By Nelson B. Rivers III Sometimes, it’s hard to fully understand why we still organize, protest, march or even vote when so many measures are designed to take away our civil rights and hard-won gains. Well, the state of South Carolina, my home state, proved to everyone why our voices and our ability to participate in the electoral process are still so vital and can literally change the course of this great nation. Last week, the S.C. Senate voted against advancing a new congressional map, ending an unfair redistricting effort that was designed to eliminate the state’s single near-majority black…
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NASHVILLE — A stretch of Clarksville Pike in North Nashville was renamed in honor of the late Sen. Thelma Harper, recognizing the impact of the longtime lawmaker who broke barriers as the first Black woman elected to the Tennessee Senate. The street dedication ceremony was held Saturday at the Bordeaux Library and featured music, speakers and refreshments. Attendees were encouraged to wear red in recognition of Harper’s legacy. Harper represented North Nashville in the Tennessee General Assembly for nearly 30 years and became a respected advocate for her community. Her daughter, Linda Harper, said the street designation reflected her mother’s…
NASHVILLE, TN – June 5, 2026 – Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s Office filed multiple pieces of legislation with the Metro Council on Friday for consideration at future Metro Council meetings. Here’s a look at five measures filed Friday worth watching: ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION ADMINISTRATION One line: Solves fundamental challenges in the Office of Entertainment by ensuring adequate administrative and structural support for the Office. Why it matters: We’re a city of uniquely creative people and we want to support our creative industries. The existing ordinance sets the Office up not as an office but as a department with an executive director whose time would…
NASHVILLE, TN — The Red Hat Society held the coronation of its Queen Mother for 2026 at a recent meeting. Bazalene Wright was crowned with this significant honor. The event was held in April at the Fifty Forward Center with more than 50 members in attendance, dressed in their signature red hats, and red and purple colors. The newly crowned Queen is a retiree and enjoying life including being a member of the Red Hat Society. “I am honored to have been crowned Queen Mother, said Queen Mother Wright. Former State Senator Brenda Gilmore, said, “This was just another event…
By Eric Keith Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and entertainment icon LL Cool J are officially joining forces, recently announcing the launch of DreamFi, a transformative financial platform specifically engineered to tackle the systemic Black wealth gap in America. The partnership may seem unexpected, but for Crump and LL Cool J, it’s a natural extension of their life’s work. “We have fought for justice in the streets and in the courts, but true freedom requires economic justice,” Ben Crump shared during the announcement. He noted that while civil rights protect our bodies, financial equity protects our future. LL Cool J, a longtime advocate for…
The BoykinZ, Elsie, Ten Smith and Kyleigh to Perform During June 3 Emerging Artist Showcase at Anzie Blue NASHVILLE, TN – – Dedicated to amplifying and celebrating women in music, She Is The Music, Lovenoise and Anzie Blue have announced the lineup for their upcoming Nashville showcase on Wednesday, June 3, with doors opening at 6p; program beginning at 6:30p. The multi-genre roster includes The BoykinZ, Elsie, Ten Smith, and Kyleigh. “We are thrilled to kick off this next season of our Nashville showcases and continue shining a spotlight on women in music,” said Laura Segura, Executive Director, She Is The Music. “Nashville is home to an extraordinary wealth of untapped…
By Willy Blackmore Elon Musk’s race to dominate artificial intelligence is colliding with a growing environmental justice battle in the South, where civil rights advocates say Black communities near Memphis are paying the price for an expanding AI power plant fueled by unpermitted gas turbines. For months, the NAACP and a coalition of environmental justice groups have accused Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company of poisoning Black communities in North Mississippi and Memphis with an improvised power plant fueled by unpermitted gas turbines. Now, even after the groups sued him, alleging violations of the Clean Air Act, Musk appears to be…
NASHVILLE — Just months after opening its doors in downtown Nashville, the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music is gaining attention for highlighting an often-overlooked part of Civil Rights history — the role gospel music played in fueling and sustaining the movement. The museum, which opened in October 2025, was recently designated as a site on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. While the designation was announced earlier this year, museum leaders say the attraction itself offers visitors a new opportunity to experience the intersection of music, faith and social justice through immersive exhibits…
As families across the country gather this Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to stay alert for scams that exploit patriotic themes, military service, and charitable giving. Scammers often use holidays like Memorial Day to prey on emotions and create a false sense of trust. Military members, veterans, and their families are frequently targeted through fraudulent schemes involving fake discounts, phishing emails, moving scams, and questionable charity solicitations. “Scammers know Memorial Day is a time when Americans want to support military families and charitable causes,” said Robyn Householder.…
Franklin, TN – The City of Franklin will mark a major construction milestone with a Topping Out Ceremony for the new City Hall on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. on the historic Public Square in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to attend and be part of history. The topping out ceremony is a cherished construction tradition marking the placement of the final structural steel beam at the highest point of a building. The beam will be signed by city officials, construction crews, and members of the public before being set in place — a symbol of the community’s shared investment in…