The United Church of Christ is poised to make a historic choice. After a year-long process, the UCC Board voted March 4 to nominate Associate General Minister, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, for General Minister and President. If elected by the General Synod this summer, Thompson would be the first woman -— and the first woman of African descent — to lead the denomination. “We couldn’t have more faith in Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson,” said the Rev. Cameron Barr, UCC Board chair. “She has articulated our shared values on a global stage as Ecumenical Officer and Associate General Minister,…
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On a cold wintry December day in Murfreesboro, TN, it was warm in the Newsom household because the proud parents, John M. and Jessie Newsom, and sister Drew Helen welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Susie May Newsom. Susie grew up in Murfreesboro and attended school there until the age of 14. Her father was an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) minister in Murfreesboro. He later was assigned to lead a church in Lexington, TN. Susie attended Montgomery High School in Lexington from where she graduated. Susie’s father served as pastor in Pleasureville, KY. It was in Paducah where Susie graduated from…
ATLANTA, GA — The Xernona Clayton Statue Project Committee is proud to announce that the City Council of Atlanta, by ordinance, had approved the erection of a statue honoring Xernona Clayton. This statue was crafted by the world-renowned sculptor Ed Dwight of Denver, Colorado. The 8-foot statue was placed in downtown Atlanta at West Peachtree Street and Xernona Clayton Way. This statue will serve as a special reminder of the invaluable contributions Xernona Clayton has made to the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and the world. The unveiling of her statue was held on Wednesday, March 8 in…
NASHVILLE, TN — This spring, the Belcourt brings back another offering of Strong Leads: A Film Seminar for High School Girls. Now in its 13th installment, Strong Leads is a presentation of the Belcourt’s education and engagement program and explores gender representation in cinema, in the Hollywood establishment, and in film discourse. Designed for 10th, 11th and 12th grade girls of all identities including gender nonconforming youth, the seminar features films from a variety of genres and cultures — and follows with discussions and activities. Facilitated by Allison Inman, the Belcourt’s education and engagement director, the seminar sessions take place…
By Brendan Farrington and Anthony Izaguirre TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis positioned himself as the architect of a new conservative vision for the nation during a State of the State address on Tuesday that championed his aggressive stances through the pandemic and culture wars as a blueprint for Republican leadership. The address came at the outset of a 60-day legislative session that has added political significance because it is expected to serve as a platform for DeSantis’ highly expected presidential campaign. “We defied the experts. We bucked the elites. We ignored the chatter. We did it our way, the…
Climate Action Campaign, the Environmental Defense Fund and Dream.Org Host Gathering (Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE) and Congresswomanelect Jennifer McClellan (VA-4) joined environmental justice leaders, public health advocates, faith leaders, and friends in paying tribute to the late U.S. Representative Donald McEachin for his tireless work on behalf of Virginians and his legacy of environmental justice leadership in Congress and throughout his life. “I am just so humbled to be here celebrating my friend. We do this work for this moment, but we also do it for the future—the beautiful future that we’re building…
Nashville, Tenn. (TN Tribune)-The COMMIT Foundation will host a mentoring workshop for transitioning military officials on March 8 and 9 at Bridgestone Americas’ headquarters. The two-day workshop will provide veterans the opportunity to connect with mentors, explore potential career paths and identify military skills that can be translated into the civilian sector. The workshop will feature mentor panels, breakout sessions, individual mentoring sessions, a social networking event and keynote speaker Rob Seibert, Bridgestone’s President of Off-the-Road Tires in the U.S. and Canada. Rob Seibert has been President of the OTR tire business for three years and a Bridgestone teammate since 2015. Prior…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Wednesday, March 8 at 9:30 AM ET, Tennessee Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers, part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, will gather for their annual advocacy day in Nashville to meet with lawmakers to reject lowering the age from 21 to 18 for permitless carry and advocate for gun safety measures such as requiring secure storage of firearms in cars. At 9:30 AM, Moms Demand Action volunteers, gun violence survivors, will rally at Downtown Presbyterian Church before heading to the state capitol at 11:00 AM to meet with lawmakers. Since the chapter’s founding 10 years ago, Moms…
NASHVILLE, TENN—The Herb Society Nashville (HSN) announces its 2023 Plant Sale to take place at The Fairgrounds Nashville on Saturday, April 15. Visitors will be greeted by knowledgeable volunteer Herb Society members to browse an extensive and unique selection of more than 10,000 herbs, vegetables and fruit trees. “We’re gearing up to present our greatest Plant Sale yet!” says Plant Sale Chair, Cindy Winker. “We expect plenty of favorites, along with harder-to-find varieties and, of course, everyone loves to shop the Member Grown table.” During the sale, be sure to visit the educational tables for creative planting ideas, recipes, tips…
Nashville, Tenn. (TN Tribune)-Join Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center as they host “A Legacy of Healthcare,” an in-person breakfast (for dinner) honoring the life of Dr. Matthew Walker, Sr., a pioneer in Nashville medicine. Dr. Walker founded Meharry Neighborhood Health Center in 1968, which was later renamed Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center. In 2018, Dr. Walker was inducted into the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame. The breakfast will take place Thursday evening at the Cal Turner Family Center and will feature a keynote address by breast specialist Robin Williams, MD. Dr. Antoinne Able will receive the Dr. Matthew Walker…