By Sarah Best TIPTONVILLE, TN — Six inmates at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville received their Bachelor’s degrees in business administration thanks to a partnership between Lane College and the Tennessee Higher Education in Prison Initiative. At graduation day on Nov. 2, the six men made history as both the first in the prison’s history to earn a bachelor’s degree, and the first incarcerated class in the state to earn a degree from a Historically Black College and University. THEI is a nonprofit agency serving as the catalyst in connecting the Tennessee Department of Corrections with colleges and universities…
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In an order announced Monday morning, the Supreme Court has declined to hear the appeal of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of second-degree murder in the death of George Floyd. This decision effectively affirms the lower court’s ruling and Chauvin’s 22 1/2-year sentence, delivering a silent yet resounding message on the judiciary’s stance in one of the most closely watched cases in recent years. Chauvin’s appeal centered on the assertion that the extensive pretrial publicity and the potential for civil unrest influenced the trial’s outcome, compromising his right to an impartial jury. His lawyers also raised concerns about the trial’s…
By Peter Baker ATLANTA, GA — Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, who was suffering from dementia, died at 96 last week at the family’s modest ranch-style house in Plains, Ga. It was just four months after she and her husband celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary, making them the longest-lasting presidential couple in American history. The former president, who turned 99 last month and has rarely been seen in public since entering hospice care in February, made the 140-mile journey from Plains to Atlanta to join President Biden, former President Bill Clinton and all five living first ladies for the invitation-only service at…
By J.D. Davidson A Tennessee court ruled last week that Republican-drawn state Senate maps are unconstitutional, giving the General Assembly until Jan. 31 to adopt new maps. “Today’s court ruling against the gerrymandered state Senate map is a clear win for the Tennessee Constitution. Even when a political party has a supermajority in the Legislature, its members must still follow the law,” Senate Minority Leader Sen. Raumesh Akbari and Democratic Caucus Chairwoman Sen. London Lamar said in a joint statement Wednesday. “In the days ahead, Senate Democrats will once again be advocating for a fair map and transparent process that…
Dr. James A. Hefner Family Legacy Scholarship Music ProgramTalent, Leadership, Research, Opportunities; A Commitment to ExcellenceTennessee State University 6th President and Phenomenal Visionary NASHVILLE, TN — Please join the Hefner Family at Tennessee State University on December 3, 2023 from 4:30 -6:30 pm for the portrait unveiling to honor, recognize and announce the official establishment of the Dr. James A. Hefner Legacy Endowment Fund and The Dr. James A. Hefner Family Legacy Scholarship Music Programs at Tennessee State University in recognition of his accomplishments. The Hefner family and Tennessee State University College of Fine Arts will keep his contributions alive…
NASHVILLE, TN — The 13th annual Tennessee Beer, Wine and Shine Festival held on Oct. 21 raised $62,000 in proceeds to support 15 local charities in the Donelson and Hermitage communities. Held on the grounds of the historic Two Rivers Mansion, the event drew more than 2,000 attendees who enjoyed a diverse variety of local beer, wine, moonshine and other spirits, live music, a selection of regional and national brews and unique artisan booths. Following the festivities, an official after-party at Scoreboard Sports Bar and Grill on Music Valley Drive offered festivalgoers discounted beers and appetizers. “We are delighted that…
By Ed Mazza An influential Christian evangelical figure in a key state delivered a stern warning to Donald Trump ahead of next year’s battle for the Republican presidential nomination. “I believe Iowa will rise up,” Bob Vander Plaats, head of the Iowa-based Family Leader, told The Blaze host Steve Deace. “I believe Iowa will send a message on January 15 ’cuz I think they’re seeing through this as well. This is smoke and mirrors. This is not leadership our country needs.” On Jan. 15, Iowa will hold its caucuses, the first contest in the 2024 presidential campaign. Vander Plaats endorsed…
NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated its 25th year anniversary on November 11 at the JW Marriott. It was an elegant evening recognizing many leaders, with professional and business accomplishments in the Nashville Black Business Community. Mistress of Ceremonies for this event was Sharon Reynolds, CEO of Devmar Products. The special guest speaker was Ron Busby Jr., president/CEO of the US Black Chambers of Commerce. He delivered a high thought provoking message regarding the state of the current realities of doing business as a Black business owner and the state of Tennessee’s political impact on…
Alive, the only nonprofit hospice in Middle Tennessee, is making the holidays brighter for hospice patients and their families with the help of its volunteers and supporters. Each year, Alive organizes Thanksgiving and Christmas meals at its residences for patients and visiting loved ones, contributes to families with children who need a little extra support to cover holiday gifts and meals, offers additional grief support events to the community at no charge, and raises funds for the coming year. There are many opportunities for community members to get involved and give back. “The holidays can be an especially challenging time…
By Bobby E. Mills, Ph.D. The Grand Ole Party of Abraham Lincoln evolved into the Ole Dixiecrat Party of the Southern Confederacy. The question of questions is what happened? Sadly, Texas has become the strongest GOP state in the nation. Why is the question of questions? For over 100 years the GOP was not a viable force in Texas politics because Blacks controlled the GOP. In fact, historically Blacks controlled the GOP, and were 90 percent of the delegates at the first GOP Convention in Houston, on July 4th, 1867. In attendance were (150) Blacks and (20) Whites. The Second…