NASHVILLE, TN — The versatile actress, poet and comic Phyllis Yvonne Stickney will be appearing at the National Museum of African American Music November 1 in a show that combines cultural advocacy, creative vision and community celebration. The night will feature Stickney’s pungent and timely humor and observations. She’s been seen on a host of programs. These include “Showtime at the Apollo,” “The Ms. Pat Show,” “New Jack City,” and BET’s “Comic View.” Stickney was born and raised in Arkansas. She moved to Los Angeles at 16, and obtained a job with a management company. After two years there she…
Author: Tribune Staff
Nashville, TN — Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) today urged Governor Bill Lee to find a way to protect Tennessee families from losing access to essential food assistance benefits. If the federal government does not release funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by November 1, approximately 690,000 Tennesseans, who rely on SNAP each month, could lose essential benefits. The federal government provides around $146 million each month to fund these benefits. Without federal action, those benefits could disappear leaving hundreds of thousands of families, children, individuals with disabilities and seniors without the means to put food on the table.…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated (NCBW), Metropolitan Nashville Chapter proudly announces that its sisterhood has elected Dr. Patricia Malone Smith as its new President, effective October 1, 2025. Dr. Smith succeeds Janet Rachel, who since 2021 has led with distinction, vision, and unwavering commitment at the chapter and national level. Under her leadership the chapter received three Model Chapter awards, increased partnerships and visibility, and elevated advocacy programs for Black women and girls across Middle Tennessee. “I am extremely proud of all that we accomplished together and deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our…
Wilmington, DE — The Center for Global Africa (CGA), in partnership with the Marcus Garvey Institute for Human Development (MGIHD) convened the Pan African Global Trade & Investment Conference (PAGTIC-DE), held September 17–20, 2025, in Wilmington, Delaware on the margins of the United Nations 80th General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The conference, themed Shaping the Future: Connecting Markets and Building Prosperity, drew government officials and leadership throughout the region, the state of Delaware and Africa as well as investors, labor leaders, and policymakers to advance U.S., Africa, and Caribbean trade relations. CGA’s Role as Catalyst As convener, the CGA and…
James Abbington in a video for Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. (Video screen grab) The ISM community was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. James (Jimmie) Abbington on Saturday, September 27. His loss will be felt profoundly within the academic and musical communities. Dr. Abbington was a visiting professor at the ISM from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology for the last two spring terms where he taught a survey course in Christian Hymnody. He had recently resigned from his position at Candler to take up the Joseph B. Bethea Professor of the Practice of Sacred…
NASHVILLE — A report from a citizen in East Tennessee led to the discovery of Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in Knox County. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) confirmed the SLF detection after inspectors and a TDA detection dog verified 15 adult SLF on a tree of heaven. This marks the first detection of the invasive insect in Knox County. “Citizen reports are essential in stopping the spread of this destructive pest,” Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M., said. “This non-native insect threatens the health and viability of several agricultural businesses in our state. We want your help in watching out for this…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee State University (TSU) issued a statement after a group was removed from its campus in Nashville Tuesday afternoon. TSU claimed the group was unaffiliated with the university and had not received permission to demonstrate or protest on campus. Today, a group of individuals unaffiliated with Tennessee State University appeared on campus without prior notice. In accordance with university police, any demonstration or protest requires advance approval and permitting. Campus police and staff responded promptly, and the individuals were escorted from university grounds without incident. At all times, TSU students conducted themselves in a professional and…
NASHVILLE, TN — The 2025 Pinnacle of Excellence Awards will be held Friday, September 19, at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in the main lower level ballroom. Tickets are $125.00 per person or a table of eight for $1,000.00. The event recognizes its founder, Dr. Joe Turner, and highlights local and national advocates who personify excellence in the areas of education, public service, medical health and wellness, humanities, business, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. The program provides scholarships to students attending college. Dr. Van Newkirk, president of Wilberforce University, is the keynote speaker. President Newkirk has brought resounding changes to…