NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Acclaimed portrait artist Michael Shane Neal unveiled his latest work, an official portrait of President Joe Biden, during a special ceremony held April 14, 2026, at Syracuse University. The unveiling drew an audience of university officials, students, art patrons, and distinguished guests, marking a significant moment for both the institution and the artist. Neal, widely recognized for his mastery in portraiture and his ability to capture the character and presence of his subjects, was commissioned to create the piece as part of Syracuse University’s ongoing efforts to celebrate leadership and public service. The portrait presents President Biden in…
Author: Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Starbucks officials announced the global coffee company will invest $100 million to expand its North American presence by locating a Southeast corporate office in Nashville. Starbucks has major plans for its newest business location, where it will employ up to 2,000 people over the next several years to serve in a variety of corporate-related operations. The announcement expands on the company’s news released last month regarding its broader North America growth strategy. The Nashville office will directly support continued coffeehouse expansion…
Nashville, TN – For the 17th year, we took an in-depth look at the socio-economic wellbeing of Davidson County residents. This year, our elite team of researchers found that Nashville’s African American residents are challenged with affordability issues in comparison to other Nashvillians. Our researchers identified historic and contemporary causes of Nashville’s wealth gap, current trends, and forecast potential future impacts. The findings in our 17th annual Community Needs Evaluation (CNE) report: “Affordability Challenges for African Americans in Nashville: Enduring Legacies. Emerging Issues” were shared before a room of community stakeholders, faith-based leaders, advocacy groups, and elected officials on the state and local level.…
Stand Up Nashville held a 90s-themed party dubbed The Housing Party. The event brought together concerned community members, housing advocates, and residents who’ve faced evictions, rent hikes, and have been forced to move outside of the city due to affordability. The purposeful party focused on educating and empowering attendees in a fun, yet fundamental way to champion immediate housing solutions. “The Housing Party builds on a communal theme, while teaching people about why new housing models and solutions should matter to Nashville,” shared Shani Glapion, a SUN organizer. “House parties in the 90s brought people together for a fun, positive experience…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Senate Democratic Caucus Chairwoman Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, will host a Black Maternal Health Week legislative hearing tomorrow, April 15 at the Tennessee Capitol Building. Experts, healthcare professionals and community advocates will come together to address the critical issues impacting Black maternal health in Tennessee. Black Maternal Health Week, observed April 11–17, is a national awareness campaign centered on the experiences of Black mothers and the systemic barriers that too often put their lives and the lives of their babies at risk. Black women in the United States die from pregnancy-related causes at a rate roughly three…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry observed 140 years of excellence in oral health education and service during its anniversary gala held Saturday, April 11, at Humble Baron at Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. More than 200 guests attended the black-tie event, which brought together alumni, students, faculty, patients, community leaders and supporters to honor the School of Dentistry’s legacy as a national leader in training dentists committed to serving underserved communities. A highlight of the evening came when Shelbyville Mayor Randy Carroll surprised Dean Cherae Farmer and Associate Dean Julie Gray with a ceremonial key…
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Democratic Party today announced the launch of TNDP Organizing Hub: Summer 2026, a statewide effort to build a real, year-round organizing presence across Tennessee. On the heels of a historic new chapter for the Tennessee Democratic Party under Chair Rachel Campbell’s leadership where they have re-organized local county parties in all 95 counties in the state, put Tennessee on the national stage, hired key staff roles, and recruited candidates in every corner of the state, this summer program builds on that momentum by creating consistent, accessible ways for people in every part of Tennessee to plug in, including…
Nashville, TN — Gospel recording artist, producer, and creative visionary Terran “T-RAN” Gilbert has been officially honored with a state resolution from the Tennessee House of Representatives, recognizing his outstanding contributions to music, culture, and community impact. As part of this distinction, he has been formally recognized as an Ambassador of the Music and Entertainment Industry for the State of Tennessee. Presented by Tennessee State Representative Greg Vital, who represents District 29 in the Chattanooga area, the resolution carries a meaningful hometown connection. Both Vital and T-RAN share roots in Chattanooga, Tennessee—a city where Vital has personally witnessed T-RAN’s impact…
Today, Metro Social Services hosted its second Food Pop Up food giveaway in 2026. This brings MSS’ total number of Food Pop Ups to six (6) since Metro Council allocated $200,000 in the department’s budget to address Nashville food insecurity at the start of the fiscal year. Staff at today’s event packed 500 food boxes and 500 bags of meat into the vehicles of those in need. The boxes and bags can feed families anywhere from 2-3 weeks, depending on family size. Though the event started at 8am, cars were lined up and wrapped around two streets in…
NASHVILLE, TN – Renowned journalist and broadcaster Marcus K. Dowling’s Culture At Large launches its first live performance event, R.O.O.T.S.: An All-Female Roots Music Jam Session, on Tuesday, April 7, at Nashville’s Anzie Blue. Tickets to the event will be available now at AnzieBlue.com. Sponsored by Chao Nail & Bar, the inaugural R.O.O.T.S. event will feature Grammy and International Bluegrass Music Association-winning fiddle player Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Folk Alliance International Spirit of Folk award-winning pianist and vocalist Lilli Lewis, plus Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and International Bluegrass Music Association Vocalist of the Year Jaelee Roberts. Dowling remarks: “Two-thirds of the version of The Carter Family, which introduced country music as a commercial…