Nashville PRIDE June 9, 2023

Don’t forget to vote!

The TN House District 52 special election is Thursday, June 15 for the seat held by Rep. Justin Jones.

ONlY

Movie Review Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse See page 7

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Volume XXXVii, Number 23

People Are Talking

Nashville, TN

June 9, 2023

Celebrating Black Music Month

Rep. Bill Beck Representative, Bill Beck, passed away Sunday at the age of 61 from a heart attack. Beck has served House District 51, which includes parts of downtown Nashville, East Nashville, Inglewood, Germantown, Madison, Old Hickory, and portions of Donelson, since he was elected in 2014.

House Minority Leader Karen Camper of Memphis said: “Bill Beck was one of my closest friends. He was not only my colleague, but also my confidant. His warmth, intellect and passion for people made the House of Representatives a better place. Bill was well respected by members on both sides of the aisle. No matter the political differences or issues, Bill would always find the humanity in a situation.

Any encounter with Bill made your day better. I will miss his laugh and his counsel. He was truly the best of us and I cannot imagine the world without Bill Beck in it.”

Continued on page 3

June is African American Music Appreciation Month! Created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this month celebrates the African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage.

Formerly called National Black Music Month, this celebration of African American musical contributions is re-established annually by presidential proclamation.

In this year’s proclamation, President Biden stated: “This month, we celebrate the songs and artists that challenge us to think critically, stand up to injustice, and believe in ourselves. We recommit to expanding the promise of dignity and opportunity for all Americans. And we revel in the sounds, spirit, and soul of some of the very best music ever created.”

Though by no means exhaustive, below is a primer that will guide you through some of the different genres that African Americans have created, inspired and fostered.

Sacred music Sacred music, which includes spirituals and gospel music, illustrates the central role that music plays in African American spiritual and religious life.

The earliest form of Black musical expression in America, spirituals were based on Christian psalms and hymns and merged with African music styles and secular American music forms.

Spirituals were originally an oral tradition and imparted Christian values while also defining the hardships of slavery. Gospel music originated in the Black church and has become a globally recognized genre of popular music. In its earliest manifestations, gospel music functioned as an integral religious and ceremonial practice during worship services. Now, gospel music is also marketed commercially and draws on contemporary, secular sounds while still conveying spiritual and religious ideas.

Folk music African American folk music links back to African cultural traditions.

Third man charged in Jam Master Jay murder case

New Oxford Dictionary to include precise definitions of ‘bussin,’ ‘chitterlings,’ ‘cakewalk’ by 2025

Rep. Bill Beck passes at 61

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent In an exciting announcement, Oxford University Press revealed its forthcoming publication of the groundbreaking Oxford Dictionary of African American English.

During a recent online presentation, those involved in the project said they had already handpicked 100 words for the dictionary, with a target

Jam Master Jay

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent In a significant development, federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York have announced that a third man would face charges in the 2002 shooting death of RunDMC star Jam Master Jay. The latest indictment marks a long-awaited progression in a case that has languished for years, bringing renewed hope for justice.

Jay Bryant, 49, has been named the new defendant in the death of Jason Mizell, the renowned musician professionally known as Jam Master Jay. This superseding indictment follows the prior charges brought against Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan, Jr. in August 2020, as authorities relentlessly pursued leads to solve the murder of the hip-hop icon.

Continued on page 5

MC Lyte speaking at an event in Phoenix, Arizona in 2019 (photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons).

Stemming from field hollers, work Texas. Each regional manifestation of chants and game songs, folk music the blues features a uniquely identifibursts with social commentary. able sound and message. For example, Popular folk protest music spread in Mississippi Delta blues illustrated the the 1960s, and its influence is still poverty of the region while celebrating found within hip-hop today. its natural and cultural richness.

Blues Military music The blues form the foundation of Beginning with the Revolutionary contemporary American music. As did War, African Americans have always sacred and folk music, the blues also held a significant role in the armed greatly influenced the cultural and services’ military band tradition. In the social lives of African Americans. Revolutionary War and Civil War, Geographically diverse incarnations of African Americans served in fife and the blues arose in various regions, drum corps. including the Mississippi Delta, Continued on page 3 Memphis, Chicago, and Southern

publication date set for March 2025.

Presented below are 10 definitions and etymologies that eager readers can expect to find in this soon-to-bereleased dictionary: 1) Bussin (adjective and participle): Primarily used to describe food, referring to something as tasty or delicious. It can also be used more broadly to describe something impressive or excellent. Additionally, it can describe a party, event, or gathering as busy,

crowded, or lively. Variant forms include ‘bussing’ and ‘bussin’.’

2) Grill (noun): A dental overlay, either removable or permanent, often made of silver, gold, or other metals and sometimes adorned with gemstones, worn as a form of jewelry.

3) Promised Land (noun): A place believed to offer refuge and freedom, historically associated with enslaved Continued on page 5

Vice President Harris talks debt ceiling, maternal health, small business

Over 9 million families across America have their water pumped through a lead pipe, lead valve, or lead fixture. The Biden/Harris Administration is replacing all lead service lines over the next decade to ensure access to clean and safe water in every community (photo: courtesy of <@WhiteHouse> on Instagram).

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Vice President Kamala Harris was as integral to the negotiations as any-

one else in helping to reach a bipartisan deal so America could avoid defaulting on its debt obligations.

Also, in two-plus years in office, the nation’s first Black and first woman

vice president already has carved an indelible mark on many impactful policies that have seen significant increases in small and minority-owned businesses and record low Black unemployment.

Harris, a force during her years in the U.S. Senate and as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, also has spearheaded work to help women retain autonomy over their bodies despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s controversial ruling to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade legislation.

In an exclusive interview, the vice president pledged more of the same going forward from the Biden/Harris administration.

“One of the most important aspects of where we are, and our goal was to avoid the kinds of losses [Republicans] had initially proposed, and that’s very significant,” Harris said of the bipartisan budget deal reached earlier in the week.

The deal places caps on spending for the next two years, claws back about $28 billion in unspent COVID relief money, and strips $20 billion of funds earmarked for the Internal Continued on page 5

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June 9, 2023

Minnesota establishes office addressing missing, murdered Black women, girls

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent In a significant step toward addressing the distressing issue of missing Black women, Minnesota has taken a groundbreaking initiative by establishing the nation’s first-ever Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls.

The state’s decision to confront this profoundly troubling trend comes as a response to the countless untold and unsolved stories that have plagued the community for far too long.

State officials established a task force in 2021 under the direction of Lakisha Lee, whose sister Brittany Clardy vanished and died 10 years prior.

Clardy, only 18 at the time, had gone missing, and authorities found her lifeless body in the trunk of her car.

Lee recalled the anguish her family experienced and the frustration with law enforcement’s initial response.

“We knew something was wrong right away,” she said in an interview with NPR. “But after they asked us her age and demographics, they assumed she had simply run away with her boyfriend. We knew our sister better than anyone. We were the experts on our own family.”

Motivated by the desire to ensure that other cases of missing Black women do not suffer the same fate as Clardy’s, Lee and her

task force embarked on a journey that culminated in the creation of this pioneering office.

Supported by Democratic state Rep. Ruth Richardson and a team of dedicated volunteers, the task force presented a report in 2022 that shed light on the alarming reality Black women face in Minnesota.

Despite constituting only seven percent of the state’s population, Black women accounted for 40% of its domestic violence victims.

The task force’s findings reverberated beyond Minnesota’s borders, inspiring neighboring states such as Illinois and Wisconsin to adopt similar initiatives.

However, Minnesota has taken the lead by establishing the first

Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls in the entire country.

To tackle this pressing issue head-on, the Minnesota Legislature has committed a substantial budget of nearly $2.5 million over the next two years.

A significant portion of these funds, approximately $300,000 annually, will be dedicated to community-based organization grants. Furthermore, the state allocated $948,000 to establish and operate the Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls, ensuring its effectiveness and reach.

An additional $50,000 annually will assist with public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the office

Lakisha Lee intervention model that and its mission.

Lee fervently hopes truly serves all families that these collective for generations, making efforts will bring about the office unnecessary in the long run,” she said. lasting change.

“We can work “Together, we can put an towards a community end to this epidemic.”

Black Americans have widely varied views of financial situations

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a Washington, D.C., think tank, has found that Black Americans are not seeing their finances improve in America’s current recovery.

The Joint Center’s latest report, ‘Pessimism and Hope: A Survey of the Financial Status and Aspirations of Black Americans,’ found that more than half of Black Americans (57%) have credit card debt, about a third (32%) have student loan debt, and over a quarter (28%) have mortgage debt.

Further, about onethird (33%) of Black Americans report having more debt than is manageable. The 39-page report noted that Black Americans have a wide range of credit scores.

Approximately three in 10 Black Americans (30%) report having a credit score that is good or very good, and around four in 10 (39%) report having a credit score that is bad or very bad.

Also, credit scores vary substantially with

policy for the Joint Center, said in a news release. “By collecting and analyzing new data

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

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

Continued on page 5

Call (615) 292-9150 to advertise <AC@0<24 2/. 6:<9*6,. /79 2*+.;2,: Cultivating awareness about your psychology surrounding money (and the kind of spending habits it promotes) can help you chart a financial path that works for you. (photo courtesy of <iStockphoto/NNPA>) income, with nearly half with NORC at the Uniof Black Americans who versity of Chicago.

Officials said resmake $60,000 or more annually reported having earchers took a commua good or very good nity-centered approach credit score; only 16% of to understand the current Black Americans who financial situations, debt make $30,000 or less per and credit, financial year report having good aspirations, and peror very good credit ceived barriers for Black Americans. scores.

“This research is Joint Center officials said the full report, especially timely as which examines Black Black Americans work Americans’ financial to realize the full beneconditions and ambi- fits of the current ecotions, contains research nomic recovery,” Jessica completed in partnership Fulton, vice president of

found that this sentiment was not significantly divided along political or racial lines, indicating a broad consensus on the issue.

While respondents supported considering race in admissions, they placed greater importance on factors such as grades and standardized test scores.

Sixty-eight percent of adults stated that race and ethnicity should not be a significant factor in college admissions decisions.

This preference for academic merit over racial considerations was consistent across different demographic groups.

The poll results suggest that Americans support affirmative action as a policy, even if its future remains uncertain.

The Supreme Court appears ready to rule on lawsuits challenging the

admissions systems of prestigious institutions like Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.

With a conservative majority on the court, many college leaders are bracing for a decision that could potentially limit or eliminate the use of race in admissions.

Interestingly, Americans’ views on race in admissions align with the practices colleges claim to follow.

Many colleges, particularly selective ones, assert that race is just one of the numerous factors considered when selecting students for admission.

They emphasize that race is not a dominant influence but can occasionally provide an advantage to underrepresented students in close decisions.

Contributing Writers: Alvin Campbell; T.A. Spence; Reeju Davis General Columnists: William T. Robinson, Jr. Church Columnists: Rev. Barbara WoodsWashington, Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. B. Bethel Writers/Photojournalists (fl): Cass F.L.Teague, Jr., Wanda Clay, Justin Darden,

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Shiloh Long, Mayes, Inc., Marcus Jones Copy editor: Bill Dorian Production Department James H. Lewis, Jr., manager; Webmaster Lawrence Davis Circulation Department Scott Davis

Nashville PRIDE (USPS 003861) is published weekly for $40.00 for one year, $80.00 for three (3) years by Multicultural Media 5331 Mt View Rd #1072, Nashville, TN 37013. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville TN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Multicultural Media PO Box 60487, Nashville, TN 37206. Service by NNPA wire. Articles submitted for publication are subject to editorial rights of Multicultural Media. Multicultural Media accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited articles, photographs, or art. For subscriptions and advertising rates call: (615) 292-9150. E-mail - News and Editorials: npnews@ comcast.net Advertising: prideads@comcast.net.

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The Nashville PRiDe Quick Reference

Affirmative Action supported by majority of Americans as Supreme Court set to rule

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Most U.S. adults believe colleges should be allowed to consider race as part of their admissions process.

However, an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Research poll also indicated that only some people think race should play a significant role in the final decision.

These findings are critical as the Supreme Court is currently deliberating the fate of affirmative action in higher education.

The May poll, which surveyed a diverse range of participants, demonstrated that 63% of respondents believe the Supreme Court should not prohibit colleges from considering race or ethnicity during admissions.

Remarkably, the poll

on Black Americans specifically, we gain insights into the economic well-being of

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June 9, 2023

Local

Cancer… My Journey in time

Not that urgent!

by Wanda Clay There is a lot going on in the city, in the state, in the world and in the individual famiEveryone has lies. something that has to be done and it seems to be so necessary for certain people to attend, specified assistants, the pressing need for all things to be just as it is set up.

As a community leader and the pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. Enoch Fuzz is called upon to attend or serve somehow for many planned activities. With his journey with stage four lung cancer, those activities often have an effect on his immediate wellbeing.

With that being said, he had this to say: “I'm not sure why it happens. Maybe it was the birthday parties, the walk in the mall or too many phone calls. I was determined to carry out baptism at church Sunday. But, I couldn't do it. I've had to be on oxygen for the past week every day.

It doesn't add up to me, but the doctor explains, ‘Rev you have

Rev. Enoch Fuzz stage 4 lung cancer.’ So this week I'm resigned to rest well, take my meds the way I am supposed to and further delegate the ministry responsibilities.

I'm truly blessed to have a good support team around me. Some people insist on talking to me but it's not gonna happen. I've decided to beat this cancer and the Lord has blessed me to win so why lose.

I'm very grateful for the many people that support me on this difficult journey. There's not enough space in this article to name them, but I think about them all the time. There's so many things I wanna do today, this week, right now, but all of it is ill-advised.

I'm really proud that I've conditioned myself to just say No....

I've learned that it's okay to say No sometimes and the world will still be here and you'll still be in it. So, no matter how urgent they make it sound, believe me it's not that urgent.”

After three years on this difficult journey, the Rev. Fuzz is still in need of the basic health care support—rest, meds and following doctor’s orders. While all scheduled activities are important, it can still happen without his doing it all.

It’s not that urgent that he is involved.

What is urgent, is that he remains on his healing path.

Pastor Fuzz gives his support wholeheartedly as he remains on the path to healing and continues to ask for your prayers for a complete recovery. He is also in continuous prayer for others in whatever their journey may be.

Pray, share and be encouraged by the postings and weekly readings of, “Cancer…

My journey in time.”

Daughter of African immigrants awarded $50,000 scholarship to pursue her college dreams Recent Antioch High School graduate Adia Musana is the 2023 recipient of the ChaputAvery Family Foundation Scholarship. The 18-year old was selected from a stellar group of Antioch High seniors who have taken part in the Chaput-Avery Family Foundation Leadership Scholars Program through YWCA’s Girls, Inc. program. She will be pursuing a degree in marketing at the University of Tennessee -Chattanooga this fall.

“Being awarded this scholarship means I am able to further my educational goals and not have to worry about the burden of debt, along with the stress of being a new college student.” said Adia Musana. “I am so grateful to the ChaputAvery Family Foundation and Girls, Inc. and hope and dream that someday I can be placed in a position to give back to younger girls in the future who were once like me, dreamers.”

Adia’s parents fled their war-torn homeland of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the early 2000s and settled in Nashville where she and her sisters were born and raised. She is the fourth Metro Nashville Public School senior to be awarded this scholarship. Each recipient took part in YWCA’s weekly Girls, Inc. classroom programming that focuses on building confidence and setting academic, personal, and career goals. They also participated in monthly in-depth leadership and college readiness workshops.

Scholarship award winner Adia Musana (l) with Girls, Inc. instructor Jhonna King.

The latest scholar- dent and board member, ship recipient was select- who is also a former Ked based on her GPA, 12 teacher, administrator school and community and university instructor. involvement, and leader- The academic and leadship skills. One of Adia’s ership initiative has teachers recommended reached more than 50 her to the judging com- young women at Antioch mittee, sharing that she and other MNPS high gives 100% and always schools where Girls, Inc. does the right thing, programming is taking even when no one else is place. looking. She describes “We couldn’t be her as a very special stu- more delighted with this dent who can be trusted partnership and the to always make great impact it is having on decisions our Girls, Inc. high YWCA’s Girls, Inc. school juniors and senprogram began partner- iors,” said YWCA Presiing with the Chaput- dent/CEO Sharon K. Avery Family Founda- Roberson. tion in the summer of “With its keen focus 2019 to launch its lead- on earning her college ership and scholarship degree and the positive program at Antioch High impact that college eduSchool.

Scholarship cation brings, every sturecipients are mentored dent who participates is throughout their four learning important leadyears of college by Dr. ership skills and lessons Chaput Guizani, the that they will carry foundation’s vice presi- throughout their lives.”

Rep. Bill Beck... from page 1 “Our caucus is a family. Today we lost a brother, and we are devastated,” said Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons of Nashville. Our hearts go out to Pam, Meredith, and Bill’s entire family.

Bill and I entered the legislature together, and it was a true honor to serve with and learn from him. He was a source of advice, inspiration and much-needed levity for me and many others at the most crucial

moments.

Everyone privileged enough to ever cross Bill’s path knows what a special person and caring individual he was. He truly had a public servant’s heart and the most memorable laugh. I will miss my dear friend and colleague. Please join us as we lift the Beck family up in prayer.”

Raised in Madison and Whites Creek, Bill served in the Tennessee Air National Guard after graduating from Bel-

mont University. He went on to start two businesses in home building and real estate before attending Nashville School of Law. He practiced law for many years with his law partner, his mother, Martha Lu Cone Beck.

Beck laid in state on Thursday at the capitol building, and his funeral will be Saturday, 11 am, at the TPAC Polk Theatre. Beck is survived by his wife, Pam, and daughter, Meredith.

Nashville PRIDE

Page 3

Nashville African American Wind Symphony performs at Fort Negley on Juneteenth

Nashville African American Wind Symphony Cultural can take site tours and This year’s June- American teenth 615 celebration at Alliance.“We are enam- stop by the visitor center.

To learn more about Fort Negley Park will ored of their talent and feature a special per- consider them an excel- this year’s Juneteenth formance from the lent choice for this 615 celebration at Fort Nashville African Amer- year’s Juneteenth cele- Negley, along with other ican Wind Symphony. bration, which is falling Nashville Juneteenth AACA’s 40th celebration announceThe musical group, on ments, visit <Junewhich includes more anniversary year.”

More artists and per- teenth615.com> or folthan 50 Black classical will be low the event on Facemusicians, will perform formers on Monday, June 19, at announced closer to the book and Instagram.

June event, and atten- Businesses and individuthe historical site.

“The Nashville dees can expect to enjoy als interested in sponsorAfrican American Wind food trucks, a kids’ cor- ship opportunities for Symphony is a cultural ner, vendors and a fire- this year’s event can treasure,” said Jeneene works finale. Addition- visit <Juneteenth615.

Blackman, executive ally, while on the his- com/sponsorship> for director of the African toric grounds, attendees more information.

Black Music Month... from page 1 Musicians that played in military bands during World War I and World War II often incorporated modern musical styles, such as jazz, into their song selections.

They also toured the United States and Europe, entertaining civilian and military audiences alike.

Jazz Jazz evolved from ragtime, an American style of syncopated instrumental music. Jazz first materialized in New Orleans and is often distinguished by African American musical innovation. Multiple forms of the genre exist today, from the dance-oriented music of the 1920s bigband era to the experimental flair of modern avant-garde jazz.

Rhythm and Blues The predecessor to soul music, R&B is

another stylisticallydiverse genre with roots in jazz, the blues and gospel music. R&B helped spread African American culture and popularized the idea of racial integration on the airwaves and in White society. Today’s iteration of the genre has assimilated soul and funk characteristics.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Rock 'n' roll music incorporates elements from all African American music genres and combines them with American pop and country music components.

The genre was born in the 1950s and appealed to the rebellious yearnings of American youth culture.

Hip-Hop and Rap Hip-Hop and rap are musical traditions firmly embedded in African American culture. Like jazz, hip-hop has become

a global phenomenon and has exerted a driving force on the development of mass media. Hip-hop music spawned an entire cultural form, while rap remains a means for artists to voice opinions and share experiences regarding social and political issues.

This list of musical styles merely scratches the surface. In addition to the genres previously detailed, African American musicians and artists have also developed and classical influenced music traditions, country and western music, pop music, and dance music such as disco, techno and house, among other genres and styles.

Millions of people around the globe listen to and are touched by music that carries elements of African American musical traditions.

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Nashville PRIDE

Editorials www.pridepublishinggroup.com

June 9, 2023

Juneteenth, a welcomed and well deserved celebration!

by William T. Robinson, Jr. It is with open hearts and indescribable elation that African Americans and the country are awaiting Juneteenth, the official celebration of the end of slavery when the enslaved Blacks in Galveston, Texas were officially made aware that the Emancipation Proclamation declared an end to slavery. This was two years late and Galveston, Texas was the last place to get the message to its enslaved population, but it doesn’t take away from the significance of this great declaration.

The name ‘Juneteenth’ was derived with combining June with nineteenth, the month and day 2000 Union troops led by Gen. Gor-

don Granger delivered General Order No. 3 to Galveston, Texas in 1865 citing the end of slavery. Although the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves was announced on January 1, 1963, by President Abraham Lincoln, it wasn’t fully felt by all enslaved until two months after the Civil War in 1865 when it reached Texas.

You can imagine the unbridled jubilation and excitement felt by those African Americans realizing that they were no longer chattel property but free Americans— like their White counterparts.

We can argue about the reason it took so long to be recognized in Texas, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that the total acknowl-

edgement of the freeing of enslaved African Americans came to full fruition in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865.

Whether it was a political move to help the Union win the Civil War or a benevolent act on the part of this country (doing what was right), the fact remains that it happened.

Juneteenth has been celebrated in many towns and communities throughout the country, with many different dates—coinciding when that town or community got the message they were free. But June 19 has been declared the official national date of this celebration. In fact, President Joe Biden officially signed a bill June 17, 2021 making Juneteenth a national federal

New fires, familiar injustice

by Ben Jealous (TriceEdneyWire.com) – A lightning strike and a small fire are all it took this weekend to remind residents in South Louisiana, across much of the Gulf Coast really, that some people consider them disposable.

A thunderbolt reportedly hit an oil refinery in Lake Charles, causing a fire that sent up a toxic, black plume visible from 40 miles away, an evacuation nearby, and a shelter-in-place order with a three-mile radius. It’s not yet known what exactly was released into the air or how much of it.

Fifty miles south, a blaze in Cameron at an electric substation fueled by liquefied fossil gas prompted an evacuation as well, including residents of several RV parks who said they weren’t aware they were living across the street from explosive gas tanks. Substations like the one that caught fire dot that part of the state, remnants of a power grid never fully rebuilt after Hurricane Laura.

Reporters covered both fires, but they weren’t really news to residents. With dozens of oil, gas and petrochemical plants and pipes littering Cameron and Calcasieu parishes and dozens more planned, it would be notable if lightning didn’t hit something explosive or an industrial fire didn’t demand an evacuation. An explosion at one plant and a fire at another just last year caused major pollution events.

It’s a story that’s familiar to many communities across the country – the ones in the cancer alleys along the

Ben Jealous Mississippi River, those that sit alongside coalfired power plants that spew pollution that contributes to higher death rates. They are places that carry a disproportionate burden when it comes to the byproducts of our gas and oil-fueled economy. It’s sad but apt that we frequently call places like this ‘frontline’ communities as their residents are at risk like the soldiers and sailors who so frequently are recruited from the same places.

What these communities have in common is that they are where people with the least economic and political power reside. They have people who have had to make an impossible choice between the air they breath, the land they inhabit, and the water they enjoy and putting food on the table.

And they share the damaging consequences of bordering sites that spew pollutants as part of doing business.

“The stress these toxin-releasing events has on everyone living in this area causes mental and physical health problem,” Cynthia Robinson, a local faith leader who runs the Micah 6:8 Mission outside Lake Charles, said this weekend. “Those of us living here in an area where climate change has added to the magni-

tude and frequency of hurricanes add that burden also.”

The historic clean energy package passed

by President Biden and Congress in 2022 includes $3 billion in environmental justice grants for communities like these that have borne an unfair share of the damage caused by fossil fuels and other chemicals.

It’s an unprecedented direct commitment to those places.

More can be done even now. Louisiana residents have been pressing federal energy and pipeline regulators to do more to enforce regulations, starting with equipment and facilities being subject to more than self-inspection by the companies that own them.

As a nation, at moments when communities like Lake Charles and Cameron are on fire, we need to acknowledge that our continued reliance on fossil fuels is subsidized by the physical and mental health of other Americans. We have to ask ourselves why we let our neighbors make that kind of sacrifice when fossil fuel companies are making billions in record profits.

We need to act on the reality that for them environmental damage isn’t a far-off threat. It’s a daily part of their lives.

(Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. He is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Never Forget Our People Were Always Free, published in January.)

holiday. While all states may not recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday for all its employees, it is recognized as a holiday of observance.

Juneteenth is a day of celebration commemorating the end of slavery with a plethora of activities, including: church prayer services, family gatherings with cookouts or picnics, concerts, parades, speeches, and manifesting festivals African American culture with food, dance, and music. It is a time when diversity and inclusion is welcomed and encouraged showing all our brothers and sisters in this country the rich and beautiful traditions of part of America’s interwoven tapestry making up this country.

Juneteenth is a cele-

bration of love and an acknowledgement of God’s grace and mercy answering enslaved African Americans’ cries and prayers of deliverance. It should be a day signifying hope, love, acceptance and unity.

While the history of this country is far from perfect for African Americans, it is always a blessing when we can all come together as a nation, and celebrate getting it right.

As a citizen of Tennessee, I am extremely proud and honored that our Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill May 5 officially recognizing Juneteenth as an official state holiday, when it previously was looked upon just as a day of observance.

This may be an olive branch showing that we

William T. Robinson, Jr. all can appreciate each other’s values, despite our ever conflicting views is a Juneteeth reminder that African Americans are a valuable asset to this country and should be appreciated and honored. It is a time to truly show up, celebrate, and ‘show out’—acknowledging that African Americans ‘rock.’

Who governs?

By Dr. E. Faye Williams, attorney (ret.)

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – One of the most important questions a ‘thinking and responsible’ citizen must ask is, ‘Who governs me?’

Active participation in the governance of others is a solemn responsibility of which only a few are worthy. Without question, to present oneself for such a position requires a well-developed sense of selfesteem and the humility of acknowledging the great trust placed in her/his character. One of those traits without the other is a recipe for poor governance. Too many of our current ‘leaders’ share that fault.

Several days ago, I watched a television program that listed numerous politicians and the institutions of higher learning they attended. Since most of the universities attached to the subjects of the program were considered the ‘cream of the crop’ of higher learning, I only wondered, “If those schools are so good, how did some of these people get in, and more worrisome is, ‘How did they graduate?’”

I judge the quality of formal education by the ability of the student to move with skill and alacrity in familiar circumstances and adaptively in those in which they lack familiarity or experience. This is essential for effective governance, especially in a nation as culturally and geographically diverse as ours. It is more of a necessity for those whose formal education is limited in depth and detail.

Among those on the referenced program were Ted Cruz (RTexas) who attended Princeton University and received a law degree

from Harvard; Josh Hawley, (R-Mo.) who attended Stanford and received a law degree from Yale; John Kennedy (R-La.) who attended Vanderbilt and received his law degree from the University of Virginia; Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) who attended Harvard and Harvard Law School; Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y. attended Harvard; Matt Gaetz (RFla.) attended the State University of Florida and the Law College of William and Mary. I must also mention Ron DeSantis who attended Harvard, Yale, and the Naval Justice School.

Others among these ‘questionables’ attended Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Princeton, and Dartmouth. Non-Ivy League graduates like Donald Trump (University of Pennsylvania), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) (University of Georgia), and Josh Hawley (RMo.) (Stanford) and also besmirch the academic character of their alma maters.

‘Leaders’ with no, limited, or questionable academic credentials include: Lauren Boebert (R-Col.) (recently received her GED), Madison Cawthorn (RN.C.) (homeschooled with mostly ‘D’ grades before dropping out of Patrick Henry College); and Matthew Rosendale (R-Mont.) who removed his ID as ‘Rancher’ from his website when questioned about it. George Santos (R-N.Y.)? Who knows anything about him? Although some completed some college, such as an associate degree or a training course at a specialized school, I must wonder how they convinced other citizens to give them such important jobs.

Among those I have named there are two points of commonality:

Dr. E. Faye Williams 1) they are all Republicans, and 2) their words and actions demonstrate an intense hatred of all things different. I speak with authority when I say that none of the mentioned schools had courses labeled ‘Hate the Poor,’ ‘Hate Black the People,’ ‘Hate LGBTQs,’ ‘Hate Anybody With Whom You Disagree.’ You get the point. I must wonder if any administrator or board member from these schools has ever called some of these people and said: ‘You are making our school look bad! Cut out the craziness!’

I am not suggesting that these ‘leaders’ should find agreement with every point of view, but given the concept of personal freedom, their stated agendas uniformly reject uplifting all people, fair voting rights, women’s rights, peace, justice, or any of the myriad personal freedoms we have lived with for years. Their words and actions resurrect the hatred, unfairness, disrespect, and racism of history to another level.

We must find and elect those who will govern for the benefit of our diverse communities—not just for a disgruntled minority.

(Dr. E. Faye Williams is president of The Dick Gregory Society [<thedickgregorysociety.org/>. Click or tap to follow the link. Email <refayewilliams@gmail .com>] and President Emerita of the National Congress of Black Women)

To be equal: Celebrating 20 years of upholding tradition as ‘Voice Of Black America’ White his efforts as part of a That national organiof what Young called middle-aged

by Marc H. Morial who special commission zation was the National (TriceEdneyWire.com) “the year of the Negro housewife” – “Show me a person Revolution,” a year that declared she harbored no tasked with updating the Conference of Christians who is full of prejudice, saw thousands of chil- prejudice against Black recommendations of the and Jews, and the imagiand I will show you a dren, marching through Americans but could not National Advisory Com- native new program was sick, unhappy, fearful Birmingham, Alabama, comprehend the push to mission on Civil Disor- the National Committee schools. ders, also known as the for Commitment to individual who is not attacked by police dogs desegregate Brotherhood, formed to going anywhere and who and blasted with fire- “Her arguments against Kerner Commission.

“The Kerner report’s support the work of the is not growing. People hoses; the Woolworth’s school integration, it don’t shut other people lunch counter sit-in in turned out, were directed sound recommendations National Urban League, out; they fence them- Jackson, Mississippi; against sending her chil- have been ignored, and NAACP, and Southern Leadership selves in” – Whitney M. Gov. George W. Wal- dren to slum schools,” concerned citizens are Christian Marc H. Morial lace’s stand in the Young wrote. “But sup- going to have to put Conference.

Young, Jr. The first ‘To Be gy,” Sims wrote. “He It was 20 years ago schoolhouse door at the posedly there is nothing some muscle into their this week that I humbly University of Alabama; wrong with sending principles if this nation Equal’ to be published was a man who formed a assumed the responsibil- the assassination of Negro children to slum is to survive,” Young after Young’s death was human bridge between wrote. “The Kerner authored by Harold R. the rich and the poor, the ities of leadership of the Medgar Evers; the schools.”

The last ‘To Be Commission recom- Sims, who served as the White and the Black, the National Urban League, March on Washington Urban conservative and the libone of which is the for Jobs and Justice; and Equal’ column published mended, among other National honor to author this very the deadly bombing of under Young’s byline ran things, greater concern League’s acting execu- eral. Labels simply don’t column ‘To Be Equal,’ Birmingham’s 16th St. three weeks after his by private citizens, and tive director until the apply to such a universal tragic March 11, 1971, it’s good to note that at a appointment of Vernon man.” established by the Baptist Church.

Each of Young’s sucThe first ‘To Be drowning in Nigeria and time when many private E. Jordan. Appropriately, esteemed Whitney M. Equal’ column to be consisted of excerpts of groups are simply throw- it was a tribute to Young cessors has continued to Young, Jr. ‘Nation publish ‘To Be Equal,’ The column shares published in New York’s his various speeches. ing up their hands and headlined its name and takes its Amsterdam News was The last column he refusing to become Mourns A Great Leader.’ and it has been my honor “Whitney Young was to uphold the tradition as inspiration from Young’s headlined, ‘How Much authored, also published involved, at least one first full-length book, Are Negroes Worth?’ after his death and head- national organization has a man who transcended he intended it to be, published on New Year’s Young recounted his lined ‘Old Story, New devised an imaginative the boundaries of race, “the voice of Black nationality, and ideolo- America.”

Day, 1964, in the wake conversation with “a Beginning,’ concerned new program.

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

Page 5 Nashville PRIDE Continuations Oxford Dictionary... from page 1 V.P. Harris... from page 1 New individuals and later form is ‘old skool.’

Fletcher University ProJune 9, 2023

Revenue Service.

President Biden had slotted $80 billion for the IRS to help curtail tax cheaters, but the GOP sought to protect wealthy taxpayers who primarily seek loopholes to avoid paying federal taxes.

The debt ceiling agreement restarts federal student loan payments even as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to rule on the legality of the Biden-Harris forgiveness plan.

Congress hopes to vote this week on the deal, which also added new work requirements for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Program Association (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits.

Veterans and the unhoused are exempt from such requirements.

“We’ve been able to maintain what we needed to do to preserve Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits. As a result, we actually see increases there,” Harris stated.

With a steady eye on the present and future, the vice president noted the administration sought to protect the economic gains made during its first two years.

“In two years, we’ve created 12.7 million jobs and 800,000 manufacturing jobs,” Harris said.

“A lot of these issues were what we were fighting to preserve. For example, if they required [new] work requirements, we would preserve many exceptions to the requirements.”

For example, Harris noted that any requirements for veterans and those who are housing insecure were nonstarters.

“Veterans and housing-insecure people, not just the homeless, would be exempt. We were not willing to compromise,” she said.

The debt ceiling crisis and subsequent deal reminded voters of the significance of choosing candidates who have their constituents’ best interest, Harris said.

“So many of the issues have to do with who is in elected office.

It comes down to the power of the people to elect representatives who reflect their values,” the vice president said.

“When the majority of people on legislative bodies understand that you shouldn’t create policies on the backs of poor people, that’s policy that most respect our values.”

She pledged that the administration would keep pushing forward, stand up, and speak up about the needs of working people and families whom she said have been on the outside of politicians’ priority lists for too long.

“We’ve had to keep them on the inside of the priority list,” she said of the Biden/Harris admin-

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istration.

In the fast-paced 20minute interview, the vice president declared small business a passion.

She said her mother and “second mother,” Ms. Shelton, who lived two doors down and ran a nursery school above her childhood home, helped show her the importance of small businesses.

“Ms. Shelton was a small business owner, and matriarch to the community. She was a community leader, a civic leader, who mentored people in the community,” Harris said. “I was raised with an understanding of the importance of small businesses. They aren’t just business owners.

They are civic leaders and community leaders and are so much a part of the community’s cultural fabric.

“When I was in the U.S. Senate, I was able to work with my colleagues to get an extra $12 billion put into community banks, which are banks that are in the community who understand the community and its needs and who will create access to capital often where the big banks don’t give access to capital for our startups, young entrepreneurs, and small businesses.”

She maintained that the work has continued in her role as vice president. Harris helped to create the Economic Opportunity Coalition, where private sector funders put money in community banks and where access to capital has increased for small business owners.

Harris gushed about a recent gathering she convened that consisted of young entrepreneurs and business leaders in tech, space, and climate work.

“They were mostly young Black men doing such innovative and good work,” she said. “I convened to let them know what’s available to them in terms of support, access to capital, and helping them get market access. Those are some of the old barriers to those being able to achieve great success.”

Finally, the vice president demanded that women have autonomy over their bodies despite the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

She said her mom had always displayed passion and anger about existing disparities for women of color, particularly Black women.

“When I was in the U.S. Senate, we began proposing legislation to address this crisis, which is a crisis,” Harris said.

“The United States of America is one of the world’s wealthiest, if not the richest, nations. [But] we have one of the highest maternal mortality rates, particularly Black women who are dying at

three times the rate of others.

“When you look at Black women in connection to childbirth, it has nothing to do with economic status or educational status. It literally has to do with so often she walks into that hospital or clinic, and she is a Black woman who is not always taken seriously.

“So I’ve been working to address a number of issues, including racial bias. We need to train medical professionals about racial bias so they can take these women seriously.

“One of my particular joys is that I’m proposing that we rely on Doulas to help teach all the other medical professionals. Doulas are women from the community who understand the importance of community health approaches to healthcare.”

Harris added that U.S. Democratic Reps.

Alma Adams of North Carolina and Lauren Underwood of Illinois, among others, helped to pass the Momnibus Act of 2021, which helps protect women from bias in the medical field.

“We need to give all women access to quality care,” Harris said. “Since I’ve been doing this work, we’ve challenged states to extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum care from two months to 12 after birth. So far, 33 states and the District of Columbia have answered the call to extend postpartum care.

“These mothers need help and assurance that they are doing okay and that we care for all their needs.”

Concerning Roe v.

Wade, Harris concluded: “One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held belief to agree that the government should not tell that woman what to do with her body. That’s between her and her pastor, priest, rabbi, or whoever she decides. But again, it’s about people’s freedom to make those decisions.

“We are seeing states across the country where they are criminalizing health care providers, giving them jail time. We see women being punished in awful ways. In Southern states, they have to pull together money to travel.

“Most women who receive an abortion are [already] mothers. So they need money, childcare, and transportation just to exercise their right over their own body.

This is a movement.

“Let’s build a coalition because these socalled leaders attacking women’s reproductive rights are the same ones attacking voting rights.

We need federal legislation. We need Congress to put back the protections of Roe. A woman’s choice, not the government, decides what happens with her body.”

Black Americans... from page 2 national economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Our findings will serve public and private sector decision-makers committed to connecting more Americans to economic opportunities, especially those focused on financial well-being and wealth building.”

Among the report’s highlights, respondents identified medical costs as a significant barrier to proper medical care for some Black Americans.

For example, around one-quarter of Black Americans have skipped a medical test or treatment (22%), failed to fill a prescription (23%), or failed to get medical care for a condition (24%) because of cost.

Researchers concluded that most Black Americans’ financial aspirations revolve around relatively immediate goals, with 80% of Black adults viewing things like not having to worry about monthly bills, not living paycheck to paycheck, having enough savings to handle an emergency,

and being debt-free as very important to their financial goals.

With the battle continuing in Congress over the nation’s debt ceiling, about 38% of Black Americans are mainly concerned with the possibility of reducing social security payments, which researchers determined poses a significant risk for many people’s retirement security.

Republican members of Congress have signaled a desire to cut social security benefits.

At the same time, Vice President Kamala Harris told the Black Press that such an occurrence was “a nonstarter” for Democrats in recent negotiations.

The Joint Center also found that the most frequently cited barriers to achieving financial aspirations are related to the current economy. High inflation, insufficient money to start investing, and high-interest rates were the most cited barriers in the study.

The phenomenon of Black Americans being

harder hit by adverse economic influences and lagging in recovery compared to White Americans is not new, the report’s authors said.

They asserted disparate economic impacts for Black communities are also apparent in the current crisis.

Research from the current crisis shows the outsized impacts on Black communities.

“Based on past and ongoing work to expose disparities and promote equity, we know that structural barriers faced

by Black Americans, the compounded insults of health and economic consequences of COVID-19, the economic assault from the Great Recession, and persistent structural racism, are destructive to the financial well-being of Black households,” the authors wrote.

“However, despite some distressing indicators about their current financial situation, most Black Americans are optimistic about their financial future, even at lower-income levels.”

with African Americans as a whole. This term draws inspiration from the biblical narrative of the Jewish people seeking liberation from Egyptian bondage.

4) Chitterlings (plural noun): A dish made from pig intestines, commonly prepared by boiling, frying, or stuffing them with other ingredients. It can also refer to the pig intestines themselves used as an ingredient. Variant forms include ‘chitlins,’ ‘chittlins,’ ‘chitlings,’ and ‘chitterlins.’

5) Kitchen (noun): refers to the hair at the back of the neck, which is typically shorter, curlier, and considered more challenging to style.

6) Cakewalk (noun): In its first sense, it denotes a contest where Black individuals would perform a stylized walk in pairs, often judged by plantation owners, with the winner receiving a cake as a prize. In a broader context, it can signify something easily or accomplished achieved, as in the phrase, ‘This job is a cakewalk.’

7) Old school (adjective): Characteristic of early hip-hop or rap music originating from New York City between the late 1970s and mid1980s. This style often incorporates couplets, funk and disco samples, and playful lyrics. It can also describe the music and artists associated with that era. A variant

8) Pat (verb): As a transitive verb, it refers to tapping the foot in rhythm with music, sometimes signifying participation in religious worship. As an intransitive verb, it describes the act of tapping the foot in rhythm with music, often to demonstrate engagement in religious worship.

9) Aunt Hagar’s children (noun): A collective term for Black people, possibly derived from the biblical figure of Hagar, who, along with her son Ishmael, was cast out by Sarah and Abraham. Within certain communities, Black Hagar symbolizes the mother figure for all Africans, African Americans, and Black womanhood.

10) Ring shout (noun): A spiritual ritual that involves a circular dance formation where participants shuffle their feet, clap their hands, and chant and sing together.

The intensity of the dancing and chanting escalates, gradually often culminating in a state of spiritual ecstasy for the participants.

“The site now offers access to details of more than 36,000 slave trading voyages between Africa and the New World; 11,000 voyages from one part of the Americas to another part; and 92,000 Africans who were forced to take the voyage,” said Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the Alphonse

fessor at Harvard University, and director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research. To ensure the inclusivity and representation of African American English, Gates serves as the editor of this significant project.

Researchers and editors from Oxford Languages and the Harvard Hutchins University Center for African and American African Research also contribute to the collaboration.

Gates emphasized the crucial need for selfexpression, telling the York Times, New “Everybody has an urgent need for selfexpression. You need to be able to communicate what you feel and what you think to other people in your speech community. That is why we refashioned the English language.”

Further, Gates revealed words included would also integrate into the prestigious Oxford English Dictionary.

He described this decision as the “best of both worlds,” highlighting the desire to demonstrate how Black English is an integral part of the global English language family.

With the release of the Oxford Dictionary of African American English, scheduled for 2025, officials said the public could contribute relevant words to enrich this comprehensive linguistic resource further.

Jam Master Jay... from page 1 Jay was tragically shot in the head inside his Jamaica, New York, recording studio on October 30, 2002.

His death, which occurred several years after the murders of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G., shocked the music world.

Hip hop royalty, including Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Queen Latifah, Russell Simmons, and Jay’s RunDMC bandmates, later gathered for his funeral just blocks away from where Jay was murdered in Queens.

Previously, when a grand jury indicted Washington and Jordan Jr., law enforcement officials revealed that Jay’s death resulted from a bad drug deal.

In a letter filed with the court, prosecutors

elaborated on the events surrounding the shooting.

They asserted that Bryant and the two previously indicted men entered the building on that fateful evening and fled immediately after the incident.

Their evidence includes eyewitness accounts of Bryant entering Jay’s recording studio and DNA belonging to Bryant recovered at the crime scene.

Jam Master Jay served as the DJ and chief part of the iconic hip-hop group RunDMC, alongside Joseph ‘Run’ Simmons and Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniel, during the early 1980s.

Their groundbreaking contributions brought hip-hop music to the forefront of popular

culture.

Some of the group’s most notable hits include ‘It’s Like That,’ ‘It’s Tricky,’ and a genrechanging collaboration on Aerosmith’s ‘Walk This Way.’ Jay’s murder had remained a cold case for years, leaving investigators and fans yearning for answers.

Despite authorities offering substantial rewards, witnesses remained reluctant to come forward, exacerbating the difficulties faced by law enforcement in solving the case.

With the inclusion of Jay Bryant as the third charged individual in the high-profile murder case, authorities believe there is renewed hope that Jay’s loved ones and friends will finally receive justice.

Affirmative Action... from page 2 College administrators defend this practice, asserting that racial diversity benefits all students by fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

The poll shed light on the uncertain landscape of race-conscious admissions, as the extent to which colleges consider race in their admissions processes remains unknown.

Notably, nine states, including California, Michigan, and Florida, have outlawed the use of race in admissions.

Among all respondents, 13% believed that race should be a very or extremely important part of the admission process, while 18% considered it somewhat important.

Black and Hispanic adults expressed a stronger belief in the importance of race in admissions compared to other racial groups.

The poll also revealed similar attitudes toward considering gender in admissions. Only nine percent of adults regard gender as very important, with 14% perceiving it as somewhat important.

Men and women shared similar views regarding the role of gender in college admissions. By contrast, most Americans (62%) believed that high school

grades should carry substantial weight in admissions, with 30% considering them somewhat important. Nearly half of the respondents indicated that standardized test scores should be highly important.

Historically, the Supreme Court has upheld affirmative action in its decisions since 1978.

The ongoing lawsuits against Harvard and UNC accuse these universities of discriminating against White and Asian students. However, lower courts have upheld the admissions systems of both schools.

The poll also examined the significance of other factors in college admissions, such as athletics and family ties.

Interestingly, most Americans believed that athletic ability should have little influence on admissions (nine percent very important, 29% somewhat important).

Some participants believed family ties should be a significant factor in the admissions process.

Legacy preference, the practice of granting preferential treatment to the children of alums, has faced criticism in recent years for allegedly favoring wealthy, White students.

Some prestigious

institutions, like Amherst College and Johns Hopkins University, have discontinued this practice.

If the Supreme Court strikes affirmative action, some experts speculate that more colleges will follow suit and abandon legacy preferences, thereby removing potential obstacles for students of color.

The poll also gauged public confidence in the Supreme Court as a whole. Following the court’s controversial Dobbs decision last year, which overturned Roe v.

Wade and allowed states to impose severe restrictions on abortion, confidence in the court has diminished.

The poll found that only 12% of Americans expressed great confidence in the court, while 48% had some confidence, and 39% had hardly any.

As the Supreme Court deliberates its decision on affirmative action, the poll results indicate a nuanced perspective among Americans.

While there is broad support for considering race in admissions, it is clear that most individuals prioritize academic factors and want to avoid race being a determining factor in the final admissions decision.

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Nashville PRIDE

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Faith of A Mustard Seed

By Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. It is so difficult to maintain Hope in a world spiraling into care-less-ness.

The powers and principalities of the earth appear to ignore Truth as it is evidence seen and even yet unseen... but clearly available for... Life. No Justice and No Peace.

Howard Thurman writes on “The Hope of The Disinherited” saying: “In the book it is written that Simeon was a Jew full of years, who had hoped so long for Israel that his hope created the thing upon which it had fed. He said, “This child is destined for the downfall as well as for the rise of many a one in Israel; destined to be a Sign for man’s attack— to bring out the secret aims of many a heart” (Moffatt). Simeon in a sense is the symbol of the disinherited looking for the consolation of Israel.

He felt that the Christ child was the answer.

Was he right?

In seeking to answer that question, certain facts are of profound significance. Jesus was poor. He was not a Roman citizen like Paul and was therefore outside the circle of real privilege. He was a carpenter. He did not write a book. He did not travel very far from his home. He was tender without being soft. He was kind without being sentimental. He was gracious without being officious. He refused to be made into a political leader and resisted the pressure to become merely a popular hero.

He came preaching a message of hope. It's predominant note was not as eschatological.

But he understood its meaning. He knew that the otherworldly hope is the cry of pain in the human spirit as it writhes in the toils of an

Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. overmastering frustration. He knew also that it gave relief to the human spirit— temporary but mighty. It is temporary because it affirms a complete and thoroughgoing dualism and affirms the ultimate defeat of God in the world of men. His faith in God could not let that pass unchallenged. He further that at the heart of such a hope there is not only despair but also deep revenge and the completest invalidation of the unity of life.

Eschatology deals in antithesis but scarcely in synthesis. The failure to see this is one of the profoundest illusions of the dispossessed. Over against that, Jesus insists that God is the God of the just and the unjust.

Ultimately, this is God's world and he can never be God in this world If he bowed finally before the swirling, seething cauldron of oppression and injustice in this world.

His message was one of love against hate and bitterness. He was never more of a realist than at this point. Hate is powerful; often his followers have been very sentimental in their shallow and unthoughtout repudiations. Hate is apt to be for the oppressed a short but temporary form of validation.

When the disinherited cannot fight, cannot even struggle, caught and trapped by the iron hands of unconscious or

reflective injustice, hate crystallizes the personality and makes it possible for a vast defiance to be flung into the teeth of the destroyer. But Jesus said that this finally burned out all the spiritual bearings in the life of the hater and left him a charred corpse, stranded on the shores of his desolate experience. He knew that love was the most completely persistent quality of which the human spirit is capable, because for its sake and under its aegis men will do gladly what no other power in heaven or hell could make them do without love.

Fundamental to all was his deep confidence in God. This is the heart of what he gives to the disinherited.

Here is no superficial optimism, but a vast that reaches faith through all the dimensions of human life, giving dignity, worth, and purpose even to the least significant. In Jesus, all men may see the illumined finger of God guiding them in the way that they should go, so that high above the clash of arms in the conflict for status, for Place, for privilege, for rights, he can hear speaking distinctly and clearly to his own spirit the still small voice of God, without which nothing has real meaning, with which all the rest of the journey, however difficult, however painful, however devastating, will be filled with a music all its own and even the stars in their appointed rounds and all the wounded world of nature participate in the triumphant music of his heart.

Such is the faith he communicates, and in its presence even death becomes a little thing.

By email: myfathersmansionpress@ gmail.com

expressions of Faith “The Promise” (Part 1)

by Bishop-Elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. Micah 7:14-16 14) Shepherd your people, keep the people who belong to you. The flock now lives alone in the field. Let them feed in ba-shon and gi-lead as in the days long ago.

15) As in the days when I brought you out of Egypt, I will show them miracles.

16) When the nations see the miracles that I will perform, they will no longer brag about their power, for they see the miracles of God. Lord we have returned back to you, we have come back where we started as your people. Be our God, our Father, and our Lord. We have lived in the field and in the wasteland.

Now we are asking You to lead us to ba-shon and gi-lead, the place where we can find pasture (grassland, water meadows, and green land) as you did long time ago when we lived in obedience to You and Your word.

The lord provides all good things for His children of obedience, lead us to that land where we can have much, lead us to the place of richness.

I, the Lord will work miracles just as I did when I let you out of Egypt. If I did it before I can do it again for you.

Micah knew that the Lord would keep His word and be a faithful God to a faithful people.

You can have confidence in Me and My plans for you life. Your greatest desires I will give unto you.

Nations will see My miracles, and no longer bring about their power, they will be ashamed because they are now a helpless people. They will be in shock, unable to speak or hear for the fear of the Lord is on them.

Micah 7:16 16b) They will put their hands over there mouths and refuse to listen.

They have to lack of knowledge, this is why they refuse to listen. It was not because of stress, fatigue, or something pressing there minds. It was there disobedience to the power of My word. Your power against My power, My power will perform miracles, My power will bring you out of Egypt, My power will take you to a land full of plenty, what will yours do? Put your hands over your mouth, have you to refuse to listen, crawl in the dust like a snake, crawl like an insect on the ground, come trembling from your holes, be in fear before the Lord our God? What will your power do?

Micah 7:17 My children, you will now live in righteousness, and sin will be removed from your

Bishop-Elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. hearts. You will keep your word and no longer turn away from Me. This time you will not break your word, for you are now unchangeable in your character, will, and covenant promises to My word.

Micah 7:18-20 18) There is no God like you. You forgive those who are guilty of sin; you don’t look as the sins of your people who are left alive. You will not stay angry forever, because you enjoy being Kind.

19) You will have mercy on us again; you will conquer our sins.

You will throw away all our sins into the deepest part of the sea.

20) You will be true to the people of Jacob, and You will be kind to the people of Abraham as you promised to our ancestors long ago.

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June 9, 2023

Faithful Utterances Discerning the times and seasons

by Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew Ernest Baylor is one of the funniest and most amazing teachers I’ve encountered. As he was teaching during Sunday School, he shared a story. He recalled a time a child asked him what happened to the fish during Noah’s Ark. If God had a place for two of every kind, where did the fish go when the rain came down? It was an excellent question and one none of us thought about. His response was one that caused a frenzy, almost a revival.

He said after much research, he found out that the fish go deeper when storms occur. His response was a lesson for all of us. Storms do come in life and the response of the fish is one that we all could learn from. I decided to conduct my own research to affirm what Ernest shared. According to the National Weather Service, most fish swim below the surface when lightning strikes occur and are unaffected. Another site on fishing states that severe storms can be sensed by fish and they will seek deep water for safety.

Fish can sense the severity of a storm and will act accordingly days before the actual storm arrives.

Interestingly enough, fish are paying attention to the signs around them. In 1 Chronicles 12:32, the tribe of Issachar was known for their ability to pay attention to the signs and seasons. “From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives.

All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.”

The tribe of Issachar had discernment. Discernment is to understand or know something through the power of the Spirit. God has given us the ability to utilize discernment to know the changes in times or seasons. Jesus made a point to share the importance of discernment. “Then He also said to the multitudes, ‘Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, A shower is coming; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, There will be hot weather; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?’”

Luke 12:54-56. We live in a world that focuses so much on intellect that we often miss the spiritual and the move of God. I was meeting with a young lady and asked her how she knew she was to move forward with a particular project.

Her reply was that it made her feel good. So many of us are just like her, we move based on how we feel instead of seeking God for discernment and wisdom. When we are met with hardships or failures, instead of going deeper into God for guidance, we seek affirmation for our feelings.

Our success depends on our ability to not only know the seasons and times but to also understand God’s will. What does the Bible say about discernment? will Discernment allow us to know the difference between what is good and evil. “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good

Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew from evil,” Hebrews 5:14, ESV. In seeking God through the word, God will teach and show us our motivation. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” Hebrews 4:12. Discernment will allow us to understand and see things in ways that the world cannot.

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned,” 1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV. We can learn a lot from fish when storms arise in our lives. We can go deeper into God to understand and discern the seasons. Instead of being blown away by the turbulence that occurs, we can go to safety and be protected no matter what is going on around us.

(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 more, visit learn <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

Leisure Meet the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023 inductees June 9, 2023

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Movie Reviews

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

2023 Inductees to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony include: (top row l-r) Chaka Khan, Missy Elliott, Don Cornelius, DJ Kool Herc, and (bottom row) The Spinners. (DJ Cool Herc’s photo by Steven Ferdman/Getty Images, Missy Elliott’s photo by Derek Blanks, and all photos courtesy of RRHOF.

by Cass Teague define rock & roll,” said Inductees in the PerThe 38th Annual John Sykes, Chairman former category were on Rock & Roll Hall of of the Rock & Roll Hall the ballot for the first Fame Induction Cere- of Fame Foundation. time, including Sheryl mony is set to take place “We are honored that Crow, Missy Elliott, Friday, November 3rd at this November’s Induc- George Michael, and Barclays Center in tion Ceremony in New Willie Nelson. This was Brooklyn, New York. York will coincide with the first year of eligibiliThe Rock & Roll Hall of two milestones in music ty for Missy Elliott.

Fame Foundation has culture; the 90th birthThe Rock & Roll announced its 2023 day of Willie Nelson and Hall of Fame (RRHF) Inductees in four cate- the 50th Anniversary of celebrates the sound of gories: Performers, the birth of Hip Hop.” youth culture and honors Musical Influencers, The Induction cate- the artists whose music Musical Excellence, and gories are what they are connects us all. Born the Ahmet Ertegun for the following rea- from the collision of Award. sons. Performers: artists rhythm & blues, country, This year’s inductees who have created music and gospel, rock & roll in the Performer Catego- whose originality, im- is a spirit that is inclury are Kate Bush, Sheryl pact, and influence has sive and ever-changing.

Crow, Missy Elliott, changed the course of RRHF shares stories of George Michael, Willie rock & roll. Musical the people, events, and Nelson, Rage Against Influence Award: artists songs that shape our the Machine, and The whose music and per- world through digital Spinners. Receiving the formance style have content, innovative exMusical Influence directly influenced, hibits, live music, Award are DJ Kool Herc inspired, and evolved engaging programs, and and Link Wray. The rock & roll and music their annual Induction Musical Excellence impacting youth culture. Ceremony.

Award will go to Chaka Musical Excellence They intentionally Khan, Al Kooper, and Award: given to artists, foster a diverse, equiBernie Taupin, while musicians, songwriters table, educational nonthis year’s Ahmet Erte- and producers whose profit Museum that gun Awardee is Don originality and influence encourages and emCornelius. creating music have had braces creativity and The announcement a dramatic impact on innovation. As a comwas recently streamed music. Ahmet Ertegun munity leader, RRHF on Apple Music 1 during Award: non-performing seeks to value, empower, a one-hour special with industry professionals and respect all people. hosts Ebro Darden, who have had a major Visit the RRHF in Rebecca Judd, Matt influence on the creative Cleveland, Ohio or virWilkinson, Brooke development and growth tually at rockhall.com.

Reese, and Kelleigh of rock & roll and music You can follow them on Bannen, with special that has impacted youth Facebook (@rockanguests Sheryl Crow and culture. drollhalloffame), InstaBernie Taupin.

To be eligible, artists gram (@rockhall), Twit“This year’s incredi- are required to have ter (@rockhall), TikTok ble group of Inductees released their first record (@RockHallFame), and reflects the diverse 25 years prior to Induc- YouTube (youtube.com/ artists and sounds that tion. Four of seven rockhall).

Black Music Month at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center

(l-r) Johnny Mathis and Limmie Pulliam

by Cass Teague Oscar®-winning score Nashville is the live along with the picMusic City, and the local ture. One of the most home for classical music renowned masters of the is the iconic Schermer- tama, African drummer horn Symphony Center. Massamba Diop will This month, there are a also be performing. A few unique opportunities “talking drum” from to experience at the Cen- Senegal, and prominentter for Black Music ly featured throughout Month and Juneteenth, the movie, the tama is and one very special known for its abilities to show in early July. replicate the sounds of Movie Series: Mar- human speech. vel Studios’ Black PanA Celebration Of ther In Concert Freedom: Nashville Thursday, June 15; African American Wind Friday, June 16; and Sat- Symphony’s Annual urday, June 17 at 7:00 Juneteenth Performance pm; Sunday, June 18, at Monday, June 19, at 2:00 pm.

4:00 PM In 2018, Marvel StuThe Nashville dios’ Black Panther African American Wind quickly became a global Symphony, with Bruce sensation and cultural Ayers, conductor, strives phenomenon, showing a to create a vital cultural new dimension of what experience within the Super Hero films could African American combe. Rolling Stone raved, munity by establishing a “The film lights up the world-class wind band screen with a full-throt- ensemble while also protle blast of action and viding exceptional fun. That’s to be expect- music education, trained. But what sneaks up ing resources, and perand floors you is the forming arts entertainfilm’s racial conscience ment exposure for youth and profound, astonish- musicians. ing beauty.”

Limmie Pulliam In Relive the excite- Recital - Make Them ment of T’Challa Hear You: A Spiritual becoming king and bat- Journey tling Killmonger, while Monday, June 19, at the Nashville Sympho- 8:00 pm. ny, Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Hot on the heels of conducting, performs his spectacular Carnegie Ludwig Göransson’s Hall debut, the incredi-

bly talented tenor Limmie Pulliam and pianist Mark Markham bring an evening of spirituals on Juneteenth. A dramatic tenor, Pulliam thrills audiences with his captivating stage presence and his powerful yet intimate sound. He recently made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera, where he became the first African American in the Met’s history to perform the role of Radamès in Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida. Pulliam’s program will be drawn from arrangements of Great Day!, Wade in de water, Ride on, King Jesus!, Another Man done gone, and other spirituals. Tickets start at only $29.

Johnny Mathis The Voice Of Romance Tour with the Nashville Symphony Sunday, July 9 at 7:30 pm.

The iconic, incomparable Johnny Mathis brings his Voice of Romance Tour to the Schermerhorn for a onenight-only appearance with the Nashville Symphony, conducted by Enrico Lopez-Yañez. A true legend, Mathis has earned three GRAMMY® awards, a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award, and membership in the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame. The Tour showcases his brilliant seven-decade career,with the hits you know and love including “Wonderful! Wonderful!,” “It’s Not for Me to Say,” “A Certain Smile,” “Chances Are,” “Misty,” and “Gina.”

Shameik Moore in Spider Man Across the Spider Verse.

by Dwight Brown (***1/2) Buckle up, SpiderMan fans. What feels like a barrage of one billion cartoon images is coming your way.

Digital effects so massive and rapid-fire your eyeballs will scream for mercy.

The Oscar-winning 2018 Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse is a distant 2018 memory.

Back then bug-bit, high Milesschooler (Shameik Morales Moore) lived with his Puerto Rican mom Rio (Luna Lauren Velez) and African American police officer dad, Jefferson Davis (Bryan Tyree Henry), in Brooklyn. He’d been mentored by OG Spider-Man Peter J. Parker (Jake Johnson) and befriended and smitten by Gwen Stacey (Hailee Steinfeld)—a.k.a., Spider-Woman. Miles and other folks banded together to fight what was evil. It was a challenging feat made easy to discern by Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman’s screenplay and expertly directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman.

That filmmaking team has turned over the reins to directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson.

Phil Lord’s co-writing team now includes Christ-opher Miller and Dave Callaham.

The difference is night and day. The ultra-contemporary dialogue sounds like kids on the street expounding on life, parents who don’t understand them and the ambivalent feelings they have for others.

Multiple extraneous characters are piled on to the point of over saturation, but are easy to tell apart, nonetheless.

The plot line splinters in various directions— some fascinating, some not. Still, what’s on view is astounding to see 99% of the time.

The Spot (Jason Schwartzman) is a villain who blames Miles for his deformed existence. The white ghost of a figure, with black spots on his body, seethes: “I’m going to

take everything from you like you took everything from me!” clear Spider-Man’s assignment is to stop him. The waters ahead are muddied by a band of Spider-People from the Spider-Society.

They’re led by Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac), who wants to implement a different approach to saving the They Multiverse. clash. They clash big time. And nothing will thwart a mission like a bunch of narcissistic super-heroes disagreeing. Miles: “Everyone keeps telling me how my story is supposed to go. Nah. I’ma do my own thing!”

The visuals kick kinetic ass—quick, illustrations thrown at the screen like a series of colorful, pop art paintings, with special attention to shapes, shades, textures, layers and angles. There’s an uncanny mixture of old-school drawings and futuristic animation, with action sequences thrilling too.

There are folks dangling from webs, gliding through the air; fist fights and annihilations; more people, more superheroes; comic jumbo-sized book words plastered on the footage.

It’s a lot to absorb and stunning to look at in the most ingenious ways. It’s an assault on the senses, a good one.

It makes you want to ask the film’s creators how many psychedelics or magic mushrooms they took before they dreamed up this fable. And if drugs weren’t involved, they all need psychiatric help!

Minus a few expository moments, it’s like an eclectic, staccato MTV video is blasted at you for two hours and 20 minutes (editor Mike Andrews)--or maybe like you just took a punch and are still seeing stars. The colors (art directors Dean Gordon and Araiz Khalid), costumes (Brooklyn ElOmar) and sets (Patrick O’Keefe) are stunning. The non-stop visual, digital, audio and animated effects are completely arrest-

ing. When Daniel Pemberton’s blaring musical score (driving and soaring bass strings) isn’t revving up emotions and energy, the most upbeat, neo-soul, funk, rock playlist is streamed, like it was culled from Spotify’s top 10: ‘Sunflower’ by Post Malone; ‘This is My Time’ by Lecrae; and ‘Familia’ by Nicki Minaj.

When the script isn’t selling bombastic, self-indulgent, big-picture visuals, it finds time to explore deepseated feelings—heartfelt emotions between a teen boy and his worparents; or ried between an angst-riddled adolescent girl and her struggling-tosingle understand father (Shea Whigham).

These moments are precious—a calming oases amid a stormy onslaught that’s as invigorating as it is exhausting. For the first 40 minutes of setup, the hurricane of hallucinations and fantasies are entertaining.

But as the film rattles on, the younger movie goers may stay more attentive than adults, who may become weary.

The entire cast conveys more drama with voices, tones and inflection than in-theflesh actors could ever do in a live-action treatment. The new additions of Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Karan Soni, Jorma Taccone and Amanda Stenberg bring more life to the party.

It might be hyperbole to say that this state-of-the art animation is about as genius as it gets for the genre.

But for kids, teens and twenty-somethings, raised on MTV, comic books and TikTok, that isn’t an overstatement.

It’s their truth. This is their holy grail— their generation’s take on what a superhero parable should be: zillions of images hurled at their eyeballs until they’re dizzy and in ecstasy.

Dwight Brown is a Film critic for the NNPA News Wire and DwightBrownInk.com.

Avian Glen Vineyard CURBSIDE PICKUP AND DELIVERY NOW AVAILABLE! CALL 615-984-4344 FOR MORE INFORMATION 3545 Almaville Rd, Smyrna, TN 37167 Open 7 days a week, Noon till 8 www.avianglenwinery.com

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