Events

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 16^th 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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The Greenwood Cemetery Inc. Board of Directors and Management held their Annual Elder Preston Taylor Banquet on Sunday December 11^th, at the Millennium Maxwell House. This year marked the 128^th 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.