Nashville PRIDE August 18, 2023

Mill Ridge Park opens with largest playground in Nashville See page 3

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EDITORIAL Presidential prospects seem to be limited See page 4

Nichelle Lewis lands role in The Wiz See page 7

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volume XXXvII, Number 33

People Are Talking TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover announces her retirement

Dr. Glenda Glover Tennessee State University (TSU) President Dr. Glenda Glover has announced that she will step down from her post at the end of the spring 2024 semester.

Glover has led her former alma mater since 2013, succeeding interim president Portia Holmes Shields.

"Serving as president of Tennessee State University has been the honor of a lifetime," Glover said. "This is where I got my start.

I came to Tennessee State University, graduated in 1974—from 1974 to 2024, a 50-year blessing.

And now it's only appropriate that I announce my retirement from the place that gave me my start."

Glover said that she feels her voice can best be used on a national platform, though she declined to elaborate on what that may mean.

“My voice is needed now more than ever for a much larger platform,” she said, noting that it will come from a “different, unrestricted platform.”

“President Glover has worked tirelessly for Tennessee State University for the past decade and has done a fantastic job,” said House Minority Leader Karen Camper.

“As TSU’s first female president, she has served with honor and distinction and has brought increased national acclaim to the university. She has navigated some difficult times at the university as well, always developing solutions with dignity and class.

Her tenure has been marked by increased enrollment and fundraising, as well as attracting commencement speakers like Vice-President Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey. I wish her luck in her well-deserved retirement, although I’m sure Dr. Glover will continue to be busy and will continue to advocate for TSU and all of the other causes that she has fought for so passionately.”

Blind-sided icon: Michael Oher’s explosive claim reveals twists in The Blind Side movie tale Michael Oher, a former NFL star known for inspiring the film The Blind Side, has filed a petition in a Tennessee court with claims that the family who took him in lied about an important part of his life story.

Oher says the family used him for money, causing controversy around the once celebrated story of triumph.

The retired football star filed a petition in Shelby County, Tennessee noting that the Tuohy family, who were portrayed as his adoptive parents in the film, never legally adopted him.

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August 18, 2023

Early voting begins August 25 for the September 14 Metro Runoff election

by Cass Teague On Friday, August 25, Early Voting Begins, and on Saturday, September 9 Early Voting Ends for the September 14 Metropolitan Runoff Election. The top two vote-getters in the race for Mayor will square off in a runoff election. In the recent August 3 election, the incumbent Vice-mayor was ousted.

In the Council At-Large contest, one candidate was elected outright and will be sworn in along with four out of eight who are on the current ballot. All but three of the 35 council districts elected a representative, while runoffs will be held in districts 4, 11 and 29.

There will also be a Special General Election on that ballot in Tennessee House of Representatives District 51 for an unexpired term.

In the race for Mayor, the contest was essentially a Democratic Primary as the lone Republican on the ballot, Alice Rolli, garnered enough votes (20,458) to compete for the position.

All of the other 11 candidates are identified as Democrats, although the election is not conducted along party lines, and party affiliations are not on the ballot. Freddie O’Connell (with 27,470 votes) will advance to seek the city’s highest office The top four vote-getters will be elected among the eight candidates for the At-Large seats --- Burkley Allen, Chris Cheng, Quin Evans-Segall, Olivia Hill, Delishia Danielle Porterfield, Russ Pulley, and Jeff Syracuse.

Candidates in Council District 4 are Davette Blalock and Mike Cortese; in District 11, Jeff Eslick and Eric A. Patton; and in District 29, Tasha Ellis and John Reed. TN House District 51 is among Republican David C. Hooven, Democrat Aftyn Behn, and independ-

Metro Councilman Freddie O'Connell gained the most votes for Nashville Mayor in the August 3 general election. ent Annabelle Lee. their authority by gerrymandering As I said last month in previewing statewide and succeeded in carving up the August election and it is still -- and the 5th U.S. congressional district, so maybe even more -- true, “There may that now the state is represented in never have been a more urgent time for Congress by eight Republicans and Nashvillians to participate in the elec- only ONE Democrat. They hold both toral process than right now. This year of our state’s seats in the US Senate. has seen major assaults upon the They hold a 27-6 majority in the State integrity and autonomy of the city of Senate, and a 75-24 majority in the Nashville and Davidson County by the State House of Representatives. Also Republican supermajority in the Ten- they are seeking to control the Metro nessee legislature.

Council by cutting it in half, and are “They have attempted to overstep Continued on page 5

Fmr. Pres. Trump, 18 co-conspirators indicted on racketeering charges in Georgia – arrest warrant issued

Former President Trump

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent A grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia, indicted former President Donald Trump and more than a dozen associates for election fraud, racket-

eering, and other charges related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Trump, the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges, has been indicted four times this year for crimes tied to his presidency, perhaps the most divisive four years in American history.

Earlier this year, a civil jury found the twice-impeached former president guilty of sexual assault.

The latest 41-count indictment levels 13 new charges against Trump and brings the total of felony charges against the ex-president to an astonishing 91.

It also presents a real chance that Trump could end up in prison.

Fulton County’s District Attorney has given Trump and his alleged coconspirators until noon on Aug. 25 to turn themselves in.

“Subsequent to the indictment, as is the normal process in Georgia law,

the grand jury issued arrest warrants for those who were charged,” Willis said.

“I am giving the defendants the opportunity to voluntarily surrender no later than noon on Friday, the 25th day of August.”

She said the state’s role in the process is essential to the functioning of our democracy.

“Georgia, like every state, has laws that allow those who believe that results of the election are wrong, whether because of intentional wrongdoing or unintentional error, to challenge those results in state courts,” Willis said.

She asserted that Trump and 18 coconspirators engaged in a criminal racketeering enterprise over Georgia’s presidential election result.

Many legal experts had previously opined that Willis’ penchant for employing the Racketeer Influenced Continued on page 5

Bus tour continues to roll through state Coalition supporting gun safety policies hears from families, discusses need for action Additional tour stops were added for the second week of a bus tour featuring a coalition of Tennessee lawmakers, gun reform advocates and concerned citizens. The group is meeting with Tennesseans who want to address the state’s gun violence epidemic. They are traveling the state in a school bus with a clear message for Tennessee families: Our kids deserve better.

Our Children Deserve Better, a 501(c)(4) organization, seeks to reduce gun violence in Tennessee and push for policies that will help better protect Tennessee’s children in their schools and neighborhoods.

“Gov. Bill Lee set the parameters for his announced special legislative session on public safety, but top Republican politicians made it clear that no substantive discussions on gun reform will take place,” said Our Children Deserve Better in a press release.

“With gun violence now ranking as the leading cause of death for children in our state, advocates say our children and their safety must be priority one— Continued on page 5

The Our Children Deserve Better bus tour on gun violence stopped at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. (photo by Ken Jobe)

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Blind-sided icon: NFL star Michael Oher’s explosive claim reveals twists in The Blind Side movie tale

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Michael Oher, a former NFL star known for inspiring the film The Blind Side, has filed a petition in a Tennessee court with claims that the family who took him in lied about an important part of his life story.

Oher says the family used him for money, controversy causing around the once celebrated story of triumph.

The retired football star filed a petition in Shelby County, Tennessee noting that the Tuohy family, who were portrayed as his adoptive parents in the film, never legally adopted him.

Instead, they manipulated him into signing documents that made them his conservators after he turned 18.

These conservatorship papers allowed them to make financial

decisions on his behalf.

Oher’s legal filing claims that the Tuohys used their authority as his conservators to make a profitable deal for the film adaptation of his story.

The movie earned over $300 million and won an Oscar for Sandra Bullock’s portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy.

According to reporting by ESPN, the Tuohys allegedly received royalties, substantial while Oher received nothing despite being the central figure in the narrative.

Documents filed in court alleged that the movie paid the Tuohys and their two birth children each $225,000, plus 2.5% of the film’s “defined net proceeds.”

Oher, whose eight year career included playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and Tennessee Titans, didn’t receive

compensation.

The court filing suggested that the Tuohys continued to promote the false narrative of Oher’s adoption, using it to their advantage for personal gain.

Oher’s lawyer, J. Gerard Stranch IV, said Oher discovered the truth in 2023, causing deep emotional distress.

The revelation shattered Oher’s belief in the family’s claim to be his adoptive parents, the attorney said.

Oher’s legal filing seeks to terminate the conservatorship held by the Tuohys and prevent them from exploiting his name and likeness.

The petition also demands a full accounting of the profits generated using Oher’s story and compensation for Oher’s rightful share of these earnings.

Born into a family grappling with drug addiction, Oher faced

Five former Mississippi officers plead guilty to state charges for torturing, abusing two Black men

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Six ex-law enforcement officers from Mississippi have admitted guilt for their participation in the torture and abuse of two Black men earlier this year.

Five former deputies from the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office and one former officer from the Richland Police Department have admitted to federal charges related to a racially motivated attack that occurred in January.

Christian Dedmon, Hunter Elward, Brett McAlpin, Jeffrey Middleton, Daniel Opdyke, and Joshua Hartfield, who are all White, have admitted to conspiring to

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

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

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K'(L K'(L Michael Corey Jenkins (L) and Eddie Parker were assaulted by six cops in January. (Screenshot from YouTube/ Democracy Now!) obstruct justice. charge of first-degree Also, Dedmon faced obstruction of justice. charges of home invaThe former officers sion, while prosecutors appeared in Rankin charged Elward with County court on Monboth home invasion and day, Aug. 14, clad in aggravated assault. prison jumpsuits and McAlpin, Middleton, wrist shackles.

Opdyke, and Hartfield Continued on page 5 each bore an extra

opinions or indoctrination,” Kimberly Mundell, the Education Department’s communications director, said in a statement.

“Arkansas law contains provisions regarding prohibited topics,” Mundell told local station KHBS, referring to state education restrictions.

“Without clarity, we cannot approve a pilot that may unintentionally put a teacher at risk of violating Arkansas law.”

As several states undertake concerted efforts to circumscribe the boundaries of what educators can impart concerning race, gender, and sexuality, Arkansas has emerged as a new focal point in this ongoing dialogue.

NBC News reported that Sanders had earlier

championed limits on education in the state.

The outlet noted that she signed the LEARNS Act into law in March, restricting classroom lessons about gender identity and sexual orientation.

In January, the Republican governor signed an executive order banning “indoctrination and critical race theory” in schools.

The assault on critical race theory, which isn’t taught in grade schools, has been among the most controversial GOP initiatives across the country.

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis spearheaded initiatives to exert an overarching influence over academic viewpoints and curricula.

Continued on page 5

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Michael Oher says the family portrayed in the hit movie The Blind Side used him for money, causing controversy around the once celebrated story of triumph. (Wikimedia Commons) assertions. covered this lie to his “The lie of Michael’s chagrin and embarrassadoption is one upon ment in February of which Co-Conservators 2023, when he learned Leigh Anne Tuohy and that the Conservatorship Sean Tuohy have to which he consented enriched themselves at on the basis that doing the expense of their so would make him a Ward, the undersigned member of the Tuohy Michael Oher,” Oher’s family, in fact provided lawyers wrote. him no familial relation“Michael Oher dis- ship with the Tuohys.”

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Arkansas Education Dept. withdraws credit for AP African American Studies

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent The Arkansas Education Department has opted to strip course credit from the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course, just a few months after Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders inked legislative measures curbing the scope of public school educators’ pedagogical offerings.

The AP African American Studies course, a beacon of educational diversity and cultural enlightenment, will not be eligible for early college credit during the upcoming school year.

“The department encourages the teaching of all American history and supports rigorous courses not based on

hardships, including foster care placements and homelessness.

His trajectory changed when he was taken in by the Tuohy family, which provided stability and support.

ESPN noted that Oher’s athletic talents thrived, propelling him to a successful college and NFL career.

However, the court filing highlighted that if Oher had been legally adopted, he would have retained control over his financial matters.

Tellingly, the conservatorship arrangement stripped him of this autonomy, which became instrumental in the family’s alleged financial exploitation.

Further, the Tuohys had previously claimed they received only a flat fee for the movie and shared what they earned with Oher.

But recent revelations counter these

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Cancer… My Journey in time Focus on health and wellness

by Wanda Clay In case you have never flown in a plane, the first instructions given after putting on the seat belt attached to your seat, are safety precautions in the event of an emergency.

While there is no ‘emergency’ expected, those instructions are given on each and every flight that leaves the ground. At the beginning of those instructions, the first thing passengers are instructed to do as the oxygen masks drop from above their heads is to “place your oxygen mask on first.”

Each passenger puts their mask on first, even before assisting a child with theirs.

Sometimes there comes a time when a person has to focus on themselves—usually resulting from an unexpected event in a person’s normal routine in life. Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, has been updated with good news regarding his journey with stage four lung cancer. However, although he notes that he has greatly improved health, he is not totally healed. Rev.

Fuzz, as well as others, bear witness to the fact that cancer is devastating. But nowadays people can live with cancer.

“So every day is one day at a time,” said Rev. Fuzz. “Today is a good day to live. I pace my schedule, although a lot of people are determined to call on me to attend their wants. But I’m determined to put the focus on my own health and wellness.”

Since his diagnosis, Rev. Fuzz has maintained a great balance in remaining a community leader. Being such a leader comes with many expectations and many, many requests of time, energy and service to individuals and organizations. Yet he is unable to do 100%. He also adheres to his doctor’s instructions, finding that to be the best remedy in his journey.

In an effort to continue in his healing, Rev. Fuzz makes many adjustments to find that medium between giving and health focus. “I only do one fourth of normal activities,” he said. “I do lots of rest, reading, social media and texting.” One

Rev. Enoch Fuzz hopes that the community recognizes that Rev. Fuzz has had to put his proverbial “oxygen mask on first” in order to continue to help others. By the way, that mask goes on first in order to be at 100% capability and strength to get the necessary tasks done.

Prayer is still a very important part of healing. The public is surely blessed to have Rev. Fuzz still in the fight with great progress.

“I’m blessed to have a fantastic support system of family, friends, church and community,” he said.

Be encouraged to believe in prayer and maintain a prayer life.

Keep viewing Rev. Fuzz’s posts on Meta and be informed and encouraged by reading weekly ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time.’

high-acreage Mill Ridge Park opens with largest playground in the city

Nashville PRIDE

Page 3

City of Nashville launches Community, Asset, and Land Use (CAL) program Mayor John Cooper has announced the launch of the Community, Asset, and Land Use (CAL) program to help streamline the process for building in Nashville as the city continues to grow.

“This modern, enterprise-wide system will help Nashville reach its goal of sustainable growth as we reach record levels of building,” said Mayor Cooper. “This will make the process more efficient, and transparent for those working in our built environment—from developers working on multi-million-dollar projects to a neighbor building a detached dwelling in their back yard. “ The CAL program is a multi-year, crossdepartmental initiative to replace and optimize functionality for multiple systems used for permitting, inspecting, land management, asset management, and electronic plan reviews.

The enhanced, multidepartment technology will enable Nashville to better manage its robust growth. For fiscal year 2023, Nashville issued 13,626 building permits and recorded $5.879 billion in permitted construction costs, up $485 million from fiscal year 2022. The number of building and trade inspections for fiscal year 2023 reached 147,985, up roughly 4,000 inspections compared with fiscal year 2022.

The program, which leverages advanced technologies and data driven solutions, includes two types of projects: CAL Permitting projects, which will impact the public directly, and CAL Asset Management projects, which will enhance Metro’s operations internally.

“This efficient system will greatly reduce

our service times, and make the permitting process easier,” Cooper said. “The result will be an entirely online permitting process from start to finish, all without going into an office and without the duplication of submissions of the same documents to multiple Metro departments.”

The CAL program, which will make the city more responsive in a timely manner, will be rolled out in two phases over several months with multiple projects in each phase.

The initial projects are with Nashville’s Department of Transportation (NDOT), followed by MWS Stormwater, Water Services, Parks and Recreation, and Health. The highlights include: • CAL Permitting, which is underway, will have an online public portal that allows permit applicants to complete the permitting process online and offers full transparency of every permit in the system.

• An NDOT permitting enhancement will enable online permit application and approval tracking. It also will allow applicants to pay online and print permits online.

• In addition, additional departments that are a part of the permitting process will be able to work from the same permit applications, including the online review of plans.

• CAL Asset Management, which will begin in Summer 2024, will be integrated with hubNashville allowing residents to open a request in the hub and view updates from inspectors. This will facilitate enhanced transparency and tracking of service requests, and improve management of public assets overall, ensuring proactive maintenance is being completed as needed.

• An additional nine staff members have been hired to work in building and trades inspections to better serve our building and construction community.

“The CAL program with its increased transparency will empower community members and businesses to participate actively in urban planning, ensuring that Metro's services align with their needs and aspirations,” Cooper said.

“These changes to streamline the process and add transparency, especially the online permitting portal, will be an enormous benefit for residents and the building community,” said Brad Copeland, president of the Greater Nashville Realtors Association. “These improvements will make it easier and more transparent for people to get information about what is happening in their neighborhoods and throughout Nashville.”

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Avian Glen Vineyard Merry-go-round sphere at Mill Ridge Park.

Mill Ridge Park, now growing and most the park, uncovering being heralded as a des- diverse area of the coun- new sounds, rhythms, tination park for middle ty,” said Metro Parks and lights. One of the Tennessee, has officially Director Monique Hor- main creative features opened.

Nashville ton Odom. “This is an for the music is the Mayor John Cooper area that is long overdue incorporation of student along with Parks Direc- for a park and open recordings from the tor Monique Horton space that captures the Cane Ridge High School Odom, Friends of Mill beauty of the land while Band, the Rhythmic Ridge Park Board Presi- also providing a unique Ravens. dent Wesley Trigg, and recreational opportunity Daily tous les jours others opened the 622- for those in both imme- collaborated with local acre park, located in diate and surrounding artist Robbie Lynn HunAntioch across from areas. This park will be a singer to assist with Cane Ridge High School destination for everyone community engagement, at 12847 Old Hickory to visit and enjoy. We are technical work, and projBlvd., Antioch, Tenn. so very appreciative of ect feedback. Communi37013, on Wednesday. the support from Friends ty engagement included The new park is of Mill Ridge Park and sessions with the public, anchored by Nashville’s their creative program- Friends of Mill Ridge largest destination play- ming highlighting the Park, and students from ground with a five-story future of the park.”

Cane Ridge High climbing tower and A unique feature of School. slide. Additional features this long-awaited park is Darrell Hawks, execinclude a large event a permanent, interactive utive director of Friends lawn for community per- public art installation of Mill Ridge Park, said: formances and festivals, titled ‘Whistle, Two, "Since 2018, more than fitness equipment, paved Ready!’ Created by 12,000 people have and primitive trails, Daily tous les jours, the joined Friends of Mill sports courts, picnic piece is a series of five Ridge Park to explore shelters, grassland bollards positioned with- and care for the park, meadows, and 300 new in a linear pathway and we already know trees. Wednesday’s cele- marked with inset line what all of our commubration included a com- work. nity will soon know— munity bell ringing, a Using the measure- that Mill Ridge Park is a community yoga ses- ments of a marching precious green space to sion, music, guided band, lines on the gather, unwind, and distours, refreshments, ground show people cover. The opening of giveaways, and one of where to step. The art- Mill Ridge Park will forthe city’s most unique art work encourages collab- ever change for the betinstallations. oration and invites ter how our community “Southeast Davidson passers-by to take a experiences the outdoors County is the fastest musical shortcut through and each other."

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August 18, 2023 Editorials www.pridepublishinggroup.com Presidential prospects having our say against seem to be limited carbon pollution Page 4

by William T. Robinson, Jr. We live in a country with some of the brightest and innovative individuals in the world, but yet when it comes to prospects for this country’s president, it seems we are being subjected to only two possible candidates. As it stands today it appears Joe Biden is the leading Democratic candidate with Donald Trump, the Republican representative.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you should be aware of the contentious baggage that many see each candidate bringing with them. While Donald Trump may stand uncontested in the volume of transgressions and unprecedented actions dividing this country, many would claim President Biden is not without accusations of improprieties.

Many people do not trust Biden and claim he is guilty of using his position for financial gain for himself and his family, especially using nepotism which provided his son opportunities to make lucrative deals with foreign countries which many see definitely as a conflict of interest.

When you examine the shortcomings of the two, Trump and Biden, many people feel that Biden doesn’t even come close to condemnation when compared to the allegations and acts of gross misconduct displayed by Trump. In fact, Trump’s loyal supporters are so impressed with what they claim as Trump’s business savvy and his unconventional rants bordering on racism and division, they are willing to overlook his never-ending contempt for the law and making us the laughing stock of the world.

While you find some Republicans finally trying to distance themselves from Trump, they are still pandering to his fan base—hoping to be elected themselves or

Nashville PRIDE

William T. Robinson, Jr. stay in office. Instead of trying to hold Trump responsible for unimaginable crimes such as lying about the election, orchestrating an insurrection against the country, and harboring and lying about keeping top secret documents, they are redirecting their energies toward trying to vilify and defame Biden.

Some see it merely as a smokescreen trying to divert attention from Trump whose actions should be unacceptable and inexcusable.

Now let’s make no mistake about Biden, he is no Mother Teresa and has his skeletons. But he comes across as containing some sense of a moral compass when compared to Trump, whom many see as lacking any morality at all.

Judge each candidate as you will, but it seems like the public is in a conundrum forced to pick which one they feel is the better of the two evils.

Deny it or not, but most some Americans want a leader with some sense of integrity and morality. The question consuming so many voters concerns the lack of what they see as credible, viable candidates representing each of the two major parties. There seem to be no potential candidate running that seems to be capable of uniting or bridging our country together. As a country we should be grooming leaders with the intelligence, common sense, and likability to galvanize and unite people in a bond of what is in the best interests for all in this country.

Has our educational system failed us in providing conscientious

free thinkers capable of leading this country fairly and effectively in treating our internal and external wounds? Is there a ploy by both major political parties to intentionally discourage legitimate presidential candidates capable of uniting the masses?

Existing presidential candidates from each major party seem obsessed with following the stringent platforms of their parties, leaving little if any no room for compromise.

Reality dictates that a large number of voters can relate to platforms from each of the major parties, but feel forced to stay loyal to one particular party— although they may disagree with the position taken by that party on some major issues.

Many voters are looking at an alternative to the major two parties (Democratic and Republican), opting for independent voting on each issue based on its own merits and what is in the best interests for all Americans. As it stands now, many voters feel forced to identify with one of the two major political parties. Other parties (Intermediate or Independent) are not pushed or even offered as viable options. Limiting the visibility and coverage of presidential candidates offering us more choices hurts us as a country and promotes a continuing division.

It is puzzling that the two major parties are not grooming or offering more formidable candidates who might appeal to and unite more voters.

We have two aging presidential candidates in the fore front: Trump favorited by many Republicans and Biden being favorited by many Democrats. Regardless of who you choose to support, many people feel that the pickings, as they stand, are a sad reflection of what this country has to offer. We as a country can and should do much better in offering more viable candidates for president.

by Ben Jealous More than one million Americans told the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week that they aren’t willing to wait any longer.

Their comments insisting that EPA move forward quickly to cut carbon pollution from new and existing coal and natural gasburning power plants were delivered in person in Washington by a coalition of a dozen national environment, environmental justice, and public health groups. It reportedly is the most public responses to a proposed environmental rule since President Biden took office.

Their impatience is understandable. Power plants are the second largest source of climate-damaging greenhouse gases in the United States after trucks, and cars, planes. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported nearly six months ago that at the current global pace by 2030 we will blow through the threshold for carbon pollution that will keep the planet livable.

Unless we act fast and significantly, we are the allegorical frog in slowly warming water, except we are turning up the heat on ourselves.

In just three months since EPA proposed the tougher carbon regulations, we’ve experienced wildfires across North America, flooding across the northeastern U.S., and in July the single hottest month in recorded human history. These are the predictable consequences of man made climate change, and unless we act with urgency, they only will get worse.

President Biden promised to reduce

U.S. carbon pollution by half by 2030. We won’t reach that without even more ambitious rules than the EPA has proposed, including more demand for community outreach by state regulators around pollution from existing plants.

Not surprisingly, the groups representing electric utilities offered their typical knee-jerk responses to higher standards to curb pollution—too much, too fast, too risky. It sounded a lot like the complaints nearly a decade ago when the Obama administration unveiled its Clean Power Plan, and plants have met those targets since.

It begs the question of why an industry that reportedly saw $14 billion in profits last year, carried out $11 billion in stock buybacks, and asked for 14% more rate increases from consumers compared to 2021 isn’t doing more to create the technology it needs to keep from slowly baking the planet—and why it’s building enough new natural gas-burning plants to power 12.8 million households.

Those plants could still be open in 2050 when even power companies say they’ll be at net zero carbon pollution and as the cost of proelectricity ducing renewable through sources is slipping below the cost for generating it burning fossil fuels.

The timing of their objections to the new EPA rules is ironic.

We’re also marking the one-year anniversary of the historic package that the president and Congress crafted directing more than $350 billion in federal support to clean energy and good jobs.

Back then, the Edison Electric Institute, which represents the

Ben Jealous nation’s private power companies, said the tax credits and incentives included would “deliver a clean energy future and a carbon-free economy faster.” The package would put the U.S “at the forefront of global efforts to drive down carbon emissions'' and provide “much-needed certainty to America’s electric companies over the next decade.” The same companies have gone from applause to hand wringing in 12 months.

When it comes to what must be done now to avert unrecoverable damage to the climate, ignorance isn’t bliss. It’s an impending catastrophe. President Biden through the EPA must face up to a grave obligation by seizing every opportunity to make good on his 2030 pledge.

The word protection in EPA’s name refers to people and the planet, not polluters.

That must start now with stringent standards ensured by rigorous monitoring and enforcement mechanisms and reinforced by meaningful community voices in the conversation.

(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.)

Congress, extend the Affordable Connectivity Program to keep black households online by hazel Trice Edney News Analysis (TriceEdneyWire.com) – Millions of children across the nation will be able to do their homework at home during the upcoming school year, thanks to strong leaders on both sides of the aisle who recognize that broadband has become a necessity. But that could soon end if Congress doesn’t quickly take action.

A federal initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide (the gap between those who have internet access and those who do not) could lose funding as soon as next spring if Congress doesn’t add more dollars to the program. The Affordable Connectivity Program (or the ACP, as it is called) provides crucial online access to people who might otherwise be unable to afford it. And it’s not just helping to level the playing field with education. It’s transforming the lives of more than 20 million households by expanding access to job opportunities, e-commerce, entertainment, political participation, communication with loved ones and more.

The ACP, adminis-

tered through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), was funded through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households in qualifying high-cost areas and on qualifying Tribal lands, as well as a one-time discount on the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.

The program’s participation rate, which now exceeds one-third of eligible households, far outweighs that of the Lifeline program, which offers a $9.25 discount on phone or internet service and has attracted less than one-in-five (19%) eligible households to enroll.

Because of the program’s success, education, civil/human rights, religious and civically conscious groups are imploring the powers that be to not cast the 20 million participating households into the digital dark—to not allow the ACP to end.

“Letting the ACP lapse would hurt communities of color and our efforts to address the myriad systemic inequities they face,”

reads a July 31 letter from the Congressional TriCaucus to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. “While the new FCC recent broadband map shows that more than 94% of housing units have access to broadband, a recent Pew survey found that just 71% of Black households and 65% of Hispanic households subscribe.”

Indeed, the affordability gap is much larger than the availability gap, which makes the Affordable Connectivity Program just as important as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which is primarily focused on broadband infrastructure deployment. Recognizing the criticality of the ACP, Black religious leaders have also organized and appealed to the president to continue funding the nearly two-year-old program—even make it permanent.

For one, Rev. Dr. Renita J. Weems, then Coalition Leader for Black Churches 4 Broadband, wrote during the height of the pandemic: “We can end the digital divide once and for all with a permanent subsidy. We have subsidies

to feed those who are food insecure. We have subsidies for those who need help with childcare, home energy and other essential needs. We need a similar program for the internet. We now stand ready to help the Biden team mobilize our communities around digital and information literacy.

The future of our families and community depends upon it.”

The support for the ACP also dips deeply into the civil rights community, evidenced by an August 3 letter from the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) to congressional leaders. It was co-signed by many well-

known and respected organizations in the Black community, including the A. Philip Randolph Educational Fund, Black Economic Alliance, Black Women’s Roundtable, and the National Action Network. The letter stated its mission as advocating for “equitable access to essential resources and services, including broadband connectivity for African Americans” and called the ACP “a lifeline for marginalized communities.”

The takeaway of this collective action is that the Black community agrees: Allowing the Affordable Connectivity Program’s money to run

out would be catastrophic. The progress toward digital equity that’s been made with the help of the ACP would be rolled back, and millions of Black Americans would soon be left behind.

Therefore, the Black community cannot back down on broadband.

Unlike many rancorous political issues, the ACP has received broad bipartisan support because the need for high-speed internet access transcends race, geography, religion and politics. As MMTC articulated in its letter, renewing the ACP is a “matter of equity, opportunity, and the future of our nation.”

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

August 18, 2023

www.pridepublishinggroup.com

Continuations

Page 5

Nashville PRIDE

Oklahoma Supreme Court Trump, 18 co-conspirators indicted... from page 1 revives lawsuit seeking and Corrupt Organiza- Eastman, and former Because we won this tions Act (RICO) would Trump Chief of Staff state, and flipping the reparations for Tulsa Race play out against Trump. Mark Meadows, allege state is a great testament In 1970, Congress ‘False Statements and to the country,” Trump Massacre survivors enacted the RICO Solicitation of State said. statute, which broadened Legislatures,’ high-rank“I only need 11,000

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent The Oklahoma Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal challenging the dismissal of a lawsuit to secure reparations for the last three remaining survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

The decision comes after the lower state court dismissed the case in July, prompting the survivors to take the matter to the state’s highest judicial authority.

The attorney representing the survivors said his clients are pleased with the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s decision, even though the exact hearing schedule is unknown. Lessie Benningfield Randle (108 years old), Viola Fletcher (109 years old), and her brother Hughes Van Ellis (102 years old) have filed a lawsuit against the city of Tulsa.

The lone survivors are seeking reparations for the ongoing difficulties their families experienced after the tragic 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

The trio resided in Greenwood Tulsa’s neighborhood, which was decimated during the racially motivated massacre.

Their lawsuit seeks relief for the damage inflicted during the mas-

sacre, labeling it a “public nuisance.”

The survivors also seek to recover unjust enrichment gained through the exploitation of the tragic event.

Earlier, Judge Caroline Wall dismissed the case with prejudice based on the city’s argument that it should not be held liable.

City officials contended that a mere historical association does not grant the right to seek compensation from any project connected to the Tulsa Race Massacre.

The victims turned to the state’s highest court, asking the justices to let them testify before they die. They insisted that they wanted to share their experiences of the massacre and how it affected them and the Greenwood community.

The survivors’ legal team argued that Judge Wall’s ruling imposed an unjust and impractical requirement on parties alleging public nuisance claims. “If this truly is a nation of laws and a state based on the law, then my clients, the last known survivors of the massacre should be able to go to court and have a court of law determine what occurred,” asserted Damario Solomon-Simmons, a national civil rights attorney and founder of Justice for Greenwood.

He stressed the importance of survivors being able to bring their case to court to evaluate the harm and address the problems caused by the widespread destruction. survivors’ The lawyers argued that the District Court’s ruling requires too much detail in requesting solutions for public nuisance claims, even before the legal proceedings are complete.

This requirement, they argued, is unsupported by Oklahoma’s notice pleading code or legal precedent.

The lawyers also said that the District Court allowed the city to break a promise made in open court.

In that promise, city officials agreed not to file new motions to dismiss the survivors’ claims about unjust enrichment.

However, the city filed another motion to dismiss, which the District Court erroneously granted.

“This is a fight for righteous justice and redress. It’s not about anything other than advancing this case according to the law as it is written,” SolomonSimmons emphasized.

He called upon the Supreme Court to meticulously review the law and swiftly overturn Wall’s erroneous decision to dismiss the case.

Early voting... from page 1 trying to take away the local control of our airport.” And now, should one of theirs win as Nashville Mayor, they will totally and completely control everything. This cannot abide, as it will be an affront to democracy.

Please check your voting status, and get out to vote in this crucial Runoff election. We need a strong Mayor and council and others who will resist this odious trend in government, as witnessed by the expulsion of Justin Jones and

Justin Pearson.

You can Confirm your Voter Registration anytime, 24/7, free, in one minute, on your phone, at: tnmap.tn.gov/ voterlookup And get your sample ballot at: nashville.gov/ departments/elections

Bus tour... from page 1 and it's time for lawmakers to take action.”

The organization has embarked on a multicity bus tour leading up to the special session in Nashville on Aug. 21.

Families will have an opportunity to share their opinions firsthand with state lawmakers in their own communities.

Despite the Republican block on all substantive, common sense legislation during the special session that could help prevent future school shootings, they have been invited to participate in the bus tour to hear directly from victims of gun violence and advocates for gun safety.

Rep. John Ray Clemmons, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, says the bus tour was borne out of the frustration, sadness and fear felt by thousands of parents and students following The Covenant School shooting in March and the countless other senseless acts of gun violence that continue to plague every community across this state.

"Sitting in Nashville and spinning our wheels inside the Capitol while families across this state continue to worry about their children's safety is

not an option," said Rep. Clemmons. "So far, we’ve had great conversations with people on all sides of this issue from Memphis to Clarksville. I look forward to more productive discussions with families in their communities.”

“Tennesseans from all walks of life have made it clear: they want lawmakers to work together passing reforms that save children's lives by preventing gun violence before it happens,” said Sen. Raumesh Akbari, the Senate minority leader. “Our families shouldn’t have to live in constant fear that our children might not make it home from school. It’s time to put politics aside and work for the safety of every Tennessee family.”

Last week, the tour stopped in Memphis, Jackson, Dickson and Clarksville. The journey will end in Nashville at the State Capitol on Aug. 21, which will be the first day of the special session. This week, the bus has rolled into Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Jackson, Maryville, and Knoxville.

Additional stops will be announced at a later

date. Since Republicans gained controlling power, the Tennessee General Assembly has loosened gun laws and abolished common sense gun safety reforms, such as mandatory gun safety classes and background checks for going armed, gun permits, and restrictions on carrying in many public places.

Giffords Law Center, a nonprofit research organization that tracks and analyzes legislation in all 50 states, issues an annual gun law scorecard. This year, Tennessee lawmakers earned an ‘F’ for gun policies in state law.

“Since we started this project in 2010, the evidence has been clear and consistent: strong gun laws save lives, but only in the states that are willing to act,” the Giffords website says.

Gun violence has steadily increased over the last decade. The latest CDC research on gun violence shows that 1,569 Tennesseans, a record number, were killed by firearms in 2021.

That’s roughly one person dying from gunshot wounds every 5.6 hours.

the scope of prospective prosecutions against participants in organized crime. Under RICO, prosecutors can freeze the assets of suspects until the case’s outcome.

If the RICO charge is proven, it could lead to a maximum of 20 years in prison for each racketeering count.

A guilty defendant also loses all assets related to racketeering, including those connected to lawful businesses.

Additionally, a judge could impose financial penalties.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott has been McAfee assigned the case, for which Willis said she wants the trial to begin before the end of this year.

In 2022, Willis extolled RICO as a tool to convey the “whole story,” appreciating the intelligence and discernment of jurors who yearn for accurate judgments.

“The racketeering statute does not look simply at a single crime.

It tries to look at the big picture of view,” Morgan Cloud, a law professor at Emory University, told CBS News.

The charges lodged against Trump and others, including Rudy Guiliani, attorney John

ing state officials, the creation and distribution of false electoral college documents, the harassment of election workers, the solicitation of Justice Department officials, the solicitation of President then-Vice Mike Pence, the unlawful breach of election equipment, and acts of obstruction.

“Trump and the other Defendants charged in this Indictment refused to accept that Trump lost, and they knowingly and willfully joined a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump,” the indictment states. conspiracy “That contained a common plan and purpose to commit two or more acts of racketeering activity in Fulton County, Georgia, elsewhere in the state of Georgia, and in other states.”

Willis said she plans to try Trump and the other alleged co-conspirators together.

At the heart of the case is Trump’s phone call in which he appeared to pressure the Secretary of State into “finding” him enough votes to win the state.

“All I want to do is this: I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have.

votes. Fellas, I need 11,000 votes. Give me a break.” “It’s just not possible to have lost Georgia. It’s not possible,” Trump said.

The court filing said Meadows attempted to enter an area where 2020 election signatures were being audited.

Willis alleges in the indictment that he sent a text message to the Georgia secretary of state’s chief investigator saying: “Is there a way to speed up Fulton County signature verification in order to have results before Jan. 6 if the Trump campaign assists financially.”

Further, the indictment lists Giuliani’s sworn testimony in Georgia after the 2020 election, in which he made false claims about election fraud.

Willis also noted Giuliani’s contacting lawmakers in various states, including to Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers.

“During the telephone call, Guiliani made false statements concerning fraud in the Nov. 3, 2020, presidential election in Arizona and solicited, requested, and importuned Bowers to unlawfully appoint presidential electors from Arizona,” the indictment stated.

Former officers... from page 2 The names of the county jails where they are incarcerated were concealed by duct tape.

Prosecutors said the ex-officers, who called themselves “the goon squad,” barged into a home in Braxton, Mississippi, without a warrant.

They subjected the Black men inside for two harrowing hours to unspeakable violence.

The 13 felony charges included torture and physical abuse.

Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker filed a federal lawsuit in June, alleging that the officers forcibly entered their home, handcuffed, kicked, waterboarded, and repeatedly tasered them.

Their claims also include an attempted sexual assault, and how the officers poured liquids on them and forced them to shower to erase evidence.

One of the officers placed a gun in a victim’s mouth and fired, severally injuring him.

Throughout the brutal assault, Jenkins and

Parker said the officers used racial slurs, including ‘monkeys’ and the ‘n’-word.

“These former law enforcement officers have committed heinous and wanton acts of violence disgracing the badge which so many others have worn with pride and honor,” said U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca for the Southern District of Mississippi.

“They violated their oaths and have become the criminals they were sworn to protect us from.”

Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the FBI Jackson Field Office said citizens deserve credible law enforcement to safeguard the community from crime.

“The actions of these deputies and the officer significantly deprived the citizens of that protection and eroded the trust earned each day by honest law enforcement officers throughout the nation,” Fomby said.

“The FBI is committed to aggressively

investigating those who misuse their authority, violate the color of law, or inject biases in the execution of their duties.”

Further, without a relationship of trust between law enforcement officers and those they swear to serve and protect, the fight for justice and against crime is doom to fail, added Mississippi State Attorney General Lynn Fitch.

“This brutal attack caused more than physical harm to these two individual victims, it severed that vital trust with the people,” Fitch said.

“This abuse of power will not be tolerated.

The Attorney General’s Office is committed to delivering justice for these victims and all Mississippians, and we are grateful for this strong partnership we have with our U.S. Attorney’s Offices and FBI Field Office. Working together, it is my hope that we can help these victims heal and restore confidence in our criminal justice system.”

Arkansas Education... from page 2 His HB 999 has caused consternation throughout the academic community, epitomizing an audacious stride toward dictating the contours of education.

HB 999 says that all colleges and universities must not spend money on education programs or other things that support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“This bill is a road map for wrecking one of our great state systems of higher education,” University of Michigan Law Professor Julian Davis Mortenson tweeted.

The bill eliminates Women’s and Gender Studies as a major or minor at state colleges

and universities.

It dictates that there can’t be a major or minor “based on the Critical Race Theory belief system.”

According to the bill’s text, the university president or board would do all faculty hiring. It asserts that they “may not delegate” any aspect of any hiring decision or hiring authority to any group or faculty, however constituted.

Further, the bill asserts that they are “not required to consider the recommendations or opinions of faculty.”

Jeremy C. Young, Pen America’s senior manager of Free Expression and Education, called the bill “terrify-

ing.”

Pen America is a non-profit group that protects and promotes free speech worldwide by promoting literature and human rights.

“Florida HB 999 would enact the most Draconian and censorious restrictions on higher education in the history of this country,” Young said.

“The bill would make tenure and faculty hiring committees meaningless, ban diversity statements, and centralize control of core curricula and mission statements in the hands of political appointees.

“Unexpectedly, it would also ban gender studies majors.”

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Nashville PRIDE

Pastor, Pew, & Pulpit

Faith of A Mustard Seed

by Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. On this question of “Knowledge”, rooted and transmitted in Bible, I have begun a “Primer’ listing of Books that ‘Light My Way’; and will consider them here in a semi dated order. As a child growing up in the Church I learned the tradition of Choirs singing “An A & B Selection”; and this list is currently at 7 Writers, with and A and B selection.

Earliest in this time frame is the 1899 W. E. B. DuBois, A-“The Philadelphia Negro” & B- 1903 “The Souls of Black Folk”. In 1901 Booker T. Washington published “Up From Slavery; and in 1909 “The Story of The Negro: The Rise of The Race from Slavery”. In 1912, James Weldon Johnson “The Autobiography of An Ex-colored Man.” And in 1920 “Self Determining Haiti.” In 1921 Carter G. Woodson “The History of The Negro Church”; and 1933 “The Mis-Education of The Negro”. In 1939 Howard Thurman wrote “Jesus and The Disinherited”; and in 1979 his autobiography Head and “With Heart.” TextBook is James Hal Cone ”Liberation Theology”. For A/B, 1991 “Martin and Malcolm and America: A Dream or a Nightmare”. 2011 “The Cross and the Lynching Tree”. Then in 1993 Cornel West “Race Matters”; and 2014 “Black Prophetic Fire”.

"And so we have

Barbara A. Woods Washington, M. Div. taken our struggle into the streets as the labor movement took its struggle into the streets, as Jesus Christ led the multitude through the streets of Judea. The plain and simple fact is that until we went into the streets the federal government was indifferent to our demands... It was not until the Freedom Riders were brutalized in Alabama that the 1946 Supreme Court decision banning discrimination in interstate travel was enforced and it was not until construction sites were picketed in the North that Negro workers were hired. Those who deplore our militants, who exhort patience in the name of a false peace, are in fact supporting segregation and exploitation.

They would have social peace at the expense of social and racial justice."

Asa Philip Randolph The 1963 March on Washington from the steps of The Lincoln Monument.

In a Philosophy class, I used as the Textbook "Philosophy:

An Introduction to The Art of Wondering" 1989 James L. Christian which, by was already in it's 4th ediTo consider tion.

WONDERING an ART is a most powerful gift for me.

‘Teras’, one of several words used in biblical scripture for the translated ‘wonder’, is most often used in conjunction with ‘signs’— ‘signs and wonders’ so deeply rooted in Truth that it has the affect of causing one to shrink and tremble; to stand in awe. I suspect that ‘wondering’ is required in our times as it relates to the ability to ‘see thru’, to ‘think thru’; to ‘look beyond, and to ‘think beyond’ the constant base of LIES being told. To ‘wonder as I wander’ implies... a way of life.

"Those who deplore our militants..." Contrary to popular belief, 'our militants', among whom are those that I have just identified; African born in America Leaders; who ARE the ones that 'think outside The Box'. The Artists of Wonder — knowing for themselves; knowledge of themselves living FREE— Outside "The Box".

The late Dr. Jonathan Jackson in our "Christian Education" classroom became revered for always saying "You can't put God in a box".

Mic check: "GOD IS OUTSIDE The Box! You can contact Rev. Barbara by email at: myfathersmansion press@gmail.com

Faithful utterances Enemy from within

by Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew The memes have been vicious. From the comparisons to Jussie Smollett to a Kevin Hart comedy routine reference about a baby, it’s been a whirlwind on social media and in the press about Carlee Russell’s disappearance. The story began on July 13 when Russell left her job at a spa after 8 pm, and on the way home called 911 to report a child wandering on the side of the highway and disappeared. There was an outpouring of support in the days prior to her return home.

So often the disappearances of Black women go unnoticed in our country and to finally have this case reach the attention of national news was significant.

According to USA Today, “More than 546,000 people were reported missing in 2022, including more than 271,000 women, the data shows. Nearly 98,000 of those cases were Black women and girls. National print and broadcast media outlets disproportionately focus on missing White women and girls; several studies have found a symptom of what's known as ‘Missing White Woman Syndrome.’

Our girls and women do not receive coverage for a number of reasons that are rooted in racism and classism. We have now discovered that it was a hoax and yet, this case has many implications that we must consider: 1) There are many Black girls and women who are missing. Carlee’s case is one of many.

I’m so glad that she’s home safely and that’s what we all wanted.

There are many other Black girls and women that we need to make sure that they come home to their families as well. We must take this same energy, determination, and focus on bringing all of our Black girls and women home.

2) Mental Health issues cannot be the answer to every problem we see. I saw many people blame her actions on mental health challenges.

Many people with mental health issues do not make decisions that harm themselves or others.

This cannot be a catchall for bad behavior.

3) Critical thinking skills are missing. Somewhere along the way, we’ve created a society of people who think in the moment but do not realize the long-term consequences of their decisions. In a world that teaches immediate gratification, it is detrimental when we allow our emotions to control our decision-making.

4) She’s wrong AND she doesn’t deserve to be bullied AND she should be held accountable. If charges are brought against her, she must deal with the consequences of her poor choices. Yet I don’t believe she deserves the kind of hateful rhetoric she’s receiving. I’m so glad that when I was 25, there was no social media. I made some really dumb decisions when I was young and I’m glad that grace and mercy were available to me. Some of the many individuals on social media blasting this young woman are persons of faith. I’m reminded of a scripture that is applicable to this situation: “The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught redhanded in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone,” John 8 (MSG).

Many people are throwing boulders but are not paying attention to the glass houses they live in. I think it’s easier to examine the frailties of others because it allows us to avoid the utter messes of our own lives.

They serve as distractions from the decisions we’ve made and in some sick sort of way, we feel better about ourselves because we can look down on others. We don’t have to worry about an enemy from the outside because the enemy often can be from within—ourselves, our churches, our community.

(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.)

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August 18, 2023

Expressions of Faith Way is always made

by Bishop-elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. “The people will worship Me and become My people. They will write My name on the back of their hands,” Isaiah 44:5-8.

We belong to God and we are His people that will sing praise unto Him for all that He has done for us. One shall say that I am the Lord’s [JEHOVAH’s]. We all belong to Him. It will be written on his hand we belong to the Lord; and Israel’s name will be with honor.

With it written on our hand signifies the covenant of a person and his Lord, that this is my character identity that I belong to God. This is for all to see. When ever a person marks their body, it shows to whom that person belongs.

What markings to you have on you that say ‘I belong to this person or Lord’? We have only one redeemer, the only God, He knows the beginning from the end and His people can depend on Him always. There is only one God. “I am the Lord AllPowerful, the first and the last, the one and only

God. Israel I have recused you. I am your the King—Jehovah, upright one. You will have My Spirit [the Gift of the Holy Spirit] for this is My blessing to you as My people. You will increase as a people.

I will be your Rock, Protector, and your God. All will be set in order in My Divine Purpose, who can compare with the Israel’s Redeemer and King?”

Isaiah 44:6.

This is why we move away from religion to Religion spirituality. says that our faith is not in God, but in our denominational relationship—not in the Spirit of God. “Can anyone compare with Me? If so let them speak up and tell Me now? Is there any other King? Who or what can compare to Me as Lord and Redeemer?”

Isaiah 44:7.

This is the mistake we make. We look to man and to a name of a church instead of looking to the Redeemer.

Can man redeem you?

Cam the name of a church redeem you? God said ‘...there is no one that can compare to Me as King. Can he then tell

Bishop-Elect Dr. Monterey D. Lee, Sr. Me what has happened and what will happen since I made My nation long ago? Let them tell what is going to happen.’

“Don’t tremble with fear! Didn’t I tell you long ago? Didn’t you hear Me? I, alone, am God; no one else is a mighty rock. I am a rock, God who will establish My eternal kingdom over all things. Don’t be afraid. You are My witnesses, and you have seen Me work for you again. So let Me refresh your memory once again: I am Jehovah, your strength. Remember Me and don’t forget,” Isaiah 44:8.

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

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 Church of Scientology & 615-329-2779 Celebrity Centre Sunday School @ 8:45am Nashville Sunday Worship @ 1130 8th Ave S 10:00am Nashville, TN 37203 Bible Studies: Monday 615-687-4600 Thursday @ 6pm; 7 days a week with Wednesdays @ 12 noon Service every Sunday at 11AM gordonmemorialumc.org scientologyRev. Dr. Paula B. Smith, ccnashville.org Pastor Senior Pastor: Rev. Brian Fesler Jefferson Street MBC 2708 Jefferson Street Clark Memorial Nashville TN 37208 United Methodist 615-329-2990 Church Morning Worship: 1014 14th Ave. North Nashville, TN 37208 10 a.m.

Ph: (615) 329-4464 Rev. Aaron X. FAX: (615) 321-0975 Marble, pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00 a.m./10:45 a.m.

John Wesley UMC Herbert Lester, Jr.,pastor 901 Benton Avenue clarkumcnashville.org 615-298-2019 Sunday worship Cleveland 8am/11am Street MBC Daniel M. Hayes, Sr. 608 Cleveland Street Nashville, TN 37207 pastor 615-227-1149 jwesleyumc@ Sunday Worship: bellsouth.net 10:45 a.m./9:15 http://jwesleyumc.org/ Church School clevelandstreet Lake Providence MBC baptist@comcast.net 5891 Nolensville Pike www.clevelandstreet Nashville, TN 37211 baptistchurch.com (615) 833-5539 Dr. Donald Snead, pastor Sunday worship: Corinthian Missionary 8am/11am Baptist Church Rev. H. Bruce Maxwell, 819 33rd Avenue N. pastor Nashville, TN 37209 (615) 977-6855 The Living Word Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

International Church Sunday Worship 5100 Wyoming Ave. 11:00 a.m.

Nashville, TN 37209 Wed. Worship: 7:30 PM 615-297-7437 Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor Worship Times: Ezra Emmanuel 11:00 a.m. 7 p.m.

Ministries (1st & 2nd Sun.) 2606 Union Hall Rd. Bishop Adebanjo Clarksville, TN 37040 thelivingwordcogic.com www. ezraemmanuelmin.org Mt. Lebanon MBC 9 a.m. Sunday worship 222 Franklin Lime 6 p.m. Wednesday Stone Rd. Hr of Empowerment 11:00 a.m.

931-378-1092 worship service Overseer Danelle M. Stephens 615-596-0456 jamesgreen@yahoo.com Gospel United Rev. James J. Green, Missionary pastor Baptist Church 3700 Fairview Dr. Mt. Vernon MBC Nashville, TN 37218 1022 New 615-876-7022 Providence Pass 9:30 Sunday School Madison, TN 37115 Sunday Worship: Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

Pastor Carlos A. Jones 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

August 18, 2023

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Learn about The Power of Resilience at Frist Art Museum

by Cass Teague The Frist Art Museum presents “The Power of Resilience,” an exhibition featuring works by more than 80 adult artists with disabilities who are served by five social service agencies in Middle Tennessee.

The exhibition includes individual and collaborative artworks and will be on view in the always-free Conte Community Arts Gallery from August 25, 2023, through April 1, 2024.

These creations were inspired by the notion of resilience—the ability to withstand, adjust to, or recover from life’s difficulties, often by overcoming fear, isolation, and insecurity. “By focusing on the artists’ unique abilities and boundless creativity, this exhibition promotes growth, healing, and empathy among all people,” says exhibition curator and community engagement director Shaun Giles.

Guided by teaching groups at artists, AbleVoices; Borderless Arts; Friends Life Community; Healing Arts Project, Inc.; and Metro disABILITIES Parks made works of art that address themes of identity, visibility, healing, and more. To create

greater community and personal self-awareness, AbleVoices encouraged its photographers with disabilities to reflect on and express their challenges, interests, and strengths.

In a collaborative project, participating artists from Borderless Arts created an emotionally expressive abstract work focused on both devastation and revitalization using fabric shapes, textures, and colors. Friends Life Community artists constructed a collaborative quilt of symbolic images sewn alongside their own portraits to celebrate both community and individuality.

Responding to the themes of human nature and mother nature, the paintings and collages made by Healing Arts Project, Inc., represent interpretations of personal resilience, regeneration, and the four seasons. In three projects, participating artists from Metro Parks disABILITIES created layered paintings, torn and reassembled watercolors, and mixed-media works to symbolize posttraumatic growth and recovery.

AbleVoices is a nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to

amplify the voices of people with disabilities through the powerful medium of photography and, in doing so, foster more inclusive communities. Their flagship program, Photography for Self-Expression, is offered in schools, community organizations, and virtually.

Healing Arts Project, Inc. (HAPI) provides artistic opportunities for persons in mental health and addiction recovery to promote healing, community awareness, and inclusion. HAPI exists to fill a gap in recovery and rehabilitation services by providing free art classes taught by professional artists, art exhibition and publication opportunities, and outreach events.

The Metro Parks disABILITIES Prog-rams individuals provides with Intellectual and Developmental disABILITIES (IDD) and their families and caregivers opportunities for sports, arts, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and social interactions.

The mission of Friends Life Community is to provide opportunities for teenagers and adults with developmental disabilities to grow personally, develop

Sami Zanni. In a Bubble, 2023. Digital photograph. Courtesy of the artist socially, and be active to inclusive and accessi- creative expression, career members of the commu- ble arts programs for empowering nity. Their Immersive people with disabilities, development, and encWeekday Program pro- enhancing educational ouraging community vides person-driven sup- curriculum, enriching engagement. port through group learning and community-based classes.

Borderless Arts Tennessee (formerly VSA Tennessee), established in 2001, is a nonprofit organization committed

Nichelle Lewis’ Tik Tok performance lands her role of lifetime as Dorothy in Broadway-bound production of The Wiz

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent Nichelle Lewis, a 24year-old entertainer, known as a triple threat in theater, music, and social media, will star in the revival of The Wiz on Broadway.

A seasoned actress who has appeared in Hairspray and showcased her vocal prowess on American Idol, Lewis reportedly captivated casting agents with her creative TikTok escapades.

Now the Virginia native has seized the coveted role of Dorothy.

The role places her in the prestigious lineage of iconic performers like R&B superstar Stephanie Mills and pop icon Diana Ross.

“It’s been a pretty crazy journey,” Lewis said in an Associated Press interview on Aug. 14.

“I’m honored to be making my debut as Dorothy. I know I’m following in some really big footsteps.”

The Wiz will soon begin a tour across the United States, starting in Baltimore this fall and heading to Broadway in 2024.

Lewis will act alongside Wayne Brady and Alan Mingo, Jr. who will take turns playing the mysterious character known as the Wiz. Singer and actress

Nichelle Lewis Deborah Cox will grace lowing, and I feel like they’re hard on themthe stage as Glinda.

The cast includes selves about it,” she Kyle Ramar Freeman as said. “But I’m like: ‘You the Lion, Phillip John- never know whose son Richardson as the watching those videos.’ I Tin Man, and Avery Wil- never knew that The Wiz was looking at my son as the Scarecrow.

A graduate of Molloy videos.”

The Wiz, an adaptaUniversity’s class of 2021, Lewis ingeniously tion of L. Frank Baum’s harnessed the reach of timeless The Wonderful her modest TikTok Wizard of Oz is a book account to showcase her by William F. Brown and is brought to life vocal range.

One of her rendi- through the music and tions, ‘Home’ from The lyrics of Charlie Smalls.

Lewis acknowledged Wiz, resounded far and wide, reaching the ears the importance of the of astute casting agents heroine’s quest to diswho promptly beckoned cover herself in a strange world and said she supher to audition.

“I’m so excited that ports others in finding this is a part of my story, their true selves.

“I feel like it’s because I feel like there’s so many people extremely important for out there who started out people, especially right with such a small fol- now, to see that they can

be powerful just by being themselves and just by being individual and unique,” she told the AP. “So, I think that’s how the show speaks to me.”

The Wiz originally debuted on Broadway in 1975, earning seven Tony Awards, including the coveted title of Best Musical.

The production included memorial songs like ‘What Would I Do If I Could Feel’ and ‘Ease on Down the Road.’

It featured Mills as Dorothy, Dee Dee Bridgewater as the good witch Glinda, and Andre De Shields as the enigmatic Wiz. The 1978 cinematic adaptation featured Diana Ross, Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, and Ted Ross.

In 2015, a live televised rendition featured Queen Latifah, Ne-Yo, and David Alan Grier.

With her mother embracing the news with jubilant tears and ecstatic exclamations, Lewis acknowledged the transformation her life may now take.

“She’s like, ‘Your life is going to change,’” Lewis spoke of her mother’s reaction.

“And I’m like, ‘I don’t know. It probably will. I feel so blessed, and I’m so glad I get to share it with her.”

The Last Voyage of the Demeter

by Dwight Brown film critic for Dwight BrownInk.com and NNPA News Wire (**) If a horror film goes for the jugular it has to have fangs. Right?

Taking a chapter from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula and adapting it into a fright film is a good start. Great source, good premise, legendary story and characters. The right casting, astute direction, reams of dread, lots of thrills and plenty of astoundingly gory scenes are crucial. Yet, as this interpretation of a captain’s log outlines the fated transporting of Dracula from Transylvania to London, those vital elements are in place, but not glorious.

Not at all.

In the late 1800s, a Captain Eliot (Liam Cunningham, Game of Thrones) has his first mate Wojcek (David Dastmalchian, Dune) add new crew members to his merchant ship, the Demeter. They will haul 50 wooden crates from

Carpathia, which is near Transylvania, to London.

They need the help.

Some potential workers are spooked by the cargo, saying evilness is onboard. That frees up a position for Clemens (Corey Hawkins, The Tragedy of MacBeth), a doctor, academic and astronomer, a job hunter who had been turned down previously. Also, saving the captain’s grandson Toby (Woody Norman, C’mon C’mon) from a falling crate puts him in favor.

Something bothers the livestock in the cargo area. Formerly brazen rats hide and disappear.

A ship without rodents is abnormal, so says the galley cook Joseph (Jon Jon Briones). Tension rises between the workers. The erudite Black man is envied by the jealous white crew. Friction intensifies further once a female stowaway, Anna (Aisling Franciosi, Game of Thrones), is found. To the brutes, a woman onboard brings bad luck. Bad luck will follow them, but in the

Corey hawkins and Aisling Franciosi in The Last Voyage of the Demeter. guise of a neck biting, might expect the action blood-sucking being that and gore to jump off the will bleed them dry. One screen or at least provide by one. It is said: “Evil giddy depravity. But feeds on the blood of the nothing stands out. Nothinnocent. And this one ing that matters. Not wears the skin of a man.” even the demon, who looks like he’s wearing a It’s Dracula.

Considering the dir- very scaly bodysuit and ector André Ovredal’s in need of a trip to the filmography (Troll- dentist for veneers. hunter) and screenwrit- Yawn! Horror lore has it ers Bragi F. Schut, Jr. that if the villain’s look (Escape Room) and Zak isn’t mind-numbingly Olkewicz (Bullet Train), scary, the film won’t be a horror/thriller fan frightful either.

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Back To School ACROSS 4. Tabby's mate 1. *Medical school 5. King with a golden entry requirement, touch acr.

6. Rapidly 5. *Atlas image 7. ____ up, to become 8. Hula dancer's more cheerful necklace 8. Spring 11. German money 9. Morays 12. Ready for picking 10. Abdominal pain 13. Nerd cause, acr.

15. Like many Brothers 12. Plunder Grimm stories 13. Dirty one 16. Month of Purim 14. *One of 3 Rs in 17. *Some exams grade school 18. *Laptop and books 19. Genuflected container 22. Letter-writing 20. Fastens a fly friend 21. Licorice-like herb 23. *M in LMC, 22. *Teacher's favorite educationally 23. Like hot lava speaking 26. Cassava, pl.

24. Circular gasket 30. Chapter in history 25. Big Dipper's visible 31. Deadly shape 34. DEA agent 26. Biblical gift-givers 35. Second person 27. Propelled a boat singular past of 28. Angler's basket "do," archaic 29. Part of an act 37. Greet, to a dog 32. Rare bills 38. Be in harmony 33. Chewbacca's 39. Inwardly sidekick 40. Opposite of 36. *Word in thesaurus, pluralism e.g.

42. Even, to a poet 38. Mennonite's cousin 43. *Academic 40. *Gym class prop planners 41. *Art class cover 45. *High predecessor ups 47. Passè 44. Old fashioned 48. Barnyard honker contests at dawn 50. Rooftop contraption 46. Lower value, as in 52. *Meal container currency 55. Emerald or 48. Plug a pipe, e.g. aquamarine, (2 words) chemically speaking 49. Beginning of 56. Trans-Siberian ailment Railroad city 50. Exceedingly 57. Venus de Milo's 51. Bob of boxing are missing world 59. *Plural of #51 52. Bonkers Down 53. Shamu, e.g.

60. Comments from 54. Dec. holiday prompt box 55. Capture 61. Do like Ella 58. Porky's or Petunia's Fitzgerald home 62. *PE in school Last week solutions 63. Make a choice 64. Piece of cake DOWN 1. Actress Ryan 2. Larry David's "____ Your Enthusiasm" 3. Bizet's "Habanera," e.g.

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August 18, 2023

TSU gears up for exciting academic year as students return to campus

by Emmanuel Freeman New faces and enhanced spaces are kicking off the new academic year at Tennessee State University. Freshman move-in, a highly anticipated event, took place over three days from August 14-16. As students unpack and prepare to focus on their academics for the next nine months, a registration assistance one-stop will be available to help them with essential resources.

TSU President Glenda Glover says helping students transition from summer at home to college life is important.

She will be there to welcome the new and returning Tigers.

“We are excited to welcome all of our students to the new academic year.

TSU is a place of knowledge, growth, and opportunity whether you are a firsttime freshman, transfer student or returning student. Our goal is to continue providing our students an environment that promotes academic excellence, personal development, and community engagement,” said President Glover.

Chief Operating Officer Jason T. Evans, who oversees enrollment management and student success, also shared his excitement for the return of students for the fall semester.

“At TSU, we are dedicated to providing first-class support that enables

TSU student moving belongings into Boyd hall. our students to excel,” said Evans, a Prior to embarking on their academretired Army Lieutenant General, who ic journey, prospective students and joined the university recently. “We their parents participated in orientation believe in nurturing students’ talents programs offered on campus from May and equipping them with the skills through June, with a final session on needed to succeed in their chosen August 15. These programs provided an fields. Together, we will build a strong opportunity for families to familiarize foundation for their future success.” themselves with TSU’s academic offer-

ings, campus resources, and vibrant campus life. The university ensured that students and parents gained a comprehensive understanding of the university’s values and the support systems available to help them thrive.

Students will also see physical upgrades and enhancements to several buildings including student dining services and academic buildings that will feature new technology and other amenities. Over the summer, the student cafeteria received a major makeover, while academic buildings had upgrades ranging from redesigned lecture rooms, to new roofs, to new seating for the Forum and Poag auditorium.

Vice President for Student Affairs, Frank Stevenson, highlighted the university’s commitment to student success, saying: “TSU is focused on fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment that promotes holistic development. We are dedicated to offering a transformative educational experience that empowers our students to become leaders in their communities and beyond.”

Classes for the new academic year will begin August 24, with TSU faculty and staff eagerly preparing to provide engaging and meaningful learning experiences.

Titans new stadium wait list supports local schools

Each time a new member joins the stadium wait list, a new book will be donated to Metro Nashville Public Schools.

The Tennessee Titans New Stadium Wait List was officially opened to the public on Aug. 15 at <TitansNewStadium.com>.

The Titans’ wait list will support local schools via a ONE Community book drive in partnership with head coach Mike Vrabel's ‘2nd & 7 Foundation.’

Each time a new member joins the wait list, a new book will be donated to Metro Nashville Public Schools, with the goal of getting a take-home book in the hands of every MNPS first- and second- grade student and populating books in elementary school libraries

across Nashville. The initiative aims to increase reading proficiency across the community, a key component of the organization's ONE Community commitment to education.

"Access to books is a huge barrier in increasing literacy among our future leaders, and we're so grateful to ‘2nd & 7’ for again partnering with us to break down those barriers," said Titans Vice President and Executive Director of the Titans Foundation Johari Matthews. "In the conversations about our ONE Community partnership with MNPS, one of the core needs they expressed to us was deeper support of

hospital Authority Board Elects new officers, welcomes new member At the July board meeting, the NGH Hospital Authority Board elected new officers for fiscal year 2024: • Board Chair Richard Manson, JD • Vice Chair Dr. Raymond Martin • Secretary Michelle Gaskin Brown, JD Richard Manson, JD has served as the board chair since July 2022 and was re-elected pending reappointment.

Originally appointed in September 2016, Manson’s current term ends September of this year. With this being a mayoral and Metro council election year, Manson’s reappointment is pivotal to continuing the work this board has done to support Nashville General Hospital and its mission to provide essential healthcare services to the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County.

The Hospital Authority board also welcomed new member Christy Smith, CFP, CIMA, AIF, CRPC to serve a five-year term. Ms. Smith is the senior vice president of investments and branch manager of the Wells Fargo Advisors in Brentwood, Tenn.

“Providing affordable, exceptional, and comprehensive healthcare to underserved communities has been the cornerstone of the mission of

Richard Manson, JD Nashville General Hospital for more than a century,” said the hospital in a news release. “Living this mission out takes a dedicated, talented leadership team supported by a strong board of directors.”

The 11-member Hospital Authority Board oversees Nashville General Hospital for the city of Nashville.

Members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by Metro Council.

Hospital Authority meetings are held the last Thursday of each month at 4:30 pm in the Nashville General Hospital Board Room.

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their literacy initiatives. We're excited to support that objective in a creative way through the new stadium wait list."

The donation will feature children's books from ‘2nd & 7’'s own book series, The Hog Mollies, featuring a group of friends who learn valuable life lessons in their adventures. Cofounded by Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel, the mission of ‘2nd & 7’ is to promote reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need while encouraging young athletes of the community to pay it forward. The organization has donated over half a million books to kids in need across the country since 1999.

"The joy of reading is something we want every child to experience, and we appreciate the Titans for helping to get more books in the hands and homes of our youngest learners," said Dr. Adrienne Battle, director of Metro Nashville Public Schools. "We look forward to celebrating this gift and continuing our partnership with the

Titans to support our student athletes and scholars alike."

"We are grateful to the Tennessee Titans for their commitment to helping us tackle illiteracy," said ‘2nd & 7’ Executive Director Amy Hoying.

"Partnerships like this help highlight the critical need for access to ageappropriate books. Teachers are working so hard to keep kids on track, and we can support them by providing ageappropriate materials and community role models to inspire these young readers."

Joining the wait list secures the member a spot in line to purchase PSLs and suites in the new stadium when sales begin. Other benefits to joining the wait list include pre-sale access to Nissan Stadium events, discounts at the Titans Pro Shop, priority access to home playoff games in the current stadium, special ticket offers, and access to private events. Current PSL and suite holders do not need to join the wait list, as their priority is already secured.