NASHVILLE, TN — During Black History Month, Blood Assurance is highlighting the life-saving role African American blood donors play in caring for local patients, especially those living with sickle cell disease, who depend on closely matched blood to survive. Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the world. In the United States, it primarily affects people of African descent. Many patients require frequent and ongoing blood transfusions, sometimes for their entire lives. Blood from donors of the same racial or ethnic background is often the best match, helping reduce complications and improve patient outcomes. For many…
Author: TN Tribune Staff Writer
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader, Baptist minister and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, has died at 84 following a prolonged illness, according to statements from his family and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Jackson, who had been battling progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurological condition similar to Parkinson’s disease, was hospitalized in November and later released. His family said he died peacefully Tuesday morning surrounded by loved ones. A specific cause of death was not immediately provided. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson rose to national prominence as a teenager when he was arrested in 1960 for protesting segregation…
NASHVILLE, TN — Metro Councilmember Joy Styles announced Tuesday she will run for mayor of Nashville in the August 2027 election, becoming the first candidate to officially enter the race. The announcement sets the stage for a likely contest against incumbent Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who is widely expected to seek reelection but has not formally declared his candidacy. Styles is currently serving her second term on the Metro Council, representing the Antioch area. Advocacy for economic development in Antioch has been a central focus of her tenure, particularly efforts to spur redevelopment and investment in one of the fastest-growing parts…
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis community is pulling together to fight for a mother who spent her life fighting for others. Deborah Marion is the mother of former NBA player Lorenzen Wright, who was tragically killed in 2010. After spending years pressing for justice in her son’s case, Marion now finds herself in need of help as she faces serious health and financial challenges. For years, Marion became known for her tireless efforts to keep her son’s case in the public eye, a push many credit with helping authorities bring those responsible for his murder to justice. “You know what…
NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee State University and the Metropolitan Historical Commission will host the 45th annual Nashville Conference on African American History and Culture on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, continuing a decades-long tradition of highlighting African American history, scholarship and cultural expression in Nashville and across Tennessee. The day-long conference will take place at Tennessee State University’s Avon Williams Campus, with both in-person and virtual attendance options available. This year’s theme, “From Roots to Resilience: Reclaiming Black Journeys, Stories, and Legacies Across Tennessee,” will guide a series of presentations examining African American experiences and contributions throughout the state. The conference…
The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church announced the following on Friday: Bishop Harry L. Seawright has been assigned to the Second Episcopal District, vacating his episcopal assignment in the Thirteenth Episcopal District. Bishop Jeffery B. Cooper, Sr., remains in the Eighteenth Episcopal District and is assigned to the Thirteenth Episcopal District. The message was signed by Bishop Silvester Scott Beaman, President, Council of Bishops and the Council of Bishops, African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Thirteenth Episcopal District includes Kentucky and Tennessee. The Second Episcopal District includes Baltimore, Washington, Virginia, North Carolina, and Western North Carolina. The…
The Tennessee Tribune has selected Pastor Frank D. Stevenson of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church: A City of Grace as its 2025 recipient of the Exceptional Leadership & Community Service Award. It’s a salute to his visionary initiatives and outstanding commitment to giving back to help eliminate scarcity and despair. As a champion of the people, he’s worked diligently to ensure fair treatment and advancement of all those living in Nashville and beyond. For more than 20 years, Stevenson has applied the power of service in ministry to make lasting impact in Middle Tennessee. He’s known for an approach that’s hands-on…
The beloved Disney classic “Beauty and the Beast” is dazzling audiences at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, running now through Nov. 16. The 30th anniversary tour of the Broadway musical combines the nostalgia of the animated film with a refreshed, theatrical vision designed to captivate audiences of all ages. The musical, first adapted for the stage in 1994, features the original score by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton. The revival brings updated staging, choreography and design while keeping the heart of the story intact. Familiar songs such as “Be…
Meharry Medical College has launched the largest fundraising effort in its nearly 150-year history, announcing Campaign 150 — a $500 million initiative to strengthen scholarships, research, and institutional growth. College officials revealed that more than $400 million has already been secured in early gifts, positioning the campaign to become the most successful in Meharry’s history. The announcement was celebrated Wednesday afternoon at the Cal Turner Family Center on Meharry’s Nashville campus, with remarks from Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, Meharry’s president and CEO, who delivered the keynote address. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and several Meharry leaders and alumni are also slated…
NASHVILLE, TN — A collaborative conversation about safer and more transparent policing took place on September 11th at the North Police Precinct, bringing together faith leaders, activists, and law enforcement officials to address the changing dynamics of policing in one of Nashville’s most historic and rapidly transforming communities. The meeting was organized by civil rights activist Reverend Venita Lewis and convened members of the Nashville Police Review Committee, including Pastor Howard Jones, Reverend Venita Lewis, Pastor Barry Barlow, Angel Stansberry, and David Conner. They were joined by Commander Steven Bowers of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Chief Greg Robinson,…