Start-Up Week Chattanooga. ONE CITY. FIVE DAYS + 100 EVENTS. OCT 3-7
UrbanV ice Women CULTURE NEWS POLITICS
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TEMBER
CHATTANOOGA | KNOXVILLE | ATLANTA
2015SEPTEMBER 2016
Pay Gap Costing PRICE $1.99
ISSUE #404
WHAT TO DO ABOUT GENTRIFICATION?
We need an equity agenda! INSIDE: SOCIAL EVENTS
BEYONCE: FORMATION TOUR ANTHONY HAMILTON
Politics Matter — Register and Definitely Vote rg o . it s e i v c et to banvoi g r o f r don’tw.theu ww
Remembering George Curry Leaked Memo Told Dems: ‘Don’t Offer Support’ For Black Lives Matter Policy Positions
Remembering George Curry Award-winning Civil Rights Journalist, Knoxville College Graduate/Trustee and Black Press Columnist George Curry Dead at 69 by jd harper George Edward Curry, considered the “dean of black press columnists died of heart failure on Saturday, August 20, 2016. I never met George Curry in person— something I will forever regret. I was certainly a fan of his work. I trusted his perspective. His writing helped me to elevate my thinking and let me know it was okay to not agree with the public narrative that didn’t include the voices of people looked like me. When I contemplated starting the Urban Voice, I took a chance and I reached out to George Curry on social 2 | URBAN VOICE 2016
media. To my surprise he not only responded via social media, we also shared a couple of phone conversations. I let him know I was a graduate of Morehouse and applauded his efforts to save Knoxville College. Furthermore, I complemented his work with Emerge and asked for his permission to include his columns in my monthly publication. He responded favorably and provided words of wisdom that I will always cherish. George Curry helped me set my path. A gentleman and scholar, George was born during Black
History Month (same month I was born) in 1947 to a mechanic and housekeeper, Homer Lee and Martha Curry, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. At Knoxville College he was quarterback for the Knoxville football team and editor of The Aurora, the campus newspaper. After college graduation, Curry was recruited by Sports Illustrated, becoming the second sportswriter of color to be hired by the magazine. Curry was widely known as editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine (a national monthly magazine founded by Wilmer Ames, as
a serious alternative to Ebony magazine). Emerge was published from 1989 to 2000. Its primary focus was on issues of interest to African Americans. In 2000, Time said Emerge was “the nation’s best black newsmagazine for the past seven years”. George Curry was a very busy man. However, George recognized the importance of training the next group to take on the baton of articulating the African American narrative. George founded the nation’s first minority teen training program, the St. Louis Minority Journalism
Workshop, in 1977. He founded the Washington Association of Black Journalists’ annual high school journalism workshop seven years later. What has made Curry’s passing even tougher is that his death comes when we are losing those who promoted affirmative action in employment, diversity and coverage. These roles are not being filled fast enough with successors of equal courage and determination. George wrote what needed to be written, said what needed to be
said. We are here, George. We will continue the mission. We will continue to recount the history that doesn’t even make the mainstream headlines. We will continue to offer the perspectives of the forgotten and ignored, action that compounds America’s race problem. That legacy is one I hope brings you joy. Until Next Month,
JD Harper
SEPTEMBER 2016 Volume 2/Issue 7
CONTENTS
theurbanvoice.org
Chattanooga’s Black Political Leadership Continues Declines.
America’s Pay Gap Could Cost Black Women More than $1M
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Women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce. Full participants, they’ve reached equal and some cases higher, levels than their male counterparts, and yet, as the Women’s institute of Policy research makes plain: the gap between men and women’s income remains.
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WE NEED AN EQUITY AGENDA IN EAST TENNESSEE Equitable development is an approach to creating healthy, vibrant, communities of opportunity. Equitable outcomes come when smart, intentional strategies are put in place to ensure that everyone can participate in and benefit from decisions that shape their neighborhood and region. Revitalization and the control and use of land--- too often magnifies the economic, social and political inequality that exists in cities.
COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY City Councilman Larry TO BE HELD SUNDAY, Grohn To Run For Mayor SEPT. 4, AT HARRIET Of Chattanooga. TUBMAN PARK
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Knoxville: The Change Center will be sponsoring an Old Skool Block Party, presented by Sterling “Sterl The Pearl” Henton. The block party will be held on Sunday, Sept. 4, from 5-8 p.m. at Harriet Tubman Park, 300 Harriet Tubman St.
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District 4 City Councilman Larry Grohn officially announced his bid for Chattanooga mayor Tuesday. In related news. Pat Benson Jr. officially launched his campaign for Chattanooga City Council District 9 becoming the first candidate to put forward his name in the city election next March. Yusuf Hakeem is the District 9 incumbent.
The Tenesha Irvin Show Presents... 2nd Annual New Chattanooga Expo Oct.1
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On Saturday, October 1, 2016 The Tenesha Irvin Show will present the 2nd Annual New Chattanooga Community Expo at the Avondale Youth and Family Development Center between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm.
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Community Block Party o be held Sunday, September SEPT. 4, at Harriet Tubman Park KNOXVILLE, Tenn. –Back by popular demand and just in time to celebrate the Labor Day holiday, the Change Center will be sponsoring an Old Skool Block Party, presented by Sterling “Sterl The Pearl” Henton. The block party will be held on Sunday, Sept. 4, from 5-8 p.m. at Harriet Tubman Park, 300 Harriet Tubman St. “The first block party held in July was an unmitigated success. It reached beyond the walls and engaged citizens in the movement for change,” enthused Henton. “The community‘s enthusiasm and engagement in supporting a neighborhood event was contagious. As soon as the event was over, I was already planning and envisioning the next block party. “ The Change Center, projected to open in late
2017, will have free admission and moderate activity fees for attractions, games and concessions. In addition, the Change Center Jobs Initiative will include job training, direct entry-level jobs for young people within the Center, connections to jobs in the greater community, and entrepreneurial job creation. The block party will feature street hockey with the Knoxville Ice Bears, music, face painting, Rita’s Italian Ice, the Urban Chess Club and family-friendly activities. “The Ice Bears are excited about the opportunity to connect with the community. As ambassadors for the city, we want to be a part of an initiative that promotes leadership development and encourages young people to dream big while providing them the resources to soar
personally and professionally,” said Knoxville Ice Bears Executive Vice President Dave Feather. “We realize that Knoxville is better and stronger when everyone feels connected and empowered, has marketable skills that provide sustainable incomes, encourages positive change and fosters hope for the future.” In support of the Change 4 Change campaign, a collection tub will be placed by the DJ booth to collect pennies and change as part of capital fundraising for the Change Center. Citizens are encouraged to donate and share on social media using the hashtag #EveryPennyCounts. “The Change 4 Change campaign is an opportunity for the community to have a personal investment in the
Change Center,” explained the Center’s Executive Director, Nicole Chandler. “The foundation for lasting peace in our City has to start with members of the community. We want every person who donates – whether it is a few cents, a few dollars or several dollars – to feel like they are part of this movement to help create opportunities for success.” For more information or to contribute to the Change Center, see www. changecenterknoxville. com. Nicole Chandler can be reached at 865951-1567 or nicole@ changecenterknoxville.com.
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ONE CITY. FIVE DAYS. 100+ EVENTS. Five packed days of community-led entrepreneurial learning, inspiration, and celebration!
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Quick News City of Knoxville to Offer Class on Starting Neighborhood Organizations The City of Knoxville’s Office of Neighborhoods is offering a September workshop on how to start a neighborhood organization in the city. “There are 125 neighborhood groups registered with the Office of Neighborhoods, but there are many city neighborhoods that have no organization and therefore no vehicle for addressing neighborhood problems and opportunities,” noted David Massey, the City’s Neighborhood Coordinator. The class will be held at the United Way Building, 1301 Hannah Avenue from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The class is free, but participants are asked to register in advance. To register and find out about the class location and other details, contact Massey at 865-215-3232 or dmassey@knoxvilletn.gov.
Food City Pharmacy Offers Flu Vaccine Food City will once again be providing the flu vaccine this immunization season. “Food City’s immunizing pharmacists are certified to administer vaccinations in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Pharmacist Association and the corresponding state pharmacy associations,” said Will Bevins, director of Pharmacy for Food City. “Over the past 10 years, Food City has offered the added convenience of a number of affordable preventative health care options, including the immunization of thousands of patients.”
Princeton Review names University of Tennessee among ‘best colleges’ KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee has landed on the annual list of the 381 best colleges in the U.S. published by the Princeton Review, which produces college prep and guide books.
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Power of Information.
We Need an Equity Agenda! by JD HARPER & lynn cole The wealth gap has widened. Gentrification has sped up. The number of African American elected officials has declined. All within the last decade. All while East Tennessee has been praised for its phenomenal revitalization efforts. Why is this happening? Why are some public spaces sprinting into the next century while others are lagging and left behind? What can be done to correct this? Perhaps – It’s time for an Equity Agenda (also referred to as Equitable Development). What is an Equitable Development? The overarching goal of Equitable Development is to create healthy, vibrant, inclusive, communities of opportunity for everyone. Equitable development requires a foundation of affordable housing to give families as stable home, prevent displacement, and reduce turnover. Furthermore, an Equity Agenda also includes strategies that will insure equitable allocation of resources and early participation and planning when initial decisions are being made. These strategies are built into policy decisions that include the regulation of the housing market, preserving affordable housing and encouraging resident opportunities. In East Tennessee, in the present day environment there are private conversations taking place among a small group of people that are making decisions about the future of certain public spaces within cities. These decisions are often times made without the input and involvement of the people that live in these spaces. While we will not argue if it is intentional or unintentional, there certainly are 6 | URBAN VOICE 2016
consequences to having these exclusive conversations that demonstrate why having an Equity Agenda is important. Below are three scenarios that demonstrate the use or nonuse of an Equitable Development. Scenario #1 Let’s say you have a neighborhood that has experienced blight, declining housing stock, and a lack of public and private investment for decades. A conversation takes place about what to do to improve this area. In our present environment, here is what has been happening. A small group of people begin to develop a plan of action to address the above mentioned problem. Everyone agrees that the investment in the particular neighborhood will bring about increased tax revenue, improved infrastructure, and a much needed facelift to the neighborhood. The group then decides that that the new vision for the neighborhood should include parks, “greenways”, new market rate housing, and bike paths. Good idea, right? Not so much. This plan looks at the physical needs of the neighborhood but ignores those of the people that currently reside in the neighborhood. How so? While these projects are beneficial to those coming into the neighborhood, they have had negative impacts on those that are already living there. Why? They can’t afford it. The policies that encouraged these improvements were not linked to a broader Equity Agenda, so low and middle income residents are now forced into peripheral neighborhoods in concentrated areas of redistributed poverty.
Scenario #2 Let’s take this same community and look at the same problem with housing. An Equitable approach would still go through the same procedural steps to address the problem. The difference when an Equity Agenda is in place? All neighborhood stakeholders are involved from the VERY beginning of the process in defining the problem, gathering the specific facts about the current housing situation, and setting goals to alleviate the problems. Who is at the table has a direct impact on solution outcomes. Small business owners have different attitudes than residents simply because the needs of a community are different if a person lays their head there at night versus simply driving into the neighborhood to work or sell a product every day. Also, higher income homeowners may see things differently than lower income tenants. Getting these differences out on the table early is crucial before moving on to setting goals and defining strategies. Scenario #3 Let’s say a local community has a desire to repair and improve the city’s roads and water systems, and the legislature has announced an allocation of funds to get this work done. Most everyone within this local government agrees that the city really needs to invest in and improve in these areas. Who wants to have to worry if the water that their children are drinking is safe or how they will get to work despite crumbling roads and broken public transit systems? Easy to see how an investment in improving bridges, roads, and water systems would solve these direct
problems, right? Well, if paired with an Equity Agenda, such an investment can do much more. How? As the local government looks to invest in this work, it will be faced with an important choice. In completing this project it can create good jobs that reach those that need them the most or it can simply hand over tax payer money to big companies with no regard for accountability to the community. An Equity Agenda in this scenario would include regulations that require the use of a local workforce from disadvantaged groups, not the same, big companies that routinely and repeatedly are awarded work from local governments. Do you see how the decisions embedded in how local governments go about pursuing projects can also provide an opportunity to address inequality? Do you see the importance of having an Equity Agenda? An Equity Agenda will require local governments to critically consider the impact of projects on all residents AND get their input early in the process. An Equity Agenda will also mean smart planning to ensure that the project creates good jobs and opportunities for those who need them most. The end goal of an Equity Agenda is to ensure just and equal opportunity for wealth building, quality jobs, and prospering neighborhoods. Equitable outcomes come when smart, intentional strategies are put in place to ensure that everyone can participate in and benefit from decisions that shape their neighborhood and region. WE NEED AN EQUITY AGENDA IN EAST TENNESSEE
PlayCore and the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga help install a new playground for East Lake Elementary School Staff Reporter CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Over 100 volunteers converged at East Lake Elementary School this past Saturday morning, to help finish the installation of a brand new playground that has been the vision of school officials for the past two years. Enthusiastic employees from PlayCore, a local recreation company, and members of the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Chattanooga were joined by teachers and administrators from East Lake Elementary School, to help bring the dream of a new playground for over 650 students to reality. Determined to bridge the gap in their fundraising efforts, East Lake Elementary School was fortunate to gain assistance from multiple community partners who offered grants, services and materials, as well as labor to achieve their remaining goals. “After months of grant writing and reaching out to the local community, our fundraising efforts had finally
plateaued. Thanks to the matching funds offer from Play & Park Structures, a PlayCore company, and the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga, we were able to purchase an even larger playground than anticipated. Now our students can’t wait for their recess time, so they can all play together on this engaging new structure!” stated Mrs. Lancaster, Principal at East Lake Elementary School. Earlier in the year, the Kiwanis Club organized a Business Pentathlon event in which local companies fielded teams of four to seven employees that were combined with East Lake teachers, parents, and their children. These teams then competed in five different athletic events to determine the overall champions that would be recognized on a special sign mounted at the new playground site. Participants in this Pentathlon included Chattanooga Area Schools Federal Credit Union, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, Miller and Martin, Aladdin Printing, Brock Insurance Agency, PlayCore,
Collier Construction, Elliot Davis Decosimo, and Southern Champion Tray. “We hope to present this Pentathlon event on an annual basis so that we can fund new playgrounds for deserving communities every year here in the greater Chattanooga area” stated Robert Dann, Chairman of the Kommandos Committee for the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga. Each team donated $500 to provide a team for the competition, and the overall champions were the teams from Chattanooga Area Schools Federal Credit Union and PlayCore. Mr. Robert Farnsworth, CEO of PlayCore remarked “It is so heartwarming to see the business community come out and wholeheartedly support the effort to bring healthy, physical play opportunities to underserved communities. We are excited to be a part of this new playground installation.” Several companies also provided grants for the playground equipment, including Lowe’s and the Tennessee Valley Authority. In order to prepare the site for installation, Blue Line Rentals
City Councilman Larry Grohn To Run For Mayor Of Chattanooga. Pat Benson, Jr. for District 9 Seat It is not yet known whether Mayor Berke, the former state senator, will seek a second term. City Councilman Ken Smith from District 3 is also expected to be candidate. Other names tossed out include aide to Senator Bob Corker Todd Womack, former Congressman Zach Wamp and state Senator Bo Watson. CHATTANOOGA, Pat Benson Jr. officially Tenn. – City Councilman launched his campaign for Larry Grohn announced Chattanooga City Council this week he plans to District 9 - becoming the first make a race for mayor of candidate to put forward his Chattanooga. name in the city election next Mr. Grohn, who will be giving up his District 4 seat March. Mr. Benson said, “District 9 on the council, said he has been “extremely frustrated” has some serious challenges which have gone unresolved with the administration of such as, crime, housing, and Mayor Andy Berke.
infrastructure. I want to work with neighborhood leaders to improve the quality of live in our community.” Mr. Benson was born and raised in Chattanooga. He is a UTC graduate and employee, who has served on the board of the Missionary Ridge Neighborhood Association, the Hamilton County Democratic Party, and local non-profits. He said, “The people of District 9 deserve a city councilman that will represent the entire district, work to find solutions to chronic problems, and facilitate discussions that will move the community forward.
and Tag Equipment generously provided a bobcat and 12” auger, respectively. Goodwill industries provided a large trailer to store the playground materials on site, and Sequatchie Concrete delivered the concrete materials to help secure the final phase of the playground installation. East Lake Elementary is a Title 1 school with a diverse population of just over 650 students. They are currently at 133% of their student capacity, and 100% of the children receive free lunches. The existing playground is about 12 years old, has broken parts, and only accommodates about half of the students during their
recess rotation. The school was in desperate need of a larger, safer playground so that all of the students would have an opportunity to play. PlayCore helps build stronger communities around the world by advancing play through research, programs, and partnerships. We infuse this learning into our complete family of brands. We combine best in class planning and education programs with the most comprehensive array of recreation products available to create solutions that match the unique needs of each community we serve.
8th Annual Blues in the Knob is September 10th!
(Chattanooga, TN) Grab your lawn chairs, umbrellas and bring the family to enjoy an evening of great live music at the 8th Annual Blues in the Knob! This free outdoor concert featuring some of the area’s finest blues artists
will be held Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 5pm until 10pm at the corner of Ivy Street and Orchard Knob Avenue at the foot of the Orchard Knob National Military Park. This year’s festival will feature live performances by Billy Hardwick: Zulu Speaks; Drew Sterchi Blues Tribe; Power Players Band; and deaconbluz! Blues in the Knob is an annual blues festival presented by the Orchard Knob Neighborhood Watch
Association. The purpose of the event is to recruit new members and use the arts to provide for the social revitalization of the neighborhood. Food and beverage vendors will be present. No pets or alcoholic beverages permitted. For more information, visit our website at bluesintheknob.com.
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Social.
events
ATLANTA SEPTEMBER 8 Bad Boy Family Reunion Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, Lil Kim, Mase,Total, Carl Thomas, The Lox, French Montana, 112 Philips Arena | 8pm SEPTEMBER 10 Atlanta Smooth Music Festival http://www.smoothjazzgrooves.com/ atlanta-smooth-music-festival-current/ SEPTEMBER 12 Kanye West Philips Arena | 8pm SEPTEMBER 26 Beyonce: The Formation Tour Georgia Dome | 7:30pm OCTOBER 1 Lalah Hathaway Center Stage Theatre | 7pm and 10:30pm OCTOBER 1-2 Sweet Auburn Music FEst Auburn Ave - Downtown Atlanta http://www.sweetauburnmusicfest.com OCTOBER 6-15 Atlanta Black Theatre Festival http://www.atlantabtf.org/ SEPTEMBER 26 Beyonce: The Formation Tour Georgia Dome | 7:30pm
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 SEPTEMBER 3 John Merritt Football Classic Tennessee State vs. Arkansas Pine Bluff http://www.merrittclassic.com SEPTEMBER 11 Boyz II Men with the Nashville Symphony Ascend Amphitheatre | 7:30pm SEPTEMBER 18 Bad Boy Family Reunion: Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, Lil Kim, Mase,112, Total, Carl Thomas, The Lox, French Montana Bridgestone Arena | 8pm SEPTEMBER 24 Kanye West Bridgestone Arena | 8pm OCTOBER 2 Beyoncé - The Formation World Tour Nissan Stadium | 7:30pm
BIRMINGHAM SEPTEMBER 10 Kem, KeKe Wyatt BJCC Concert Hall | 8pm SEPTEMBER 16 R. Kelly BJCC Arena | 8pm OCTOBER 1 Mystikal, Juvenile, Trick Daddy, Bun B,8ball & MJG, Pastor Troy BJCC Concert Hall | 8pm OCTOBER 5 Leon Bridges Alabama Theatre | 8pm 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 The Isley Brothers Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 7:30pm
FEATURE
America’s Pay Gap Could Cost Black Women More than $1M ca t her i n e p E t er s o n , t he h u f f i n g t o n p o s t Women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce. Full participants, they’ve reached equal and some cases higher, levels than their male counterparts, and yet, as the Women’s institute of Policy research makes plain: the gap between men and women’s income remains. Compared to white men, white women working full time, based on median annual fulltime earnings, earn 78 cents to every dollar a man earns. African American women make 64 cents, and Latina, 54 cents. Depending on the year, that pay may rise a couple of pennies, but not because women wages have increased but because men’s have stagnated or declined. Every April, Equal Pay Day is widely talked about, and rightly so. Women in the United States earn just 10 | URBAN VOICE 2016
79 cents for every dollar men make, and observing a date that shows exactly how many months, weeks, and days women must work into a new year to catch up to what men earned the previous year is important. No matter what the pay gap deniers say. But that April date only tells a part of a larger story. August 23, 2016 is African American Women’s Equal Pay Day ― the day when black women finally catch up to white men’s pay from the last year. It’s a staggering fact. On average, black women in this country must work almost eight more months to simply earn what white man earned by last December 31st. Black women are paid 63 cents for every dollar white men earn. For white women, it’s 78 cents. In observance
of African American Women’s Equal Pay Day, here are four basics everyone should know about when it comes to race, gender and equal pay. The pay gap costs black women $877,480 over their careers. According to a recent analysis by the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) a black woman starting her career today (and working full-time, year round) will lose an average of $877,480 over her 40-year career, relative to a white man. In six states (New Jersey, Louisiana, Connecticut, California, Massachusetts and Washington D.C.) black women stand to lose more than $1 million over the course of their careers. “African American women shouldn’t need to work more than 66 years to earn what a white man
earns in 40 years,” Emily Martin, the NWLC’s vice president for workplace justice said in a statement. It applies to women in all fields. As the NWLC puts it: “In a wide variety of occupations ― those that are well-paid and poorly paid, those that are female-dominated and those that are nontraditional for women ― African American women working full time, year round make less than white, non-Hispanic men.” That goes for doctors, it goes for women in construction, it goes for women who in service, and so on. It doesn’t matter if the field is highearning or low-earning, or if it is male-dominated or female-dominated. Black women in just about any field earn less. Higher education isn’t the silver bullet. One way people tend
to dismiss the pay gap is to argue that women of color are less likely to have a college degree, so they can’t expect to earn the same. But as the NWLC points out, black women who are highly educated still face a gap. Those who have a bachelor’s degree or beyond (master’s, PhD, etc.) make around what a white men who attended some college but never graduated earns. Per year, black women with a bachelor’s degree typically earn just $1,849 more than white men with just a high school diploma. Broken down, that means a black woman who has graduated from college will make only about about 6 cents more for every dollar earned by a white man who never attended college. The “why” is complicated...and it also isn’t complicated at all.
There are several measurable reasons why black women face a pronounced pay gap. As the American Association of University Women points out, black women are more likely to work in the lowest-paying fields, including health care support and service. Women of color also tend to work shorter hours, not necessarily out of desire, but because they are balancing the dual demands of family and work ― often without essentials like access to paid sick leave days. But overall, about 40 percent of the gender pay gap is simply “unexplained,” which makes it sound somewhat mysterious and complex. For black women, however, much of that explanation is simple: Discrimination.
The Tenesha Irvin Show Presents... 2nd Annual New Chattanooga Expo Oct.1 b y Te n e s ha i r v i n
On Saturday, October 1, 2016 The Tenesha Irvin Show will present the 2nd Annual New
Chattanooga Community Expo at the Avondale Youth and Family Development Center between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm. This is a free community event that includes a vendor expo, inspirational speakers, an old school car show, basketball 3-point shootout, games, raffles, free food and more! The essence of The New Chattanooga Community Expo is to connect businesses, organizations, churches and municipalities with neighbors living within the Avondale Community in a fun,
informative and family friendly environment reminiscent of a family reunion. We believe in the future of Avondale and aim to assist in connecting this community to valuable information and resources. All information does not freely flow to all communities within the beautiful city of Chattanooga and this is especially true for people living within Avondale. So we are bringing the information to the people because we further believe that ACCESS = SUCCESS. We would be grateful if you could support The New Chattanooga Community Expo. Last year we had over 1,000 people in attendance and we expect the same, if not
7 North Tuxedo Ave., Chattanooga, TN www.kandykastlecdc.com (423) 468-4677
consideration. more this year. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to brand Tenesha Irvin, Host your business/organization The Tenesha Irvin Show and connect with the Avondale (423)544-7910 Community! tenesha.irvin@gmail.com This community event will provide an opportunity for Vendors and Sponsors to: • Gain or expand visibility in the community • Participate in a successful community event • Connect with existing and (potential) new customers and clients If you are interested in participating as a vendor or sponsor for the 2nd Annual New Chattanooga Community Expo, please give me a call or send me an email via the contact information listed below.
$25 VA L U E
Age Range: 6 Weeks to 14 Years Old Hours of Operation: 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
FREE REGISTRATION L i m i t 1 c o u p o n p e r c u s t o m e r. C a n n o t b e c o m b i n e d w i t h a n y o t h e r o f f e r. E x p i r e s 1 2 / 3 0 / 1 6
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Leaked Memo Told Dems: ‘Don’t Offer Support’ For Black Lives Matter Policy Positions WASHINGTON ― “Don’t offer support” for the “concrete policy positions” of Black Lives Matter protesters, the chief organization charged with electing Democrats to the House of Representatives warned its candidates in an internal memo leaked online on Wednesday. The document was posted online by Guccifer 2.0, a hacker who has claimed to be responsible for the Democratic National Committee email leak. Guccifer claims the document is from the personal computer of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). A number of cybersecurity firms and Democrats have attributed the leaks to Russian hackers (though Guccifer 2.0 has denied working for the Kremlin). “Presidential candidates have struggled to respond to tactics of the Black Lives
Matter movement,” reads the memo, sent by a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee staffer in November. “While there has been little engagement with House candidates, candidates and campaign staff should be prepared. This document should not be emailed or handed to anyone outside of the building. Please only give campaign staff these best practices in meetings or over the phone.” Black Lives Matter has become a force during the 2016 election by repeatedly calling on presidential candidates to address the systemic inequalities faced by black Americans. The movement has offered policy suggestions, held demonstrations and interrupted presidential campaign speeches in order to call attention to antiblack racism. Pelosi’s office declined to comment on the leak.
The memo, which describes BLM as a “radical movement” that aims to “end ‘antiblack racism,’” lists several suggestions for how Democratic congressional candidates should handle an encounter with a Black Lives Matter activist. “If approached by BLM activists, campaign staff should offer to meet with local activists,” the memo reads. “Invited BLM attendees should be limited. Please aim for personal or small group meetings.” “Listen to their concerns,” it continues. “Don’t offer support for concrete policy positions.” The memo includes advice on what, exactly, to say to Black Lives Matter activists. It recommends avoiding phrases like “all lives matter” and warns not to bring up “black on black crime,” since the “response will garner additional media scrutiny
and only anger BLM activists.” House Democrats were also advised to say that police violence requires a national conversation, and to acknowledge that “a history of systemic racism continues to confront the daily lives of African Americans.” There have been a number of policy recommendations from various organizations committed to improving black life, including many groups and activists connected to Black Lives Matter.
Among these recommendations are police demilitarization; the elimination of police profiling; decriminalizing sex work and marijuana; funding schools instead of prisons; and pushing for workers’ rights.
Politics Matter — Register and Definitely Vote Now that the two conventions for the Republican and Democratic parties have come and gone — it’s time for the real battle to begin. And the gloves have already come off. The two candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, have already begun to crisscross the country, shaking hands, kissing babies, sharing more about their platforms — even criticizing their opponent at every possible turn while pumping up themselves. Each will make a few foibles along the way — like Trump’s uncomplimentary and condescending statements about the Khan family
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— Muslim-Americans whose son gave his life in order to keep his fellow soldiers safe — that have gone viral and made even fellow Republicans wonder if the billionaire businessman has the temperament and wherewithal to serve as our president. Meanwhile, Hillary has her own challenges, most notably whether she can truly be trusted and if she’s too closely aligned to Wall Street’s financial tycoons and organizations and the status quo in general So, some are saying they may just stay home, throw caution to the wind and forget about voting this time around.
But that’s something we can ill afford to do. Every vote matters. What’s more, to abstain and decline from participating in the process allows others to vote for you — therefore deciding your destiny. Is that really what we want to do? I don’t think so. It’s imperative that every Black-owned business, every Black church, every Black family, every Black nonprofit and politically-based group, and anyone who cares about those individuals or organizations, make sure everyone in their
circle is registered to vote. Then, when Election Day comes in November, Blacks have to show up in force. If you have to carry someone on your back, do it. If you have to pick up folks who need a ride, do it. If you have to bribe your adult children or your baby’s daddy or momma to get out of bed, throw on some clothes and get to the poll, do it. There’s so much at stake, from school board and city council members to judges, members of Congress and of course, the presidency. And don’t forget whoever emerges victorious in the race for the White House may appoint up
to three jurists on the Supreme Court. We have the ability to decide what kind of country America will be in this next four-year span — one with a man like Trump or one with a woman like Hillary Clinton. But someone will be moving into the White House. The question is whether they’ll have our interests on their agenda or not. Vote!! Vote!! Vote!!
Urban voice welcomes Angel Moore
Kaepernick picked right fight in‚Star-Spangled Banner’ beef Op-Ed by Chuck Hobbs
ll Due to God’s gift of curiosity, I have a rather extensive knowledge of American history and often write about the subject in my articles and blogs. But the Colin Kaepernick “Star-Spangled Banner” controversy — one in which the embattled San Francisco 49ers quarterback has been blasted by internet trolls and racists ever since he chose to sit as the national anthem was played before his team’s preseason game against the Green Bay Packers — compelled me to do some research, where I have learned the racist origins of that very song. Consider these facts about Francis Scott Key, author of the national anthem: • He was a lawyer (I knew that), but also a slaveowner (I did not know that). • Key used to prosecute abolitionists in court for helping enslaved blacks run north to freedom. • During closing arguments in a case against Dr. Reuben Crandall, a man charged with sedition for distributing antislavery pamphlets, Key was
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quoted as saying: “Are you willing, gentlemen, to abandon your country, to permit it to be taken from you, and occupied by the abolitionist, according to whose taste it is to associate and amalgamate with the negro? Or, gentlemen, on the other hand, are there laws in this community to defend you from the immediate abolitionist, who would open upon you the floodgates of such extensive wickedness and mischief?” • Toward the end of making America for whites only, Key was a member of the American Colonization Society, a group committed to sending free blacks back to Africa. • Most Americans are indoctrinated from childhood to sing the first verse of “The Star-Spangled Banner”; two of the more famous renditions of the song were sung by the late black singers Marvin Gaye and Whitney Houston. But Gaye and Houston may have declined had they known about verse three (I sure did not, until recently), which boasts of killing slaves who joined ranks with the British during the War of 1812 to secure their freedom, as follows: And where is that band who so vauntingly swore, That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion A home and a Country should leave us no more? Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or
the gloom of the grave, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. It is clear, then, that the “free” that Key spoke of was not for black folks. • Gaye and Houston may also have objected to singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” had they known that President Woodrow Wilson, by executive order, first named “The StarSpangled Banner” the national anthem in 1916. Wilson, a Southerner and history professor by trade, was a vile racist who rolled back gains of blacks in the civil service system and lauded the wickedly racist film “The Birth of a Nation,” one that made blacks the villains in a postReconstruction South and the Ku Klux Klan the heroic figures who saved white women from lustful black men, as “writing history with lightning.” Congress, in 1931, formally enacted Wilson’s order into law, which was signed by thenPresident Herbert Hoover. So, it is clear that Francis Scott Key, author of “The StarSpangled Banner” and a man whom I and countless other Americans of all races were brainwashed into believing was a hero, was nothing of the sort; he was a slaveholding racist. Now, some (not all) of my white friends and followers will try to defend the indefensible by saying that “he was a man of his times.” But that is absurd, as there were other white men and women of those
same times who were working indefatigably to secure freedom for black people by eradicating slavery. Key, like many white Southerners, chose a side, and his and their side was the morally corrupt one — period. Some of my black friends and followers, just as brainwashed as I was until recently, may say “but it is tradition,” or that “it unites us all,” to which I counter, no, figures like Nat Turner, Denmark Vesey, Gabriel Prosser — men who plotted or delivered insurrection against their enslavers — would beg to differ. So, too, would the great black abolitionist Frederick Douglass, a man whose “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” speech is among my favorites and should be required reading for every American history student — period. So continue your protest, Colin Kaepernick, and by all means continue to force us, the people, to confront many of the ugly truths about our “shared” American heritage and customs. Hobbs is a lawyer and award-winning freelance writer. Follow him on Twitter @ RealChuckHobbs.
Quick News Anthony Hamilton, Lalah Hathaway, and Eric Benet in Chattanooga
Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium: 399 McCallie Ave
Megabus Announces Permanent Stop In Chattanooga
Megabus will be at their permanent stop in Chattanooga starting August 30th. The new location is 2020 E. 23rd St., near Fourth Ave and I-24 and the first bus will be off to Chicago at 8:20 a.m. Immediately megabus.com will be offering routes to Atlanta, Nashville, Louisville, Indianapolis and Chicago with additional routes to Knoxville, Christiansburg and Washington D.C. beginning on Sept. 7. As always, tickets are available for as low as $1 (plus a reservation fee).
Obama Grants Clemency to Another 111 Federal Inmates, More Than the Last 9 Presidents Combined
In a continued push for criminal justice reform, President Barack Obama commuted the sentences of 111 additional inmates, the White House announced Tuesday. Obama broke his previous single-day record when he pardoned 214 federal inmates earlier this month. According to the White House, a whopping 325 people were granted clemency this August, making it the greatest number of commutations ever granted by a president in a single month. “We must remember that these are individuals — sons, daughters, parents, and in many cases, grandparents — who have taken steps toward rehabilitation and who have earned their second chance,” White House Counsel Neil Eggleston wrote in a blog post Tuesday. “They are individuals who received unduly harsh sentences under outdated laws for committing largely nonviolent drug crimes.”
Public Notices/Classifieds *** PUBLIC NOTICE *** Notice of Publication: FY Ending 2018 KNOXVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY DBE Program The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. The Airport Authority anticipates an overall DBE goal of 8% (8% race conscious and 0% race neutral) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. It is the policy of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority to ensure that DBE’s as defined in 49 CFR Part 26 have an equal opportunity to participate in all of its projects. The Airport Authority in compliance with its policies and the Code of Federal Regulations shall not discriminate of the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the award and performance of any DOT assisted contract or in the administration of its DBE Program. The entire DBE plan, proposed goal calculations, and research information used in the goal calculations, is available for review in its entirety at the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority administrative offices. Public participation is encouraged. To review the proposed goal, ask questions pertaining to the goal, or to comment, please contact Alan Jones, Manager of Administration at Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, P. O. Box 15600, Knoxville, TN 37901-5600 and by phone at 865-342-3062 or Keturah Pristell, External Program Manager, FAA, P. O. Box 20636-ASO 9, Atlanta, GA 30320. Comments will be accepted 45 days from August 18, 2016.
*** MEETING NOTICE ***
*** MEETING NOTICE***
LEGAL NOTICE The Hamilton County Beer Board will hold a meeting on Tuesday September 6, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the Development Resource Center, 1250 Market Street, Room #1A. At this time the following application (s) will be considered for a New Beer License. For questions please contact Sherry Moore, Building Commission 209-7860. Birchwood Pike Corp. D/B/A Harry’s # 26 11210 Birchwood Pike Off Premise
*** BIDS *** REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR ON-CALL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT (LA) DESIGN CITY OF CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE CONTRACT NO. (S-16-011) 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(s) for On-Call Landscape Architect (LA) Design Services, 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 23, 2016. Interested firms may also obtain a copy of a detailed Request for Qualifications at no charge from the same address: Department of Public Works City of Chattanooga Office of the City Engineer Development Resource Center Suite 2100 1250 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone: (423) 643-6000 FAX: (423) 643-6008 By: William C. Payne, P.E. City Engineer BY: Justin Holland Administrator of Public Works
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners Hamilton County, Tennessee Public Notice of Meetings Committee Meetings and Regular Meetings 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, August 31, 2016, 9:30 AM, Recessed Meeting. Wednesday, August 31, 2016, 9:30 AM, Agenda Preparation Session. Wednesday, September 7, 2016, 9:30 AM, Regular Meeting. Committee Meetings Board of Commissioners Committees may meet prior to said meetings at 8:30 AM and/or immediately following said meetings. Meeting Locations: Regular and Agenda meetings, Courthouse, Room 402, 625 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee Committees, 8:30 AM meetings, County Commission Office, Room 401, County Courthouse. Committees, after Regular meetings, Commission Conference room adjacent to Room 402, County Courthouse. To discuss auxiliary aids or services needed to facilitate participation, those with disabilities may contact the ADA Coordinator, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer Ken Jordan, 317 Oak Street, Suite 220, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37403, (423) 209-6146. Hearing impaired callers may use the Tennessee Relay Service, (800) 848-0298 or (423) 209-6131. W.F. (Bill) Knowles County Clerk Aug. 12, 2016 Mlr17177
** REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ** REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Hamilton County, Tennessee is soliciting proposals from qualified firms for its Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Specifications are available by contacting the Purchasing Department at 423-209-6350 or at www.hamiltontn.gov/purchasing. Sealed proposals will be received in the office of the Hamilton County Purchasing Director, 455 North Highland Park Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404 before 2:30 p.m. on September 30, 2016. Gail B. Roppo Director of Purchasing of Public Works
*** REQUEST FOR BIDS*** EPB will be soliciting bids for the following: Bid # 15331 (5) 2017, 4x4, 19,500 GVWR Cab and Chassis Sealed bids are due 3:00 p.m, Wednesday, September 7, 2016. Bid forms and additional specifications may be requested by calling (423) 648-3271 or email sniderea@epb.net. EPB reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids received, waive any informalities in the bids received, and to accept any bid which in its opinion may be in the best interest of EPB. Edith A. Snider, Sr. Buyer Purchasing Department
*** CHATTANOOGA HOUSING AUTHORITY *** LEGAL NOTICE AMENDMENTS TO HOUSING
CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD The Chattanooga Housing Authority (“CHA”) is proposing revisions to its Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan. These changes modify provisions of the Special Admission for Homeless Preference, Section VIA, A. The CHA is pleased to provide a 30-day period to receive written comments from residents/participants and other members of the community about these modifications. Anyone who is interested in reviewing the proposed changes can do so at any CHA office or on the website at www.chahousing.org. Please send your written comments by September 26, 2016 to: Attn: Laverne Neal Chattanooga Housing Authority 801 North Holtzclaw Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37404 Or by email to: ed@chahousing.org
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