Georgia prosecutors proceed with criminal investigation into Donald Trump... See page 2
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Tyler Perry reportedly to acquire two tv networks See page 7
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volume XXXvii, Number 25
People Are Talking Metro Council unanimously approves city budget On Tuesday, Metro Council members voted to unanimously pass the 2024 operating budget that will fund Metro government during the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1. The budget passed by Council includes funding for all the key initiatives Mayor John Cooper outlined in his April State of Metro address, including $100M in new spending for Metro Nashville Public Schools, fully-funding the Barnes Fund to create more affordable housing, new resources to combat homelessness, and new spending across Metro’s first responders and emergency management departments. “Four years ago Metro’s finances were broken and our cash reserves were depleted. Basic city services were being underfunded and the state threatened to take over our finances. Tonight, Metro Council passed a budget that would have been unthinkable just four years ago by strengthening our historic investments the past few years in education, public safety, housing, infrastructure and other core government services,” said Mayor Cooper. “We’re building on what works, and we’re innovating to meet new challenges. Mostly important, we’re creating a platform for the future so that Nashville can be a city where every resident and every neighborhood thrives.” Metro Council also approved an additional $125.7 million in one-time spending and additional reserves as a result of surplus funds available after meeting Metro’s fund balance policy threshold. The Metro Council ordinance establishing the new policy directs that any surplus may be used for non-recurring expenditures, debt reduction or the establishment of additional reserves.
New York City Marine veteran indicted in death of subway rider
Nashville, TN
June 23, 2023
White House Juneteenth Concert celebrates Black music, denounces racism
Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands performs at the White House Juneteenth celebration. The Grammy-award winning band, fondly called AOB, was part of an all-star music event as President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted dignitaries for the first Juneteenth Concert on the White House South Lawn. by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent President Joe Biden delivered a powerful speech denouncing racism in the United States during the White House’s first major Juneteenth celebration on July 13. The Biden/Harris administration hosted a Juneteenth concert featuring renowned singers Jennifer Hudson, Audra McDonald, and Ledisi, aiming to highlight American values Biden said he believes are under threat. Addressing the audience, Biden urged Americans to choose love over hate and emphasized the importance of remembering history rather than erasing it. “As the past few years remind us, our freedoms have been put at risk by racism, that’s still too powerful a force,” he stated. “Hate only hides. And when given oxygen, just a little oxygen, it comes roaring back out again, and we have to stand up and deny it the oxygen. So Juneteenth as a federal holiday is meant to breathe new life into the very essence of America.” Continued on page 5
Fisk Jubilee Singers, TSU AOB Juneteenth performance
Fisk Jubilee Singers performing at the White House Juneteenth Celebration Concert (photo courtesy of Rep. Harold Love, Jr.) Both the Fisk Jubilee Singers Love, Jr. on Facebook. and the TSU AOB performed at Originally formed in 1871, the the White House Juneteenth Fisk Jubilee Singers utilize their Celebration. harmonic voices to sing Negro “Great performances by Spirituals across the globe. The Grammy Award winning Fisk Grammy-winning group includes Jubilee Singers Fisk University vocal artists and students at Fisk and Tennessee State University University. Aristocrat of Bands for the White The Fisk Jubilee Singers House’s President Joe Biden Vice broke racial barriers in the late President Kamala Harris 19th century, and entertained royJuneteenth Celebration Concert,” alty in Europe while raising funds posted State Rep. Harold M. Continued on page 5
Expelled Tennessee Democrats secure primary victories, signaling strong support in Districts Jordan Neely by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent New York City grand jurors handed down an indictment on Wednesday, charging Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old Marine veteran, with second-degree manslaughter in the death of fellow subway rider Jordan Neely. The incident last month has become a contentious issue, stirring discussions on mental health, crime, and race. Penny and Neely were riding an ‘F’ train in Manhattan when Neely allegedly began engaging in what witness Juan Alberto described as “somewhat aggressive speech.” Neely reportedly expressed being hungry, thirsty, and was indifferent toward the consequences of his actions. Continued on page 5 The Nashville PRIDE Newspaper is on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: @pridenews
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by Stacy M. Brown, WI senior writer The two Democratic state representatives in Tennessee, whom Republicans expelled following gun violence protests, emerged victorious in their primary races for their former seats on Thursday night. Democratic voters overwhelmingly chose Justin Jones, based in Nashville, and Justin J. Pearson, of Memphis, to retain their positions. While Jones faced no opposition, Pearson went head-to-head with Democratic challenger David Page. Observers said the resounding primary victories of Jones and Pearson serve as a resolute message to Republicans in the state House, highlighting the unwavering support these individuals enjoy within their districts.
Democratic voters overwhelmingly chose Justin Jones, based in Nashville, and Justin J. Pearson, of Memphis, to retain their positions. Further, both are expected to inject renewed momentum into the advocacy for comprehensive gun legislation,
particularly ahead of an upcoming special session this summer. The chain of events leading to their expulsion began with a tragic mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville in March, resulting in the loss of six lives, including three nineyear-olds. Jones, Pearson, and another House legislator, Gloria Johnson, spearheaded a protest on the chamber floor, demanding stricter gun safety regulations. In an unprecedented move, Republican House legislators voted to expel both Jones and Pearson, who are Black, for their roles in the protests. However, the expulsion vote fell short in the case of Johnson, who is White. Continued on page 5
Justice Dept. unveils report exposing racial bias, unconstitutional practices in Minneapolis Police Dept. by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent In the aftermath of the tragic killing of George Floyd during a police arrest three years ago, the federal government launched an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department. On June 16, the Justice Department released a comprehensive report revealing systemic abuses and discriminatory actions within the depart-
ment. Floyd’s death sparked widespread protests and furthered calls for police reform. The DOJ’s report concluded that there was “reasonable cause to believe” that police officers had engaged in a “pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law.” Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Kristen Clarke, highlighted instances where Minneapolis
officers had used excessive force against protesters without legal justification. “We witnessed officers pushing and pepper-spraying demonstrators who posed no threat,” Clarke said. The investigation’s findings encompassed discrimination and violence against minorities, including Black and Native Americans, particularly in the third precinct of Continued on page 5