FEB 2017
CHATTANOOGA EARLY VOTING FEB.15-MARCH 2
CULTURE NEWS POLITICS MAGAZINE
CONNECTING EAST TENNESSEE’S BLACK COMMUNITY
don’t forget to visit
www.theurbanvoice.org
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE
I, Too Sing America ALVIN J. NANCE RE-ELECTED TO FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK Alvin J. Nance is Chief Executive Officer of LHP Development LLC and LHP Management LLC
TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS STARTS SEARCH FOR CHATTANOOGA STATE PRESIDENT
REGION’S BANK LAUNCHES ITS REGIONS RIDING FORWARD SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY CONTEST
The Tennessee Board of Regents announced a 19-member Search Advisory Committee
Submissions Accepted from Jan. 16 through Feb. 28.
Power of Information.
Editorial
By Jermaine D. Harper PRESIDENT/CHIEF EDITOR
Over 40 years ago, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes sang “Wake-up, everybody, no more sleepin’ in bed! No more backward thinkin’, time for thinkin’ ahead. The world has changed so very much from what it used to be. There is so much hatred, war and poverty.” So, what are we to do? How do we find and walk in a state of hope? A good start is to “Wake-up, everybody!” and to seek wideawake awareness for ourselves, our children and our communities. Some of us have tossed and turned trying to awaken from trancelike states that require our silence about racial realities. Others have slept soundly with visions of racial harmony dancing in our heads or we sleepwalk around in a dazed state refusing to acknowledge the racial problems in America. Well-meaning people in America, white and nonwhite of all colors, must wake-up and acknowledge that ongoing oppression has a past, a lingering present, and apparently a future. I get it, some of you will read this and say, just get over it and move on. And, some of you might still be experiencing election fatigue two months and a few days removed from the Nov. 8 presidential election, but the New Year is here and now its time for the citizens of Chattanooga to focus on the future of the city and
Why Black Chattanooga Must Vote Local and Stay Woke! the people we want as our elected leaders. The individuals we elect to represent us locally touch our lives directly in many more ways than the person in the White House. So take time now to register to vote before the March 7, 2017 City Election. Early voting starts February 15th. For the mayors race, there’s a four-person race. Incumbent Mayor, Andy Berke and Challengers Long, David Crockett and Larry Grohn. City council incumbents are being challenged in almost every district. Now, I’m not going who to tell you how to vote. Besides, we are a nonprofit media company and it’s against the rules for us to do so. However, we can ask candidates questions and tell you how they responded to us. And we did just that. Visit our website at www. theurbanvoice.org and read what they had to say. Although we may not live in a perfect democracy, we do live in a participatory one, and its does not begin and end on Election Day. Casting your vote matters, However, we must tie the vote to real policy reform through sustained community organizing. Voting is the most powerful collective tool we can use to achieve reform. This March, we must hold our elected officials accountable and ensure they take policy positions
that promote equity and fairness. When we don’t vote, we allow bad actors to maintain their power and influence over our daily lives. Let me be clear, while we must keep the equality dream alive, it is past time to shake ourselves awake from dreamy delusions about race in America and just wake-up. “Wake-up, everybody!” As the old folks used to say, “You gonna sleep yourself to death.” The deaths here are a political death, an economic death, a liberty death and a spiritual death of purpose. No matter how many forums are held, new hashtags and post are shared, we cannot declare a real movement if we do not excersie our right to vote. You have an opportunity to put in place leadership that will address affordable housing, mass incarceration, poor educational outcomes and high rates of unemployment. With that said. Get busy and by all means STAY WOKE. Until Next month, #STAYWOKE
JD Harper
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Introducing Samantha Reed-Rajapakse, New Contributor the Urban Voice
Samantha Reed-Rajapakse is a native Memphian and a recent resident of Chattanooga. She is the mother of two Daughter, Shaniece A. Reed- Harris and Jeffery J. Reed-Richardson and the grandmother of three. Samantha has spent much of her years fighting for the rights of Memphians and assuring their voice were heard. Samantha attended Shelby State Community College in seeking a degree in Criminal Justice Forensics. Her credits include Drug abuse law and Constitutional Law. She later changed her major to civil law. Samantha attended Southwestern TN Community College in Paralegal Studies in which she is transferring to Chattanooga State for her degree. Her passion and knowledge of the law has expanded many average Paralegals. In 2001, Samantha started her company Mobile Secretary in assisting Memphians who could afford an attorney or did not acquire an attorney assistance in filing for divorces. Samantha also provided pro bono work for those seeking a divorce in domestic abuse. Samantha devoted her time to speaking to domestic violence victims, churches, and other events to education people of their civil and legal rights. Samantha’s column, The Legal Beagle, is not intended to serve as legal advice, and specific advice should be sought from the licensed attorney of your choice based upon the specific facts and circumstances that you face.
CONTENTS
FEBRUARY 2017 Volume 3/Issue 2 theurbanvoice.org
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I, Too Sing America!
Knoxville Urban League Launch Program Begins
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FEBRUARY 2017
SHOUT OUT TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS THIS MONTH! 05 Oprah Winfrey Becomes a Special Contributor to 60 Minutes 05 Black Television News Channel Announces Carriage Agreement With Charter 07 Regions Bank is launching its annual Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest.
Khristy Wilkinson Community Organizer/ Democratic Candidate for State Senate
Rapheal Warnock
Sr. Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church
contributors
12 OpEd: Election 2016 - Where Do We Go From Here?
Lonnie Bunch National Director The National Museum for African American & Culture
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY AT WWW.THEURBANVOICE.ORG
Carter G. Woodson
Father, Black History Month
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Switch to paperless billing and get a one time $10 bill credit. For more information, visit epb.com or call 423-648-1372.
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Oprah Winfrey Becomes a Special Contributor to 60 Minutes Oprah Winfrey, the esteemed broadcaster, producer, actress and philanthropist, will become a special contributor to 60 MINUTES NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2017 / PRNewswire/ -- Oprah Winfrey, the esteemed broadcaster, producer, actress and philanthropist, will become a special contributor to 60 MINUTES, the #1 news broadcast in television, it was announced today by the news magazine’s executive producer, Jeff Fager. Ms. Winfrey will make her first appearance on CBS News’ legendary Sunday night broadcast this fall. “There is only one Oprah Winfrey,” said Fager. “She has achieved excellence in everything she has touched. Her body of work is extraordinary, including thousands of interviews with people from all walks of life. She is a remarkable and talented woman with a level of integrity that sets her apart and makes her a perfect fit for 60 MINUTES. I am thrilled that she will be bringing her unique and powerful voice to our broadcast.” “I’ve been a big admirer of 60 MINUTES since my days as a young reporter,” said Winfrey. “I’m so excited and proud to join forces with this historic news program, which for me represents the bastion of journalistic storytelling. At a time when people are so divided, my intention is to bring relevant insight and perspective, to look at what separates us, and help facilitate real conversations between people from different backgrounds.” Oprah Winfrey is an American original who has established during her storied career an enduring connection with the American people. For 25 years, Winfrey was host of her award-winning talk show “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which was the highest-rated television program of its kind in history. While hosting and appearing on the #1 syndicated show, Winfrey founded her own production company, Harpo
Productions. Under her leadership, Harpo developed many successful syndicated television programs, including “Dr. Phil,” “The Dr. Oz Show” and “Rachael Ray,” among many others, plus motion pictures under her Harpo Films banner, including the recent award-winning “Selma” in which she also had a featured role. In 1985, she co-starred in Steven Spielberg’s “The Color Purple,” where she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She earned critical acclaim in “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” and will appear in the upcoming HBO movie “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and the Disney feature film “A Wrinkle in Time.” In 2011, in partnership with Discovery Communications, Winfrey founded OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and serves as its chairman and CEO. OWN has become one of the fastest growing cable networks for women, achieving its highest rated and most watched year in network history in 2016. Winfrey founded O, The Oprah Magazine, which FORTUNE magazine declared the most successful start-up in that industry’s history and recently debuted her first cookbook memoir, Food, Health and Happiness, which reached #1 on the New York Times Bestsellers List. She joined the Weight Watchers board of directors in 2015. Winfrey is also one of the most active philanthropists in the world, donating more than $20 million to the creation of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, of which she has contributed more than $100 million to provide education to academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Black Television News Channel Announces Carriage Agreement With Charter Tallahassee, FL — Black Television News Channel (BTNC), the nation’s only African American news network, today announced a multi-year carriage agreement with Charter Communications, a leading broadband communications company and the second largest cable operator in the United States. Under the agreement, Charter Communications will launch BTNC to Spectrum TV subscribers in 14 of the top 25 African American TV markets. These markets include New York City, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, Detroit, Boston, Tampa, Orlando, Cleveland, Charlotte, Birmingham, Norfolk, Raleigh-Durham, and New Orleans. Black Television News Channel now has carriage agreements with three of the four major subscription television providers.
ABOUT BTNC BTNC is the endeavor of J.C. Watts, Jr., former congressman from Oklahoma and celebrated athlete, and broadcast and cable news veterans.
info Tennessee Board Of Regents Launches Search For Next President Of Chattanooga State Community College The Tennessee Board of Regents on Friday, approved criteria for the next president of Chattanooga State Community College and announced a 19-member Search Advisory Committee to review candidates and recommend finalists for the office. Approval of the criteria is the first step in the search process for a new president to succeed Dr. Flora Tydings, who will assume her new role as chancellor of the Board of Regents system on Feb. 1.
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH
WHY WE CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH? To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded to a month. Since then, U.S. presidents have proclaimed February as National African-American History Month.
regional
news
Author: Frederic Simpson Photograph: Johnatan Smith
Alvin J. Nance Re-Elected to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati CINCINNATI, Jan. 17, 2017 /
PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati’s Board of Directors announced the results of the FHLB’s 2016 director elections. Members elected two directors from Ohio, as well as three at-large Independent directors. Each director will serve a four-year term beginning January 1, 2017. The Board also re-elected Donald R. Mullineaux as chairman. Alvin J. Nance is Chief Executive Officer of LHP Development LLC and LHP Management LLC (fka Lawler Wood Housing Partners) of Knoxville, Tenn. He was first elected to the Board in 2009, re-elected in 2013, and previously served on the FHLB’s Advisory Council, which advises the Board on housing matters. He serves on two Board committees, Housing & Community Development, and Business & Operations. Prior to joining Lawler Wood Housing Partners in 2015, he served 14 years as president and CEO of Knoxville’s Community Development Corp. The FHLB is a $102 billion congressionally-chartered regional wholesale bank providing financial services for residential housing and economic development to 692 member financial institutions located
in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. It has contributed $621 million for the creation of more than 78,500 units of lower-income housing through its Affordable Housing Program since 1990. Additionally, the FHLB’s Board of Directors has voluntarily contributed $25 million from profits in response to members’ community needs including natural disaster home reconstruction, foreclosure mitigation, emergency repair and accessibility rehab for special needs and elderly populations. The FHLB System includes 11 district Banks, is wholly owned by its 7,300 member institution stockholders and does not use taxpayer dollars..
Knoxville Urban League Launch Program Begins KNOXVILLE – Got an Entrepreneurial Pitch for a New East Knoxville Business? Know exactly what the East Knoxville business community needs and how you can do your part in triggering a growth spurt? Are you an entrepreneur who could put a $10,000 prize to good use to make your business idea a reality? If so, submit your idea and join the Paradigm Challenge, a place-based, industry-specific ideation pitch competition that
challenges entrepreneurs to solve business and economic growth challenges facing commercial corridors in East Knoxville - along Magnolia Avenue, Asheville Highway or Cherry Street, for example - or in neighborhoods such as Burlington or Five Points. The Knoxville Area Urban League recently received a $10,000 grant to launch a communitywide pitch contest called The Paradigm Challenge. The funding was awarded by Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) through its Creative Communities Grants program, and the goal of the competition is to spur economic and business development in the East Knoxville business corridor. It’s a place-based, industry specific ideation pitch competition that challenges entrepreneurs to solve business and economic growth challenges facing the East Knoxville
business community. Anyone residing in Knox County can submit a pitch idea. Pitch participants must propose creative ideas that lead to business growth in one of three industry-specific areas in East Knoxville, including health care, retail or light manufacturing and technology. “If this works in East Knoxville community to stimulate economic growth versus economic decline, we can do it in Mechanicsville, Lonsdale, Vestal or anywhere,” KAUL’s Director of Economic and Business Development, believes, and he’s urging everyone to spread the word about the initiative. For more information, contact Terrence Carter at the Knoxville Area Urban League at 865-524-5511 or visit www.thekaul.org.
CITY OF KNOXVILLE ACCEPTING COMMUNITY AGENCY GRANT APPLICATIONS KNOXVILLE, TN.---The City of Knoxville is now accepting applications from non-profit organizations interested in receiving a Community Agency Grant (CAG) for Fiscal Year 2017-18, which begins on July 1, 2017. Qualifying non-profit organizations must operate within the City of Knoxville and have been in operation for at least five years. All applicants seeking Community Agency Grant funding will choose between two categories and download the appropriate form for either “Arts and Culture” and “Community and Social
Services.” (Homeless service providers should apply for a separate Homeless Grant via the City’s Community Development Department.) Priority will be given to CAG proposals from organizations that contribute to the goals and mission of the City of Knoxville. “Non-profit arts and community groups contribute to the creative and social fabric that makes Knoxville so special,” said Indya Kincannon, Special Program Manager for the City of Knoxville. “The purpose of these grants is to help those organizations
do what they do best for the people of Knoxville.” The deadline for filing an application is 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2017. The City will not consider any application postmarked or received in the Mayor’s Office after that time. For additional information about the City of Knoxville’s Community Agency Grant program, or to obtain an application, visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/ citygrants or contact Indya Kincannon at ikincannon@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2267. results of an essay contest, where
Regions Bank is launching its annual Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest. call for nominations Urban Voice newsmagazine is accepting nominations for the inaugural POWER50 Awards designed to recognize outstanding black leaders and professionals in East Tennessee. We are looking for East Tennessee’s most inspiring, innovative and influential leaders.
Chattanooga, TN -- Do you or someone you know have what it takes? Its time to nominate them for the POWER50. A POWER50 leader has provided inspiration, civic leadership, innovation, mentoring, and more. They are business minded professionals or they may be a social entrepreneur, a nonprofit leader, or a millennial mover and shaker. They are powerful and most importantly they embody the qualities that continue to help transform
the quality of life in East Tennessee. The nomination process consists of a 3-month period where nominations are solicited and submitted through the Urban Voice web portal. Once the nominations are clos, they will be distributed to our external judging panel, which consists of industry experts across several professional platforms. The inaugural POWER50 Awards recipients will be announced and recognized in the Spring 2017. Please share your nominations with us. Please visit our website at www.theurbanvoice.org. Click on the POWER50 banner and fill out the official nomination form. We are accepting nomination until February 28, 2017. “With the POWER50
Awards, I wanted to create a platform that connects and celebrates all that is great in East Tennessee. To provide an opportunity that allows individuals to be recognized for their brilliance and dedication to the growth of our community. In a cool and non traditional way” ---- Jermaine D Harper, founder and CEO of the Urban Voice. Nominees must be a current resident of Tennessee and may be any race, gender or profession. The registration forms must be filled out and mailed with the supporting nominee video statement together. The nomination packet must be postmarked by Friday, February 28, 2017. All award winners will be notified via email by March 15, 2017.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.---In celebration of Black History Month, Regions Bank is launching its annual Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest. Now in its sixth year, the program has awarded more than $637,000 since its inception in 2012. Regions is calling for entries from high school seniors and college students who reside with or attend college within its geographic footprint, with submissions accepted from Jan. 16 through Feb. 28. The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest recognizes the impact and contributions of African-Americans while providing much-needed financial assistance to students facing growing higher-education costs. In 2016, Regions experienced a 38 percent increase in completed contest applications over the previous year. “The Regions Riding Forward Essay Contest is a special scholarship to us. It provides college scholarships to 30 students, while also shining a spotlight on the AfricanAmericans who inspire
them,” said Michele Elrod, head of Regions marketing. “The poignant essays often speak to the impact made by unsung heroes, like a parent or a teacher. More than 150 students have benefited from this scholarship over the years, and we’re proud of our track record of supporting young scholars.” The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest is open to high school seniors as well as college freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Scholarships are granted in the amount of $5,000 for high school winners and $3,500 for college winners. Awards are based on the results of an essay contest, where each applicant submits a 500-word essay about how an AfricanAmerican has been an inspiration in the applicant’s life. One high school winner and one college winner is selected from each of the 15 states served by Regions branches, for 30 total scholarship recipients. Winners are generally announced in June with scholarships awarded in July.
For official rules, complete entry details and eligibility requirements, visit the contest website at regions.com/ridingforward. The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest is part of the bank’s larger Black History Month celebration. In addition to the scholarship program, Regions is continuing to offer a unique online learning module about African-American history, “306: African-American History™,” to select high schools in markets served by the company. The online module was developed by EverFi. For questions about the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest submission process, or for technical questions, please contact the contest administrator at ISTS Customer Care at 855-670ISTS (4787) or via email at contactus@applyists.com. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. All phone calls and emails will receive a response within one business day.
Chattanooga- hamilton county NAACP announces new radio show, saturdays at 12:30 am- WNOOAm 1260 CHATTANOOGA, TN.-The elections were held in December, where voters cast their ballots to choose who would fill the seats of the Officers and Executive Committee members. Bishop Talbert W. Swan, II was re-elected as President of the local branch. He will serve another two year term, making this the fourth term he will
serve in the position. He was initially elected during a special election in 2011. This new administration will begin their two-year term in January of 2017. Elected officers include: President- Dr. Elenora Woods 1st Vice President- George Calhoun 2nd VP- Quenston Coleman Secretary- James Mathis Captain Pedro Bacon,CPD - Criminal
Justice Committee Chair Erin Stephens - Public Relations and Media Chair Gail Mathis - Assistant Treasurer Councilman Yusef Hakeem Executive Board Member Marschel Lusk - Executive Board Member Pastor Charlotte Williams - Women In the NAACP Chair “WIN”
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Megan Greene -Assistant Secretary, Joyce Knox- Youth Committee Chair The NAACP invites you to tune in every Saturday at 12:30 pm til 1:00 pm on WNOO to hear “LOCAL NAACP NEWS” with your Host, President Elenora Woods and Co-Host, Ist Vice President, George Calhoun.
NIGHT + DAY
ATLANTA
FEBRUARY 3 Katt Williams Philips Arena | 8pm
Nu Soul Revival Tour with Musiq Soulchild, Lyfe Jennings, Kindred the Family Soul, Avery Sunshine, Chrisette Michele Nashville Municipal Auditorium | 8pm
FEBRUARY 12 R. Kelly Macon Centerplex Coliseum (Macon, GA) | 7pm Presale begins 1/3/17
FEBRUARY 11 Back to the 80s with Whodini, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Al B. Sure!, Cherelle, Hi Five, Doug E. Fresh, Chubb Rock Nashville Municipal Auditorium | 8pm
FEBRUARY 14 Ms. Lauryn Hill - The MLH Caravan: A Diaspora Calling! Concert Series The Tabernacle | 8pm
FEBRUARY 17-18 The Temptations Schermerhorn Symphony Center 7:30pm
FEBRUARY 17 Atlanta Blues Festival Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre | 8pm MARCH 2 George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic Buckhead Theatre | 9pm APRIL 7 Festival Of Laughs: Mike Epps, Bruce Bruce, Sommore, Arnez J Philips Arena | 8pm APRIL 15 Rod Man Buckhead Theatre | 7:30pm MAY 24 Lionel Richie: All The Hits With Very Special Guest Mariah Carey Phillips Arena | 7pm MAY 26-28 Chris Rock: Total Blackout Tour Fox Theatre
NASHVILLE T-SHIRTS FEBRUARY 9 Ms. Lauryn Hill - The MLH Caravan: A Diaspora Concert Series SCREENCalling! PRINTING & CUSTOM DESIGNS Ryman Auditorium 7:30pm
MAGS
BIRMINGHAM FEBRUARY 10 Brian McKnight, Chante Moore, Kelly Price BJCC | 8pm MARCH 4 Back to the 80s with Whodini, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Al B. Sure!, Cherelle, Hi Five, Doug E. Fresh, Chubb Rock BJCC Concert Hall | 8pm
NASHVILLE FEBRUARY 3 Katt Williams Philips Arena | 8pm
FEBRUARY 12 R. Kelly Macon Centerplex Coliseum (Macon, GA) | 7pm Presale begins 1/3/17 FEBRUARY 14 Ms. Lauryn Hill - The MLH Caravan: A Diaspora Calling! Concert Series The Tabernacle | 8pm FEBRUARY 17 Atlanta Blues Festival Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre | 8pm
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THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE Written By • Lynn Cole & JD Harper
I, Too By Langston Hughes I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table When company comes. Nobody’ll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then. Besides, They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed— I, too, am America. Muhammad Ali’s headgear. Chuck Berry’s Cadillac. Harriet Tubman’s hymnal, as well as, pictures from her funeral. These items are just a few among the 37,000 that can be found under the roof of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Last September, after curators spent nearly a decade collecting artifacts that tell the story of the African American experience, the NMAAHC has opened its doors and welcomed over 750,000 visitors. Within these walls the collective voice of the children of former slaves, cry out I too sing America, and now all can see how beautiful I am, and be ashamed. Donned as the most epic, vivid and truthful display of the lives and history of African Americans since Tennessean Alex Haley’s 1977 miniseries, Roots, the NMAAHC provides the looking glass that America needs during the present mood and culture of our times. This month in celebration of Black History Month, the Urban Voice thought it might be fitting to share with readers our five top reasons to visit the NMAAHC.
The Architecture: The building itself is a collaboration of four design firms that were led by Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye. The building’s shape was inspired by the three-tiered shape of a Yoruban crown – the West African nation famous for its rich history of storytelling. “A 21st-century museum with the responsibility of history must look forward and back at the same time,” Adjaye explained in a public conversation with Theaster Gates at the Hirshhorn Museum the week before NMAAHC’s grand opening. “It’s architecture as narrative. A lot of the labor of African Americans was for others, not for themselves. There’s something profoundly silent … it’s the sadness of the thing.” The History: Affectionately named the Blacksonian, the NMAAHC is the newest and 19th addition to the Smithsonian family of museums located in the United States’ capital city of Washington, DC. Established by an act of Congress in 2003, it took years of planning and construction to come to fruition. As the only national museum devoted to the documentation of African American life, art, history and culture, the museum presented touring exhibitions in major cities across the country and in its own gallery within the National Museum of American History, until the NMAAHC welcomed visitors to its own home – a five acre site on the National Mall, adjacent to the Washington Monument last September. The Exhibits: The basement area houses three floors of history, tracing the African American trajectory all the way through the election of President Obama. Among the thousands of objects and stories on display, some of the most impressive are the giant ones: a South Carolina slave cabin; a log cabin built and inhabited by free slaves in Maryland; a Segregationera Southern Railway car; a prison guard tower from 1930s Louisiana; a Tuskegee
Airplane from World War II. However, the smaller objects — like an enormous sack used for picking cotton, Nat Turner’s bible, Rosa Parks’ dress, and shards from the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing of 1963 are also equally impressive. While the three floors of underground galleries delve deep into the suffering and struggle of African Americans throughout history, the aboveground floors offer a celebration of all they have contributed to American culture. Beyond the second floor, devoted to educational programming, the third floor is dedicated to the stories of black athletes, African Americans in the military, and the importance of education, business, religion, and activism in black communities throughout the US. The fourth floor focuses on culture, which is divided into “cultural expressions” — hair, clothing, food, dance, and language — the visual arts, theater and film, and, of course, music. The Food: Sweet Home Café, the restaurant inside the museum has four serving stations, each representing a region of the United States – the North, the West, the agriculture South, and the Creole Coast. One of the museum’s curators, Joanne Hyppolite, said during an interview with NPR that the idea of the café is to expand the knowledge of just how much African Americans have contributed to the United States’ culinary heritage. “Black folks had a long presence in kitchens all over the United States – whether that was in a railroad car, on the ranches in the West, in wealthy people’s homes throughout the North and plantations in the South - they were contributing to all types of American cuisine”, stated Hyppolite. Each station offers traditional, authentic dishes, as well as, present day food traditions. For example, guests can enjoy a warm dish of Gullah Style Hoppin John from the agricultural South station,
sink their teeth into a panfried Louisiana Catfish Po’boy at the Creole Coast station, savor a succulent Thomas Downing – inspired NYC Oyster Pan Roast, named after a free African American from Virginia that owned an oyster cellar in New York where he and his son also housed escaped slaves as part of the Underground Railroad, at the North station, and enjoy a warm bowl of Son of a Gun Stew, a classic cowboy dish of the American West, at the West station. The Importance: Studying history allows us to avoid making the same mistakes. History captures the hopes, dreams and aspirations of our ancestors. As their sons and daughters we must never forget, and we must always take the time to be reminded of the strength and resilience from which we came. A.S.N.F (A Son Never Forgets).
WE TOO SING AMERICA! Lonnie G. Bunch III is the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. As the museum’s director, Bunch has identified the museum’s mission and is developing exhibitions and public programs and coordinating the museum’s fundraising and budget development.
URBANVOICE 2017 | 11
OpEd: Election 2016 - Where Do We Go From Here? by Khristy Wilkinson
If you feel the way I do about Election 2016 and the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, you are dismayed by the barrage of executive orders he’s signed in the last two weeks - orders that accomplish everything from threatening the Affordable Care Act and reviving the global gag rule, to banning Syrian refugees and those entering the country from predominately Muslim countries. If you feel the way I do, you’re tired of being ignored by your elected representatives when you express concern about Trump’s cabinet picks. If you feel the way I do, you’re not surprised that the so-called “patriots” of a country founded on sexism, capitalism,
and white supremacy elected their mascot to serve as leader of the free world; but you are surprised at how close to home tyranny now hits. Several of my friends openly wonder if they’ll ever see their overseas family again, several wonder if they’ll have access to healthcare because of their pre-existing conditions, several wonder if they’ll have a job in the future, some are afraid of harassment, afraid of being assaulted, or they’re struggling to explain to their young children, especially their daughters, how this happened. As an assault survivor, everyday I lament the election of a man who brags about sexually assaulting women and delights in degrading other human beings. I keep waiting to wake up from this weird dream in a time and place before the Democratic National Convention. One of my friends recently said “ To the rest of the country: This is what it’s like when the Tennessee General As sembly is in session.” And, he’s right. This IS what it’s like when the Tennessee General Assembly is in session! And that makes
matters worse because now our state GOP has the backing of POTUS. So, where do we go from here? Our campaign worked hard for the 30,000+ votes we earned in November, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the strong arm of the Tennessee GOP, which saw net gains statewide in the last election. They already had a supermajority, it just got bigger. In my humble opinion, single-party rule is not healthy for a state with a diverse population, and the persistence of a supermajority is indication that the system is stacked against the demographic realities of a variegated political landscape. The fact that the rural Bradley County vote determines the legislative destiny for urban Chattanooga is proof that this is true. Only sixty-percent of Tennesseans elected Donald Trump. Sixtypercent is not a supermajority, which means forty-percent of voices are not being heard. If Democrats are going to win fair representation in Tennessee government, we’re going to have to get organized. Local politics are now more important than ever, and our county party
doesn’t have the power or the resources to influence significant change. It’s time for Democrats and progressives in Tennessee, and here in Hamilton County, to build a political infrastructure that can actually get Democrats elected to the state legislatureandCongress, and hold our current elected officials accountable. We have to find or become leaders who are willing to work hard and spend money to help candidates become viable. We have to train future leaders to work for campaigns and run for office. We have to fundraise with as much fervor as the Republican party and the good-ole boys knowing that our networks might not be as well-greased. In the absence of money, relationships are the currency of political power, so we have to get to know one another. We have to build or join coalitions with other organizations and individuals who are working toward the same goals, and organize around our mutual interests. We have to flex our strength in numbers. The Hamilton County Democratic Party will hold its
bi-annual reorganization on the morning of March 25, three weeks after municipal elections. That day, Democrats from all over the county are invited to come and elect numerous precinct officials, a Board of Directors, and the county party’s Executive Committee - Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. There are more than 400 positions available and currently only about thirty-percent are filled. We can choose to look at that as a weakness, or as an opportunity. I prefer the latter. And in fact, I see it as an invitation. An invitation to every Democrat in Hamilton County who isn’t already involved in party politics but who secretly wishes to be. This is an opportunity for new perspectives to emerge in Democratic leadership, for new leaders to rise to the occasion, for inclusivity, and for building anorganization that can be the infrastructure we need to restore democracy and defend Democratic values here at home. Democrats, I hope to see you there.
A New Mayor Focused On You.
Bring Back Kirkman. Bring Back Jobs. A Real Plan for Real Results. Larry Grohn for Mayor Focused On What Matters. Focused On You!
GrohnforMayor.com Vote March 7th if you Believe in Better!
“All kids deserve a safe and secure place to live and play. That’s why we have invested in the largest and best funded neighborhood park in Alton Park. I need your help to bring our community together to build a better future.” - Chris Anderson
PAID FOR BY CHRIS ANDERSON FOR CITY COUNCIL, WILLIAM JOYNER, TREAS.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY/LEGAL Attention Small Business Owners $50 per month, single spot Call 423 635-0722 STITCHING THE EMBROIDERY
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PLUMBING
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FULL SERVICE LAWN MAINTENANCE Grass Cut, Clean Gutters, Pressure Washing, Weedeating, Leaf Blower, Pesticides and Herbicidal Control Debris Removal
EMBROIDERY, SCHOOL AND ALUMNI SHIRTS DIRECT TO GARMET, HEAT TRANSFERS, VINYL LETTERING, GREEK APPAREL AND MORE
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSTALLS AND REPAIRS, DRAIN CLEANING, WATER HEATERS, FAUCETS, COMMODES AND MORE
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LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FORSTUDENT TRANSPORTATIONMANAGEMENT SERVICESFOR HAMILTON COUNTYDEPT. OF EDUCATIONRFP/ Bid File 17-30SEALED PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE HAMILTON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, 3074 HICKORY VALLEY ROAD, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421, UNTIL 2:00pm (EST), FEBRUARY 28, 2017. PROPOSAL FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT, HAMILTON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, 3074 HICKORY VALLEY ROAD, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421. TELEPHONE NUMBER (423) 209-8545 AND ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.HCDE.ORGA MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2017 AT 10:00AM IN THE SUPERINTENDENT’S CONFERENCE ROOM AT HCDE/CENTRAL OFFICE. THE HAMILTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS OR ANY PART THERE OF, TO WAIVE TECHNICALITIES AND INFORMALITIES, AND TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO OTHER THAN THE LOW
PROPOSER.20170127 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given of the intent of the Tenne ssee Housing Development Agency (“THDA”) to hold a public hearing on THDA’s proposed issuance of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds or notes, in one or more series, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $100,000,000 to make monies available to finance single family homes located in the State of Tennessee for qualified families and to refund certain previously issued bonds of THDA. The hearing will be held at 11:00 A.M. CST, February 13, 2017, at THDA’s offices. THDA is located on the 3rd Floor of the Andrew Jackson Building, 502 Deaderick Street, Nashville, Tennessee. Persons wishing to make oral comments should notify THDA in writing no later than 4:30 p.m. CST, February 3, 2017, of their intention. Oral comments are limited to seven minutes; however, written comments will be accepted through 4:30 p.m. CST, February 8, 2017, and included in the record of the public hearing. Any individual who needs special assistance in order to attend or speak at this public hearing should notify THDA by 4:30 p.m. CST, February 3, 2017.20170127
Legal Notice Sealed Bids in Duplicate will be received by the City of Chattanooga Purchasing Department, 101 East 11th Street, Suite G-13, Chattanooga, Tennessee until February 9, 2017. Time__2:00 P. M. Req: #148610At that time Bids will be publicly opened and read for: Erosion Control Materials Twelve (12) Month Blanket Contract For Erosion Control Materials With The Option To Renew Two (2) Additional Years. Bid forms and
AUTO REPAIR
DUNSON AUTO REPAIR 1807 East 23rd Street Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404 napoleondunson@comcast.net
CALL (423) 622-8941 additional specifications may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Department. The City of Chattanooga, at its discretion, may not open a single bid. The City of Chattanooga reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids received, waive any informalities in the bids received, and to accept any bid that, in its opinion may be for the best interest of the city.The City of Chattanooga will be non-discriminatory in the purchase of all goods and services on the basis of race, color, or natural origin. City of ChattanoogaDedra Partridge Buyer20170126 Public Notice of Meetings Committee Meetings and Regular Meetings Hamilton County Board of Commissioners Hamilton County, Tennessee Pursuant to TCA 8-44-103, public meetings of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and Commission Committees will be held, and will transact such business as may lawfully come before them. Wednesday, February 8, 2017, 9:30 AM, Recessed Meeting. Wednesday, February 8, 2017, 9:30 AM, Agenda Preparation Session. Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 9:30 AM, Regular Meeting. Committee Meetings Board of Commissioners Committees may meet prior to said meetings at 8:30 AM and/or immediately following said meetings. Meeting Locations: Regular and Agenda meetings, Courthouse, Room 402, 625 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee Committees, 8:30 AM meetings, County Commission Office, Room 401, County Courthouse. Committees, after Regular meetings, Commission Conference room adjacent to Room 402, County Courthouse. To discuss auxiliary aids or services needed to facilitate participation, those with disabilities may contact the ADA Coordinator, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer Ken Jordan, 317 Oak Street, Suite 220, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37403, (423) 209-6146. Hearing impaired callers may use the Tennessee Relay Service, (800) 848-0298 or (423) 209-6131. W.F. (Bill) Knowles County Clerk Jan. 27, 2017 Mmr17715