequences can be life altering when we are connected to something that does not serve us well.

Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew What are you yoked to that is draining the life out of you? “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my is light,” burden Matthew 11:29-30.

When we seek God and put God first, we find rest. The load we carry will not break us. Want a successful business, career, life? Here is the key: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” Matthew 6:33. When we make God’s business our business, God will take care of everything pertaining to us. “… casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully],” 1 Peter 5:7, Amplified Bible (AMP).

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

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

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 19, 2023

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Nashville PRIDE

Summer Fandom Convention Season heating up

By Cass Teague This weekend, the Summer Convention Season kicks off with The Vampire Diaries and The Originals Official Reunion Convention, Friday, May 19 – Sunday, May 21 at the Sheraton Music City Nashville Hotel, by Creation Entertainment.

Convention activities usually start around 10:00 a.m. but may begin earlier depending on schedules. Stage programming also usually ends around 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. and some autograph sessions begin after stage programming is complete for the day.

This can run until 10:00 p.m.

All guests and scheduling are tentative and subject to change.

Announced guests incPaul Wesley, lude Matthew Davis, Daniel Gillies, Joseph Morgan, Persia White, Michael Malarkey, Michael Trevino, Riley Voelkel, Karen David, Steven

Krueger, Chris Brochu, Penelope Mitchell, Chris Lee, Quincy Fouse, Micah Parker, and Chase Coleman. Get details at the convention website: https://www.creationent. com/ Next, the ICCCon Nashville is back Friday, May 26th – Sunday, May 28th at the Farm Bureau Convention Center (formerly known as Wilson County Expo), Lebanon, TN 37087.

The ICCC (Imperial Commissary Collectors Convention) is a sci-fi fan and collecting convention with vintage and modern toys and collectibles; stars from our greatest generation’s film and TV franchises; hundreds of vendors; dozens of guest stars from franchises like Star Wars, Harry Potter, Power Rangers, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and more; movie props; cosplayers; droid builders; comic books; video game tournaments; fan groups; podcasters;

artists; live music; and more.

Among the 30 or so announced guest are John Rhys-Davies, Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ian McDiarmid, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Femi Taylor, Royce Johnson, and Carly King. Show hours are as follows: Friday, May 26th - VIP Only 12PM - 6PM; Saturday, May 27th - 10AM - 6PM (VIP Access 1 hour early, 9AM); and Sunday, May 28th - 11AM 5PM (VIP Access 1 hour early, 10AM). Details at: https://iccollectorsconvention.com/ Saturday, June 3 and June 4, Sunday, Nashville Comicon is a new Two Day Pop Culture Convention where fans get to geek out and celebrate their favorite fandoms with friends and family at the Nashville Fairgrounds.

They’ve got Comic Creators, TV/Film Stars, Ani-me Cosplayers, Actors, Artists, Crafters,

Authors, and more, featuring unique programming in the form of Panels, Gaming, and Contests.

Hours are Saturday: 10:30AM (VIP 10AM) and Sunday: 6PM 11:30AM (VIP 11AM) 4:30PM. Announced guests include Chuck Norris, Will Friedle, Grey DeLisle, Jason Marsden, Butch Patrick, Jonathan Glapion, Gogo Incognito, Leairis Cross, and many others.

Get all the details at: https:// www.nashville comicon.com/ For 45 years, the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce, City of Metropolis and the Greater Metropolis Convention & Visitors Bureau have hosted the Metropolis Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois, an extravaganza celebrating all things Super and welcoming fans from around the globe. Be sure to visit the Super Museum and take pic-

Meet Femi Taylor of Star Wars at the ICCC May 26-28 tures at the Superman and Jesse Rath.

Statue. Appearing at the For more information 2023 Metropolis Super- visit: www.supermancelman Celebration, Friday, ebration.net or https:// June 9 through Sunday, www.metropolistourism.

June 11 are Nicole com/supermancelebra Maines, Tyler Hoechlin, tion.

Movie Reviews: Unfinished Business

by Dwight Brown, Film critic for NNPA News Wire & <Dwight BrownInk.com> (***) There’s no ‘I’ in team.

But there is an ‘I’ in winner. That would describe this very reflective look at women’s professional basketball. From the OG players to today’s socially conscious, mediasavvy Gen Zers.

For the past year, the face of the WNBA has been Brittany Griner.

The 6’9” athlete was accused of carrying hashish oil at an airport near Moscow. She was detained, imprisoned and used by Russia to bargain for the return of arms deal Viktor Bout. So how did we get there?

Many assessing the situation, and not knowing the hard life of female pro basket ballers, might question what the hell was Griner doing in Russia playing on one of their teams?

That answer and many more facts and figures are in this very enlightening documentary by Alison Klayman. Chiefly, WNBA players get paid a pittance compared to NBA ballers. Their current salary cap is $221,450 per season. The men’s ceiling is near $50 million. Hence, if they want to live a life of some comfort, they play a WNBA season, then an overseas league season.

To survive, it’s a yearround gig.

Playing in China, Italy, Israel and Russia pays the bills, though it comes with risks. That kind of pressure is a grind on their bodies, wallets, mental health and careers. And they’re lucky. Back in the day, off season, the New York

Betnijah Laney in Unfinished Business.

(Photo courtesy of Julia Liu) Liberty’s legendary play- amazing Weatherspoon. er Teresa Weatherspoon The latter was famous for remembers how it used a historic, half court to be when the regular three-pointer hail-Mary season ended.: “You shot that was heroic. T. might see them working Spoon’s recollections are in McDonald's and Burg- some of the most er King. Some people poignant and revealing, don't understand the while Wicks’ rememhumiliation, the human brances are eye-opening sacrifice for the next revelations too. She came out as a lesbian in women to come.”

In the beginning there the press, suffered the was no future for young consequences, reaped the women who played high satisfaction and trailschool, college and even blazed for those who folbasketball. lowed. These women Olympic Then in 1996 the WNBA were courageous.

Their pioneering formed. The three most recognizable pioneers experiences are juxtawere Sheryl Denis posed against those of Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and the NextGen players: Rebecca Lobo. This film Betnijah Laney, Sabrina focusses on the history of Ionescu, Jazmine Jones, the New York Liberty, Michaela Onyenwere Lobo’s team. This fran- and Didi Richards. chise started playing at Youngblood ballers who New York City’s Madi- developed during the son Square Garden in height of the Black Lives 1997. In the beginning Matter movement and audiences were huge— took on social issues 18,000. In 2021, now along with inequities in anchored at Brooklyn’s the sport and the fight for Barclay Center, the team better pay.

Klayman’s directing attracts 7,000 on a good approach is pretty night.

Interviews focus on straight forward—interoriginal team members views, archival footage, like Lobo, Sue Wicks, statistics, history, breakKym Hampton and the throughs, setbacks and

hopes for the future. Former and current Liberty players are pretty candid on how their league, career and team effects their lives. The most disarming comments are their frank discussions about how they love each other—like a family.

Jones: “We all jell together. We click like we’re sisters and argue like we’re sisters too.”

Curiously the director never asks the women what it’s like to be coached by a male, or the coach what it’s like to shepherd these strong women.

The confessions, anecdotes and diary-like journey of the 2021 season, with a freshly formed team trying to make playoffs, are magical. Watching the women play b-ball as rap music blares is even more energizing. That’s when the footage comes alive.

Fans go wild when players dive into the stands for balls, bully their way down the court and execute textbook layups.

Even with a cameo by rocker Joan Jett, who sings her rallying cry ‘Unfinished Business,’ something is missing. If there’s any rub in this wonderful documentary it’s that lively music isn’t more prevalent. These women rock. It makes you wonder how much more vibrant this doc would feel if it had chosen a kinetic, music video style with fast clips, movement and a steady beat.

Still, sports-loving audiences will feel it’s a privilege to hear these modern-day, superstar athletes share their side of their story. The one where they’re all winners no matter the score.

The Sporting life: Montego Glover is The Witch in Into the Woods at TPAC edition

by Cass Teague Direct from Broadway, the critically acclaimed and much beloved production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony®winning triumph is coming to Nashville with its Broadway stars to boot, May 23-28, 2023 in TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall.

Into the Woods features Montego Glover as The Witch, Stephanie J. Block as The Baker’s Wife, Sebastian Arcelus as The Baker, and Gavin Creel as Cinderella’s Prince / Wolf – all reprising their Broadway roles.

Directed by Lear deBessonet (Hercules), this theatrical event honors Sondheim’s legendary memory and his Broadway masterpiece like never before.

Montego Glover was born in Macon, Georgia and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She proudly proclaims on her website: “ITW is GOING ON THE ROAD! And I'm the WITCH! Over the moon to join my Broadway company on

a very sexy select city tour across America beginning February 2023 thru July 2023...

It's good to be the Witch. See you in ‘The Wood’ in a city near you very soon!”

A graduate of Florida State University with a BFA in Music Theatre, Montego made her Broadway debut in the original Broadway production of The Color Purple in the roles of Celie & Nettie.

She created the role of Felicia Farrell in the Broadway hit musical Memphis and received a Tony Award Nomination for Lead Actress in a Musical as well as a Drama League Nomination and won both the Outer Critics’ Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award for her performance.

Currently, Montego can be heard on Entergalactic, a new highly anticipated animated film streaming now on Netflix.

Based in New York, Montego has traveled to a number of exciting theatre companies

Montego Glover around the country, and she has an impressive list of credits in Concert work.

Montego also spends time in television, film, and commercials, such as Netflix's Inventing Anna and NBC’s Blacklist.

She has appeared on Bull, Evil, Black Box, The Following, Hostages, Smash, Golden Boy, The Good Wife, White Collar, NYC 22, Law & Order, and Made In Jersey, as well as several award winning programs for PBS. Montego’s numerous commercial campaigns include Stella

Artois, Campbell’s Soup, Chase, Samsung, Verizon, Charmin, Subway, Nickelodeon, McDonald’s, and Fruit of the Loom. She has also lent her voice to video gaming, animation, scripted audio and narration. Montego has served on the Artists’ Committee for the Kennedy Center Honors and Lincoln Center Theatre. She is a New York Pops PopsEd Ambassador and a member of the Broadway Green Alliance.

Most recently, Montego was installed as an Exhibition at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center & African American Museum in her hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Don’t miss the chance to see this amazing artist in the role of a lifetime, at TPAC, May 23-28, 2023. Tickets start at only $39.

The 22/23 TPAC Broadway Series concludes with 1776: The Musical June 20-25.

For tickets and more information, go to: https://www.tpac.org/.

The 1990s ACROSS 1. Deep cavity 6. Weasel-related onomatopoeia 9. Supernatural life force 13. French treat 14. Snake-like fish 15. Major Italian city 16. Ring around the sun, pl.

17. Pitcher's stat 18. Donated part 19. *Russian President 21. *"Nevermind" band 23. *"Walkin' on the ____" by Smash Mouth 24. Google search tool 25. Took the bait 28. Between larva and adult 30. Data input device 35. U in I.C.U. 37. Dems’ opponents 39. One of Florida Keys 40. Be furious 41. *Canada/Mexico/ U.S. trade agreement acronym 43. Agitate 44. Between free and freest 46. Molokai party 47. *Telephone Tammy or Sky Dancer 48. Unquestioning ones 50. Greek muse's strings 52. Slightly insane 53. Messy substances 55. Santa ____ winds, CA 57. *TV show with Central Perk 61. *Popular Disney movie with a genie 65. Caterpillar precursor 66. Accompanies wisdom?

68. *Pinky or The Brain 69. Architectural projection 70. Crëme de cassis plus wine 71. Un-written exams 72. ____pool or ____pit 73. One or some or all 74. Find new tenant

DOWN 1. * “____ Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus 2. Highlands hillside 3. Raise the roof 4. Leopard marks 5. Bungle (2 words) 6. Part of a hammer 7. “____ the land of the free...”

8. Heathrow craft 9. Type of missile, accr.

10. Aquarium organism 11. Indian bread 12. “____ Kerenina”

by Tolstoy 15. Breadcrumb, e.g.

20. Contain the ashes 22. Pen juice 24. Amount in one's lap, pl.

25. *The Vampire Slayer 26. Accustom 27. *“A ____ to Kill” and “Nick of ____” 29. Bell sound 31. Front or back one 32. Factual evidence 33. Quick and nimble 34. *First cloned mammal’s name 36. Swarm like bees 38. Don't go 42. Pertaining to the ear 45. Pertaining to reign 49. Motion of assent 51. Bewitch 54. Port city in Japan 56. *Christian Dior’s “J’____” 57. Mass of particles 58. Of low density 59. Pupil controller 60. December 24 and 31 61. Bald eagle's nest 62. Two-fold 63. Same as island 64. *TV show “Empty ______________” 67. * “____ and Juice”

by Snoop Dogg Solutions from last puzzle

May 19, 2023 Health/Education Breast Cancer screening should begin at age 40 Page 8

Nashville PRIDE

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent According to a new draft recommendation statement, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force proposes that women with an average risk for breast cancer begin screening at age 40 to reduce their risk of death.

It is a change from the 2016 recommendation, in which the task force recommended that biennial mammograms (breast x-rays) begin at age 50 and that the decision for women to screen in their 40s “should be an individual one.”

Some organizations, including the American Cancer Society, have recommended that women begin mammograms in their forties.

USPSTF Vice Chair Dr. Wanda Nicholson, senior associate dean, and professor at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, told CNN: “Our new task force recommendation recommends that women begin breast cancer screening with mammography at age 40 and continue screening every other year until age 74.”

The USPSTF, a group of independ-

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Black women need to demand the attention and care of health care professionals. (photo courtesy of <iStockphoto/NNPA>) ent medical experts whose recommenThe proposed recommendation is dations help steer doctors’ decisions for all individuals assigned female at and influence insurance plans, pro- birth, including cisgender women, posed an update to its breast cancer trans men, and non-binary individuals, screening recommendations on May to be at ordinary risk for breast cancer.

9.

According to Nicholson, women The task force announced it would with dense breasts and a family histoshare a draft evidence review and draft ry of cancer typically fall into this catmodeling report along with the non- egory, but not women whose family final recommendation on their website history contains breast cancer or for public comments until June 5. genetic mutations, such as mutations

on the BRCA gene, as they are regarded as being at high risk.

The revisions would not apply to those with an increased risk of breast cancer who may have already been advised to undergo screening at age 40 or earlier.

However, they should adhere to the monitoring procedures recommended by their physicians.

Black women reportedly have the highest incidence of breast cancerrelated deaths in America.

Nicholson stated that the revised recommendation “will save more lives among all women.”

This is especially significant for Black women, who have a 40% higher risk of breast cancer-related death.

According to the JAMA Network Open, the breast cancer death rate among women in their 40s was 27 per 100,000 person-years for Black women, compared to 15 per 100,000 for White women and 11 per 100,000 for American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic, and Asian or Pacific Islander women.

As a result, researchers recommended that Black women begin screening at an earlier age, 42, as opposed to 50.

TSU music business program gives students access to industry executives and artist

by Alexis Clark In the first week of the music business accelerator program at Tennessee State University, the class is already exposing students to powerhouse executives, talent agencies, and music artists. Through this firsthand experience, TSU students are gaining valuable insight into the music industry.

Students erupted in applause when High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings artist and actress CoCo Jones walked into the room. Jones gained recognition after her leading role in the 2012 Disney Channel movie Let It Shine.

She currently portrays Hilary Banks in Bel-Air, Peacock’s modern take on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. She has also released her major label debut album last year, titled What I Didn’t Tell You. The Lebanon, Tennessee native told students she was excited to share her music journey and to spread knowledge as a young Black artist and actress.

“It’s important to have classes like these because there’s so much opportunity in music that doesn’t stem from just being a rapper or a singer,” Jones said.

“I want to shed some light and share information that’s helpful for the next young Black person trying to make it in this industry.”

Jones shared stories of her upbringing in Lebanon and jump-starting her career in the music industry. She discussed navigating the ever-changing landscape of the business and staying faithful throughout her journey. The students were enthused by Jones’ insights and wisdom, and eagerly asked her questions.

“This has been phenomenal,” said Logyn Rylander, a music business major from Philadelphia. “It’s everything I could ever ask for in a class.

I’m talking to people who do what I want to do.” Rylander looks forward to going into artist development after graduation this fall. “I had a small taste of my career.”

In addition to meeting with Jones, TSU students participated in interactive class activities with Jones’ manager, Lydia Asrat, Def Jam’s Vice President Naim McNair, Vice President of marketing Charlene Thomas, and Willie ‘Prophet’ Stiggers with the Black Music Action Coalition.

Emmanuel ‘Mille Manny’ Strickland of Memphis said the music business class has been an eye-opener.

“The things we are learning are things I am going to need to know in my dayto-day career as an R&B artist.”

Strickland is a junior studying business information systems and is pursu-

ing a career as a singer and songwriter.

Strickland’s cohorts are just as impressed with the overall program.

They will also spend time with representatives from Tri-Star Entertainment Agency, Live Nation Entertainment, Wasserman Media Group, and Def Jam Recordings. The group is also exposed to different facets of the music and entertainment industry every day during their Maymester class.

Jamea Kollie, a sophomore from Detroit studying mass communications, was a part of the music class’s first cohort in 2022 and said she will cherish the connections she made. “It was amazing last year. I met so many people who so happened to look like me as well and represent the Black community,” Kollie said.

“These powerhouses of the industry are being such advocates. That’s very inspirational.”

Dr. Mark Crawford, the coordinator of commercial music for the university, said the goal is getting exposure and more opportunities for students at HBCUs. “As an educator, this means a lot,” Crawford said. “They are meeting professionals, visiting these places, and understanding the business of music. One goal is to try to provide internship opportunities for underrepresented demographics and HBCUs.”

From left to right; students Joshua Akhidenor, Emmanuel Strickland, and Link Fisher listening to Def Jam executives speak about the music industry. (Photo courtesy Tennessee State University) From discussing marketing to record label deals to artists and repertoire, the students are developing a deep appreciation for the art of music and the business behind it.

“This is like the answer to an unspoken prayer; this is exactly what we need for the students,” Crawford said.

in commencement address, Biden recognizes Howard U. as ‘The soul of the nation’

by Sam P.K. Collins, The Washington Informer In his commencement address to Howard University’s (HU) Class of 2023, President Joe Biden sparked excitement among the graduates and their families when he recognized HU’s legacy of excellence and called the Historically Black University “the soul of the nation.”

His charge to graduates was to follow in the footsteps of their fellow alumni to advance the cause of racial equity and tackle the issues that, several decades after HU’s founding, continue to affect Black people’s quality of life in the United States.

“What is the soul of the nation?

The essence of who we are. The soul makes us us—the soul of America, which makes us unique among all nations. The only nation founded on an idea, not geography, religion or ethnicity,” Biden said in his commencement address.

“The single prophecy in the Declaration of Independence that we’re all created equal. We never totally lived up to that promise but never walked away from it. America hasn’t been a fairy tale. It’s been a constant push and pull for more than 240 years. It’s a battle that’s never really over—to stand up to White supremacy, the domestic terrorist threat to our Bottom of Form.

For many graduates, the road to HU commencement had its ebbs and flows. Just months into their freshman year, HU’s Class of 2023 counted among those who quickly pivoted to virtual learning amid a pandemic that has killed hundreds of thousands.

Over the next few years, the class of 2023 would not only navigate COVID, but the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, a protracted student-led protest for improved housing conditions and transparency, contract negotiations between the university and faculty members, and a series of bomb threats that have gone unsolved.

Throughout it all, they also witnessed a renaissance in which, amid a growing racial consciousness, HBCUs experienced record enrollment and increased federal government support.

In 2021, Biden signed an executive order re-establishing the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs. The executive order called for a holistic approach to supporting historically Black higher education institutions via access to federal funding and research and development programs.

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President Joe Biden speaks to Howard University's Class of 2023 during the commencement ceremony at Capital One Arena in D.C. on May 13. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer) The Biden/Harris administration’s budget proposal that year also included more than $1 billion allocated toward HBCU research, STEM workforce development programs, and IT infrastructure, among other projects, via the U.S. Department of Education (DOE)’s Title III initiative.

Other priorities centered on teacher preparation at HBCUs. Those allocations built upon $500 million directly allocated to HBCUs through DOE grants, along with more than $5 million in COVID-related relief that Congress earmarked at the height of the pandemic.

HU has benefitted from federal investments, the most recent of which turned HU into a university-affiliated research center that, through collaboration with the Department of Defense, would aid in development of “tactical autonomy.” In his homecoming address to alumni in October, HU President Wayne A.I. Frederick revealed that the university surpassed its $100 million milestone for research contract and grants.

In his opening remarks at HU commencement, Frederick once again reflected on HU’s financial situation, this time acknowledging the Biden/Harris administration’s investments in HBCUs. “President Biden has been instrumental in making these lofty goals a reality [with] investments, including for post-secondary education, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” Frederick said on Saturday. “This is crucial to our future and Biden and his administration understand and are doing something about it.”

• • • • •

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