Urban Voice - April 2015

DR. UMAR JOHNSON & REV. JEREMIAH WRIGHT COMING TO CHATTANOOGA

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CHATTANOOGA | KNOXVILLE

CULTURE NEWS POLITICS

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

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Celebrating 50 Years with the Bar-Kays !

CONTENTS Blacks In Government Scholarships Available

Hamilton County Democrats Elect Leadership Team

tHIs MONTH in news

Knoxville Area Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity Conference- Friday, April 11th

HUD Secretary Tells Realtors® FHA is Exploring Alternative Credit Scoring COMMUNITY EVENTS

Talking with Banking Executive, Clarence L. Vaughn, III Clarence Vaughn opens up about his outlook on the banking industry, his personal pathway into the banking world, and how he almost didn’t grow into Mr.

Clarence L. Vaughn, III the executive persona that is now synonymous with his name. .> FEATURE

STORY PAGE 10

Cohen Reintroduces Bill to Bring Fresh, Healthy Foods to Underserved “Food Deserts”

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero running for re-election Knoxville’s First Female Mayor makes a run for a second term

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UNNIK to host All Female Youth Conference Reginald Jenkins, founder and executive director of UUNIK Academy, Inc, talks about why he has spent twenty years helping area youth to succed and the upcoming All Female Youth Conference 2015 : Return to Royalty.

UrbanV ice CULTURE NEWS POLITICS

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Steve Harvey, No. 1 New York Times best-selling author, Emmy Award-winning television host, and renowned radio personality, has been confirmed as one of the keynote speakers at the 2015 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit to take place this May in Atlanta.

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Marc Morial, National Urban League President and CEO, says that Black America is in Crisis based on data reported this month in the Urban League’s annual State of Black America (SOBA) report.

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It’s Spirng Time: Check out the latest in Spring Fashion TIPS with Lorean Mays .

URBAN VOICE NEWSMAGAZINE No. 8 ·APRIL 2015 · Year 1 · PUBLISHER Everything Urban GRAPHIC DESIGN BROOKY MEDIA GROUP SUBSCRIPTIONS $24.00/YR. Mail Subscription Cards and Payment to 300 Ben Hur Ave. Knoxville, TN 37915. WEBSITE www.urbanvoiceonline.com ADVERTISING Email Ads.urbanvoice@gmail.com SUBMISSIONS Email submissions.urbanvoice@gmail.com PRESS RELEASES Email PR.urbanvoice@gmail.com.

EVENTS Email events.urbanvoice@gmail.com

URBAN VOICE NEWSMAGAZINE 2015 | 3

from the publisher Thirty Steps to Financial Wellness April Is Financial Literacy Month

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ive within your means. Put money aside for tough times. Save, don’t borrow, for the things you want.

Don’t spend money you don’t have. Invest for the future.

Does any of this sound familiar?

For some of us, following this advice is easier said than done. Too many of us lack the necessary education about personal finances. We didn’t learn about finances in school and money was rarely talked about at home outside of the context of not having enough. And forget about those lessons related to investing and borrowing!

If you’re like me, you didn’t grow up in a house talking about the Dow Jones Industrial Average or leading financial indicators. In my house, people worked, paid bills and tried to make due with what was left.

But, my momma always told us “when you know better, you ought to do better”.

What better time to do better than now?

April is officially National Financial Literacy Month; and the experts at Money Management International (MMI) have created a 30 –step path to financial wellness, one step for each day of the month to help all of us create a successful strategy to help improve our overall financial position. Yes, I said all of us!

There are a bunch of us in this boat

together! Today, a majority of consumers are experiencing some sort of financial difficulty which can be the cause of significant amounts of stress and anxiety.

In fact, Americans carry more than $2 trillion in consumer debt and 30 percent of consumers report having no extra cash making it impossible to escape the burden of living pay check to pay check.

Among African Americans, who have a long history of having to make do with less, to “squeeze every dollar ’til it hollers,” good financial stewardship—often with a focus on sustaining entire communities—was the rule, not the exception. Many of us went to college or started businesses thanks to the disciplined financial habits and largesse of a parent, grandparent, or other relative who “made a way out of no way”.

Of course, it’s a good thing that we now have access to credit and other financial products and services that were denied to previous generations of African Americans—it’s an example of the economic justice for which many of us fought long and hard. But if we have learned nothing else from this past decade, it’s that easy access to credit without education and good judgment is a recipe for easy excess and self-destructive behavior.

So as you read this month’s issue, rededicate yourself to the cause of your own financial literacy and the principles of responsible money management,

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Chief Creative Officer

disciplined saving, and investing—the keys to building and maintaining wealth.

Remember that debt is to be managed, not abused; and that we must save a portion of every dollar we make.

So, get started today and encourage your circle of influence to do the same. Have fun with it! To help you here the first five stopping points on MMI’s 30 step path to financial wellness: 1. Commit to change- examine your attitude about money 2. Asses your financial Situation- self assessment 3. Clear out financial clutter- get organized (receipts, pay stubs utility bills, credit cards receipts) 4. Become your own CFO – Chief Financial Officer- start watching your money 5. Get copies of your credit report Let’s get smart about finances—our finances.

UNTIL NEXT MONTH, Jermaine D. Harper, MBA Publisher,

- J.D. Harper

Jermaine D. Harper, MBA Email: jd.urbanvoice@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Brian Archie Blackdoctor.org George Curry Lorean Mays Sharetta T. Smith Jermaine D. Harper Jacqueline Clay Joshalyn Hundley Marc Morial National Association of Realtors David Meza Paula Wilkes ADVERTISING Email: ads.urbanvoice@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHY BA Photography, Brian Archie Look Within Photography, Terry Mosely Jequise Beverly WEBSITE: www.urbanvoiceonline.com

COPYRIGHT All material appearing in Urban Voice Newsmagazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. Urban Voice Newsmagazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements.

Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or editor.

NATIONAL | Whats the 411?

HUD Secretary Tells Realtors® FHA is Exploring Alternative Credit Scoring Urban Development Julian Castro.

Written By • National Association of Realtors WASHINGTON, April 1, 2015 / PRNewswire/ -- A diverse group of housing industry stakeholders participated in a credit access symposium today to discuss how alternative credit scoring models could expand access to mortgage credit for responsible borrowers who may have thin credit histories or extenuating circumstances like medical debts.

The event, co-hosted by the National Association of Realtors®, the Asian Real Estate Association of America and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, included two roundtable discussions and a keynote address from Secretary of Housing and

„Realtors® support safe, responsible access to mortgage credit for borrowers who can show they are ready and able to own a home and keep up with monthly payments. Unfortunately, overly restrictive lending, except to buyers with nearpristine credit scores, prevents many otherwise qualified buyers from entering the housing market,” said NAR President Chris Polychron, executive broker with 1st Choice Realty in Hot Springs, Ark. NAR first called on federal regulators and the credit and lending communities in 2011 to reassess the entire credit structure and look for ways to increase the availability of credit to qualified borrowers who are good credit risks.

Work by the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies indicates that borrowers with lower incomes as well as minorities face higher rejection rates on their mortgage applications.

NAR analysis of mortgage data from 2007 to 2013 indicates that the share of rejected loans due to credit scores was

significantly higher for African Americans and American Indians. „If lenders and the government-sponsored enterprises were to adopt alternative credit scoring methods, such as FICO 9 and VantageScore 3.0, they could expand access to mortgage credit without dramatically increasing risk in the housing market,” said Polychron.

The newer credit scoring models put less emphasis on the impact of unpaid medical bills, and the effect of missed payments on debts that have subsequently been paid off is eliminated. FICO 9 and VantageScore 3.0 incorporate public utility and rental housing payments, information that helps lenders to evaluate younger persons and minorities who might not have a history of credit use.

FICO estimates that its new model could improve scores by 25 to 100 basis points. „The biggest limitation to borrowing is tight credit standards,” said NAHREP Past President Jerry Ascencio. „These conditions are exacerbated by outdated credit scoring models that don’t take into

account the unique spending and savings patterns of Hispanic borrowers. Alternative credit scoring models need to consider these patterns so creditworthy borrowers are not turned away from the American Dream of homeownership.”

Jim Park, AREAA past chair, noted that there was a clear consensus from all of the symposium’s participants that the government-sponsored enterprises should update their scoring models and also create added market competition in the credit evaluation system. „These critical efforts will expand credit to more minority and immigrant consumers and reverse the unfortunate trend of homeownership decline in America,” he said.

At the event, Secretary Castro underscored the agency’s commitment to widening the circle of opportunity for responsible families by making homeownership more affordable and accessible.

Steve Harvey To Speak At The 20th Annual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit Quincy Jones and Clarence Avant to be honored at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit in Atlanta, GA May 13-16 Harvey will be among a powerhouse lineup of some of the nation’s most accomplished and celebrated entrepreneurs and motivational speakers.

ll NEW YORK, March 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Where Innovation and Capital Meet.

Steve Harvey, No. 1 New York Times best-selling author, Emmy Award-winning television host, and renowned radio personality, has been confirmed as one of the keynote speakers at the 2015 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit. hosted by Nationwide on Wednesday, May 13 through Saturday, May 16, at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Georgia.

An annual highlight of the Summit is the presentation of the nation’s top awards for African American business achievement and community involvement. The Black Enterprise Trailblazer Award will be presented to legendary record producer, musician, and humanitarian, Quincy Jones; and music executive and entrepreneur Clarence Avant, at the BE 100s Gala on Friday, May 15.

According to the Black Enterprise website The Black Enterprise Trailblazer Award “recognizes the outstanding achievement of an individual who has had broad and positive impact on his or her industry, as well as the community at large, while serving as a champion of entrepreneurship and business growth, employment opportunities, and wealth creation for African Americans”.

In addition the Summit will offer high-powered sessions on critical

business topics such as Attracting Angel Investors, Accelerating Your Tech Startup, The Art of Raising Money, It’s Called Show BUSINESS, and Selling Your Ideas and Building Consumer Brands.

For the aspiring entrepreneur, The Small Business Success™ Boot Camp and the Black Enterprise Elevator Pitch Competition will also take place during the Summit. Boot Camp offers practical advice on how to take your business to the next level.

The winner of the Elevator Pitch Competition will receive $10,000 for presenting the best new business idea.

Also, for the first time, attendees of the 2015 Entrepreneurs Summit will have the opportunity to tap into all the latest BLACK ENTERPRISE developments taking place in and around the Summit courtesy of the new dedicated BE Events app available for free on Android, iOS and other smartphones. The app also features a detailed interactive floor plan to help attendees

navigate the session rooms as well as keep attendees fully up-todate with the latest developments through a link to the #BESummit social media tag. Attendees will also receive push notifications in the event of room changes and black enterprise giveaways.

Confirmed speakers include: • Steve Harvey, Author, Radio Personality and Television Show Host • Lisa Nichols, CEO, Motivating the Masses • Michael Eric Dyson, Author, Professor and Radio Host • Roland Martin, Journalist, Commentator, Host, News One Now • Paul Judge, Managing Partner, Judge Ventures, Advisor Opportunity Ventures • Jermaine Dupri, Record Producer, Songwriter and entrepreneur • Randal Pinkett, Co-Founder & CEO of BCT Partners, Speaker and Author • Ken Coleman, Chairman, Saama Technologies • Don Peebles, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Peebles

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Corp.

Reginald Hudlin, American Writer, Film Director, and Producer Necole Parker, Founder and CEO, ELOCEN Group Samuel Gilmore, Founder and President, Overnight Success Inc. Tom Chikoore, Founder, Techstars Risingstars Program Kim Kimble, Celebrity Hairstylist, Owner of Kim Kimble Salons and Kimble Haircare System Chris Bennett, Co-Founder and CEO, Soldsie; Founder, Black Founders (NewME) Sherrod Shackelford & LaVon Lewis, CEOs & Co-Founders, PDG Branding & Marketing David Grain, Founder & Managing Partner, Grain Management L.L.C. Stacey Key, President & CEO, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council Robert Santiago, Owner of Empire FX Kim Wales, Founder & CEO, Wales Capital

URBAN VOICE NEWSMAGAZINE 2015 | 5

KNOXVILLE NEWS

UNNIK to host All Female Youth Conference - Sat. April 11th @ The Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville

Knoxville Community Announcements with Joshalyn Hundley ll For more information please contact Joshalyn Hundley at 865-215-3867 or jhundley@ cityofknoxville. org. Joshalyn Hundley is the Title VI/EBOP Coordinator for the City of Knoxville

Written By • Staff Reporter

ll KNOXVILLE, Tenn - UNNIK Academy, Inc. presents- All Female Youth Conference 2015 : Return to Royalty”.

The event will take place Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville,TN. Reginald Jenkins is the founder and executive director of UUNIK Academy, Inc. UUNIK (pronounced “unique”) is a rites of passage program dedicated to the holistic development of African-American male youth, ages 10-15, in the Knoxville area.

Jenkins has been organizing conferences for boys and girls since 2006, beginning with the first annual Calling All Males Youth Conference in which 35 youth participated, and later in 2008 with the first annual Calling All Females Youth Conference in which 30 youth participated. The purpose of both conferences is to unite young African American boys and girls with positive, professional African American role models. Since their inception, more

than 500 youth have participated in both conferences.

· Move Your Body, presented by Leslye Hartsell

„My goal for the boys is to teach them to be men, and do the things that men do well, such as being able to make an honest living and provide for thier families,” said Jenkins. „For the girls, I want them to know their value, and how to make smart decisions and think criticially”.

In addition to financing and organizing the conferences, Jenkins has worked with youth for the past 20 years, educating himself on what he feels is needed to assist them in becoming productive adults - Leadership, African/AfricanAmerican History, Self Esteem and Teen Entrepreneurship.

Jenkins said that he started holding the conferences for girls because there was a demand for them. „After the success of the boys’ conference, there was feedback that I needed to do a similar conference for girls”, said Jenkins. „The girls conference is completly organized and ran by women,” said Jenkins.

This year’s theme: „Return to Royalty”, will focus on training young girls to know who they are. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in four different workshops. The workshops are: · Mind Your Business, presented by Davett Jones · Let’s Get Creative, presented by Kamesha Bowen-Jenkins · Image of You, presented by Pearl Walker

mayor of Knoxville and also a first for the major urban cities in Tennessee. Prior to her election Rogero served under Bill Haslam as the Director of Community Development.

She is a graduate of Furman University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She also received a Master of Science in planning from the University of Tennessee.

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero running for reelection

Blacks In Government Scholarships Available

„I want more of our youth to become producers, rather than consumers,” said Jenkins.

Jenkins also organizes an annual College and Career Week at Vine Middle Magnet School in which local professionals and college students from various fields are matched with middle school classrooms to discuss and demonstrate their profession and/or field of study. The conferences and Career Week are annual events that continue to develop and uplift African American youth.

To register for the conference, participants may call (865) 384-4475 or visit the organization’s website at uunikacademy. org. If you would like to financially support the conference, you can donate via payapl,at Regkam2@gmail.com.

Circle of Change 2015- Saturday, April 11th; 6:00-11:00 pm Place: Bearden Banquet Hall, 5806 Kingston Pike. Cost: $35 per person, $65 per couple ($275 for table of 10). Events: Dinner, Awards Celebration, Silent & Live Auctions, Cash Bar & Entertainment Shelley Wascom, Community Shares Executive Director Email: shelley@communitysharestn.org 865-522-1604 507 South Gay Street, Suite 1120, Knoxville, TN 37902

Knoxville Area Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity Conference- Friday, April 11th Knoxville Area Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Conference at Rothchild’s Catering and Conference Center 8807 Kingston Pike Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Agenda Items: Overview of the Civil Rights Movement, Fair Housing 101, Immigration/ National Origin Issues, Reasonable Accommodations, Predatory Lending, Fair Housing Act Commemoration, Walk for Equality Registration Fee: $65.00 Note: There are a limited number of scholarships available to neighborhood residents Contact: Jennifer Bell at (865) 403-1234 Conference Sponsor: Equality Coalition for Housing Opportunities (ECHO)

ll OAKRIDGE, Tenn- The deadline to apply for the Oak Ridge Chapter of Blacks In Government Scholarship Application is April 17, 2015.

Arts Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act at : Beck Cultural Exchange Center- Friday, April 18th Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A kick-off reception was held Tuesday, March 24th at the Standard on Jackson Avenue.

The group encourages graduating high school seniors in the Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Roane and Alcoa areas top apply.

Rogero, who will be running for her second term, has served as mayor for the city of Knoxville since December of 2011. She is the first female

For additional information, call Katatra Vasquez at (865) 5760835 or Carolyne Thomas at (865) 576-2690

ll KNOXVILLE, Tenn.-Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero has announced she’s running for re-election in 2015.

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More info: Art applications accepted from students Feb 28th till April 10th. Click here to view more information and application [PDF] Sponsored by National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees Local 406. Contact Vivian Underwood Shipe, President NAPFE Local 406 at 865-617-8353 or DoctorShipe@yahoo.com.

Top 5 Hottest Trends for Spring 2015 under $100 reinvented or mechanically manipulated.”

This month I decided to feature my Top 5 hottest trends for Spring 2015 under $100.

1. The Statement Skirt Normally when we hear the word “statement” in fashion, we automatically assume it is in reference to an accessory, Written • Lorean Mays which would be a scarf, ll Spring is officially here!! necklace, or earrings. This After the frigid temperatures, season the statement is made snow, and ice we are finally on with an intricate piece of your the horizon of warm weather wardrobe, the skirt. Michelle and sunshine. The Pantone Obama over the past year has Color Institute has released made the return of the A-Line their “Color Report” for Spring dress and skirt epic. It can be 2015. The color trend for this seen on everyone from Kerry season has returned to a more Washington to young starlette traditional palette. Each features Zendaya Coleman. Check warm tones of beige and Out: Ann Taylor’s Leopard Marsala (which is the 2015 color) Pencil Skirt $74.99 Available at and cooler tones of teal and your local Ann Taylor store or citrus orange. Leatrice Eiseman, AnnTaylor.com.

Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute stated, 2. Flat is Back “There is a growing movement to One of the hottest shoes step out and create ‘quiet zones’ of 2014 was Valentino’s to disconnect from technology “Rockstud Ankle Strap” Pump. and unwind. Color hues choices This shoe has graced the foot follow the same minimalistic, ‘en of every lady in Hollywood. plein air’ theme, taking a cue BCBG had the right idea when from nature rather than being

they designed a much more affordable version but in the hottest shoe trend for the spring, the classic pointed toe flat. It comes in 2 solid shades and 2 prints. Check Out: BCBGeneration “Annia” Flat $59.95 Available at your local DSW store or DSW.com 3. Color Blazer The Blazer is a staple to any woman’s or man’s wardrobe.

It can easily be paired with pants or a skirt for business meetings. Also the blazer can be paired with skinny jeans or capri’s for a fun filled adventure. JC Penney’s has the perfect blazer with the right cut and fit for any one. It can be found in every color from Magenta to Vanilla Bean. No matter what look you are going for, they have you covered.

Check Out: Stylus (Long sleeve Knit) Blazer $39.00 Available at your local JC Penney’s or JCPenney.com 4. Perfect Tote When the weather warms up it seems that most of our handbags get a little heavier. You find that we have

everything from extra snacks to water in our bags. Anne Klein has the perfect bag for the spring in the perfect shades Coral Crush, Magnolia, and Earth. It features extra compartments on the inside for those snacks and plenty of depth for all of your other necessities. Check Out: Anne Klein “Perfect Medium Tote” $59.95. Available at your local Belk or Belk.com 5. Sun Fever Everyone is ready for that cool breeze and the warm rays from the sun. The Maxi (Sundress) made its way on the top trend list for Spring and Summer over 6 years ago. Sundresses come in an array of lengths and styles. From pretty printed patterns to beautiful solid hues, you won’t go wrong no matter what you choose. Dillard’s has a wide variety of designers and styles available. So now that it is time for all of the Day Parties and Sundress themed events to start, you know exactly where to go. Check Out: Jessica Howard “Printed Maxi” $99.00. Available at your local Dillard’s or Dillards.com

Submitted by • Jackie Clay, Office of the Mayor

“The consensus opinion is that a clean community is a safer, healthier and more beautiful place to live, work and play,” said Albert Nelson, Five Points Up member and Knoxville– Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC) East Neighborhood Center manager.

From the Harvest Plaza Center parking lot, participating community members dispersed into their own neighborhoods to collect litter. Snacks, beverages, clean-up tools, gloves and supplies were provided to participants at no cost. The event also featured

tips on maintaining a clean community. The coalition encouraged everyone who lives, works, worships and plays in the area to participate.

The CAC East Neighborhood Center, Project Grad, City of Knoxville, East Knoxville Business and Professional Association, Keep Knoxville Beautiful, Knox County Health Department, and AmeriCorps partnered with the coalition to help.

Neighborhood groups involved included City View Sanders Center Association, Cold Springs Neighborhood Watch, Delrose Neighborhood Association, Dandridge Avenue Neighborhood Watch, Eastport/Lee Williams Neighborhood Watch, Michael Meadowview Neighborhood Association, Parkridge Community Organization, Parkridge Resident Association and Town Hall East Neighborhood Association.

Five Points Up hopes to improve the health of those living and working in the area by increasing the sense of community through local activities and events. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, promoting meaningful community participation builds trust and relationships among neighbors, empowering them to become advocates for their communities.

Neighborhood involvement helps communities mobilize to reach health-related goals and helps empower residents to change behaviors and improve health outcomes.

In 2010, the Knox County Health Department (KCHD) received grant funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to address environmental barriers to good health in three at-risk neighborhoods, including Five Points.

Cohen Reintroduces Bill to Bring Fresh, Healthy Foods to Underserved “Food Deserts”

ll WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today reintroduced his Supermarket Tax Credit for Underserved Areas Act, which would help reduce the prevalence of “food deserts” and help ensure that healthy, fresh food is available throughout the nation, including in urban areas. The legislation would provide tax incentives for the establishment of supermarkets in empowerment zones and formerly designated renewal communities.

“Every American deserves access to fresh, healthy foods so that they can lead long lives, but too many live in so-called ‘food deserts’ without this critical component of a happy, healthy life,” said Congressman Cohen. “Many families living in underserved communities face transportation challenges and rely on corner convenience stores that often stock processed products rather than fresh meat and produce. My legislation addresses that challenge directly, because we should do all that we can to keep children and families healthy.

Five Points Up Coalition Hosted Communitywide Cleanup Event ll Knoxville, Tenn. — Five Points Up, a community-led coalition, hosted its first East Knoxville Communitywide Cleanup on Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The event kicked off at the Harvest Plaza Center parking lot, 2410 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

KNOXVILLE NEWS

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 in 6 Americans live in low income communities more than half a mile from the nearest large grocery store, and many studies have shown that lack of access to the foods needed to maintain a healthy diet is a challenge that is particularly prevalent in low-income urban and rural communities. These areas are often referred to as “food deserts.” Residents of these communities are often limited to purchasing foods that are less healthy, which can contribute to the decline in health and well-being as well as may contribute to diet-related illnesses.

KCHD is continuing this evidenced-based work in Five Points and other targeted neighborhoods by providing staff support and facilitation to neighborhood organizations.

In addition to incentivizing the establishment of supermarkets, the Supermarket Tax Credit for Underserved Areas, which Congressman Cohen also introduced in the 113th Congress, would increase the work employment tax credit for supermarkets that hire disadvantaged youth, community residents, veterans and ex-felons and provide a tax credit for supermarkets that purchase their fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers.

URBAN VOICE NEWSMAGAZINE 2015 | 7

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ENTERTAiNMENT/music/culture UPGRADE YOUR SOCIAL CALENDAR. Tis the season for…laughs, music and everything in between. Keeping

you in-the-know about the essentials for the good life.

CHATTANOOGA Christy’s Sports Bar 3469 Brainerd Road (423) 702-8137 Mary's Lounge 2125 McCallie Ave (423) 493-0246 Glass Street Lounge 2208 Glass Street (423) 622-3579 T Roy’s 2300 Glass Street (423) 629-8908 Chocolate City Lounge 27 W 19th Street (423) 534-4411 Jay's Bar 1914 Wilder Street (423) 710-2045 KG’S Lounge 1401 E 3rd Street (877) 852-2506 KNOXVILLE Whispers Banquet Hall & Social Lounge 2658 E. Magnolia Ave (865) 964-9294 The Elks Lodge #160 3919 Holston Drive (865) 522-6611 Jarmans BBQ & Lounge 3229 E. Maganolia Ave (865) 973-2000 URBAN VOICE. | Tennessee Newsmagazine | April 2015. | Everything Urban

URBAN VOICE NEWSMAGAZINE 2015 | 9

MONEY

Becoming Clarence L. Vaughn, III Clarence L. Vaughn, III, a PK (Preacher’s Kid), grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and is the middle child of three. He attended FAMU (a Historically Black College & University) and later Syracuse University. However, Clarence’s story isn’t one you would find in a storybook and certainly isn’t pretty.

As a teen, Clarence was kicked out of high school and sent to alternative school with students that society would label rejects (teen moms, juvenile delinquents and known criminals). Armed with a .7 GPA Vaughn really had no idea how his life would turn out. How did the son of a preacher end up in this predicament?

“I was trying to fit in. I was hardheaded. I didn’t listen to my parents and I was doing things my own way”, Vaughn simply states.

Despite the odds, Vaughn began the difficult task of dusting himself off and redirecting his energy to studying and graduated high school. From high school he entered junior college, graduated with a 3.2 GPA, and set his eyes on FAMU.

Clarence L. Vaughn, III Community Banker with US Bank. Director of Diversity & Inclusion. Talks Banking, Diversity & Gets Personal.

Written By • Staff Reporter PHOTO CREDIT: Terry Mosely

C

larence L. Vaughn, III is about his business. He is educated. He is passionate about his family and his community, and he has been a leader in the banking industry for over a decade.

The Florida A&M University (FAMU) graduate holds an MBA from Syracuse University.

As a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, the Knoxville Area Urban League of Young Professionals, and several other philanthropic organizations in various capacities, Mr. Vaughn is a very active member of the Knoxville community.

Currently he is the Director of Diversity & Inclusion with US Bank where his primary focus is geared towards the betterment of businesses and individuals in 13 counties located within US Bank’s East Tennessee footprint.

He has a true passion to serve and uses his education and training to give back while crediting his humble beginnings for his current success.

In a one-on-one interview with Urban Voice Publisher, Jermaine Harper, Vaughn sat down and shared his outlook on the banking industry, his personal pathway into the banking world, and how he almost didn’t grow into Mr. Clarence L. Vaughn, III - the executive persona that is now synonymous with his name.

“My dad first introduced me to FAMU”, said Clarence. “He took me to the Soul Bowl, a classic football game between two HBCU rivals – FAMU and Bethune Cookman.”

Vaughn graduated from FAMU with a 3.4 GPA, and in the end, the alternative school graduate who once had a .7 GPA ended up completing both his undergraduate and graduate degrees with academic honors.

His first job after college was with Enterprise Rental Car as a manager trainee where he endured 60 hour work weeks and gained a great foundation for learning about business. After Enterprise, his first job in banking was with Wells Fargo as a financial credit manager, and before joining US Bank he worked in management at both Regions and Suntrust banks.

Vaughn said that he has seen the banking industry change drastically over the last decade, and after spending the beginning of his career in retail banking, he now focuses on the construction side of the banking business and relationship building.

Specifically, his role is to focus on multi-cultural markets where there are roughly 25 million consumers that the banking industry has not yet reached.

MONEY “Building relationships is very important in reaching these untapped markets once a bank has decided to make diversity and inclusion its goal”, said Vaughn. “We have to take on a ‘let us serve you’ attitude where providing financial education and literacy to underprivileged markets is a key component”.

…, you need to git up, git out and git somethin. Don’t let the days of your life pass by . You need to git up, git out and git somethin . Don’t spend all your time tryin to get high. You need git up, git out and git somethin . How will you make it if you never even try You need to git up, git out and git somethin . Cuz you and I got to do for you and I …..

Locally, US Bank cultivates relationships with individuals and small businesses by holding workshops such as “What’s your Entrepreneurial DNA?”, and “Are you in the Right Business?” In addition, the bank also assists start-up and existing businesses with recruitment, retention, and education in partnership with Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) throughout the East Tennessee region.

Quickly, the publisher pulls the banker back and asks him about his future plans.

Vaughn said that US Bank is serious about engagement within the community. “As evidence employees donate 16 hours per year in volunteer service, and for the year 2015, the Knoxville market is #1 in the country for logged volunteer hours”, said Vaughn.

Personally, Clarence has managed to find banking to be a fulfilling career choice. “If you enjoy being a servant leader, banking is a good career choice”, he said. “I like building relationships, community development, and truly enjoy giving back.” How did he manage to turn things around?

“God did it”, said Clarence. “I just started listening to him and the advice of my parents, my Uncle Mike and others, and things started looking up.”

Stating that his mother, Marsha Vaughn is his hero, Clarence said that if he had one piece of advice to share from his experiences it would be to say to people, young and old, that it is never too late to have a better life.

When asked what kept him going, Clarence had this to say: “Everyday I listened to my favorite song: Git UP, Git OUT by OUTKAST featuring Goodie Mob. Immediately, the lyrics float into their collective memories and for a moment, both gentlemen are no longer Mr. Vaughn and Mr. Harper, but just Clarence and Jermaine - two young men lost in the lyrics of a song that inspired an entire generation of their peers.

“I’d like to continue my banking career and hopefully become an executive someday and work in the area of community development,” said Vaughn.

But, while Vaughn is excited about the future, he is also very focused on the present business opportunities and market challenges facing US Bank.

As the fifth largest commercial bank in the United States, US Bank is focused on diversity & inclusion.

“US Bank has gotten serious with our diversity efforts, particularly to minorities, women and millennials” states Vaughn. “We view everything we do through a diversity and inclusion lens to deepen our relationships with our stakeholders: our employees, customers, shareholders and communities”.

•

•

Philanthropic, volunteer and community affairs programs designed to enrich and revitalize the communities where the bank is located, and Local and national partnerships through which US Bank mentors and trains underrepresented high school and college students and others.

According to Vaughn, the future of the banking business comes down to one key question: “Do we have the primary relationship with the customer?

That’s what we continue to drive at - SERVICE”.

Part of providing that SERVICE is cultivating and maintaining a level of financial literacy among customers, a concept in which US Bank is certainly committed.

This April, as U.S. Bank celebrates Financial Literacy Month, the bank is also continuing its commitment to financial education through its Financial Genius Scholars Program where U.S. Bank volunteers will connect with high school students in eight cities.

“U.S. Bank volunteers will engage students in a variety of activities including classroom discussions, a ‘lunch and learn’, online games and financial literacy lessons,” said Erica Opstad, vice president and managing director of Corporate Citizenship and Community Relations.

US Bank’s website boasts a impressive list of diversity initiatives including,

As a banker, you have

•

A council of leaders from across the company that focuses on instilling diversity and inclusion into the bank’s culture.

to want to build

A steering committee of seniorlevel employee veterans that guides our support for veterans and military families.

diversity initiatives,

Employee-led business resource groups that focus on achieving specific business goals.

and investment in the

•

•

•

•

Multicultural outreach, sponsorship and marketing initiatives that demonstrate the bank’s dedication to supporting and building diverse, vibrant communities.

A supplier diversity program that develops and builds strong business relationships with certified minority- and womenowned business enterprises.

lasting relationships, said Vaughn.“Our our commitment to financial literacy, education of students in the communities where we do business is at the heart of what we do at US Bank. We help people live better.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

6 SUMMER TRIPS FOR BLACK PROFESSIONALS IN 2015 ll AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL (ABFF). Thursday, June 19, 2014 – Sunday, June 22, 2014

To celebrate its 18th year, ABFF is relocating to the diverse metropolis of New York City: a place synonymous with bringing people from all walks of life together. Four days of Hollywood premieres, indie films and dynamic events such as ABFF’s new Entertainment and Lifestyle Expo, celebrity conversations, master classes, film and TV focused panels, plus our hit comedy show, are all being staged to entertain, inform and connect people with a common passion for Black culture. Featuring Think Like A Man Too, The Unauthorized Story Of Jay Z, Life’s Essentials With Ruby Dee, Black Dynamite, and Spike Lee’s Da Sweet Blood of Jesus. And Morris Chestnut is the Celebrity Ambassador and Tonya Lewis Lee, Host Committee Chair of 2014’s ABFF!

BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE IN LOS ANGELES, CA June 25, 2015 – June 28, 2015

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE CONFERENCE, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. July 29, 2015 – August 1, 2015 ESSENCE FESTIVAL IN NEW ORLEANS, LA. July 2, 2015 – July 5, 2015 In its 21st year, the Essence Festival will feature performances from Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Common, Erykah Badu, Teedra Moses, Robert Glasper and Tweet.essence.com/festival, @ essencefest, or #EssenceFest

TASTE OF CHICAGO IN CHICAGO, IL. July 8, 2015 – July 12, 2015 Taste of Chicago is the nation’s premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago’s dining community. cityofchicago.org/taste_of_chicago, @ TasteofChi2014, or #TasteofChicago

OAKLAND ART AND SOUL FESTIVAL IN OAKLAND, CA. August 1, 2015 – August

2, 2015. Two sensational days of music, food, fun and art in beautiful downtown Oakland.artandsouloakland.com, @ oakartandsoul

URBAN VOICE NEWSMAGAZINE 2014 | 11

The 411 Largest federal employee union denounces Indiana’s freedom to discriminate law ll WASHINGTON, PRNewswireUSNewswire/ -- The American Federation of Government Employees, the nation’s largest union representing federal workers, today denounced the new Indiana law that opens the door to state-sanctioned discrimination.

Chattanooga City Council Invites COA to Give Presentation on Housing Crisis Chattanooga, Tenn. — The Chattanooga City Council has invited COA to give a presentation on the local affordable housing crisis on Tuesday, April 7th at the Economic and Community Development Committee immediately following the Council’s agenda session at 3:00 PM. The presentation will focus on Chattanooga’s deepening crisis of housing affordability. Among these facts include: •

•

According to the Chattanooga Affordable Housing Report, released in 2012, 1 in 2 households in Chattanooga’s urban core live in unaffordable housing and are burdened by housing costs. More than a quarter of all renters are severely burdened, paying more than 50% of their total income on housing costs.

Working families looking for an affordable home are running out of options. Chattanooga now has the seventh highest rising rent in the nation.

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As working families continue to struggle to find a place to live, city leaders are doing nothing to stem the tide of high-dollar luxury condos that everyday Chattanoogans cannot afford.

Everyday, luxury apartments are being built that over threequarters of residents living in Chattanooga’s urban core cannot afford.

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Historic poor and working communities are disappearing.

Chattanooga has two of the top fifteen most racially gentrified ZIP codes within the past ten years. What were once communities home to people of color have now been replaced with unaffordable homes and high-dollar condos.

Trending....Newsbriefs Gardenhire Voucher Hamilton County Democrats Elect Bill Passes State Leadership Team Senate ll A school voucher bill sponsored by Senator Todd Gardenhire passed the Senate in a 24-8 vote. The Tennessee Choice & Opportunity Scholarship Act will next go to the House Government Operations Committee.

It is completely unfair for a child’s future to be determined by his or her zip code. The bill would allow a child from a failing public school to move to a private school. It applies to low-income students in districts with a school in the bottom five percent.

Innocent Black Man Found Not Guilty After 39 Years in Prison, Wins $1.3M Lawsuit ll An Ohio man, who was released from prison last year after doing a 39-year bid for a murder he did not commit, will receive a $1.39 million settlement from the state for his wrongful imprisonment, says local newspaper Cleveland Plain Dealer.

ll Hamilton County Democrats met at the IBEW Local 175 for their Biennial Reorganization Convention.

The purpose of the convention was to elect officers, review by¬laws, and discuss strategies for the 2016 election cycle.

Terry Lee was re-¬elected to a second term as chairman and Joe Boshears to a second term as treasurer. Demetrus Coonrod was elected vice chairman and Ashley Collins was chosen as secretary.

Leadership Chattanooga Alumni.... We Need Your Input ll This year marks the 30th anniversary of Leadership Chattanooga. The Leadership Chattanooga ALumni Board of Directors has set a goal to locate, recoonect , and update the alumni databaseI. Contact Kurk Schaffer at (423) 593-0191.

Events Around the Region BIRMINGHAM APR 4 R&B Festival with Maze f/Frankie Beverly, Betty Wright, Willie Clayton, Shirley Brown. Hosted by MC Lightfoot Boutwell Auditorium 7pm MAY 2 Birmingham Funk Fest with Anthony Hamilton, Doug E. Fresh, Cameo, Mint Condition, Total Legion Field MAY 8 Black & Brown Comedy Get Down BJCC Legacy Arena Cedric the Entertainer, George Lopez, DL Hughley, Mike Epps, Charlie Murphy, Eddie Griffin

NASHVILLE APR 6 Dave Chappelle Ryman Auditorium | 7pm APR 19 Kevin Hart Bridgestone Arena | 7pm and 10pm MAY 10 The Manhattans Nashville Municipal Auditorium | 6pm CHATTANOOGA April 25th A Night to Remember Headlinder: Ledisis. Also performing Leela James & Raheem DeVaughn.

WANT YOUR EVENT FEATURED HERE? Do you have an upcoming event takig place? The editorial staff of the Urban Voice is happy to consider your event submission for publication in “What’s the 411” section.

Send a brief description of the event, along with the date, times and location to events.urbanvoice@gmail.com.

Entries must be recieved by the first of the month for events taking place the following month.

Young, Brown and ‘Looking Unsafe’ Commentary • David Meza Richmond Pulse ll “When was the last time you were you in jail?”

A young white police officer asked me this question after he pulled me over while I rode my bike in Pinole, CA, close to Richmond, where I live. It was Feb. 20, and I had just left the China House restaurant. If you know me, you know I ride my bike everywhere, all over the bay. It’s my main mode of transportation.

This seemed to make the officer anxious. When I asked why he stopped me, he answered: “You look unsafe.”

Not unsafe, as in I might hurt myself bicycling; but unsafe, as in, to somebody else. I know this, because the next thing he asked was: “Why are you in Pinole?”

I told him I had been eating at a restaurant.

“I’m not saying you’re doing anything wrong, you just look unsafe,” he repeated. He

12 | URBAN VOICE NEWSMAGAZINE 2015

wouldn’t explain what that meant, but instead asked for my identification — which he then ran through his computer.

After a few minutes, when nothing came back on me, he warned: “I will be watching out for you the next time you come into Pinole.”

Then he let me go.

I biked home as fast as I could.

I didn’t know how to feel about being called “unsafe” — I was confused about what he was implying. I felt less than a person at that moment, like it was all about the color of my skin and my age. I was racially profiled, a young brown male with a rasta-colored bike.

When I got home, I posted my experience on social media. I wanted an outlet for how I felt.

Here is a bit of what I wrote: “It really sucks that just because I’m young and brown that some people will always think I’m doing something wrong.”

Within a few hours, more than 60 people weighed in on my experience, many giving tips

on how to get this officer fired or asking for his name and badge number so they could do it themselves. (I refused to give out his details.) To my surprise, a former Richmond city councilman even shared my post in the popular RealRich group on Facebook, tagging city council members and local police.

But, after reading all the comments from friends and people who I didn’t even know, I felt disappointed and sad.

Nothing anyone said seemed like a long-term solution, and most of it was just more hate.

It stayed on my mind all night and the whole next day, and I had no idea what to do about it.

But at that point I did feel like something had to be done.

So, the next day, I rode my bike back into Pinole. I looked for the officer near the street where he pulled me over. I had decided to have a conversation with him to see if we could find some common ground. Maybe I could open his eyes to what he had done.

As I looked for him, I felt scared, like every cop in the area watched me as they drove past. When I finally found him, he seemed upset and defensive — I think he thought I wanted to pick a fight — but I told him I just wanted to talk.

We spoke for about 20 minutes.

I told him how I felt about what happened, and what I saw as an abuse of power. We agreed that nobody’s perfect, and that we can’t push all the world’s problems onto any one group.

He also apologized, said he’d work on being better, and that he’d try not to do it again.

That felt good. But part of me still feels as if nothing will change in people like that. I don’t feel any different about police as a whole, but I do worry now about other officers who find out that I posted my story online — because it seems there will always be someone who could become upset and take things into their own hands.

Announcements Mount Paran Missionary Baptist Church To Host A Revival April 19-22 ll CHATTANOOGA, TN- Mount Paran Missionary Baptist Church, LoreanMoss MayesDrive, – john.doe@tltimes.xom 1319 will have a revival, Sunday, April 19–Wednesday, April 22, at 7 p.m. nightly.

Organizers said, „The community at-large is invited to join the Mount Paran Missionary Baptist Church in revival as a renewed commitment to Jesus Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit takes place.

Join us in lifting up holy hands as Steve Allen Caudle, William Terry Ladd, III, Wayne L. Johnson, and Randy Jacks preach the uncompromised gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Chattanooga Business Opportunity Conference ll Connecting Major Employers to Suppliers, Professional Service Firms and Contractors Wednesday, May 6, 2015 10 am – 3 pm University of Tennessee at Chattanooga University Center, Tennessee Room To register for this FREE conference, contact H. Maria Noel 423.763.4338 (direct)

voices

Procter & Gamble’s My Black is Beautiful Continues to Imagine Beautiful Futures at the 2015 BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Awards on BET Networks ll CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--P&G’s My Black is Beautiful (MBIB) continues to inspire Black girls to be their best selves. MBIB maintains its momentum towards its goal of reaching and teaching one million girls and young women to believe their Black is beautiful as part of its Imagine A Future (IAF) program.

Together, with P&G brands, COVERGIRL, Pantene and Olay, and retail partner Target, MBIB will celebrate girls who are making a positive difference, and will invite the community to change the beauty conversation by joining the IAF movement during the 2015 BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Awards on Sunday, April 5 on BET Networks.

The IAF program launched in 2012, in collaboration with BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ and UNCF (United Negro College Fund). The program aims to reach and teach one million Black girls over three years to believe their Black is beautiful.

In 2013, the program sparked

The Conference will be held at the New Enon Baptist Church on April 25, beginning with a continental breakfast at 8 a.m. and ending with lunch at 1 p.m. There is a $15 registration fee for each woman who attends. Early registration may be sent to: Women’s Ministry, New Enon Baptist Church, P.O. 5009, Chattanooga, TN 37406, no later than April 11. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Angela Bullard at (423)899-8979.

„I am honored to support My Black is Beautiful’s Imagine A Future program, and to be a part of a movement that offers encouragement to girls and young women during the most critical years of their lives,” said Tatyana Ali, actress, activist and MBIB ambassador.

“This year’s M.A.D. (Making A Difference) Girls inspire all girls and young women to imagine a future where they’re able to bring meaningful change to their communities.”

Now in its third and final year of the IAF program, in which more than 770,000 girls and women have been empowered to date, MBIB continues its mission by motivating the community to join the road to inspire one

million girls and young women to be their best selves. During the BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Awards, attendees and viewers will be encouraged to watch the Imagine A Future documentary and hold local interactive screenings of the movie for their daughters, nieces and mentees using the accompanying curriculum: the IAF Discussion and Facilitator’s Guides. The documentary and resource materials are free to use and can be accessed by visiting www.MBIBImagineAFuture. com.

MBIB will also join BLACK GIRLS ROCK!TM Inc. in celebrating three dynamic young women who are being honored at the BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Awards. Each young lady is making a difference in her community and exemplifies the IAF mission. By promoting progressive change in their communities, the 2015 M.A.D. Girls – Gabrielle Jordan, Chental-Song Bembry and Kaya Thomas – have used

their voice, knowledge and talent to empower and serve others.

“Each year, BLACK GIRLS ROCK!TM acknowledges a group of dynamic young women and girls who are driven to create solutions to the social issues of our time.

I am so proud of this year’s inspiring M.A.D. Girls who are making a difference in education through literacy building, mentoring and technology. It is my hope that through their example, other girls will come to know that they are capable of making a difference in their communities too,” said Beverly Bond, creator, founder and executive producer of BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™. “We are elated that Tatyana Ali and Proctor & Gamble’s My Black is Beautiful will join us in celebrating these incredible young women.”

NUL report: Some progress amid ongoing ‘crisis’ for Black America

by Freddie Allen • NNPA News Service

League, wrote that “on many fronts, Black America remains in crisis – and we see justice challenged at every turn.”

New Enon Baptist To Hold Women’s Conference April 25 ll CHATTANOOGA, TN- The Women’s Ministry of the New Enon Baptist Church will hold its 11th Annual Women’s Conference on April 25. The theme for this year is “Ask, Seek, Knock: Women Pursuing God in these last Days” from Luke 11: 9-10 and the instructors will be Lady Maronica Tibbs of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Minister Doris Erving of Second Missionary Baptist Church, Minister Jean Yates of Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Mamie Cooper of Greater Friendship Primitive Baptist Church, and Dr. Chantele Carr of Olivet Baptist Church.

a national conversation surrounding Black beauty and self-image by releasing the Imagine A Future documentary, which examined the historical and current beauty and selfesteem issues that challenge Black women and girls.

ll WASHINGTON – When

it comes to the equality in America, a new report by the National Urban League says that African Americans are missing nearly 30 percent of the pie.

The annual State of Black America (SOBA) report compared how well African Americans were doing in economics, health, education, social justice and civic engagement.

In the introduction to the report, Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban

Morial added: “The world watched as non-indictments of the police officers responsible for the deaths of unarmed black males including Eric Garner, Michael Brown and John Crawford signaled that police accountability for taking black lives was reaching a modern-day low – and that the widespread and dangerous mistrust between law enforcement and too many communities of color in America was reaching a new high.”

Morial also expressed concerns about separate and unequal resources in schools, double-digit unemployment in the African-American community and continued attacks on voting rights.

The black equality index increased from a revised score of 71.5 percent in 2014 to 72.2 percent in 2015. In 2005, the

black equality index was 72.9 percent.

Higher scores in social justice (56.9 percent reported in 2014 report vs. 60.6 percent in the 2015 report) and health (78.2 percent vs. 79.8 percent) fueled the rise in the index.

The economic indicator also rose slightly from 55.4 percent to 55.8 percent.

“The education (from 76.7 percent to 76.1 percent) and civic engagement (from 104.7 percent to 104 percent) indexes both declined slightly,” stated the report.

The report said that fewer African Americans are falling victim to violent crimes and a lower number of AfricanAmerican high school students are carrying weapons, which had a positive affect on the social justice index.

However, the report found that gaps in unemployment and homeownership widened.

“With an index of 65 percent, the smallest black–white unemployment gap was in the

Providence–Warwick, RI–MA metro area, where the AfricanAmerican unemployment rate was 13 percent and the white rate was 8.5 percent.

Last year’s most equal metro—Augusta–Richmond County, Ga.,–S.C.—fell to #13 this year as the AfricanAmerican unemployment rate increased from 13.3 percent to 16.5 percent and the white unemployment rate was essentially unchanged.”

Toledo, Ohio’s AfricanAmerican unemployment rate was 22.6 percent, the highest rate among the metro areas in the study.

Morial continued: “While we celebrate the tremendous progress and transformation of our nation, we have a continuing need to be vigilant, to persevere and to protect past gains. We must not allow the forces of division, intolerance and right-wing extremism to turn back the hands of time.”

URBAN VOICE NEWSMAGAZINE 2015 | 13

HEALTH upcoming health events

BlueCross Wellness Incentive Programs Help Employers Boost Workplace Engagement ll CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--How you improve employees’ health at an auto plant may be different than how you drive health changes for the staff at a bank. That’s why regardless of the company, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee can customize wellness incentive programs to motivate long-term behavior change across a workforce’s range of health statuses and clinical conditions.

“With BlueHealth Rewards, we assess data and provide behavioral health insight to project employee engagement, behavior change and impact on medical spending that makes the most sense for the employer’s population. We never use a cookie cutter approach.”

With nearly 70 percent of U.S. companies offering workplace wellness programs, employers are looking for ways to improve and sustain employee engagement in health initiatives. BlueHealth RewardsSM assists employers in implementing or structuring customized programs to encourage and reward healthy choices and behaviors.

BlueCross’ team of experts, ranging

from health management consultants to behavioral health scientists, work with each employer to target specific behaviors and health conditions for improvement. Data on claims and use of health care services are integrated to create custom incentives and communications that encourage behavior change and help employers achieve the best value from their health plan. Employers can choose the incentive structure that fits their workforce and resources, from premium reductions to merchandise catalogues or other company incentives.

“The value in customizing is that employers can have programs that target and incentivize for both large picture health improvements and population specific chronic conditions,” said Kasie Plekkenpol, BlueCross’ director of

health management product strategy. “With BlueHealth Rewards, we assess data and provide behavioral health insight to project employee engagement, behavior change and impact on medical spending that makes the most sense for the employer’s population. We never use a cookie cutter approach.”

BlueHealth Rewards programs can be utilized by companies at any stage of wellness programming, from those starting wellness efforts to employers with long-standing initiatives. All programs include a range of communications to remind employees of their health improvement options and rewards earned. BlueHealth Rewards is available for fully insured groups and self-funded groups with more than 151 employees.

Aretha Franklin: “This Will Never Happen Again…”

Chattanooga: Support Group for Family Caregivers Free Support Group meets at The Health Center at Standifer Place on 1st and 3rd Friday’s of every month Chattanooga, Tenn.—When a loved one is aging or suffers from chronic health condition, caring for them can seem overwhelming. Join a free Caregiver Support Group to participate in a program designed especially for individuals providing care for adult loved ones.

ll The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is looking amazing these days! The 85 lb weight loss that she went through after her recent health scare does her body good. She was recently spotted by Kiss Detroit, performing at the Detroit at DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston and she’s still flaunting her slimmer figure!

When asked how she’s maintaining her weight loss, the 73-year-old legend said, “I have diabetes, really, from years ago when I was really badly and grossly overweight. Now, I’m back to my natural size and thrilled about it.”

She has stated that being over weight will never happen again.

Aretha has struggled with her weight throughout her life, underwent surgery in 2010 for an undisclosed ailment. After being hospitalized, Aretha completely changed her lifestyle and lost 85 lbs. in 2012. At the time, she said on The View, “I feel wonderful, I’ve

got more energy, I’ve changed my diet, going to Whole Foods now, getting the best stuff …

Dropped the chitlins, dropped the ham hocks, getting some — I won’t say better food, I’ll say other food.”

And she’s maintaining her new size the best way she can, by changing her diet — which is a lot easier said than done.

“The portion control they have set up for you works wonderfully for me. It helps me to control my weight,” she said. “It’s something that you really, really have to want first of all. Food can be powerful. We’ve got some real good food out here. You can either control it or it’s going to control you.”

In additional to portion control, she exercises frequently, up to four times a week. Keep a lookout for her, as she prefers to work out in public.

“I have a little walking regimen that I do in all of the super stores, Walmart, Kmart and Meijers

14 | URBAN VOICE NEWSMAGAZINE 2015

and so on. I walk the whole store, sometimes twice. It depends on how much I need to walk that day. If I need to really walk, I might walk it twice,” Franklin said.

When asked if she’s ever recognized by fans in the stores, she said, “Sometimes people don’t even notice that I’m there. Other times, they’ll do a double take. Sometimes they’ll come over and ask for an autograph.”

When she’s not exercising, she’s working on her new album. She’s headed back into the studio this weekend with music legend Babyface and Andre 3000 of Outkast.

“We’re doing classics. Soul classics and pop classics. Doing the ‘Midnight Train,’ doing ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It,’ doing ‘Rolling In The Deep,’ by Adele,” Franklin said.

The support group will equip caregivers with practical information on resources and services that are available to assist them, as well as the opportunity to interact with other caregivers who are in similar situations. Caregivers seldom take the time or have the place to talk about their own difficulties and needs; this group provides the environment for them to do so.

The Caregiver Support Group meets 1st and 3rd Friday of every month from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at The Health Center at Standifer Place, which is located at 2626 Walker Road in Chattanooga, TN. Please call Christin McWhorter, National Family Caregiver Support Program Coordinator, at 423-424-4288 or email at cmcwhorter@sedev.org for more information.

The Caregiver Support Group is provided by the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, a program of the Southeast Tennessee Development District, and The Health Center at Standifer Place. For more information, please visit www.setaaad. org or call 423-424-4288.