Community

Nashville NAACP Membership Luncheon was a phenomenal success

Recently, the Nashville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) solidified their effort, to show unity across multiple generations and backgrounds. This was done by hosting the ‘Coming Together…Unity in Action’ Life Membership Luncheon at the Cal Turner Family Center at Meharry Medical College. During the event, local leaders were recognized for their significant commitment to unifying the Nashville community.

Recognitions included four President’s Awards to recipients;  Nancy Nichols, Don Majors, Dr. Blondell Strong Kimbrough and Gordon Larkins. As well as four Legacy Awards, those recipients included; Rosetta Miller Petty, Walter Searcy, Ben Rechter and Isaac Addae .  Dr. Charles E. Kimbrough received the Medal of Honor to Judge Richard Dinkins.

Ludye Wallace

Each award given represented the highest honor and esteem granted for the recipients’ tireless work within the community and beyond.  The President’s Award is presented to a member of the Nashville Branch who has gone above and beyond to support and perpetuate the work of the organization, in the past year.

Legacy Awards are given to an individual who creates positive, impactful change and a measurable difference within the greater Nashville community.  This individual should exemplify the tenets of the NAACP. To ensure political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.

The Dr. Charles E. Kimbrough Medal of Honor is presented to an individual who has an established history of dedication to the protection, advancement and/or promotion of all people, while exhibiting leadership and providing inspiration to those around them, within a specific organization or the community at-large.

The program included performances by Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church’s Praise Team, Mr. Miles Slay and Ms. Tyler Samuel. The event garnered significant support from various areas of the community. Sponsors included Belmont University, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), Meharry Medical College, Doctors. James & Phyllis Hildreth, Nashville Chamber of Commerce, Vice Mayor David Briley, Giarratana Nashville, duGard Communications, R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation, Nashville General Hospital, DVL Seigenthaler, Bill Freeman, Citizens Bank, Tennessee Minority Pages (TMP)  and American Baptist College.

Ludye Wallace, President of the Nashville NAACP Branch sated: “Seeing everyone, today, demonstrated that Nashville has the heart and desire to be a unified city. With multiple generations represented, we heard how important it is that we speak truth to one another and that we encourage our youth to continue the fight for the advancement of all people.  We stood together, today, in what is the first of several actionable steps towards a unified Nashville.

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THE “POWER OF WE: WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS” LUNCHEON FEATURED KEY BUSINESS LEADERS AND PROVIDES NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

In its second year, the luncheon included panelists and entrepreneurs from multiple industries.

Nashville, Tenn. (Mar. 13, 2017) – Nashville nonprofit organization Legacy Makers held its second “Power of WE: Women Entrepreneurs” Luncheon at Belmont University’s Inman Conference Center on Thursday, March 9. More than 100 women entrepreneurs and businesswomen were in attendance.

“We think that this year’s event was even better than last year’s inaugural WE Luncheon!” said Shawntaz Crawford, Executive Director of Legacy Makers. “This year, we crafted a panel-style discussion as the main feature in order to enhance engagement and the experience for our guests. We felt that this created an organic networking experience to be enjoyed by all who attended.”

In alignment with Women’s History Month, celebrated nationally each March, the luncheon offered guests the chance to hear from a panel of some of Nashville’s most esteemed business leaders including Dr. Katherine Y. BrownMarcela Gomez, and Kim Sasser Hayden. The panel was moderated by Krystal Bonner (CEO of Phoenix Forrester Events).

Dr. Katherine Brown has led her company Learn CPR America, LLC for more than 10 years,  providing CPR training to more than 200,000 people. The organization’s roots began on the southside of Chicago, expanded to Israel and is now, reaching thousands in Nashville.

Marcela Gomez serves as the president of Hispanic Marketing Group, a company that provides marketing and public relations strategies that relate appropriate and compelling messages to Hispanic consumer markets. Additionally, Gomez serves as chairman of the board and president of the Tennessee Latin America Chamber of Commerce (TLACC).

Kim Sasser-Hayden serves as senior manager of external affairs for Nashville’s Comcast corporate headquarters. The veteran strategist and thought leader has nearly 10 years of experience in project management and executing marketing efforts for corporate clients, non-profit organizations, governmental entities, and political campaigns.

The panel-style discussion allowed attendees to hear advice from seasoned professionals who shared personal experiences, learning and growth opportunities, as well as tips on how to get ahead. Guests left feeling inspired and empowered after hearing from three remarkable women.

The luncheon garnered much support from the community. It was sponsored by Belmont University, Advance Financial, duGard Communications, The Maynard Group, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis LLP, Goodwin Construction, Bill Freeman, The Don Hardin Group, STAYONTHEGO Magazine and Foundation Nashville.

“This event strikes a personal chord with our team, because it celebrates the accomplishments of extraordinary women in business right here in Nashville,” said Crawford. “Collectively representing more than 45 years of combined experience in business and entrepreneurship.”

 

Nashville Hosts Successful Black History Month My Music Matters Luncheon

June marks the sensational Black Music Month nationwide and Nashville wasn’t left out of the loop at all. We welcomed the month of June, 2017 in with a history making Black Music Month kickoff luncheon. The memorable event was themed:  “My Music Matters: A Celebration of Legends Lunch.

Nashville, TN is known worldwide for honorably bearing the title of:   “Music City USA” As the mid-state, capitol city host legendary, award winning artist in the genre’s of Country, Gospel, Jazz and Rhythm and Blues; tourism and relocation is growing in leaps and bounds, weekly.

The luncheon was designed to celebrate the contributions of iconic artists and benefits the Museum’s educational programs, recognized several top names in various industry categories and music genres. Such as;  legendary singer Patti LaBelle, gospel icon Kirk Franklin, King of New Jack Swing Teddy Riley, and Stax music producer David Porter.

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Actor/comedian David Mann served as host, and music executives Phil Thornton of RCA and Catherine Brewton of BMI served as co-chairs.

This year’s  honorees also enjoyed fitting  tribute performances from artists Tamela Mann, Kelly Price, Dave Hollister, Mannie Fresh, Le’Andria Johnson, Avery Wilson, and Jeremy O’Bryan. Everyone in attendance, performers, museum personnel, contributors and media alike were dressed to the nines for the landmark event.

The lunch was held to benefit the Museum’s educational programs, such as From Nothing to Something, a series of one-hour workshops that educates students in grades 3-8 about the innovations used to create music by memory, and Sips & Stanzas, a social networking event that provides adults with an opportunity to experience sounds from emerging artists and participate in engaging discussions about American’s music culture.

The National Museum of African American Music is set to open its doors in 2019. It is to be the only museum dedicated to preserving the legacy and celebrating the accomplishments of the many music genres created, influenced, or inspired by African Americans. Being built in Nashville, the Museum integrates history and interactive technology to share the untold story of the American Soundtrack.

“We could not do any of the work we are doing without your support. Consider donating today to keep the legacy of African American music going”, stated Lolita Toney. NMAAM Director of Development and Chief of Staff

For NMAAM and other music industry updates, photographs and valuable future coverage, keep a close eye on “Spotlight Tennessee.” We will continue to bring the best in relevant news, photography and video coverage as it unfolds in the Mid-State.

Beauty Behind Bars Spotlight

Visionary, Founder/CEO Tiffany Love Harden enjoyed another Very successful, life changing “Beauty Behind Bars” ministry event.   Saturday August 12, 2017 will be remembered for some time to come as an un-disclosed number of pre-paid ticket holders once again filled the Vanderbilt Student Life Student Center.  The venue is centrally located at 310 25th Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee 37212.

Conference Host, Tiffany Love-Harden is also known as “The Spiritual Bail – Bondswoman.” This due in part to her successful reign with assisting others with freeing themselves from all types of earthly bondage and strife.

Tiffany kicked off the speaker line up with a very interactive teaching session on, “the JEANS You Wear, GENES You Share”.

Evangelist Danielle McCord, followed with her testimony sharing how before she became an anointed Woman of God, she endured many horrific events during her lifetime. Danielle’s anointed testimony is astounding!

This year’s Keynote (Nashville) Speaker was Dr. Juanita Bynum and she did not disappoint. Her mass use of God’s gifts and talents which are many, but include: Psalmist, Author, sought after Minister and Worship Leader, Life Coach and more.  Dr. Bynum preached God’s word and women were delivered from mental bondage.

The A-list style powerful Nashville speaker lineup that followed Dr. Bynum included; Mignon Francois, Donzaleigh Powell, Pastor Judy Johnson, Angela Mitchell, Sharon Edwards, Marley Richiez and Aignes Rogan.

Just when the conference interest level reached amazing point of no return anticipation, more was revealed. The award winning nationally renowned and recognized Tennessee Mass Choir will be on hand for special performances, ministering in Gospel music.   This Beauty Behind Bars event is for women of all ages in the Nashville, TN and surrounding, Tennessee cities. 

BBB helps women/girls break away from mental incarceration & self imprisonment of domestic violence, human trafficking, low self-esteem, doubt, depression, suicide, and dream killing.  The conference teaches accountability, how to pick up the pieces and press forward, how to accomplish dreams/goals, saying goodbye to negativity or bad relationships, and the importance of loving self from the inside out.

Tennessee was recently named as a state with an increase in domestic violence and quickly climbing the top 10 statistics in human trafficking.  Due to alarming and increasing domestic violence and human trafficking rates/statistics in the state of Tennessee we are hosting this conference to teach innovative methods of the importance of getting help, and how to identify when you are mentally incarcerated, self-imprisoned, or in unhealthy relationships/domestic violence situations.

“Time is of the utmost essence for all of us in life and no matter who you are your life revolves around time. Everyday has 86,400 seconds – how will you use yours? A made up bed is a made up mind”, stated Tiffany Love Harden.

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The “Power Of We: Women Entrepreneurs” Luncheon Featured Key Business Leaders And Provides Networking Opportunities 

In its second year, the luncheon included panelists and entrepreneurs from multiple industries.

Nashville, Tenn. (Mar. 13, 2017) – Nashville nonprofit organization Legacy Makers held its second “Power of WE: Women Entrepreneurs” Luncheon at Belmont University’s Inman Conference Center on Thursday, March 9. More than 100 women entrepreneurs and businesswomen were in attendance. [Read more…]

Spotlight Tennessee Features the 16th Annual Martin Luther King Fellowship Breakfast

On Monday January 16, 2017 Bone McAllester Norton PLLC presented their 16th Annual Martin Luther King (MLK) Fellowship Breakfast and the event command audience was standing room only! With a tagline that proudly says: ‘Law, Life and Passion’ the Nashville, Tennessee based mega law firm was already off to a great start.  Bone McAllester Norton PLLC is a full-service business law firm with offices in Nashville, Sumner County and Williamson County, Tennessee. Founded in 2002 with a focus on high-quality work, client satisfaction and community involvement, the firm consists today of more than 40 attorneys with an extensive range of practices and experiences. “We function under a commitment to accessibility, responsiveness, cost-effectiveness and professionalism and focus on building creative and strategic solutions for every client” says the firm.

Handling the Press and Media for such a large and memorable event was the esteemed  duGard Agency, Perri duGard Founder/CEO.As always Lady duGard handled every aspect of the event with elegance, and staunch professionalism. Attending to the needs and concerns of the media and guest and numerous attendees in the packed banquet room

Regina McCrary and the world renowned McCrary Sisters and Reverend Lawrence Thomison set the tone with their heartfelt Gospel music renditions. Both are legendary in the Christian/Gospel music industry, with years bringing passionate spiritual talent to listeners worldwide.   Nashville’s first lady, the honorable Mayor Megan Barry, Charles Bone and other dignitaries addressed the audience. The excited and grateful crown consisted of elected officials, business owners, civil servants and ironically families with children in tow for the historic event, of all ages.

Ambassador Andrew Young delivered a powerful keynote address; a tribute to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All which reflected on, previous economic, civil rights and political circumstances as well as current events and matters affecting us as American people.  Local and national Press and Media from all genres covered the noted event. Overall the 16th Annual MLK Fellowship Breakfast will be fondly remembered for some time to come. Another reason for the ‘proud lady known as Nashville and Music City USA to stand up and take a well deserved bow.

Surely plans are already underway for next year’s MLK event. No worries, ‘Spotlight Tennessee’ will be around to provide full coverage of that event as well.

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Greenwood Cemetery Elder Preston Taylor Annual Banquet

The Greenwood Cemetery Inc. Board of Directors and Management held their Annual Elder Preston Taylor Banquet on Sunday December 11th, at the Millennium Maxwell House. This year marked the 128th anniversary celebration, honoring some of the people who have made and continue to make, the historic resting place memorable.

Greenwood Cemetery Inc. is comprised of four Nashville based locations, but known and recognized worldwide for its intrinsic beauty, history and value to African American’s and the community at large. The three locations are: 1. The Preston Taylor Mausoleum and Columbarium 1428 Elm Hill Pike (erected in 2012) Nashville, TN. – Greenwood Cemetery: The historical site formerly referred to as Main – 1428 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN, 2. Greenwood Cemetery –West, 820 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN. and 3.Greenwood Cemetery-North, 1248 South Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, TN.

Founded in 1887, (established in 1888) Elder Preston Taylor purchased thirty-seven acres of land near “Buttermilk Ridge” at Elm Hill Road and Spence Lane on which he established the Greenwood Cemetery in 1888.  Preston, along with three other gentlemen, had planned to purchase this land together for $30,000. Preston was the only one who followed through on the transaction. His purpose was to mainly provide first class burial space that would be available at minimal cost for the African American population of Nashville, in particular, and for the surrounding communities.  In his Will he deeded the cemetery to the National Christian Missionary Convention of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); it remains, yet today, a non-profit establishment.

Dwayne L. Bell, Sr. Presiding Manager, Greenwood Cemetery kicked off the evening with greetings to all An array of upbeat and smooth dance music was provided by Laura Vida (band style).  Invocation from Board Member Beverly Dickason (fragment). The welcome was given by Board Chair Reverend, Dr. William Lee. Owner, Fasten Funeral Home and MTFD, MA, Inc President, William Jenkins delivered the greetings and the occasion was provided by Administrative Secretary, Reverend Dr. Timothy James. Music was provided throughout the meal and the program resumed with additional greetings from Reverend.

Dr. Cristal Williams, President and Regional Minister of Tennessee. Dwayne Bell, Sr. presented some prestigious awards and a couple of the awardees were pleasantly surprised. After more acknowledgements, introductions and remarks were delivered from Dwayne Bell, Sr. guest were invited to mix, mingle, network and to take advantage of the dancing until 9:30 pm.

Dwayne Bell, Sr. left no thanked and recognized his family: wife Beverly Walker Bell, son, Dwayne Bell, Jr. (it happened to be his birthday that evening), and daughter, Honorable General Sessions Judge Rachel L. Bell, along with his own minister, Reverend Dr. Judy Cummings and the Greenwood Cemetery Inc staff. 

As he acknowledged the staff, and others, he noted that “this is an event which we look forward to hosting. An affair where we show our appreciation and acknowledge and thank our  supporters for their day to day, extreme importance and how they work collectively to keep things running smoothly.”

For over 120 years the final resting place(s) known as Greenwood has continuously served the Nashville community for 115 years as a nonprofit corporation.  Greenwood Cemetery is steeped in beauty, history, and tradition and all
income goes into perpetual care, operation, and scholarships for students majoring in religious education.

In My Zone Hosts ‘Loving and Encouraging our Youth Day’

Written by: Nicole L. Wade

There are not many things that top the importance of addressing the concerns of our youth.

As bad news about youths gone awry bombards our living rooms all too frequently, we are left wondering what we can do to make a lasting and positive difference. Nashville resident, Carla Hart, might answer this question by saying, “Render your time and talents to the young people in your community.” Carla, originally from suburban Illinois, is the proud mother of 4 sons and a proponent for strength in family and communities. She is the founder of In My Zone, an organization she created to inspire and celebrate youths.

Carla Hart

Carla Hart

On April 16th, Carla hosted “Loving and Encouraging our Youth Day” at Thurgood Marshall Middle School, located in Antioch, TN. She put a great deal of thought and heart into enlisting other professionals to join her in edifying approximately fifty 5th – 7th grade young ladies, with topics that are relevant to their age groups. [Read more…]

White’s Creek High School Athletic Track To Bear Coach Sam Smith Name & Legacy

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By Deborah A. Culp​

April, 2016 – Nashville, TN – – On Friday May 6, 2016, Coach Sam Smith will be honored in the highest esteem for his well earned and deserved service to youth and the city of Nashville.

The athlete’s runner track at Whites Creek High School will be named after the hard working 73 year old. For 36 years, Coach Smith has dedicated his time and life to girls track, football and other professional coaching endeavors. The school is located at 7277 Old Hickory Blvd, Whites Creek, TN 37189.

This honor has been long awaited and all involved are thankful and anticipating May 6th. Nashville’s First Female Mayor, the Honorable Megan Barry, and a host of VIP’s well be present for the ribbon cutting, parade and overall fanfare of the day. The academic staff of teachers, parents, volunteers and student body is being prepped for the special day ahead. [Read more…]

The TN Minority Pages CEO Speaks at Young Women Conference

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Young Ladies Empowerment Conference

By Tunisia Johnson-Scott

June 7, 2015 – The Tennessee Minority Pages had the honor to participate and witness a Phenomenal Movement! I was a guest of  Girls Reaching and Achieving Courage Everyday (G.R.A.C.E) created by Shawana Canty, a lady after my own heart. The selflessness that she displays and the passion she has for helping young ladies is so heartfelt! She hosted her annual G.R.A.C.E. Young Ladies Empowerment Conference this past weekend in Columbia, Tennessee.

She invited me down to talk about entrepreneurship! She addressed the issues of the importance of education, dealing with peer pressure, Health and fitness, preventing teenage pregnancy, just to name a few. She invited a long list of professionals with business backgrounds and education background ranging from bachelors degrees to Doctorate Degrees!

Encouraging these young ladies that they can be whatever they want to be! I am truly inspired by you Ms. Canty and please include us in your future endeavors it was a privilege and a honor!

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