KNOXVILLE, TN — The effort to hide Black history, including the history of the African American women who fought to get the 19th amendment, from the youth is failing in Knoxville, Tennessee. I AM the Voice of the Voiceless and The Suffrage Coalition are being intentional to make it known how much women of color were a very important part of the movement by providing a platform for the children of the state of Tennessee to research and write about the women in their communities and across the country who were Black suffragists. Not only are they allowing the children…
Author: Vivian Underwood Shipe
KNOXVILLE TN — When CEO Tanika Harper founded the Shora Foundation, her mission was to create a safe place for underserved communities to thrive. The Nigerian word Shora means Safe Place. Over the last 15 years the organization has been able to provide that safe space by offering youth education opportunities in the African American community. Working with kids year-round, students in her programs successfully move to their next grade levels, excelling in reading and math. Her program also teaches entrepreneurial skills as she believes the youth are the legacy of communities. Harper’s organization sets in one of the many…
KNOXVILLE, TN — Black History Month ended on the calendar of America, but the center teaching the youth of the true origins of a magnificent people who were Kings, Queens, mathematicians, and seafaring traders and warriors in Africa for thousands of years never stops. The lost connection of Black Americans to the lands from which they were taken is nowhere in the history books of America. Coupled with the intentional erasure of the contributions to the country by Black inventors, musicians, educators, scientist, and other areas that have made America what it is, has caused a great disconnect in this…
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…
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…