Staff Reports NASHVILLE, TN — Often one is told to “Bring it on.” Recently, Rev. James “Tex” Thomas did just that — he ‘brung’ it on! The 80-year old Rev. Thomas left no holds barred as the preached at the 10:45 a.m. service at Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church recognizing the 31st anniversary of Senior Pastor Howard E. Jones, Jr. Rev. Thomas, known affectionately as “Tex” Thomas and the “Mayor of Jefferson Street”, is the Pastor Emeritus of St. James Missionary Baptist Church on Jefferson Street in North Nashville, where he served more than 40 years before retiring December 31, 2016.…
Author: Tribune Staff
From Staff Reports WASHINGTON, DC — Employers of law enforcement officers would be liable for civil rights violations by their employees if legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen becomes law. “Too often cities and police departments look away from officer misconduct,” the Memphis Democrat said as police immunity laws have been recognized as a shield against misconduct. His bill would give local governments an incentive to: properly train their officers; enforce agency policies; and create new systems to prevent misconduct and protect citizens’ rights, Cohen said Monday. “We have long held private employers vicariously liable for their employees’ tortious…
By Tribune Staff NASHVILLE, TN — It’s been over eight years since there was a new single from Brandy, a lifetime in the ever-changing world of popular music. But that hasn’t prevented her from getting back into the game as she has returned with her seventh LP “B7.” It was released last Friday, and also marked her entry into the distribution and label ownership end of the business. “B7” is on her own label Brand Nu and eOne Urban. She also co-wrote all 15 tracks and co-produced it. As is now the case with many releases in the Black soul/R&B…
By Tribune Staff NASHVILLE, TN — Though the original version of “Lovecraft Country” was set in the ‘50s and had a different sensibility and perspective, the upcoming HBO version is going to explore some of the same territory, but in an updated manner. At last weekend’s Comic-Con at Home panel for the show, some of its stars took to the podium, explaining what it was about and how it will differ from the similarly titled Matt Ruff novel. The HBO production debuts Aug. 16 and stars Jurnee Smollett, Jonathan Majors, and Michael Kenneth Williams. Its creator is Misha Green, with…
By Tribune Staff NASHVILLE, TN — CBS has frequently been accused of lacking diversity at the top in terms of the people running TV shows and film properties. They’ve done a bit better in recent years in terms of casting, but still often lag behind the other networks in terms of on-camera stars. The network is now trying to do something about that. Last week CBS Television Studios announced a multi-year partnership deal with the NAACP to develop and produce unscripted, scripted and documentary media for television and streaming platforms. CBS Television Studios’ creative leaders will work with the NAACP…
NASHVILLE, TN — American Baptist College (ABC) and The Tennessee Tribune Showcase signs with some of the names of African American men and women have been killed by police or law enforcement vigilantes. ABC has posted more approximately 16 signs with the names of African American women and men who have been killed by police or law enforcement vigilantes on the front lawn of the campus. The sign project is a part a project to bring awareness to these murders that will result in change from systemic racism. American Baptist College President, Dr. Forrest E. Harris, Sr., said it is…
By Tribune Staff NASHVILLE, TN — The coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic has caused many 2020 events to be cancelled, and now it’s also having an impact on 2021 ceremonies. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday that they were delaying but not cancelling the 93rd Academy Awards telecast. Instead, they are postponing the 2021 Oscars for two months. They will now be held April 25, 2021 rather than the customary February date. The announcement was initially reported in Variety. They had previously been first in reporting that there was a possibility the Oscars might be delayed due to virus…
By Tribune Staff The commercial impact of the numerous production changes and cancellations caused by the coronavirus/COVID-19 global pandemc is now starting to be assessed and felt. A widespread Hollywood Reporter story released Monday estimates that the initial damage has been about $7 billion dollars, and that if the current wave of cancellations and delays continues from now through May that the total could climb past $17 billion. If it things don’t change after that, no one knows how much damage will be done to the worldwide box office or domestic film industry. Some recent examples include MGM pushing the…
From Staff Reports NASHVILLE, TN — Fisk University’s recently launched institute for social justice is being named to honor the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a Fisk alumni. “Congressman John R. Lewis embodied the very best of humanity — his kindness, perseverance and unwavering commitment to fighting for those in need set an example for all the young people who are looking to create a better world,” Fisk University President Kevin D. Rome said as the name was announced. The John R. Lewis Institute for Social Justice is a continuation of the university’s Fisk Race Relations Institute, which shaped so…
By Ron Wynn NASHVILLE, TN — With the NFL proceeding as though there will be a season, the Titans last week wrapped up their biggest piece of offseason business, and did it with only minutes to spare. They signed running back Derrick Henry to a new four-year deal. It was done in such a way that it actually ends up saving the team money, while also giving Henry security and ending any questions over whether he’d be eventually on the free agent market. The new deal according to ESPN is for $50 million total, if the entire deal is fulfilled.…