October 2016
Olivet Baptist Church Sponsors “In Pink” Event Oct.29th
UrbanVoice CULTURE NEWS POLITICS
Mark
THE REGION’S LEADING AFRICAN AMERICAN INFORMATION SOURCE
OCTOBER 2016
#RaceMatters Packaged Facts:in Homeownership Lending The Failures of Equity in Lending in Chattanooga, Tennessee African-American Buying Power Tops $1 Trillion
Deathridge Spending by African Americans on Dining Out, Home Improvement, Automobiles, and Financial Services Boom
politics:
Let’s VOTE!
I’m Over the Campaign Rhetoric
THDA Raising Down Payment Assistance Study:
Preschool teachers’ implicit bias impacts black boys most,
+
hamilton county
Black Caucus visit Fish Fry & tot tohost don’t forge g voice.or ban eur www.thMembership Drive
Why Are Majority Black Neighborhoods Excluded From Lending Activity?
REPORT: ALTON PARK & EAST CHATTANOOGA MOST IMPACTED
Power of Information.
I’m over the campaign Rhetoric. Let’s VOTE!
by JD HARPER I’m over It! I won’t let the spin of campaign strategists or hypercritical attacks on an opponent deter my thinking. The emperor clearly has no clothes and to waste any more time debating the obvious would be an exercise in futility. This Presidential campaign has been the most exhaustive candidate consciousness-raising campaign EVER. The choice has never been clearer. It really doesn’t matter how these candidates try to reshape their image at this point. Both are repulsive and polarizing when viewed by voters checking them out from the other side of the aisle. If you don’t know who you are going to vote for in this Presidential campaign by now, you’re not even trying to make a decision. Besides, it’s the local politics that we should be paying the most attention to. Most of us have watched more CNN, MSNBC and Fox News in the first half of this year than in the past decade altogether. There is no denying that the daily drama called Campaign 2016 was captivating at first - with the GOP first running 99 candidates, with an expected Bush being one of them, and Hillary Rodham Clinton jumping onto the Obama bus early on - but that soon got old. The daily news media is now a rehash of the same time-worn story lines. The presidential election coverage is now nothing more than a reality television show circus distracting voters from the truly important issues. Like President Obama says: “Don’t Boo…Vote!” The hottest local race by far is that of incumbent Todd Gardenhire (R) versus newcomer Khristy Wilkinson (D), in the Tennessee Senate, District 10 race. Honestly, I am shocked that Gardenhire even thinks for one moment that he 2 | URBAN VOICE 2016
would get ANY support from voters. Gardenhire is a “Christian” who consistently votes against helping the sick and the poor, and supports the presidential candidate running on a platform of racism, sexism, and xenophobia. He’s voted to repeal voterled initiatives like local hire, minimum wage increase, and equal pay for women. And, if you challenge him on his positions, he might call you an asshole or delete your emails. For me, Maya Angelou put it best: “When someone shows you who they are believe them; the first time.” I’m supporting Khristy Wilkinson. Why am I supporting her? Over the past few months I’ve heard her stump speeches and watched her work really hard balancing being a wife, mother and a candidate. She’s been working hard on issues affecting women and other minorities. In fact, she was there for the People’s State of the City (not just there, she spoke). She was there when the Hamilton County Black Caucus was launched. She’s been out supporting the work of groups like Chattanooga Organized for Action. She took on the Democratic Party establishment and WON—she’s a fighter. She’s supported the advocacy efforts of neighborhood associations. Her heart is right and she has compassion for people. I believe that she will be there to fight for the rights of People First., so I’m voting for Khristy Wilkinson because --#imwithhertoo. We must not forget that in this election cycle, as with every election cycle, the candidates are important, but voter participation is MORE important. We must ignore the mindless media babbling and focus on how we can make a difference. We must focus on how to get people to participate in the Democratic process. Start where
you live, stir up excitement for voter participation; in your household and family; throughout your neighborhood; among members of organizations with which you affiliate; on the job; and among peers you socialize with regularly. Deemphasize the candidates to focus on the vote. Getting people registered is good, but WE NEED PEOPLE TO VOTE. Here in our city, there are way too many districts with a single digit number voter participation. We need to engage African Americans in the process from the very start of their eligibility. Every high school and university campus should feature students busy registering their peers and orchestrating the mail-in ballot process so their vote will matter. Every church should coordinate membership registration, education and a system to provide rides to the polls. Conversely, nightclubs and entertainment establishments (T Roys, Pay Pays, Marys Lounge and Jay’s Bar) should have voter registration tables. Stores that cater to the Black community should be challenged to provide similar access. Every organization that you belong to should have a voter registration, education and facilitation component or you should cancel your membership. Individually and collectively, the so-called Divine Nine – the collection of Black Greek-Letter organizations – should be out front in every local undergraduate and graduates chapter. Throw a dance or step show and make voter registration cards admission. All Black media should dedicate the entire month of February to shoring up the vote. Too much is at stake. It won’t be enough for you to simply post your mug all over Facebook brandishing
your “I voted” sticker. The more important question will be, how many others did you convince to register AND cast their ballots? Our strength is in numbers. This is what the Hamilton County Black Caucus is all about. Black folk tend to be last minute by nature. No stereotype – truth. Ask any concert promoter or church event planner. To vote, we have to plan ahead. People need to be reminded that the General Election 2016 voter registration deadline is Tuesday, October 11TH for Tennessee residents. Other dates to remember include: Early voting Wednesday, October 19 through Thursday, November 3 Voting hours November 8 are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Tennessee To locate your polling place go to www. tnmap.tn.gov If we eventually build a strong enough voting contingent, we may someday be able to reverse laws and regulations that discourage rather than encourage participation in the most fundamental practice of democracy. When it comes to demanding justice for all, equal access to the American dream, an improved economy, raises in minimum wages, affordable education, freedom from war and conflicts, accessible health care, total inclusion and accommodations, respect for every culture and a climate of progressive thought – don’t just talk about it. Be about it. Help get out the vote! Voting is not the most we can do; it is the least we can do. Until Next Month,
JD Harper
OCTOBER 2016 Volume 2/Issue 8
CONTENTS
theurbanvoice.org
STUDY FINDS: Black Families Rejected for Home Loans at Higher Rate than whites in Chattanooga
THDA Takes Down Payment Assistance to New Levels
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Starting Monday, October 3, homebuyers looking to THDA for help with their down payments can apply for up to five percent of the home price.
#RACEMATTERS IN MORTGAGE LENDING IN CHATTANOOGA
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Chattanooga Organized for Action found in its report that from 2011-2014, predominantly black neighborhoods were lending deserts — barring families from the most common way to build wealth. The report — “Whose Reinvestment? The Failures of Equitable Home Lending in Chattanooga” — took a four-year snapshot of the city’s mortgage lending practices. .
Simplified Explanation of Charter Amendment Available on City of Knoxville’s Website
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Knoxville: Early voting begins next Wednesday, Oct. 19, for the Nov. 8 election. At the end of the ballot – after selections for president, Congress and the state Legislature – there are four proposed amendments to the
Hamilton County Black Caucus to host Fish Fry/ Membership Drive + Meet the Candidates . - oct. 22nd
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The newly formed Hamilton County Black Caucus will host a Fish Fry on Saturday, October 22nd at Eat to Live across from the Villages at Alton Park. Come out and Meet the Candidates for the Novemeber 8, 2016 General Election.
Preschool teachers’ implicit bias impacts black boys most, study says
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Preschool teachers look for disruptive behavior where they expect it — and they expect it most from black boys, new research from the Yale Child Study Center suggests.
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Howard University Announces the Cathy Hughes School of Communications
Staff Reporter (Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON Howard University president, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, today announced a multi-million dollar gift to its School of Communications from Alfred C. Liggins III, President and CEO of Radio One, Inc. This notable contribution was made through the Catherine L. Hughes and Alfred C. Liggins III Foundation and establishes that the School will be named in honor of Cathy Hughes, Radio One founder and Chairperson, and former Howard University staff member. An official ceremony to announce the
naming of the “Cathy Hughes School of Communications” will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2016, at Howard University. “The Howard community is thrilled that Mr. Liggins has chosen to honor his mother, Ms. Cathy Hughes, in this manner for her pioneering work in the field of communications,” said Dr. Frederick. “The gift will have a transformational impact on the School’s commitment to serve the communications industry and as a high-level producer of diverse media specialists.” He went on to acknowledge that Ms. Hughes is well known for her accomplishments at the School and University, particularly at WHUR-FM where she created the popular, urban music format known as the “Quiet Storm.” She is also the School’s third Time Warner Endowed Chair. The donation recognizes the extraordinary vigor of Howard’s School of Communications and its faculty, students, staff, and alumni. It demonstrates Ms. Hughes’ and Mr. Liggins’ firm beliefs in the role that the School plays in providing and sustaining a range of educational and leadership alternatives for African Americans within the communications sector. In 2013, the School reorganized its undergraduate programs and departments, graduate studies, and interdisciplinary options. Now in its 45th year of existence, the School proudly boasts four progressive departments:
Communication Culture and Media Studies; Communication Sciences and Disorders; Media, Journalism and Film; and Strategic, Legal and Management Communication. The Catherine L. Hughes and Alfred C. Liggins III Fund at Howard University will assist the School in acquiring cutting-edge technology and equipment, which will support its academically rich programs. Radio One invites its supporters and business partners to join its effort to promote and support Howard-educated communication leaders who will continue the cycle of influence and upliftment personified by Ms. Hughes. Donations should be made to Howard University and designated for the Cathy Hughes School of Communications. As Howard University approaches its sesquicentennial anniversary, its enthusiasm about the next 150 years is heightened by the generosity of Ms. Hughes and Mr. Liggins, and the legacy that they are graciously leaving behind. About Howard University Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University has produced three Rhodes Scholars, nine Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars,
Packaged Facts: African-American Buying Power Tops $1 Trillion the buying power of AfricanAmericans topped $1 trillion. Specifically, in the brand new report African-Americans: Demographic and Consumer Spending Trends, 10th Edition, leading market research firm Packaged Facts found that between 2010 and 2015 AfricanAmerican buying power grew ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. from $995 billion to $1.3 trillion for cumulative growth of 27%. 26, 2016 /PRNewswireLooking ahead, Packaged Facts USNewswire/ -- The forecasts cumulative growth of well-documented rapid growth of Hispanic, Asian, 16% between 2015-2020. The rise of affluent and other multicultural households has helped bolster segments of the U.S. African-American buying power. population has at times Between 2005 and 2014 the overshadowed the number of African-American noticeable economic households with an income of growth and influence $100,000 or more jumped 83%, of African-Americans. Within the past five years,
from 1.1 million to around two million. View additional information about African-Americans: Demographic and Consumer Spending Trends, 10th Edition, including purchase options, the abstract, table of contents, and related reports at Packaged Facts’ website: http://www.packagedfacts. com/African-AmericansDemographic-10293172/.
over 60 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University visit www.howard.edu. About Radio One, Inc. Radio One, Inc. is the largest AfricanAmerican owned multimedia company in the United States. It reaches more than 80-percent of the black community through its a highly successful divisions, TV One, Reach Media, Interactive One, One Solution and OneX. Its founder and Chairperson, Cathy Hughes is the first African-American woman to Chair a publically traded company, and her stellar contributions have allowed her to provide opportunities for other women and underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in the field of communications. In 2005, Howard University befittingly lauded Ms. Hughes for her work when it bestowed upon her the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. The name of this well-respected, nationally acclaimed entrepreneur, radio and television personality, business executive and philanthropist will be indelibly connected to the School of Communications at Howard University.
Tom Joyner Foundation Now Accepting Applications Full Ride Scholarship Program for Graduating HS Seniors
Dallas, TX — The Tom Joyner Foundation® announced the ‘Full Ride’ scholarship program that will cover all the expenses of one student planning to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the fall of 2017.
“The cost of a college education isn’t getting any cheaper,” said Tom Joyner, chairman of his Foundation and host of the top-ranked nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning show. “So, I want to help a graduating high school senior with a chance to attend a black college to pursue their dreams.” Students will receive full tuition and stipends for up to 10 semesters to cover on-campus room and board and books. Students must meet the required academic
standards each semester to renew the funds each year. Graduating high school seniors can apply for the scholarship by going to the Tom Joyner Foundation website at www. tomjoynerfoundation.org. Students must have their schools mail their transcripts and recommendations to the Foundation at P.O. Box 630495, Irving, TX 75063-0495.
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Mother of Zaevion Dobson to deliver fall Miller Lecture at UT Law
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (UTK School of Law) Zenobia Dobson, the mother of Zaevion Dobson, a Knoxville teenager who was killed last December shielding his friends from gunfire, will deliver the 2016 Charles H. Miller Lecture in Professional Responsibility at
the University of Tennessee College of Law. Presented by the UT Legal Clinic, the lecture will be at noon on Tuesday, November 1, in Room 132 of the College of Law (1505 W. Cumberland Ave., Knoxville). There is no cost to attend. Dobson, who accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award on her son’s behalf at the 2016 ESPY Awards in July, will discuss how she has channeled her grief to create positive change in the Knoxville community, as well as throughout the country, through the Zaevion Dobson Memorial Foundation (ZDMF). The foundation’s mission is to “provide enrichment, recreational, and educational
opportunities to underserved communities,” and is working to provide safe places, such as recreation centers and libraries, for youth to gather, have fun, learn new things, and be inspired. Dobson has used her platform to call for a reduction of gun violence through legislative and community action. Dobson will also discuss how legal professionals can help their clients in nontraditional ways. She will be joined by her attorneys, Ursula Bailey (’00) and Esther Roberts (’01), both of whom are UT Law Legal Clinic alumni. Along with local attorney Ben Norris, the two helped Dobson organize the ZDMF and continue to work
with her and the foundation on a pro bono basis. Immediately following the lecture, Dobson will meet with students in the UT chapter of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). The Charles Henderson Miller Lecture Series in Professional Responsibility was established in 1977 in honor of the late Professor Charles H. Miller, the founding director of the UT Legal Clinic, the longest-running legal clinic in the nation. The Miller Lecture marks the kickoff of the Legal Clinic’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
Gov. Bill Haslam announces governing board for MTSU Chattanooga Native Darrel Freeman, Sr. Appointed to MTSU Board of Directors
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced last week the eight appointees to the newly created Middle Tennessee State University local governing board, six of whom are graduates of the university. Middle Tennessee State University’s governing board is one of six to be appointed by the governor, a result of the governor’s FOCUS Act passed by the General Assembly earlier this year. With the exception of schools in the University of Tennessee 6 | URBAN VOICE 2016
system, the act breaks off four-year, public universities in the state from the Tennessee Board of Regents, which will concentrate its efforts on community colleges and technical schools. The governor’s appointees to the MTSU board are: • Andrew Adams, former chairman and CEO of National Healthcare Corporation • J.B. Baker, owner and CEO of Sprint Logistics • Pete Delay, executive in Forterra Building Products’ Nashville office • Darrell Freeman, Sr, executive chairman of Zycron, Inc. • Joey Jacobs, chairman and CEO of Acadia Healthcare Company • Chris Karbowiak, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and chief risk officer of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. • Stephen Smith, board chairman of Haury & Smith Contractors, Inc. • Pamela Wright, founder,
owner and CEO of Wright Travel The university is also allowed to place one faculty member and one student on the board. The Faculty Senate chose Dr. Tony Johnston from Agribusiness, Agriscience to be the first faculty representative to the Board of Trustees. The student member had not been announced as of Thursday evening. MTSU’s board will be able to make decisions about tuition and budget matters independently from other schools in the state. The idea is to give the university increased autonomy to support student success as the state continues its Drive to 55 initiative, according to a news release from the governor’s office. “I am thrilled and very excited by the nominations put forward by Gov. Haslam for the Board of Trustees for Middle Tennessee State University,” MTSU President Sidney McPhee said in
a statement released to The Daily News Journal. “I am very familiar with our nominees, and know well the broad range of experience and expertise they would be able to offer our university. We are honored that these outstanding citizens have allowed the governor to put their names forward for service to our university and the communities we serve.” “There is incredible momentum around Tennessee’s college enrollment rate, which increased to a historic high of 62.5 percent in 2015. With Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect we’ve been successful in increasing access to higher education, but as we change the conversation and culture of expectations in our state we have to ensure our colleges and universities are supported in their efforts to create student success,” Haslam said.
Good News Simplified Explanation of Charter Amendment Available on City of Knoxville’s Website Early voting begins next Wednesday, Oct. 19, for the Nov. 8 election. At the end of the ballot – after selections for president, Congress and the state Legislature – there are four proposed amendments to the Knoxville City Charter. For times and locations for early voting, or to peruse a sample ballot, visit the Knox County Election Commission website, www.knoxcounty.org/election. But if you find the “legalese” ballot language for the Charter amendments to be confusing, the City has prepared a summary, in layman’s terms, on each of the four proposed amendments – the ballot language, a simple description of what each proposal would do, and an explanation of why Mayor Rogero supports the amendments. Visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/election. Three of the Charter amendment proposals involve changes to the City employee pension system. They were proposed by the Pension Board and supported by Mayor Rogero, who’s a member of the Pension Board. None of the changes would increase any retiree benefits, so there’s no public expense associated with any of the proposals. A fourth proposal – requested by the Knox County Administrator of Elections – calls for moving the date of City primary elections from the last Tuesday in September in odd-numbered years to the last Tuesday in August in odd-numbered years. The change will allow more time for Knox County election workers to prepare and mail the ballots for the November general election in an organized and timely manner.
THDA Takes Down Payment Assistance to New Levels
Staff Reporter NASHVILLE Tenn. – Tennessee Housing Development Agency is raising the cap on its down payment assistance. Starting Monday, October 3, homebuyers looking to THDA for help with their down payments can apply for up to five percent of the home price.
“We have seen many first-time homebuyers get discouraged because they’re continually being outbid for homes in their price range,” said Ralph M. Perrey, THDA’s executive director. “This change will help our buyers make more competitive offers without driving up their monthly payments.” THDA approved the change at its Board of Directors meeting in Jackson last week. The new rules take effect Monday, October 3, on all new loan applications. “Saving up a down payment is still the biggest obstacle to homeownership for first-time homebuyers,” said Perrey. “Our home loan program is primarily designed to bring homebuyers into the market who have the income and credit score to be successful homeowners but don’t have a lot of money in the bank. Saving up for a down payment
is particularly difficult right now because of how fast rent is rising in Tennessee’s hottest housing markets.” The previous cap on down payment assistance was up to four percent of the home’s price. Last year, THDA provided an average of $5,014 in down payment assistance to qualified homebuyers. As before, assistance is provided in the form of a second loan on the home with no interest or monthly payments. “Under this program, we allow qualified homebuyers to use our money to cover the down payment and some of the closing costs, but we do require them to return the money when they sell, refinance or move out of the home,” said Perrey. To qualify for down payment assistance, homebuyers must qualify for and receive a Great Choice Home Loan to finance the
Hamilton County Black Caucus to host Fish Fry/Membership Drive + Meet the Candidates Event: Sat. - Oct. 22nd 10:00 am-2:00 pm GoVoteCHA: Offers Free Rides to The Polls Offered to Hamilton County Residents Beginning Oct 19 Through Election Day cold drinks + hot dogs) while they last. Attendees will also have an opportunityto sign up to become a member of the Hamilton County Black Caucus and meet the candidates running for office in November. Special thank to Khristy Wilkinson, Candidate for State Senate, District 10 who sponsored this event. Community partners will also provide free rides to EARLY VOTING at the event.
The newly formed Hamilton County Black Caucus will host a Fish Fry WHO: Hamilton County Black on Saturday, October 22nd Caucus at Eat to Live across from WHAT: Fish Fry/Membership the Villages at Alton Park. Drive This event will include WHEN: Saturday, October music, FREE FOOD (fried 22nd. 10:00 am -2:00 pm whiting fish, white bread, WHERE: 107 West 38th hot sauce, cole slaw and Street
Also, GoVoteCHA have partnered with a team of pastors and community leaders to offer free rides to the polls to any voter residing in Hamilton County. This transportation service will be provided during early voting which begins next Wednesday, Oct. 19 through Nov. 3 and also on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. Voters may schedule their ride by visiting www. GoVoteCHA.org or by calling 423-708-4490. Volunteers interested in assisting with this initiative should send an email to GoVoteCHA@gmail.com.
purchase of the home. Created by THDA and available through private lenders statewide, a Great Choice Home Loan is a 30-year, fixed interest rate home loan for individuals and families who meet certain restrictions set by THDA. These restrictions include a maximum household income that varies by county and a minimum credit score of 640. Homebuyers are also required to take a homebuyer education class in order to qualify for down payment assistance. An independent study recently demonstrated that homebuyers who received homebuyer education classes prior to the purchase are significantly more likely to be successful homeowners than those that did not. Under the revised rules approved by THDA’s Board of Directors last week, homebuyers who successfully pay off their
Great Choice Home Loans over 30 years will have their down payment assistance loans forgiven, meaning they do not have to pay back it back. However, Mr. Perrey noted that it is rare for homebuyers in the program to remain in the same home for 30 years. No taxpayer dollars are used to fund THDA’s Great Choice Home Loans or down payment assistance. This program is entirely funded by bond sales and revenue generated by the home loans themselves. For more information, visit GreatChoiceTN.com.
Olivet Baptist Church Sponsors “In Pink” Event For Breast Cancer Awareness Oct.29th
“In the Pink” is an Olivet Baptist Church breast cancer awareness event that will take place on Saturday, Oct. 29. At 10 a.m. the Kingdom Center doors will be open with a vendor expo. At 11 a.m. the program will start with Ms. Nicole Brown as the mistress of ceremony.
There will be a medical presentation by Terriest Haire, nurse practitioner, and Mary Ellen Locher Breast Center staff. There will also be musical selections by Minister Dorothy Graves, Pat White and Janet Young, and survivors testimonies will take place as well. The Memorial Mammogram Coach
will be in the parking lot performing mammograms from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 423-495-4040 to schedule a mammogram. The event is free, but registration is required by calling the church office at 423-266-8709.
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Social.
events
ATLANTA OCTOBER 6-15 Atlanta Black Theatre Festival http://www.atlantabtf.org/ OCTOBER 14-16 Clark Atlanta University Homecoming Game vs. Benedict College | Oct 15 @ 2pm OCTOBER 25 KING Center Stage Theatre | 8pm OCTOBER 28-30 Morehouse College Homecoming Weekend Game vs. Fort Valley State | Oct 29 @ 2pm OCTOBER Taste of Atlanta http://tasteofatlanta.com/
MEMPHIS SEPTEMBER 10 Southern Heritage Classic : Classic Battle Of The Bands Whitehaven High School | 10am SEPTEMBER 10 Southern Heritage Football Classic Game Jackson State vs. Tennessee State Liberty Bowl SEPTEMBER 17 R. Kelly: The Buffet Tour 2016 Fed Ex Forum | 8pm
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NASHVILLE NASHVILLE OCTOBER 2 Beyoncé - The Formation World Tour Nissan Stadium | 7:30pm OCTOBER 14-16 Tennessee State Homecoming Weekend Game vs. Eastern Kentucky | Oct 15 @ 6pm
BIRMINGHAM OCTOBER 7-9 Miles College Homecoming Weekend Game vs. Central State | Oct 8 @ 1pm OCTOBER 28 Magic City Classic Fest Bell Biv Devoe, Mint Condition, Doug E. Fresh, Jadded Edge, Club Nouveau BJCC Legacy Arena OCTOBER 29 75th Magic City Classsic Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State Legion Field | 2:30pm NOVEMBER 11 Gucci Mane and friends BJCC Legacy Arena | 7pm NOVEMBER 25 Festival of Praise BJCC Legacy Arena NOVEMBER 11 Gucci Mane and friends BJCC Legacy Arena | 7pm The Isley Brothers Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 7:30pm
feature
#RaceMatters in Chattanooga Lending
First Tennessee Bank gave only ONE Conventional Home Mortgage Loan to African Americans between 2011-2014 Written By • Lynn Cole & JD Harper/ Read the Full REPORT: www.chattaction.org
“Find your Next Home Sweet Loan”. This is the message that First Tennessee Bank conveys when customers visit the bank’s website seeking information about obtaining a mortgage. Despite the fact that this welcome is accompanied by an image of an African American couple, a recent report shows that First Tennessee, among other top banks in the Chattanooga area, may not be as welcoming to African American consumers when it comes to being approved for a home loan as they want people to believe. According to, Whose Reinvestment? The Failures of Equitable Home Lending in Chattanooga, a report released by local nonprofit group, Chattanooga Organized for Action, the lending practices of First Tennessee Bank and ten other local banks has 10 | URBAN VOICE 2016
created lending deserts in predominately black neighborhoods and kept families from attaining what many see as the most visual marker of obtaining the “American Dream” and what financial experts say is the most common way to build wealth – purchasing a home. The homeownership rate for African Americans is now lower than the national homeownership rate was during the 1930s – the height of the Great Depression. “The continued institutional denial of equal access to mortgage credit is the singlemost detrimental factor obstructing wealth building among Black Americans, “ said Ron Cooper, president of the National Association of Black Real Estate Brokers. The effect on minority communities can be profound. Homeownership
is a cornerstone of economic mobility, and without a stable group of homeowners, neighborhoods can be left vulnerable to blight and disrepair. The report, compiled from data from the years 2011 through 2014, shows a pattern of racial discriminatory lending practices and gives a stark, dismal fouryear snapshot of what minorities have faced in Chattanooga when trying to purchase a home. Leading the way of these lending disparities are the top eleven banks in the city by market share, including First Tennessee, Suntrust, Regions, Capital Mark, Bank of America, FSG, Cornerstone, BB&T, First Volunteer, Synovus, and First Bank. Among the key findings of the report were: 1. Race matters in
the Chattanooga lending market. 2. Large, particular largely minority, sections of Hamilton County have been disinvested by major lenders. 3. There is a significant disparity in home loan origination between African-American and white residents of Chattanooga. 4. The lending market seems to favor other minorities over AfricanAmerican minorities. 5. Banking branches are not easily accessible in high-minority and/or low-income census tracts in Chattanooga. These findings, unfortunately, could make a strong case against Chattanooga’s top banks for a discriminatory practice known as redlining. Redlining refers to a discriminatory pattern of disinvestment and
obstructive lending practices that act as an impediment to home ownership among African Americans and other people of color. Historically, banks used the concept to deny loans to homeowners and would-be homeowners who lived in these neighborhoods. This in turn resulted in neighborhood economic decline and the withholding of services or their provision at an exceptionally high cost. The origin of the term stems from the policies developed by the Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) created in 1933 by the Franklin Roosevelt Administration to reduce home foreclosures during the Depression and then institutionalized by the 1937 U.S. Housing Act which established the Federal Housing Association (FHA). Federal housing
agencies including the HOLC and the FHA determined whether areas were deemed unfit for investment by banks, insurance companies, savings and loan associations, and other financial services companies. The areas were physically demarcated with red shading on a map. In contrast, zones which were to receive preferential lending status were marked in green shading and intermediate areas in blue shading. Often these decisions were arbitrarily based on the area’s racial composition rather than income levels. While the practice was almost universal before 1968, the Civil Rights Act passed that year theoretically outlawed redlining.
“We are not claiming this is straight out discrimination on loan officers and all of the banks,” said Michael Gilliland, Chair of COA. “It happens to be more complicated than that. It is also more complicated than who has credit scores that fit the loans.” Perhaps, what makes the report even more complicated and downright alarming is the fact that this report comes right on the heels of The Unfinished Agenda, a joint report released last year by Dr. Ken Chilton, Chattanooga Ochs Center’s former head and current Department of Public Administration professor at Tennessee State University, and the Hamilton County branch of the NAACP. Research from The Unfinished Agenda concluded that investments made in and around downtown Chattanooga have not been replicated in other lowincome neighborhoods and that North Chattanooga, downtown Chattanooga, and the Southside continued to show patterns of gentrification as the number
Bank settled for $212.5 million against allegations that the bank had certified FHA insurance mortgage loans that did not meet the underwriting requirements of the Department of Housing and o In the communities Urban Development (HUD). in and around the downtown In February of this year, First core, the number of whites Tennessee reached a 1.9 million increased from 2,402 in 1990 settlement over allegations to 4,880 in 2013 (103 percent). that the bank violated the Fair Simultaneously, the number Housing Act by discriminating of African Americans in these against African-American neighborhoods decreased from and Hispanic mortgage loan 3,720 to 2,358 (-36 percent). applicants by denying them o In Chattanooga, 36 mortgage loans, and by allegedly percent of African Americans failing to place bank branches live in poverty compared to 14.5 in minority concentrated areas percent of whites. Two-thirds of in Chattanooga, Memphis, and African American residents of Alton Park (Census Tract 19) live Nashville. In July of 2012, Wells Fargo in poverty, and 34.5 % of African settled a lawsuit with the United Americans are unemployed. States Justice Department by o In the area of agreeing to pay $175 million Chattanooga known as the to resolve allegations that the Westside (Tract 16), 40 percent financial giant charged African of African Americans in the Americans and Hispanics higher workforce are unemployed. rates and fees on mortgages even when they qualified for better According to public records, rates. discriminatory lending practices Sherman Matthews, president are not a new issue for the of the Chattanooga Unity Group, banking industry. In June 2015, First Tennessee says that this practice doesn’t of African Americans living in and near those areas has been steadily declining. Key findings from that report showed that:
just affect blacks that are trying to become first time homebuyers, but that blacks in Chattanooga aren’t given the chance to be successful homeowners as well. “If we’re not getting home improvement loans - how can we improve the property? How do we build wealth? Not being able to borrow money to make improvements makes the property values go down,” said Matthews. “Freedom still has not rang in Chattanooga for Black People some 53 years since Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream in Washington, DC. In 2016 that dream has turned into a nightmare. In fact, the banks in our city have assured that they do not have a problem holding hands with Black People signing We Shall Overcome, but they definitely have a problem putting dollars into those same hands so that Black people can become overcomers”, said Kevin Muhammad, local representative of the Nation of Islam. This issue was also the topic of discussion at the Issues forum during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundations’ 46th
Legislative Conference held last month. There, experts warned that mortgage-lending disparities, coupled with public polices and governmental inaction impede the growth of homeownership by Black people, and that the situation for African American homeownership is not predicted to improve without radial changes to lending practices. “Equal access to mortgage credit for minorities remains a serious issue,” states Laurie Goodman, director of the Housing Finance Policy Center. “In fact equal access to credit for all creditworthy borrowers is a major challenge. And since minorities generally have lower credit scores than white, non-Hispanic Americans, this challenge disproportionately affects minority borrowers”
For Equal Credit Opportunity Violations Contact: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at 855.411.2372 and for FHA Violations contact HUD at www.hud.gov/ complaints 1.800.669.9777
VOTE JOANNE
FAVORS Experience Leadership Commitment Early Voting Oct. 19 - Nov. 3rd Election Day Nov.8th URBANVOICE 2016 | 11
MBDA Announces 2016 MED Week Award Winners Honoring excellence in the minority business community in D.C.
PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) today announced the 2016 National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Award winners. MBDA will honor 19 organizations, businesses, and individuals who have demonstrated leadership, commitment and excellence in advancing the minority business community. “We’re honored to recognize this dynamic group of individuals who have dedicated themselves and their resources to ensuring the advancement of the minority business community,” said Alejandra Y. Castillo, MBDA National Director. “Their contributions are essential to creating an ecosystem that supports, develops and elevates U.S. minority business enterprises now and in the future.” The MED Week awards celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs based on challenges overcome, total revenue, jobs created, and the economic impact. MBDA also recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the advancement of the minority business community. The following are the 2016 National Minority Enterprise Development Award Winners: Abe Venable Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement is presented to an individual who has played an integral role 12 | URBAN VOICE 2016
in the creative, technical or professional progress of minority business development over the course of their life. This year’s award recipient is Shelly Stewart, Vice President of DuPont Sourcing & Logistics and Chief Procurement Officer. Stewart leads global procurement and logistics activities totaling $20 billion. Stewart is on the board of directors of Cleco Corporation where he leads the Nominating and Governance Committee and has served as a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprise. Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award is inspired by the outstanding leadership of the late U.S. Secretary of Commerce and recognizes an individual who has shown exceptional leadership and achieved significant success in supporting diversity in the public or private sector. This year’s award recipient is Carla Harris, Vice-President of Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. Harris has extensive industry experiences in the technology, media, retail, telecommunications, transportation, industrial, and healthcare sectors. Champions of Minority Business Development: Advocate of the Year Award is being presented to Ron Busby, CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. As President/CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., Busby brings business management skills as well as a lifetime of community development experience to the organization. Busby is a former successful business owner himself and has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading CEOs. He serves on the Pfizer Small Business Council, National Newspapers Publishers Association Foundation Board of Directors, and White House African American Leadership
Council. Advocate of the Year Award is being presented to Frank Lemos, Founder and CEO of LDC, Inc. Lemos is a successful businessman in the Pacific Northwest with more than 25 years of experience in the professional construction consulting industry. Lemos founded LDC, Inc., a civil engineering firm, in 2003, with a focus on new home construction that serves local and regional developers and national home builders. Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award is being presented to Ford Motor Company. Ford Motor Company has an incredibly strong culture of diversity and inclusiveness and continues to work to ensure company employees reflect the diverse perspectives of their global customer base. Ford believes that diversity and inclusion are critical to its success. The Access to Capital Award is being presented to Bank2, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chickasaw Banc Holding Company. Founded in 2002, Bank2 is 100 percent owned by the Chickasaw Nation and the number one source of Native American home loans in the state of Oklahoma. The bank has grown from $7.5 million in assets to more than $100 million. Minority-Owned Firms: Minority Construction Firm of the Year is being presented to Hal Hays Construction, Inc. (HHCI). HHCI, a Native American-owned firm, is an award-winning design build construction firm specializing in both vertical and horizontal projects for the federal government, energy, public utilities, Fortune 500, wireless, security, water, telecom, healthcare, transportation, aviation, wastewater, and aerospace industries. Minority Export Firm of
the Year is being presented to Royal Shipping Lines. Founded in 2005, Royal Shipping Lines provides freight-forwarding services for customers to transport vehicles and heavy equipment abroad. Minority Manufacturing Firm of the Year is being presented to Summit Container Corporation. Founded in 1984, Summit Container Corporation is an award-winning packaging design, manufacturing and contract packaging firm. Minority Energy Firm of the Year is being presented to Next Gen Fuels. Next Gen Fuels supplies all major grades of unleaded gasoline, high and low sulfur diesel fuels, biodiesel, ethanol, and fuel additives. Minority Technology Firm of the Year is being presented to Technology Integration Group (TIG), which specializes in IT hardware, software procurement and fulfillment, professional services including data center, network infrastructure, virtualization, cloud computing, security and wireless, unified communications, as well as managed services. Minority Health Products and Services Firm of the
healthcare industry. Minority Marketing and Communications Firm of the Year is being presented to KNOCK, Inc. KNOCK, Inc., is a Minneapolis-based creative agency driven by strategy, culture and design, founded by Lili Hall in 2001. Minority Professional Services Firm of the Year is being presented to Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, Inc., an award-winning ISO 9001:2008 certified business that has been in operation since 1993. MBDA Minority Business Enterprise of the Year is being presented to Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc. The firm provides chemical management services and is an independent petrochemical distributor. Its headquarters and main warehousing facilities are in Houston. The MED Week winners will be recognized during the 2016 National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc., Conference, October 23-26, in Chicago. Visit MBDA.gov to view the complete list of this year’s award winners. Since 1983, a Presidential Proclamation has been issued designating National Minority
Shanklin & Son’s
Year is being presented to Trinity Sterile, Inc., based in Salisbury, Md. Trinity Sterile, Inc., is one of the fastestgrowing certified minority business enterprises serving the
Enterprise Development Week as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the minority business community to the economy.
www.khristywilkinson.org Early Voting Oct. 19 - Nov. 3 Election Day Nov. 8 Paid for by Friends of Khristy Wilkinson URBANVOICE 2016 | 13
Preschool teachers’ implicit bias impacts black boys most, study says Op-Ed by Jeremy Hay
Preschool teachers look for disruptive behavior where they expect it — and they expect it most from black boys, new research from the Yale Child Study Center suggests. The study’s findings are especially important in the context of federal data showing that black boys are more likely to get suspended or expelled from preschool than other children. Implicit bias — which was defined as “automatic and unconscious stereotypes that drive people to behave and make decisions in certain ways” — was central to the new study: “Do Early Educators’ Implicit Biases Regarding Sex and Race Relate to Behavior Expectations and Recommendations of Preschool Expulsions and Suspensions?” “Preschool expulsions and the disproportionate expulsion of black boys have gained attention in recent years, but little has been done to understand the underlying causes behind this issue,” the study released this week said. And, as lead researcher Walter Gilliam said he expected, the study uncovered significant evidence of implicit bias among preschool teachers. The expectation that black boys will be more disruptive correlates to the disproportionate rate at which those students are disciplined, said Linda Brault, a behavioral specialist and project director of the nonprofit WestEd Center for Child and Family Studies.
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“You see what you’re looking for,” said Brault, who chairs a state subcommittee charged with designing training and policy recommendations for preschool discipline practices and data collection. The study “validates something we’ve been saying is needed — we have to get to the point where people recognize that they bring a mindset to the work,” she said. The subcommittee planned to discuss the Yale study Thursday, Brault said. “You see what you’re looking for,” said Linda Brault, project director, WestEd Center for Child and Family Studies. For the study, Gilliam and the research team recruited 135 teachers at an annual conference for pre-K teachers to watch a series of short videos that each included four children: a white boy and girl and a black boy and girl. The teachers were told: “We are interested in learning about how teachers detect challenging behavior in the classroom. Sometimes this involves seeing behavior before it becomes problematic. The video segments you are about to view are of preschoolers engaging in various activities. Some clips may or may not contain challenging behaviors. Your job is to press the enter key on the external keypad every time you see a behavior that could become a potential challenge.” But the study was deceiving, too: The videos contained no challenging behavior. Instead, the children were shown engaging in normal classroom activities.
As the teachers watched, the trajectory of their gaze was tracked by eyescanning technology. The result: Teachers watched black children the most — particularly the black boys. Asked later which children required the most attention, 42 percent of teachers said the black boy did; 34 percent of the teachers said the white boy did; 13 percent said the white girl; and 10 percent said the black girl. “This is consistent with the robust literature that evidences disproportionate rates of disciplinary referrals and exclusionary practices for black boys that are not better accounted for by other factors,” the study said. “It starts the school-toprison pipeline,” said Tasha Henneman, education and health policy advisor to Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates. Black children are 3.6 percent more likely to be suspended from preschool than white children, according to a recent U.S. Department of Education report of 2013-14 data. That report showed that while black boys are 19 percent of the country’s preschool population, they represent 45 percent of suspensions of male students. Such biases have dangerous long-term effects, said Tasha Henneman, who has researched the subject and is now education and health policy advisor to Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates. “It starts the school-toprison pipeline,” she said, referring to the notion that how black children are perceived
and treated in school in terms of discipline leads to a greater likelihood that they will be imprisoned as adults. “The immediate effect is that these biases are all reinforcing very negative messaging about who they are, how they’re valued in society,” Henneman said. “And who that child is, that message gets passed along to the kindergarten teacher, and the kindergarten teacher passes it along to the 1st-grade teacher, and this identity can stay with the student.” A second section of the Yale study gauged teacher implicit bias through their reactions to a vignette. The vignette described a child exhibiting challenging behaviors, including yanking toys from other children, calling others inappropriate names, scratching other children, and screaming and running away from staff. The problematic child was given a stereotypical name “implying whether they were black or white, DeShawn, Latoya, Jake and Emily.” Teachers were asked to rate the severity of the child’s behavior, as well as the degree to which they felt nothing could be done about the behavior. The result: White teachers rated the white students’ behavior more severely. That is evidence, according to the study, that expectations are lower for black students. However, black teachers held the black students to higher standards of behavior, rating their behavior more severely than they did white students.
Quick News Beautillion XII ‘The Making of A Gentleman’ Event Will Be Held Nov. 6 The Chattanooga Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is sponsoring Beautillion XII, “The Making of a Gentleman,” a biennial program of activities developed especially for African-American males in the 11th and 12th grades in the Chattanooga area. Culminating the event is a formal gala to be held on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center to highlight the talents and achievements of each “Beau” and to formally introduce these young men (Beaux) to the Chattanooga community. Ticket price is a donation of $50 per person, which includes a formal dinner and entertainment by the young gentlemen beaux of Beautillion XII. Tickets can be obtained from Tonya Lytle via email at tonya4212@gmail.com. For more information, contact, Beautillion XII Chair, Karen Officer Bell, at kaobell@gmail.com. The Links Chattanooga Chapter president is Edna Varner.
Free Clothing Give-Away Oct. 29 At Union Hill Missionary Baptist Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church invites the community to a Clothing GiveAway in the church parking lot at 1800 North Chamberlain Ave. on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Althea Word-Smith or the church office 423-698-0337.
President Obama Lifts Restrictions on Cuban Rum, Cigars President Obama has announced his approval of new regulations to facilitate business and trade with Cuba. One of the most significant actions was to rescind the ban on receving cargo ships in U.S. ports for six month after having docked in Cuba. This provision could make much more viable the deep water port that the Castro govenment built with Brazillian funding at Mariel qwest of Havana. Likewise, restrictions on the amount of rum and cigars, will be lifted as of Monday, October 17th.
Public Notices/Classifieds *** REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS***
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CITY OF CHATTANOOGA Legal Notice Proposals will be received by the City of Chattanooga Purchasing Department, 101 East 11th Street, Suite G13, City Hall, Chattanooga, Tennessee untilDate: October 19, 2016Time: 2:00 P. M.Req: # R143520At that time Sealed Bids will be publicly opened for:Refuse and Recyclables TransportProject specifications and documents may be obtained by contacting the Purchasing Department. Call 423-643-7230. The City of Chattanooga, at its discretion, may not open a single submittal. The City of Chattanooga reserves the right to reject any and/or all submittals received, waive any informalities in the submittals received, and to accept any submittal 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 20161006
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*** MEETING NOTICE *** The Hamilton County Water & Wastewater Treatment Authority MEETING NOTICEThe Board of Commissioners of the Hamilton County Water & Wastewater Treatment Authority will meet at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, in room 1A of the Development Resource Center, 1250 Market Street, for the purpose of conducting such business as may properly come before it (423) 209-7842.20161007
FREE FOOD
SATURDAY OCT.22ND
#JOINTHEHCBCMOVEMENT 10AM - 2PM // FREE FOOD WHILE IT LASTS//PARKING LOT OF EAT TO LIVE ACROSS FROM THE VILLAGES: 107 W 38TH STREET
SATURDAYDEC.17
MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR THE NOVEMBER 2016 GENERAL ELECTION
HELP WANTED VAN/BUS DRIVERS: Responsible for the welfare and safety of all children during transportation. Must have F Endorsement and Pass TBI Background Checks. All interested candidates should contact Ms. Patti at (423) 468-4678
*** AUCTION*
UTC Auction to be held Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at 400 Palmetto St. Used lab/classroom & office furn/eqpt/supplies, computer eqpt, printers, AV equipment, appliances, scientific eqpt, lamps, commercial moving dolly, Fischer Scientific Isotemp Refrigerators and Freezer, Pontoon Boat, Craftsman 25HPV-Twin Mower, Trackless Train Cars, Restaurant Equipment & Supplies, Fireking Turtle Fireproof file cabinets, Physical Therapy beds and tables, Wheelchairs, Mobile Stainless Steel Tanks, Exercise equipment, Miscellaneous Brass Valves & Fittings, Bicycles and Bicycle Frames, Riot Gear, 3M MS2 Modular Splicing System, TI 81 View Screens and calculators, Portable Radar Speed Sign, Park & Sun Volleyball Net System, Campmor Outdoor Products Bag & Miscellaneous Items, electronics, electrical supplies, Easels, Panavise Vise Head, Portable Accordion Wall, and other miscellaneous items.20161008
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