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…
Author: Vivian Underwood Shipe
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…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — Considered one of the top Black hairdressers in Knoxville for over 40 years, Andrei Allen, known and loved by all as Dr. Dre because of his skill and his love for doing the hair of his people, has died. Dr. Dre passed away on May 22, 2024, at Fort Sanders hospital. His friendly spirit, skills and knowledge of Black hair drew clients from across the city and surrounding counties; people would wait for hours to be able to sit in his chair. Dr. Dre had a great love for the Lord, his family, and…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — Knoxville will be awash with tradition this fourth of July weekend as an event that only occurs every five years takes over the city with memories, music, and activities celebrating several generations. From this years new fresh face graduates as young as 17 to those who graduated long ago and are now in their 90s; good times will flow across the city as Black students who have lived through the changes of time descend to deliberately choose to remember. Before Austin-East was birthed, the parent schools had existed separately across town from each other for…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — Honorary doctoral degrees are the highest honor a university can bestow upon an individual. The receipt of an honorary doctorate recognizes an individual has made significant contributions to society, the state, and the university. On Saturday, May 18th, University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Chancellor Donde Plowman, stood before a room of guest and explained the process and procedure of nomination, selection, accepting and awarding this distinguished honor; an honor bestowed upon the late Dr. Bob Booker, author, statesman, longtime community leader, icon, and civil rights activist chosen by a unanimous decision by the leadership of…
KNOXVILLE, TN — How do you celebrate a matriarch with a legacy of over 100? You take the queen on a river boat ride and have family join her on the boat. That’s exactly how the family of senior Willie Mae Kyle celebrated her 95th birthday, with family coming in from all over the country. Kyle, as spry and as playful as ever, stepped around the boat on her own, enjoying a feast, receiving gifts and love; happy for her family, grateful for good health, strength and surrounded by those she loves most. Copyright TNTRIBUNE 2024 All rights reserved.
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — Dignitaries from across the State crowded in to the conference room for the dedication and ribbon cutting of the New Gateway Center. The vision of Karen Pershing came to life as hope rose as the ribbons floated to the ground. The Gateway is a recovery community center, designed to provide additional support and on going recovery for those coming back into the community. The center was built around the belief that treatment is just the beginning of the healing process and when supportive services are provided, there are less relapses. The center will offer…