Author: Monique Gooch

By Monique Gooch NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Civil Rights Movement Project, hosted at First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill, has embarked on a transformative journey to document the city’s civil rights history from 1944 to 1966. Supported by funding from the National Park Service, the Metro Historical Commission’s two-year grant project will spotlight key aspects, particularly the Nashville Students Movement and the impactful sit-ins that defined an era. The project’s culmination will be the creation of documentation for the National Register of Historic Places, including historical context on a nationwide scale and National Register nominations for two pivotal locations: Clark…

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By Monique Gooch NASHVILLE, TN — It is not too late to plan to celebrate the EPIC Masquerade Gala with the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC) on October 20, 2023. As part of MWCHC’s 55th anniversary celebration, the center is inviting the community to participate in an evening of Entertainment, Philanthropy, and Involvement in the Community (EPIC). EPIC 2023 will be held at the Geodis Park Premier Lounge and will feature performances by local jazz musicians as well as performances from magician Richard Green (“The Magic Conjurer” from House of Cards). There will also be delicious culinary offerings and…

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By Monique Gooch NASHVILLE, TN — Essential Needs, Inc. and The Lopez Group will present the Pay it Forward award at PRIVY ALL WHITE GROUP POPUP on Saturday, September 16. PRIVY is an upscale dining experience where attendees wear all white. Individuals meet at a private pop-up location and curate an elegant evening of opulence, excitement and exclusivity. The event will feature well-known artists and special performances from Keri Hilson, Syleena Johnson, Bobby Valentino and a special performance by New Orleans own, Juvenile. PRIVY is more than just a party. Each year they select an organization to uplift and highlight through monetary…

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By Monique Gooch NASHVILLE, TN — “A Legacy of Healthcare” was the theme on March 30 to celebrate 55 years of the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Healthcare Center (MWCHC) serving Middle Tennessee. This year’s Legacy Breakfast honoring Dr. Matthew Walker, Sr. was held at the Cal Turner Family Center on the campus of the Meharry Medical College. Breast specialist and surgeon Robin Williams, M.D. was the evening’s speaker. Antoinne Able M.D. who specializes in rehabilitation medicine at TriStar Southern Hills Hospital, received the prestigious Dr. Matthew Walker, Sr. Legacy Award. Former State Senator Brenda Gilmore received the revered Michelle B.…

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By Monique Gooch NASHVILLE, TN — A new Mahogany Hallmark story was launched on February 23 that took place right in the heart of Nashville. The movie follows Naima and Damian, as they meet and begin to get close with each other, sharing their love for music and their desire to leave their respective marks on the world. Naima moves to Nashville to uncover secrets about an undiscovered music group. Starring Andrea Lewis, Pooch Hall, Stan Shaw and Roz Ryan. With cameos by Curt Chambers, Ruben Studdard and Nashville’s own The Shindellas. Several scenes from the movie were filmed at…

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By Monique Gooch NASHVILLE, TN — The Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center has launched its year-long 55th anniversary of providing health care in Middle Tennessee. The clinic provides access to quality health care to over 18,000 patients each year with service from three locations: Nashville, Smyrna and Clarksville. The celebration was held at Urban Hangout Suite Twelve 25 on Meridian Street in East Nashville. “Tonight is to kick off our 55th anniversary celebration for the year. We wanted to kick it off in the community and suite 1225 has been so gracious to host this for…

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By Monique Gooch Everyone will be dancing in the aisles at the upcoming Motown extravaganza featuring smash hits made famous by Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and others. Songs include “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “My Girl,” “Superstition” — and, of course, “Dancing in the Street.” Shayna Steele is one of the vocalists performing at the Dancing in the Street Music of Motown with the Nashville Symphony. Steele, who is NewYork based, has appeared as a soloist and guest…

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By Monique Gooch NASHVILLE, TN — At Suite Twelve25, you will find an urban hang-suite and bistro serving vegan and non-vegan fare to satisfy your taste buds. You will enjoy an unmatched eclectic vibe immersed in opulence. The restaurant in East Nashville opened in February with one goal in mind: to provide a unique dining experience to Nashville. The owner has curated an unforgettable space with their love of food, dedication and an appreciation of art. “We got our lease in 2020, we opened on February 19, 2022,” said, owner Valeria Lopez. “Our brunches went viral on TikTok three weeks…

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By Monique Gooch NASHVILLE, TN — Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned genealogist, Family History Day has something for everyone. This year’s featured presentation is Welcome Home: Unlocking History Through the Places We Live, led by Librarian Trent Hanner. As part of Hanner’s presentation, attendees will learn how to use the Library and Archives’ extensive collections to research the history of their home. Discover the stories of your community by researching the places where we live and work, whether your family has lived in Tennessee for generations or you’re new to the area. Following the presentation, visitors will be able…

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By Monique Gooch Do Black people really need to wear sunscreen? Short answer. Yes. Even if you Google the question, the answer will always be, yes. Whether you have a great deal of melanin or not, sunscreen is an absolute necessity. The lack of awareness about the importance of sunscreen doesn’t originate in the Black community. The medical community has had a major historical role for not providing Black people adequate medical care, especially in dermatology. Aleta Simmons, M.D. in Nashville, TN, said, “Sun protection in the form of chemical or physical sunscreen, shade, and sun protective clothing is important…

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