By Peter White NASHVILLE, TN — Civil rights groups have long criticized Congress for not giving the U.S. Census Bureau enough money to do an accurate count of the nation’s population. Minorities have historically been undercounted and that affects political representation as well as $600 billion a year in federal funds that go to local communities for things like schools and roads. If the White House gets its way, the Bureau will undercount minorities once again because President Trump wants to ask people if they are citizens in the 2020 Census. There hasn’t been a citizenship question since 1950. The…
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NASHVILLE, TN — Less than two weeks to go before voters decide the fate of the $9 billion Transit Plan on Election Day, May 1. For months now, sides in favor and those against the Transit Plan have organized forums, rallies, meetings, and debates. They have made arguments, printed posters, and made videos. There have been scads of newspaper articles, advertisements, and dozens of interviews about the plan. Last week at the Bordeaux YMCA about 100 people listened to six pro-transit advocates, including former Mayor Bill Purcell. Some in the audience said they were still undecided which way they would…
By Peter White NASHVILLE, TN — The budget ask is $45 million higher than last year. It includes $2.5 million for new textbooks, $5.2 million more for special education and $2 million more for English language learners. It raises teachers’ salaries by 2.5 percent and gives paraprofessionals a two-grade bump that will increase their pay by $2-$3/hr. All good news but things are not all milk and honey at Metro Schools. No more free lunch for everyone because only 47 percent of schools qualify for federal food support. Four years ago that figure was 61 percent. The state has agreed…
NASHVILLE, TN — State Senator Thelma Harper was recognized by the Tennessee State Senate with joy and adulation on Thursday, April 12 for her 27 years of service as a Tennessee State Senator. Lt. Governor Ron McNally, led the Senate in this special tribute. A proclamation was read with more than 25 Where As’s, as the 33 senators, staff and guests watched with appreciation. Her daughter Linda and son-in-law Bobby Foster smiled boldly as the state’s first African American female senator and the longest serving woman senator in Tennessee history was saluted for her service. Senator Harper announced in early…
By Frank Daniels III The 2018 elections are shaping up. The filing deadlines have passed, and most candidates are busy raising money, spending what they have already raised and/or borrowed to tell Tennesseans why they should vote for them and why they shouldn’t vote for those other folks. This year, for the first time in decades, voters will not have an incumbent in either of the two statewide elections. Gov. Bill Haslam is in the last year of his two-term limit, and Sen. Bob Corker has opted not to run for re-election. The 124-member newspapers of the Tennessee Press Association…
CHATTANOOGA, TN — Tennessee is the VOLUNTEER STATE and has a long and proud tradition of volunteers investing their time and talent to the call to service. National Volunteer Week, April 16-21 is a great way to honor this state tradition and recognize individuals who have lead by example, demonstrating commitment and inspiring other deeply committed leaders and volunteers to engage in volunteerism which impacts leading to positive change. Rev. Dr. Roderick L. Ware, Senior Pastor of New Monumental Baptist Church will be leaving the city of Chattanooga on Sunday, April 22nd and a Farewell Musical Tribute in his honor…
NASHVILLE, TN — The African-American Author Fair will take place this weekend, April 21 at the Scarritt Bennett Center located at 1069 18th Avenue South Nashville from 1-4 pm. This event attracts a wide array of traditional and self-published authors, book and magazine publishers, book clubs, libraries, illustrators, artists, and individual readers locally and abroad. There’s something for all ages to experience at the Author Fair. It turns reading into a community experience, bringing a diverse group of people together to share ideas, learn, network and witness brilliant conversations. Customers will be able to buy books from several different authors, have…
NASHVILLE, TN — The annual series Jazz on the Triangle celebrates its Twenty-third Season at the Church of the Holy Trinity. Concerts will be April 15, May 20, and June 17, featuring some of Nashville’s finest and most respected talent. Tickets may be bought at the door or through Holy Trinity members or the Church Office – 615-256-6359. They are $20 each, or three for $50, and those may be used in any combination. All seating is General Admission. April 15 – John Birdsong One of Pulaski, Tennessee’s finest products, John Birdsong (“Bird” to many) is known as “one of…
By Peter White NASHVILLE, TN — Two weeks after she got into the Mayor’s race, Councilwoman Erica Gilmore distanced herself from Mayor David Briley by coming out against the $9 billion transit plan. “I have concluded that salvaging this plan is currently unworkable so I cannot support it and on May 1 I will be casting my vote against it,” Gilmore said. After visiting Seattle last month and talking to transit officials there and listening to citizens in Nashville, Gilmore decided Nashville would be better served by going back to basics. “What we should focus on is things that make…
NASHVILLE, TN, April 12, 2018 — After the unexpected resignation of Mayor Megan Barry, Nashville added a special election drastically shortening waiting time of a much-anticipated new elected mayor. Candidates do not have much time to seek endorsements, fund raise or promote their name recognition, public familiarity, and explain their political views on any issue. This is an historical first in Nashville for 4 African Americans (2 non politicians Carr and Swain) are running for the Mayors Office. The candidates are Dr. Harold M. Love Jr., the pastor of Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church and State Rep. for District 58,…