Urban Voice Magazine November 2018

Urban Voice CHATTANOOGA + KNOXVILLE + ATLANTA

Be Empowered!

ISSUED #77 NOVEMBER 2018

LEADERSHIP.

Why Stacey Abrams Is the Future for Democrats

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 1

11/7/18 10:19 AM

Power of Information.

It’s Time to Act on Behalf of the Village, Not by Rules of the Streets On a hot, summer night a few days ago, children frolicked innocently enjoying their neighborhood’s playground while their parents and other adults watched from nearby, perhaps sipping on a frosted beer or a lemon-flavored iced tea, all in the seemingly safe environs of a courtyard in Northeast. Then, without warning, a black vehicle appeared, four masked Black males exited and began shooting indiscriminately.

As the 15 or 20 men, women and children scattered hoping to find safety, and after the senseless barrage of gunfire came to an end, the shooters disappeared back into the once idyllic night in their vehicle, which police have since identified as a black Infiniti SUV. One witness said the number of shots that suddenly pierced the evening sky, interrupting the sing-song sounds and banter often associated with a fun-filled block gathering, came so rapidly and repeatedly that he could not discern how many rounds were actually fired.

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 2

And, as has far too often been the case, a little girl, just 10, has been shot and killed.

She will never attend her prom, or have fun considering which college she will attend. She’ll never celebrate the serene pleasure that comes with that very first kiss or experience that indescribable feeling that jolts us to our core when we discover true love. Meanwhile, her family must attempt to make sense out of the senselessness and try to deal with their sorrow and loss, as will we all, because a young child — a beloved daughter, sister, grandchild, or friend — along with unfulfilled hopes and dreams for her future — have ended without rhyme or reason.

Those of us old enough to remember “the good old days” will admit that life back then was far from perfect. Truth be told, there were some aspects of life a generation or two ago that some of us would rather forget.

But the notion of a “drive-by shooting” was something with which we did not have to contend. When disagreements arose in the Black villages of old, folks raised their fists in Joe Louis-like fashion. Some attempted to “float” and “sting” following a strategy employed

by Ali. There may have even been a few brass knuckles or knives included in the mix.

But shooting into a crowd, even if the intended victim was seen among the throng of innocent others, was not the way we Black folks handled our business, dispelled our anger or sought our revenge.

Once upon a time, we cherished and honored the entire village: the elders, women who hugged us when we were sad and encouraged us back to joy, men who were fathers, figuratively or biologically, always protecting the babies, no matter what the cost — those who would become tomorrow’s adults and leaders, then assuming responsibility for maintaining the safety of the village people and their survival.

We must declare that, “Enough is enough.” We concur.

And for the sake of the village, and so many other villages whose futures remain more and more in doubt, we call for a return to more sensible rules of order — rules of the past. We cannot allow such goings-on to continue while those who would prefer to bring about the destruction of our villages

go unidentified, never held accountable for their misdeeds.

We are not animals, we are families. When will we illustrate this truth by our deeds?

We pray that the community will muster the courage to stand in unity, if for no one else than for our babies who deserve the chance to become adults and share their gifts in their familiar villages or in villages that have yet to be seen.

Stay tuned. Be encouraged.

And #StayWoke.

Until Next month,

JD Harper

11/7/18 10:20 AM

EVENTS & music festivalS 2018 NOVEMBER NASHVILLE SEPTEMBER 1 John Merritt Football Classic Tennessee State vs Bethune Cookman Nissan Stadium | 6pm ​​SEPTEMBER 17 ​ J. Cole, Young Thug, Jaden Smith, Earthgang ​Bridgestone Arena | 7:30pm SEPTEMBER 18 Drake, Migos Bridgestone Arena | 7pm OCTOBER 7-8 Bruno Mars: 24K Magic World Tour with Cardi B Bridgestone Arena | 8:00 PM ATLANTA ​SEPTEMBER 1 ATLANTA ​​​​​NOVEMBER 16-17 ​Drake, Migos ​Philips Arena | 7pm NOVEMBER 25 ​Will Downing Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre | 7:30pm

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 3

11/7/18 10:20 AM

Former Lady Vols Launch Lady Vols Legacy & Legends Foundation

ll KNOXVILLE, Tenn.-(BUSINESS WIRE)--Former members of the Lady Vols basketball team have joined together to create a first-of-its-kind nonprofit organization called the Lady Vols Legacy & Legends Foundation.

Based in Knoxville, Tenn., Lady Vols Legacy & Legends Foundation was started by more than a dozen former University of Tennessee women’s basketball players (most of them from National Championship teams) to

promote and teach excellence, cultural diversity, empowerment and leadership to school-age children, businesses and other organizations across the country.

The Lady Vols Legacy & Legends Foundation will officially launch with a press conference and tailgating event at the Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park in Knoxville on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 11 a.m. before the Lady Vols’ first home game of the season. This is the first of many events the foundation has planned in 2018 and 2019.

Dawn Marsh, former Lady Vols standout and point guard on the 198687 national championship team, is the President of Lady Vols Legacy & Legends Foundation. Marsh said, “Right now – with everything going on socially and politically – the world needs what the Lady Vols can offer. There has never been another group of women more committed to excellence as a way of life than the Lady Vols.”

The Lady Vols basketball program is legendary, and the team’s reputation extends well beyond the State of

Tennessee and the sport of women’s basketball. On the court, players have racked up 17 SEC regular season championships, 17 SEC tournament championships, made 18 Final Four appearances and won eight (8) national titles. Off the court, the program boasts a 100-percent graduation rate since the mid-1970s for players who finished out their NCAA eligibility at the University of Tennessee.

Lady Vols Legacy & Legends Foundation is governed by a diverse group of business leaders, educators, coaches, referees and community leaders – all former players – who view the new foundation as a labor of love. Bridgette Gordon is the group’s Vice President, Lisa Webb Kimbrough serves as Secretary, Shelia Collins is the foundation’s Treasurer, Patricia Roberts and Lisa Reagan are Board Members.

Cheryl Littlejohn, the Founder and Executive Director said, “Our message of excellence as a way of life is grounded in the five tenets of the Lady Vols Legacy & Legends Foundation: education,

leadership, empowerment, health & wellness, and global community. These are the five pillars of our foundation – and we are taking our message to children, businesses and organizations across the country.”

The Lady Vols Legacy & Legends Foundation is accepting corporate sponsors. The 501(c)3 nonprofit will also accept individual donations from supporters and fans. Donations to the foundation provide funding for the group’s programs in public schools, communities, and more.

For more information, visit www.

LadyVolsFoundation.org.

Urban One, Inc. Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes To Keynote Babson’s 21st Annual Black Affinity Network Conference ll WELLESLEY, Mass., Nov. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Media pioneer Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Urban One, Inc., will keynote Babson College’s 21st Annual Black Affinity Network Conference, taking place Feb. 22-24, 2019 on Babson’s Wellesley Campus.

Conference organizers will honor her with the Babson Black Affinity Network Pioneer Award during the conference that has the theme, “Blacks in Entertainment.”

“We are thrilled to have such a powerhouse keynote for Black voices at the BANC during the College’s

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 4

centennial year. Cathy Hughes’ wisdom and commitment to fearlessly innovating ways for Black voices to create social and economic value through entertainment and communication inspire us tremendously,” said Leslie Parra’19, Co-Chair, Black Affinity Network Conference. “Cathy Hughes’ vision continues to create the soundtrack and backdrop to our success as a community,” said Shatiek J. Gatlin’16, Co-Chair, Black Affinity Network Conference.

“In the pantheon of global business, broadcast entrepreneur Cathy Hughes is an American visionary. Her

commitment to the African-American community is indisputable and her concern for all people is admirable. She is most deserving of this recognition from Babson College on the occasion of the 21st Annual Black Affinity Network Awards,” said Dyana Williams, co-host, “Soulful Sunday” - Affectionately named “The Ambassador of AfricanAmerican Music” by American Express’ Departures magazine.

More information can be found about the Babson Black Affinity Network Conference here.

Cathy Hughes is a dynamic, media pioneer who demonstrates the power

of one – one woman, one vision, one company – Urban One, formerly known as Radio One. As Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc., the largest African-American owned and operated, broadcast company in the nation, Hughes’ unprecedented career has spawned a multi-media conglomerate that generates original content across the spectrums of radio, television and digital media. Her humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska, were not a deterrent to her success but rather part of the catalyst that fueled her ambition to empower African Americans with information and to tell stories from

11/7/18 10:20 AM

Five Takeaways from Ford, Kavanaugh Hearings ll Today, Palo Alto University psychology professor and Stanford University research psychologist, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Judge Brett Kavanaugh testified to the Senate Judiciary Committee today regarding the events of July 1, 1982. On that date, Dr. Ford said Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her while Mark Judge was in the room.

California Senator Diane Feinstein received a copy of the letter from Dr. Ford and as the news came out, Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination process was held up. In the days leading up to today’s hearing, Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh’s high school lives were held up to public examination.

Here are highlights from the ten hours of testimony.

Transcript of a portion of Dr. Ford’s opening statement: When I got to the small gathering, people were drinking beer in a small living room/family room-type area on the first floor of the house. I drank one beer.

Brett and Mark were visibly drunk.

Early in the evening, I went up a very narrow set of stairs leading from the living room to a second floor to use the restroom. When I got to the top of the stairs, I was pushed from behind into a bedroom across from the bathroom. I couldn’t see who pushed me. Brett and Mark came into the bedroom and locked the door behind them.

There was music playing in the bedroom. It was turned up louder by either Brett or Mark once we were in the room.

I was pushed onto the bed, and Brett got on top of me. He began running his hands over my body and grinding into me. I yelled, hoping that someone downstairs might hear me, and I tried to get away from him, but his weight was heavy.

Brett groped me and tried to take off my clothes. He had a hard time,

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 5

because he was very inebriated, and because I was wearing a one-piece bathing suit underneath my clothing.

I believed he was going to rape me.

I tried to yell for help. When I did, Brett put his hand over my mouth to stop me from yelling. This is what terrified me the most, and has had the most lasting impact on my life. It was hard for me to breathe, and I thought that Brett was accidentally going to kill me.

Both Brett and Mark were drunkenly laughing during the attack. They seemed to be having a very good time.

Mark seemed ambivalent, at times urging Brett on and at times telling him to stop. A couple of times, I made eye contact with Mark and thought he might try to help me, but he did not.

During this assault, Mark came over and jumped on the bed twice while Brett was on top of me. And the last time that he did this, we toppled over and Brett was no longer on top of me. I was able to get up and run out of the room.

Directly across from the bedroom was a small bathroom. I ran inside the

bathroom and locked the door. I waited until I heard Brett and Mark leave the bedroom, laughing and loudly walk down the narrow stairway, pinballing off the walls on the way down.

I waited, and when I did not hear them come back up the stairs, I left the bathroom, went down the same stairwell through the living room, and left the house.

I remember being on the street and feeling this enormous sense of relief that I had escaped that house and that Brett and Mark were not coming outside after me.

Brett’s assault on me drastically altered my life. For a very long time, I was too afraid and ashamed to tell anyone these details. I did not want to tell my parents that I, at age 15, was in a house without any parents present, drinking beer with boys.

1. As Dr. Ford’s testimony delved deeper into the events of July 1982, it became clear to many observers that her statements were credible and she was stuck between a rock and a hard place. As Dr. Ford said, it was

her “civic duty” to testify in front of the Judiciary Committee and by extension, the American People. Dr. Ford detailed with candor the manner in which Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her 2. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham openly questioned the validity of Dr. Ford’s statements and intentions. This was a harbinger of things to come from the Republican members of the Judiciary Committee.

3. At 3:23 PM Eastern Time, Brett Kavanaugh angrily, emotionally, and tearfully denied all allegations levied by Dr. Ford. He is visibly shaken.

4. President Donald J. Trump watched the hearings from the White House. Upon completion of the hearings, he tweeted the following statement: Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him.

His testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting. Democrats’ search and destroy strategy is disgraceful and this process has been a total sham and effort to delay, obstruct, and resist.

The Senate must vote!

5. The tribalism that is pervasive in the era of President Trump was placed on grand display

by Senator Graham. It was a seminal moment in today’s testimony.

Rachel Mitchell, the prosecutor the Republican members of the Judiciary Committee flew in from Arizona to ask questions on the behalf of the GOP. However, the Republican senators on the Judiciary Committee began to question Kavanaugh themselves because they did not like Mitchell’s pretense of fact-finding and went full throttle on their attack of the Democratic Party.

11/7/18 10:20 AM

Hamilton County Needs 167 TN Promise Mentors ll With only one month remaining before the application deadline, tnAchieves, the organization that administers TN Promise, still needs 167 mentors in Hamilton County. Mentors provide each scholarship applicant a local support system who ensures the transition from high school to college is as easy and successful as possible.

“Many of the students that apply for TN Promise will be the first person in their family to attend college and the support of a local volunteer helps ease some of the unknown,” officials said. “Mentors remind students of important deadlines, serve as a trusted college resource and, most importantly, encourage students to reach their full

potential.”

“As the first person in my family to go to college, I understand the intimidation often associated with attending college,” said tnAchieves Executive Director Krissy DeAlejandro.

“I had an incredible support system but it was brand new to all of us. Having someone to walk with you through this journey and encourage you along the way can really provide the sense of confidence our students need.

Mentors are the heart of the tnAchieves program.”

Mentors are only asked to give one hour of their time per month. Each mentor attends a mandatory training and then two, one-hour meetings with

their assigned students over the course of the year. The time commitment is small, but the impact can be life changing for a first generation college student.

The deadline to apply as a mentor to work with the TN Promise Class of 2019 is Nov. 30. Interested volunteers can learn more and apply at www. tnachieves.org/mentors/apply.

“Our mentors recognize that the college going process can be overwhelming,” said tnAchieves Deputy Director of Outreach Graham Thomas.

“Admissions, financial aid, class registration and the entire process can be challenging to navigate. To have a cheerleader in the background saying,

‘We can do this together,’ can be the difference maker for our students.”

Launched in 2008, tnAchieves is a privately-funded scholarship and mentoring program that seeks to provide an opportunity for every Tennessee student to earn a postsecondary degree.

For information on tnAchieves, contact Graham Thomas at 615-6041306 or graham@tnachieves.org.

Craig Hall Commits $1 Million In Grants For Entrepreneurs ll DALLAS, Oct. 31, 2018 / PRNewswire/ -- In October 1968, Craig Hall – an entrepreneur, philanthropist, vintner, art collector and New York Times bestselling author – founded HALL Group at age 18 with the purchase of his first rooming house in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Purchased with $4,000 he had saved from childhood ventures, the rooming house launched Hall’s 50-year entrepreneurial career, which has seen highs, lows and the creation of a number of highly successful entrepreneurial ventures.

To mark HALL Group’s 50th anniversary, Hall has committed to provide $1 million in grants from the Craig and Kathryn Hall Foundation to help nonprofit partners invest in and support entrepreneurs who are most impacted by our country’s opportunity gap. Through partnerships with select nonprofits, this first grant will provide underserved entrepreneurs with critical access to capital, mentorship and

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 6

other resources through the selected nonprofits, which HALL Group will source.

“We live in a revolutionary time in the U.S., when technology and innovation have really taken hold and entrepreneurship should be booming. But the fact is, the U.S. has a widening opportunity gap for traditional entrepreneurs. In all but certain geographical areas of the country and big technology sectors, U.S. entrepreneurship is struggling,” said Hall.

“Although this technology and innovation is benefiting big companies, the rate of startup formation on an annual basis is roughly half of what it was four decades ago, and the situation is even more dire for women and people of color, along with entrepreneurs in many rural regions of the U.S. This $1 million grant is just the starting point for what our foundation intends to do with entrepreneurial nonprofit partnerships long-term.”

Female entrepreneurs made up only 4.4 percent of aggregate venture capital

deals and only 2.2 percent of venture capital funding in 2017.i In addition, their loans were approved 33 percent less often than those of their male counterparts. The dip from 44 percent of female entrepreneurs in 1997 to just 37 percent in 2016 means we’re closing in on a historic low.ii People of color represent only 1 percent of startup founders, and The Small Business Association (SBA) reports that “Black/African Americanowned firms…[are] 81% less likely to be employers than nonminority firms.

Similarly Hispanic-, Native American-, and Pacific Islander-owned firms are about 40% as likely to be employers.”iii According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, the chances of being granted loans are so much lower for people of color than for those of nonminority firms that many minority business owners often won’t bother to apply. When they do receive business loans, they’re usually forced to pay

higher interest rates.iv In the 1980s, 20 percent of U.S. companies started in rural areas. That percentage shrunk to 12.2 percent in 2017.v In fact, 80% of available startup capital goes to just a few markets.

“The more we put roadblocks and increased regulations in people’s way, the more we put the future of our country at risk. My hope is that by increasing awareness of these issues and encouraging policy changes and increased investment in startups, we can reverse these trends and safeguard the future of American entrepreneurship,” said Hall.

Hall is a New York Times bestselling author, and has published six books, with one in the publishing process. His current book – titled BOOM: Bridging the Opportunity Gap to Reignite Startups – is slated to release in spring 2019 and is focused on the current state of entrepreneurship in America and how we can fix it.

11/7/18 10:20 AM

Registration Open For Part 2 Of Chattanooga’s Housing Connections Conference

ll Last month the City of Chattanooga held part one of its inaugural Housing Connections Conference. Community leaders and subject-matter experts will meet again Saturday, Nov. 10, to continue the conversation of challenges facing housing in Chattanooga.

“Providing, creating and building affordable and equitable housing options for Chattanoogans is a priority among my administration and I’m thrilled when I see our community members feel as impassioned about it as I do,” said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke.

Part one of the conference saw over 100 participants and engaged citizens learning about the current housing challenges in Chattanooga as well as potential legislative actions that could expand affordable housing options, better serve our community’s homeless population, and stabilize Chattanooga’s neighborhoods.

Part Two of the City of Chattanooga’s Housing Connections Conference will focus on: Key housing challenges facing many Chattanoogans and the various

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 7

social, environmental and economic conditions that can contribute to them.

Existing building and zoning codes, financial incentives, social programs and more resources available to address housing challenges.

Existing and future government policies and their effects on housing.

Creating a respectful and ongoing positive dialog between housing advocates, neighborhoods, housing providers, and government leaders.

How you can actively engage in moving Chattanooga’s housing strategy forward.

The conference will be Nov. 10, at the Family Justice Center, 5705 Uptain Road, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Speakers and panels will be announced soon. Registration is free but required. Seating limited to 100 participants.

Miller Park Farmers Market And Marketplace Open Nov. 15 ll Join farmers, artists, local makers, food artisans, and small business entrepreneurs for the first annual Miller Park Farmers Market Fall Harvest Festival on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 3-6 p.m. at Miller Park in downtown Chattanooga.

Here are the 2018 Market Dates: Fall Harvest Festival and Food Drive Nov. 15, 3-6 p.m.

Thanksgiving Day Nov. 22 - Closed

Oktoberfest . 13-14 | Sat., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. + Sun., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 1826 Reggie White Boulevard | Free | Chattanooga may not be in Deutschland, but for one weekend each October we sure do try our best. The city’s oldest and largest Oktoberfest celebration is a 2-day

Cultivating Community and First Annual Holiday Harvest Market Nov. 29, 3-6 p.m.

Holiday Harvest Market Two Dec. 6, 3-6 p.m.

Holiday Harvest Market Three Dec. 13, 3-6 p.m.

entrepreneurs are welcome to apply.

Community non-profit organizations are also welcome to contact the market to participate in the community outreach program.

The market's director and manager will review all applications. The acceptance of members is based on building a diverse group of farmers and local makers at each market event.

The market encourages members to utilize natural and sustainable practices and promotes products and services that promote health and well being. The fee is $20 per 10 x 10 tent space.

Limited food truck spaces are available. Additional fees will apply.

Please fill out the Vendor Application and include food truck in the description.

Holiday Harvest Market Four and Food Drive Dec. 20, 3-6 p.m.

To become an event sponsor email MillerParkMarket@gmail.com.

For a vendor application click here. Farmers, artists, local makers, food artisans, and small business

11/7/18 10:20 AM

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 8

11/7/18 10:20 AM

Report: Violence by white Nationalists is at least equal to if not worse than ISIS ll (NNPA) — The threat America faces from white nationalist violence is at least equal to that posed by radical Islamist group, ISIS, FBI Director Chris Wray told a Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 24.

Wray reportedly told senators that “about 1000” cases of domestic terrorism were currently being investigated and that was approximately the same as the number of cases related to Islamic terrorism under investigation.

The report comes on the heels of the arrest of Cesar Sayoc, a white American male from Aventura, Florida, who has been charged with five Federal crimes, including mailing an incendiary device and threatening a former president. Sayoc was arrested at an auto parts store in the nearby city of Plantation, Florida.

Charges stem from his alleged construction and mailing of 13 explosive devices to prominent Democrats, CNN and others who have been vocal in their opposition to President Donald Trump, according to Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Federal investigators confirm that Sayoc is a staunch supporter and defender of President Trump and the policies of his administration.

In a statement following the arrest, Sessions described Sayoc’s crimes as “political violence or the threat of violence,” saying that such crimes are “antithetical to our vigorous system of self-government.”

A nationwide manhunt for the bomber was initiated as former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 9

Clinton, former Vice President Joe Biden, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton headed the list of those who have been sent pipe bombs and other suspicious packages through the mail.

It’s that kind of violence from avowed white nationalist that has statistics revealing the level of activity being equal or even surpassing that of ISIS. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anybody suggest we should be reasonable and talk to ISIS. There’s a fascination with white supremacists, or maybe an ingrained belief that white equals good,” said former world kickboxing champion and Oscarnominated director, Lexi Alexander.

Duane Anthony, the host of the Mark My Words Sports Show, added that, “I may not have a big of a voice on here yet but when I see white supremacists do things that no one in history has done and create online cells that make ISIS envious, it makes me worry for our people. We need to wake up.”

According to the new report, independent data reveals that the number of attacks carried out and planned by white supremacists is almost double those undertaken by Islamists.

committee meeting has been held on the threat posed by domestic terrorism, despite the fact that attacks carried out by white supremacists are “almost triple” those carried out by those who identify with a jihadist movement.

Meanwhile, Trump has embraced his self-designation as a “nationalist.”

In the Oval Office Trump reportedly brushed off concerns from critics that he is sending a “dog whistle” to his base, that what he really means is that he’s a “white nationalist.”

“I love our country. And our country has taken second fiddle,” he said.

When asked if he’s “sending coded language or a dog whistle that you are a white nationalist,” Trump responded, “I’ve never heard that theory about being a nationalist. We protect and we get killed. We do trading and we get killed. We can’t do it. I want other countries to treat us fairly, so in that sense, I am a nationalist.”

Richard A. Morgan is a writer based in Indianapolis. He has written for CNBC and Tonic/Vice.

Some senators reportedly have complained of a double standard in how the different threats are dealt with and California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) has asked for committee hearings on the matter.

According to Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO), not a single

11/7/18 10:20 AM

Black Church Sends Message to Trump White House in Two-Day ‘Call to Conscience’

ll (TriceEdneyWire.com) - As America prepares to return to the polls for mid-term elections amidst racial tensions, continued economic inequities and a President that appears to embrace racism and shun truth, thousands of Black church leaders and parishioners answered a “Call to Conscience/Day of Action” last week, intended to send a message to the White House and

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 10

beyond.

“Racism is not dead in America. As a matter of fact, it’s not even sick. It doesn’t even have a cold,” said Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, chair of the Conference of National Black Churches, preaching at a worship service the night before a mass rally in Lafayette Park across from the White House Sept. 6. “We live in one of the most racist times in the history of this country. In spite of the fact that we’ve come through slavery. There’s nothing good about slavery. But slavery provided a forum wherein our oppressors were visible and we could see them.

They were touchable. What makes the difficulties of this time is our oppressors are invisible.”

The worship service, intended to stir up those planning to attend the rally, was held at Reid Temple AME Church.

“Tomorrow at Lafayette Park, we not only want the occupant of 1600

Pennsylvania Avenue - who is living in the hands that Black hands built - we not only want him to see us we want him to hear us,” Bishop Reginald T. Jackson told the congregation. Jackson, president of the Council of AME Bishops, is the visionary who called the “Day of Action”.

The high-spirited two-day event drew hundreds to a day-long issues symposium before the worship service that drew more than a thousand. After the rally the next day, bishops and church leaders traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with senators and representatives.

The activities recalled a 1960s type movement, an awakening of sorts.

“There’s one thing that’s worse than slavery. That’s to adjust to it. A slave should be maladjusted,” said the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the worship service.

“It was hard to wake us up until Trump came along. Trump is nothing but a wakeup call.”

Richardson, the keynote speaker at the worship service, agreed that Trump is only temporary. But he warned, “He speaks for the oppressors. He speaks for the haters. We need to be aware that the nature of our battle. We will eliminate 45. But there’ll be some young aspiring 45s. They will be inspired by his conduct who’ll want to grow up and be like him.

We must watch for those who are on the horizon who must come this way.”

Franklyn pointed out that AfricanAmericans are statistically worse off than any other racial group in every social category in America. He then paralleled the current pains of Black people to those suffered by the Children of Israel in the Book of Jeremiah as they suffered an economic crisis.

“Seems like the harvest has come but we didn’t get any of the harvest. It was enough harvest for everybody, but the harvest was inequitably distributed.

The folk who got the harvest, took the harvest and passed it on to their children,” he said to the applauding and shouting congregation. “We as pastors, we must focus on what our people are going through. I don’t mean the members of our churches. I mean the collective African-American people!”

The next day, Lafayette Square was filled with prayers, songs of praise and calls for social Justice Sept. 6 as the Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church hosted a rally across from the White House to persuade President Trump to change his political ways.

The event, entitled a “Call for Conscience/Forward to Action”, featured leaders of the AME church and other national church leaders young and old. They made it clear that they are organizing a massive get out to vote campaign that they

11/7/18 10:20 AM

Why Stacey Abrams Is the Future for Democrats ll When you are black and fortunate enough to exist in an environment where your intelligence is valued and nurtured, you will inevitably be the First and Only. It could happen in a boardroom or a college seminar or a tournament – there are too many American venues where your blackness, treated like its own achievement, is used as a cloak for the past sins of others. Being the First and Only is rarely something to celebrate, and it can be a lonely way to make history.

Stacey Abrams doesn’t give much of a damn, though.

Certainly, the 44-year-old former Georgia House minority leader is the only black woman to have led either party in the state’s General Assembly or its House of Representatives.

And now she is the first black woman of a major party to be nominated for governor in any state.

That last part is likely why you’ve heard of her, though she is also running the campaign many liberals wish all Democrats would: Namely, forget compromising on issues like civil rights and abortion access; run candidates who look like your base; and stop devoting so much time, energy and money to winning over people who will never vote for you. “My approach is this,” Abrams says. “I’m not going to spend a disproportionate share of our

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 11

resources trying to convert Republicanleaning voters when we can invest in lifting up the voices of those who share our values. Because here’s the thing: I think our values are the right ones. And I think these values that are shared actually are going to be victorious on their own.”

Abrams’ white, center-left primary

defeated her fellow Stacey by more than 50 points, winning all but six of Georgia’s 159 counties – including 63 percent of lily-white Forsyth County, known to local residents for generations for its hostility to African-Americans.

When Abrams spoke with Rolling Stone, she felt unencumbered by the moment. “‘Burden,’ I think, is the wrong

opponent, fellow former Georgia House Rep. Stacey Evans, would have been the presumptive favorite in elections past. Like many Democrats, Evans was accustomed to a tired bit of strategy: The only way the left has a chance in the South is to be white and go right. During the campaign, she called Abrams’ progressive-centered approach “unhealthy for democracy.”

It didn’t matter: On May 22nd, Abrams

word,” she says. “I see this as a shared opportunity, but it’s also about what can happen if we do this, when we do this.” This isn’t just Abrams running her race – or running it in a red state, in the South, while a member of a particular race. Understanding her appeal and strategy are essential if Democrats hope to replicate her success. I don’t refer solely to her biography, which is itself extraordinary and perhaps

inimitable. How many gubernatorial hopefuls are both Yale Law alums and bestselling romance novelists? Abrams paired her personal narrative – including a frank Fortune op-ed about being more than $200,000 in debt – with a pitch aimed at mobilizing all liberal voters in the state. The New Georgia Project, which Abrams started in 2014, is working to register a “New American Majority” of young folks, unmarried women and people of color – a coalition that the group says makes up 62 percent of the voting-age population in Georgia, but only 53 percent of registered voters. “For me, it’s less a function of ideological defeat than it is about inspirational success,” Abrams says. “We are going to inspire voters who, for the first time, see their values in the candidate, and see the investment follow those values.”

11/7/18 10:20 AM

People Magazine Names Idris Elba 2018’s Sexiest Man Alive ll LOS ANGELES (AP) — People magazine has named Idris Elba as 2018’s Sexiest Man Alive, and the British actor says the honor has given him a boost of self-confidence.

Elba, who starred in “The Wire” and “Luther,” was surprised after being crowned this year’s winner, the magazine said .

“I was like, ‘Come on, no way.

Really?’” he told the magazine. “Looked in the mirror, I checked myself out. I was like, ‘Yeah, you are kind of sexy today.’

But to be honest, it was just a nice feeling. It was a nice surprise — an ego boost for sure.”

Elba’s selection was revealed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” with the actor appearing via satellite from London. Fallon had Elba

perform poses to match the magazine’s cover description of him as a “sweet, smoldering superstar.” Elba said of his selection, “My mom is going to be very, very proud.”

The actor has also starred in Marvel’s “Thor” franchise and as Nelson Mandela in the film “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.”

Elba, 46, also performs on the side under the deejay name DJ Big Driis and has his own clothing line. He is also planning a wedding with his fiancée Sabrina Dhowre.

The actor has a 16-year-old daughter, Isan, and a 4-year-old son, Winston, from previous relationships.

Elba told People about his upbringing as an only child of African immigrants growing up in East London.

The actor said his parents were strict and he got picked on often while attending an all-boys school despite playing an array of sports including football, basketball, cricket, hockey and rugby.

“I was very tall and skinny,” recalled Elba, who stands at 6-foot-3. “And my name was Idrissa Akuna Elba, OK? I got picked on a little bit. But again, as soon as I could grow a mustache, I was the coolest kid on the block.

Grew a mustache, had some muscles, bonkers.”

Past winners include Dwayne Johnson, David Beckham, Chris Hemsworth, Adam Levine, Channing Tatum and last year’s honoree, country star Blake Shelton.

Elba will be featured in a special

double issue that will hit newsstands Friday. The actor said he tries to live life without few regrets.

“Life isn’t about thinking about what you should have done,” he said. “I think everyone should adopt the philosophy that tomorrow is not promised so just go for it today. You might as well do it to your heart’s content.”

The Land of Funk: Dayton, Ohio Embraces its Funky History ll In February, after years in the making, the Funk Music Hall of Fame and Exhibition Center (also known as The Funk Center) held its grand opening in Dayton, Ohio. Why funk music? Why Dayton?

Why not?

Although there are a number of museums dedicated to pioneering forms of popular music created by Black Americans—including soul (Memphis’ Stax Museum and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum), jazz (the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum in New Orleans), and for hip hop, the in-development Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum in NYC— this is the first to honor funk. And it’s fitting that it is the city that’s been called “The Land of Funk.”

Dayton not only participated, but contributed mightily to the genre of funk that found its main commercial success in the 1970s. At the time, Dayton’s

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 12

black population was at the end of a three-decade swell—from 1940 to 1970, nearly 54,000 black people migrated to Dayton, while the city lost about 32,000 whites. Black residents concentrated in West Dayton, in part due to a history of redlining, and because of restrictive covenants that prevented the sale of east-side homes to black people, and that mortgage lenders were required to include if they wanted loans ensured by the FHA. While Dayton is considered a small city in comparison to major metropolitan areas, the number of classic funk hits that the area’s artists released within just a decade is staggering. As UCLA professor Scot Brown, a historian of funk in Dayton, wrote: “African Americans in Dayton comprised over one-third of a population of approximately 200,000 during the latter half of the 1970s.”

The critical mass of blacks plus the availability of relatively high-paying working class jobs, so that parents could

afford instruments, Brown has said, produced ripe circumstances: The funk musicians in West Dayton produced countless hits that reached the R&B Top 10 charts , sometimes crossing over to the pop charts, from the mid-1970s through mid-1980s. In February, after years in the making, the Funk Music Hall of Fame and Exhibition Center (also known as The Funk Center) held its grand opening in Dayton, Ohio. Why funk music? Why Dayton?

Why not?

Although there are a number of museums dedicated to pioneering forms of popular music created by Black Americans—including soul (Memphis’ Stax Museum and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum), jazz (the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum in New Orleans), and for hip hop, the in-development Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum in NYC— this is the first to honor funk. And it’s

fitting that it is the city that’s been called “The Land of Funk.”

Dayton not only participated, but contributed mightily to the genre of funk that found its main commercial success in the 1970s. At the time, Dayton’s black population was at the end of a three-decade swell—from 1940 to 1970, nearly 54,000 black people migrated to Dayton, while the city lost about 32,000 whites. Black residents concentrated in West Dayton, in part due to a history of redlining, and because of restrictive covenants that prevented the sale of east-side homes to black people, and that mortgage lenders were required to include if they wanted loans ensured by the FHA. While Dayton is considered a small city in comparison to major metropolitan areas, the number of classic funk hits that the area’s artists released within just a decade is staggering. As UCLA professor Scot Brown, a historian of funk in Dayton, wrote: “African Americans

11/7/18 10:20 AM

LET’S MAKE HISTORY

TOGETHER

Angela H. EPB Fiber Optics employee since 2011 Customer since 2010

EPB Fiber Optics is almost 100,000 neighbors strong. Thank you for being part of our community and helping share the news about the hometown history we’re making — together.

Join Chattanooga’s community network.

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 13

11/7/18 10:20 AM

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 14

11/7/18 10:22 AM

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

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 September 18, 2018. Time__2:00 P. M. Req: #174550At that time Bids will be publicly opened and read for: Lawn Care Services Twelve (12) Month Blanket Contract For Lawn care Services for Avondale Head Start Centers With The Option To Renew Two (2) Additional Years. NOTE: A Pre-bid Conference will be held September 11, 2018, 10:00 AM EST, Avondale Head Start Administration Building, Second Floor Training Room, 2302 Ocoee Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406Bid forms and 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 nondiscriminatory in the purchase of all goods and services on the basis of race, color, or natural origin.City of Chattanooga Dedra Partridge Buyer ADVERTISEMENTREQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE WASHINGTON HILLS YOUTH AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CENTERCITY OFCHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEECONTRACT NO. Y-18-005101(8-30-18)The 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 for the The Washington Hills Youth and Family Development Center, Contract No. Y-18-005-101, 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 September 28, 2018. 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 37402Phone: (423) 643-7230FAX: (423) 643-7244By: William C. Payne, P.E.City EngineerBy: Justin Holland Deputy Administrator of Public

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 15

Works20180830 Legal Notice Bids will be received by the City of Chattanooga Purchasing Department, 101 East 11th Street, Suite G-13, City Hall, Chattanooga, Tennessee, untilDate: September 11, 2018Time: 2:00 PMRequisition: R175211At that time Bids will be received for:Firequip Fire HosesBid documents may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Department. Call 423642-7230.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 proposal 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 national origin.City of Chattanooga William Tucker, Buyer 20180827 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, September 12, 2018, 9:30 AM, Recessed Meeting.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 9:30 AM, Agenda Preparation Session.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018, 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) 2096131.

W.F. (Bill) Knowles Legal Notice Bids will be received by the City of Chattanooga Purchasing Department, 101 East 11th Street, Suite G-13, City Hall, Chattanooga, Tennessee, untilDate: September 6, 2018Time: 2:00 PMRequisition: R175257At that time Bids will be received for:Hazardous Materials Detection EquipmentBid documents may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Department.

Call 423-642-7230.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 proposal 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 national origin.City of Chattanooga William Tucker, Buyer 20180827 Public Notice: The regular monthly meeting of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission will be held on Monday, September 10, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in The County Commission Room of the Courthouse, Fourth Floor, Room 402, located at 625 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37402 John Bridger Regional Planning Commission 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, September 20, 2018, 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 20180902 PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The City of Chattanooga’s Department of Economic and Community Development will conduct a public meeting at the City Council Assembly Room located at 1000 Lindsay Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 on Thursday, September 20, 2018, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The purpose of this meeting is to provide information and receive comments on the City’s FY 2017-2018 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) prior to its submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The CAPER is an overall review of housing and community development activities undertaken in FY 2017-2018 by the City utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and other federal funds. The CAPER outlines the amount of federal funding available for activities and expenditures that address the housing and community development outcomes set forth in the Consolidated Plan.

Beginning September 11, 2018, a copy of the CAPER will be available in the Department of Economic and Community Development located at 101 East 11th Street, Suite 200, Chattanooga, TN 37402. The deadline for consideration of written comments and/or suggestions is September 25, 2018, by the close of business. Comments may be mailed to Sandra Gober at the above address or faxed to (423) 643-7341. Interested citizens may also offer oral comments at the public meeting on September 20, 2018. The meeting facility is ADA accessible. If accommodations are needed for conditions other than a physical disability, please notify our office in advance by calling (423) 643-7331 or send an email to ctate@chattanooga.gov.20180902

11/7/18 10:22 AM

NOVEMBER Urban Voice.indd 16

11/7/18 10:22 AM