Nashville PRIDE July 14, 2023

Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame holds Induction See page 6 ONlY

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People Are Talking Former Sen. Roy Herron passes after jet ski accident

Sen. Roy Herron Longtime Democratic Sen. Roy Herron passed away on July 9 due to injuries he received in a jet ski collision on July 1. Herron was known as a devoted family man, attorney, public servant, writer, teacher, and Ironman triathlete.

An attorney from Dresden, Herron had clients from around the state of Tennessee and the region.

Herron was in the Tennessee General Assembly for 26 years, where he became senate floor leader and caucus chair for the Democrats.

For more than a quarter of a century Herron held over 1,000 listening meetings and attended every legislative session, missing only one day when his youngest son was born. In 2010, Herron was the Democratic nominee for U. S. Congress (8th Congressional District), and he chaired the state Democratic Party from 2013-15.

Continued on page 2

Nashville, TN

Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival July 22 at TSU

By Cass Teague The 23rd Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival will be hosted at Tennessee State University’s Edward S. Temple Track on Saturday, July 22.

Welcome a new tradition of the festival at Tennessee State University’s Edward S. Temple Track for a day of music, arts and food featuring local and national jazz and blues artists and food and retail vendors from the North Nashville community.

Doors open at 4 pm and performances begin at 5 pm. The star-studded line up will include phenomenal R&B and jazz greats Bizz & Everyday People at 5 pm; Joe Johnson & Friends at 6 pm; Cherelle at 7 pm; Glenn Jones at 8 pm; and Blues and soul artist Sir Charles Jones is the headliner at 9pm.

Edward S. Temple Track is located at 3651 Dr. Walter S Davis Blvd., Nashville, TN 37209.General Admissions Parking can be found near Tennessee State University’s Indoor Practice Field and Schrader Church of Christ. General Admissions Entrances can be found at the top of Schrader Lane and Dr. Walter S. Davis Boulevard. You cannot bring coolers of any size or outside food and drink into the festival. You can bring blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas (as long as they do not obstruct other’s views of the stage).

Early bird tickets are currently on sale for $20. VIP tickets are $100. VIP guests will have access to an exclusive entrance and parking, two complimentary drink tickets, and table seating. As a VIP ticket holder, you will experience great perks. On the day of the festival you’ll receive a VIP wristband that pro-

Sir Charles Jones headlines the 23rd Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival. vides access to unlimited non-alcoholic via email that must be printed before drinks (cash bar available), VIP seating the festival and placed into your car (which includes shaded covering and prior to arriving). close proximity to the stage), as well as Founded in 1994, the Jefferson St. VIP parking and VIP parking pass (sent Continued on page 6

America’s 10 ‘Blackest’ cities revealed

Tracy Chapman breaks Country Music barriers with No. 1 Hit

Tracy Chapman

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Renowned singer and songwriter Tracy Chapman, known for her reclusive nature, has emerged from the shadows to comment on a historic moment.

In a statement to Billboard, Chapman expressed her surprise and gratitude at finding herself on the country music charts, a genre she never expected to venture into.

“I’m honored to be there,” she said, acknowledging country star Luke Combs and his resounding success with his cover of her iconic 1988 single, ‘Fast Car.’ Combs’ rendition of ‘Fast Car’ has soared to the top spot on the Country Airplay chart, a significant achievement that carries even greater weight.

The ascent to No. 1 makes Chapman the first Black woman to reach that plateau as the sole writer on a country music song since the chart’s inception in 1990. Chapman’s songwriting prowess also has propelled her to the summit of Billboard’s Country Songwriters chart, courtesy of Continued on page 6 The Nashville PRIDE Newspaper is on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: @pridenews

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Urban areas like Jackson, Mississippi have become magnets for individuals seeking more substantial opportunities and sustainable living.

by Stacy M. Brown, According to Insider Monkey, NNPA Newswire senior despite a mere 1.5% growth in their national correspondent overall share since 1970, the African A recent report by the esteemed American community’s strategic reloBrookings Institution revealed that the cation has paved the way for their risinternal migration patterns of African ing influence in critical regions Americans in the United States have nationwide. contributed to ‘Black-majority cities.’

Experts project that the United These urban areas, where African States will transform into a minorityAmericans constitute a significant White country by 2045, as racial portion of the population, have minorities, including African Ameribecome magnets for individuals seek- cans, Hispanics, and Asians, are set to ing more substantial opportunities and become the primary drivers of the sustainable living. country’s economy.

Census experts attribute this transformation to two reasons – the combined racial minority population is projected to grow by a staggering 74% between 2018 and 2060, while the aging White population is expected to experience a decline during the same period.

Jackson, Mississippi, widely regarded as the ‘Blackest city’ in America, is at the forefront of this demographic shift.

With African Americans constituting over 80% of the city’s population, Jackson is a testament to the vitality and prominence of African American culture and influence.

Looking at the state level, Texas boasts the highest African American population, with 3.55 million individuals, followed closely by Georgia and Florida.

These three states rank as the top contenders with the highest concentrations of African Americans nationwide.

The following 10 urban areas have the highest percentage of African American residents: 10) Miami Gardens, Florida – total population 110,881; African Americans, 68,121; percentage: 61.44% 9) Memphis, Tennessee – total population: 628,118; African Americans: 398,824; percentage: 63.50% 8) Montgomery, Alabama – total population: 198,659; African Americans: 126,268; percentage: 63.56% Continued on page 6

Mayor Cooper’s economic, community development team kicks off ‘Prosper Nashville: Building an Economy for All’ In 2022, Mayor John Cooper announced a plan to create an inclusive and equitable economic development strategy for Metro Nashville and Davidson County. The plan, called ‘Prosper Nashville: Building an Economy for All,’ will bring together Nashville stakeholders and community leaders to establish an action-oriented and forward-looking approach that is reflective of Nashville’s increasingly diversifying communities and helps build a resilient economy where all Nashville residents can participate and thrive.

Nashville is experiencing tremendous growth, with steady population increases and a job and talent market that is stronger than ever. But not everyone has been able to participate

in and benefit from our booming economy. In Nashville and Davidson County, the top 20% of earners make over 16 times more than the bottom 20% of earners. This plan will address longstanding structural challenges facing the Metro Nashville economy, with the goal of promoting balanced and strategic growth and ensuring that all Nashvillians can prosper.

In order to incorporate diverse viewpoints from large and small businesses, neighborhoods, civic and nonprofit organizations, community groups, and residents, the mayor has selected more than 50 people for five Action Committees who will meet throughout the project.

Continued on page 6

Mayor John Cooper

July 14, 2023 National/Local www.pridepublishinggroup.com Cancer… My Journey in time Meharry Medical College names senior vice president Your Vote

by Wanda Clay embrace the celebraof institutional advancement Early voting for the tion of Juneteenth in

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Nashville PRIDE

mayoral, and Metro Council seats begins on Friday, July 14. Election Day will be held on Thursday, August 3.

Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Baptist Missionary Church, continues to carry out his civic duties while in the midst of his journey with stage four lung cancer. Because this is a necessary cause, knowing that every vote counts, the church is again inviting the public to attend OneNashville Awareness meeting on Saturday, July 15, at 8 am. This meeting will have a very valuable discussion on the election process. past two The months have embodied an expression of freedom for all and what freedom should truly look like as we celebrated two holidays, Juneteenth and July 4 (a.k.a., Independence Day). Over the past few years there has been growing controversy surrounding the celebration of ‘liberty’ on July 4, causing many Black Americans to

lieu of the many years of celebrating July 4.

Individuals are encouraged to read or listen to a speech by Frederick Douglas, entitled, ‘What to the Slave is the 4th of July.’ It can also be found audible, read by James Earl Jones.

With this in mind (along with the extensive situations surrounding our current it government), becomes clearer that your vote in every election is of great importance. Not so long ago, many people only cast a vote during the presidential elections. That is no longer the case.

General and local election ‘turn out’ has increased; however, getting people out to vote still remains a challenge. Such an effort at turning out the vote is the meeting of ‘OneNashville,’ headed

by Rev. Fuzz. OneNashville attempts to supply as much information as possible to assist in how people decide to cast their vote. Remember, your vote is counted!

If Rev. Fuzz can

Rev. Enoch Fuzz make efforts to carry out civic missions, along with his ministry while going through a journey with cancer (obviously not a pleasant experience), surely readers can share in the effort to make a difference in voting. It’s the backbone to making change and carrying out necessary tasks that govern neighborhoods, cities, the state and the nation.

As you continue to pray for Rev. Fuzz and his healing, pray for our legislature and government. You are invited to attend the OneNashville meeting on Saturday, July 15, at 8 am, at 319 33rd Ave. N. Keep viewing Rev. Fuzz’s posts on Meta and be encouraged by reading the weekly column, ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time.’

California legislature pushes bill mandating judges to consider convicted criminals’ race in sentencing

The proposed bill aims to amend the Penal Code of California and requires judges to consider a convicted criminal’s race when determining sentences. (photo courtesy of prison iStockphoto/NNPA) address this disparity.

by Stacy M. Brown, The bill states: “The NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Legislature intends to A Democratic-sup- rectify the racial bias ported bill that addresses that has historically perracial bias in the state’s meated our criminal juscriminal justice system tice system, as docuis currently making its mented by the California way through the Califor- Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Pronia Legislature.

Assemblyman Reg- posals for African Amergie Jones-Sawyer, the icans.”

The bill further Democratic chair of the California Assembly’s emphasizes that courts Public Safety Commit- must consider the distee, introduced the rela- parate impact on historitively unknown Bill 852 cally disenfranchised and system-impacted in February.

The Assembly subse- populations when exerquently passed the legis- cising their discretion in lation in May, and it is determining appropriate now under consideration sentences.

The California task in the state Senate.

The proposed bill force, which Gov. Gavin aims to amend the Penal Newsom established in Code of California and 2020 to investigate the requires judges to con- possibility of implesider a convicted crimi- menting statewide repanal’s race when deter- rations to address the mining prison sentences. legacy of slavery and Its objective is to rec- racism, inspired the legtify the historical racial islation.

The task force bias deeply ingrained in the criminal justice sys- recently released its final recommendations, tem.

The legislation ass- which the state legislaerts that historically per- ture is reviewing.

These recommendasecuted minorities have been disproportionately tions would be sent to affected and aims to the governor’s desk for

approval if implemented.

The task force’s comprehensive 1,000-page report proposes various statewide policies and outlines methodologies to calculate monetary reparations for historical injustices against Black Americans.

The report highlights the lasting consequences of slavery and systemic racism today.

Notably, the task force estimates that each eligible Black Californian has incurred a minimum of $1 million in harm caused or preventable by the state.

Regarding criminal justice, the task force found that qualifying Black residents may be entitled to compensation of over $115,000— roughly $2,352 per year of residency in California from 1971 to 2020.

This compensation would address issues such as over-policing in Black communities, excessive felony drug arrests, and disproportionate prison sentences during the so-called war on drugs.

Additionally, the final report proposed measures to abolish cash bail and end the prosecution of low-level offenses.

Bill 852 seeks to build upon the task force’s findings and recommendations by requiring California courts to actively combat racial bias in sentencing.

The legislation aims to ensure fairer outcomes for Black individuals and other marginalized communities by considering race as a factor.

Meharry Medical College, one of the nation’s oldest and largest historically Black academic health sciences centers, has announced that Juan McGruder, Ph.D., has joined the college as senior vice president of institutional advancement. McGruder will be responsible for driving development initiatives for the college, including expanding strategic partnerships to advance equity in health care and improve care for the underserved.

With more than 25 years of experience in program leadership, development and manMcGruder agement, arrives at Meharry from Oglethorpe University, where he drove business development as vice president of advancement. As senior vice president of institutional advancement, he will expand private and public investment and partnerships with Meharry that will expand the college’s work in improving equity and access for locally, communities nationally and globally.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. McGruder to campus and into the Meharry family,” said James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D., M.D., CEO/president of Meharry. “He not only brings a wealth of experience in institutional advancement, but also a deep belief in Meharry’s mission which no doubt will pay dividends for our col-

Juan McGruder, Ph.D. lege, faculty, students humankind through eduand people we serve for cation, research and years to come. At leadership, and it is an Meharry we are deter- honor to now be part of mined to improve access that mission,” McGruder and equity for communi- said. “The investments ty around the corner and and partnerships I intend across the globe. Dr. to help cultivate on McGruder will be vital behalf of Meharry will to that important goal, be essential to the Coland I look forward to lege expanding its work working alongside him.” for equitable health outPrior to Oglethorpe comes to people around University, McGruder the globe. I cannot be served as the senior vice more appreciative of the president and chief opportunity to serve this development officer for great institution.”

Junior Achievement of McGruder earned a Georgia, where he creat- Ph.D. in education and ed and led statewide pri- human development vate sector fundraising from Peabody College at and resource develop- Vanderbilt University. ment with his staff. He Additionally, he also worked at More- received a Master of house School of Medi- Education degree in cine and Georgia Insti- administration, planning tute of Technology in and social policy from institutional advance- Harvard University and ment, leading teams to a master’s degree in successfully exceed counseling and human fundraising objectives. development and a “For nearly 150 Bachelor of Arts degree years, Meharry has been in political science improving the health from Clark Atlanta and well-being of University.

Fmr. Sen. Roy Herron... from page 1 Herron graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin. In 1980, he was one of the first two students to earn joint law and divinity degrees at Vanderbilt University. Herron was ordained a deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1980 and was an adjunct faculty member at both UTM and Vanderbilt. He was also the author of four books.

Herron’s legislative career focused on healthcare, public education, consumer protection and victim’s rights, but his legislative interests and contributions were vast. Herron fought to make healthcare available to all Tennesseans. Along with others he convinced the legislature to ban smoking in public places to fight the effects of secondhand smoke. He sought always to protect children, the working people of Tennessee and those who were disadvantaged.

His longtime friend, Joe Hill, said, Herron’s advocacy for the “least

of these” is also his legacy.

“Roy Herron was a dedicated and joyful warrior for the causes he held dear. Behind that warm smile, he was as tenacious as they come and never better than when he was fighting for public schools, affordable healthcare and working families,” said Sen. Raumesh Akbari.

According to former Vice President Al Gore: “Roy Herron was a dear friend and one of Tennessee’s most devoted citizens. His untimely passing is a tragedy. Roy was a steadfast advocate for the working people of Tennessee and always stood up for our most vulnerable. My heart goes out to his beloved family Nancy, John, Rick and Ben.” Herron is survived by his wife, Nancy Carol; his sons, Rick Herron, John Herron and Ben Herron; his brother, Ben Herron; his nephews, Richard Herron, Jim Herron, Will Kinton (Melissa) and Sean Dugan; his niece

Erin Dugan; sisters-inlaw Diane Herron and Jan Dugan (Dennis); as well as great nieces, Taylor Rose, Shelby (Jess) and Lindsey (Mitul); and great nephew, Zeb. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm on Friday, July 14, at the First United Methodist Church in Martin, Tennessee; and from 11-2 pm, Saturday, July 15. The service will begin at 2 pm, Saturday, following visitation.

Burial will be at Sunset Cemetery in Dresden.

The Martin Methodist Church will be offering live streaming by going to <www.martinfumc.org>.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to: The Volunteer Center, c/o Mark Maddox, P.O. Box 5, Dresden, Tenn. 38225; or Vanderbilt University Cancer Center, c/o Nancy Miller-Herron, P.O. Box 5, Dresden, Tenn. 38225; or Dresden First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 105 S. Church Street, Dresden, Tenn. 38225.

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Nashville PRIDE

Hypocrisy of diversity

by William T. Robinson, Jr. We are constantly being told that diversity and inclusion is being executed in all major venues especially in education and major businesses. However, perhaps we should question if this is a superficial practice merely claiming that efforts are being made to bring about a more equitable, unified workplace and country that includes everyone.

There is no shortage of programs claiming to bring all minorities and ethnicities to the table advocating inclusivity; however, in the end (subtly in many cases) these programs only enforce Eurocentric assimilation. A Eurocentric perspective still seems to dominate how everything is accepted and done in public and private venues in this country.

Many African Americans find it hard to grasp that even after many diversity-orientated programs are executed by predominantly White businesses and institutions, a dominant Eurocentric modus operandi still continues to prevail. If diversity is truly considered as a primary goal, it seems to be minimized in actual implementation according to many Blacks and people of color.

It has become frighteningly apparent that super-majority led Republican legislatures throughout our country are creating legislation supporting voter suppression and the banning of books teaching Black History. These actions abate what

William T. Robinson, Jr. progress we may have made with diversity.

No amount of political rhetoric can disguise the true motives of these politicians who seem incensed in maintaining a dominant White-controlled country. You can use as many euphemisms as you wish, but it all adds up to a fight to maintain White superiority, which is a far cry from diversity and inclusion.

In fact, there seems to be a movement to abolish any gains we may have made in bringing about diversity. Just consider the recent roadblock administered by the Supreme Court abolishing affirmative action in Harvard and North Carolina, thus setting a precedent for all universities.

It is nothing short of ironic that education and politics, venues which could make the biggest difference in bringing about diversity, have been ‘kidnapped.’

The super-majority led Republican legislatures are flexing their power and taking Blacks and minorities back to a segregated time when the Good Ole Boys unabashedly flaunted their power. They have literally made a mockery of diversity and

inclusion.

The conservative Supreme Court has ‘sealed the deal’ in the minds of many people of color, i.e., there is a blatant move to go backwards, catering to those falsely claiming affirmative action is unconstitutional. They claim we have reached our goal of achieving diversity and racial equality. That is an arrogant and insulting presumption to African Americans and other people of color.

The saddest part is that while there are some good Whites standing for diversity and inclusion, they don’t have the ‘weight’ of the ones showing their true racist colors. It is beyond sad that diversity is being held hostage, keeping this country from being the nation that claims liberty and justice for all.

There are those fighting desperately to keep people from being ‘awoke,’ because being ‘awoke’ makes you less likely to be gullible to lies, propaganda and those seeking to exploit you. Hopefully, those being ‘awoke’ to the manipulation of diversity will work to make it real and meaningful. We will not succeed in diversifying this country unless we can stop these extremist, demagogical Republicans from legislating their snake oil or witches’ brew.

Good speeches about diversity are a dime a dozen, but let’s put some walk to it and make it a reality. Let’s go to the polls and vote for those who really want to make diversity mean something.

Now that the Supreme Court has acted…

by Dr. John E. Warren African Americans in particular and people of color in general have a history of Supreme Court decisions against their interests. When the Plessy vs. Ferguson decision was handed down in 1896, the Court said ‘separate but equal’ was the rule. We survived the ‘Jim Crow’ era that followed. When the Court said in the Dred Scott decision that “A Black man has no rights that a White man is bound to respect, we survived the indignity of being called everything except ‘Mister.’ As Maya Angelo said: “And still we rise.” We have experienced the works of racist, White Justices before. Today, we are better educated and equipped than we have ever been with full knowledge of options and alternatives. The only question is: Do we have the collective will to fight back?

Consider that while the Supreme Court has acted and has an embedded conservative majority for years to come.

The Constitution does give us a way out of all the decisions handed down against our interests.

Years ago when the Court ruled against flag burning, the Congress passed a law which said while such activity was offensive to many, there existed a First

Dr. John E. Warren Amendment right under Freedom of Speech to burn the flag if one decided to do so. Today, just as the president is proposing legislation to overcome Student Loan Forgiveness, and the reversal of Roe vs.

Wade, the Congress can legislate the reversal of these Supreme Court decisions.

The problem is that ‘we the people’ must change out those Rightleaning Conservative members of Congress for people who support our points of view and will vote to make the desired legislative changes. We must run candidates in each of the 435 congressional districts that will commit to and support our goals and we must finance them as well as register to vote in such extreme numbers that we overcome the opposition.

We must remember that there are more people in America that share our views among young

Whites and people of color than the conservative element that appears interested in returning Donald Trump to the Presidency.

Let us not forget that all the Republicans now running against Trump appear to be afraid to speak out against him.

Let us not forget that the very basis of the overwhelming support for Trump is racism. The racism is based in a fear that America is changing to Whites becoming a minority rather than the majority they have always been.

While this idea might be too much for some of us to think about, let's focus on the fact that if we register to vote, then we have a ticket in the American lottery of Democracy.

We must then use that vote for people who support our cause, no matter what their race.

We cannot engage in reverse racism, but rather winning for all of us who have a shared interest in the challenges before us. If the vote was important enough to try and keep it from us through ‘voter suppression,’ then it's important enough for us to fight for.

Let us remember that our fight is for the collective and not just for each of us individually.

The ‘struggle’ really does continue. Will you be a part of it?

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July 14, 2023

Debates do help voters decide, but candidates are increasingly reluctant to participate

by Gibbs Knotts and Vince Benigni, College of Charleston Former President Donald Trump’s threat to skip the first Republican presidential debate, scheduled for Aug. 23, may be a sign that candidate debates will be the next casualty in the highly polarized political environment in the United States.

For Trump, the leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, refusing to participate in a debate is nothing new. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he skipped a general election debate because it was moved online.

As is common for incumbent presidents, Joe Biden will not participate in Democratic primary debates, even though he is being challenged by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., whose support polls at 14%, and author Marianne Williamson.

Her polling average is at five percent, which was the polling threshold for Democratic presidential candidates in 2020. The Democratic National Committee is not sponsoring presidential debates this election cycle, and Biden has ignored calls from Kennedy and Williamson to debate.

But Trump and Biden aren’t the only candidates in recent years to nix debate participation. In 2022, fewer U.S. Senate and gubernatorial candidates agreed to debate their opponents than in previous election cycles. In fact, on the statewide level, the number of candidates taking part in debates has been declining since at least 2016.

Based on these trends, it’s likely debate participation will decrease again, across the board, during the 2024 election cycle.

As a professor of political science and a professor of communication, we evaluate how presidential candidates communicate their messages to the public during campaigns.

While presidential elections are rarely decided on the debate stage, there is strong evidence that viewers draw on the information they learn in debates to make voting decisions.

Presidential debates are a historical linchpin of modern American politics. Debates put the major contenders on the same stage and allow voters the opportunity to see how candidates explain (and defend) their policy positions.

Among the earliest reported examples of candidate debates in the United States were the 1858 U.S. Senate showdowns between Republican Abraham Lincoln and Democrat Stephen Douglas. The candidates held seven, three-hour debates across Illinois, focused on whether new states should be permitted to allow slavery.

In 1956, the first televised presidential debate featured Democrat and former Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson facing Sen. Estes Kefauver of Tennessee, also a Democrat, and it was a fairly restrained matchup. Each seeking their party’s nomination for president, the candidates took similar positions on school integration, atomic energy and foreign pol-

icy during the one-hour debate. They differed over whether the U.S. should discontinue hydrogen bomb testing.

After Stevenson won the primary and Democratic nomination, he selected Kefauver as his running mate.

But the initial, and perhaps most famous, general election presidential debate was in 1960. That’s when Republican Richard Nixon sparred with Democrat John Kennedy. This debate, the first in a series of four during that election cycle, was memorable because it highlighted the important role physical appearances play in presidential contests.

Radio listeners thought Nixon, then the sitting Republican vice president, had won. But his fiveo’clock shadow and pale skin caused television viewers to proclaim Kennedy the clear winner. Decades later, nationally syndicated columnist Bruce DuMont said: “After that debate, it was not just what you said in a campaign that was important, but how you looked saying it.”

That first NixonKennedy face-off was also important because of the large television audience (more than 70 million Americans watched) and the small boost it gave Kennedy in a closely contested election. According to Gallup polling, Kennedy went from being down by one percentage point before the debate to being up by three percentage points after the debate.

But after the Kennedy-Nixon debates, there wasn’t another general election presidential debate until 1976 because some candidates refused to participate in the process. In 1964, Democratic President Lyndon Johnson, the overwhelming favorite, refused to debate the Republican nominee, Barry Goldwater.

And in 1968, Nixon would not debate Democrat Hubert Humphrey because of his own dismal performance against Kennedy in 1960.

Nixon also refused to debate George McGovern, a Democrat, in 1972 because he had a 39-percentage point lead in the polls in early September.

However, since 1976, debates have been an integral part of modern presidential campaigns. In 1976, Republican incumbent Gerald Ford agreed to debate Democratic challenger Jimmy Carter because Ford was sagging in the polls after pardoning Nixon. There were three debates, including: the first on domestic policy, the second on international policy and the third on any topic.

Carter credited the debates for his win, noting that “They established me as competent on foreign and domestic affairs and gave the viewers reason to think that Jimmy Carter had something to offer.”

In 1980, Carter skipped the first debate because independent candidate John Anderson was included. So Carter and challenger Ronald Reagan, a Republican, faced off in just one debate, a week before the election. Polls gave Reagan a slight edge in the

debate, in part because he used his famous “There you go again” line after Carter accused him of opposing Medicare.

The Commission on Presidential Debates was established in 1987 “to ensure, for the benefit of the American electorate, that general election debates between or among the leading candidates for the offices of president and vice president of the United States are a permanent part of the electoral process.” It has sponsored all the debates since 1988.

Since the commission took the helm, there have been two or presidential three debates each cycle.

Beyond tradition, there is considerable evidence from scholars in communication and political science that debates play important roles in our political system.

Communication scholar Steven Chaffee has shown that debates can influence an individual’s vote choice when one of the candidates is relatively unknown, when many voters are undecided, when the race appears close and when party allegiances are weak.

Communication scholars Mitchell McKinney and Benjamin Warner have empirical findings that show presidential primary debates, where less is known about the candidates, have a much greater influence on vote choice than general election debates. They analyzed surveys of general election and primary debate viewers between 2000 and 2012 and discovered that only 3.5% of general election viewers switched from one candidate to the other, but 35% of primary election viewers changed their candidate preference.

McKinney and War-ner also found that debates enhance an individual’s level of confidence in their political knowledge and their tendency to vote.

In the same study, the scholars also demonstrate that debates can reduce a citizen’s political cynicism, measured in part by the levels of trust and confidence they have in politicians.

Given the rich tradition of presidential debates and the strong evidence that they help educate voters, we believe a lack of candidate participation will harm voters.

Academic research demonstrates that if citizens can see Biden and Trump (and their primary rivals) discuss their positions on the debt ceiling and whether they believe the U.S. should continue its support of Ukraine in its war against Russia, candidate answers could inform their electoral decisions, make them more confident that they have the knowledge to vote and decrease their cynicism about politics.

But if candidates won’t take part, voters (and democracy) will be worse off.

(Gibbs Knotts is a professor of political science, College of Charleston, and Vince Benigni is a professor of strategic communication, College of Charleston. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.)

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

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Official Sample Ballot State of Tennessee Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County August 3, 2023 Davidson County Election Commission Jim DeLanis, Chairman Tricia Herzfeld, Secretary Will “Butch” Burns, Member Dan Davis, Member A.J. Starling, Member Attest: Jeff Roberts, Administrator of Elections

EARlY vOTING SCHEDUlE Thursday, August 3, 2023 Elections All Early Voting Locations Open Friday, July 14, 2023 - Saturday, July 29, 2023 Friday, July 14 Saturday, July 15 Monday, July 17 Tuesday, July 18 Wednesday, July 19 Thursday, July 20 Friday, July 21 Saturday, July 22 Monday, July 24 Tuesday, July 25 Wednesday, July 26 Thursday, July 27 Friday, July 28 Saturday, July 29

8:00 am – 5:30 pm 8:00 am – 4:30 pm 8:00 am – 5:30 pm 8:00 am – 7:00 pm 8:00 am – 4:30 pm 8:00 am – 7:00 pm 8:00 am – 5:30 pm 8:00 am – 4:30 pm 8:00 am – 5:30 pm 8:00 am – 7:00 pm 8:00 am – 4:30 pm 8:00 am – 7:00 pm 8:00 am – 5:30 pm 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Belle Meade City Hall 4705 Harding Pike, Nashville 37205

Green Hills Library 3701 Benham Avenue, Nashville 37215

Bellevue Library 720 Baugh Road, Nashville 37221

Hermitage Library 3700 James Kay Lane, Hermitage 37076

Bordeaux Library 4000 Clarksville Pike, Nashville 37218

Howard Office Building 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Nashville 37210

Casa Azafrán Community Center 2195 Nolensville Pike, Nashville 37211

Madison Library 610 Gallatin Pike South, Madison 37115

Edmondson Pike Library 5501 Edmondson Pike, Nashville 37211

Margaret Maddox East YMCA 2624 Gallatin Pike, Nashville 37216

Goodlettsville Delmas Long Community Center 200 Memorial Drive, Goodlettsville 37072

Southeast Library 5260 Hickory Hollow Parkway, Antioch 37013

Davidson County Election Commission • 1417 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37217 • 615-862-8800 • www.nashville.gov/vote

Page 6

Nashville PRIDE

Leisure/Continuations

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July 14, 2023

Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame holds Induction

By Cass Teague The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame 2023 class includes a starstudded list of sports icons with the inductions of Teresa Lawrence Phillips, Eric Berry, Keith Bulluck, Mike Fisher, Tim Harris, John Henderson, Tianna Madison, the late Carl R. Moore, Zach Randolph, Loren Roberts, Les Robinson and Stephen B. Smith. The Class of 2023 honorees include Hendon Hooker (Tennessee Football), Josh Heupel, Danny White and Donde Plowman as 2023 Tennesseans of the Year.

Other honors include a celebration of the 65th Anniversary of the Oak Ridge 1958 National

Champion High School Football Team, the Memphis Grizzlies, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Mya Jones (Memphis Soccer), University of Tennessee Baseball and Middle Tennessee State University Women’s Basketball. The honors will be formally presented as part of the Hall’s 2023 Banquet Saturday, July 22 at the Omni Nashville Downtown.

Tickets available at www.tshf.net.

Former Tennessee State Athletics Director and head women's basketball coach Teresa Phillips Lawrence served TSU for 31 years as women's basketball coach, administrator,

and Director of Athletics. She arrived at TSU as the head women's basketball coach in 1989. From 1989-2000 she led the Tigers to their first Ohio Valley Conference regular season and champitournament onships, while also leading the Tigers to their first NCAA tournament appearance. She won 144 games in 11 seasons, winning back-to-back OVC titles in 1994 and 1995, and was twice named OVC Coach of the Year.

After her coaching career concluded, Phillips became the fulltime Athletic Director in 2002 and held this position until she retired in 2020. A few of her TSU athletics accomplish-

The Sporting life: Akai Con

by Cass Teague AkaiCon 90s Turbo Edition runs Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16 at the Farm Bureau Exposition Center (Formerly Wilson County Expo Center) 945 East Baddour Parkway Lebanon, TN 37087.

Parking is free, and there is lots of it. AkaiCon brings over 2,000 cosplayers, gamers and fandom enthusiasts together. Since 2013, AkaiCon has been a place for people from all types of fandoms to hang out and build relationships.

This is the 9th year of AkaiCon in person, so come enjoy a weekend of fun and excitement at their 79,000 square-foot event space. Costume is not required, but it does enhance the fun. Events and activities include fun for all ages, Cosplay contest, EDM dance party, live music events, industry guest meet & greets and autograph signings, video game free play and tournaments, collectible card games, 20,000+ square-foot vendor and artist space with over 60 different sellers, Adult “After Dark” events, interactive programming, fan curated panels and events, and more.

Single or multi-day passes are available online at akaicon.com or at the door. Children 12 and under get in free with adult ticket purchases (Limit 4 free children’s with each adult ticket).

Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older, or legal guardian).

Valid id

Meet Keith Silverstein at AkaiCon required to attend mature 18+/age restricted programming.

Returning after MTAC Haiku in 2017 is Keith Silverstein, veteran voice actor with over 500 entries on IMDB. The voice of Torbjorn in Overwatch, Hisoka on Hunter x Hunter, Hawkmoth on Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, Speedwagon in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and baddie Gild Tesoro in One Piece : Gold, Vector the Crocodile in the Sonic The Hedgehog franchise; Resident Evil fans know him as HUNK, Street Fighter as Gouken, Viz’s new Sailor Moon he’s the maniacal Professor Tomoe, to name a few. He also does radio work, and provides voices for dozens of video games.

Other Guests include The Oppai Princess, black aro-queer voice actress, published cosplayer and plus size model, who has shaken up the industry with her outspoken realness and risque cosplays;

Nashville resident DJ Aazera, who brings a unique experience to the tables, creating an elevated experience for everyone; and Cosplay Guest MutantGlue, who says reliving childhood movies, cartoons, and games is so refreshing, and it gives you a break from reality in such a sense of nostalgia that it just fills your soul with joy.

This is not the year to go to San Diego Comic Con, July 20-23 to find out about and meet the future of geek entertainment, esp. film and TV, or to meet and get autographs from and photographs with major screen stars. With the Writers Guild, Directors Guild, and SAG-AFTRA labor disputes, artists contractually engaged to represent specific shows and films and studios are prohibited from attending on their behalf. So, with Marvel, Disney (Star Wars), Universal, Warner Bros DC, HBO, Netflix, Sony, etc. not attending Comic Con, neither are the stars of their films and shows.

This does not impact conventions like Dragon Con, August 31 - September 4, who contract directly with talent, and their representatives, independent of studios, for appearances. Huzzah! More about who’s coming to and what’s happening at Dragon Con in a few weeks.

Please visit the official PRIDE website for a more detailed and expanded version of this column (the Director’s Cut).

Tracy Chapman... from page 1 the Combs remake.

Combs’ version has climbed higher in the charts than Chapman’s original, which reached No. 6 upon its release over three decades ago.

‘Fast Car,’ the breakout single from Chapman’s eponymous 1988 debut album, earned her numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

According to Billboard: “Combs’ version

has generated at least $500,000 in global publishing royalties, with the bulk going to Chapman who owns both the writers’ and publisher’s share of the song.”

Additionally, the success of Combs’ version has boosted Chapman’s original, with weekly consumption of Chapman’s version increasing 44% since Combs’ version was released, according to Luminate.

The original version garnered nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, solidifying Chapman’s status as a bona fide star in the music industry.

She also won Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Folk Album.

To read more, go to pridepublishing group.com

Prosper Nashville... from page 1 With feedback from these groups, as well as the general public, the plan will address a range of topics, including: • Developing strategies to invest in historically underserved neighborhoods and improve quality of life for residents; • Supporting programs and initiatives that continue to make Nashville an attractive destination for businesses and quality jobs; • Uplifting the needs of small businesses by improving access to capital and resources so they can continue to drive neighborhood economies; • Increasing access to high-paying, quality jobs by addressing the disconnect between job opportunities and the Nashville workforce; • Building a more supportive environment for government and nongovernment partners to work together on critical issues and access more funding opportunities.

"I have made it clear that economic develop-

ment in Nashville can no longer just be about tax incentives for out-oftown corporations,” said Cooper.

“We must redefine it and shift our thinking to how we’re creating opportunities for residents and providing resources to small and local businesses that create good-paying jobs across the city. Every Nashvillian, in every neighborhood, should have access to jobs and afford to live and raise a family here. It’s our job to help make that happen.”

"This plan brings all partners to the table, in hospitality, real estate, nonprofits, healthcare, educational institutions, and corporate businesses, large, small, and local— to strategically position us for Nashville's best future. These partners know what Nashville has done well and will help us do even better for everyone," said LaTanya Channel, Metro Nash-ville’s director of Economic Growth and Small Business Development.

The plan’s develop-

ment will span the next six months, identifying core opportunities and challenges, building consensus, and creating a comprehensive, equityfocused economic development plan for the region. The goal is a plan grounded in actionable solutions that promote balanced and strategic growth and allows all Nashvillians to prosper.

The project team is led by HR&A Advisors, a national economic development firm working with clients to create more equitable, resilient, and dynamic communities. The team also includes Nashville-based Pillars Development, MEPR Agency, and Varallo Public Relations.

Contact LaTanya Channel, Metro’s director of Economic Growth & Small Business Development with any questions about the development of the plan.

More information about the plan can be found at <www.nashville. gov/departments/mayor/e conomic-opportunity/ prosper-nashville>.

ments include launching the first official TSU athletics website, building an indoor practice facility, securing the NCAA pilot grant, and serving as the men's head basketball coach for one game in 2003.

While A.D., TSU won 12 OVC Championships, including five indoor track and field championships, three outdoor track and field championships, two volleyball titles, and one women's basketball championship. As the head women's basketball coach at Fisk University, the Bulldogs went 62-38 under Phillips and won two conference titles in five seasons. She was the WIAC coach of the year in 1987 and 1988.

She was the first American African female student-athlete at Vanderbilt and went on to play three different sports. As a senior in 1980, she was awarded the first-ever Athlete of the Year Award. After wrapping up her playing career and graduating from Vanderbilt in 1980, Phillips joined the Vanderbilt coaching staff in 1981 and stayed on staff until 1984, winning the women's NIT tournament in 1984.

In 2003, Sports Illustrated named her one of the 101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports. In 2014, the Women's Final Four named her one of the 10 Legends in Women's Basketball in Tennessee. She was

Teresa Lawrence Phillips inducted into the Vanderbilt Hall of Fame in 2017 and the OVC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021.

The Hall offers free admission at their downtown Nashville location, 501 Broadway inside the Bridgestone Arena building, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Festival... from page 1 Jazz & Blues Festival is at the heart and soul of the African American community in Nashville.

From the 1940s through the early 1960s, Jefferson Street was one of America’s best-known districts of jazz, blues, and rhythm and blues.

Famous African American musicians played regularly in the clubs from Little Richard and Jimi Hendrix to Ray Charles, Fats Domino and Memphis Slim.

Nashville artists, many with hit records, made the district their home.

In 1994, a group of people who believed in Jefferson Street came together in a partnership to revitalize the historic community. From these tiny pilot programs came the Jefferson Street United Merchant’s Partnership (JUMP), a not-forprofit organization whose mission is “advocating for community, economic, and work-

force development.”

JUMP launched a day long music festival to celebrate the spirit of Jefferson Street and bring together the community showcasing local businesses and culture. The Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues festival is the largest annual public community music festival in North Nashville and Middle Tennessee, and is designed to attract residents and visitors to historic Jefferson Street.

‘Blackest’ cities... from page 1 7) Southfield, Michigan – total population: 75,901; African Americans: 48,391; percentage: 63.76% 6) Birmingham, Alabama – total population: 196,410; African Americans: 139,691; percentage: 71.12% 5) Albany, Georgia – total population: 67,146; Americans: African percentage: 49,281; 73.39% 4) Detroit, Michigan – total population:

632,589; African Americans: 484,779; percentage: 76.63% 3) Lauderhill, Florida – total population: 73,461; African Americans: 58,704; percentage: 79.91% 2) East Orange, New Jersey – total population: 68,893; African Americans: 55,087; percentage: 79.96% 1) Jackson, Mississippi – total population: 149,813; African Americans: 122,612; percent-

age: 81.84% (Md.), Baltimore Shreveport (La.), New Orleans (La.), Mount Vernon (N.Y.), Macon (Ga.), Augusta (Ga.), Mobile (Ala.), Baton Rouge (La.), Portsmouth (Va.), Savannah (Ga.), Trenton (N.J.), (Ohio), Cleveland Hampton (Va.), and Newark (N.J.), rounded out the top 25 cities the highest with African American population.

Page 7 Nashville PRIDE Pulpit Faith of A Mustard Seed Expressions of Faith July 14, 2023

By Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. I keep my "March on Washington" Protest participation ever before me in relativity to the aliveness of the spirit of the original March in 1963 whose 'Civil Rights' motivation gave purpose as “Jobs and I am a Freedom”. founding member of the Christian ‘Southern Leadership Conference/Women’s Organizational Movement for Equality Now’ from my Seminary days at I.T.C. Atlanta in student ministry at Central Church.

In 1983 while serving my first appointment as Pastor to the Gordon Road, Atlanta Church, the Annual Meeting of SCLC was held as the "20th Anniversary of the March on Washington".

My presence that year was not only in assistance to Dr. Lowery in his agenda for SCLC but also in assistance to Evelyn Gibson Lowery in her work as Vision Founder of SCLC/ W.O.M.E.N. Then in 2013 I participated in the "50th Anniversary of The March on Washington".

In 2019 the "March on Washington" took on a life all it's own. This review of THAT year's protests barely scratches the surface of the unrest in the national life of the times.

The January 18th annual "March for Life 2019" brought the protest to D.C. for their 47th time; in dissent of the decision made in the 1973 Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade. Also on January 18th, the "Indigenous Peoples March" gathered first at the Department of the Interior to personify the national and global injustices against the native and indigenous peoples. When these two groups met at the Lincoln Monument Mall, it became one of the most incident filled Marches of the year.

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Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. The following day, on January 19th the “Women’s March on Washington” —for the 2nd time. What began in 2017 as resistence to the Trump Administration’s misogyny, turned into a political electoral sweep by women across This 2nd the land.

March became, as they said, 'Agenda' driven.

On February 16th the "Take Back the Vote March on Washington" was a protest prelude to the Congressional introduction of the new ‘Voting Rights Act’.

On March 14th the Kids at Washington Liberty, Yorktown, and other schools near D.C, marched in protest of "Gun Violence". The photos of the children in their orange garments documents their place in this history.

Significant in October was the "Fire Drill movement Fridays" begun by America's celebrity protest child, Jane Fonda. She moved to DC and staged weekly protests, being arrested week after week giving purpose to the demand for action from Congress on the "Green New Deal".

She brought various celebrities with her each week adding credence to this stand.

Also in October Justice" "Targeted Marched on Washington as a civil rights movement. While I have followed the "Occupy Wall Street" protests since

day conception, this movement right here has taken the most serious levels of protests from the street of New York City to the Streets of Washington DC. Disclaimer: not for the faint of heart!

And then there is the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II who began a movement at the North Carolina State House as "Moral Mondays". Now compounded with a revival of MLK,jr’s vision of a "Poor Peoples Campaign”; Moral Mondays grew into “A National Call for Moral Revival".

Barber’s Vision took what is now a very well organized at State levels, oiled, tested and, tried and found true movement to Washington DC to FORUM the 2020 Presidential Candidates on their 'Poor People AND Moral' agendas. What I saw and said from it’s origins in 2019 is that this is the Movement to watch and... follow.

But, I am for the very first time this week, in reviewing this “2019 Year of Protest” as the greatest year (apart from 1963) of protest in the life of national unrest... seeing the fact of 2019 ALSO becoming “That Year” of never seen or heard of devastation of the “Covid-19 Pandemic”. While I was listening to the folk of New York City talk about their survival of what many would call ‘conspiracy theories’ concerning the root and causation of this, now recorded historically as “Number One on the List of Disasters in the United States by Death Toll” —the results is an entire nation on ‘LockDown’... including The Church, by the end 0f 2019! So, let me see; The Greatest Year of Protest became The Highest Disaster Death Toll in the national life...

Hummmmmmm!

By email: myfathersman sionpress@gmail.com

Faithful utterances I shall not be moved

by Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew When I was a child, I remember hearing the song ‘I Shall Not Be Moved’ at church. As a child, I didn’t understand the power of these songs and their lyrics but as I’ve gotten older, they represent so much of our collective and personal histories. I remember the elders’ voices and the emotion that went into each word of the song.

Those songs were more than just tunes. They were an expression of the pain that had been experienced.

These hymns are legacies handed down to each generation to remember the journey and never forget God. Somewhere along the way, we’ve buried those songs in favor of the contemporary. We need both.

The song is based on two scriptures. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit,” Jeremiah 17: 7-8; and “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers,” Psalm 1:13.

I was honored to share thoughts on this topic at the D CEO Women’s Symposium.

Several things stood out that I shared with the audience of 500+: • Trees go through seasons and transitions.

Trees begin as seeds and go through several transitions before we see the

final result. They germinate, become seedlings, and saplings, and then they mature. In maturity, they produce flowers, fruit, or nuts. Trees then reproduce and finally go through decline only to begin the process all over again. Just like trees, we too, go through seasons. It’s important to know your season and understand that your life at 20 will not be the same at 50. Both are valuable experiences and should not be negated.

• Trees face storms.

Trees deal with broken limbs or damage. The bark can be torn off. And though there may be visible wounds, it isn’t fatal to the tree. Trees recover from damage. We go through storms that may cause pressure and pain but if we remain committed and connected, we can withstand the storms life brings.

• Trees are rooted.

Depth is not determined by the background of the tree. All trees can develop a deep root system if soil conditions allow. It doesn’t matter where we come from, our ability to grow is a choice. We can grow if we do not run from the obstacles that life presents. Our growth allows us to be rooted.

It’s also important to note that what feeds us is what will sustain our growth. It’s not just about our physical diets.

If we are not being fed properly mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, we will not have strong roots. When the storms come, we will be blown away.

• Trees planted by the water have characteristics that we can learn from: They nourish, refresh, thrive, and not only give life but offer shade. These trees, even in drought, endure.

Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew They bear fruit and have a strong root system. Are we bearing fruit by mentoring, coaching, and sponsoring others?

Are we resting to replenish? Do we have a strong connection to others that can sustain us?

• Trees understand the power of connection.

In Utah, the largest organism on earth exists, the Pando. It is an aspen tree forest that has 47,000 trees with millions of leaves connected through one root system. We, too, may be individuals but we must understand that like the Pando, our power is in the collective. Dr. King reminds us that our lives are interconnected and that our success is dependent on one another. Our lives must reflect this connectedness.

Ultimately, we are designed to be in community, and we need each other to survive.

Trees can serve as teachers for our lives. Storms will come. Transitions happen. Stay rooted and connected to the Source, God. If we do not wither and remain steadfast, we will prosper!

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

To learn more, visit drfroswa.com.)

‘Perfected in Christ’

by Bishop-Elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. In the following text, Paul focuses on three things that are the perfection of Christ that he will give his all to obtain: 1) Perfect relationship 2) Perfect progress 3) Perfect inheritance “Not as a thought I had already, either were already perfect, but I follow after it that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. I count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 3:12-14.

Paul says he know that he is not what God wants him to be. He has not reached that goal [succeeded, achieved, or fulfilled]. But he continues trying to reach it and to make it his ambition.

We are looking, searching, and seeking for the perfection of it. I have suffered the loss of all things that I may win Christ and to belong to Him. The ‘it’ is Christ.

For we are seeking the perfection of Him, to be right with God. Now I am right with God, not because I follow the law, but because I believe in Christ—not having my own righteousness of the law, but that which is through my faith of Christ; not self-faith or self-righteousness, but the faith and the righteousness of Christ that reaches the perfection, the goodness, and the grace that is required of God. It’s not me, but faith and the righteousness of God in Christ. I have come to the truth that it is in Christ, not the law. If I have to sacrifice to know

it and to enjoy it fully, I will. If I have to gave up family, friendship, job, and this world in order to know Christ and His resurrection power, I will.

This is what God spoke into my consciousness, and my awareness. God will dismantle you to release His mantle in you.

What are we willing to lose to know Christ?

What will we let go of to be one with Him? Paul says I want to know Him, I want to know the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His suffering, to be made conformable [in His nature] unto His death. So whatever it takes to be in or one with Him, let it be. Whatever it takes to be united with Christ and experience the power that gives life, spiritual renewal, and regeneration in Him, let it be. As we move in Him He will perfect these three things in our lives.

1) Perfect relationship with Him—my eternal union with the infinity perfection Christ gives me a perfect relationship with Him. It is an absolute, unchangeable, and intimate relationship that is close and cannot be separated.

“I follow after Christ, that I my apprehend [discern, and perceive] that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus, that I will know Him, be like Him, and be all He [Christ] wants me to be. This is the goal of my perfect relationship,” Philippians, 12.

2) Perfect progress – I will trust Christ. In order to grow and mature spiritually, I will trust Him. I must continue to trust and learn more about Him, draw closer to Him, and obey His word in order for their to be progress in Him for me.

Our progress is changeable in contrast [to be different] in close associa-

Bishop-Elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. tion with Him in our daily walk. You will not have perfect progress if you are not willing to do different things and have a close association with Him. A closer relationwith ship/association Him is God working to perfect us to do His will.

I count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I know that I have not reached the goal, but there is one thing I always do—forgetting the past and straining towards what is ahead. I have great sorrow about my past, but now I’m working on my perfect progress in Christ without my past hanging over my head (Philippians 13).

I press towards the mark [the different life] for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 14).

3) Perfect inheritance – My perfect inheritance is grounded in my faith in Christ and what He has done, not me. I cannot perfect myself, only God can by working in and through me. When Christ returns to take His eternal kingdom, we will be glorified and walk in our total perfection. We are working on that perfection now. I press towards the mark [the different life] for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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

Page 8

Nashville PRIDE

Health/Education

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July 14, 2023

High-quality sleep alleviates cognitive deficits linked to genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease in older African Americans

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent In a study focused on the interplay between sleep and genetic factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in older African Americans, researchers have discovered that high-quality sleep may mitigate cognitive deficits related to the ABCA7 gene.

The study sheds light on the importance of sleep in reducing the risk of cognitive decline in this vulnerable population.

“This new finding suggests that someone with a high-risk variant might be able to overcome their genetic inheritance by improving their sleep habits,” Bernadette Fausto, a member of the research faculty at Rutgers University-Newark in New Jersey, said in a news release. “The findings were striking.”

The findings, published in the latest issue of The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, highlighted the disproportionate impact of both sleep deficiencies and AD on older African Americans.

Furthermore, genetic susceptibility to AD, particularly the ABCA7 rs115550680 locus, compounds the risk for cognitive decline among individuals in this group.

The study’s goal was to look at how the quality of sleep and the ABCA7 rs115550680 gene variant affect cognitive function.

The study focused on hippocampal-dependent cognitive tasks closely linked to AD, and involved 114 cognitively healthy older African Americans genotyped for ABCA7 risk.

Of the participants, 57 were carriers of the

Alzheimer’s disease in vulnerable populations,

of older Americans.

African

A Good Fit. A Great Future.

The study sheds light on the importance of sleep in reducing the risk of cognitive decline in this vulnerable population. risk ‘G’ allele, while the decline in older African remaining 57 were non- Americans.”

Researchers said the carriers. conclusions The participants study’s completed lifestyle ques- underscored the need for tionnaires, underwent further investigation into cognitive assessments, how sleep affects the and provided self-report- pathogenesis and proed sleep quality ratings gression of AD associated with the ABCA7 (poor, average, good).

Age and years of gene.

The researchers coneducation were considered covariates in the cluded that future studies employing more rigoranalysis.

The results obtained ous methodology and through analysis of examining sleep neurocovariance (ANCOVA) physiology are warrantrevealed a significant ed to elucidate the speinteraction between the cific role of sleep in AD ABCA7 risk genotype development.

Further, they emphaand sleep quality.

Carriers of the risk size the importance of genotype who reported developing non-invasive poor or average sleep sleep interventions taiquality exhibited lored to racial groups, markedly poorer gener- considering their specifalization of prior learn- ic genetic risk profiles ing (a cognitive marker for AD. “Such interventions of AD) compared to their could prove crucial in non-risk counterparts.

In contrast, no geno- mitigating the cognitive type-related difference impact of genetic susin generalization per- ceptibility in older formance was observed African Americans and among individuals who reducing health disparireported good sleep ties in AD,” the study found. quality.

Researchers deter“These findings suggest that high-quality mined that, as the sciensleep may have a neuro- tific community gains a protective effect against deeper understanding of the genetic risk for the complex relationship Alzheimer’s disease,” between sleep, genetics, the researchers wrote. and cognitive function, “Improving sleep quality the findings may pave could potentially be an the way for novel effective strategy in approaches to prevent or reducing cognitive delay the onset of

AARP sounding the alarm on fraud

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Scams and fraud are significant problems in America, and AARP, in partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), has continued to sound the alarm.

Recent statistics in an AARP/NNPA roundtable revealed that seven in 10 Black adults think scams and fraud have hit a crisis level, and 85% of Black adults agreed that victims should report the crime to law enforcement.

This crisis is especially fraught within the Black community, and AARP officials said it emphasizes the need for all to work together to reframe the discussion around fraud victimization.

“This is an issue that we highlighted last year as well,” said Kathy Stokes, AARP’s director of fraud prevention programs, who offered new insights into the impact of fraud and scams in the Black community and tips for protecting consumers.

One essential tool Stokes highlighted is the AARP Fraud Watch Network, a free resource where individuals could learn how to proactively spot scams, get guidance from our fraud specialists if targeted, and feel more secure knowing that we advocate at the federal, state, and local levels to protect consumers and enforce the law.

“Protecting consumers goes back to AARP’s founding,” Stokes said. “There is a

ultimately improving the overall well-being

need to rethink fraud in America.”

AARP, an interest group focusing on issues affecting America’s over-50 population, noted that all should stay informed, find support, and have a voice in the fight against fraud.

The organization hopes to avoid the plight of victims like one woman who said fraud committed against her caused her to “see disappointment in my children’s eyes.”

“They see me as the person who gave away our family money,” said the unwitting victim, who has remained anonymous.

“I seriously contemplated suicide during this mess. I was devastated.”

The victim described herself as a happy but not rich wife, mother, and daughter.

“Please remember I am a person who failed her children, and that is what hurts me the most,” she said.

But Stokes said it’s important that victims understand that it’s not their fault—unfortunately, many prey on the elderly, the poor and the unsuspecting.

Among the keys to combating fraud and ensuring family relationships remain intact are more reporting, police officers viewing the crime more seriously, prosecutors taking on more fraud cases, and policy makers acting to protect the vulnerable.

If those steps are taken, billions of dollars will remain in America’s economy, Stokes said.

Additionally, an AARP Victim Support Program is available to those of all ages and provides one-hour free virtual sessions.

It also supports and empowers victims, lowers stress, and allows for a safe space to discuss fraud.

“This gives me a much deeper understanding of the mental

health impact of fraud,” said an AARP volunteer.

“Of course, I knew it was devastating—but nothing substitutes for hearing directly from victims.”

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