Knoxville, TN-Rain or snow, It’s an all-day celebration. Held annually by the Knoxville Phylliss Wheatley Branch of the YWCA, the event draws hundreds the weekend before Martin Luther King day to celebrate diversity, raise awareness about racism and promote inclusivity. The morning events included a certified 5K, a one-mile walk or run for the adults with a kid’s fun run also held. The races are the precursor to a day filled with activities, food, music, family activities and information booths. The major sponsor for this year was Brian Christopher Clay owner of WJZF 91.5 FM radio. Copyright TNTRIBUNE 2026. All…
Author: Vivian Underwood Shipe
KNOXVILLE TN — The elections of 2026 are shaping up to be a pivotal time America’s history. From the legislative branches in Washington, to local elections across the country, the promise of change is in the air as parties position themselves for the upcoming battle to gain and regain votes and voters. Leadership matters and the Democratic Party in Knoxville is preparing for the upcoming battle. Domonica Bryan took the helm as Chair of the Knoxville Democratic Party as 2025 ended with promises of a new vision to move the party forward by connecting to every community and creating new…
KNOXVILLE, TN — With over 62 percent of the vote, Denzel Grant, veteran, father, and community leader, was sworn in as the next city council representative for District Six before a cheering crowd at the Knoxville Convention Center on December 20th. Grant, former director of Turn UP Knox, a phenomenally successful violence interruption project that significantly reduced the number of gun deaths on the streets of Knoxville since 2022, will join four other new representatives when he assumes his position. During his campaign, Grant’s platform was built on violence prevention, expanding affordable housing, and advocating for equity in East Knoxville.…
KNOXVILLE, TN — “Keep it moving.” Those were the words of the decree issued by Mistress of Ceremony Cynthia Finch to the crowd who had gathered in the sanctuary of the historic Mt. Zion Baptist Church for the 163rd National Observance of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The local observance of the proclamation which freed the slaves on January 1st, 1863, has been held in Knoxville by the local NAACP for the last twelve years. The event was well attended with representatives from many local churches, state and local officials, community leaders. The keynote speaker for the occasion was…
For decades, men have headed the leadership of many major organizations. Over the last few years, a subtle but major change has occurred, and dynamic women have been taking the helm and leading organizations to new heights. Three organizations in Knoxville have three new leaders and they are changing the dynamics of collaboration and relationship building. Chrystal Armstrong Brown is the CEO of United Way of Greater Knoxville after serving as interim CEO since late 2024. Brown oversees the organization that has distributed over fifty-four million dollars into the communities since 2020. She was selected after a nationwide search to…
By all accounts, the first Beck Met Gala held in Knoxville by the Beck Cultural Exchange Center was a dandy. Modeled after the Met Gala held annually in New York, the fundraiser for Beck’s 50th year anniversary was every bit as “fashionating.” The Dandyism theme brought out 25 of Knoxville’s finest Black men who walked the catwalk in some of the best fashions available. The models were ages 18 to over 70 and were as varied as the clothes they wore. State representatives, board members, pastors, business owners, and young graduates all walked the catwalk to the music provided by…
Knoxville, Tenn. (TN Tribune)-Calling it Knoxville’s Breonna Taylor case, Attorney Ben Crump said, “He was a good kid, 18 years old, with no criminal record. Daevon Saint-Germain was a senior who was going to be somebody. He had a dream of buying a box truck and contracting with Amazon.” “He was shot nine times in his own home, and no one can explain why they killed him.” These were some of the words spoken at the press conference by nationally known Attorney Ben Crump who is seeking justice for the family of Daevon. Surrounded by family members of Daevon, Crump…
Ten years. That is how long Jackie Griffin has been feeding Knoxville with some of the best soul food in the South. For years, people have traveled from across the county and other cities to dine at her tables. Soon, they will travel downtown. From the small kitchen in her first restaurant on the east side of town to her current location at 1008 East Woodland, soon, Jackie’s Dream will open in the new Smokey’s Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. As successful as she is, Jackie Griffin will tell you it has not been easy being an African American businesswoman. Griffin…
Knoxville, Tenn. — In 1921, there were several inventions and historical moments: among them, the pop-up toaster became a household item, Hitler became the leader of the German Party, the Tulsa Race Massacre occurred, and Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize in Physics. There was also another momentous event—Mary Elizabeth Goins was born. Mark Twain said that growing old is a privilege that many people are denied. Born in New Market, Tennessee, this beautiful African American spry woman, always well-dressed and with a taste for homemade coconut cream pie with a real meringue (none of that fake stuff or she…
As Go Places moves into Phase Two, the free program it offers to 18- to 24-year-old youths is expanding. The program, which works to remove any barrier for youths who may have been justice-involved, homeless, or aged out of foster care, is adding even more free services to help them get on their feet and become successful citizens. Training is one area of change. Joining the training team, which already offers experts in financial literacy, mental health and mindfulness, basic car care, and life skill training, is Mrs. Janell Strong. A Mary Kay Director for over 30 years, with a…