(TN Tribune) — Born and raised in the segregated South, Ernest Withers (1922-2007) captured over six decades of African American history that witnessed the height of the Civil Rights Movement and The Cold War. The Memphis, Tennessee, native photographed legendary icons, ranging from prominent activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. andMedgar Evers to musicians like Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, and B.B. King. Despite his commitment to truth-telling through photojournalism, Withers took a closely-guarded secret to his grave: for over a decade of his professional career, he worked for the FBI.“The Picture Taker” makes its broadcast debut on INDEPENDENT LENS…
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By Anna Young As a student at a large public high school in New York City, one may question why I would choose to write an essay promoting Ethnic Studies curricula to a local paper in Tennessee. My parents met in tenth grade at Chattanooga Christian School, and although I consider New York my home, I have spent a large portion of my childhood and adolescence with my family in Tennessee, largely impacting the person I am today. This year, I have had the privilege of taking Ethnic Studies as my twelfth-grade history course, and it has opened my eyes…
Innovative faith-based organization, National Increase Peace Foundation, announces plans for a screening tour of “I Forgive,” an inspirational movie about forgiveness and triumph over tragedy Dr. Tony Davis, a renowned gospel recording artist, author, advocate against gang-violence, and founder of the “National Increase Peace Foundation”, is taking a giant step towards sharing a powerful message of Forgiveness with the rest of the world as Bridgestone distribution releases his film entitled I Forgive, which is an inspirational Faith-based film. In a related development, the screening tour for the movie is set to commence in January 2023, as Dr. Davis shares this…
NASHVILLE—Tennessee House Democratic Caucus members are calling for prayer and peaceful protests in Memphis tonight as the city braces for the release of video showing the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. Memphis city officials say body cam video documenting how 5 Memphis Police officers beat, tased and pepper sprayed Nichols earlier this month will be released at 6:00 PM tonight. He had been pulled over for reckless driving and died three days later from his injuries. All five officers were fired, then later arrested and charged with second degree murder. Minority Leader Karen Camper says tonight our thoughts should be…
By Brandon Caldwell ‘He Was Executed’: Social Media Reacts To Graphic Tyre Nichols Video Brandon Caldwell On Friday (January 27), the city of Memphis released body cam and sky cam footage of the arrest and subsequent assault of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols. Nichols was pulled over in a traffic stop by five police officers who then began to assault the motorist. Ultimately, Nichols was hospitalized for his injuries and died days later. RELATED: 5 Memphis Police Officers Who Fatally Beat Tyre Nichols Charged With Murder RELATED: Tyre Nichols’ Death Shows Black Cops Can Also Be ‘Faces Of White Supremacy’ America got a first-hand…
Nashville, Tenn. (TN Tribune) – Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement on the release of body camera footage showing the relentless police beating of Tyre Nichols, which ultimately led to his death three days later. On Saturday, Rev. Sharpton will address Nichols’ death at the weekly NAN Saturday rally at the House of Justice in Harlem. He will then host Nichols’ parents and attorney Ben Crump on PoliticsNation at 5 p.m. on MSNBC. Rev. Sharpton will then deliver the eulogy for Nichols in Memphis on Wednesday morning. “Once again, we are forced to…
NASHVILLE, TENN. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) issued the following statement after the release of the Tyre Nichols footage: “The footage released tonight is difficult to watch. My office has been in contact with DOJ and will continue to work with our federal and local officials. I am confident the Memphis Police Department and State of Tennessee will conduct a thorough investigation. Chuck and I are praying for the loved ones of Tyre Nichols and for peace in Memphis and across our state,” said Senator Blackburn.
By B. Robinson About one year ago, BlackEconomics.org released a commentary: “Dark Clouds or Sunshine? The Black Economics of War.” It discussed the economic nature of war, and how Black Americans might benefit from war. One of the most salient parts of the commentary states: In today’s world, Black Americans should recognize that war is very much an economic opportunity. The national economy, major industrial concerns, large risk management enterprises, small contractors, and soldiers all stand to benefit economically from US wars. Unfortunately, mainly due to Black America’s role in the US economy, our best opportunities to benefit from war…
Nashville, TN – As we reel in the aftermath of the tragic and senseless violence in the death of Tyre Nichols, our hearts and prayers go out to the family and the Memphis community. “We should not have to be afraid to be Black in America. The justice system is supposed to keep all communities safe and treat all people fairly. What happened to our brother Tyre Nichols is unacceptable and another reminder that this has unfortunately become reality in our country. Our law enforcement holds the power to determine the freedom, life, and death of so many Black Americans. We…
NASHVILLE, TN– As the February deadline for property taxes looms, the Metropolitan Historical Zoning Commission (MHZC) announces the first two awardees of the new Historic Tax Abatement program, approved by Metro Council in 2021 to preserve important historic sites. The next application deadline for the program is July 1, 2023. Councilmember Syracuse filed the legislation based on state enabling legislation, T.C.A. § 67-5-218. At the September 2022 MHZC meeting, the Commission approved the first round of Historic Tax Abatements for the Rhea Building at 166 Second Avenue North, damaged in the 2020 Christmas Day bombing, and the James Geddes Engine…