Author: Clint Confehr

From staff reports FRANKLIN, TN — Money is needed to renovate a Natchez Street house for aheritage center run by the African American Heritage Society here, so MauricePope is volunteering his culinary talents again. “We were able to raise about $20,000 in the matter of seven hours” last year whenmoney was raised to buy the Merrill-Williams House, Pope said recalling proceedsfrom the sale of scrumptious comfort food prepared by his Moe Better BBQ andFish business. Pope cooks meat that others donate to the cause of revealing local history because,as AAHS members said when forming the society two decades ago, “We…

By Clint Confehr PULASKI, TN — The physician campaigning to succeed Tennessee’s governor advocates “cannabis” legalization, state acceptance of more federal funding for health care, and public education without vouchers subsidizing private schools. Dr. Jason Martin “can’t wait” to confront Gov. Bill Lee in a debate, saying Lee has hurt Tennesseans by refusing federal money to insure families against medical bankruptcy, abiding political dogma instead of medicine, and defunding public education to pay private interests. Dr. Martin mentioned privatization of prisons at a political forum here, and addressed legalizing marijuana, putting cartels out of business, and spending drug officers’ pay…

By Clint Confehr A photograph on a campaign mailer for a Republican county commissioner’s re- election shows him shaking hands with a commissioner who endorsed the GOP candidate’s opponent. That juxtaposition of political affiliation was revealed eight days before early voting when the Rutherford County Democratic Party announced Commissioner Chantho Sourinho endorsed all 10 Democrats challenging Republican incumbent commissioners in the Aug. 4 election. Sourinho, the only Democrat on the commission, is “uneasy,” saying he cooperated when asked to be in a photo. However, he’s evasive about whether he authorized use of the photo to help re- elect Commissioner Jeff…

By Clint Confehr PULASKI, TN — “The connection … between employer and hiredlabor” as mentioned in the Emancipation Proclamation deserves closeexamination, according to a Juneteenth speaker here. Richard Kemp of Pulaski deals with tax issues for clients at his ownoffice. He says financial literacy is “the key to financial freedom.” Investments and controllable assets can supplant a system of hired laborand support a life of greater freedom. Kemp and other speakers, including Pulaski native Van Johnson now ofMurfreesboro who hosts The Scenario Radio Show, celebratedJuneteenth as when, in Galveston, Texas, Union troops enforcedemancipation. Juneteenth was: nearly 30 months after Lincoln’sproclamation;…

NASHVILLE, TN — America’s racial and ethnic diversity increased — more people identify as multi-racial and the White majority shrunk — the Census Bureau says as Black leaders focus on political redistricting. The Census Bureau’s “initial analysis of the first local level results” from the 2020 Census was released Aug. 12. The U.S. Constitution requires equality of representation and a national population count every 10 years to adjust political district lines. “The controlling party rigged the political maps a decade ago and we’re still dealing with the consequences,” says state Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, chair of Tennessee’s Senate Democratic Caucus.…

From Staff reports NASHVILLE, TN — ‘Black Restaurant Week’ continues here through Sunday, according to Epicurions and local restaurant advocates. The 10-days of Black Restaurant Week celebrate the flavors of African, African-American and Caribbean cuisine, Black Restaurant Week Marketing Director Derek Robinson said. The ‘No Crumb Left Behind’ campaign is “helping as many culinary businesses stay afloat as the world recovers from the pandemic,” Robinson said. Meanwhile, “The systemic barriers faced by Black-owned restaurants — such as disproportionate access to business loans — demonstrates the importance of Black Restaurant Week LLC,” promotion managers reported May 11. “These disparities have only…

Brother Nelson Wilson remains a well-remembered minister for his 30 years of service to the community based at Burns Springs Church of Christ. Brother Herb Davis officiates at 1 p.m. Friday. By Clint Confehr COLUMBIA, TN — Dr. Nelson Wilson, a minister at Burns Springs Church of Christ for three decades, died May 12, 2021 at Maury Regional Medical Center. He was 75. Wilson is remembered for: creating a non-profit group with anger management classes for domestic violence offenders; registering voters; finding resources for people starting businesses; and helping students find ways to pay tuition. Brother Herb Davis of Newtown…

Franklin Anticipates One Celebration, Two Locations By Clint Confehr FRANKLIN, TN — There was no question that votes would be cast by the mayor and aldermen Tuesday for June 19 events to celebrate freedom. Juneteenth in Franklin is anticipated to be “one celebration at two locations,” Mayor Ken Moore said describing what’s planned: in Pinkerton Park near Fort Granger, the city’s connection to Juneteenth; and on Franklin’s Public Square. Franklin Transit Authority is offering trolly rides between downtown and the park which has a pedestrian bridge over the Harpeth River. A Civil War marker is to be unveiled by the…

J’Lee Gales smiles during a selfie with Demario “Paco” Leggons.  Gales’ painting is behind them. Photo by Clint Confehr ‘Black Art Matters’ art show Celebrates Unity in Columbia, Tenn. By Clint Confehr COLUMBIA, TN — Artists painted pictures worth a thousand words describing America’s unrest, local leaders said during “Black Art Matters, a celebration of unity at the Maury County Arts Guild Building.” Vice Mayor Dr. Christa Martin leads access and diversity services at Columbia State Community College where she says improving life includes recognizing the value in each other. At the Guild, Martin commented on reactions to Black Lives…

By Clint Confehr NASHVILLE, TN — A community advocate pulled an April Fool’s Day joke on the man she loves by luring him to a church and proposing marriage in front of relatives. “I was shocked,” says David Baugh, now the happy fiancé of Clemmie Greenlee, founder of Moms Over Murder which met April 1 in Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church on 33rd Avenue North. Greenlee planned the surprise for about a month. Baugh was called to help set up a church meeting. Relatives hid in adjoining rooms before he arrived and then quietly crept in as Greenlee distracted Baugh. “April…