By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — The Young Professionals of Knoxville selected Vrondelia Ronni Chandler, executive director of Project Grad as the recipient of their prestigious Impact Award. The award is given every year to a leader who helps young professionals become leaders who serve the community. The recipient is selected by the example they present in their personal and professional lives. Chandler, who has been married for over 45 years to her childhood sweetheart Tim Chandler; serves in the ministry at her church, First AME Zion Church, and has long been a mentor for young people in Knoxville. A…
Author: Vivian Underwood Shipe
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — A woman mayor, an African American vice mayor, the police review board headed by a Black woman; the list of women change agents in Knoxville continues to grow. The change continues not only at the government level…change is impacting financial, real estate, and areas of the business world as women step up to lead. Some are stepping up together. Meet The Women LLC of Knoxville. They are young, gifted and Black. They are highly intelligent and determined. Successful in their own right, they hold doctorates, run foundations, serve on boards, write for major newspapers, and…
This news was first reported in, “The Call,” Holston Conference, United Methodist Church. Read the original article here By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — In its 47 year history , there has never been an African American to serve as President of the Holston Conference United Methodist Women. In the Summer of 2020 that all changed with the election of Donna Mosby. A strong advocate for racial justice and voters rights, Mosby will preside over a membership with over 7,000 members. The organization is part of the largest denominational faith organization with over 800,000 women. The mission of the organization…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — It was 8 am. The Love Kitchen, the early voting site in the inner city, wouldn’t open untill 10 am. That didn’t matter to the people who already were standing in a line that stretched out the parking lot, around the building, and down to the end of the block. The people had come to vote, no matter how long it would take. Long-time East Knoxville resident and voter advocate, Gail Carter, was beside herself with joy and thru tear-filled eyes she danced a hallelujah jig where she stood. “Isn’t this wonderful!” She exclaimed…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — In track its called the anchor leg. The last run toward the finish line. C.O.N.N.E.C.T. Ministries, the Knoxville 2020 Census Hub appointed by State Rep. Rick Staples joined the complete Census community count team led by “I AM The Voice of the Voiceless,” Vice Mayor Gwen McKenzie, New Directions Health Care Solutions, and many other government, community and business organizations to ensure as many as possible would be COUNTED in Knoxville in 2020. This collaboration has proven valuable as the back and forth between the Census Bureau and those desiring the Census end early…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — Relationship and trust. That is what Coach Lawrence Williams says is what it will take to turn the tide of young men who are joining gangs at an alarming rate in Knoxville and across the nation. Williams says there has to be something offered instead of the life of gang banging and those who offer it must be sincere and not judgemental of the young men who come in off the streets looking for an alternative. Coach Williams who is the founder of World United, a nonprofit that has for decades worked in the…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — Late Thursday evening Federal Judge Lucy Kohl overruled the decision to end the 2020 Census count on Sept. 30 and ruled the census would instead end on Oct. 31 as was originally planned. This reinstatement now gives states the opportunity to continue to count the people in order to obtain a complete and accurate count. Knoxville’s complete Census ount committees and many organizations across the city have been holding events to make sure communities with low response rates are encouraged to be counted. Rain or blistering sun, churches and organizations like the Knoxville/Knox County…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — Candace Parker played for the greatest women’s basketball coach of all time, Pat Head Summit, at the University of Tennessee. She now plays for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA and though she’s playing in the bubble away from her fans, Parker has not forgotten to reach back and help others. Knoxville is reaping the benefits of her desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Over the weekend, with the help of Project Backboard and the 2K Foundation, a dream basketball mural was created on the grounds of the Cal…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — The order to stop the census early came on top of the four month delay caused by COVID-19. Originally scheduled to end Oct. 31st, the decision handed down to the Census Bureau to cease operation on Sept. 30, kicked the census count into warp drive. Around the country, as well as in Knoxville, time is of the essence. Now, as they say in the military: the mission is to complete the mission. The enumerators, as census workers are called, hit the streets in mid-August wearing masks, carrying hand sanitizer, and iPhones for the first…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — They gathered at the torch, one of the most traditional spots on the University of Tennessee campus. Shirts and signs of all designs were everywhere. On this day all over the country , athletes and students on college campuses gathered to take a stand in support of Black Lives Matter. In Knoxville, they would not be alone and they would have the blessing of the university to march. Football practice was cancelled by Head Football Coach Jeremy Pruitt as he and Athletic Director Philip Fulmer and the other coaches joined players representing every sport…