Jerrel Jones, a pioneer and vital figure in community journalism not only in the Midwest but nationally, passed this week. Jones, 85, was known as a fierce advocate for Civil Rights, social justice and community empowerment. He developed multiple entities that provided information and outlets for key issues. These included founding the Milwaukee Courier in 1964, and the Madison Times in 2013. Jones also purchased radio station WNOV in 1972. He created the Courier Communications Corporation in 1964 during the Civil Rights Movement, and it played a huge role in the desegregation of schools in Milwaukee. The Courier Communications’ purchase…
Author: TN Tribune Staff Writer
MEMPHIS / NASHVILLE — As Governor Bill Lee’s private school voucher program begins accepting applications, two top Democratic leaders—Senate Democratic Caucus Chairwoman Sen. London Lamar of Memphis and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. John Ray Clemmons of Nashville—are condemning the expansion as a taxpayer-funded giveaway that defunds public education and overwhelmingly benefits students already attending private schools. On the eve of the application launch, Sen. Lamar denounced the program as a “billion-dollar boondoggle that shortchanges Tennessee’s public school students and teachers.” “It’s a shame private school vouchers have made it this far. We’ve seen the evidence—vouchers drain public schools of…
NASHVILLE, Tenn – The voices of Black North Nashville elders were celebrated at the Tennessee State Museum recently, as their program Lunch and Learn featured the locally produced and widely celebrated podcast We Are North Nashville (WANN) in the Museum’s Digital Learning Center. The night featured a panel hosted by the lead curator of social history at the Tennessee State Museum and current president of the Inter-Museum Council of Nashville, Tranae Chatman, as well as WANN artist and project lead M. Simone Boyd and executive producer Andrea Tudhope. The panel also included two of the elders featured in the podcast…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Scarritt Bennett Center and Nashville Black Music Association (NBMA) once again join forces to present the second annual Black Sacred Music Weekend (BSMW) from February 28th through March 1st. Though only in its second year, the BSMW is becoming an important and impactful contribution to Black History Month programming offered in Nashville. To kick off the festivities, the W. Crimm Singers, under the direction of operatic countertenor and TSU Professor Patrick Dailey, will present BLACK HYMNODY II, a concert and live recording on Friday, February 28th, at 7 p.m. in the historic Wightman Chapel. Like its lauded…
Nashville, TN – (TN Tribune) – The Bargain Hunt is almost over. Bargain Hunt, a longtime player in the discount retail sector, has announced the permanent closure of all 92 stores across 10 states, marking the end of its operations amid mounting financial struggles. The company, known for offering deep discounts on overstock and excess inventory, has launched going-out-of-business sales with discounts of up to 40%, set to continue until its final shutdown at the end of February. From Wholesale to Retail Success Bargain Hunt’s origins trace back to 2000, when Robert Echols and Phil Pfeffer founded Essex Technology Group in…
Nashville, Tenn. — Evelyn Clarinetta Lee and Wynetta Smith, who were blessed to turn 90 years young on January 2, 2025, celebrated at Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church on January 5, 2025, following the morning worship service. Approximately 160 of their friends joined in the celebration along with children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. Clara has five children (one preceded her in death), nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Wynetta had one child who preceded her in death. Clara is a retired nurse from Centennial Medical Center and Wynetta a retired homemaker who always prioritized the domestic sphere of her family. The family is…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Black men from across the city gathered Oct. 24 to show their support of Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for President of the United States. As of late, there have been some reports indicating a dip in support from this key demographic of votes, but the Brothas for Kamala group is presenting a much different story. In a final push before Election Day, Nov. 5, the group held three rallies to intensify voter turnout for Kamala Harris and Tim Waltz for president and vice president, respectively. Hosted at the Soul Restaurant chains located in Nashville,…
Vivian Wilhoite’s third consecutive swearing-in as Davidson County Assessor of Property was a memorable and significant event, marked by heartfelt speeches, musical tributes, and the presence of numerous dignitaries, elected officials, and community members. Her inauguration in the packed Sonny West Conference Center of The Howard Building showcased her deep community ties and the respect she has garnered throughout the years. Dr. June Michaux served as mistress of ceremony and guided the one-hour occasion. Bishop Joseph Warren Walker III of Mt. Zion Baptist Church blessed the event with the opening prayer. The event reflected a deep sense of community and…
Swett’s is not only a local Black culinary institution, it’s among the oldest meat-and-three soul food restaurants in Music City. The family-run, popular community hub, originally known as Swett’s Dinette when it opened under the supervision of Walter and Susie Swett back in 1954, opened a second location last year at Nashville International Airport. Now, located at 27th and Clifton, it marked its 70th anniversary on Sept. 11. Only Wendell Smith’s Restaurant (72) is older as a soul food site, though Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack began even earlier in 1945. Swett’s staples remain fried chicken, greens, cornbread, and a host…
Nashville, TN — Slutty Vegan, the Atlanta-based cult favorite plant-based burger bar, has announced the dates for its highly anticipated residency in Nashville. From August 1-7, the woman-owned, black-owned restaurant will be serving up its popular vegan burgers at 6917 Lennox Village Dr., Nashville, Tennessee, 37211. Operating hours are set from 5 PM to 10 PM every day. Pinky Cole founded Slutty Vegan in July 2018 with the goal of providing vegan options to the inner-city Atlanta community, which experiences high rates of hypertension, cholesterol, obesity, and other food-borne ailments. Starting from her two-bedroom apartment, Cole sold made-to-order burgers on…