By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — The response to the Awards ceremony held at the Bearden Banquet Hall was a hint that next year’s event would need a bigger venue. Voting was done online with the people of Knoxville and Knox County voting for those leaders and nonprofit grassroots organizations they felt were most deserving of recognition. All the names came from the community. Many of the thirty-one nominees like the honorable Mae Blanche Moore, who ran the Crutcher Youth Enrichment Center in the inner city for over 28 years, have served the community for decades; never seeking the limelight,…
Author: Vivian Underwood Shipe
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — The Oak Ridge Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta held their annual scholarship gala at the Airport Hilton on February 12th. Along with a surprise performance by Reggie Reed, former member of the Temptations, a plated dinner, live band, silent auction and a fun photo booth held the attention of those who filled the ballroom. The gala has been held for several decades and according to Sylvia Rupert program chairman, over 30,000 dollars has been raised over the years for deserving scholarship recipients. The 2023 recipient, Breeharra K. Duff, is a senior at Midway…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — “Today we are collectively focused. Tomorrow we will still care, but we will be distracted UNLESS we intentionally maintain a dual focus on both the 70×24 goal AND the life circumstances of the Class of 2024.” were the words spoken by Ronni Chandler, Executive Director, Project GRAD, Knox Education Foundation, as Knox County announced a bold goal: increase the number of students going to college to 70 percent by 2024. Realizing the goal cannot be done in silos, a unique collaboration of leaders has come together to collectively work on a goal that Chandler…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — The event was compelling, informative, and eye opening for those who attended the Black K.A.R.E. Project held at Vine Middle School in East Knoxville on Saturday the 28th of January. The community event was held for the second year by the Knoxville TN Chapter of The Links Incorporated. During the event which was free and open to the public, medical and health care professionals discussed what chronic kidney disease is, the effects on the human body, and how to slow its progression. Black K.A.R.E.is a national initiative of The Links to raise awareness and…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — One stood up in the face of adversity, one walked out on indifference. Meet Sylvia Peters and Dr. Dasha Lundy. Two different generations, both determined to change the divisive mindset in Knoxville Tennessee. Sylvia Peters is well known and respected locally and internationally for her work in the art world and was instrumental in the successful opening of Gathering Light: The Delaney Project, a celebration of Internationally renowned African American artist Beaufort Delaney who was born in Knoxville. Over her 85 years on earth, Peters has also been an educator who also has worked…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — As the 200 runners lined up Saturday morning, the cold did not seem to be an issue. It was the first time, post covid that the diverse group of runners, all ages, races and runners from organizations across the city, were able to line up together, side by side, and run. The excitement and smiles shown everywhere. Everyone was more than ready. Sponsored by the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA for 27 years, it’s an opportunity for the community to join in the celebration and mission of the YWCA to eliminate racism and empower women. The…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — The theme “Moving On Towards Freedom, Justice, and Equality” perfectly describes the Knoxville 2023 celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events celebrating Dr. King will begin in the winter months and culminate as summer arrives. One of the largest and longest celebrations in the country; the Martin Luther King Commemorative Commission has planned nine major events to be held around the city celebrating through the arts, education, forums, an oratorical contest, tributes and prayer services. The events will culminate in the new tradition of marching in the Juneteenth…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — It has been said that relationships matter. In the quest to continue to make sure the marginalized communities of Knoxville are able to receive covid-19 and flu vaccine for free, the Knoxville Area Urban Leagues navigators with their ALL!N vaccine project have been working to build relationships across the city and county to reach those citizens who are in dire need of care. The latest partnership, between Cherokee Health Systems, the trusted messengers of the Fish Pantry and the urban league resulted in citizens in North Knoxville receiving food, vaccines and free health care.…
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — Kwanzaa, the seven day celebration of African American culture and values begins Monday December 26th at the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA and runs through January 1st. As it has been for over three decades, activities are planned all over the city with the community encouraged to attend the many events planned for the celebration. Kwanzaa means first in Swahili and celebrates the seven principles of African heritage: Umoja, (unity), Kujichagulia, (self-determination), Ujima, (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa, (cooperative economics), Nia, (purpose), Kuumba, (creativity), and Imani, (faith).
By Vivian Shipe KNOXVILLE, TN — A Christmas Story: The Night The Bus Stopped in Knoxville: Everyone beneath the sound of my voice, come with me….we are taking a trip into the future….all around you are people sitting in seats side by side…they are soldiers, young parents, grandparents, Abuelas, YAYAs, BIBIs, TIAs, immigrants, refugees….some are traveling for sanctuary, others…going home to surprise their loved ones…some will stop in Knoxville, others will travel through. They can’t see us…but we see them…. the bus is coming into Knoxville around 4 am…Its raining – or maybe it’s snowing… but that’s okay, no worries,…