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…
Author: Vivian Underwood Shipe
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…
A new state law could require Knoxville to limit voters for district elections to just those who live in that district. The change requires Knoxville City Council to overhaul how council members are elected and decided in November. The council decided to put the final decision in the hands of the voters. Question number two gives people two choices: voters citywide will select all council members to represent the whole city or voters who live only in that district will select who will represent them on city council. Councilwoman Amelia Parker sees the change as a danger to Black voters…
KNOXVILLE – “It is with mixed emotions, but also with a great sense of pride andaccomplishment, that I announce I have stepped down as president and CEO of theKnoxville Area Urban League.” As he leaves to pursue other opportunities, Dr. Charles Lomax will leave a deepfootprint and large shoes to fill as he steps down from his leadership role. In the twoyears, under his leadership, the Urban League has seen phenomenal growth andchange in many areas, including the revitalization of the Young Urban LeagueProfessionals. The program is part of the National Urban League’s network of youngprofessionals who lift up others…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — Kamala Harris is running to be the next President of the United States of America. Stepping into the battle will require she surround herself with great leadership and masterminds. In Tennessee Harris has two advantages; a fellow sister in her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a proven general in the field: Cynthia Finch. The priority is getting people educated and to the polls in November. There is no time to train the leadership with the election less than four months away. Leadership in the field has to be ready to lead the…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — Roberta Martin is a solid fixture in the Black community of Knoxville. Her years as a Lady comfort volunteer with Jarnigan’s Mortuary has connected her to thousands of families in their moments of grief, and her community service was recognized by the city of Knoxville years ago with a proclamation naming a day in August in her honor. Montrose Streeter, Master of Ceremonies for the event spoke of her life in a brilliantly researched speech, reminding the guest that Martin, born July 13, 1934, the Class President of the mighty Austin Panther class of…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — When Betty Satterfield, Class of 1949 walked the hallways of Austin High School, (the only Black high school in Knoxville at the time), it was a different life. Jim Crow was alive and well, Black people were still being lynched, Betty could not vote, whites only signs were a daily part of her existence. The Civil Rights Movement was just beginning. The were no voting rights, the ban against racial segregation in the military was brand new, and there was no such thing as equal pay for Blacks. In the memories of her mind,…