Urban Voice Magazine February 2019

Urban Voice CHATTANOOGA + KNOXVILLE + ATLANTA

ISSUED #79 FEBRUARY 2019

Be Empowered!

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.TO PRESENT OVER $1.6 MILLION TO HBCU PRESIDENTS DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Power of Information.

OP-ED: Let This February Be A Reminder That Black History Built This ll The way that America approaches Black History Month is grossly limiting.

In many schools, organizations, workspaces and beyond, the month is distilled to the same whitewashed stories of select civil rights figures and a handful of picture-perfect moments in history. Our history and culture are consistently depicted as one-dimensional.

Carter G. Woodson didn’t create Negro History Week in 1926, which became Black History Month 40 years later, for our stories to be watered down and fictionalized by way of revisionist history. Yet, year after year, we see Rosa Parks described as passive instead of a longtime freedom fighter. We see the accomplishments of figures like Edmonia Lewis, Bayard Rustin and Sojourner Truth go

overlooked. We see folks view our timeline as starting at slavery. And when March 1 comes along, we see folks forget again that we, too, are America.

America, though dangerously flawed, wouldn’t have half of the opportunities, liberties and infrastructure it has today had it not been for the backs of black people upon which this country was built.

Erasure is a main objective of racism, and it has succeeded when it comes to documenting and celebrating our history. And because our history is American history, erasing the contributions of black Americans makes it impossible to accurately tell the story of this country.

We are reclaiming our narrative.

Our history is too expansive, beautiful, resilient, joyous, powerful and unique to ever become some

cliché social studies lesson plan. We are seldom given proper credit, let alone praise, for how our rich history and culture have not only influenced but also helped construct the basis for what we view as progress today.

All month long, we will bring you stories, video, photos and conversations that amplify our greatness and shine a light on our humanity, starting with “We Built This,” a photo series captured by Kris Graves highlighting a few of the change agents who are making history today, which we will be adding to throughout the month.

We will also be sharing stories of doulas, war veterans, musicians, entrepreneurs and many others who deserve praise as the history makers of today’s and future generations. This month’s content isn’t a comprehensive look at our

history, but it’s meant to help fill a void left by incomplete textbooks.

As editor of the Urban Voice, , I believe we must tell our real and authentic stories, not for just 28 days a year, but for 365.

Stay tuned. Be encouraged. And #StayWoke.

Until Next month,

JD Harper

EVENTS & MUSIC FESTIVALS 2019 February FEBRUARY BLACK HISTORY MONTH VARIOUS DATES & CITIES; HTTP://WWW.SOULOFAMERICA.COM/ US-CITIES UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS 1/30/19-3/17/19; ATLANTA, GA; HTTP://WWW.UNIVERSOULCIRCUS.COM GULLAH CELEBRATION 2/01/19-2/28/19; HILTON HEAD, SC; HTTP://WWW.GULLAHCELEBRATION.COM PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL 2/07/19-2/18/19; LOS ANGELES, CA; HTTP://WWW.PAFF.ORG INTERNATIONAL PRETTY BROWN GIRL DAY 2/24/19; DETROIT AND VARIOUS CITIES; HTTP://WWW.PRETTYBROWNGIRL.COM ANKARA MIAMI FASHION SHOW 2/21/19-2/24/19; MIAMI, FL; HTTP://ANKARAMIAMI.COM NBA ALL STAR WEEKEND 2/15/19-2/17/19; CHARLOTTE, NC; HTTP://WWW.NBA.COM HARLEM FINE ARTS SHOW 2/14/19-2/17/19; NYC, NY; HTTP://HFAS.ORG BLACK ENTERPRISE WOMEN OF POWER SUMMIT 2/28/19-3/03/19; LAS VEGAS, NV; HTTP://WWW.BLACKENTERPRISE.COM/WPS

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® to Present Over $1.6 Million to HBCU Presidents During Black History Month

ll CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2019 / PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA), in partnership with the Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF), is

pleased to announce the establishment of the AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund.

The fund was created on behalf of the nation’s oldest historically AfricanAmerican sorority in an effort to assist in the financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Dr. Glenda Glover is the 30th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Dr. Glover took the helm of the nation’s oldest Greek-letter organization established

by African-American college women in 2018. She leads the prestigious organization for four years, 20182022, under the theme: “Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable

Service.”

Over the course of the next four years, AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund has pledged to distribute $10 million in financial support to 96 accredited institutions. On February 28, 2019, presidents from 32 of the participating HBCUs will receive the first installment of the endowment gift in the amount of $50,000 at the Alpha Kappa Alpha International Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

“As an HBCU graduate and someone who has dedicated my life’s work to the HBCU community, I personally know that the financial challenges of many institutions have an impact on student

enrollment, retention and graduation rates,” said Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. International President Dr. Glenda Glover. “Implementing an endowment fund is a critical need and has been a priority for my administration since I took office last year. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s 111-year history is deeply interwoven into the history of HBCUs and therefore it is imperative that we continue to invest in these treasured institutions.”

The endowment fund is one of many components of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s international platform under Dr. Glover’s leadership whose focus isExemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service.

The fund falls under the organization’s

Tennessee Organization Launches Community Initiative To Recognize, Report Human Trafficking CHATTANOOGA, TN- Today, Second Life Tennessee launched Eyes Up, a campaign focused on creating greater public awareness about the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline.

Eyes Up will provide businesses and other organizations throughout the region with the resources and tools to know how to best utilize the hotline, as well as recognize the signs of human trafficking.

“We named this campaign Eyes Up because most survivors of human trafficking will not look you in the eye.

Many victims have been taught not to do so.

The horrific experience they have lived through makes it so they can’t or won’t look at you directly,” said Jerry Redman, chief executive officer of Second Life Tennessee. “Given that fact, we want the public to have their eyes up about this crime and their role

in preventing it. This is one more way our agency and partners are able to provide the resources so survivors have the power to pull their eyes up and reclaim control of their lives.”

Second Life Tennessee will establish partnerships with local businesses and other organizations to educate managers and employees about the signs of human trafficking and characteristics a victim may display.

“Most cases of human trafficking unfold in the community. Citizens may notice something is wrong, but they’re unsure of how to step in,” said Mr. Redman. “The issue of trafficking is created at the community level.

Therefore, both the responsibility and opportunity to fight trafficking are at the community level, as well.”

The training, which is offered free of charge to organizations of any size, will inform and give context as to how

they play an important role in the fight against trafficking. Trainees will learn how to recognize and safely report trafficking by calling the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline (1-855-5586484), which is monitored around the clock by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

In 2018, the hotline was called 132 times. These calls are one of the ways the investigations can begin that lead to recovery of victims and the arrest of traffickers.

“Human trafficking is an injustice we’re committed to fighting for the long haul, but we can’t do it alone,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “We’re ‘Eyes Up’ at TBI and would encourage every Tennessean to join us. Knowing the warning signs, and what to do if you spot them, may be the key in helping a victim take the first brave steps toward becoming a survivor.”

Part of the Eyes Up campaign focuses on a social media movement, #IAmEyesUp. When a community member saves the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline in his or her phone contacts, the organization encourages him or her to share a picture. The campaign intends to show dangerous traffickers that there is strength in numbers as individuals in the community join Second Life Tennessee and law enforcement in the mission to end human trafficking.

“This is a community-wide effort.

We want the public to know they can safely report human trafficking and that their action can ultimately save lives,” said Mr. Redman. “We encourage businesses and other organizations of any industry to allow us to share how they can be heroes in this fight.

In order for Eyes Up to be as impactful as possible, we also need to create

Girls To Be Accepted Into Cherokee Area Scouts Council ll Starting in February 2019, the Boy Scouts of America will officially begin accepting girls into the Scouting program for older Scouts.

Victoria Johnson, chief development officer of the Cherokee Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, said, “This historic move comes after years of girls attending and participating in activities with their brothers and parents, but earning no merit badges. We are excited that these girls can now earn merit badges and the rank of Eagle.”

As a result of the move, the program known traditionally as Boy Scouts, serving youth 11-18 years of age will be renamed Scouts BSA. Ms. Johnson said, „This step is to create a more inclusive program as the program begins to allow older girls to participate.”

Jay Elliott, president of the Cherokee Area Council executive board, said,“I am excited to have girls join the Scouts BSA troops in the Cherokee Area Council. It is certainly a win-win for everyone involved – the girls who will be joining, their families, and Scouting.

Officials said, „Using the same curriculum as the Boy Scout program, all Scouts BSA troops will run the same Scouting

program, earn the same merit badges, and be able to achieve the same ranks. Scouts BSA troops will be single gender - allgirl or all-boy - because the BSA recognizes and celebrates that boys and girls develop differently, and there are times that singlegender learning is the most appropriate.”

In 2018, girls began joining the Cub Scouts. Existing packs established a new girl pack, keeping dens single gendered – all boys or all girls. More than 77,000 girls joined the Cub Scout program nationally last year.

For 50 years, girls across the U.S. have been members of Venturing Crews and Explorer Posts, programs designed for youth aged 14-20 to teach leadership skills and hands-on business training.

Start-Up Capital Available For Aspiring Beauty Supply Owners llNationwide — Beauty Supply Lending Group, an organization recently founded by Professor Devin Robinson, who wrote the best-selling book Taking it Back: How to Become a Successful Black Beauty Supply Owner in 2007 and founded Beauty Supply Institute in 2008, continues his work in the ethnic beauty industry with this additional endeavor.

When asked, why take this step? he said, “My goal was always to become a one-stop shop for those interested in store ownership. It is a lucrative business to get into, but start-up capital

was always the top obstacle for them.”

In 2010, Beauty Supply Institute began hosting two biannual conferences; one on the west coast and one on the east coast, to educate individuals on the overall business, how to get in and if is best for them.

To date, Beauty Supply Institute has opened just over 100 stores in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Its expansion into funding, gives future owners a better shot at getting into the business with adequate funding.

Beauty Supply Lending Group

offers a few options for aspiring store owners, from traditional SBA loans to non-traditional loans only requiring a minimum 551 credit score. Interest rates are competitive and start-up loans can go as high as $150,000 for future owners and up to $400,00 for existing store owners.

Robinson went on to state, “This has been a trying year for me personally (earlier this year his youngest son became mysteriously paralyzed from the chest down) and professionally, the company’s rapid growth caused operational disruptions that forced me

to implement expensive corporate-like strategies.”

Beauty Supply Institute’s next conference will be held in Los Angeles, CA on January 19-20, 2019. To register, visit www.BeautySupplyConference. com.

To learn more about beauty supply start-up funds, call 404-551-4398 or visit www.BeautySupplyLendingGroup.com or www.BeautySupplyInstitute.com.

Black History Month Celebration: Holmes Family Played A Significant Role In Desegregation Of Georgia

ll ATLANTA, Jan. 30, 2019 / PRNewswire/ -- On a cold Friday morning of January 6, 1961, Hamilton E. Holmes became the first AfricanAmerican male to attend the University of Georgia. He was part of a U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision overturning an existing State of Georgia law and allowed African-Americans to enroll at the state’s flagship university.

Hamilton wanted to practice medicine, like his grandfather. For two

years, Hamilton attempted to enroll in UGA, but he was denied entry by an existing State of Georgia law.

Along with Charlayne Hunter (Gault), Hamilton brought suit to desegregate the university. The U.S. Supreme Court decided in their favor during January of 1961 for immediate implementation.

Hamilton was later admitted to Emory University Medical School where he became the first African American to attend and graduate.

This was simply the latest accomplishment for the Holmes family.

This drive for success has been a foundational driving element of the Holmes’ family since Dr. Hamilton M. Holmes (family patriarch) first set up his medical practice in 1911.

Layers of his grandchildren and great grandchildren have also achieved academic and professional successes.

Imagine Grandfather, Father and Son all principals in precedent-setting sea change cases brought before the U.S. Supreme Court in the early Civil Rights era.

In fact, Hamilton’s father, Alfred

‘Tup’ Holmes, had also won a U.S. Supreme Court decision to desegregate public “parks” against The City of Atlanta.

Decided in 1955, it opened up public golf courses, public parks and public beaches for the first time.

The family’s legacy is much richer and fuller beyond just these cases.

In addition to Tup being a principal in the above lawsuits (UGA and City of Atlanta), both his father, Dr. Hamilton M. Holmes, and his brother, Rev. Oliver Wendell Holmes, were principals in the same legal proceedings.

The following generations have been active in securing their rights.

Hamilton is the oldest of the next generation, but his brother, Michael, became the first African-American to graduate from the Stanford University School of Business.

The Alfred ‘Tup’ Holmes Legacy Foundation was established to honor the man who created this legacy of living life with dignity and fighting for human rights that survived long after his passing, as well as the milestone achievements of Hamilton Holmes.

To support the Foundation, please contact John McClaugherty at 404-771-6261.

Urban League Offers Free Tax Preparation Services

La Paz To Publish Spanish Resource Guide For Latinx Community ll Chattanooga —The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga along with the IRS, and the city of Chattanooga will offer free tax preparation services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program to qualified taxpayers. VITA will kick-off the program with a press conference featuring Mayor Andy Berke held on Thursday at the Urban League Office, 730 Martin Luther King Blvd.

The Urban League’s VITA program served 10,504 in seven counties throughout the region last year.

“For fifteen years, the VITA program continues to benefit our community and local businesses,” said James McKissic,

vice president and chief operating officer of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. „VITA is a free community program that serves as a financial boost for low to moderate income individuals and families—one more way to empower our community.”

Individuals and households with incomes up to $54,000 last year may qualify for free tax preparation.

Taxpayers will need to bring all of their tax documents, including W2s, 1099s’, Social Security Cards for all children, valid photo identification, Affordable Care Act Statements: 1095-A, and home mortgage statements. To assist tax payer, each VITA site will have

ll La Paz Chattanooga, under the Business Development department, Compañía, will publish a Spanish language resource guide for Latinx and Hispanic community members in late April.

The resource guide, titled ‘Descubre’ will be a catch-all reference manual for agencies and information relevant to the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County.

The guide will include information on municipal services, local attractions and nonprofit organizations, as well as churches and schools.

In previous years, a Spanishlanguage resource guide had been published under the since-dissolved Noticias Libres, a subsidiary of the

Chattanooga Times Free Press.

“Our community has seen a great growth of the Latino population and we have been working with families, business owners, professionals and students who need many different resources.

Local businesses and agencies will have opportunities to purchase advertisement in the publication, which will have a footprint of over 5,000 throughout the Chattanooga/Hamilton County area.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those who wish to feature a large amount of information and advertisement in the publication.

Full page, half page and quarter page advertisement is available.

Bernice King on the sale of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home ll Martin Luther King Jr. never wanted to own a home. So, when he moved his young family from a house on the old Johnson Avenue to a fourbedroom, 3.5-bath house in Vine City, he insisted on renting.

“My father really struggled with the whole notion of owning anything,” said Bernice King, the youngest daughter of Coretta and Martin Luther King Jr. “My mother convinced him.”In 1966, a year after they moved in, the Kings purchased the home – although Bernice King said the deed was always in her mother’s name.On Thursday, Bernice King announced that her family had sold the Sunset Avenue house in Vine City to the National Park Foundation for $400,000. The house will be turned over to the National Park Service as part of Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, its doors eventually opening to visitors.

Even after his death, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is undeniably one of the most notable leaders for civil

and human rights. The would have been 90-year-old was an advocating for racial equality will continue to empower generations of AfricanAmericans to come.

Unfortunately, Dr. King died on April 4, 1968, a month after leading protesters in support of the Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike. He was killed by a rifle while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.

While King’s assassination shook the foundation of America to its core, his children, Martin Luther King III, Yolanda King, Bernice King, Dexter King, and widow Coretta Scott King pushed forward to make sure that his legacy will never be forgotten.

Months after the late Civil Rights leader’s murder, his widow announced the creation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center).

A beacon of hope and progress, the center is a nonprofit remembering

King’s work of advocating for equal rights.

In 1970, King’s remains were removed from Southview Cemetery to The King Center’s campus. After the death of his wife in 2006, King’s crypt was rebuilt to include her remains as well.

Before the passing of Coretta Scott King, The King center organized a coalition to create a national holiday on King’s birthday.

In 1971, Congress received over six million signatures in support of the holiday, but no legislative action was taken. From 1973 to 1979, states including Illinois, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey enacted a statewide King holiday.

On January 14, 1979, former President Jimmy Carter announced support of the bill. It had been 12 years since Congressman Conyers introduced it. Andrew Glass, reporter for Politico reported Carter’s support for the bill was a turning point.

Coretta Scott King testified in front of Congress and organized a public lobby in support. However, the bill was defeated in the United States House of Representatives by five votes.

After a demonstration at the Lincoln Memorial honoring the 20th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Congress passed legislation in 1983.

Congresswoman Katie B. Hall (D-IN), CBC member and member of the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee reintroduced the King Holiday legislation.

During October 1983, the King Holiday Bill passes the Senate, 78-22. President Ronald Regan signs the bill into law in November 1983 establishing the third Monday in January as a federal holiday honoring Dr. King.

On January 20, 1986, the first national celebration of King took place.

He added that the foundation bought the property, with help from private donors, from the estate of Dr. King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, for $400,000 and transferred it to the Park Service.

There will be at least a year of assessments, repairs and restorations before the house can be made accessible to the public, Mr. Shafroth said.

After Dr. King died, Coretta Scott King stayed in the home on Sunset Avenue and raised their four children.

She founded the King Center, a nonprofit resource center, in its basement, and she owned the property for decades before she died in 2006.

“I must say that it wasn’t easy to release our home,” said Bernice King, who moved there when she was 2 years old. “We knew that it was important in order for this home to be preserved — and also to be a part of the greater story told around my father, and even my mother’s life — that it would be best if we transferred it to the National Park Service.”

Last November, the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change Inc., which had owned King’s birth home on Auburn Avenue for 45 years, sold it to the National Park Foundation for $1.9 million.

The sale of both properties, said Bernice King, frees her up to do more work in promoting non-violence on behalf of her parents, to tell the “holistic story around my father and his life and legacy,” and to preserve the homes through the support and power of the National Park Service.“It wasn’t easy to release our home, but it was always the wish of my mother that the home she raised us in and we grew up in, be preserved for future generations,” she said.RELATED Grant from Delta allows King

historic site to reopen during government shutdown > Coca-Cola pays for free admission to Atlanta’s Civil Rights museum The NPS already had a relationship with the family dating back to the 1980s, when the service started maintaining the upkeep and conducting tours of the birth home. That house is located near the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where King co-pastored with his father.“The National Park Service is the best at what they do,” said Will Shafroth, CEO of the National Park Foundation. “I think it will be priceless for our country to share this.”It also could be a key step in revitalizing Vine City, a solid middle-class black neighborhood when King and his family moved there in 1965. In recent decades, the area has suffered from poverty and crime.In exchange for $200 million in bonds for construction of the hulking new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and commitments of hundreds of millions more in public dollars for stadium upkeep and improvements over the next three decades, the Atlanta Falcons and city officials have promised to improve the nearby communities, some of Atlanta’s most blighted, including Vine City.At-large city councilman Michael Julian Bond, the son of educator and civil rights leader Julian Bond, moved down the street from the Kings on Sunset Avenue in 1970.“I think this is tremendous good news,” said Bond, who remembers playing with the King children. “A lot of quiet history was made in that home. A lot of speeches where written there. There were personal moments in that that shaped (King), what he was doing and his ministry. It all happened there.”He said older people in the community are proud that the civil rights leader once called Vine City home. Others, perhaps

newcomers or younger Atlantans, may not know of the history in their midst.

Bond hopes they will learn more when the doors to the King family home open to the public.While the birth home on Auburn Avenue has been the focus of King lore for decades, not much is known about what Bernice King calls the “Life Home.”The brick structure on Sunset Avenue in the heart of Vine City is where she and her siblings grew up “like a normal family,” where meals were shared around the dining room table and where she occasionally jumped off the refrigerator into her father’s arms.There was a basketball court and dogs in the backyard. Her brother Dexter used their mother’s closet that housed a deep freezer as a dark room when he took up photography.One of her fondest memories, Bernice King said, was when her oldest sister Yolanda King moved out to go to college. That left Bernice King with her own room, one of the largest in the house.The house on Sunset Avenue was also a gathering place for those who came to pay their respects after King was assassinated on April 4, 1968.Four days later, Coretta Scott King sat on the edge of her bed wearing a black dress.

Robert Kennedy, who was running for president, sat that evening in a floral-upholstered recliner in the corner of the room, decorated with a painting of King and a portrait above the bed of a younger Coretta King smiling in a bare-shouldered gown, according to Rebecca Burns’ 2010 book, “Burial for a King.” Kennedy’s wife, Ethel, sat in a wooden dining chair comforting the widow.The next morning, an American woman who knew the same kind of intimate pain, Jackie Kennedy, visited Coretta in her bedroom.King lived in the house only three years before his death. Coretta Scott King stayed in the

house until 2004, when she moved into a condo in Buckhead. Afterwards, the family still owned and maintained the house, also using it as an office, but no one lived in it.With the federal government partially shut down, coupled with planning and restoration that includes roof repairs, Shafroth said it could take more than a year to get the house ready for tourists to step inside.Tom Houck, who runs Civil Rights Tours Atlanta and features the home prominently on his tours, said he has been wanting the NPS to take over the house for years. He said for King, for whom he served as a driver, the Sunset Avenue house was a sanctuary and a place that he could remain connected.“When he and Coretta were talking about moving, everybody else (from the black elite) was moving out to Collier Heights,” said Houck. “But Dr. King wanted to stay in town, he wanted to stay with the people. He and Coretta saw this house. It was a place of tranquility for him.”On each of his tours, Houck gets out of his bus and has tourists stand in the King yard as he spins tales about the late civil rights leader.“When they see the house, they are amazed that Dr. King lived such a modest life in a modest neighborhood,” Houck said. “The King that you saw, you would think that he was living in a gated palace. But this was a wonderful, warm house that he loved and Coretta loved too.”

Washington: ‘No matter where the journey takes you, never

There are several universal principles in life that nobody can refute. The opposite of hot is cold.

If you know good, you have to acknowledge evil. For every up, there is a down.

As a matter of fact, the reality of opposites lets us know there should be expectancy in life that forces us to act a certain way. This affirmative action, of which I speak, allows you to understand and act accordingly when you know you’re dealing with the truth as opposed to a lie.

My example would be a child’s knowledge of Santa Claus.

As the truth becomes known,

instantly the child acts with the knowledge that he knows that he knows that he knows. The perspective I am trying to get you to see and react to here is the truth of lost and found.

I submit to you that the subject of this scenario is us, you and me.

Are you lost? Are you found? And who determines which answer is correct?

Biblically speaking, we lost it all in Eden and had it restored via the cross. In this instance, the it is us. Can you be found without first being lost?

In my case, I know what lost is because once I found Christ, I found me. This may sound somewhat trite to you but finding myself in a relationship with God was and is an eye-opening experience, the likes of which I would wish on every one of you.

You see being lost in this world is being vulnerable to it.

The world will see to it that you lose yourself to its entanglements, its temptations, its so-called pleasures known as whatever your weaknesses are i.e., greed, ambition, pride, sex, drugs, and power. Pick your poison. If not,

being lost, allows your poison to pick you.

Now when you make an honest effort to find yourself, like the addict who must first admit his addiction, the effort is defined by an acknowledgment that you are indeed lost and need divine guidance to ultimately get this thing called life in order.

In the Parable of the Lost Son that acknowledgment sounds like this. “…Father I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.” (Luke 15: 18-19) His truth he could not deny. He was lost. He had to become lost.

He went looking for lost and found it. It enabled him to “find” himself and find his way home.

And you know what he found? A waiting father, who had to explain it to his other son who never left, “But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:32) All I’m trying to say is when you finally get it, there’s only one place to go: home. And in this case home is where God is. The way

was prepared by Christ who, like a homing beacon, shows us all how to find ourselves and thus be found.

If you’ve ever been truly lost, you know the exhilaration you feel when you finally figure it out and get going in the right direction again.

My point is simple.

As the kids say, you better recognize!

Being lost is not the issue.

Having enough sense to know it and do something about it is.

I promise you, the moment you begin to look for the Lord He will find you. It kind of gives new meaning to the phrase, “lost and found.” May God bless and keep you always.

Workplace Romances: A Distraction at Best and a Disaster at Worst, ll Tourism in Tennessee continues to expand with new attractions, impressive state-of-the-art developments, expansions and milestone anniversary celebrations of iconic attractions that help shape “The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.”

2019 marks several milestones in Tennessee, including Memphis’ Bicentennial, Bijou Theatre’s 110th anniversary in Knoxville and the 25th anniversary of the RC MoonPie Festival in Bell Buckle. Embrace the history, relive the stories and create memories.

Here’s what’s new in 2019 for T STATEWIDE Tennessee Music Pathways The pathways connect the traveler to the people, places and genres that make Tennessee the Soundtrack of America, from the largest cities to the smallest communities. Whether it is a story of the past, a star of the present or promise of the future, historic or live, Tennessee Music Pathways go where the music does.

Tennessee Songwriters Week Songs penned in Tennessee make the Soundtrack of America. A new state statute passed, annually designating the last full week of February as “Tennessee Songwriters Week.” The week is designed to celebrate the foundation of the craft, recognize songwriters and pave the way for future artists.

BAXTER Baxter Seminary Park Baxter Seminary Park will include a new live music amphitheater and walking trails, set to open in 2019.

BELL BUCKLE 25th Annual RC-MoonPie Festival A quarter century celebration of the ultimate Southern tradition: RC Cola and MoonPies will be packed with fun and a reunion of the past 25 year’s Kings and Queens on June 15, 2019.

BRISTOL

Birthplace of Country Music Museum Walk through the pages of storybooks in the exhibit “Reading Appalachia: Voices from Children’s Literature” February-June 2019.

The exhibit “American Ballads: The Photographs of Marty Stuart” Aug. 2019Jan. 2020 features photos of the people and places captured by the country

CHATTANOOGA Edwin Hotel The new upscale, five-story boutique hotel includes 90 rooms, meeting space, upscale décor, rooftop bar, local art and a restaurant.

Fallen Five Memorial A dedication ceremony for an unveiling of a memorial honoring the five service members killed in the July

music star since he first went on tour with Lester Flatt at age 13.

100th Birthday of Tennessee Ernie Ford Bristol native Ernie Ford was most notably known for his hit song “Sixteen Tons,” which sold 20 million copies.

During his birthday week starting Feb. 13, there will be celebrations featuring his son, Buck.

Lost State Distilling The new distillery produces small batch gin, rum and Tennessee whiskey.

Lost State has a tasting room, production area, retail area and event space.

2015 terrorist attack on two local military sites will be in July 2019 at Tennessee Riverpark.

Moxy Hotel The new boutique hotel includes 102 rooms, free Wi-Fi, cushy beds, stylish design, vibrant community spaces, in-room storage (enough to fit a bicycle) and a bar.

Moon River Music Festival The Moon River Festival moves from Memphis to Coolidge Park in Chattanooga. The two-day familyfriendly festival Sept. 7-8, 2019 highlights the music and culture of

Tennessee.

Read House Historic Hotel Undergoing $20 million in renovations, the hotel will upgrade the 242 guest rooms with new technology and bathroom furnishings, as well as redesign the lobby, ballroom and restaurant.

Ruby Falls Ruby Falls unveiled a $20 million expansion with upgrades like an outdoor observation area, improved ticketing experience, expanded retail, LED lights and additional parking.

The Signal The Signal is Chattanooga’s newest live music venue. The 1,300-capacity warehouse plans to host all genres of music, receptions, fundraisers, corporate events and conferences.

COLUMBIA Ridley Sports Complex Expansion The sports complex expands with seven new soccer fields including a championship field complete with bleachers, a press box, a new concession facility, restrooms and parking.

COOKEVILLE The Broastery · Tennessee Coffee Roasters Cookeville’s only craft coffee roaster’s new storefront pairs with brands such as Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey to create locally roasted flavors and blends.

Saltbox Inn & Stables Expansion Saltbox Inn & Stables now includes hosting areas at The Loft, Three Trees Ceremony Site, and The Greenhouse.

The new lodging, Pumphouse Cabin, is directly on the property’s waterfall.

The Shoppes at Eagle Pointe The new 25,000 square feet of retail space on 42 acres features 1,200 parking spaces with Publix, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Ulta, Michael’s and more.

Tennessee Legend Distillery at Maddux Place A staple in East Tennessee,

Deal Announced to Fix Chronic Problems With Deplorable Living Conditions in NYC Public Housing

ll NEW YORK (AP) — New York City and U.S. housing officials announced a deal Thursday that will keep the city’s massive public housing system out of federal receivership, but require the city to spend $2.2 billion over the next few years fixing chronic

problems with lousy living conditions, lead paint and lack of heat.

The settlement, announced by U.S. Housing Secretary Ben Carson and Mayor Bill de Blasio, resolves a lawsuit in which federal authorities filed on behalf of the system’s 400,000 tenants.

It would put the New York City Housing Authority under the eye of a federal monitor, but stop short of a solution suggested by a federal judge last fall, which would be to take the system out of the city’s hands and place it under federal control.

Carson called the agreement a “positive outcome” for the nation’s largest public housing system. De Blasio, a Democrat, called it “a partnership to get things done for the residents.”

Tenants in the system have complained for decades about rodents, mold and heat and hot water outages. Authority chairwoman Shola Olatoye last year after an investigation revealed years of falsified reports about lead paint inspections.

An earlier $2 billion deal between the city and federal government was rejected by U.S. District Judge William Pauley in November.

Pauley, after hearing testimony from tenants, said that earlier settlement wouldn’t do enough to improve conditions. He suggested the federal government should take over the authority and gave the city a mid-December deadline to file

papers outlining a repair plan to avert a federal takeover. The deadline was later extended to Jan. 31.

HUD and the U.S. attorney’s office for Manhattan said this new settlement won’t be subject to judicial approval because the lawsuit is being withdrawn.

De Blasio has blamed years of neglect by the state and federal governments as well as previous mayoral administrations for NYCHA’s ills and insisted that a federal takeover would only make things worse. HUD said it expects to give the system $1.5 billion this year.

The monitor, selected later by HUD and the U.S. attorney with input from the city, will get regular reports on the attempts to improve the

Unity Group Asks Clemency For Cyntoia Brown ll Cyntoia Brown’s story has been chronicled in numerous publications and in a 2011 PBS documentary, Me Facing Life.

She endured an extremely difficult childhood which includes a family history of mental illness and sexual assault, was born to a mother who suffered from substance abuse and that was subsequently incarcerated, and was thrust into an early childhood experience which saw her become adopted and ultimately embark upon a tumultuous path that resulted in her assuming the life of a runaway.

As an effect of this exposure during her most formative years, she was subjected to what we call today sexual trafficking where neglect, abuse and exploitation were commonplace in her daily experience. During one specific encounter an alleged solicitor, Johnny Allen of Nashville, would be found shot to death and as a consequence varying narratives over the slaying developed.

Brown asserted that she was a 16

prostitute who was defending herself after a hook-up that went terribly astray.

Law enforcement and later prosecutors made the claim that Allen was brutally murdered because his money, vehicle and possessions were taken from the scene of the crime. In 2006, she was convicted of first degree murder and robbery as prosecutors pushed for punishment to the fullest extent of the law possible, 51 years to life in prison.

Nevertheless, despite this ruling, there are several mitigating factors and extenuating circumstances to consider in order to develop an informed and impartial determination of Cyntoia’s guilt or innocence.

In the original sentencing hearings, there was an egregious lack of attention paid to Cyntoia’s mental health and cognitive abilities.

The opinions that developed after numerous psychological evaluations were that there were signs of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. It was also concluded that she had symptoms

that were consistent with dissociative identity disorder which is a condition that the American Psychiatric Association states, „involve problems with memory, identity, emotion, perception, behavior and sense of self,” and are symptoms that „can potentially disrupt every area of mental functioning.” Likewise, the mid-1990’s study between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente’s Health Appraisal Clinic in San Diego sought to measure the effects that childhood trauma, toxic stress and an unstable environment had on cognitive, behavioral and mental development, and upon examining the early stages of Cyntoia’s life, the pathologies and exposure in which she was surrounded could be properly classified as an adverse childhood experience.

Notwithstanding, there are other disturbing patterns that must be called into question concerning the courts.

Was there a full adherence to due

process and equal protection under the law, particularly for a minor that clearly demonstrated cognitive, behavioral and emotional deficits? Was there access to a fair trial with adequate and effective legal representation, especially when we know that members of Cyntoia’s family didn’t testify and her mental health issues were not adequately conveyed to the court? Have the courts been fair and adequate dispensers of justice, especially in lieu of the fact that in Miller v. Alabama (2012) the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles violates Eighth Amendment prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment. Similarly after reviewing the case in 2018 the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals openly questioned if Tennessee’s sentencing laws pertaining to these type cases were “confusing and contradictory?” Should not federal statutes such as the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act,

IT’S TIME TO GET THE

SERVICE

YOU DESERVE

Emmanuel E. EPB Fiber Optics employee since 2011 Customer since 2010

At EPB Fiber Optics, we’re getting closer to reaching 100,000 customers every day. Continue sharing the news and joining our community, and before you know it, we’ll be celebrating our 100K victory together.

www.epb.com/100K

BUSINESS DIRECTORY/LEGAL Want to Do Business with your Local Government?

Legal Notice REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONSFOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR Continual Asbestos, Lead, Indoor Air Quality and Other Environmental AssessmentsCITY OFCHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEECONTRACT NO. S-18-006-101The City of Chattanooga (City) is requesting Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified firms for the purpose of selecting a Consultant/Contractor with which to negotiate a professional service contract(s) for the Continual Asbestos, Lead, Indoor Air Quality and Other Environmental Assessments, Contract No. E-19-002-101, as described in the RFQ. Qualifications must be submitted to the Office of the City Engineer, Department of Public Works at the address listed below by no later than 4:00 p.m. EDT, on February 28, 2019. Interested firms may also obtain a copy of a detailed Request for Qualifications at no charge from the same address:City of ChattanoogaPurchasing Department101 E. 11th Street,Suite G13 Chattanooga, TN 37402bidinfo@chattanooga.gov Phone: (423) 643-7230FAX: (423) 643-7244By: William C. Payne, P.E.City EngineerBy: Justin HollandAdministrator of Public Works Meeting Notice PUBLIC NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CHATTANOOGA AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AND THE CHATTANOOGA PARKING AUTHORITY Take notice pursuant to Chapter 442, Tennessee Public Acts of 1974, the Sunshine Law, that the regular board meeting of the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority and the Chattanooga Parking Authority will convene and meet in regular open session on Thursday morning, February 21, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., in the Board Room, 1617-B Wilcox Boulevard, Second Floor, Chattanooga, Tennessee, where and at which time and place said Board of Directors will transact such public business as may lawfully come before it.

E. Stephen Jett Chairman CARTA Board of Directors 20190203 INVITATION TO BID REQUEST FOR BIDSSealed Bids in duplicate will be received by the City of Chattanooga, Purchasing Department Suite G13 City Hall.

Chattanooga, Tennessee until February 13 2019 Time_2:00 P. M._ for the Contract of:Contract for: Havis Products for Police Vehicles Bid forms and additional specifications may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing department G13 City Hall 101 E 11th Street, Chattanooga TN.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, and to accept any bid which in its opinion May be the best interest of the city.The City of Chattanooga will be non-discriminatory in the purchase of all goodsAnd services on the basis of race, color, or natural origin.City of ChattanoogaMark McKeelBuyer/Purchasing REQUEST FOR BIDS Sealed Bids in duplicate will be received by the City of Chattanooga, Purchasing Department Suite G13 City Hall. Chattanooga, Tennessee until February 13 2019 Time_2:00 P. M._ for the Contract of:Contract for: Gamber Johnson Products for Police Vehicles Bid forms and additional specifications may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing department G13 City Hall 101 E 11th Street, Chattanooga TN.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, and to accept any bid which in its opinion May be the best interest of the city.The City of Chattanooga will be non-discriminatory in the purchase of all goodsAnd services on the basis of race, color, or natural origin.City of ChattanoogaMark McKeelBuyer/Purchasing20190201 INVITATION TO BID REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONSFOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR FEDERAL RETIREE DRUG SUBSIDY (RDS) PROGRAMThe City of Chattanooga (City) is requesting Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified firms for the purpose of selecting a Consultant/Contractor with which to negotiate a professional service contract(s) for Federal Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) Program, as described in the RFQ. Qualifications must be submitted to the City of Chattanooga Purchasing Department at the address listed below by no later than 4:00 p.m. EDT, on February 25, 2019. Interested firms may also obtain a copy of a detailed Request for Qualifications at no charge from the same address:City of ChattanoogaPurchasing Department101 E. 11th Street, Suite G13Chattanooga, TN 37402bidinfo@ chattanooga.govPhone Number: (423) 6437230Fax Number: (423) 643-724420190204 Legal Notice Bids in Duplicate will be received by the City of Chattanooga Purchasing Department, 101 East 11th Street, Suite G-13, Chattanooga, Tennessee until December 06, 2018 Time 2:00

P. M. Requisition: 178996At that time Bids will be publicly opened and read for: Demolitions Bid forms and additional specifications may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Department at (423) 643-7230.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 Chattanooga Marisol Hernandez Buyer REQUEST FOR BIDS Sealed Bids in triplicate will be received by the City of Chattanooga, Purchasing Department Suite G13 City Hall. Chattanooga, Tennessee until December 12, 2018 Time_2:00 P. M._ for the Contract of:Contract for: Custodial Services at Family Justice CenterPre-Bid Conference will be conducted on December 4, 2018 at 10:00 AM EST at Family Justice Center, 5705 Uptain Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411 Bid forms and additional specifications may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing department G13 City Hall 101 E 11th Street, Chattanooga TN.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, and to accept any bid which in its opinion May be the best interest of the city.The City of Chattanooga will be non-discriminatory in the purchase of all goodsAnd services on the basis of race, color, or natural origin.City of Chattanooga Mark McKeelBuyer/Purchasing 20181126 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 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 13, 2019, 9:30 AM, Recessed Meeting.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 9:30 AM, Agenda Preparation Session.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019, 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, Joseph Brellenthin, 317 Oak Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37403, (423) 209-6135 or josephb@hamiltontn.gov.

Hearing impaired callers may use the Tennessee Relay Service, (800) 848-0298 or (423) 209-6131.

W.F. (Bill) Knowles County Clerk Feb. 1, 2019 Mor19871 LEGAL NOTICE Chattanooga State Community College does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by Chattanooga State. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director, Human Resources, 4501 Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37406, 423-6972417.20190128 STORM WATER REGULATIONS BOARD REGULAR MEETING The STORM WATER REGULATIONS BOARD OF THE CITY OF CHATTANOOGA is held monthly on the third Monday of each month during 2019. Board meetings may be cancelled if no items have been submitted to the Water Quality Manager at least two (2) weeks in advance of the scheduled meeting. Meetings will be held at least quarterly to provide the program updates to the Board.

Call in advance to confirm if a particular meeting is scheduled. Meetings begin at 3:00 p.m. in conference room 1-A, located on the first floor, of the Development Resource Center, 1250 Market Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee. All interested persons are invited to attend and express their views. For additional information, contact Mounir Y. Minkara, Water Quality Manager, Department of Public Works, 1250 Market Street, Second Floor, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402. Telephone (423) 643-5877.20190126