Urban Voice January 2017 by Urban Voice

Jan 2017

EAST TENNESSEE’S LEADER IN CONNECTING THE BLACK COMMUNITY

CHATTANOOGA/KNOXVILLE

INTERVIEW

Tim Baker

Barber, Businessman & Bridgebuilder

2017 MLK EVENTS

MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2016

POWER 50 NOMINATIONS OPEN

CHATTANOOGA & KNOXVILLE

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

DDVERSSTY N STEM DR. FLORA TYDINGS NESHAWN CALLOWAY MUSIC KNOXWORX JOB FAIR R. KELLY- FEB 12 (ATL) 2016 BEST FILMS

BOUNCE TV Acquires Trumpet Awards NEW TENNESSEE LAWS

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Power of Information.

Looking Back. Going Forward

JERMAINE D HARPER PRESIDENT/CHIEF EDITOR

“America, are you really America to Me? America, are you really the land of the free and the home of the brave”

- Avon Rollins, Sr.

2016

was one of the busiest ever for the Urban Voice. We published an unprecedented number of features and news articles, inspiring countless people to take action in their community. We shifted our business model to a non-profit. We recognized

the need to not just focus on fixing the conditions of our inner cities, but the need to address the policies, structures and systems that fostered the conditions in the first place. We talked about the importance of mental health and the devastating impact of mass incarceration. We highlighted the importance of Black Lives Matter and celebrated the history and legacy of great organizations like Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in our conversation with the Grand Baslieus, Antonio Knox, Sr. We shared with you’re the impact of disinvestment by our local and regional banking institutions and their seemingly lack of commitment to the Black Community. The stakes are high. As the world’s urban population grows by hundreds of millions of people, trillions of dollars will be spent on building roads, sewers, homes, and parks to accommodate new residents. According to the Organization

for Economic Cooperation and Development it will cost $71 trillion by 2030 to provide cities across the world with adequate infrastructure for electricity, road and rail transport, telecommunications, and water—and that doesn’t even include housing. Creating real change—such as affordable housing, stable communities, and improved infrastructure—requires effort at all levels of government, as well as a deep institutionalization of equitable values in urban practice and implementation. The next Mayor of Chattanooga must be willing to use the bully pulpit of the Mayor’s office to address the issue of poverty. We must build ladders of opportunity out of hopelessness and despair. Going forward, we must create safe and vibrant neighborhoods; build new leadership; Grow Prosperity and Opportunity for All; Invest in Young People; and re-establish a culture of excellence in our community.

Forward-looking neighborhoods shouldn’t be succeeding despite City Hall; they should be succeeding with a hand from City Hall. We need competitive, sustainable and inclusive policies that allow all of our citizens to participate in our economic growth. We need transformative urban ideas. Local, state and federal funds should be more clearly targeted – and our funding priorities should be developed in conjunction with the people. We must continue to re-think mass lock up as a strategy that has more than 2 million people—60% of them people of color—behind bars. We must re-imagine the prospect of people returning from prison to their families and communities, and give them a second chance. Progressives, people of color, and fair-minded Americans everywhere must stand together to make our city and country as good as its lofty words.

Even as we organize, advocate, sue, and march to oppose the worst of what may come, we must be alert to policies and programs that offer even small opportunities to build stronger, more sustainable communities. Together, we can show Washington that America does not need to build walls. It needs to build ladders of opportunity. Thank you for being part of our world. We are- The Urban Voice! Happy New Year. Now, go be great.

JD Harper

CONTENTS

JANUARY 2017 Volume 3/Issue 1 theurbanvoice.org

2017 Remembering: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This Convicted Murderer Got A Second Chance. Now

He’s A College

Valedictorian. 14

Renard “Ren” Moore, 42 is not your average college valedictorian.

BOUNCE TV Acquires Trumpet Awards

Bounce TV, the fastest-growing African-American network on television, will now own, produce and world premiere the starstudded event annually.

#feature story: Tim baker: saving lives by Making a difference

11 12

For this months feature story we talk to the Founder/CEO of Baker’s Barber School. Tim gets personal and talks about his past struggles and how the love of family keeps him going. Cover Photo: Brian Archie www.brianarchie.com

Chattanooga unity group to host 2017 MLK Events The Unity Group announced its 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Week activities with the main program on Jan. 16 at the Tivoli Theatre. Monday 16 January 4pm MLKing Day March & Main Program Charles Steele, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, deliver the keynote address. “

Tennessee Board of Regents Names Dr. Flora Tydings Chancellor

Dr. Tydings has been president of Chattanooga State Community College since July 2015.

Neshawn Calloway Music Rleases New Worship CD Jan.15

Neshawn Calloway Music presents the release of the Worship EP “Make it Through”, Sunday, Jan.15, at 5 p.m.

A New Mayor Focused On You.

Bring Back Kirkman. Bring Back Jobs. A Real Plan for Real Results. Larry Grohn for Mayor Focused On What Matters. Focused On You!

GrohnforMayor.com Vote March 7th if you Believe in Better!

INROADS and STEMBoard join forces to increase diversity in STEM/STEAM

Staff Reporter ST. LOUIS, -- INROADS, Inc. and STEMBoard have formed a strategic alliance to expand opportunities in STEM/STEAM for underserved students, professionals and entrepreneurs. INROADS is a non-profit focused on development and career preparation for talented, underserved youth. STEMBoard is a technology solutions company that works to close the achievement gap by empowering historically underrepresented youth to help build transformational

technologies. “The opportunities, innovative training and mentoring this strategic alliance makes possible will help bridge the digital divide in underrepresented communities, creating more – and more successful – 21st Century diverse leaders,” said Marcos Morales, INROADS’ newly appointed Assistant Vice President & Head, Talent Management and National STEM Initiatives. In 2015, STEMBoard began developing curriculum for INROADS’ high school program, College Links and conducted two summer workshops – Intro to Engineering Design Fundamentals and STEAM Entrepreneurship. Developed in Chicago in 1976, College Links exposes talented, diverse high school students to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) – and STEAM, which adds arts to the STEM subjects – with year-round educational instruction and corporate visits. Next steps for the INROADS/ STEMBoard partnership include: Curriculum development for College Links Atlanta: Advancing Female High

Bounce TV Acquires The Trumpet Awards stations around the country as well as internationally for broadcast after the Bounce premiere. Set to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2017, The Trumpet Awards will world premiere on Bounce TV on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 9:00 p.m. (ET). The black-tie ceremony will be held at the Cobb Energy ATLANTA, -- Bounce TV has acquired all assets Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, of The Trumpet Awards, Jan. 21. Hosts and talent will be the prestigious annual event celebrating African- announced shortly. Xernona Clayton, Founder American achievements and Executive Producer of the and contributions, in Trumpet Awards, will become an agreement with Chairman Emeritus of the The Trumpet Awards awards and continue to play Foundation announced an active role in the event. Ms. today. Bounce TV, the fastest- Clayton will remain President growing African-American and CEO of the Trumpet Awards network on television, will Foundation, Inc. Ms. Clayton commented, now own, produce and “After 25 years, I felt it was a world premiere the stargood time to find a strategic studded event annually. partner to take The Trumpet Bounce TV will also Awards into the future. Bounce syndicate The Trumpet Awards to television

TV is the ideal custodian to continue to enhance the level of excellence that is our standard. I am thrilled to have my beloved Trumpet Awards become part of Bounce TV.” Ambassador Andrew Young, co-founder of Bounce TV and a board member of The Trumpet Foundation, commented, “Bounce will continue the legacy of the Trumpet Awards and everything Xernona has lovingly created, while driving growth and scale across the next 25 years and beyond.” The Trumpet Awards were created to herald the accomplishments of Black Americans who have succeeded against immense odds.

School Students in STEM/STEAM. College Links-Atlanta will partner with several under-resourced Atlanta high schools to recruit high-potential students for a program supported by a $100,000 grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation. STEMBoard/INROADS Hardware Pilot Project, Washington, DC: STEMBoard is developing a hardware project with supporting content and training to inspire more students to pursue STEM careers. Approximately 10 INROADS College Links students will participate in the pilot in January 2017. Mini-Hack<IT>, Atlanta: STEMBoard will host a three-day hands-on technology camp with an entrepreneurship framework where students develop innovative technology solutions to challenges facing their communities and country. “Hardware-based practical application is essential to success in STEM fields,” said Aisha Bowe, STEMBoard Co-Founder & CEO. “This alliance ensures students build functional mechanisms essential to professional or entrepreneurial success.” About STEMBoard Founded by Aerospace engineer

Aisha Bowe, and computer engineer John Martellaro, STEMBoard is a technology solutions company that creates smart systems and software solutions for government and large-scale private sector clients. For more information, visit www. stemboard.com. About INROADS Founded in 1970, INROADS develops and places talented underserved youth in business and industry, preparing them for corporate and community leadership that effects community renewal and social change and elevates economic status and quality of life. Throughout its history, INROADS has placed students in over 127,000 paid internships with over 1,000 corporate partners. Currently, INROADS serves nearly 1,500 interns, 90 high school students and 230 corporate clients. To learn more, visit www.INROADS.org. About STEMBoard Founded by Aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, and computer engineer John Martellaro, STEMBoard is a technology solutions company that creates smart systems and software solutions for government and large-scale private sector

New laws to go into effect Jan. 1 in Tennessee

NASHVILLE – A new year means new laws in Tennessee. Here’s a look at the laws that take effect on Jan. 1, 2017. Sentencing will also be harsher for those convicted of robbing a pharmacy to get a controlled substance. The new sentence enhancement includes charges or robbery, aggravated robbery and especially aggravated robbery. Starting Sunday,

those who are 18 to 20 years old who are active duty, retired or honorably discharged from the military will be allowed to apply for handgun permits. Currently, Tennessee residents must be at least 21 years old to get a carry permit for handguns. Lifetime handgun permit costs will decrease in 2017 from $500 to $200. Another law taking effect in 2017 allows Tennessee brewers to make higher alcohol content beers without a specialty license under a law that raises the alcohol by weight (ABW) limit to 8 percent from 5 percent. The law allows Tennessee grocery and convenience stores to sell high-gravity beers. The penalty for drivers without insurance

increases in 2017. Authorities will start using an online tool to find out which drivers are covered. The maximum general fine will be $300 compared to $100 now. New DUI and Drug laws. The new law elevates a DUI offense for those convicted six or more times from a Class E felony to a Class C felony, more than doubling the average amount of time served. The law also reduces the simple possession of marijuana to a misdemeanor. Tennessee high school seniors will have to take U.S. civics test to graduate Most Tennessee students will also be required to take a U.S. civics test before graduating high school.

Knoxville Mayor Rogero Hires Kevin Perry for Community Manager Position

Knoxville, TN- Mayor Madeline Rogero has hired Knoxville native Kevin Perry as Community Outreach Manager in the Community Relations Department. Perry graduated from Austin-East High School and earned a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies and Theology from Minnesota Graduate School of Theology. In 2001, he and his wife Natalia founded Word of Life Ministries, and he has served as a chaplain for the Knoxville Police Department since 2010. “Kevin comes to the job with strong connections in the community and a deep passion for this work,” Mayor Rogero said. “His experiences mentoring and ministering to young men and families will benefit our city.” Perry has served in the United States Air Force and on advisory boards of the Boys and Girls Club, Knox County Health Department, and the FBI’s Tennessee State Advisory Committee for Civil Rights.

Under the supervision of Community Relations Senior Director Dr. Avice Reid, Perry will co-manage the Mayor’s Save Our Sons (SOS) initiative and implement the threeyear Tennessee Community Crime Reduction Program (TCCRP) grant with Tatia Harris. Harris joined the department as TCCRP Grant Manager and Title VI Coordinator in October 2016, after three years as Public Affairs Specialist in the Communications Department. Perry says he’s eager to “develop strategies to bridge the lost relationship of men of color in the community.” “I’ve personally experienced the day-to-day challenges living in the inner city – in Walter P. Taylor Homes – as a youth,” he says. “This position gives me the opportunity to create the change I always wished to see.” Save Our Sons collaborates with community partners with the mission of eliminating violence-related deaths among boys and young men of color and increasing opportunities for their success. Since 2013, Save Our Sons has expanded the Summer in the City internship program; partnered with and expanded resources to multiple youth-serving groups; announced the creation of the multi-use community facility called The Change Center; and received a three-year TCCRP grant from the State of Tennessee. The grant promotes crime-reduction initiatives located in the city’s Project Safe Neighborhood Zone, which includes parts of the Five Points, Morningside, Parkridge, Park City and Burlington neighborhoods.

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REMEMBERING Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr FRIDAY, JAN.6 Gallery of Arts Opening Ceremony WEDNESDAY, JAN.11 Interfaith Prayer Service Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church THURSDAY, JAN.12 Leadership Symposium + Leadership Awards Luncheon Knoxville Marriott FRIDAY, JAN.13 Community Forum Beck Cultural Exchange Center SATURDAY, JAN.14 Youth Symposium - Austin East High School Teacher In-Service Training Y.W.C.A. Race Against Racism MONDAY, JAN.16 MLK Parade Memorial Tribute- Greater Warner Tabernacle AME A Night with the Arts Tribute: The Knoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra- Tennessee Theatre

KNOXVILLE TENNESSEE For more information, visit: www.MLKknoxville.com

Tennessee Board Of Regents Votes Unanimously To Appoint Chattanooga State President As Next Chancellor Of The TBR System

CHATTANOOGA Tenn. – The Tennessee Board of Regents voted to appoint Dr. Flora Tydings as the next chancellor of the Board of Regents system – its ninth chief executive officer since the system’s creation in 1972. Dr. Tydings has been president of Chattanooga State Community College since July 2015. Prior

to that, she worked for 19 years in the public Technical College System of Georgia and was president of Athens Technical College in Athens, Ga., from 2003 to 2015. She will assume her new duties as effective Feb. 1, leading the Board of Regents system as it transitions under the FOCUS (Focus on College and University Success) Act and continues its major role in the state’s Drive to 55 initiative -- to increase the number of workingage Tennesseans with post-secondary degrees, diplomas or certificates from the current 38 percent to 55 percent by 2025.

“It is truly my privilege to accept this appointment and it is with sincere gratitude to the governor, to the selection committee and to the TBR board,” Dr. Tydings told the board after its vote. “It’s an honor to serve the State of Tennessee as your next chancellor, moving us through the transition of the FOCUS Act and toward becoming the nation’s premier technical and community college system. “We as a system are going to continue to move toward the direction of inspiring and changing lives -- one student, one family and one community at a time, so I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity.”

Chattanooga: Who is on the Ballot for this Highly Contested Race? Councilman Moses CHATTANOOGA Tenn. –Chattanoogans could see as many as 27 candidates between the city’s mayoral and council races on the March 7 ballot. That’s how many people picked up candidate papers, according to the Hamilton County Election Commission. The qualifying deadline is Dec. 15. Larry Grohn, now the District 4 councilman, launched his mayoral campaign at the end of August, seeking to derail Mayor Andy Berke’s re-election bid. David Crockett, a three-time former city councilman, and Chris Long hopes to turn the election into a three-way race.

District 5 Councilman Russell Gilbert, who ran unopposed in 2009 and 2013, faces challenger Jeffrey E. Evans. District 5 includes precincts within Bonny Oaks, Dalewood, Eastgate, Kingspoint, Lake Hills and Woodmore. District 6 Councilwoman Carol Berz. District 6 represents Brainerd, Brainerd Hills, Concord and portions of Harrison, Ooltewah and Tyner. District 7 Four candidates, including incumbent Chris Anderson, have picked up qualifying papers. Challengers include Manny Rico, who lost to Anderson in the 2013 election; Erskine Oglesby, District 7 represents precincts in Alton Park, East Lake, St. Elmo and downtown. District 8

Freeman, along with challengers and Anthony Byrd. Byrd qualified on Oct. 4. District 8 incorporates portions of Eastside, Amnicola, Avondale and Bushtown. District 9 Six people have picked up papers and four have qualified: incumbent Yusuf Hakeem, Pat Benson Jr., Demetrus Coonrod and John Kerns. J.T. McDaniel and Shelby Patton had not qualified as of press time. District 9 represents East Chattanooga, Eastdale, Glenwood, Missionary Ridge and Ridgedale. Early voting in the city election is Feb. 15 to March 2.

Girls Inc. Announces 2017 UnBought And UnBossed Honorees

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn- Girls Inc. has announced the women selected to be honored at the 13th annual UnBought & UnBossed Awards luncheon to be held on April 19, 2017. Named for the phrase coined by Shirley Chisholm during her historic run for the 1972 Democratic presidential nomination, the UnBought & UnBossed Awards honor local women who through their career achievement

and/or community involvement, have made a significant impact on the lives of women and girls. Community members submit nominations of women residing in Hamilton County, and the honorees are chosen by the high school-aged girls participating in the Girls Inc. Women’s History Project. THE HONOREES FOR 2017 ARE: Sheila Albritton - Director, Career Services and Counseling, Chattanooga State Community College Paige Evatt - Pro Bono Director and Staff Attorney, Legal Aid of East Tennessee Rafielle Boone Freeman RN, BSN, MSL, CPHQ - Director of Quality Improvement, BlueCare Tennessee, a wholly

owned subsidiary of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Tenesha M. Irvin - Regional Sales & Marketing Manager, Horizon Hospitality Management, Inc. Janice Neal - Youth Services Manager, College & Career Success, Public Education Foundation Dr. Marcia Noe Professor of English and Director of Women’s Studies, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Nicole Osborne Attorney/Government Affairs Counsel, Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. Mrs. Christy E. Rashed - Vice President, Jamal M. Rashed Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc.

Regional: Upcoming Community Events Neshawn Calloway Music Releases New Worship CD Jan.15

Neshawn Calloway Music presents the release of the Worship EP “Makeit Through”, Sunday, Jan.15, at 5 p.m. The concert will be heald at Temple of Faith Deliverance COGIC, 2139 E.27th St. Admission is free. CDs will be for sale after the concert for $10. For more information email neshawncallowaymusic@gmail.,com or call (423) 802-8860.

Tickets for Earth, Wind & Fire on Sale Now

Earth, Wind & Fire will be in concert Wednesday, March 15, at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets will be on sale Friday at 10 a.m., are $125, $85, $65, $49, and $39 plus applicable fees and are available at the Tivoli Theatre Box Office, tivolichattanooga.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Review for Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth, Wind & Fire, America’s seventh top-selling musical group of alltime was born in Chicago in 1969. With a signature sound beyond categories and a groove as deep as the soul of the planet, the band’s legendary journey has set the standard for music of all genres.

Antioch Primitive Baptist Church Celebrates Joyce Mann Wilson’s 54 Years As Music Director A surprise tribute was held for Joyce Mann Wilson at Antioch Primitive Baptist Church, celebrating 54 years of dedicated service as the music director. Ms. Mann has been playing for churches since the age of nine. Her musical foundation began at Cadek Conservatory under the instruction of Mrs. Lillian C. Dame.

NIGHT + DAY

ATLANTA

JANUARY 28 Honda Battle of the Bands Featuring Alabama A&M Marching Maroon and White plus other HBCU Marching Bands Georgia Dome | 3pm FEBRUARY 3 Katt Williams Philips Arena | 8pm FEBRUARY 12 R. Kelly Macon Centerplex Coliseum (Macon, GA) | 7pm Presale begins 1/3/17 FEBRUARY 14 Ms. Lauryn Hill - The MLH Caravan: A Diaspora Calling! Concert Series The Tabernacle | 8pm FEBRUARY 17 Atlanta Blues Festival Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre | 8pm MARCH 2 George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic Buckhead Theatre | 9pm APRIL 7 Festival Of Laughs: Mike Epps, Bruce Bruce, Sommore, Arnez J Philips Arena | 8pm APRIL 15 Rod Man Buckhead Theatre | 7:30pm

MAY 24 Lionel Richie: All The Hits With Very Special Guest Mariah Carey Phillips Arena | 7pm MAY 26-28 Chris Rock: Total Blackout Tour Fox Theatre

NASHVILLE FEBRUARY 9 Ms. Lauryn Hill - The MLH Caravan: A Diaspora Calling! Concert Series Ryman Auditorium 7:30pm FEBRUARY 10 Nu Soul Revival Tour with Musiq Soulchild, Lyfe Jennings, Kindred the Family Soul, Avery Sunshine, Chrisette Michele Nashville Municipal Auditorium | 8pm FEBRUARY 11 Back to the 80s with Whodini, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Al B. Sure!, Cherelle, Hi Five, Doug E. Fresh, Chubb Rock Nashville Municipal Auditorium | 8pm FEBRUARY 17-18 The Temptations Schermerhorn Symphony Center 7:30pm

BIRMINGHAM MARCH 4 Back to the 80s with Whodini, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Al B. Sure!, Cherelle, Hi Five, Doug E. Fresh, Chubb Rock BJCC Concert Hall | 8pm

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50 the search is on!

call for nominations The deadline for submitting completed nominations is Friday, February 28, 2017.

We are searching for the most INSPIRING INNOVATIVE, and INFLUENTIAL AFRICAN AMERICANS IN EAST TENNESSEE.

TO NOMINATE VISIT OUR WEBSITE : WWW.THEURBANVOICE.ORG

feature Tim Baker Saving Lives Making a Difference Written By • Lynn Cole & JD Harper In the African American community, barbershops are not merely just a place to go get a haircut, but have long functioned as part of a social economy and gathering place for black men. Barbershops are one of the few public spaces where black men can enjoy intimacy, confidentiality, and camaraderie, and are one of the only places where on any given day you can find the preacher, the politician, the businessman, the hustler, and the crack head engaged in passionate, flavorful conversations ranging from politics and sports, to relationships, family and community life, and more. Many may not know it, but in the early 19th century these sacred public spaces, were not open to black men, although they were owned and operated by black men themselves. Because of this, for many years, black barbers endured a measure of social stigma for perpetuating inequality: though the profession offered economic mobility to black entrepreneurs, black barbers were obliged by custom to serve an exclusively white clientele. In Cutting Along the Color Line: Black Barbers and Barber Shops in America, author and historian Quincy Mill, wrote that in the 19th century, most blackowned barbershops served white clients exclusively. “Wealthy white businessmen and politicians in the South refused to get a haircut next to a black man”, wrote Mill. However, these black barbers used the money earned from the barbershop to build other businesses that would serve the black community. For example, in North Carolina, John Merrick served white clients in his barbershop to make money for future investments. In 1898, he

started North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, the nation’s oldest and largest blackowned insurance company. “In many ways, he [John Merrick] made these compromises in his barbershop to help build enterprises and build black institutions for African-Americans,” Mills said. Soon things changed and from 1890 to 1930, a new generation of black men sought to change the face of blackowned barbershops and started serving black clientele. Mills explains, “They wanted to open barbershops in black communities to serve black men and to provide a space in an emerging Jim Crow America that would escape the surveillance of whites.” Barbershops became a gathering place. Black residents who moved to a new area would stop by the barbershop to make connections. And if a customer needed someone to do a job, he would go to the barber and ask who was reliable. “Much like a preacher, a barber is this sort of central person that has a pulse on their local communities,” Mills said. “When folks come in, they’re talking.” With this change in attitude, black barbershops solidified their place as an anchoring democratic social space within African American communities in every city in the nation. In Chattanooga, Tennessee, Baker’s Barber College is one of those anchors. Recently, The Urban Voice recently spoke with Tim Baker, owner/founder Baker’s Barber School about why he started Baker’s Barber School, the roots of black barbershops and their relevance today. Tim Baker had a dream: Provide job opportunities for

young black men and women in the Chattanooga area. Even if they had criminal records. Even if they didn’t have a high school diploma. To fulfill that dream, he started a barber college.

“So many people could benefit from this,” Baker said in a recent interview. “Giving back is what it’s all about for me.”

Baker’s Barber College, the only barber college in Chattanooga opened its doors in 2015, in a strip mall near the Brainerd Road Walmart. Baker admits to having some difficult days as he was trying to get his school up and running, renovating the building and figuring out how to pay for it, an expense he shouldered himself. He hopes these trials will all be worth it. “I think it’s an important trade for many black communities largely because there are still few barriers to entry. It’s not like opening a restaurant, where you need a substantial amount of capital”, said Baker. “If you want to be a barber, you go to barber college, get your license, and you’re set. It’s still an open avenue for many folks, and people will always need haircuts. Styles may change and some people will let their hair grow out, but I think barbers will always be in demand.” Baker got his start over 20 years ago, becoming a master

barber before graduating high school. For him, you can almost say that cutting hair changed his life. “I just didn’t like school,” said Baker. “I was eventually kicked out of high school, the second semester of my senior year, and had to attend alternative school. Baker, who had been cutting hair since 7th grade, signed up for barber school and would attend barber school in the mornings from 8 to 2 and alternative school in the evenings. After graduation and earning his licensed, Baker’s first professional job as a barber was under the direction of Cleophus Howell, owner of Cle’s Barbershop since 1986. “I grew up getting my hair cut at Cle’s,” said Baker. “It was in the neighborhood and he said yes when I asked him. Working at his barbershop I learned leadership skills, how to deal with people and how to run a business. Baker credits his friend Larry, a state barber inspector for giving him the idea to open a barber school. “It first crossed my mind in 2003”, said Baker. “I started laying the foundation in 2012”. Baker’s Barber College opened its doors in May of 2015, and has since graduated ten people with a 90% passage rate for first time state board

examiners. The school is also accredited, which means that student can receive government financial aid to help fray the $5000.00 tuition. 1500 hours are required for graduation. Baker said that that long term vision is to add cosmetology to the program. While the college has brought many successes, Baker said he still gets frustrated by the lack of assistance he has found available to black business owners. “They say they have money out here for you, but the process of actually trying to receive some of that money keeps us [black business owners] going in circles,” said Baker. “What I’ve found is that there really isn’t any help – it is – but not for us. I’m actually creating jobs. Isn’t that what they want?” Married, and a father of three, Baker credits his family as his motivation. When he is not cutting hair, Baker enjoys watching football and basketball, where the Lakers are his favorite team and he likes “everybody” when it comes to football. Interested students must have a high school diploma or GED and can apply by visiting www.bakersbarbercollege.com and downloading the application. There is an $800 deposit with the remaining balanced due by the end of the year.

URBANVOICE 2016 | 11

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The Best Films of 2016 By Dwight Brown, NNPA Newswire Film Critic

As we go forward, movies guide us. They give us directions. They motivate us. They provide rest stops, comic relief and flashbacks to the past. And they reassure us that we will thrive. It’s a perfect time to reflect on the most inspiring films, performances and artistic achievements of this last year. Check out the best in film in 2016.“ “Arrival” — (***1/2) Director Denis Villeneuve (“Sicario,” “Prisoners”), creates a compelling sci-fi movie, based on Eric Heisserer’s thoughtful, feminist screenplay. Aliens arrive in massive floating pods in 12 locations around the world. A linguist (Amy Adams) tries to communicate with them and save humanity. Jeremy Renner and Forrest Whitaker co-star in a film filled with suspense, dread and brain-numbing science. “The Birth of a Nation” — (****) An uncompromising retelling of the country’s most heralded slave rebellion. Actor-turned-director Nate Parker assembles a stellar cast and tech crew that takes viewers back to when Nat Turner led a revolt in Southampton County, Virginia, in the 1800s. Brutal. Uplifting. Informative. Haunting. Gritty performances and superb ensemble acting. “Deadpool” — (***1/2) Actor Ryan Reynolds turns a script by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick into biting satire that he hurls like a dagger. And director Tim Miller, an animator, creative director and visual effects artist, who marks his feature film debut, orchestrates the madness like a wizard on crystal meth. The petulant mutate and his hijinks are the brilliant concoction of Marvel Comics. “Fences” — (***1/2) Opening up a play just enough to make it a viable film is not an easy task. It helps if Denzel Washington, the lead in August Wilson’s Tony Award-winning Broadway play, is the movie’s director and reprises his role.

REMEMBERING Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr A father tries to hold his family together during the 1950s and the strife, friction and daunting social issues are amplified on the silver screen. Washington and Viola Davis, as the wife, excel. “I, Daniel Blake” — (***1/2) Working hard most of your life then becoming disabled and broke is not a pretty picture even in socialist-leaning England. That’s the hypothesis of British director Ken Loach and his writing partner Paul Laverty. Their film tracks a weary carpenter, perfectly played by Dave Johns, who can’t navigate the welfare system in the town of Newcastle and drifts into despair. So poignant, so touching. “Jackie” — (****) It must have been two weeks of pure hell. That’s the blueprint Noah Oppenheim provides in his woeful screenplay that follows First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy (Natalie Portman) as she deals with the aftershock of JFK’s assassination. Chilean director Pablo Larraín (“Neruda”) perfectly manages a skillful tech crew. Portman’s performance shines brighter than a diamond.

Tuesday 10 January 7pm Interfaith Celebration of ML King Jr Mercy Junction Justice & Peace Center · 1918 Union Avenue Thursday 12 January 7pm Community Forum/The People’s Agenda · moderated by Bro. Kevin Muhammad Eastdale Village Community Church · 1403 Tunnel Blvd. Friday 13 January 7pm Claud Anderson on Empowering the Black Community co-sponsored by Chattanooga Sankofa (tickets $10) New Monumental Baptist Church · 901 Woodmore Lane Saturday 14 January 9am Prayer Breakfast with Ana Garcia-Ashley of Gamaliel Community Network (tickets $25) Second Missionary Baptist Church · 2305 E 3rd Street Monday 16 January 4pm MLKing Day March & Main Program lineup 3:15, MLK Blvd & Peeples Street (Urban League parking lot) 5pm keynote: Charles Steele, Southern Christian Leadership Conference

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This Convicted Murderer Got A Second Chance. Now He’s A College Valedictorian. Written By • Lynn Cole Renard “Ren” Moore is not your average college valedictorian. The 42-year-old had to overcome more obstacles than most to reach the moment this month where he proudly walked across the stage to collect his bachelors degree in Radio, Television and Film at Texas Southern University, a historically black university in Houston, Texas. He was raised by an abusive grandmother and step-grandfather for most of his childhood. And the Houston native, then known as Reynoil White, found himself in trouble with other students and teachers frequently as a child. “The first time I was arrested was back in the 8th grade, that was for a fight in school,” Moore told The Huffington Post. “My first drug possession case was back in 1989 when I was 14 years old.” Eventually, he dropped out of school and spent time in detention at Texas Youth Commission juvenile correctional facility in Crockett. He would later end up in county jail for drug possession and evading and resisting arrest. Moore’s reckless lifestyle finally came to a head soon after he left the jail. In 1993, he was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for murder after shooting a man over a drug deal gone wrong. He was 18 years old. “I shot him numerous times,”Moore said. “He ran around the corner and died as a result of the gunshot wounds.” It was in solitary confinement where Moore realized the full implications of taking another person’s life and he decided to take steps toward a positive change for his life, he recalled. “I resolved in my mind and turned to God, prayed, and asked God to help me better my life and help me straighten

my life out,” Moore said, recalling his days contemplating his path in prison. “I was forced to take that long, hard look in the mirror that a lot of people have to do when people confront their demons.” “I let a lot of people influence me to do the wrong things,” he added. Moore began to further his education from prison in 2000, earning an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. He was released from prison in 2013, but didn’t have a plan ― or even a place to stay. “I bounced around from place to place and eventually wound up at the Star of Hope homeless shelter, stayed there a few nights, stayed in the Salvation Army maybe one or two nights, slept at the Metro Rail station and even slept up under the bridge one night,” he said. “I told myself I would rather sleep up under a bridge than go back to a life of crime.” Moore applied for numerous jobs, but was unable to find employment. It wasn’t until he was 39 years old that he began to find his purpose, after his mother encouraged him to pursue a college education. In Texas Southern University, he found a second chance. But when he first stepped onto campus, Moore faced a rather large roadblock that many take for granted. “Technology was my biggest obstacle when I got out of prison. I didn’t know how to Google, I didn’t know how to e-mail, I didn’t know to to download,” Moore said. “I didn’t know how to work the

TSU website where they posted assignments and grades.” Moore said he has been treated for depression and couldn’t have made it through college without support from Texas Southern’s Office of Disability Services. “I had people every step of the way, particularly in the Office of Disability Services, who showed me how to do things I didn’t know how to do,” he said. It was at TSU that Moore discovered his passion for acting. He was selected for a leading role in the musical “Johnny B. Goode,” produced by associate professor Thomas Meloncon, who is also a playwright. And now, at the end of his collegiate career, Moore’s 3.9 grade-point average has earned him the top rank of his graduating class. The university has been offering chances to those who normally wouldn’t receive a college education since 1973, when the state designated TSU as a special purpose institution dedicated to helping underrepresented students. “Although the University was initially established to educate African Americans, it

has become one of the most ethnically diverse institutions in the state,” Wendell Williams, Special Assistant to the President, told HuffPost. “In 1973, the Texas Legislature recognized TSU’s involvement in programs and services particularly suited to the needs of urban residents by designating the institution a special purpose institution for urban programming.” The result of the school’s initiative shows that the institution offers real second chances to people wanting to turn their lives around, the Houston Chronicle reports. Indeed, Moore’s turnaround underscores the important role historically black colleges and universities play in education. But while Moore was able to gain access to a program that changed his life, he understands that everyone’s story doesn’t end up like his. “By all means, stay out of the system. Living the life of a drug kingpin, is not worth it,” Moore said. “The gangster fairytale that the entertainers sell to this generation is not real. Very few gangsters live that lifestyle and retire. They end up dead, in jail, strung out on drugs or paralyzed. There are so many pitfalls in that lifestyle,” he continued.” “Find a mentor, stay out of the game, find what it is that you love to do and do it to the fullest.”

Quick News Comcast accepting proposals for two new African-American-owned independent networks Comcast Cable has announced it is now accepting proposals for two substantially African American owned, independent networks that it will launch in select Comcast markets by January 2019. According to a Comcast statement, the announcement is part of the company’s commitment to launch independently owned and operated networks as part of a series of public interest commitments made by Comcast in connection with the NBCUniversal transaction completed in 2011. Since the NBCUniversal transaction, Comcast has successfully launched over 20 independent networks, doubling the number of independent networks launches that it committed to as part of the transaction. Four of those networks were launched as a result of a public request for channels that satisfied the criteria established in several agreements between Comcast and leading diversity organizations: two African American majority owned networks (ASPiRE and REVOLT) and two Hispanic American operated networks (Baby First Americas and El Rey). Additionally, two substantially Hispanic American owned networks, Kids Central and Primo TV, will launch on Comcast Cable systems beginning in January 2017. “We are looking forward to receiving another round of great proposals as we begin the process to launch two more African American majority owned networks,” said Justin Smith, Senior Vice President of Content Acquisition for Comcast Cable.

NNPA awarded $1.5 mil from Gates Foundation to promote Every Student Succeeds Act The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) announced it has received a $1.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The funding will support a three-year, multimedia public awareness campaign focused on the unique opportunities and challenges of the recently enacted Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

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*** MEETING NOTICE *** LEGAL NOTICE Pursuant to T.C.A. 8-44-103, the Board of Commissioners will meet in open session at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month. The meetings will be held in the Commission Room of the Municipal Building, 9835 Dayton Pike, where and at which time and place said Board of Commissioners will transact such public business as may lawfully come before it.

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LEGAL NOTICEThe Chattanooga-Hamilton County Hospital Authority complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1976. No individual shall on the grounds of race, sex, color, creed, national origin, age or handicap be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or services offered by the Authority.Erlanger Health System20170102

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD CITY OF CHATTANOOGA Legal Notice Proposals will be received NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AND OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED PERMITTING ACTIONSNotice is hereby given that the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Board (the Board) will receive public comments upon the proposed permitting action for the following air contaminant source located in Hamilton County, TN.Gold Coast Fats & Oils, LLC has proposed an increase

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of 8.0 tons/year in allowable air pollutant emissions of volatile organic compounds resulting from their existing Dowtherm transport system at 4608 Kirkland Avenue in Chattanooga, TN. Questions may be directed to Sydney Spencer, Bureau permit engineer, at (423) 643-5977.Materials concerning this proposed action may be inspected at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau (the Bureau), 6125 Preservation Dr., Suite 140, Chattanooga, TN 37416-3740 or online at http://bit.ly/apcb_publicnotice. Anyone desiring to request a public hearing concerning this proposed permitting action should make that request in writing and deliver it to the Bureau Director at the above address by 4:30 pm, Monday, February 6, 2017. If a public hearing is requested, the hearing will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at 3:00 pm at the Bonny Oaks Corporate Center, 6125 Preservation Dr., Chattanooga, TN.

*Legal Notice * Legal NoticeProposals will be received by the City of Chattanooga, Purchasing Department, 101 East 11th Street, Suite G13, Chattanooga, Tennessee, until:February 10, 2017TIME: 4:00 PM RFP # _139810_At that time, Proposals will be accepted for the purchase of:REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR OAK HILLS BUS SHELTER PROJECTThe City of Chattanooga, at its discretion, may not open a single bid. The City of Chattanooga reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids received, waive any informalities in the bids received, and to accept any bid that, in its opinion, may be for the best interest of the City. The City of Chattanooga will be nondiscriminatory in the purchase of all goods and services on the basis of race, color, or natural origin.City of ChattanoogaDeidre Keylon, Buyerdmkeylon@chattanooga. govPhone (423) 643-7231Fax (423) 643724420170103