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…
Author: Vivian Underwood Shipe
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,…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — As the country gears up for fourth of July festivities, the sweet residue left from the Juneteenth celebrations of total freedom still linger. The moving of the MLK parade from January to June by the Martin Luther King Commemorative Committee has proven to be a success in it’s second year as over 75 groups participated in the march from Chilhowee Park to Walter Hardy Park where the Juneteenth celebration continued. The tree filled park provided respite from the sun as food vendors kept delicious smells flowing through the park, children ran and played, organizations…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — When Tammi Campbell took over the leadership at Austin-East Magnet High School as the Executive Principal, the school was in great flux. When she stepped into the hallowed halls of her alma mater where she had been class president and Ms. Austin-East; the school was in a stormy season. Five students had died by gun violence, the pandemic had half the students in a virtual setting the year before with students now trying to come together again under one roof. For many of the kids, it would be their first-time high school experience. Distrust…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — Two of Knoxville’s top Black women organizations dedicated to building Black wealth, providing access to capital, and investing in Black business, held the second annual Crown Pitch Competition in Knoxville on June 14th. Five Black businesses showcased and pitched their businesses before a panel of three judges with the first-place winner receiving $7,500 and 2nd place receiving $2,500 in business grant funds. The competition is designed to open doors and create relationships for those who compete with resources and mentoring opportunities available following the event. The Women, LLC of Knoxville and Shora Foundation -…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — The reasons for needing a second chance are many. Some young people got mixed up with the wrong crowd, many made bad decisions, and ended up in jail, others never had guidance at home due to a loved one being incarcerated in prison or jail. Still others have been in the foster care system and have now aged out; nowhere to go but the streets where predators wait to snatch them up. For these 18- to 24-year-olds a second chance or a way up, can be found in the Go Places Initiative. In Cocke…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — When asked what Black LLC stands for, President Keisha Jackson will proudly tell you: Building Leaders increasing Assets, Capacity, and Knowledge. While Black LLC is a highly successful business consulting and event management firm, they also use their gifts to remove barriers for smaller nonprofits who are trying to help the vulnerable by holding magnificent fundraising events and giving all profits to the organization. President Jackson works hard to host events in spaces never before used. She is relentless in knocking down barriers placed before her to host the fundraisers in spectacular spaces. Events…