Urban Voice-September 2014 by Urban Voice

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH!

UrbanV ice CULTURE NEWS POLITICS

News + Politics + Business + Entertainment + Culture SEPTEMBER 2014

www.urbanvoiceonline.com

THE OBAMA THE OBAMA EFFECT! EFFECT What’s up with Chattanooga’s Night Life! Autum Adkins Graves to Chattanooga’s Black Voters lead GPS

Chattanooga Black Voters Turn Up for What?

Charlie Wilson! INSIDE

Turn Up For What?

Urban Voice launches Radio Talk Show on “The greatest glory in living WNOO 1260 AM

lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Q>A

BUSINESS

Local Barbers Provide “Cuts for the Community” Demetrius Miller, Luther Local Barbers Team upDaniels To & Harrell Bush team host “Cuts for the up to Give Back. Community” PAGE 8

NOLA Remains Home of CULTURE the ESSENCE Music NOLA Remains Home of the Festival™ ESSENCE Music Festival™ Nation’s Oldest HBCUPAGE 14 on the Come Back!

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UrbanV ice

from the publisher

CULTURE NEWS POLITICS

The Problem With Not Voting

nlike the 2008 and 2012 presidential election, the next presidential election will not have a black man named Barack Obama on the ballot. The next presidential election will not be about getting or keeping a black man in the White House. The next presidential election will represent a choice of two very different directions for the future of this country. At this point, we don’t know the candidates, but we do know the issues. I think it’s wonderful that we showed up to the polls and voted in record numbers in 2008 and 2012. However, the lack of voter participation at the local level is both disappointing and alarming. In this issue, we explored factors that contributed to low voter participation among blacks during the most recent midterm election held in Hamilton county. A measly 26% of registered voters in Hamilton county voted in the August 2014 election! What does it mean when we don’t show up to the polls? ‘‘ Louis L’Armour, an American writer said, “To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain. ’’ At the founding of this nation, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “We the people in order to form a more perfect union…..in order to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our prosperity….” Both of these are beautiful

passages about the idealism behind democracy. Yet, democracy is more than a beautiful thought. It is a set of behaviors, a set of actions. You have to participate and engage in the process in order for democracy to work. You are a citizen. Your are a taxpayer. You have the right to vote - and you can. Whether you live in Alton Park or Soddy Daisy, you matter. Our democracy affirms that we are all equal. “One man/woman. One vote”. Did you vote in this past election? Did you affirm that you are equal? That you count? That you matter? I am very grateful that I got a chance to witness an African American president in my lifetime. But in the end, I voted for President Barack Obama in 2008 and again in 2012 because I believed he was the best candidate for the job. And I still hold these beliefs. Yes, I do like his personality and his beautiful family, but that’s not why I voted for him. He has taken on a tough job and turned lemons into lemonade. He has helped to stabilize the economy, he has pushed for universal healthcare and he has gotten us out of an unfunded and unnecessary war (s). Don’t get it twisted; I‘ve been disappointed with his lack of push on some domestic issues. But— that’s my opinion. And I vote my opinions. What about you? We are the people that formed to create that more perfect union. The next time you get a chance to vote, act like your life depends on it. Because it does! Help make democracy work. Vote! Thank you for reading this issue of the Urban Voice!

News + Politics + Business + Entertainment + Culture

contents 4 THE OBAMA EFFECT!

CHAIRMAN/PUBLISHER Jermaine D. Harper, MBA

Feature Story: Chattanooga Black Voters Turn Up For What? Read what State Representative Joanne Favors, former Hamilton County Democratic Chairman Stuart James, Chattanooga Organized for Action Executive Director, Perrin Lance and Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson had to say about what’s behind voter apathy and what’s being done.

page24 page

We will bring you an index of pressing local, state and national news to keep you informed about issues you care about.

PRESIDENT/CEO Brian Archie

UrbanV ice News + Politics + Business + Entertainment + Culture

Publisher Jermaine D. Harper, MBA Email: jd.urbanvoice@gmail.com CONTRIBUTORS Lynn Cole Sharetta T. Smith, JD/MBA Brian Archie Jasper Clark Javata Partridge, Stylist J. Joyce Wardrobe ADVERTISING Email: ads.urbanvoice@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHY BA Photography, Brian Archie Look Within Photography, Shakeesha Semone Jeffries 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.

NEWS BRIEFS

7 page 7

LEGAL Q&A

Every month Chattanooga attorney, Sharetta Smith,will take on questions from our readers. This month’s question: I’m buying a house. Do I need a Lawyer?

page 8

8 BUSINESS

page page 10

Chattanooga barbers Demetrius Miller, Luther Daniels & Harrell Bush team up to launch the 1st “Cuts for the Community” event. We talked one-on-one with the visionary and owner of Deez Fine Cutz to talk about the event.

12 EVENTS

Every month we will scan the internet and talk with our regional and national social butterflies and find out what are the hottest events, concerts and night spots for you to check out.

Jermaine D. Harper, MBA Publisher, Urban Voice NewsMagazine

page 11 URBAN VOICE NEWSMAGAZINE No. 1 ·SEP 2014 · Year 1 · PUBLISHER Everything Urban GRAPHIC DESIGN BROOKY MEDIA GROUP SUBSCRIPTIONS $12.99/YR. Mail Subscription Cards and Payment to 2907 Magnolia Chattanooga, TN 37402 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

page 11

SEPTEMBER 2014 URBAN VOICE MAGAZINE 3

“The Black vote is a Democratic candidate’s “Ace in the Hole”

Shanelle Smith Director for Emerald Cities Cleveland and a graduate student in urban studies at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio

“Blacks are very frustrated in Chattanooga.“Its kinda hard to vote when you feel like you don’t have equal opportunities.” Stuart James Former Chairman, Hamilton County Democratic Party

“What we are seeing is a deliberate vote to stay at home, a boycott of the election process, Perrin Lance Executive Director of Chattanooga Organized for Action

THE OBAMA EFFECT

Chattanooga Black Voters Turn Up For What? Staff Reporters urbanvoice.urbanvoice@gmail.com

ll In 2008, Democrat supporters launched the

“Turn Up the Vote” Campaign to increase voter turnout on the national level. Borrowing the vernacular from a popular hip hop song, the term “Turn Up” was used as an outcry to 18 –35 year olds to “turn up” or increase the volume of their participation in the political process. During the 2008 Presidential elections, 72% of all registered voters in Hamilton County cast their vote. In precincts with a high African American population (Alton Park, Brainerd, Bushtown, Dalewood, East Chattanooga, East Lake, Glenwood, and Murray Hills) the voter turnout was 29%. However voter turnout for this past August shows that when it comes to a post Obama ballot, African Americans may be saying “Turn Up for What?” The results from this past August’s post Obama ballot showed that only 26% of all registered voters in Hamilton County showed up to the polls, and in those same precincts with a high African American population that number was on average a dismal 11%. According to the Pew Research Group, while it is normal for voter turnout to drop during midterms in national elections, it is the Democratic Party that suffers the most when African American voters don’t show up to the polls. 4

Shanelle Smith, Director for Emerald Cities Cleveland and a graduate student in urban studies at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, said that the strength of the Democratic Party has been tied to the Black vote for the last fifty years. “Black voter support has been roughly eighty percent for every Democratic presidential candidate during the past half century,” said Smith. “The Black vote is a Democratic candidate’s “Ace in the Hole”, and even when they lose a race, it is those solid black votes that keep Democratic candidates competitive in many parts of the country and keeps them [Democrats] from winning when they [Blacks] don’t show up.” The same can be said for local politics where here in Hamilton county, Public Defender Ardena Garth and Criminal Court Clerk Gwen Tidwell, two incumbent Democrats with a combined 40 plus years of experience in their political posts, lost their seats to Republican contenders Steve Smith and Vince Dean; respectively. “These two races stand as stark examples as to what happens when people don’t come out and vote – the democrats lose”, said Stuart James, a local attorney and former Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairman. Why is there a downward trend in African American voter turnout? Why didn’t the Obama effect become a game changer for voter participation in the African American community for all

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 U R B A N V O I C E M A G A Z I N E

elections? “Blacks are very frustrated in Chattanooga,” said James. “Its kinda hard to vote when you feel like you don’t have equal opportunities.” James added that despite the declaration that we are now living in a Post Racial America, many people still think in terms of Black vs. White. “In the minds of many Black people, it is still a White person’s world”, said James. Ash-lee Woodard – Henderson, an active member of Concerned Citizens for Justice and a regional organizer for Project South, said that Black people in the United States have been discussing the importance of raising our voices through our vote for generations. “That we have low voter turnout in local and midterm elections seems to be a reaction to multiple things, including participating in the electoral process, and electing someone, and then them [that person] not being accountable to the black community and improving our material conditions”, said Woodard- Henderson. For Perrin Lance, Executive Director of Chattanooga Organized for Action, the decision not to vote is a vote in and of itself. “What we are seeing is a deliberate vote to stay at home, a boycott of the election process, because those that we have put in office make polices that are not in the voters best interest”, said Lance.

“I'm asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change in Washington.....I’m asking you to belive in yours” - BARACK OBAMA.

“In Chattanooga we have a supposedly progressive democratic government, but when you look at the policies that are coming out of the current administration you have to question their priorities,” added Lance. “For example, a recent resolution granted by the city council delegating authority to provide tax breaks to downtown developers was motioned by a Democrat (Moses Freeman, District 8), seconded by a Democrat (Chris Anderson, District 7), and signed by a Democrat (Mayor Andy Berke).” Lance believes that these kinds of policy decisions are just an example of the disconnect between voter priorities and policy makers, and add to many voters choosing just not to participate. Jason Williams, a 24 year old resident of East Chattanooga, did not vote this past August. “Why vote?”, said Williams “Ain’t nothing gone change.” There are a number of organizations that have recognized that voter turnout is a problem and efforts to address such are underway. For example, State Representative Joanne Fa-

vors has announced the formation of TIPNET – the Tennessee Intergenerational Political Network, as a catalyst to address voter participation. “We shouldn’t wait until there is a presidential race to encourage people to get out to vote”, said Favors. According to Favors, TIPNET’s purpose is to educate, provide training, and host forums to keep people engaged in the political process. Favors hopes that TIPNET will collaborate with other organizations and share resources to increase voter engagement and participation. According to James, Terry Lee (the chairman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party) has expressed a desire to start a dialogue with African American leaders in an effort to address the disconnect. “Terry is trying to change things,” said James. “Racism still exists. Blacks and Whites have not done a good job of talking in America in general and at the local level.” Chattanooga’s Mayor Andy Berke, along with key members of his staff and support base, re-

cently pledged support for a new political action committee, referred to as The New Guard PAC. According to Stacy Richardson, “part of its mission is to build a network of support around local offices and issues”. Even with these efforts, some wonder why such fragmentation exists within the local Democratic party and conclude that this further contributes to the dysfunction and lack of unity within the party. “We have to make clear to our communities that voting is one step of the process, added Woodard- Henderson. “That the judges, district attorney, public defender, that are going to be impacting that case that your loved one caught is someone we can vote in or out (in some municipalities). That the people who can increase the minimum wage, pass living wage ordinances, protect public spaces, decide on police budgets-those are positions we can elect our folks to. Our people will vote when they can identify and select elected officials who are accountable to their needs as a community.”

SEPTEMBER 2014 URBAN VOICE MAGAZINE 5

Stark Racial Divisions in Reactions to Ferguson Police Shooting

Q. I am ready to buy / sell a

SOURCE Pew Research

Most Republicans say Race Is getting too Much Attention According to a new national survey by the Pew Research Center, blacks and whites have sharply different reactions to the police shooting of an unarmed teen in Ferguson, Mo., and the protests and violence that followed. Blacks are about twice as likely as whites to

say that the shooting of Michael Brown “raises important issues about race that need to be discussed.” Wide racial differences also are evident in opinions about of whether local police went too far in the aftermath of Brown’s death, and in confidence in the investigations into the shooting. The new national survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted Aug. 14-17 among

1,000 adults, finds that the public overall is divided over whether Brown’s shooting raises important issues about race or whether the issue of race is getting more attention than it deserves: 44% think the case does raise important issues about race that require discussion, while 40% say the issue of race is getting more attention than it deserves. By about four-to-one

(80% to 18%), African Americans say the shooting in Ferguson raises important issues about race that merit discussion. By contrast, whites, by 47% to 37%, say the issue of race is getting more attention than it deserves.

La Paz Chattanooga Hosts Latino Leadership Awards Sept. 15 ll Former, University of Tennessee standout Fuad Re-

Governor Haslam promotes Free Tuition plan in Tennessee SOURCE State of Tennessee

Gov. Bill Haslam last month urged students to take advantage of his program to cover a full ride at two-year colleges for any high school graduate. The Republican governor has been visiting several schools throughout the state . Haslam told a packed auditorium of students that he doesn’t want affordability

to be a reason why a person doesn’t attend college. “We don’t want anyone to say, I’d like to go to college, but can’t afford it,’” he said. Called “Tennessee Promise,” the free tuition plan requires students to work with a mentor and complete eight hours of community service a year. The program is a corner-

stone of Haslam’s “Drive to 55” campaign to improve the state’s graduation rates from the current 32 percent to 55 percent by 2025 in order to help improve overall job qualifications and attract employers to the state. After graduation, students who choose to attend a fouryear school will be able to do so as juniors.

Aflac Named to LATINA Style’s List of 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work SOURCE

LATINA Style

ll Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary in-

surance in the United States, today announced that the company has been named to LATINA Style Magazine’s 2014 list of 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work. “Aflac is pleased to receive LATINA Style’s recognition for the 15th time, as it validates our long term commit6

ment to diversity,” Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos said. “Successful companies like Aflac understand that in a market as diverse as the United States, employing a workforce that represents a variety of perspectives is essential for maximizing our business. It is also the right thing to do.”

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 U R B A N V O I C E M A G A Z I N E

veiz will be the kickoff speaker for Hispanic Heritage Month on Monday, September 15th. The event is being sponsored by LaPaz. The 2014 Latino Leadership Awards presentation will take place at the Chattanoogan Hotel from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The event will recognize and honor Latino leaders from the Chattanooga area.

home. Do I need a lawyer?

bsolutely. Failure to consult with an attorney to help guide you through the process could cost you a lot of money in the long run. Many ask - “Why not just depend on other professionals like the real estate agent, title company or mortgage lender?” Because with the exception of the real estate agent, neither of these parties will act as your fiduciary (a person required by law to put your best interest first) during the process. Here is why you need a lawyer to help guide you through the process: Reviewing the Contract. If you are the seller, a lawyer will be helpful in reviewing the representation agreement that you sign with your realtor. At minimum, you want to be sure the agreement includes whether the real estate agent can represent you and the buyer, the realtor’s commission, and the duration of time that you agree to list your house with the realtor. Drafting the Contract. If you are the buyer or the seller, the lawyer can assist with drafting of the real estate contract, and make sure the terms you agreed to are legally binding and make it into the contract. Most realtors use form contracts. A lawyer can assist you with drafting any special provisions you may want to include in the real estate contract. Protecting your interest. A piece of property is only as valuable as the tilte it holds. A lawyer can perform a title search to make sure the property is free of any judgments or liens. Title searches are a vital component of the real estate transaction because the outcome will determine the ex-

tent of the seller’s ownership interest in the property and whether or not the seller actually has the legal right to sell the property. Also, if the buyer plans to secure a mortgage to purchase the home and the title search reveals a judgment or lien, this will halt the entire transaction. A lawyer can offer advice on how to get the judgment or lien removed and provided documentation that they have been removed. Closing the Deal. Once you and the buyer sign the real estate contract, the lawyer will start preparing the necessary documents for the closing – including the deed, bill of sale and affidavit of title. The lawyer will also be present and review all documents with you and explain them to you during closing, prior to you signing, and file those documents with the appropriate government offices. The decision to buy or sell a home is a major life decision, and conducting a real estate transaction can be a complicated process with many issues that may involve federal, state, and local laws. Some issues that may come up that having legal representation can avoid include facing a lawsuit for failing to disclose certain information during the buying process and incurring tax penalties for failure to properly transfer a deed. While having an attorney represent your legal interest isn’t a requirement in most states, failing to involve one when buying or selling real estate can be a costly mistake.

Got any questions you want to ask the Attorney? Simply email us at legalqa.urbanvoice@gmail.com and we'll publish the best questions with relevant answers. SEPTEMBER 2014 URBAN VOICE MAGAZINE 7

Q>A SOURCE Lynn Cole

Participating Barbers

“Cuts for the Community”

Local Barbers team up to provide Cuts for the Community! Q: What is “Cuts for the Community”? A: “Cuts for the Community” is an event aimed at helping those that may have fallen on hard times. I, Harrel Bush, and Luther Daniels all of Deez Fine Cuts set aside a Saturday and provided free haircuts to members of the community. This was our first year and over 50 people received free haircuts. Q: What’s so special about a HAIRCUT? A: Something as simple as a haircut can make a person feel better about themselves. Often times, when people know that others care about them, they begin to care more about themselves. Q: What was your inspiration for “Cuts for the Community”? A: My Pastor – Bishop W.C. Hunter. I have been a member of his church, World’s Church of the Living God, my entire life. Bishop Hunter has taught his members that God blesses us so that we can be a blessing. He is a great example of

giving back and laying the foundation that we have a responsibility to render service for God through mankind. Q: How long have you been a barber? A: I have been cutting hair since I was 13. I have been a licensed barber since I was 21 years old. Q: What made you choose this profession? A: Growing up, my father (Billy Joe Miller) always cut our hair. I just picked it up from there. Q: Are there plans to make “Cuts for the Community” an annual event? Are there plans to include other barbers and hair stylists? A: Definitely. “Cuts for the Community” will be an annual event. We have already received feedback from other barbers and stylist asking how they can get involved next year. Q: As a business owner, tell UV readers why it is important for businesses to give back to the communities they serve?

A: That’s simple. Without the community they would not be in business. My customers help me pay my bills and support the causes I care about, so it is important for me, as a business owner, to give something back to them as well. Q: Who were some of your partners for “Cuts for the Community”? A: C & W Café provided the food. Enora Moss of Power 94 provided public relations and marketing assistance. Q: How well was “Cuts for the Community” received? A: There have been a lot of people in the community speaking about how much of a blessing it was both for the free haircuts and to see African American males doing something positive and pushing back against the negative images and stereotypes that are out there about us. Also, the barbershop picked up some new customers that had never been to our establishment before.

Earvin “MAGIC” Johnson, Robin Roberts to speak at 2014 NBMBAA Conference in Atlanta The National Black MBA Association® announced its 36th Annual Conference will be held September 16 — 20, 2014 at the Georgia World Congress Center, returning for its fourth time to Atlanta. Registration is open to the public. “We are honored that this year’s conference in Atlanta will host such a distinguished group of business titans, corporations, professionals, leaders and members who embody the mission of our organization,” said Jesse J. Tyson, President ll

Demetrius Miller

Owner, Deez Fine Cutz

Luther Daniels Barber

Harrell Bush Barber

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 U R B A N V O I C E M A G A Z I N E

and CEO, NBMBAA®. With the theme “The Art of Leadership: Inspiration. Innovation. Collaboration,” this year’s conference will offer attendees industry best practices to prepare, distinguish and position themselves for advancement in a global workforce. Participants include the nation’s leading minds in Corporate America, business, media, along with the worlds of not-for-profit and academia. Good Morning America Co-Anchor Robin Roberts will deliver the keyno-

te Wednesday, September 17 during the Entrepreneurial and Leadership Institutes. NBA Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Earvin Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, will share the spotlight during the annual Town Hall Luncheon on Thursday, September 18 alongside the Honorable Mayor Kasim Reed for an exclusive 1:1 conversation. On Friday, September 19, Bank of America CEO, Brian Moynihan, will headline the Keynote Luncheon.

Sean “Diddy” Combs

URBAN LIFESTYLES

REVOLT TV partners with legendary Fontainebleau Miami Beach and America’s top club LIV to offer weekend of education and entertainment at inaugural music conference

SOURCE

REVOLT TV

ast year, hip hop icon Sean Combs launched Revolt TV, a television network offering music videos (imagine that!) and entertainment and pop culture news. Now that it has come into its own as a media outlet, Revolt TV will host its inaugural music conference in October, an annual gathering for leaders in the entertainment industry.

Combs Enterprises and REVOLT TV Sean Combs, additional speakers announced today include:

Music • Craig Kallman, Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Records • Daniel Glass, CEO of Glassnote Records • Pasquale Rotella, Founder and CEO of Insomniac • Lee Anderson, Agent at AM Only • Ethiopia Habtemariam, President of Motown REVOLT TV announced it will host their Records first annual REVOLT Music Conference • Senthil Chidambaram, CEO of Dancing Astronaut (RMC) Thursday, October 16 th through • G.Fly Henry, Founder and CEO of Thinks It’s a Sunday, October 19 th at Fontainebleau Game Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL.The • Sylvia Rhone, President of Epic Records curated, weekend-long experience will pair • Ester Dean, Songwriter, Producer, and Musician technology leaders and brand marketers with influencers, music executives, Technology, Marketing, and Publicity songwriters, producers and artists, all • Larry Jackson, BOH Specialist at Apple with the intention of understanding and • Kathryn Frazier, Founder of Biz3 Publicity and navigating the evolution of the music OWSLA business. In addition to keynotes by Clear Channel Chairman/CEO and MTV co-founder Bob Pittman, CEO of All Def Digital and Co-founder of Def Jam Russell Simmons and Chairman of

Media • Benny Medina, CEO of The Medina Company • Kevin Liles, Partner at 300 Entertainment; CEO & Founder of KWL Enterprises • Shakim Compere, Manager and Film/TV

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 U R B A N V O I C E M A G A Z I N E

producer • Steve Rifkind, CEO of All Def Music and Partner at All Def Digital • Mona Scott- Young, CEO of Monami Entertainment Designed to inspire thought-provoking discussions about navigating and understanding the evolution of the music business, the conference will combine education and entertainment over the course of two and a half days for 500 industry executives and 100 students, as well as a remote audience through the recently launched REVOLT TV iOS and iPhone apps.

Here's a few snapshots highlighting various Urban Professionals from around the region. Special shout out to stylist Jevata Patridge. Do you recognize these faces from around the region?...... hit us up@pr.urbanvoice@ gmail.com

urban

FACES

ABOVE Sandy dunes of the deadliest deserts of all the deserts ABOVE Sandy dunes of the deadliest deserts of all the deserts

brianarchie.com

SEPTEMBER 2014 URBAN VOICE MAGAZINE 11

events THIS

sept-OCT

MEMPHIS

SOURCE

Huntsville Urban Network + Urbanham. com+ Staff Research+ Promoter Submitted. The best events from Atlanta, Birmingham, Huntsville, Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Ohio.

ATLANTA September 13 Charlie Wilson Chastain Park Amphitheatre | 8pm September 13 Smooth Music Festival Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre | 1:30pm – 9:30pm September 19-20 Music Midtown Festival Piedmont Park | Gates open at 4pm on Friday and 12pm on Saturday September 20 Whoopi Goldberg Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre | 8pm September 26-28 Outkast Centennial Park | 5pm October 4 Atlanta Football Classic South Carolina State vs. North Carolina A&T Georgia Dome | 3:30pm October 11 Hip Hop Legends Featuring DMX, Ja Rule, Rakim, EPMD, Kool Moe Dee, Rob Base Atlanta Civic Center | 8pm

October 17 Ziggy Marley Variety Playhouse | 8:30pm October 18 Rickey Smiley and Friends Atlanta Civic Center | 8pm

NASHVILLE September 11 Gladys Knight Orpheum Theatre | 8pm

September 11-13 Southern Heritage Football Classic Weekend Tennessee State vs. Jackson State HUNTSVILLE LOUIS CREWS CLASSIC/ HOMECOMING ALABAMA A&M VS. GRAMBLING STATE Louis Crews Stadium | 2pm

LOCAL SOCIAL SPOTS

November 8 Aretha Franklin Fox Theatre | 8pm

Christy’s Sports Bar 3469 Brainerd Road (423) 702-8137

KNOXVILLE October 25 Festival of Praise Featuring Fred Hammond and Donnie McClurkin Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre | 8pm

Mary's Lounge 2125 McCallie Ave (423) 493-0246

BIRMINGHAM

T Roy’s 2300 Glass Street (423) 629-8908

Glass Street Lounge 2208 Glass Street (423) 622-3579

September 13 College Football: Alabama A&M vs. UAB Legion Field | 2:30pm September 19 Mike Epps BJCC Concert Hall | 8pm October 24-26 Magic City Classic Weekend Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State Legion Field | 2:30pm

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Chocolate City Lounge 27 W 19th Street (423) 534-4411

WANT YOUR EVENT FEATURED HERE?

Jay's Bar 1914 Wilder Street (423) 710-2045

Email: events.urbanvoice@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER 2014 URBAN VOICE MAGAZINE 13

ESSENCE Communications, the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans Announce 5-Year Contract Extension for the ESSENCE Festival™

entertainment

‘Insider’ Host Kevin Frazier Heading Back to ‘Entertainment Tonight’ ll “The Insider” co-anchor/managing editor Kevin Frazier is taking his talents back to rival “Entertainment Tonight.” Frazier will take his place alongside cohost Nancy O’Dell beginning Tuesday, Sept. 9. He replaces former co-host Rob Marciano, who recently exited. On “The Insider,” Frazier will be replaced by Louis Aguirre, co-anchor of Miami’s entertainment show “Deco Drive.”

4-Day Festival Contributes Over $231 million in Economic Impact Annually Source: Essence

ll NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 22, 2014 /PR-

Newswire/ -- ESSENCE Communications President Michelle Ebanks announced an extended agreement with the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans to host the ESSENCE Festival ™ through 2019. “We are so pleased to extend our partnership with the State of Louisiana and City of New Orleans for another five years,” said Ebanks. „Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and Mayor Landrieu–along with their teams–have embraced the ESSENCE Festival as their own. Through colla-

boration, we have created a one-of-a-kind experience that enables the community to revel in culture, be entertained, informed and inspired—within the rich heritage that only New Orleans, Louisiana can provide.” The annual 4-day event features entertainment, empowerment, and cultural experiences during the day and the world’s best performers each night. Touted as the country’s largest live event—the ESSENCE Festival attracted more than 550,000 attendees for its July 4th weekend 20th anniversary celebration. More than 80 performing artists—including some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry such as Prince, Mary J. Blige and Lionel Richie—performed at the event’s nighttime concerts and over 150 speakers— including Robin Roberts, Alicia Keys, Steve Harvey and Rev. Al Sharpton—participated as part of the Festival’s daytime experience.

The State of Louisiana and City of New Orleans played a key role in enticing ESSENCE® to agree to a contract extension. “ESSENCE Festival has become an integral part of New Orleans and Louisiana from a tourism standpoint,” Lt. Governor Dardenne said. „We are pleased that the partnership we’ve built with ESSENCE will continue for another five years.” “ESSENCE has been a tremendous partner over the past 20 years,” added Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu. „This event attracts artists and participants from around the world and creates an international platform to both celebrate culture and engage in critical conversations that affect our communities. In addition, the festival creates a lasting economic impact in our city and has positioned New Orleans as a top Fourth of July destination.”

Momentum Gaining At Nation’s Oldest Historically Black College Wilberforce University Announces Prominent Entrepreneur and Denny’s CEO as New Board Leadership SOURCE Wilberforce University

Wilberforce University, the country’s oldest historically black private university, recently announced new leadership for its Board of Trustees. Mark Wilson, CEO of eVerifile, will now lead the Board of Trustees as Chairman of the Board, while John Miller, CEO and president of Denny’s

Corporation, becomes vice chairman of the Board. The nomination and appointment of Wilson and Miller followed a rigorous review of standards, considerations and competencies in categories including, but not limited to, finance and budgeting, legal matters, fundraising and philanthropy. “We are thrilled with the announcement of new leadership for our Board of Trustees and have great confidence in these two highly qualified men as we push forward with our‚ Force of Change’ strategy,” says Interim President Dr. Wilma

Mishoe. Both Mr. Wilson and Mr. Miller have proven leadership experience in their respective industries leading two very successful companies, and we know that their knowledge and senior leadership will sustain and advance Wilberforce University’s mission, traditions, values and reputation.” In the coming months, Wilberforce University will continue to institute change throughout its storied campus including a new president, revision of fiscal responsibility, modification of facilities, a new website and innovation in academics and student life.

Coors Light to Provide $10,000 Scholarship Donations to Each Participating HBCUs SOURCE Coors Brewing Company

Football is back, and Coors Light returns to kick off the 2014 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Classics season with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)

Challenge. Supporting the HBCU Classics for more than 25 years, Coors Light maintains its commitment as a community leader that supports higher education, civic leadership and economic empowerment. This year, Coors Light is awarding each participa-

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ting school $10,000 in scholarships, benefitting juniors and seniors 21 years of age and older. Over the past six years, Coors Light has invested more than $1 million in the HBCU community by providing scholarships to participating colleges and universities.

ENTERTAINMENT

Guess who BET is hiring to co-host 106 & Park with Bow Wow? ll MediaTakeOut.com just got some EXPLOSIVE news . . . we just learned that BET has offered KARRUECHE TRAN the co-host job at 106 And Park, alongside Bow Wow. Our insider, who works at the show - tells us that the two sides are still working out the details - but it’s as good as DONE.

EVENTS

Lincoln Sponsors Annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival ll Lincoln Motor Company was the presenting sponsor of the 12thAnnual Run&Shoot Filmworks Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival which took place on Martha’s Vineyard this past weekend. This year marked the first time that Lincoln has collaborated on the festival.

The all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC shared the spotlight with emerging and independent filmmakers. NEWS

Gucci Mane Sentenced To 39 Months In Federal Prison ll According to Vlad TV, rapper Gucci Mane was able to keep his name in the streets this summer because his dedicated team released a few new projects on his behalf. However, he won’t be able to support his projects publicly through shows and by doing press because the Atlanta rapper was just given 39 months in federal prison on a firearms conviction stemming from two incidents from September 2013. Since he has already served 11 months in jail, that time will be subtracted from his sentence. His total time left to serve is just over two years and 4 months if all goes well. Gucci requested to be transferred to a prison on the West Coast in an effort to cut ties with negative Atlanta influence. He’s also seeking drug treatment during his stay in prison.