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Greene County Democrat East Point, GA — After decades of longstanding racism in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) loan programs, Black farmers stand to lose their farms, land and livelihoods after a temporary injunction halted an estimated $4 billion in debt relief passed by Congress as part of the American Rescue Act. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Public Counsel, and pro bono counsel Winston & Strawn LLP, filed an intervention motion on behalf of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund (the Federation). The motion was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas…
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — MTSU’s School of Music was pleased to resume the nation’s longest-running marching band competition after its hiatus a year ago because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 58th Contest of Champions was held Saturday, Oct. 23, on Jones Field inside Floyd Stadium featuring 19 high school bands from four states throughout the region. Taking the grand champion prize was Pope High School of Marietta, Georgia, followed by reserve champion honors to Siegel High School of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and honorary mention going to Bartlett High School of Bartlett, Tennessee. For scoring recaps, go to https://mtsu.edu/coc/. “This year’s return of…
NEWARK, NJ — Blueprint Capital Advisors CEO and Co-Founder Jacob Walthour, Jr. has been named to ROI NJ’s People of Color Influencers for 2021. This is his second consecutive year being named to the list which highlights New Jersey’s most influential people bringing diverse perspectives to New Jersey and its business community. According to ROI NJ, “From his perch atop the state’s largest Black-owned asset management firm, Blueprint Capital, Walthour has been relentless in advocating for equitable opportunities for minority businesses and people of color in the investment business.” Earlier this year the publication named Jacob to its Power List…
NASHVILLE, TN — Marie Sueing is the Senior Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation (NCVC). In this role, her efforts includes increasing convention and tourism sales for the city and enhancing community relations and perception by promoting Nashville’s diverse offerings through product development and events. A Brooklyn, NY, native, Marie in 1986 enrolled in Atlanta’s famous Spellman college. A historically Black college and a global leader in the education of women of African descent, dedicated to academic excellence and the intellectual, creative, ethical and leadership development of its students. In her service to communities,…
NASHVILLE, TN — Scarritt Bennett Center (SBC), Nashville’s premiere conference, retreat, and transformative education center, has selected educator, lawyer and faith-based leader Rev. Sondrea L. Tolbert as its next executive director. She will begin her new role on November 1, 2021. “We are excited to welcome Rev. Tolbert to Scarritt Bennett,” stated Andrea Hatcher, SBC Board Chairperson. “She is highly qualified, motivated and will challenge SBC to continue living into its mission of hospitality and education ministries of justice, equality and reconciliation in new and exciting ways.” Rev. Tolbert succeeds Sarah Wilke, who has led SBC for five years. This…
MEMPHIS, TN — For nearly six decades, the University of Memphis has hosted the contest of the Mid-South’s top high school marching bands. The winner of that competition has laid claim to the most prestigious band championship in the region. Now, for the first time, the grand prize of that competition will have a name — the Joe Sills Cup. The competition has been held in Whitehaven, at Crump Stadium, Halle Stadium and the Liberty Bowl. Though the venue has changed over the years, since 1963, the winner of what is now the Bandmasters Championship has earned the coveted title…
NASHVILLE, TN — Effective January 1, 2022, MTR Family Law, PLLC, (MTR) will merge into and establish the new Family Law Practice Group of Gullett, Sanford, Robinson & Martin, PLLC (GSRM.) During the past several years, the firms have had a strong working relationship, referring countless clients and matters to each other. “We feel privileged to combine two long-standing, Nashville-based law firms who share similar values, commitment to client service, and investment in the Nashville community. Our combined resources and experience will benefit our clients significantly. MTR Family Law has an excellent reputation. It is a win for all,” said…
By The Report Inequity in School Funding: Southern States Must Prioritize Fair Public School Spending – examines school funding in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas, based on criteria established by ELC’s national Making the Grade report, an annual state-by-state analysis of public school funding. The report ranks and grades each state based on three key measures: funding level, funding distribution and funding effort. “We are currently in a place where partisan politics, not data or evidenced-based practices, are driving school policy,” said Bacardi Jackson, interim deputy legal director for the SPLC’s Children’s Rights Practice Group.…
NASHVILLE, TN — With an average of 300 new COVID-19 infections diagnosed each day in Davidson County, a coalition of healthcare providers and other organizations are asking Nashvillians to mask up, get vaccinated, and sign a pledge to help spread accurate information to their neighbors. Led by the Nashville General Hospital Foundation and Neighborhood Health, 79 businesses, organizations and individuals have signed on to “Nashville Takes on COVID” so far, more than doubling the number of participants since the campaign’s inception. More than 1,000 Nashvillians have died of COVID since the beginning of the year, and more than 40% of…